SPECS_Broom_management-fuelreduction-2026.pdf

MCP_SMP_Maintenance_InvasiveSpp_2026

Invasive Species Management for Shaded Fuel Break Maintenance (Memorial County Park & Sam McDonald

County Park)

Broom & Acacia Management of Previously Treated Fuel Reduction Projects

Prepared By:

San Mateo County Parks Department -Natural Resource Management Division

Natalie Krug, County Arborist Sheena Sidhu, Natural Resource Specialist Elena WolƯ, Natural Resource Specialist Evan Cole, Natural Resource Manager

Date:

September 2026

Contents Park Location

Summary

Background

Scope of work

Goals:

Project Location

Access

Treatment and Approach

Treatment

Treatment Outcomes

Project Related Tasks & Timeline

Appendix A: Environmental Impact Avoidance Measures and Resource Avoidance Measures

Environmental Impact Avoidance Measures

Biological Resource Avoidance Measures

Cultural and Archaeological Resources

Appendix B: Flagging Key

Appendix C: Maps

Appendix D: Pesticide Control Recommendations

Parks Location

Within shaded fuel break footprint along roadsides and trails, plus adjacent areas of two County Parks: Memorial County Park (9500 Pescadero Creek Rd, Loma Mar, CA 94021) and Sam McDonald County Park (13435 Pescadero Creek Road, Loma Mar, CA 94021). Marked by stars on map below.

Summary The County of San Mateo (“County”) covers most of the San Francisco Peninsula. The region covers 744 mi2 and is home to approximately 750,000 residents. The County is made up of 20 incorporated cities. The County provides for the health and welfare of all people within its borders and serves as the local government for the unincorporated areas.

Innovation thrives here in industries including bioscience, computer software, green technology, hospitality, financial management, health care, education, and transportation.

The County prides itself on how that prosperity fosters its commitment to protecting and enhancing the health, safety, welfare, and natural resources of the community.

The San Mateo County Parks Department (“Department”) serves nearly three million visitors every year. Visitors have many options when visiting the County’s unique park system. With 24 parks and recreation areas, over 16,000 acres of park land, and 190 miles of trails, the Department provides healthy outdoor activities, educational opportunities, and lasting memories.

Due to the diversity of the park system, visitors can enjoy an array of recreational opportunities, including walking; running; hiking; picnicking; horseback riding; kite surfing;

fishing; camping; gardening; tide pooling; volunteering; learning; sports courts; and playing on playgrounds.

Background Treatment of invasive species (French broom and Bailey acacia) is required within and adjacent to the footprint of two previously completed fuel reduction projects on San Mateo County Parks (Parks) land. The projects are: 1) 2023 shaded fuel break with Memorial County Park covering along Pescadero Creek and Wurr Roads, and 2) 2024 La Honda Fuel Break which created a regionally critical defensible space for the town of La Honda, and included portions of Ridge and Upper Towne fire roads within Sam McDonald County Park.

Adjacent areas include patches near campsites and infrastructure.

These projects were created to reduce fuels along critical evacuation routes and strategic wildfire fighting lines. Both initial projects had similar specification including understory mastication of trees and shrubs <10” dbh, raising low hanging branches form trees >10” dbh, and hazard tree removal. The treatment areas varied in vegetation type: Redwood dominated mixed evergreen forests, chaparral, and oak woodlands. Following this initial treatment, Parks staƯ have identified discrete broom patches and a patch of acacia which require removal to maintain continued fuel reduction.

Scope of work This invasive species maintenance project will follow specifications that include operational practices, BMPs, and environmental requirements to protect and avoid any rare, threatened, endangered species and plants of ecological significance, plus appropriate erosion mitigation and minimal disturbance practices.

Goals: This project intends to enhance the longevity of the previously implemented wildfire fuels management projects by removal of invasive species within and adjacent to the project areas.

Project Location: This project will occur within specific treatment zones identified along Ridge Fire Road and Upper Towne Fire Road in Sam McDonald County Park, and within Memorial County Park along Pescadero Creek Road and Wurr roads. See maps Appendix C.

Access: Project areas will be accessible via gates and gravel paved or dirt service roads or will be accessible immediately roadside. Vehicular and heavy equipment operation between October 15 – June 15 shall only be implemented during dry-rainless periods and on unsaturated soils (see Appendix A- GEN-16). If soil conditions do not permit use of vehicle and heavy equipment during this timeframe operations must cease until a time when soil conditions improve

Treatment and Approach

Treatment: Project treatment will require the manual, mechanical and chemical treatment of French broom in the project area and a discrete patch of Bailey acacia for removal to maintain low vegetative fuel volumes for wildfire risk mitigation.

Approach: Acacia removal shall include the cutting and processing of all woody debris and hauling all material oƯ site for disposal. Treatment of freshly cut stumps consistent with County Provided active Pest Control Recommendations (PCRs), Appendix D.

Broom control may need to occur in phases to optimize treatment via mechanical mowing using brush cutters, weed whips or small tracked equipment with masticator. A second treatment to chemically control re-sprouting and newly emerging broom plants 4-8 weeks later, or at a time when optimal regrowth has occurred. Younger broom plants which could be eƯectively controlled without mowing may be treated with direct chemical control (following PCR).

Treatment Outcomes

a. Invasive species populations of French broom and Bailey acacia will be eƯectively managed, included retreatment within the specified project area.

b. Project will be evaluated by Parks staƯ within 30 days of initial treatment and 30 days of re-sprout treatment.

c. Project will be completed safely and eƯiciently, following all Pesticide Control Recommendations as provided by the County

Project Related Tasks & Timeline Initial Project Implementation Anticipated Timeframe

Tasks Details

September 2026 Initiate Request for Proposals from Qualified Contractors.

This task involves obtaining cost proposals from qualified contractors for the eƯective management of broom within Identified project areas.

September – October 2026

Engage contractor, issue task order and provide Notice to Proceed

This task immediately follows Task 1. Parks staƯ will finalize contracting and work with selected contractor to schedule initialization of the project.

October 2026 Conduct Project biological surveys, identify BMPs, flag for impact avoidance and retention

San Mateo County Parks staƯ and/or contracted biologist(s) will conduct Pre- Project biological surveys, identify Best Management Practices (BMPs) for each treatment location based on the type and extent of treatment required, and flag areas for impact avoidance and selective retention where needed.

October 2026 Implement initial phase of treatment

Once contractor is provided clearance to proceed implementation of first phase of work mowing larger broom. Smaller broom which can be eƯectively controlled at this phase may be treated.

December 2026 – March 2027

Phase 2 treatment Phase two treatment shall include chemical control of resprouting broom when redeveloping growth reaches a stage for optimal uptake of chemicals.

Maintenance March 2027 – Ongoing

Monitoring and Retreatment

After each maintenance eƯort, the Project area and treated locations will be monitored and tracked to identify vegetation response and determine the need for ongoing vegetation management.

Treatment Specifications

1. Mowing:

Contractors shall mow dense stands of mature broom using brush cutters, weed whips, or tracked equipment with mastication attachments to prepare treatment areas for future chemical application. Cut stems shall be left no higher than 2-3” above natural grade, with an average height of 2”.

2. Tree removal:

Removal of a small stand of acacia is necessary near the Ranger’s residence on Wurr Road. Trees shall be felled and chipped with stumps cut to as near ground level as possible. All woodchip and logs shall be hauled oƯ site. Stumps of acacia shall be treated with herbicide in accordance with Pest Control Recommendations (PCRs).

3. Chemical Application of Herbicides:

All application of herbicides for control of invasive species including broom and acacia shall be performed in accordance with Department of Pesticide Regulation standards, safety requirements of the product label, and direction of the County’s Pest Control Recommendations (PCRs). Broom and Acacia shall be treated with Garlon 4 Ultra or Vastlan in locations proximate to aquatic areas.

Fire Safety

1. All earthmoving and portable equipment with internal combustion engines will be equipped with spark arrestors.

2. During the high fire danger period (April 1–December 1), work crews will:

a. Maintain compliance with state Public Resources Code governing fire tools in the wildland (PRC § 4428).

b. Have appropriate fire suppression equipment available at the work site.

When heavy equipment is on site, the minimum required fire suppression equipment will include a filled water buƯalo and McLeod/round point shovel.

c. Keep flammable materials, including flammable vegetation slash, at least 10 feet away from any equipment that could produce a spark, fire, or flame.

d. Not use portable tools powered by gasoline-fueled internal combustion engines within 25 feet of any flammable materials unless a round-point shovel or fire extinguisher is within immediate reach of the work crew (no more 25 feet away from the work area).

3. CALFIRE, San Mateo County Parks, or their supervised designee, reserves the right to restrict operating hours or operations in total during critical fire weather.

Acceptable Equipment

1. Brush cutter, weed whips, or other relevant mowing equipment capable of managing larger diameter broom.

2. Chip van with tow-behind chipper with capacity to process woody material up to 15” in diameter.

Appendix A: Environmental Impact Avoidance Measures and Resource Avoidance Measures

Ground Disturbing Activities within Treatment Areas

1. Ground disturbance shall be minimized to the greatest extent feasible. Berms, ruts, and other operator caused ground disturbance over 12 inches in height/depth shall be smoothed out to original contours before leaving the immediate work area.

2. Equipment shall operate parallel to the slope (up and down the fall line) to the greatest extent feasible.

3. The cutting or mulching head of the masticator shall be kept at or above the duƯ layer and not into mineral soil to the greatest extent feasible.

4. Equipment shall not enter areas outside of the designated project areas unless authorized by San Mateo County Parks, or their supervised designee.

5. Vehicular and heavy equipment operation between October 15 – June 15 shall only be implemented during dry-rainless periods and on unsaturated soils (see GEN-16 below). If soil conditions do not permit use of vehicles or heavy equipment during this timeframe operations must cease until a time when soil conditions improve.

6. Upon completion of a treatment area the contractor shall ensure that roads and trails are left open and passable by the public with respect to all possible park users.

a. Scattered debris is acceptable on the road or trail but not to the point that it creates any significant hazards for park staƯ or users.

Watercourse Protections

1. Where treatment with heavy equipment is possible in proximity to Class I or II watercourses, San Mateo County Parks staƯ will flag an equipment limitation zone (ELZ) buƯer with yellow and white striped equipment exclusion zone flagging. Class III watercourses centerlines will be flagged using blue tape in proximity to where operations will occur and an appropriate ELZ will be flagged or communicated with the contractor.

2. Adhere to BMPs GEN-1, GEN-7, GEN-9, GEN-10 as outlined below for staging and access in proximity to watercourses, spill prevention and control, vehicle maintenance and parking, and equipment maintenance and fueling as it pertains to protection measures and impact avoidance around watercourses.

Waterbreaks

1. Where necessary on existing park roads and/or trails used for access, waterbreaks shall be re-installed in their original locations and original configuration on appurtenant seasonal roads or staging areas used by the Contractor following operations and prior to October 15th on any year that operations occur.

2. Where waterbreaks need to be additionally placed following operations, they shall be placed similarly to other existing waterbreaks. At minimum, waterbreaks placed shall be placed at an approximate 45-degree angle, be cut diagonally to a minimum 6 inches into the firm roadbed or disturbed area, have a continuous firm embankment of at least 6 inches in height, and a width of 6 inches immediately adjacent to the lower edge of the waterbreak cut-out flow.

3. If the installation of additional waterbreaks cannot be accomplished by heavy equipment due to inability to access a site, then hand-dug waterbreaks may be constructed with less than the requisite 6 inches above grade and 6 inches below grade where appropriate but must be functional and maintain a 6-inch-wide outlet.

4. Waterbreaks shall be located to allow water to be discharged into some form of vegetative cover, duƯ (forest floor detritus), slash, rocks, or less erodible material wherever possible, and shall be constructed to provide for unrestricted discharge at the lower end of the waterbreak so that water will be discharged and spread in such a manner that erosion shall be minimized.

5. Waterbreaks may be located and adjusted outside of the maximum waterbreak spacing specified at the discretion of San Mateo County Parks, or their supervised designee in order to reduce any potential impacts and allow for the beneficial use of water. The waterbreaks shall be situated in a manner as to allow water to drain into stable soil configurations.

6. Waterbreak spacing shall conform with the table below. The waterbreak spacing may also be adjusted by San Mateo County Parks, or their supervised designee to create a greater level of protection than identified under general soil stabilization measures.

a. Where vegetation is not adequate to act as a sediment filter at waterbreak outlet locations that have the potential to discharge sediment to a watercourse, the Contractor shall armor the road drainage outlets with slash, chunks of wood, rock, or other methods in consultation with San Mateo County Parks, or their supervised designee.

Environmental Impact Avoidance Measures The following specifications will act as the requirements for the County and Contractor to operate safely and eƯiciently while protecting and conserving sensitive resources and protecting the beneficial uses that San Mateo County Parks provides to the public.

General Measures

1. GEN-1: Staging and Access

a. Staging, access, and parking areas will be located outside of sensitive habitats to the extent feasible.

b. Staging areas will be located at least 30 feet from the top of bank (or as far as feasibly possible). See additional watercourse protection measures in the section below.

2. GEN-2: Minimize Area of Disturbance and Site Maintenance

a. Areas of disturbance will be limited to the smallest footprint necessary and a single access pathway, where feasible. For maintenance activities near waterways or other sensitive habitat, the designated work area shall be clearly identified in the field using highly visible material, and work will not be conducted outside this area.

3. GEN-7: Spill Prevention and Control

a. Keep spill cleanup materials (rags, absorbents, etc.) available at the construction site at all times.

10% or less 11-25% 26-50% >50% 100 75 50 50

* Feet = Measured along the ground based on slope

U.S. Equivalent Measure Road or Trail Gradient in percent

Maximum Distance Between Waterbreaks Measured in *Feet

b. Inspect vehicles and equipment frequently for and repair leaks promptly. On-site monitor should insect beneath all vehicles that have been parked more than 15 minutes before they leave the work area. Use drip pans to catch leaks until repairs are made.

c. Clean up spills or leaks immediately and dispose of cleanup materials properly.

d. Do not hose down surfaces where fluids have spilled. Use dry cleanup methods (absorbent materials, cat litter, and/or rags).

e. Sweep up spilled dry materials immediately. Do not try to wash them away with water or bury them. If water must be used, the Contractor shall collect the water and spilled fluids and dispose of it as hazardous waste.

f. Clean up spills on dirt areas by digging up and properly disposing of contaminated soil.

g. Small spills (less than 18 inches in diameter) including small quantities of oil, gasoline, paint, or other materials should be controlled by the first responder (maintenance staƯ) and do not necessarily require an emergency response team. Medium spills (greater than 18 inches but less than 6 feet in diameter) are typically controlled by the first responder (maintenance staƯ) but police or fire department HAZMAT teams may be called based on conditions.

Report significant spills (larger than 6 feet in diameter and any “running” spill) immediately. You are required by law to report all significant releases of hazardous materials, including oil. To report a spill, contact the San Mateo County Environmental Health Services Division, or other emergency oƯice (e.g., local fire or police department) as warranted, immediately and document the spill using the spill documentation form. Alternatively, 1) dial 911, the local emergency response number, 2) the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802; or 2) call the Governor’s OƯice of Emergency Services Warning Center, (800) 852-7550 (24 hours). As appropriate, contact other agencies including California Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the Regional Water Quality Control Board. All chemical spills shall be reported as soon as possible to the emergency site contact.

4. GEN-9: Vehicle Maintenance and Parking

a. Designate an area, fitted with appropriate BMPs, for vehicle and equipment parking and storage.

b. Perform major maintenance, repair jobs, and vehicle and equipment washing oƯ site.

c. Conduct vehicle and equipment cleaning at County corporation yards and ensure that rinse water does not run into gutters, streets, storm drains, or surface waters.

d. If refueling or vehicle maintenance must be done on-site, work in a bermed area (e.g., sandbags, gravel bags, compost socks, or other barrier material) at least 150 feet away from creek channels, away from storm drains and over a drip pan big enough to collect fluids.

e. Refuel vehicles at least 150 feet away from the active stream channel.

f. Keep an ample supply of spill clean-up materials near fueling vehicle maintenance and hazardous materials/hazardous waste storage areas.

Inventory clean-up materials monthly and restock as needed.

g. Post proper fueling and spill clean-up instructions at fueling areas. Never leave the area while equipment is being filled.

h. Recycle or dispose of fluids as hazardous waste.

i. Do not clean vehicle or equipment on-site using soaps, solvents, degreasers, steam cleaning equipment, etc.

j. Perform vehicle and mobile equipment steam cleaning, pressure washing or degreasing only over a containment designed to collect any generated wash water. Collect wash water and discharge to sewer via an oil water separator.

Do not pour wash water down storm drains or sewers connected to septic systems.

5. GEN-10: Equipment Maintenance & Fueling

a. A separate area should be designated for equipment maintenance and fueling, away from any slopes, watercourses, or drainage facilities.

b. Equipment should not be stored in areas that will potentially drain to watercourses or drainage facilities. If equipment must be stored in areas with the potential to generate runoƯ, drip pans, berms, gravel bags, or absorbent booms should be employed to contain any leaks or spills.

c. Equipment should be inspected daily for leaks or damage and promptly repaired.

d. Fueling and maintenance of vehicles should take place at least 65 feet away from waterways.

e. In the event of a spill, follow procedures outlined in BMP GEN-7.

6. GEN-16: Timing of Work

a. In general, routine maintenance and construction activities that take place in sensitive habitat and/or in channels below ordinary high water will be conducted during the dry season (June 15 through October 15). Maintenance activities that are in upland areas and that would not aƯect streams may occur during low rainfall years at times when there is no predicted rainfall (chance of precipitation is less than 30 percent chance of rain). Activities that are subject to permit requirements will be conducted during the period authorized by the permits.

b. Operations from October 15th – June 15th: For operations between October 15th to June 15th heavy equipment and vehicle operations may only occur during dry, rainless periods and shall not be conducted on saturated soil conditions as defined below:

i. Saturated soil is defined as soil and/or surface material pore spaces that are filled with water to such an extent that runoƯ is likely to occur.

Indicators of saturated soil conditions may include but are not limited to areas of ponded water, pumping of fines from the soil or road surfacing material during operations, loss of bearing strength resulting in the deflection of soil or road surfaces under a load, such as the creation of wheel ruts, spinning or churning of wheels or tracks that produces a wet slurry, or inadequate traction without blading wet soil or surfacing materials.

ii. In addition, operations on roads, trails, or staging areas may only occur from a stable operating surface defined as follows: A surface that can support vehicular traƯic and that routes water oƯ the road surface or into drainage facilities without concentrating flow in ruts (tire tracks), pumping of the roadbed, or ponding flow in depressions.

A stable operating surface shall include paved roads, structurally sound road base, unsaturated hard packed seasonal roads, and all must be appropriate for intended use.

7. GEN-17: Maintain TraƯic Flow

a. To the extent feasible, work shall be staged and conducted in a manner that maintains two-way traƯic flow on roadways in the vicinity of the work site.

b. Heavy equipment and haul traƯic shall be prohibited in residential areas to the greatest extent feasible. When no other route to and from the site is available, heavy equipment and haul traƯic through residential areas shall be restricted to the hours of 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

c. If heavy equipment or hauling is required beyond the hours above, the County or their contractor would provide notice to adjacent property owners 48 hours in advance of such activities

8. GEN-27: Vegetation and Tree Removal

a. The disturbance or removal of vegetation shall not exceed the minimum necessary to complete maintenance activities. The use of bulldozers, backhoes, or other heavy equipment to remove vegetation along stream banks shall be avoided wherever feasible.

b. Removal of non-hazard trees greater than 8 inches in diameter at breast height shall be prohibited.

Fire Safety

1. GEN-23: Fire Prevention

a. All earthmoving and portable equipment with internal combustion engines will be equipped with spark arrestors.

b. During the high fire danger period (April 1–December 1), work crews will:

i. Have appropriate fire suppression equipment available at the work site.

ii. Keep flammable materials, including flammable vegetation slash, at least 10 feet away from any equipment that could produce a spark, fire, or flame.

iii. Not use portable tools powered by gasoline-fueled internal combustion engines within 25 feet of any flammable materials unless a round-point shovel or fire extinguisher is within immediate reach of the work crew (no more 25 feet away from the work area).

Biological Resource Avoidance Measures

1. BIO-1: Environmental Awareness Training

a. Prior to commencing maintenance activities in a given year, all participating maintenance personnel will attend a worker environmental awareness training program. The training will include a brief review of special-status species, sensitive habitats, and other sensitive resources that may exist in the project area, including field identification, habitat requirements, and the legal status and protection of each relevant species, as well as locations of sensitive biological resources. The training will include materials concerning the following topics: sensitive resources, resource avoidance, permit conditions, and possible consequences for violations of State or Federal environmental laws. The training will cover the maintenance activity’s conservation measures, environmental permits, and regulatory compliance requirements, as well as the roles and authority of the monitors and biologist(s). It will include printed material and an oral training session by a qualified biologist.

2. BIO-8: Minimize Impacts on Dusky-footed Woodrat Nests

a. If suitable habitat for San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat is determined to exist in the work area, the following measure will be followed:

i. No more than two weeks prior to the beginning of ground disturbance or other routine maintenance activities that could disturb woodrat nests, a qualified biologist will survey the work areas scheduled for maintenance. If any dusky footed woodrat nests are found, the nests shall be flagged and construction fencing or flagging that will not impede the movement of the SFDW shall be placed around the nest to create a 10-foot buƯer (where feasible). If the nest is located adjacent to a road or trail, the nest shall be clearly flagged so equipment/truck drivers accessing sites can see the nest. If a dusky-footed woodrat nest is identified in a work area, the following measure will be implemented by the County.

ii. The County will avoid physical disturbance of the nest if feasible.

Ideally, a minimum 10-foot buƯer should be maintained between maintenance construction activities and each nest to avoid disturbance. In some situations, a smaller buƯer may be allowed if in the opinion of a qualified biologist removing the nest would be a greater impact than that anticipated as a result of maintenance activities.

iii. If a dusky-footed woodrat nest cannot be avoided and the nest is located in urban or bayside areas where woodrat populations are small and isolated from larger populations, the County will consult with CDFW regarding the appropriate measures to minimize impacts.

iv. If a dusky-footed woodrat nest cannot be avoided and the nest is located in more rural or natural areas and/or where woodrat populations are large and have connectivity to large populations, one of the following two relocation measures will be implemented by the County:

1. If the woodrat nest site and the proposed relocation area are connected by suitable dispersal habitat for the woodrat, as determined by a qualified biologist, the following relocation methodology will be used: Prior to the beginning of construction activities, a qualified biologist will disturb the woodrat nest to the degree that all woodrats leave the nest and seek refuge outside of the maintenance activity area.

Relocation eƯorts will avoid the nesting season (February - July) to the maximum extent feasible. Disturbance of the woodrat nest will be initiated no earlier than one hour before dusk to minimize the exposure of woodrats to diurnal predators. Subsequently, the biologist will dismantle and relocate the nest material by hand. All material from dismantled nests will be placed in a pile, preferably against a log or tree trunk, in suitable habitat located at least 20 feet from, but otherwise as close as possible to, the original nest locations, to provide material for woodrats to construct new nests. During the deconstruction process, the biologist will attempt to assess if there are juveniles in the nest. If immobile juveniles are observed, the deconstruction process will be discontinued until a time when the biologist believes the juveniles will be fully mobile. A 10-foot-wide no-disturbance buƯer will be established around the nest until the juveniles are mobile. The nest may be dismantled once the biologist has determined that adverse impacts on the juveniles would not occur. All disturbances to woodrat nests will be documented in a construction monitoring report and submitted to CDFW.

2. If a qualified biologist determines that the woodrat relocation area is separated from the nest site by major impediments, or a complete barrier, to woodrat movement, trapping for woodrats will be conducted prior to relocation of nest material. Prior to the start of nest relocation activities, artificial pine box shelters will be placed at each of the sites selected for relocation of nest materials. The dimensions of the artificial shelters will be approximately 8” long x 8” wide x 6” high. Each shelter will include two interior chambers connected by an opening. At the relocation sites, the artificial pine box shelters will provide basement structures for the relocated woodrat nest materials, allowing woodrats to enter, use, and modify the relocated nests. A qualified biologist will set two traps around each of the woodrat nests to be relocated. Traps will be set within one hour prior to sunset, and baited with a mixture of peanut butter, oats, and apples. Traps will also be equipped with cotton bedding and covered with cardboard. The traps will be checked the following morning, within one and-a-half hours of sunrise.

If a woodrat is captured it will be placed in a quiet area while its nest material is relocated; the animal will then be released at the relocated nest. If no woodrats are captured after the first night, the biologist will set the traps for one additional evening to increase the probability of capturing the animal and ensuring a safe relocation. If no woodrats are captured at a given house after two nights, it will be assumed that the house is not currently occupied.

3. Trapping will only be conducted outside the breeding season, which for woodrats is from February through the end of July. If a litter of young is found or suspected while dismantling a nest for relocation, the nest material will be replaced, any trapped woodrats will be returned to the nest, and the nest will be left alone for 2 to 3 weeks, after which time the nest would be rechecked to verify that the young are capable of independent survival, as determined by the lead woodrat biologist, before proceeding with nest dismantling.

3. BIO-9: Measures to Protect Nesting Migratory Birds

a. To the extent possible, conduct vegetation removal activities prior to nesting bird season (February 1 through August 31).

b. For maintenance activities or tree removal that are scheduled to occur between February 1 and August 30, a qualified biologist will survey the work area and a minimum of 300 feet surrounding the work area for raptor nests and 100 feet for nests of non-raptors. This survey will occur no more than three days prior to starting work. If a lapse in maintenance-related work of 7 days or longer occurs, another focused survey will be conducted before maintenance work can be reinitiated.

c. If nesting birds are found, a no-work buƯer will be established around the nest and maintained until the young have fledged. A qualified biologist will identify an appropriate buƯer based on a site-specific evaluation. Typical appropriate buƯers are 300 feet for raptors, herons, and egrets (though larger for bald and golden eagles, as discussed in BIO-14); 100 feet for non-raptors nesting on trees, shrubs, and structures, and 25 feet for ground-nesting non-raptors.

d. The boundary of each buƯer zone will be marked with fencing, flagging, or other easily identifiable marking if work will occur immediately outside the buƯer zone.

e. Install physical barriers to nesting where appropriate (e.g., install netting over entryways to cavities, bridge ledges, culverts) and check regularly for any trapped birds. Work will not commence within the buƯer until fledglings are fully mobile and no longer reliant upon the nest or parental care for survival.

f. No trees or shrubs shall be disturbed that contain active bird nests until all eggs have hatched, and young have fully fledged (are no longer being fed by the adults and have completely left the nest site). To avoid potential impacts to tree or shrub-nesting birds, any project-specific trimming or pruning of trees or shrubs shall be conducted during the time period of September 1 to February 14 unless a preconstruction nesting bird survey has been conducted by a qualified biologist. No habitat removal or modification shall occur within the Ecologically Sensitive Area fenced nest zone even if the nest continues to be active beyond the typical nesting season for the species, until the young have fully fledged and will no longer be adversely aƯected by the project.

g. Within areas subject to CDFW regulation under Section 1600 of the Fish and Game Code, nesting bird protection measures required as conditions of the Streambed Alteration Agreement will be implemented.

4. BIO-10: Measures to Protect Nesting Marbled Murrelet

a. During marbled murrelet breeding/nesting season (March 24 to September 15), if suitable marbled murrelet nesting trees are present within 300 feet of the project area or if a marbled murrelet nest is detected, Permittee shall consult with CDFW before proceeding. If habitat trees are present within¼-mile of the project site but are greater than 300 feet from the work area, Permittee may proceed with the following conditions:

i. Work within the ¼-mile buƯer shall be confined to the period of September 15 to October 15.

ii. If activities cannot be performed during this window and would thus occur during the marbled murrelet breeding season (March 25 to September 15), seasonal disturbance minimization buƯers as listed the USFWS document, Estimation of the EƯects of Auditory and Visual Disturbance to Northern Spotted Owls and Marbled Murrelets in Northwestern California (2006) shall be followed. Permittee shall measure ambient noise and estimate construction activity noise to calculate seasonal buƯer widths using that reference.

iii. Alternatively, if protocol-level surveys are conducted and do not indicate that the habitat is occupied by marbled murrelet, seasonal and distance work restrictions may be lifted with written approval from CDFW. Protocol level survey procedures and information can be found at:

http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/publications/PSG_TechPub2_MA MU_ISP.pdf

5. BIO-14: Measures to Protect Bat Colonies

a. If high-quality habitat for roosting bats (i.e., large trees with cavities of suƯicient size to support roosting bats, or buildings providing suitable roost sites, as determined by a qualified bat biologist) is present within 100 feet of a maintenance site, a qualified bat biologist will conduct a survey to look for evidence of bat use within two weeks prior to the onset of work activities. If evidence of bat occupancy is observed, or if high-quality roost sites are present in areas where evidence of bat use might not be detectable (such as a tree cavity), an evening survey and/or nocturnal acoustic survey may be necessary to determine if a bat colony is present and to identify the specific location of the bat colony.

b. If no active maternity colony or non-breeding bat roost is located, project work can continue as planned.

c. If an active maternity colony or non-breeding bat roost is located, the project work will be redesigned to avoid disturbance of the roosts, if feasible.

d. If an active maternity colony is located, and the project cannot be redesigned to avoid removal or disturbance of the occupied tree or structure, disturbance will not take place during the maternity season (March 15 – July 31), and a disturbance-free buƯer zone (determined by a qualified bat biologist) will be observed during this period.

e. If an active non-breeding bat roost is located, and the project cannot be redesigned to avoid removal or disturbance of the occupied tree or structure, the individuals will be safely evicted between August 1 and October 15 or between February 15 and March 15 (as determined by a Memorandum of Understanding with CDFW). Bats may be evicted through exclusion after notifying CDFW. Trees with roosts that need to be removed will first be disturbed at dusk, just prior to removal that same evening, to allow bats to escape during the darker hours.

6. BIO-16: Avoid Special-Status Plant Species

a. For projects located in areas where special-status plants have been identified as potentially occurring (see Table 4-1), a qualified biologist will assess habitat suitability for the potential occurrence of special-status plant species within the work area. If determined to be warranted, a qualified botanist will conduct appropriately timed surveys for the focal plant species in accordance with CDFW’s special-status plant survey methodology. If a special-status species is observed in or near the project site, the County will follow the measures below as well as any additional measures that might be contained in the forthcoming Biological Opinion issued by the USFWS for the Maintenance Program.

i. If discovered, the population size and occupied area of special-status plant populations identified during the field survey, and with potential to be impacted, will be estimated. A “population” will be defined as the group of individuals of a species present within a 0.10-mile radius.

In addition, the population will be photographed and flagged to maximize avoidance, as well as to estimate the percentage of the population aƯected. If feasible, the project shall be redesigned or modified to avoid direct and indirect impacts on special-status plant species.

ii. Special-status plants to be avoided will be protected from disturbance by installing environmentally sensitive area fencing (orange construction barrier fencing or a suitable alternative).

Protective fencing will be installed under the direction of a qualified biologist as necessary to protect the plant and its habitat; where feasible, the environmentally sensitive area fencing will be installed at least 50 ft from the edge of the population. The location of the fencing will be shown on the maintenance design drawings and marked in the field with stakes and/or flagging. The design specifications will contain clear language that prohibits maintenance-relate activities, vehicle operation, material and equipment storage, and other surface disturbing activities within the fenced environmentally sensitive area.

For nonground disturbing vegetation management activities conducted using only hand-held equipment, the non-disturbance buƯer may be reduced to a minimum of 3 feet and flagging of the population may be used in place of environmentally sensitive fencing.

iii. Vegetation management activities in sensitive plant areas will be conducted under the guidance of a qualified botanist. These activities will be timed following the blooming periods of potentially occurring listed species.

iv. If any impacts to individual state-listed plants are unavoidable, or if more than 5 percent of a population of a federally listed plant species or species with California Rare Plant Ranks of 1 or 2 would be impacted, then the County will stop work in the vicinity of the plant(s) and consult with the appropriate regulatory agencies.

v. If impacts to state or federally listed plants are unavoidable and less than 5 percent of a population would be impacted, prior to any ground-disturbing activities the County will preserve the seedbank within the impact area by removing and retaining the topsoil prior to the implementation of maintenance activities. Following completion of the maintenance activity, the County will monitor the impact area for two years. Any non-native invasive plant species occurring within this area during the monitoring period will be removed under the supervision of a qualified biologist.

vi. If appropriately timed focused botanical surveys cannot be conducted prior to maintenance activities in areas identified by a qualified biologist as potentially supporting listed plants, then the County will assume presence of the plant species in question.

7. BIO-18: Invasive Plant Control

a. In order to minimize the spread of invasive plants, all equipment (including personal gear) will be cleaned of soil, seeds, and plant material prior to arriving on the project site to prevent introduction of undesirable plant species.

b. Prior to implementation of Program activities at a given site, the proposed staging area, as well as any areas to be graded, will be surveyed for the presence of invasive weed species. Invasive weed species occurring within locations of construction clearing and grubbing shall be flagged for removal by the biological monitor or qualified biologist. Any invasive weeds with a Cal-IPC rating of “moderate” or “high” found within the survey area will be removed and disposed of in a sanitary landfill, incinerated oƯ-site, or disposed in a high-temperature composting facility that can compost using methods known to kill weed seeds, taking care to prevent any seed dispersal during the process by bagging material or covering trucks transporting such material from the site.

c. Suitable onsite disposal areas should be identified to prevent the spread of weed seeds. Invasive plant material should be rendered nonviable (partially decomposed, very slimy or brittle) when being treated onsite. Maintenance staƯ shall desiccate or decompose invasive plant material until it is nonviable. Depending on the type of plant, disposed plant material can be left out in the open as long as roots are not in contact with moist soil, or can be covered with a tarp to prevent material from blowing or washing away.

Permittee shall monitor all sites where invasive plant material is disposed onsite and treat any newly emerged invasive plants. Invasive plant material removed during work activities shall be bagged and appropriately incinerated or disposed of in a landfill or permitted composting facility.

d. No invasive plants shall be planted at maintenance work areas. Prohibited exotic plant species include those identified in the California Invasive Plant Council’s Inventory Database, which is accessible at:

https://www.calipc.org/plants/inventory/.

8. BIO-21: General Wildlife Protection Measures

a. If any wildlife is encountered during project activities, said wildlife shall be allowed to leave the area unharmed and on their own volition, except in cases where relocation by a qualified biologist is permitted by conditions below.

9. BIO-24: Pathogen Control

a. In order to minimize the spread of plant and animal pathogens, all equipment (including personal gear such as boots) will be cleaned of soil, seeds, and plant material prior to arriving on a maintenance site. All organic matter will be removed from nets, traps, boots, vehicle tires and all other surfaces that have come into contact with water or potentially contaminated sediments.

b. Equipment, including maintenance equipment and field gear used to capture and relocate special-status species such as frogs, will be disinfected after exiting one aquatic habitat and before entering the next aquatic habitat, unless the waters are hydrologically connected to one another. Cleaning equipment in the immediate vicinity of aquatic habitats will be avoided (e.g., clean in an area at least 100 feet from aquatic features).

c. Boots, nets, gloves, and any other equipment used to handle amphibians or aquatic organisms will be scrubbed with a bleach solution (0.5 to 1.0 cup per

1.0 gallon of water), Quat-128™ (1:60), or a 3 to 6 percent sodium hypochlorite solution and thoroughly rinsed clean with water between maintenance sites. Care will be taken so that all traces of the disinfectant are removed before entering the next aquatic habitat.

d. When working at sites with known or suspected disease problems, disposable gloves will be worn and changed between handling each animal.

Gloves will be wetted with water from the site or distilled water prior to handling any amphibians. Gloves will be removed by turning inside out with hands cleaned using a hand cleaner and water rinse to minimize cross-contamination.

Cultural and Archaeological Resources

1. If evidence of archaeological or cultural resources are discovered during project operations, all operations will cease in the vicinity of the potential resource and the area shall be avoided. San Mateo County Parks, or their supervised designee shall be notified immediately.

2. CUL-4: Construction Monitoring

a. The County will retain a qualified archaeologist to be present on-site during ground-disturbing activities within areas identified as highly sensitive for cultural areas unless the qualified archaeologist determines otherwise after the field inventory conducted under CUL-2. Similarly, after conducting the field study under CUL-2, the qualified archaeologist may determine that areas originally identified as moderately sensitive for cultural resources warrant monitoring during construction. The reasons for conducting monitoring in areas initially considered of moderate sensitivity would be discussed in the inventory report.

b. The qualified archaeologist will have the authority to stop work if cultural resources are discovered.

c. If any cultural resources are discovered during construction monitoring, BMP CUL-6 would be implemented as appropriate

3. CUL-5: Conduct Pre-Maintenance Educational Training

a. At the beginning of each maintenance season, and in concert with implementing BMP BIO-1, as well as before conducting activities subject to BMP CUL-2 through CUL-4, all maintenance personnel will participate in an educational training session conducted by a qualified cultural resources specialist. This training will include instruction on how to identify historic and prehistoric resources that may be encountered and will describe the appropriate protocol to be followed if resources are discovered during maintenance work.

4. CUL-6: Address Discovery of Cultural Remains or Historic or Paleontological Artifacts Appropriately

a. Unanticipated discoveries of cultural and paleontological resources may occur during maintenance construction activities. Examples of cultural remains are obsidian and chert flaked-stone tools (e.g., projectile points, knives, scrapers) or significant areas of tool-making debris; culturally darkened soil (“midden”) containing heat-aƯected rocks, artifacts, or shellfish remains; stone milling equipment (e.g., mortars, pestles, handstones, or milling slabs); and battered stone tools, such as hammerstones and pitted stones. Historic-period artifacts may include stone, concrete, or adobe footings and walls; filled wells or privies; and deposits of metal, glass, and/or ceramic refuse. Paleontological artifacts are fossilized remains of plants and animals. Work will be restricted or stopped in areas where remains or artifacts are found until proper protocols are met.

b. Protocol for treatment of prehistoric or historic cultural resources:

i. Work at the location of the find will halt immediately within 50 feet of the find. A “no work” zone will be established utilizing appropriate flagging to delineate the boundary of this zone, which will measure at least 50 feet in all directions from the find.

ii. The County will retain the services of a consulting archaeologist, who will visit the discovery site as soon as practicable and perform minor hand excavation to describe the archaeological or paleontological resources present and assess the amount of disturbance.

iii. The consulting archaeologist will provide to the County and USACE, at a minimum, written, and digital photographic documentation of all observed materials, utilizing the CRHR and NRHP guidelines for evaluating archaeological resources. Based on the assessment, the County and USACE will identify the CEQA and Section 106 cultural resources compliance procedures to be implemented.

iv. If the consulting archaeologist determines that the find appears not to meet the CRHR or NRHP criteria of significance, and a USACE archaeologist concurs with the consulting archaeologist’s conclusions, construction may continue while monitored by the consulting archaeologist. The authorized maintenance work will resume at the discovery site only after the County has retained a consulting archaeologist to monitor and the Maintenance Manager has received notification from USACE allowing work to continue.

v. If the find appears significant, avoidance of additional impacts is the preferred alternative. The consulting archaeologist will determine if adverse impacts to the resources can be avoided.

vi. Where avoidance is not practical (e.g., maintenance activities cannot be deferred or must be completed to satisfy the Maintenance Program objective), the County will develop an action plan (also known as a data recovery plan) and submit it to USACE within 48 hours of determining that maintenance activities cannot be deferred. The action plan will be submitted by email to the appropriate archeological/cultural resources contact at the USACE. The action plan is equivalent to a data recovery plan.