Page 123 - gvbridge_ea2008

2.11 Natural Communities

Table 2.11-1
Vegetation Communities within the Biological Study Area

Within BSA Within AE
Vegetation Community in acres in acres
Disturbed Riversidian Coastal Sage Scrub 4.38 --
Holly-Leaf Cherry Scrub 2.48 --
Big Sagebrush Scrub 0.96 0.15
Southern Riparian Scrub 15.81 2.24
Ruderal 14.47 0.02
Disturbed Habitat 0.88 --
Nonwetland Waters of the U.S. 19.40 2.07
TOTAL 58.38 4.48

Native Communities

Riversidian Coastal Sage Scrub - Disturbed

Riversidian coastal sage scrub is an upland native community. Coastal sage scrub is one
of the major shrub-dominated (scrub) communities within California. This community

occurs on xeric sites with shallow soils. Sage scrub species are typically drought-
deciduous plants with shallow root systems. Both of these adaptations allow for the

occurrence of sage scrub species on these xeric sites.

Within Los Angeles County, there are several recognized subassociations of Riversidian

coastal sage scrub based upon the dominant species. Approximately 4.38 acres of
disturbed Riversidian coastal sage scrub occur within the BSA. All the areas within the

BSA classified as Riversidian coastal sage scrub are considered disturbed. The
manufactured slopes, north of the proposed bridge within the BSA, consist of revegetated

Riversidian coastal sage scrub. On these graded slopes, sage scrub species have recently

become established over a short period of time, which warrants the classification as sage
scrub habitat. Other areas within the BSA have been previously disturbed and have

experienced some recovery over the interim. These areas are dominated by early seral
species such as coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis), California buckwheat (Eriogonum

fasciculatum var. foliolosum), deer weed (Lotus scoparius), and felt-leaved yerba santa
(Eriodictyon crassifolium).

Golden Valley Road Bridge EA Page 2.11-3
City of Santa Clarita