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5.0 Environmental Analysis 5.2 Biological Resources <br />Avion Project SEIR <br />Page 5.2-3 <br />d. Freshwater Marsh <br />Two impoundments occur along the drainage course within the eastern canyon. These <br />impoundments have been breached and do not hold water for long durations anymore, but do <br />support herbaceous freshwater marsh vegetation. Plant species observed in the impoundments <br />include annual beardgrass (Polypogon monspeliensis), curly dock (Rumex crispus), pale spike rush <br />(Eleocharis macrostachya), alkali heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum), and hedge nettle (Stachys <br />rigida). Freshwater marsh is considered a type of wetland habitat. <br />e. Disturbed Land <br />A small area of disturbed land occurs in the north-central portion of the site where past land use <br />had altered the soils. Non-native plants such as black mustard (Brassica nigra), star-thistle (Centauria <br />meletensis), stinkwort (Dittrichia graveolens), and Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) dominate this <br />area in a dense stand. <br />5.2.2.2 Zoology <br />A list of the wildlife species detected in the survey areas is provided in Appendix B - Attachment 2. A <br />general discussion of wildlife usage in the survey areas is presented below. <br />a. Amphibians <br />No amphibians were observed during the survey. The site lacks a permanent water source; <br />therefore, it is unlikely that amphibians occur on the site. <br />b. Reptiles <br />No reptile species were observed during the survey. The site likely supports a small population of <br />common lizard species such as the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) and side-blotched <br />lizard (Uta stansburiana). <br />c. Birds <br />Fifteen bird species were observed on the site during the survey. Common bird species observed <br />include wrentit (Chamaea fasciata henshawi), black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans semiatra), and Anna’s <br />hummingbird (Calypte anna). <br />d. Mammals <br />Four mammal species were detected on the site. Coyote (Canis latrans), desert cottontail (Sylvilagus <br />audubonii), and southern mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus fuliginata) were all detected by the <br />presence of their scat. San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia; CDFW Species of <br />Special Concern) was detected by the presence of a nest.