Specifications include, but are not limited to: Task 1 – Target List Development Prior to conducting protocol-level surveys, the Consultant should perform a background search and literature review of all existing data pertaining to botanical resources to develop a list of special-status plant species and sensitive natural communities to target within the study areas. The list should include species name; conservation status; habitat, elevation, and blooming period; and presence of suitable habitat within the study area(s). With concurrence of Midpen biological staff, the Consultant shall develop a final target list of special-status plants and sensitive natural communities with specific timing of surveys based on the plant taxa included on the final target list. Task 2 – Field Surveys Prior to entering any District managed lands, the Consultant shall comply with Attachment 2: Guidelines for Minimizing Phytophthora Contamination at Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preserves. Consultant shall conduct protocol-level rare plant surveys within the Botanical Survey Area during blooming periods with the specific timing based on the final target species list, seasonal weather patterns (which influence plant phenology), and results of reference populations visits, to capture the blooming periods for target special-status plants and sensitive natural communities. Consultant should conduct the field surveys in accordance with CNPS’s Botanical Survey Guidelines (CNPS 2001), California Department of Fish and Game’s Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (CDFG 2018), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Guidelines for Conducting and Reporting Botanical Inventories for Federally Listed, Proposed and Candidate Plants (USFWS 2000). These guidelines specify that surveys are conducted in the field at the proper time of year when target special status plant species are both evident and identifiable, that all habitats are surveyed thoroughly in order to properly document and inventory all plants present, and that surveys are floristic in nature and every plant observed is identified and recorded. During field surveys, all special-status species and sensitive natural communities identified within the study areas should be properly identified; their habitat should be described; individuals should be enumerated; photographs should be taken; and any threats recorded. In addition, locally rare plant species of San Mateo and/or Santa Clara Counties and invasive weed species with a California Invasive Plant Council raking of moderate or high will also be noted and mapped opportunistically within the study areas (see Attachment 3: Locally Rare and Early Detection / Rapid Response Species List). Special-status plant populations and sensitive natural communities observed within the study areas should be mapped using a handheld Global Positioning System device capable of sub- meter accuracy and able to receive satellite signals under tree canopy cover. Attribute data collected for each population will be based on the California Natural Diversity Database Field Survey Form. Field data will be turned into ArcGIS shapefiles and will be submitted to Midpen as a deliverable upon survey completion. These shapefiles will include all attribute data collected in the field and will be represented as either points or polygons depending on the size of the population or community. California Natural Diversity Database forms for each special status species found will be submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and voucher specimens should be collected and donated to a local herbarium, pending approval from Midpen. Task 3 – Botanical Resources Survey Report Upon completion of the protocol-level rare plant surveys, Consultant should prepare a technical report that conforms to agency protocols. The reports will include: 1. Description of the study methodology; 2. Provide an assessment of existing conditions (including a description of all vegetation communities encountered); 3. Present the results of protocol-level surveys for sensitive botanical resources (i.e., sensitive natural communities, special-status plant species, and locally rare plants) including the numbers, size, and condition of all populations observed, potential threats to these populations, and photographs of special status plant populations encountered; 4. Briefly discuss threats posed by non-indigenous plant species; 5. Provide management recommendations, as necessary; and 6. Comprehensive list of all vascular plants observed. Report should include maps of the project vicinity, geology units, soil units, and locations and numbers of all sensitive botanical resources recorded. As a part of this deliverable, special-status plant occurrence, species inventory data, and project boundaries for each site will be documented and uploaded to CalFlora under Midpen’s Account. Final report is due no later than September 1, 2022 unless otherwise negotiated with the Midpen Project Manager.
