• CEQA/NEPA Compliance
• Evaluation of biological resources
• Threatened or endangered species
• Impact Analysis and Mitigation
• GIS Mapping

The proposed project would re-construct an Armor/Anti-Armor Tracking Range to include underground cabling for upgrade of control tower/equipment with environmental controls, operations/storage facility, stationary and moving tank targets, site preparation, tracking and access roads, drainage, lighting, electrical and utilities, telephone, and removal/demolition of existing range structures.

Evaluation of Biological Resources. As Prime Consultant, Dean Ryan conducted all fieldwork and biological surveys, document reviews and interviews to provide the Marine Corps with an assessment of the biological resources in the study area. Dean Ryan technical staff evaluated the habitat within the study area to determine suitability for sensitive species. Where suitable habitat occurred, surveys were conducted to identify, locate and determine the presence/absence of the following: 1) species that are federally threatened, endangered or proposed; 2) candidate species for federal listing; 3) rare plants; and 4) populations of Plantago erecta, Plantago ovata and Castilleja exserta (host plants used by the Quino Checkerspot). Species listed by the State of California as endangered or threatened were noted and included in habitat analysis.

Threatened or Endangered Species Present. Some of the listed species Dean Ryan staff encountered in the study area included the California gnatcatcher, the Stephen's kangaroo rat, the Arroyo Southwestern toad, and rare plants. Vernal pools with endangered Riverside or San Diego fairy shrimp were also studied; other endangered or threatened species observed or detected also were described, mapped and included in the impact narrative. Surveys for federally listed species were performed by Dean Ryan permitted biologists according to established U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service protocols

Discussion of habitats and species present. Within the BTR, Dean Ryan discussed habitats that were present in the study area including rare, threatened and endangered species observed including the federal and state listed endangered, threatened and proposed plants, mammals, reptiles, avifauna and invertebrates.

A description was provided of all sensitive plant and wildlife species and their habitats, as well as a discussion of species that have occurred in the area historically. Populations of Planate erect, Plantago ovata and Castilleja exserta were found within the study area.

Impacts Analysis and Mitigation. Dean Ryan identified the potential impacts of the project on biological resources, focusing on sensitive species and their habitats within the study area. Within the BTR, the sensitive species that may be either directly or indirectly impacted by the proposed project were discussed, and it was indicated whether they were in or near the study area. The BTR proposed mitigation measures appropriate to project impacts that may occur to federally listed or proposed species and their habitats. In addition, the BTR discussed the potential cumulative impacts of the project on sensitive species and their habitats.

Mapping. Based on fieldwork and aerial photo analysis, Dean Ryan staff mapped plant communities, sensitive species locations, rare plants, and the locations of populations of Plantago erecta, Plantago ovata and Castilleja exserta (host plants for the Quino Checkerspot) within the study area. Mapping also identified any vernal pools and other wetlands in the study area. All geographic data was delivered in Arc/Info Export, double precision format for inclusion in the Navy's Environmental Security (AC/S ES), MCB Camp Pendleton's Arc/Info-based (v.7.0.3) Geographic Information System (GIS). All geographic data was stored in State Plane coordinates, North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).

All project activities were conducted according to Navy and Marine Corps protocols, U. S. Fish and Wildlife protocols, the National Environmental Policy (NEPA), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations, 1973 Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife coordination Act and other federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.