Difference between revisions of "California Natural Diversity Database"
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====Key facts and disclaimers==== | ====Key facts and disclaimers==== | ||
− | It is very important to realize that the CNDDB is a ''positive detection database'': it contains information only from areas that have been surveyed for rare species, so most of its records are from areas of California that have experienced more development pressure. There have been no efforts to make broad surveys of the state in order to populate the database. Thus, a negative search result for a species in a given area should not be interpreted as an indication that the species does not occur in that area. It may only indicate that the area has not been surveyed for that particular species.< | + | It is very important to realize that the CNDDB is a ''positive detection database'': it contains information only from areas that have been surveyed for rare species, so most of its records are from areas of California that have experienced more development pressure. There have been no efforts to make broad surveys of the state in order to populate the database. Thus, a negative search result for a species in a given area should not be interpreted as an indication that the species does not occur in that area. It may only indicate that the area has not been surveyed for that particular species.<ref name="keyfacts"> CDFW. 2012. "CNDDB Key Facts." http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=43527&inline=1</ref> |
− | Another important consideration when using the CNDDB is that the exact locations of special-status species occurrences should be kept confidential. This is to protect special-status species and their habitat. The [http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=27285&inline=1 CNDDB Data Use Guidelines] give specific instructions about the map scales that should be used when displaying CNDDB data. Scales larger than 1:350,000 should not be used for publicly displayed maps.< | + | Another important consideration when using the CNDDB is that the exact locations of special-status species occurrences should be kept confidential. This is to protect special-status species and their habitat. The [http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=27285&inline=1 CNDDB Data Use Guidelines] give specific instructions about the map scales that should be used when displaying CNDDB data. Scales larger than 1:350,000 should not be used for publicly displayed maps.<ref name="datause"> CDFW. 2011. "CNDDB Data Use Guidelines." https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=27285&inline=1</ref> |
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− | "CNDDB version MM/YYYY. Please Note: The occurrences shown on this map represent the known locations of the species listed here as of the date of this version. There may be additional occurrences or additional species within this area which have not yet been surveyed and/or mapped. Lack of information in the CNDDB about a species or an area can never be used as proof that no special status species occur in an area." | + | "CNDDB version MM/YYYY. Please Note: The occurrences shown on this map represent the known locations of the species listed here as of the date of this version. There may be additional occurrences or additional species within this area which have not yet been surveyed and/or mapped. Lack of information in the CNDDB about a species or an area can never be used as proof that no special status species occur in an area."<ref name="datause" /> |
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
Revision as of 19:46, 4 April 2014
The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) is a tool that inventories the status and locations of rare plants and animals in California. It is often used in the preparation of environmental impact reports and other CEQA documents. This page was created by the ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems class at CSUMB.
Contents
Background
CNDDB was originally developed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in 1979.[1] TNC's scientific data branch is now a separate nonprofit organization called NatureServe, which maintains databases of rare and threatened species and ecosystems throughout the Western Hemisphere.[2] Today, the CNDDB is maintained by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Biogeographic Data Branch, but its data and mapping standards come from NatureServe.[3]
The CNDDB tracks "special status" organisms, which include about 2300 plant species and 900 animal species as of September 2013.[4] Each record in CNDDB is called an element occurrence (EO). As of September 2013, there were about 75,000 EOs in the database, with 400-600 EOs being added or updated each month.[4] The data come from many sources: environmental consultants, CDFW and other agency biologists, university professors and graduate students, conservation groups such as the CNPS, and museum records.
Use
CNDDB users include federal and state agencies, county and local governments, private consulting firms, environmental groups, land protection organizations, and academic researchers. Three versions of the database are available: a free public version (the CNDDB Quick Viewer) and more detailed, subscription-based versions for commercial and government users. As of March 2014, the annual cost to subscribe to the CNDDB was $600 for all clients ($400 annually to resubscribe).[5]
Key facts and disclaimers
It is very important to realize that the CNDDB is a positive detection database: it contains information only from areas that have been surveyed for rare species, so most of its records are from areas of California that have experienced more development pressure. There have been no efforts to make broad surveys of the state in order to populate the database. Thus, a negative search result for a species in a given area should not be interpreted as an indication that the species does not occur in that area. It may only indicate that the area has not been surveyed for that particular species.[6]
Another important consideration when using the CNDDB is that the exact locations of special-status species occurrences should be kept confidential. This is to protect special-status species and their habitat. The CNDDB Data Use Guidelines give specific instructions about the map scales that should be used when displaying CNDDB data. Scales larger than 1:350,000 should not be used for publicly displayed maps.[7]
The following disclaimer text should be added to maps produced with CNDDB data:
"CNDDB version MM/YYYY. Please Note: The occurrences shown on this map represent the known locations of the species listed here as of the date of this version. There may be additional occurrences or additional species within this area which have not yet been surveyed and/or mapped. Lack of information in the CNDDB about a species or an area can never be used as proof that no special status species occur in an area."[7]
Free version
The CNDDB Quick Viewer shows information to the 7.5' USGS quadrangle or county level. The Quick Viewer will generate a list of taxa for a given area, but no details.
Subscription versions
The Government (CNDDB_GOV) and Commercial (CNDDB_COM) versions of the CNDDB are password-protected and are accessible from the CNDDB Maps and Data page. Data can be downloaded as shapefiles and used in mapping applications. The difference between the Government and Commercial versions is that the Commercial version has approximately 2% of all occurrences generalized to quad polygon features, for data sensitivity or contributor requirements.[6] The Government version does not have this restriction.
CNDDB and CEQA
CEQA (the California Environmental Quality Act) requires lead agencies to determine whether threatened or endangered species occur in a project area:
§ 21104.2. CONSULTATION AND FINDINGS; EFFECT OF PROJECTS ON THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES The state lead agency shall consult with, and obtain written findings from, the Department of Fish and Game in preparing an environmental impact report on a project, as to the impact of the project on the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 2090) of Chapter 1.5 of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.[8]
The State of California has prepared protocols for surveying and evaluating impacts to special status native plant populations and natural communities. This document states that before conducting a vegetation survey, researchers should consult the CNDDB for known occurrences of special status plants and natural communities in the project area.[9] The following section examines CEQA documents from the Monterey Bay area and determines whether or not the CNDDB was used in their preparation.
Monterey Bay Area CEQA Documents and the CNDDB
In April 2014, 28 CEQA documents from Santa Cruz and Monterey counties were examined to determine whether the CNDDB had been used to indicate the presence of special-status species. The CNDDB (sometimes referred to as the NDDB) was used in 19 of the 28 documents (68%). Eighteen of these documents were final or draft environmental impact reports (FEIRs or DEIRs): twelve (67%) of the FEIRs and DEIRs used the CNDDB, four (22%) did not, and two reports (11%) did not mention how special-status species were determined. Results are detailed in the table below.
- FEIR: Final Environmental Impact Report
- DEIR: Draft Environmental Impact Report
- IS: Initial Study
- ERIS: Environmental Review Initial Study
- DIS: Draft Initial Study
- NOP: Notice of Preparation
- FEIR: Final Environmental Impact Report
Project |
Year |
County |
Lead agency |
Lead consultant |
Biological consultant |
Document type |
CNDDB used? |
Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Atkinson Lane[10] |
2009 |
SC |
County of Santa Cruz |
RBF Consulting |
EcoSystems West Consulting, Bryan M. Mori Biological Consulting Services |
FEIR |
no |
|
Bonny Doon Limestone Quarry Boundary Expansion[11] |
2009 |
SC |
County of Santa Cruz |
N/A |
N/A |
FEIR |
yes |
|
Corral de Tierra Neighborhood Retail Village[12] |
2010 |
MTY |
County of Monterey |
LSA Associates |
Denise Duffy and Associates |
FEIR |
yes |
|
CSUMB Master Plan[13] |
2008 |
MTY |
CSU |
Denise Duffy and Associates |
same |
FEIR |
yes |
|
East Cliff Drive Bluff Protection and Parkway[14] |
2006 |
SC |
County of Santa Cruz |
N/A |
Tetra Tech |
FEIR |
yes |
|
East Garrison Specific Plan[15] |
2004 |
MTY |
County of Monterey |
Michael Brandman Associates |
same |
DEIR |
no |
|
Exception to the California Ocean Plan for Areas of Special Biological Significance Waste Discharge Prohibition for Storm Water and Nonpoint Source Discharges, with Special Protections [16] |
2012 |
Statewide |
California State Water Board |
N/A |
N/A |
FEIR |
yes |
|
Ferrini Ranch Subdivision[17] |
2012 |
MTY |
County of Monterey |
PMC |
WRA Environmental Consultants, Denise Duffy and Associates, Staub Forestry and Environmental Consulting |
DEIR |
yes |
|
Fort Ord Dunes SP Campground Project[18] |
2013 |
MTY |
California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Denise Duffy and Associates |
same |
DIS |
yes |
Draft initial study |
Fort Ord Reuse Plan[19] |
1997 |
MTY |
Fort Ord Reuse Authority |
EMC Planning Group and EDAW, Inc. |
Zander Associates |
FEIR |
no |
|
Graham Hill Road Bridge Storm Drainage Repair Project[20] |
2014 |
SC |
County of Santa Cruz |
N/A |
N/A |
ERIS |
yes |
Environmental Review Initial Study |
Heart of Soquel Master Site Plan[21] |
2014 |
SC |
County of Santa Cruz |
N/A |
Biotic Resources Group |
ERIS |
yes |
|
Juvenile Hall Gym[22] |
2013 |
SC |
County of Santa Cruz |
N/A |
Jodi McGraw Consulting |
ERIS |
no |
|
Monterey-Pacific Grove ASBS Stormwater Management Project[23] |
2014 |
MTY |
City of Pacific Grove |
Rincon Consultants |
same |
DEIR |
yes |
|
Monterey County General Plan[24] |
2006 |
MTY |
County of Monterey |
Michael Brandman Associates |
same |
DEIR |
yes |
|
Monterey Peninsula Water Management District Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project[25] |
2006 |
MTY |
County of Monterey |
Jones and Stokes |
same |
DEIR/EA |
yes |
|
Monterey Peninsula Groundwater Replenishment Project[26] |
2013 |
MTY |
Monterey Peninsula Water Pollution Control Agency |
N/A |
N/A |
NOP |
no |
Notice of Preparation |
North Rodeo Gulch Road Stream Bank Stabilization[27] |
2014 |
SC |
County of Santa Cruz |
N/A |
Biotic Resources Group |
IS |
yes |
|
Nelson Road Re-establishment[28] |
2014 |
SC |
County of Santa Cruz |
N/A |
Biotic Resources Group |
IS |
yes |
|
Pajaro Neighborhood Park[29] |
2009 |
MTY |
County of Monterey |
Strelow Consulting |
Biotic Resources Group |
DEIR |
Unknown |
Biological resources were addressed in a separate report, not included in the final EIR. |
Pebble Beach Company's Del Monte Forest Preservation and Development Plan[30] |
2005 |
MTY |
County of Monterey |
Denise Duffy and Associates, Wetland Research Associates, Zander and Associates, others |
FEIR |
yes |
||
Rancho Roberto Subdivision[31] |
2005 |
MTY |
County of Monterey |
EMC Planning Group |
same |
FEIR |
Unknown |
Biological resources were addressed in a separate report, not included in the final EIR. |
Rancho San Juan Subdivision[32] |
2004 |
MTY |
County of Monterey |
EMC Planning Group |
same |
DEIR |
yes |
|
Salinas River Stream Channel Maintenance Program[33] |
2013 |
MTY |
Monterey County Water Resources Agency |
Cardno ENTRIX |
same |
DEIR |
yes |
|
The Collection at Monterey Bay[34] |
2012 |
MTY |
City of Sand City |
N/A |
Zander Associates |
DEIR |
yes |
|
Sandhills IPHCP[35] |
2011 |
SC |
County of Santa Cruz |
N/A |
N/A |
IS |
yes |
|
Santa Lucia Preserve[36] |
1995 |
MTY |
County of Monterey |
Jones and Stokes |
FEIR |
no |
||
Smith Road Culvert Replacement Project[37] |
2013 |
SC |
County of Santa Cruz |
N/A |
Kittleson Environmental Consulting |
IS |
yes |
References
- ↑ Bittman, Roxanne. 2001. The California Natural Diversity Database: a heritage program for California's rare species and vegetation. Fremontia 29(3-4): 58-62. https://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/Fremontia_Vol_29_article.pdf
- ↑ http://www.natureserve.org/about-us | NatureServe: About Us
- ↑ California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2012. "CNDDB Key Facts." http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=43527&inline=1
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 CDFW. 2013. "CNDDB Introduction." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKgoRzdrQgk
- ↑ https://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/cnddb_info.asp California Natural Diversity Database Info
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 CDFW. 2012. "CNDDB Key Facts." http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=43527&inline=1
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 CDFW. 2011. "CNDDB Data Use Guidelines." https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=27285&inline=1
- ↑ Association of Environmental Professionals. 2012. CEQA Handbook. http://resources.ca.gov/ceqa/docs/CEQA_Handbook_2012_wo_covers.pdf
- ↑ CDFW. 2009. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities. https://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/Protocols_for_Surveying_and_Evaluating_Impacts.pdf]
- ↑ Atkinson Lane Specific Plan and P.U.D. http://www.sccoplanning.com/PlanningHome/Environmental/CEQAInitialStudiesEIRs/ArchivedCEQADocuments/AtkinsonLane.aspx
- ↑ Bonny Doon Limestone Quarry Boundary Expansion Project Final EIR http://www.sccoplanning.com/PlanningHome/Environmental/CEQAInitialStudiesEIRs/ArchivedCEQADocuments/BonnyDoonLimestoneQuarryExpansionProject.aspx
- ↑ Corral de Tierra Neighborhood Retail Village Planning Documents http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/planning/docs/eirs/Corral%20De%20Tierra/Corral_De_Tierra.htm
- ↑ CSUMB Master Plan: Planning Documents http://fmp.csumb.edu/campus-master-plan
- ↑ East Cliff Drive Bluff Protection and Parkway Project Final EIR http://www.sccoplanning.com/PlanningHome/Environmental/CEQAInitialStudiesEIRs/ArchivedCEQADocuments/EastCliffDrBluffProtectionParkwayProject.aspx
- ↑ East Garrison Specific Plan EIR http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/planning/docs/eirs/eastgarrison/EG_eir_main.htm
- ↑ Exception to the California Ocean Plan for Areas of Special Biological Significance Waste Discharge Prohibition for Storm Water and Nonpoint Source Discharges, with Special Protections FEIR http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ocean/asbs/docs/asbs_eir022112clean.pdf
- ↑ Ferrini Ranch Subdivision: Planning Documents http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/planning/major/Ferrini%20Ranch%20Subdivision/Ferrini_Ranch_Subdivision.htm
- ↑ Fort Ord Dunes SP Campground Project DEIR http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/980/files/final%20fodsp%20draft_is_mnd%203_15_2013.pdf
- ↑ Fort Ord Reuse Plan FEIR http://www.fora.org/Reports/BRP/BRP_v4_FinalEIR_1997.pdf
- ↑ Graham Hill Road Bridge Storm Drainage Repair Project: Environmental Review and Initial Study http://www.sccoplanning.com/Portals/2/County/Planning/env/Graham%20Hill%20Road%20Bridge02262014-1050.PDF
- ↑ Heart of Soquel Master Site Plan IS http://www.sccoplanning.com/Portals/2/County/Planning/env/Heart%20of%20Soquel%20IS.pdf
- ↑ Juvenile Hall Gym Initial Study http://www.sccoplanning.com/Portals/2/County/Planning/env/Juvenile%20Hall%20Initial%20Study.PDF
- ↑ Monterey-Pacific Grove ASBS Stormwater Management Project DEIR http://monterey.org/Portals/1/peec/stormwater/Monterey-PG_ASBS_Stormwater_Management_Project_DEIR.pdf
- ↑ Monterey County General Plan: Planning Documents http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/planning/gpu/GPU_2007/FEIR_Information/FEIR_Information.htm
- ↑ MPWMD Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project DEIR http://www.mpwmd.dst.ca.us/eir/MPWMD%20Draft%20EIR-EA%20(3-06).pdf
- ↑ Monterey Peninsula Groundwater Replenishment Project: Notice of Preparation http://www.mpwaterreplenishment.org/docs/Final%20GWR%20NOP%2030May2013%20with%20figures.pdf
- ↑ North Rodeo Gulch Road Stream Bank Stabilization Project: Initial Study http://www.sccoplanning.com/Portals/2/County/Planning/env/N%20Rodeo%20Gulch%20Road%204.7502262014-1103.PDF
- ↑ Nelson Road Re-establishment Project: Initial Study http://www.sccoplanning.com/Portals/2/County/Planning/policy/Nelson%20Road%20NOD03252014-1202.PDF
- ↑ Pajaro Neighborhood Park: Planning Documents http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/planning/docs/eirs/Pajaro%20Neighborhood%20Park/Pajaro_Neighborhood_Park_main.htm
- ↑ Pebble Beach Company's Del Monte Forest Preservation and Development Plan: Planning Documents http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/planning/docs/eirs/pbc/feir/feir_home.htm
- ↑ Rancho Roberto Subdivision FEIR http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/planning/docs/eirs/roberto/RanchoRoberto_FEIR.pdf
- ↑ Rancho San Juan: Planning Documents http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/planning/major/rsj/rsj_main.htm
- ↑ Salinas River Stream Channel Maintenance Program: Planning Documents http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/SalinasRiverStreamMaintenanceProgram/SRSMP%20EIR.html
- ↑ The Collection at Monterey Bay DEIR http://www.sandcity.org/uploadedfiles/news_and_events/Collection_at_Monterey_Bay/Sand%20City%20Draft%20EIR%20Nov.%202012.pdf
- ↑ Sandhills IPHCP Initial Study http://sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/planning/pdfs/CEQA_IS_FinalDraft.pdf
- ↑ Santa Lucia Preserve FEIR http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/planning/docs/eirs/Santa_Lucia_Preserve/Santa_Lucia_Preserve_FEIR.htm
- ↑ Smith Road Culvert Replacement Project Initial Study http://www.sccoplanning.com/Portals/2/County/Planning/env/Smith%20Road%20Culvert%20Initial%20Study.PDF
See also
- CEQA Overview
- CEQA projects on Central Coast
- CEQA Glossary
- CEQA review and land use planning
- Special Status Species of the Central Coast
- Agencies that are lead applicants in CEQA
- Hydrology and Water Quality Components of Central Coast CEQA Documents
- List of Environmental Consultants in the Central Coast Area
- California Coastal Commission
- ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems
Links
- California Natural Diversity Database
- CNDDB Key Facts
- CNDDB Data Use Guidelines
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Biogeographic Data Branch
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Data Portal
- CEQA Handbook
- CEQAnet Database
- California Native Plant Society Rare Plants Database
- State and Federally Listed Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Plants of California (pdf)
- State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California (pdf)
Disclaimer
This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.