CONSERVATION ELEMENT
THOUSAND OAKS GENERAL PLAN
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
of the
THOUSAND OAKS GENERAL PLAN
City of Thousand Oaks
Department of Planning and Community Development
2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard
Thousand Oaks CA 91362
( 805) 449- 2323
Adopted July 2, 1996
This document is a comprehensive revision of the Conservation Element adopted in June,
1972.
CITY OF THOUSAND OAKS
City Council
Mayor Andrew P. Fox
Mayor Pro- Tem Judy Lazar
Councilmember Elois Zeanah
Councilmember Jaime Zukowski
Councilmember Michael Markey
Planning Commission
Forrest Frields, Chair
John S. Powers, Vice- Chair
Marilyn S. Carpenter
Linda P. Parks
Ronald S. Polanski
General Plan Review Committee
Councilmember Elois Zeanah, Chair
Mayor Pro- Tem Judy Lazar
Planning Commissioner Marilyn Carpenter
Planning Commissioner Linda Parks
Cathy Schutz, Traffic and Transportation Advisory Committee
Robert Bond, Tree and Landscape Advisory Board
Carrol McDonald, Public Participant
City of Thousand Oaks Staff
Grant R. Brimhall, City Manager
MaryJane V. Lazz, Assistant City Manager
Philip E. Gatch, Director of Planning and Community Development
John C. Prescott, Advance Planning Division Manager
Lawrence Marquart, Senior Planner
Gregory P. Smith, Senior Planner
Richard A. Burgess, Associate Planner
Mark A. Towne, Associate Planner/ COSCA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
Introduction
Resource Descriptions, Conservation Policies and Implementation Measures
Section I. Physiography
A. Scenic Resources
B. Landform Features
Section II. Hydrology
C. Lakes and Lakeshores
D. Streams and Creeks
E. Floodplains
F. Stormwater Retention and Debris Basins
G. Water Supply, Conservation, and Reclamation
Section III. Biological Resources
H. Native Plant Communities
I. Wildlife Resources
J. Wildlife Movement Corridors
K. Oak and Landmark Trees
L. Wetland and Riparian Habitats
M. Rare, Threatened or Endangered Species
Section IV. Cultural Resources
N. Archaeological and Historical Resources
Appendix A. Flora of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area
Appendix B. Reptiles and Amphibians of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area
Appendix C. Birds of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area
Appendix D. Mammals of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area
PREFACE
This Conservation Element is based upon the premise that the existing natural
environment possesses its own inherent values and qualities that should be preserved.
Most importantly, within these ecosystems lay the blueprints for different patterns of life
that have evolved apart from the pervasive influences of man and modern technology.
In the context of local planning, conservation is a positive action to assure that as
buildout of the community continues to occur as envisioned by the General Plan, related
physiographic, hydrological, biological and cultural resources are not lost or permanently
altered to the detriment of the natural environment that we all share and enjoy. While in
principle, these practices imply a set of constraints with respect to human activities affect
these resources both directly and indirectly, they also recognize the capacity of the
environment to tolerate or support urban land uses. Correspondingly, the role of the
Conservation Element is to help identify these limitations and opportunities and define
various policies and implementation measures by which these natural resources can be
conserved within the Planning Area.
State Planning Law requires the Conservation Element to address " the conservation,
development, and utilization of natural resources, including water and its hydraulic force,
forests, soils, rivers and other waters, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other
natural resources." Although no harbors, fisheries or significant mineral resources exist
within the Planning Area, this Element inventories and describes several other equally
important resources including native plant and animal communities, natural landform
features, scenic viewsheds, and archaeological and historic sites that are potentially
affected by urban land uses and associated development.
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
The Thousand Oaks Planning Area encompasses a topographically diverse landscape of
mountains, hills, valleys and canyons that supports a variety of natural vegetation types,
including many sensitive plant and animal species. In addition, the Conejo Valley has a
rich cultural heritage, including numerous archaeological and historic sites. In
combination, these resources not only enhance the community's sense of spaciousness
and semi- rural character, but significantly contribute to the overall quality of the
environment.
While many of these resources have already been permanently preserved as a part of the
Planning Area's extensive natural open space system, others fall under the jurisdiction of
other public agencies, or exist within remaining vacant parcels of land that are under
private ownership. The purpose of this Element is to describe the general characteristics
of these natural resources and identify appropriate policies and implementation measures
that will be used to guide future development, as envisioned by the Land Use Element of
the General Plan, in a sensitive manner that will afford the long term conservation and
protection of these vital resources for future generations.
The Conservation Element includes several figures that depict the local distribution of
these resources, and the appendices contain a comprehensive listing of plant and animal
species known to occur within the Planning Area.
CHAPTER 2
RESOURCE DESCRIPTIONS, CONSERVATION POLICIES
AND
IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES
This Chapter is divided into the following sections, relating to specific resource
categories present within the Planning Area:
Section I. Physiography, relating to both the scenic and physical characteristics of local
landform features.
Section II. Hydrology, relating to the drainage characteristics of the surrounding
tributary watershed.
Section III. Biological Resources, which relates to native plant and animal communities
and individual species known to inhabit, or make use of existing habitats.
Section IV. Cultural Resources, relating to the presence of previously identified and
recorded archaeological and historic resources.
Section I. Physiography
A. Scenic Resources
The scenic qualities of the Conejo Valley have been acknowledged by residents and
visitors for many years. Framed by steeply sloping hillside terrain and major ridgelines of
the Simi Hills, Conejo Peak and Santa Monica Mountains, the Valley is a distinctive and
picturesque landscape, characterized by broad open vistas of natural open space,
traversed by creeks, and dotted with prominent knolls and native oak woodlands.
Protection of these natural viewshed features has been formally embodied in the City's
General Plan, including its Open Space Element, Conservation Element, Scenic
Highways Element, and in ordinances and resolutions concerning the preservation and
enhancement of the Valley's unique scenic attributes.
Due to the community's regard for its natural setting, development in Thousand Oaks is
widely visible, but usually does not dominate the major natural landscape features. It's
general appearance is that of a community nestled within a ring of open space. Thousand
Oaks is distinguished by its oak trees, and the prominence of knolls, ridges and hills in a
largely natural state. There are relatively few visually prominent buildings. The City's
image is a self- sufficient, planned suburban community with a consciously maintained
semi- rural character. This image is perpetuated by prudent land use practices that result in
the preservation of open space while combining residential, commercial and industrial
components within the fabric of the City's General Plan.
The City has been successful in protecting the scenic resources of the Conejo Valley in
several ways. For example, environmental documents prepared for all major
developments evaluate the project's visual impact from core areas of the City, as well as
from designated scenic highway corridors and parklands. This is accomplished by
utilizing actual site photos and computer- assisted drawing programs to prepare composite
photo- overlay exhibits that accurately depict how the finished project will appear from
selected viewshed perspectives. Most importantly, the City has adopted specific site
planning guidelines and development policies that effectively serve to minimize any
potentially adverse visual impacts and help retain the semi- rural appearance of the
community. These policies encourage the location of buildings on relatively flat land
between knolls or on moderate slopes, blending with the natural surroundings, while
avoiding the placement of structures on ridgelines, conspicuous hilltops or steep hillsides
where silhouetting or extensive grading would be necessary.
Policy
CO- 1 Future development within Thousand Oaks should reflect a sensitivity to its
physical setting and natural scenic resources.
Implementation Measures
? ? Ensure that development occurring within the view corridors of the Route 101 and 23 Freeways
conform with the Freeway Corridor Design Guidelines ( Res. 91- 172).
? ? Ensure that development adjacent to designated scenic highways is consistent
with the Scenic Highways Element of the General Plan.
? ? Ensure that development proposed within defined gateway areas ( Res. 93- 152),
conforms with the City's planning policies and guidelines for City Gateways.
? ? Work toward the installation of landscaping within the Route 101 and Route 23
Freeway medians and parkways.
? ? Utilize the City's Protected Ridgeline Overlay zone, Open Space zone, Hillside
Planned Development zone and Grading Ordinance to protect the City's hillsides
and ridgelines.
? ? Continue to implement the City's Architectural Design Review Guidelines to
insure that the special scenic resources and identity of Thousand Oaks are retained
and enhanced.
B. Landform Features
The Conejo Valley, which encompasses most of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area, is
flanked by two major east- west trending mountain ranges - the Santa Monica Mountains
to the south and west and the Simi Hills to the north and east. Situated above the Oxnard
Plain and separated by the Conejo grade, this upland area generally ranges in elevation
from 600- 900 feet above sea level, with Conejo Peak, Simi Peak and the Mountclef
Ridge rising another 1,000- 1,600 feet above the valley floor.
Other significant landform features include numerous prominent knolls, hills, rocky
outcroppings and lower intervening ridgelines, and a system of deeply entrenched stream
channels and barrancas. From a topographic standpoint, most notable among these
features is the Conejo Canyons area through which the bulk of stormwater generated
within the watershed eventually flows. This area is characterized by very steep, rugged,
hillside and mountainous terrain that descends rapidly northward toward the Santa Rosa
Valley. Please refer to Figure 1.
An important goal of the City's General Plan is to " enhance and preserve the spaciousness
and attractiveness of the Conejo Valley in accommodating future development." Because
of this commitment, and with the strong support of the community, the City Council has
moved forward to enact and enforce a comprehensive set of local ordinances that have
served to limit the height of manufactured cut and fill slopes, encourage the clustering of
development in areas with less steeply sloping hillside terrain, and minimize significant
modifications to prominent ridgelines and other related landform features. In addition, the
Council has adopted specific policies recommended in the Conejo Canyons Study ( 1979),
with respect to the long term management and protection of the scenic qualities
associated with this unique landform feature.
In keeping with these adopted policies and regulations, the following natural landform
features have been classified in terms of their inherent suitability for development:
Flat Land: For the purpose of this Element, flat land is defined as land with a natural
slope less than 10 percent. Approximately 28 percent of the 60- square mile Planning
Area is classified as flat land. It is suited to many types of land uses ranging from the
most intensive urban uses to recreation and agriculture. Natural limitations on the
suitability of individual sites would be based upon soil characteristics such as shrink-swell
( expansion) potential, load- bearing ability, susceptibility to erosion and seismic
hazard. Such geologic problems potentially associated with construction on flat land can
be avoided or mitigated by proper geologic and soils investigation before development. A
more detailed examination of soils and geology in Thousand Oaks is included in the
Safety Element of the General Plan.
Moderately Sloping Hillsides: Moderately sloping hillsides are defined as land with
natural slope between 10% and 25%. They are suited to less intensive land development
patterns than those appropriate to flat land.
Steeply Sloping Hillsides: Land over 25% natural slope is classified as steeply sloping for
purposes of the General Plan. Approximately 42% of the Planning Area is so classified. It
is intrinsically suited to few urban uses, primarily for reasons of soil erosion control and
preservation of the aesthetic quality of the landforms. Drainage is also more rapid and the
role of ground cover in retaining the soil and slowing runoff is more critical. Landscaping
is more difficult to maintain on steep slopes. Open space, certain recreation facilities such
as trail systems, and very low density residential development are most appropriate for
steep hillside terrain.
Ridgelines: The natural ridgelines within the Planning Area are perceived by residents as
important assets worthy of preservation. This has been reaffirmed over time in
community attitude surveys, documented in the City's Ridgeline Study and embodied in
the Protected Ridgeline ( PR) Overlay Zone ordinance.
Policies
CO- 2 General Plan policies, zoning, development guidelines, architectural review
standards and other regulations are appropriate for controlling development on flat land.
CO- 3 The steeper the slope, the greater the proportion of the land that should remain in
an undisturbed, undeveloped state, as outlined in the City's Hillside Planned
Development ( HPD) Ordinance.
CO- 4 The most suitable forms of development for steeply sloping terrain are recreation
areas, open space and very low density residential which can be developed in natural
pockets of land less than 25 percent slope.
CO- 5 Hillside development criteria should promote high standards and encourage site
design, grading and architecture appropriate to hillside terrain.
CO- 6 There should be no grading in slopes over 25 percent natural grade and the
vertical height of manufactured slopes should be no higher than 25 feet.
Implementation Measures
? ? Properties located on ridgelines should be considered for application of the
Protected Ridgeline Overlay Zone.
? ? The City's Grading Ordinance provides standards for the height of manufactured
slopes and limitations on grading in areas of 25 percent natural grade.
? ? Properties located in areas greater than 10 percent slope should be considered for
HPD zoning, as provided in the HPD Ordinance.
Section II - Hydrology
C. Lakes and Lakeshores
There are two man- made lakes in Thousand Oaks - Westlake Lake, which is privately
owned and Lake Eleanor, which is owned by the Conejo Open Space Conservation
Agency ( COSCA). Lakes and their shores are suitable to a variety of uses, including
natural habitat, resource conservation, recreation, and appropriate residential, commercial
and institutional lakeshore development. The most important factors that determine the
suitability of a particular land use for a lakefront location are ( 1) the potential for water
pollution and ( 2) the effect of the land use upon the scenic amenity of the lake. Sufficient
building setbacks not only preserve significant landscape features and natural landforms
associated with lakes, but also serve to minimize indirect impacts to resident and
migratory wildlife that utilize these habitats.
In terms of controlling pollution, bio- filtration is a relatively new concept that utilizes
various types of herbaceous vegetation planted in shallow earthen- bottomed basins to
filter out contaminants normally found in urban runoff such as oil, grease, soap, fertilizers
and pesticides. Once these chemical substances become trapped, they naturally break
down over time into harmless organic compounds that actually stimulate plant growth
and increase their overall effectiveness. Since most of the pollution is carried by low flow
nuisance water, biofiltration systems would be beneficial if incorporated in the landscape
and drainage design of development projects that are tributary to both lakes.
Policies - General
CO- 7 Regulate development activities in the watershed areas of the two lakes, in order
to avoid or minimize pollution of the lakes.
Implementation Measure - General
? ? Low flow, bio- filtration basins, or other mitigation measures that are consistent
with the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES)
standards for new development, should be integrated in the design of all
industrial, commercial and residential projects that contribute runoff to either
Westlake Lake or Lake Eleanor.
Policies - Lake Eleanor
CO- 8 Continue to preserve access to the lake and its shoreline for migratory or resident
wildlife.
CO- 9 Preserve identified sensitive plant and animal communities, archaeological sites
and natural/ scenic features of Lake Eleanor, its shoreline and surrounding environment.
Implementation Measures - Lake Eleanor
? ? Future use of the lake and its surrounding environment should be primarily
oriented toward passive recreational use, such as hiking, picnicking, and nature
study.
? ? To retard siltation and extend the life of Lake Eleanor, a series of desiltation
basins should be constructed along the creekbed which feeds the lake from the
south.
? ? In the event that any modifications to Highway 23 ( Decker Canyon Road) are
proposed south of Potrero Road, the City should work with CalTrans to avoid any
significant impacts to Lake Eleanor.
D. Streams and Creeks
The Conejo Valley encompasses a drainage area of approximately 60 square miles. The
major drainage course within the Planning Area is the Arroyo Conejo, including its
principal tributary, the South Branch, which drains about 45 square miles, bounded by the
ridgelines of the Santa Monica Mountains to the south, Mountclef Ridge to the north,
Conejo Mountain to the west and the Simi Hills to the east. Several smaller streams,
including Wildwood Creek, Lang Creek, and Conejo Mountain Creek, are also tributary
to the Arroyo Conejo. The Arroyo Conejo flows to the Santa Rosa Valley northwest of
the Planning Area. From that point it continues across the Oxnard Plain via Conejo and
Calleguas Creeks, ultimately emptying into Mugu Lagoon at the edge of the Pacific
Ocean.
Two other watercourses, Lindero and Potrero Creek, drain approximately 15 square miles
of watershed in the southeastern quadrant of the Conejo Valley. These creeks are
tributary to Triunfo Creek and Malibu Creek, which empties into the Pacific Ocean about
nine miles south of the Planning Area. Please refer to Figure 1.
As the Planning Area has urbanized, many tributary drainages are retaining running water
for longer periods of time, due to the additional nuisance water ( e. g., irrigation) runoff.
Approximately 47% of the land area within the Thousand Oaks Planning Area has been
developed. Most of the stream drainages that traverse highly urbanized portions of the
community have been extensively modified. Although the City's General Plan has always
encouraged their preservation, many of these stream drainages are designated as " red-line"
channels and come under the jurisdiction of the Ventura County Flood Control
District that determines the appropriate design of any improvements needed to protect the
public's health and safety. In the past, such drainages were typically converted to
concrete- lined channels, and in other instances, large sections have been eliminated by
diverting runoff into underground storm drains. More recently, the application of state
and federal regulations that afford protection to riparian and wetland vegetation
commonly found in natural stream drainages has resulted in more environmentally
sensitive development projects, including restoration and revegetation wherever feasible.
Besides accommodating storm water runoff and serving to recharge groundwater
aquifers, streams and creeks also provide important foraging, nesting and breeding
habitats for wildlife. Not only do animals depend on streams and creeks for water that is
critical to their survival, but they often use them as " movement corridors" between
adjacent open space areas since they afford excellent cover. Correspondingly, the
biological diversity of the plant and animal communities that inhabit, or in some way
utilize, the Arroyo Conejo and its major tributaries is quite extensive. Notable among
these species is the southwestern pond turtle, which is classified by the State as a species
of " special concern" due to limited distribution within its historic range. Although loss of
habitat and pollution have been the principal causes attributed to its decline locally,
significant populations continue to thrive in the lower Arroyo Conejo, Wildwood Creek
and South Branch drainages.
Because of a combination of factors, including biological sensitivity and susceptibility to
erosion and flooding, streams and creeks are considered intrinsically unsuitable for, and
intolerant to, urban development, particularly where they occur in steep, narrow
barrancas.
Policies
CO- 10 Streams and creeks should be preserved as open space and maintained in as
natural a state as possible to protect the City's and other downstream communities' water
quality, wildlife diversity, native vegetation, and aesthetic value. This will contribute to
the regional effort to improve the quality of Calleguas Creek, Malibu Creek and Mugu
Lagoon.
CO- 11 Degraded sections of streams and creeks should be restored or enhanced as
opportunities arise and financial resources become available.
CO- 12 Major barrancas should be preserved in a natural state. Appropriate land uses
for these natural features include recreation trails and open space.
CO- 13 Use of concrete for flood control improvements in natural drainage courses
should occur only when no reasonable alternatives can be found that would maintain
natural hydrological and ecological functions.
Implementation Measures
? ? Residential projects competing for Development Allotments should be given
bonus points for preserving or restoring creeks and streams located on or off- site.
? ? All development projects should be reviewed to ensure preservation of streams
and creeks onsite, as long as there is no threat to public safety.
? ? All new developments shall comply with standards adopted by the City for
minimizing storm water pollution and siltation.
? ? Erosion and pollution from construction sites will be reduced as the City
implements NPDES standards for construction sites.
? ? Increase monitoring and enforcement of pollution standards for existing
commercial and industrial uses, pursuant to the countywide NPDES permit, to
reduce storm water pollution.
? ? Continue public outreach and education programs to help reduce stormwater
pollution.
E. Floodplains
Natural floodplains are generally intolerant to urban land uses. As a result, development
should be discouraged in these lowland areas that often contain significant wetland and
riparian habitats. Land uses that are not affected by flooding and do not impede runoff are
appropriate in floodplains. Such uses include parks, playfields, golf courses, hiking and
riding trails, and natural open space. Within the Thousand Oaks Planning Area, the
potential for flooding exists to a limited degree as the result of the encroachment of urban
development into the natural floodplains of portions of the South Branch Arroyo Conejo
and Lang Creeks. These flood prone areas are graphically depicted in a series of maps
prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA), which are kept on
file in the Public Works Department. The only entirely natural floodplain remaining
within the Planning Area is located adjacent to the lower Arroyo Conejo in the Hill
Canyons area. This area is designated as a golf course reserve by the applicable Specific
Plan ( Rancho Conejo). Please refer to Figure 1.
Policies
CO- 14 Protect remaining floodplains in order to help retain stormwater runoff from
tributary watersheds and reduce the potential for periodic flooding within downstream
reaches of the Arroyo Conejo and Calleguas Creek.
Implementation Measure
? ? Natural floodplains and any remaining areas within a 100- year flood zone should
be reserved for open space and limited recreational uses that are compatible with
public safety considerations.
F. Stormwater Retention and Debris Basins
Stormwater retention and debris basins are often constructed in natural drainages
channels and floodplains to effectively control runoff, reduce erosion and prevent
sedimentation further downstream, impacting the resources addressed in the two
immediately preceding sub- chapters.
In Thousand Oaks, several large basins already exist, or are proposed for construction on
the Arroyo Conejo, Conejo Mountain, Lindero, Lang and Potrero Creek drainages. As
urban development continues to occur, additional basins will likely be needed within
these same tributary watersheds, including a master stormwater retention facility located
somewhere in the lower Conejo Canyons area. Since the Ventura County Flood Control
District has jurisdiction over the design and approval of such structures, it is important
that the City work closely with this agency to minimize any potentially adverse
environmental impacts wherever possible. In some cases, opportunities also exist for
multi- use recreational activities where sufficient land area is available and conflicts with
wildlife can be avoided.
Policies
CO- 15 Every effort shall be made to design and construct stormwater retention and
debris basins to minimize any potentially adverse impacts to significant landform
features, aquatic resources, and associated native plant and animal communities.
CO- 16 Wherever appropriate, consideration shall also be given to allowing trailhead
access and other passive and active recreational uses, including playfields.
Implementation Measures
? ? Contour grading and landscaping with native plant species shall be utilized in
stormwater retention and debris basin design.
? ? Biologically significant plant and animal habitats should be preserved wherever
feasible.
? ? Where avoidance of mature specimen trees is not feasible, such trees should be
considered candidates for transplanting or replacement.
? ? Whenever such basins are located adjacent to or near natural open space,
unrestricted access by wildlife should be incorporated in the project design.
? ? All proposed stormwater retention and debris basin projects shall be reviewed by
the City, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Conejo Open Space
Conservation Agency in order to determine the potential for passive or active
recreational uses that could be incorporated in the overall design.
G. Water Supply, Reclamation and Conservation
Water Supply
Thousand Oaks is dependent upon imported water for most of its domestic, commercial
and industrial needs. Imported water is delivered to the City and other water purveyors by
the Calleguas Municipal Water District ( CMWD) from the Metropolitan Water District
of Southern California ( MWD). The three major water purveyors serving the Planning
Area are California- American Water Company, California Water Service Company, and
the City of Thousand Oaks Water Department.
Under normal water supply conditions, the MWD supplies water to the CMWD
according to demand. The MWD's future water system demand is based on a population
forecast provided by the Southern California Association of Governments ( SCAG) in its
Growth Management Plan, which incorporates local projections. The CMWD has a
capital improvement program to enhance system reliability for existing users and to
accommodate new growth. Through its capital improvement program, the CMWD is
committed to constructing local storage and additional importation and reclaimed water
facilities in an effort to drought- proof its service area and enhance the reliability of its
service area's water supply.
In a joint venture, the CMWD and the MWD are working on a large- scale importation
and subsurface water storage project in Ventura County, known as the " West Valley
Project," which would provide a measure of supply reliability for the entire CMWD
service area. This project involves construction of a second MWD supply pipeline to the
CMWD and storage of up to 300,000 acre feet of imported water in the North Las Posas
Groundwater Basin. When available, excess imported water would be injected into the
basin. Subsequently, if deliveries from the MWD are curtailed or interrupted by drought
or pipeline outages, the water could be recovered from the groundwater basin. As a
result, the West Valley Project would insulate the service area from future supply
problems by reducing the District's dependence upon imported state water.
The CMWD plans to develop this project over the next 10 years. To date, one aquifer
storage and recovery well has been installed and four others are currently being drilled.
Thirty wells are ultimately planned within the West Valley Project.
Water Reclamation
In addition, CMWD is pursuing the construction of reclaimed water projects on the
Oxnard Plain and in the Conejo and Simi Valleys. These ventures could ultimately yield
a substantial portion of the District's current annual deliveries. The recycled water will be
used primarily for irrigation purposes. As a result, an equivalent amount of potable water
will become available for domestic, commercial and industrial usage, reducing the need
to acquire additional imported potable water supplies.
One example is the Conejo Creek Diversion Project, a cooperative effort among the City
of Thousand Oaks, CMWD, Camrosa Water District, and Pleasant Valley County Water
District. It involves the diversion of reclaimed wastewater from the City's Hill Canyon
Wastewater Treatment Plant discharged into Conejo Creek. The diverted water would be
transferred to Camrosa and Pleasant Valley County Water District for irrigation of
farmland and other acceptable uses.
Water Conservation
The City has prepared a Water Conservation Plan, pursuant to State Legislation ( AB
797). The purpose of the plan, which is updated every five years, is to document past,
present and future water conservation efforts by the City. As a result, various water
conservation measures are being implemented:
( 1) The City created a staff position to help manage water resources by developing water
conservation programs.
( 2) The City has cooperated with the County of Ventura's Water Conservation Program,
creating a unified effort to address water supply problems in the County.
( 3) The City Council has adopted, ( a) Resolution 90- 159 calling for Citywide voluntary
water conservation, ( b) Ordinance 1087- NS for mandatory standby water conservation
measures that can be implemented during periods of water supply deficiencies, ( c)
Ordinance 1069- NS amending the Municipal Code requiring that water saving devices be
installed in all new developments and, ( d) Resolution 90- 20 establishing guidelines and
standards for landscape planting and irrigation plans for all new and remodeled
developments.
Policies
CO- 17 Continue to ensure the provision of water in quantities sufficient to satisfy
current and projected demand.
CO- 18 Continue to encourage water conservation measures in new and existing
developments.
CO- 19 Encourage the use of reclaimed water for irrigation purposes.
CO- 20 Continue to develop and utilize groundwater resources to reduce the Planning
Area's dependence upon imported water.
Implementation Measures
? ? Continue to implement and periodically update the City's Water Conservation
Plan that contains measures to reduce water use under normal and short term
deficiency conditions.
? ? Continue to implement the City's Landscape Review Criteria, which require the
use of low- maintenance, drought- tolerant landscaping in all public and private
developments.
? ? Apply standard water conservation conditions of approval to new developments.
? ? Encourage the use of pervious materials wherever paving is proposed, to promote
and facilitate groundwater recharge.
Section III - Biological Resources
H. Native Plant Communities
Naturally occurring assemblages of plants, called native plant communities, tend to grow
together as a response to several environmental factors such as soil type, slope, exposure
and availability of sub- surface moisture, etc. While each individual plant species has
unique requirements that account for its presence or absence within a general area,
considerable overlap in plant distribution often occurs due to the variability of
environmental factors and other related habitat conditions. As a result, these communities
sometimes merge along relatively indiscreet borders to form mosaic patterns of different
vegetation types and varying species composition.
In a very general sense, the Thousand Oaks Planning Area contains six native plant
communities which are representative of the larger Santa Monica Mountains region.
Refer to Biological Resources Map, Figure 2. These communities are briefly discussed
below. A complete flora of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area is provided in Appendix A.
Grasslands: Grasslands are characterized by low annual herbs such as black mustard,
wild oats and brome grass. In less disturbed areas native grasses, such as purple needle
grass, and native bulbs, such as Catalina mariposa lily, may become quite common. This
plant community is located primarily in heavy clay soils on gently rolling hills and
valleys throughout the Planning Area.
Grasslands have been subject to many man- made constraints and pressures including
competition from introduced non- native species, agricultural conversion and
urbanization. In areas where the grasslands have remained, this has resulted in the
replacement of the native bunch grasses with introduced non- native grasses. This
community is becoming increasingly scarce in Southern California.
Chaparral: Chaparral, which is probably the most characteristic vegetation type of
Southern California, is found mostly on steep slopes with shallow soils. This plant
community consists of a variety of stiff, woody shrubs and usually occurs at higher
elevation than the coastal sage scrub zone. Common chaparral plants include chamise,
several species of ceanothus, laurel sumac and mountain mahogany. It is located in the
foothills south of the Ventura Freeway and on north- facing slopes along the Mount Clef
Ridge, Conejo Canyons, and Simi Hills. It is known as a " fire climax" plant community
and has adapted to California's regime of periodic wild fires. Chaparral shrubs provide
cover for large animals, serve as a major component in the diet of the mule deer, and
produce seeds for birds and small mammals.
Coastal Sage Scrub: Along with chaparral, this is the most widespread plant community
within undeveloped areas of the Planning Area. It is comprised of small semi- woody
shrubs and is sometimes called " soft chaparral" due to the flexibility of the leaves and
stems. Typical coastal sage scrub plants include California sagebrush, California
sunflower, California buckwheat and purple sage. The coastal sage scrub community is
usually found below 1000 feet where it is present as a band surrounding higher mountains
below and often inter- grading with chaparral. Three forms of this plant community occur
locally - " inland," " sea- bluff succulent," and " maritime." The inland form is by far the
most abundant within the Planning Area and is often called inland sage scrub. The
maritime form is present along the Conejo Grade and on south- facing slopes of the
Broome Ranch. Like chaparral, coastal sage scrub requires periodic fires or it becomes
senescent.
The cumulative loss of coastal sage scrub habitat throughout the state has been the focus
of considerable concern among biologists. Many of Thousand Oaks' rarest endemic
plants are found within this plant community.
Oak Woodland/ Oak Savannah: Oak woodland communities occur in canyon bottoms and
north- facing hillsides, often as a fairly dense growth of coast live oak with associated
species such as poison oak and toyon. Valley oak, on the other hand, usually forms a
savannah comprising large widely- spaced trees separated by extensive grasslands. This
plant community is present within the Planning Area but in its undisturbed form is
limited to small geographical areas. Oak woodlands and savannahs support a wide variety
of bird and animal species wherever they occur.
Oak woodlands and savannahs primarily occur in gently rolling foothills and valleys. As
a result, urbanization of these areas throughout Southern California has resulted in
decline in the range of this once wide- spread plant community. For example, most of the
Conejo Valley was once an extensive oak savannah. While the City's Oak Tree
Ordinance has enabled many of these historic oaks to be preserved as development took
place, the only remaining examples of this natural landscape are within public open
space.
Riparian: This plant community is restricted for the most part to perennial streams or
springs where there is moisture at or near the surface much of the year. In valleys and
canyons where Riparian vegetation naturally occurs, this plant community provides
important habitat for wildlife, yet it is diminishing throughout the Santa Monica
Mountains region and comprises less than three percent of the Planning Area's remaining
natural open space. In Southern California, the majority of remaining riparian woodlands
are largely confined to remote inaccessible areas. Urban development and associated
flood control projects have been the principal causes for its loss both locally and
regionally.
Within the Planning Area, riparian plant communities occur in two general forms:
riparian woodland and herbaceous riparian. Riparian woodland consists of an overstory
of large deciduous trees such as white alder, California sycamore and Fremont
cottonwood with an understory of shrubs such as California wild rose and mule fat.
Herbaceous riparian comprises a dense growth of low perennial plants such as iris- leaved
rush, sedges and California loosestrife.
Freshwater Marsh: Perhaps the most restricted plant community in the Planning Area,
freshwater marsh comprises an accumulation of herbaceous perennial plants generally
found wherever water ponds. The best example of freshwater marsh is found along the
margins of Lake Eleanor, but it also occurs along slowly moving portions of streams and
in the vicinity of livestock ponds. Common plants include cattails, tules and water
plantain. Adding to their overall importance, freshwater marshes are utilized as breeding
and foraging areas by waterfowl such as cinnamon teal and wading birds such as great
blue heron.
I. Wildlife Resources
A variety of resident and migratory wildlife species that are representative of the Santa
Monica Mountains region can be found within natural open space areas that have been
permanently preserved, as well as remaining undeveloped portions areas. Not only are
key habitat resources such as food, cover, and water plentiful throughout these areas on a
year- round basis, but rocky outcrops, high peaks, steep hillside and canyon areas
combine to provide important undisturbed nesting and breeding opportunities for
wildlife. Along with an extensive network of movement corridors that serves to prevent
habitat isolation and maintain unrestricted access to these resources, both the diversity
and quality of this ecosystem are relatively high.
Examples of the range of wildlife found within the Thousand Oaks area are discussed
below. A complete list of wildlife species known to inhabit, or otherwise make use of
available habitats located within the Planning Area is included in Appendices B through
D.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Reptiles occur throughout natural open space areas and
commonly include side- blotched lizards, southern alligator lizards and western fence
lizards. A variety of snakes are also present, including gopher snakes, striped racers,
Southern Pacific rattlesnakes, common king snakes, ringneck snakes, and western aquatic
garter snakes. The southwestern pond turtle, which is actually a reptile and not an
amphibian, is a State- listed " species of special concern" and can be found in the Arroyo
Conejo and its major tributary drainages. See Appendix B for a list of the reptiles and
amphibians of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area.
Several species of amphibians are present in the cool, moist habitats afforded by
woodlands and riparian communities. Amphibians expected to occur include slender
salamanders, ensatina salamanders, western toads, and Pacific tree frogs. Toads and tree
frogs utilize temporary pond and stream habitats for breeding, and do not require much
water for the rest of the year. Fully aquatic forms such as the bullfrog are present along
perennial streams and ponds. Another State- listed " species of special concern," the red-
legged frog, may also be present in riparian areas, but has not been found in recent
surveys.
Birds: The great diversity of bird species found within Thousand Oaks reflects the variety
of habitat types available to resident and migratory populations. Local survey records
have identified a total of 171 bird species here. These species include breeding birds that
nest here but migrate to warmer climates during the winter months, resident species that
are present year- round, and migrants that are here only during the fall and winter. Among
the most commonly encountered birds within urbanized portions of the City are house
sparrows, house finches and Brewer's blackbirds, while several species of warblers,
California and rufous- sided towhees, plain titmice, acorn woodpeckers, California quail
and red- tailed hawks are more typical of natural open space areas.
Particularly noteworthy are the seventeen ( 17) species of raptors, or " birds of prey" which
can be found here. The following species are known to nest and breed locally: Cooper's
hawk, American kestrel, prairie falcon, red- tailed hawk, red- shouldered hawk, golden
eagle, great horned owl, barn owl and white- tailed kite. Other raptors that range through
the area or become more numerous in the winter months include the turkey vulture,
northern harrier, sharp- shinned hawk, ferruginous hawk, merlin, and screech owl. As a
whole, raptor population densities within the Santa Monica Mountains region, which
includes the Conejo Valley, are considered to be some of the highest in the country. See
Appendix C for a list of birds of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area.
Mammals: Mammals that have either been observed or are expected to occur locally
include species ranging from small ground dwelling rodents to large carnivores. Resident
populations of small to medium- sized mammals such as deer mouse, Pacific kangaroo
rat, Audubon cottontail, long- tailed weasel, striped skunk, and raccoon are frequently
encountered in and around urban areas, as well as open space. Larger mammals including
coyote, grey fox, bobcat, and mule deer are also common inhabitants, but tend to be more
restricted in their distribution and primarily occupy larger natural undisturbed habitats.
Although locally uncommon, mountain lions are known to have very large territories that
include the Santa Susana Mountains, Simi Hills and Santa Monica Mountains and are
occasionally seen by hikers or residents bordering the open space system. See Appendix
D for a list of mammals of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area.
Policies
CO- 21 The City shall encourage the proper management, conservation and protection of
native plant communities throughout the City's Planning Area, including developed areas
and remaining undeveloped open space lands.
CO- 22 Consumptive land uses or practices ( e. g., off- road vehicle use, hunting, trapping)
that are incompatible with the long- term survival and viability of resident and migratory
wildlife populations shall be discouraged.
CO- 23 Critical wildlife habitat resources such as movement corridors, surface water
impoundments, streams and springs should be given special consideration for
preservation, restoration or enhancement, in order to maintain the biological
productivity and ecological integrity of natural open space areas.
CO- 24 In order to reduce the potential for devastating wildfires and the resulting
damage they cause to both natural ecosystems and urban environments, appropriate fuel
management and prescribed burning programs should be conducted on a selective basis,
including the periodic monitoring of any potentially adverse effects on animal habitats
and air quality.
Implementation Measures
? ? The City should support local and regional conservation projects that will have
beneficial effects on vegetation and wildlife including the restoration and
enhancement of critical habitat resources that have either been degraded or
disturbed.
? ? As part of the environmental review process, continue to review the impact of
proposed developments, both within the Planning Area and regionally, on
vegetation and wildlife.
? ? The Ventura County Fire Protection District should work cooperatively with the
City to identify and implement necessary fuel management and prescribed burn
programs.
J. Wildlife Movement Corridors
It is essential that natural open space not only be preserved and protected, but that these
areas are linked together in a way that maintains biodiversity and prevents the loss of
sensitive animal species. Commonly called wildlife " movement corridors," such linkages
are generally described as routes or paths that can be utilized by animals to gain access to
critical foraging, nesting and breeding habitats that are necessary for their survival. As
urbanization within the Conejo Valley and nearby communities continues to cause the
isolation and fragmentation of habitat, both on a regional and local scale, the need to plan
for, and accommodate, a viable network of movement corridors becomes increasingly
important.
From a regional standpoint, the most important corridors are those linking the Santa
Monica Mountains, Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains.
Approximately 13,000 acres ( 34% of the land area) of natural open space is expected to
be preserved within the Planning Area, and an additional 1,300 acres is expected upon
full buildout of the Planning Area. Except for a few remaining key parcels of land, most
of the urbanized area is surrounded by an extensive inter- connected ring of natural open
space that accommodates the unrestricted movements of wildlife. Please refer to
Biological Resources Map, Figure 2.
According to a recent report prepared for the Nature Conservancy, however, the U. S. 101
and State Route 23 Freeways are the major barriers to regional wildlife movements
between the Santa Susana Mountains, Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Policies
CO- 25 Isolation and fragmentation of natural open space areas should be prevented
wherever possible.
CO- 26 Since natural stream drainages often serve as important movement corridors for
wildlife, they should be preserved wherever it is feasible to do so.
CO- 27 Urban land uses adjoining natural open space areas should be designed in a
manner that is sensitive to the needs of wildlife and avoids or minimizes any potentially
adverse impacts to movement corridors.
Implementation Measures
? ? Acquire additional land identified by the Open Space Element of the General
Plan, in order to complete vital habitat linkages and provide access by wildlife to
these resources.
? ? Continue to cooperate with and assist other public agencies, the Nature
Conservancy, and other interested parties to help solve the regional problem of
habitat isolation and fragmentation caused by the U. S. 101 and State Route 23
Freeways.
K. Oak and Landmark Trees
Trees provide many benefits to our community. Not only do they provide abundant
shade, lower temperatures and filter the air we breathe, but they significantly enhance and
beautify the urban landscape. In an open space setting they also provide valuable arboreal
habitat for numerous bird species including hawks and owls, all of which increases both
the diversity and quality of the natural environment.
Although early explorers noted that one could look across miles of oak studded inland
coastal valleys that seemed to have been planted by some master gardener, urbanization
of these desirable, easily developable, lowlands and foothills has resulted in major
impacts to oak trees. As an example, the majestic Valley Oak, which once commonly
existed as very large specimen trees throughout the rolling grasslands of Southern
California, is now considered to be threatened within this portion of its range.
Oak trees have long been recognized for their historic and cultural significance to the
Conejo Valley, and literally thousands of oak trees have been successfully planted locally
since the City's incorporation in 1964. In addition, a comprehensive ordinance regulating
the removal and development around oaks was also enacted by the City Council early on,
in order to ensure protection of these valuable natural resources as the City developed.
Oak Trees
Valley Oak ( Quercus lobata): The valley oak is considered the monarch of California
oaks. It is the largest and usually lives longest attaining heights of over one hundred feet
and can live 400- 600 years. The valley oak is characterized by the deeply- lobed, large,
gray- green leaves, with the distinctive shape usually associated with oaks. This oak is
winter deciduous, which means it sheds its leaves in the fall and comes out in the spring
with bright green new leaves. The trunk is dark and coarse. The valley oak, as its name
implies, grows naturally in valleys where the soil is deep and rich, shading the
undergrowth and creating the oak savannah.
Coast Live Oak ( Quercus agrifolia): Coast live oaks are the most prevalent oak along
the California coast and in coastal valleys, from Mendocino to Baja. These trees, with
their dense evergreen canopy, grow in almost all conditions, from moist streamside to dry
hillside. The leaves are small and dark green, and the trunk is smooth and gray. Although
they generally do not live as long as valley oaks, they commonly exceed 250 years in age
and range from 40- 60 feet in height. Due to its adaptability and hardiness, the coast live
oak is grown by nurseries for use in the landscape and is a major factor in reforestation,
especially in Thousand Oaks.
Scrub Oak ( Quercus dumosa): Despite its name, the scrub oak is an attractive many-trunked
tree growing primarily in the chaparral or woodland hillside plant community.
The leaves of the scrub oak are small, green and usually spiny. Trees grow 6- 15 feet in
height and as wide as they are tall. Characterized by a shrub- like appearance, the dense
growth habit of this plant make it excellent for erosion control and wildlife habitat.
Although protected by law, scrub oaks are often removed for fire clearance. Fire
Protection District regulations allow for selective removal of chaparral plants between
oaks resulting in preservation of most of the scrub oaks.
Landmark Trees
In addition to the various species of oak tree for which the Planning Area is noted,
several other types of native trees are valued as symbolic of the City's heritage, beauty,
and image. These other trees include:
California Sycamore ( Platanus racemosa): California Sycamore, also called
" buttonwood", is a large, strikingly beautiful tree which predominantly occurs in small
groupings in open areas and canyons adjacent to stream channels. Because of this
association, they often intergrade with other riparian trees such as willow, cottonwood
and white alder. Sycamores typically range from 40- 60 feet in height with short thick
trunks and equally large irregular spreading branches. The deeply cleft leaves are 5- 11
inches long and are wide, minutely hairy, and are a light- yellow green. Following
pollination, flowers develop into round bristly fruit heads that are brown in color and are
shed along with the leaves in late fall.
California bay laurel ( Umbellularia californica): California bay laurel is an evergreen
tree which locally occurs in moist shady canyons and barrancas of the Arroyo Conejo
Creek and its tributary drainages. Often found in association with other riparian trees, bay
laurels generally vary from 35- 60 feet in height and are characterized by straight narrow
trunks with wide, rounded, densely foliated canopies. Leaves are shiny, smooth, deep
yellow- green, approximately 3- 6 inches long. As a rule, the leaves persist on the branches
for two seasons or more, after which they are shed allowing for new growth.
California black walnut ( Juglans californica): The California black walnut is a small
multi- trunked tree which occurs sporadically in coastal sage scrub, riparian woodland and
southern oak woodland. The tree has long leaves which are divided into leaflets and
smooth ashy white bark which becomes blackish brown and deeply furrowed with age.
Black walnut trees are considered to be short- lived and generally do not exceed 150 years
in age and range from 12 to 30 feet in height. The small, hard- shelled nuts are an
important food source for wildlife and were utilized as food and gaming pieces by the
Chumash people. Walnut trees brighten up the Conejo Valley when their leaves turn a
beautiful golden yellow before they drop in the autumn.
California holly ( toyon) ( Heteromeles arbutifolia): Actually a large evergreen shrub,
toyon is famous for its bright red berries. Its supposed similarity to English holly has
earned it the common name of California holly and its prevalence in the area gave the
town Hollywood its name. It grows throughout California in chaparral and southern oak
woodland. Although usually about 15 feet in height, exceptional specimens will reach 25
feet in height. Toyon is available in the horticultural trade and is valuable as a screen,
bank planting or for erosion control.
Policy
CO- 28 Continue to protect oak and other landmark trees in recognition of their historic,
aesthetic and environmental value to the citizens of Thousand Oaks.
Implementation Measures
? ? To ensure protection of oak trees, continue to implement the City's Oak Tree
Ordinance ( Section 5- 14.01 et. seq. of the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code) and
Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines ( Res. 87- 93).
? ? Continue to implement the City's Landmark Tree Ordinance ( Section 5- 24.01 et.
seq. of the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code).
? ? Where certain species of declining oaks are scheduled for removal, every effort
should be made to replace with like trees when possible. In order to offset the
continuing decline of Valley Oaks within southern California, the City shall
increase the planting ratio of these trees wherever it is determined to be feasible.
L. Wetland and Riparian Areas
The word " riparian" means streamside and refers to the vegetation that grows along the
edges of freshwater bodies such as streams, ponds and lakes. Riparian zones are typically
characterized by moisture- dependent vegetation such as willows, cottonwoods and mule
fat. Typically, riparian woodland comprises an overstory of large trees and an understory
of shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Other types of riparian habitats may consist entirely
of herbaceous perennials such as sedges and rushes and lack trees and shrubs.
In Thousand Oaks, larger perennial streams such as the Arroyo Conejo, Lang Creek and
Lindero Creek support good examples of Riparian Woodland. Smaller tributaries within
these watersheds normally contain running water only part of the year and consequently
are called intermittent streams. However, even these intermittent streams often retain
significant soil moisture and may support riparian vegetation.
Wetland is a more inclusive term than riparian and refers to a vegetated zone that is
seasonally or continuously submerged or has more saturated soil conditions. In Thousand
Oaks, wetlands may have both riparian and aquatic components and principally occur
along larger streams such as the Arroyo Conejo and bodies of water such as Lake
Eleanor.
Wetlands and riparian areas constitute an extremely valuable natural resource. They
represent essential breeding and foraging habitat for many of the migratory and resident
wildlife species found within the Planning Area. Although wetland areas account for only
six percent of California's land area, they provide habitat for more than one- third of the
State's endangered species. Wetlands and riparian areas support unique plant
communities, several of which have been designated as declining throughout the State by
the Natural Diversity Data Base. Beyond providing floodwater retention, groundwater
recharge, erosion control and water purification, they also provide attractive areas for
passive recreation such as hiking, photography and nature study.
Policies
CO- 29 Preserve wetlands and associated wetland buffers as open space and maintain
these areas in a natural state to protect the community's water quality, wildlife diversity
and aesthetic value.
CO- 30 Encourage the restoration and enhancement of degraded wetland and riparian
habitats in order to preserve and protect native plant and animal species, increase
biological diversity and productivity, and maintain permanent access for wildlife to
surrounding open space.
Implementation Measures
? ? Coordinate with appropriate local, state and federal agencies that protect and
preserve wetland resources when designing and reviewing developments that may
impact a wetland.
? ? Educate the public about the importance of keeping pollutants and toxic
chemicals out of storm drains that ultimately end up in wetlands.
M. Rare, Threatened or Endangered Species
These are plant and animal species that are considered by State, Federal, or private
agencies to exhibit unique biological significance, limited distribution, restricted habitat
requirements, particular susceptibility to human disturbance, or a combination of these
factors. Both State and Federal government agencies have developed a rating system to
designate the status of sensitive species. These designations, in increasing order of
sensitivity, are: " candidate"; " rare"; " threatened"; and " endangered." Official designation
of a species in one of these categories affords these species an additional level of
protection trying to preserve their existence.
The California Department of Fish and Game ( CDFG) has also developed a listing of
" species of special concern." Although this designation does not provide additional legal
protection, it does indicate concern for the status of species that are experiencing a
statewide decline. The known distribution of sensitive plant and animal species is
recorded by the CDFG in the Natural Diversity Data Base. In addition to this key
information, the CDFG has developed a similar system called the Wildlife Habitat
Relationship Data Base to determine the potential for species occurrence based on habitat
types.
In addition, the California Native Plant Society ( CNPS) maintains an inventory of rare
and endangered plants based on information provided by amateur and professional
botanists throughout the state. This is the most comprehensive list in existence and it is
considered to be authoritative by State and Federal Agencies. CNPS has created four lists
in an effort to categorize degrees of concern. Only two of the CNPS lists ( List 1B and
List 4) are pertinent to this Element of the General Plan.
The plants included in List 1B are rare and endangered throughout their range, are
restricted to California and are eligible for State listing. List 4 is a watch list of plants of
limited distribution which, although not rare at present, are uncommon enough that they
should be monitored regularly.
Rare, Threatened or Endangered Plants
Several plant species considered to be either threatened, rare or endangered, by the U. S.
Fish and Wildlife Service ( FWS), the California Department of Fish and Game ( CDFG)
and the California Native Plant Society ( CNPS) occur within the Thousand Oaks
Planning Area. Most of these species are protected within the open space system,
however, several of them also occur on private land where they are susceptible to
disturbance. These species are listed below:
Braunton's milk- vetch ( Astragalus brauntonii) is a short- lived perennial shrub with lilac
flowers. In Thousand Oaks it is associated with sedimentary soils in the North Ranch
Open Space, in the vicinity of the Simi Hills. It is listed by CNPS as rare and endangered
and is proposed for listing as endangered by the Federal government.
Catalina mariposa lily ( Calochortus catalinae) is on the CNPS Watch List. This plant is
restricted to heavy soils in grassland throughout the Conejo Valley and is threatened by
habitat loss due to urbanization.
Plummer's mariposa lily ( Calochortus plummerae) is an attractive pink and yellow lily
that grows in inland sage scrub. In Thousand Oaks, it has only been found in the Los
Robles Open Space but it may occur in similar habitat in other areas of the City.
Plummer's mariposa lily is listed as rare and endangered by CNPS.
Island mountain mahogany ( Cercocarpus betuloides var. blancheae) has larger leaves
than the typical mainland form of this shrub. It is found sparingly in open space south of
the Ventura Freeway and is on the CNPS Watch List.
Dune larkspur ( Delphinium parryii ssp. blochmaniae) is a rare white- flowered larkspur
which grows in sparse grassland. The only known Conejo Valley location for this plant is
in the Lake Eleanor Open Space but it may occur in other parts of the Planning Area as
well. Dune larkspur is listed as rare and endangered by CNPS.
Conejo dudleya ( Dudleya abramsii ssp. parva) is a small yellow- flowered succulent
which is restricted to north- facing volcanic slopes within the Conejo Valley. It is most
common in the vicinity of Mount Clef Ridge. Conejo dudleya is listed as rare and
endangered by CNPS and is proposed for listing as threatened by the Federal
Government.
Blochman's dudleya ( Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae) is a small white-flowered
succulent which grows on rocky slopes with sparse vegetation. Although its
overall distribution is greater than the previous species, it is more restricted in the Conejo
Valley and is limited to open space on the western side of the Planning Area. Blochman's
dudleya is listed by CNPS as rare and endangered.
Santa Monica Mountains dudleya ( Dudleya cymosa ssp. ovatifolia) is a small succulent
with bright yellow flowers which grows on north facing volcanic cliffs. It is closely
related to a similar species that grows in the vicinity of Agoura Hills. Within the Conejo
Valley it is restricted to the Lake Eleanor Open Space. Santa Monica Mountains dudleya
is listed as rare and endangered by CNPS and is proposed for listing as threatened by the
Federal Government.
Conejo buckwheat ( Eriogonum crocatum) is a distinctive yellow flowered shrub with
white woolly leaves. It is found on steep north- facing volcanic slopes throughout the
Conejo Valley and the western side of Conejo Mountain, but nowhere else on earth. By
virtue of its restricted distribution, the City Council has designated it as the official City
flower. This species is listed as rare by the State Government and rare and endangered by
CNPS.
Santa Susana tarplant ( Hemizonia minthornii) is a yellow flowered shrub which grows
on sandstone bluffs and rocks in the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains. Its
occurrence in Thousand Oaks is limited to several small populations in the North Ranch
Open Space. Santa Susana tarplant is listed as rare by the State Government and rare and
endangered by CNPS.
Southern California black walnut ( Juglans californica var. californica) is found
scattered throughout the Conejo Valley in inland sage scrub and oak woodlands.
Although relatively common locally, with outstanding examples in the North Ranch
Open Space, this small tree has been added to the CNPS Watch List because of its rapid
disappearance due to urbanization further south.
Pitcher sage ( Lepechinia fragrans) occurs widely scattered throughout the chaparral in
the Santa Monica Mountains. Found in open space areas south of the freeway, this plant
is on the CNPS Watch List because of its limited distribution.
Lyon's Pentachaeta ( Pentachaeta lyonii) is a small yellow- flowered member of the
sunflower family which is limited to approximately a dozen populations in and around
the City of Thousand Oaks. It usually inhabits sparsely vegetated grasslands in
association with Conejo volcanic soils, but is absent from large areas of seemingly
suitable habitat. Large populations of this plant are protected within Wildwood Park and
the Lake Eleanor Open Space. Lyon's Pentachaeta is listed by the State as endangered, is
proposed for listing as endangered by the Federal Government and is listed as rare and
endangered by CNPS.
Chaparral beargrass ( Nolina cismontana [ N. parryi]) has been recently segregated
from its more common relative, Parry's beargrass. The Conejo Valley distribution of this
plant is limited to the Simi Hills area where it is found in colonial populations from the
North Ranch Open Space to the vicinity of Medea Creek in Oak Park. It is listed as rare
and endangered by CNPS.
Figure 2 shows the principal locations of rare and endangered plant populations, as
described below.
Rare and Endangered Plants Legend for Figure 2
( 1) Plummer's mariposa lily ( Calochortus plummerae).
( 2) Blochman's dudleya ( Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae).
( 3) late- flowered mariposa lily ( Calochortus weedii var. vestus); Blochman's dudleya
( Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae); Conejo buckwheat ( Eriogonum crocatum).
( 4) Conejo dudleya ( Dudleya abramsii ssp. parva); Blochman's dudleya ( Dudleya
blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae); Lyon's pentachaeta ( Pentachaeta lyonii).
( 5) Conejo dudleya ( Dudleya abramsii ssp. parva); Conejo buckwheat ( Eriogonum
crocatum); Lyon's pentachaeta ( Pentachaeta lyonii).
( 6) Lyon's pentachaeta ( Pentachaeta lyonii).
( 7) Conejo dudleya ( Dudleya abramsii ssp. parva).
( 8) Conejo dudleya ( Dudleya abramsii ssp. parva); Lyon's pentachaeta ( Pentachaeta
lyonii).
( 9) Conejo dudleya ( Dudleya abramsii ssp. parva); Lyon's pentachaeta ( Pentachaeta
lyonii).
( 10) Conejo dudleya ( Dudleya abramsii ssp. parva).
( 11) Braunton's milkvetch ( Astragalus brauntonii); dune larkspur ( Delphinium parryi
ssp. blochmaniae); Santa Susana tarplant ( Hemizonia minthornii); chaparral beargrass
( Nolina cismontana).
( 12) Braunton's milkvetch ( Astragalus brauntonii).
( 13) Braunton's milkvetch ( Astragalus brauntonii).
( 14) Braunton's milkvetch ( Astragalus brauntonii).
( 15) Santa Monica Mountains dudleya ( Dudleya cymosa ssp. ovatifolia); Lyon's
pentachaeta ( Pentachaeta lyonii).
( 16) dune larkspur ( Delphinium parryi ssp. blochmaniae); Santa Monica Mountains
dudleya ( Dudleya cymosa ssp. ovatifolia); Conejo buckwheat ( Eriogonum crocatum);
Lyon's pentachaeta ( Pentachaeta lyonii).
( 17) Lyon's pentachaeta ( Pentachaeta lyonii).
Rare and Endangered Animal Species
There is only one officially designated rare or endangered animal species which occurs
with any regularity within the Conejo Valley.
American peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ssp. anatum) The peregrine falcon is
primarily a rare fall transient and winter visitant within the Conejo Valley, although the
nearby Santa Monica Mountains provide suitable remote cliffs for nesting. During the
1970' s the population of this raptor in California had dropped to about 10 known
breeding pairs. Today, as a result of the banning of DDT and intensive recovery efforts,
there are in excess of 100 breeding pairs in the State. Loss of habitat, the harmful effects
of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides and capture of wild birds for falconry have all
contributed to the decline of this species in the region. The American peregrine falcon is
designated as endangered by both the State and Federal governments.
Sensitive Animal Species
Several sensitive animal species are known to occur within the Planning Area. These are
listed as " species of special concern" by the Department of Fish and Game or are
candidates for Federal listing. It should be noted that all migratory birds occurring in the
United States, including all eagles, hawks and owls are protected by Federal laws. In
addition, the golden eagle has legally " fully protected" status under Section 3511 of the
State Fish and Game Code. The golden eagle is also protected under the Federal Bald
Eagle Act. Status codes are listed below:
CT - State- listed Threatened - Likely to become endangered in the future in the absence
of special protection and management.
CP - State Fully Protected - Enacted on a species- by- species basis by the state legislature
prior to the adoption of the California Endangered Species Act of 1984.
F1 - Federal Candidate Category 1 - Taxa for which information in the possession of the
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sufficient to support a proposal to list the species as
Endangered or Threatened.
F2 - Federal Candidate Category 2 - Taxa for which information in the possession of the
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that proposing to list as threatened or
endangered is possibly appropriate, but for which threat and/ or distribution data are
insufficient to support Federal listing.
CSC - California Species of Special Concern - Animals whose breeding populations in
California have declined to the point that they may face extirpation without proper
management and recognition in planning.
Santa Monica Mountains hairstreak ( Satyrium auretorum ssp. fumosum) ( F2) This
recently described subspecies of a more widespread butterfly is apparently limited in
distribution to the northern slopes and plateaus of the western Santa Monica Mountains.
Within the Planning Area, it is limited to the open space in the vicinity of Lake Eleanor
where the larvae feed on coast live oak. Because of its limited distribution, it is a
Category 2 Federal Candidate.
Southwestern pond turtle ( Clemmys marmorata ssp. pallida) ( F1) The southwestern
pond turtle is found in the Arroyo Conejo and its perennial tributaries. This thoroughly
aquatic turtle requires dense aquatic vegetation and may be seen basking on logs and mud
banks. Populations of this species have undergone significant declines due to
urbanization and flood control activities and, consequently, it is a Category 1 Federal
Candidate.
Coast horned lizard ( Phrynosoma coronatum ssp. frontale) ( F2, CSC) This species is
relatively common in the Open Space System wherever its habitat requirements of loose,
sandy soil, open areas for sunning and a good supply of its favorite food, harvester ants,
are to be found. Within the Planning Area, it is encountered principally in coastal sage
scrub and chaparral. It is considered a " species of special concern" by CDFG because it
has been reduced in numbers due to destruction of habitat and displacement of native
harvester ants by introduced Argentine ants.
Silvery legless lizard ( Anniella pulchra pulchra) ( CSC) The silvery legless lizard is
found in coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands and chaparral. In general, the species requires
moist alluvial soils with plenty of surface litter and does not occur in heavy clay soil. It is
considered a State " species of special concern" because it has been reduced in numbers
due to habitat destruction.
( Coastal) Western whiptail ( Cnemidophorus tigris ssp. multiscutatus) ( F2) Within
Thousand Oaks, this species is infrequently encountered in chaparral and coastal sage
scrub. The coastal race of the western whiptail is considered uncommon over most of its
range and consequently it is a Category 2 Federal Candidate.
San Bernardino ringneck snake ( Diadophis punctatus ssp. modestus) ( F2) The
ringneck snake is usually encountered in Oak or Riparian Woodland where it hides under
rocks and logs. Recent status reports indicate that the species is common but declining in
the Santa Monica Mountains and it has been designated a Category 2 Federal Candidate.
Coast patchnose snake ( Salvadora hexalepis ssp. virgultea) ( F2) The patchnose snake is
widely distributed, but uncommon, throughout California in predominately arid habitats.
It has not been confirmed within the Planning Area but there is suitable habitat in
chaparral and canyon bottoms. It has been designated a Category 2 Federal Candidate.
Cooper's hawk ( Accipiter cooperi) ( CSC) The Cooper's hawk is an uncommon year-round
resident and fairly common fall transient. It has nested in the Los Robles Open
Space and is most often encountered in riparian and oak woodland. Reductions of
breeding populations over the last several decades have resulted in its status as a " species
of special concern".
Sharp- shinned hawk ( Accipiter striatus) ( CSC) The sharp- shinned hawk is a common
fall transient and fairly common winter visitor in chaparral, oak and riparian woodlands
in both open space and suburban areas of the Planning Area. Reductions of breeding
populations have resulted in its status as a " species of special concern".
Golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos) ( CP, CSC) While probably not breeding within the
Planning Area, the golden eagle typically forages in grasslands, chaparral and woodlands
and is an uncommon resident of the Santa Monica Mountains. This large raptor is a fully
protected species and has also been designated a " species of special concern".
Northern harrier ( Circus cyaneus) ( CSC) The northern harrier is a fairly common
winter visitor to the area and is usually observed over grasslands and open fields. It has
been designated a " species of special concern" because of reductions in the numbers of
nesting populations.
Black- shouldered kite ( Elanus caerulea) ( CP) The black- shouldered kite is an
uncommon year round resident which frequents open grasslands with scattered trees for
perching. This species has undergone major population fluctuations with very low
population levels in the earlier part of this century to a peak in the early and mid 1970' s.
At this point, populations seem to be declining somewhat. This graceful raptor is a fully
protected species.
Prairie falcon ( Falco mexicanus) ( CSC) This powerful raptor of open country is a rare
winter and casual summer visitor to the Thousand Oaks area. Nesting has been recorded
on rocky cliffs in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains and there is suitable potential
nesting habitat within the open space system. Recent population declines on the coastal
slope have resulted in the prairie falcon being designated a " species of special concern".
Merlin ( Falco columbarius) ( CSC) This small falcon is an uncommon fall transient and
rare winter visitor which frequents open woodlands and riparian areas. In the Conejo
Valley, merlins are seen occasionally in the winter or as transients in migration. Because
of its uncommon status, the merlin has been designated a State " species of special
concern".
Burrowing owl ( Athene cunicularia) ( CSC) The burrowing owl is a rare resident in
grassland and coastal sage scrub where it utilizes ground squirrel burrows. Although
there are several recent records within the open space system, these birds were probably
in migration and it is doubtful that they breed in the Planning Area. Because of their
scarce and decreasing status in coastal areas of California, the burrowing owl has been
designated a " species of special concern".
San Diego ( coastal) cactus wren ( Campylorhynchus brunneicappillus ssp.
sandiegoense) ( F2, CSC) Although cactus wrens are common in the desert, the coastal
race of this bird is extremely localized and declining. Within the Planning Area, it is a
resident of coastal sage scrub and grassland where extensive patches of prickly pear and
coast cholla cacti provide suitable habitat. Because of its limited distribution in coastal
areas, the coastal race of the cactus wren has been designated a " species of special
concern" as well as a Category 2 Federal Candidate.
Loggerhead shrike ( Lanius ludovicianus) ( F2, CSC) The loggerhead shrike is an
uncommon year- round resident of open grasslands and sparse coastal sage scrub. There is
some influx of birds into the area during winter months. Shrikes have declined worldwide
due to loss of grassland habitat and consequently it is a State " species of special concern"
as well as a Category 2 Federal Candidate.
Yellow warbler ( Dendroica petechia brewsteri) ( CSC) This small songbird is an
occasional summer resident and regular spring and fall transient in the Conejo Valley.
This species requires tall riparian growth of cottonwoods, alders and willows for
breeding. It has undergone significant population declines due to destruction of riparian
vegetation as well as brown cowbird brood parasitism and as a result has been designated
a State " species of special concern".
Yellow- breasted chat ( Icteria virens) ( CSC) This large warbler is an uncommon
inhabitant of dense riparian vegetation and may occur along the Arroyo Conejo and its
principal tributaries. Like the yellow warbler, there has been a notable decline in the
number of breeding pairs as a result of destruction of habitat and cowbird brood
parasitism. It is a State " species of special concern".
Bell's sage sparrow ( Amphispiza belli ssp. belli) ( F2, CSC) Bell's sage sparrow is an
uncommon, local resident of dry chaparral and coastal sage scrub. The species seems to
prefer rather monotypic vegetation such as low dense chamise or dry coastal sage scrub
for breeding. Because of its uncommon status and limited distribution, the coastal
subspecies is a State " species of special concern" and a Category 2 Federal Candidate.
Southern California rufous- crowned sparrow ( Aimophila ruficeps canescens) ( F2,
CSC) The Southern California rufous- crowned sparrow is a fairly common resident in
sparse coastal sage scrub within the Open Space System. It is most frequently
encountered on slopes where there is intergrading coastal sage scrub and grassland with
rocky outcrops. Because of its uncommon status throughout much of Southern California
and its limited distribution, this subspecies is a State " species of special concern" and a
Category 2 Federal Candidate.
Bats - Order Chiroptera Several species of bats which have been designated as State
" species of special concern" or Category 2 Federal Candidates may occur within the
Planning Area. However, the distribution of these species is poorly known, and there is
no available information on which to base conclusions about their occurrence within
locally.
( San Diego) black- tailed hare ( Lepus californicus ssp bennettii) ( F2, CSC) If present,
the black- tailed hare is expected to occur in ecotones between shrub habitats and
grasslands. However, there have been few reliable sightings of black- tailed hares within
the Conejo Valley in recent years and it may already be extirpated from the area. Because
of its diminishing numbers due to habitat destruction and hunting, the black- tailed hare is
a State " species of special concern" and a Category 2 Federal Candidate.
( San Diego) desert woodrat ( Neotoma lepida ssp. intermedia) ( F2, CSC) The Conejo
Valley is within the range of the desert woodrat which has undergone population
reductions due to habitat destruction. This species inhabits a variety of habitats from arid
scrub to chaparral, particularly in the vicinity of cliffs and rocky outcrops. The desert
woodrat is a State " species of special concern" as well as a Category 2 Federal Candidate.
Ringtail ( Bassariscus astutus) ( CP) This smaller relative of the raccoon is seldom seen
because it is totally nocturnal. It is found in the coastal ranges and the Sierra Nevada
along the length of the state. It frequents rocky areas and cliffs particularly if there is
water nearby. The ringtail is a fully protected species.
American badger ( Taxidea taxus) ( CSC) This large member of the weasel family has
been extirpated from many areas of Southern California as a result of habitat loss,
deliberate killing, and secondary poisoning. There appears to be a small but stable
population of this species within the open space system. Suitable habitat includes
grassland, savannah and meadow areas where they prey on gophers, ground squirrels and
kangaroo rats. The American badger is a State " species of special concern".
Policies
CO- 31 The City shall encourage and promote the preservation and protection of all
rare, threatened, endangered or sensitive species listed by State and Federal agencies
( United States Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Game),
the California Native Plant Society ( CNPS) and the City of Thousand Oaks.
Implementation Measures
? ? As urban development occurs, ensure the protection of populations of rare and
endangered species through avoidance as a first priority, utilizing other forms of
mitigation only as a last resort.
? ? Wherever possible, complete ecosystems should be preserved as natural open
space in order to avoid the loss of sensitive plant and animal species.
? ? The Conservation Element includes the official City list of species listed as rare,
threatened, endangered or sensitive by State and Federal Agencies, the California
Native Plant Society ( CNPS) or other knowledgeable experts. This list should be
updated periodically.
Section IV - Cultural
N. Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources
Archaeological, historical and cultural resources, though not usually natural resources,
are important, and their preservation is appropriately addressed in the Conservation
Element. These resources represent the history of Thousand Oaks and the Conejo Valley.
Ensuring their proper management and protection will contribute to the City's aesthetics,
its civic pride and will provide a valuable link between the past and future.
Archaeological Resources
The Conejo Corridor, which includes significant portions of the Planning Area, holds a
bountiful legacy of archaeological resources. For over 1,000 years prior to European
occupation, the Conejo Corridor was an integral part of a much larger Chumash territory
that extended well inland from the coast and channel islands to include all of Santa
Barbara, most of Ventura and parts of San Luis Obispo, Kern and Los Angeles counties.
Locally, sites related to Late Prehistoric period occupation dating from approximately
A. D. 500 to historic contact, yield abundant evidence about the ecological equilibrium
which characterized the lifeways of these indigenous native people before the arrival of
foreign explorers.
The earliest known inhabitants of this general area of Southern California were transient
hunters that arrived sometime around 12,000 B. C. Eventually, they would become the
cultural ancestors of the modern Chumash who imprinted the Conejo Corridor with signs
of continuous habitation for the past 7,000 years. In particular, the Millingstone ( 5,500
B. C.- 1,500 B. C.) and Intermediate ( 1,500 B. C.- A. D. 500) periods witnessed year- round,
multi- purpose use by a stable resident population estimated to be somewhere in the range
of 400- 600 people. During these ancient times a number of site types evolved, including
permanent villages, semi- permanent seasonal stations, hunting camps and gathering
localities focused on plant resources. Typically, people lived in largely open sites along
watercourses and also in caves and rock shelters, some of which contained paintings and
were used for ceremonial purposes.
As permanent Chumash villages gradually increased in size within the Conejo Corridor,
extensive trade networks were established with areas located much further inland and
with major coastal villages, especially Mugu and Malibu. This type of interaction not
only augmented existing food supplies but provided access to locally unavailable stone
and shell materials necessary for the production of durable tools and other implements.
Many of these Conejo sites have been systematically investigated over the years and the
well preserved artifacts recovered during these excavations have been analyzed by
archaeologists in order to reconstruct many details of daily life, as well as the evolution
of long term social patterns. Unusually noteworthy discoveries in recent years include
bear bone whistles, flutes made of California condor bones and small stone bowls stained
with traces of red pigment.
The City has always taken a pro- active role in the conservation and management of local
archaeological resources. Working in cooperation with representatives of the local Native
American Indian council, as well as professional archaeological consultants and
University staff, a significant number of previously recorded habitation and specialized
activity sites have been permanently preserved within the Open Space System. Where
preservation has not been possible due to development, or increased susceptibility to
vandalism, systematic testing and data recovery procedures have been implemented with
the assistance of Native American monitors. Although the majority of cultural resources
recovered during the earliest excavations continue to be kept in storage at UCLA, at the
request of the local Native American Indian council, several of the more recent artifact
collections have been returned to the Conejo Valley for curation and display at the
Stagecoach Inn Museum.
Historical Resources
The first Europeans to visit the Conejo Valley were Gaspar de Portola and his expedition
in 1769. The Conejo Valley's colorful history of ranching and farming began in 1803,
when most of the Valley was included in the Spanish land grant " Rancho el Conejo",
after which the Conejo Valley received its name. Ranching included both cattle and
sheep, and lasted until well into the 1900' s. Farming began on a large scale in the Valley
about 1872, when Rancho el Conejo was sold and smaller parcels were rented out for
farming. Principal crops included wheat, hay, and barley, with occasional fruit and nut
orchards. By 1875, the Conejo Valley was also an important stagecoach stop on the route
between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, with travelers stopping for lunch or overnight
stays.
The history of Thousand Oaks is revealed in several historical landmarks and interpretive
sites. Currently, historic landmark designations are approved by the City Council based
on recommendations made by the Arts Commission. Previously, these designations were
made by the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board and approved by the City Council.
Designated County Historical Landmarks and local interpretive sites located within the
City's Planning Area boundaries are depicted on Figure 3 and include:
Historical Landmarks
# 30: Stagecoach Inn ( designated May 1976): Original structure was built 1876, but was
destroyed by fire in the early 1970' s. Placed on National Register in December 1975.
State Landmark # 659. The present location, 51 South Ventu Park Road, is not the
original site of the structure, which was located closer to the Ventura Freeway, where a
historical marker is placed.
# 44: Sycamore Tree ( designated June 1978): A very large sycamore tree. Location:
Stagecoach Inn.
# 45: Pederson House and Water Tower ( designated June 1978): Built 1913- 14. Shown by
appointment. Location: California Lutheran University, Faculty Street.
# 63: Jungleland Site ( designated March 1981): The original buildings and animal
compound were built in the 1920' s and later demolished in the mid 1970' s. This site is
currently occupied by the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Location: Conejo School
Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard.
# 64: Hunt Olive Tree ( designated January 1982): Location: southwest corner of Hillcrest
Drive and Lynn Road.
# 90: Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area ( designated February 1983):
Location: East of Westlake Boulevard.
# 99: Dos Vientos Ranch Buildings ( designated May 1986): Built c. 1930. Location: West
Potrero Road.
# 109: Crowley House ( designated December 1986): Built 1910. Shown by appointment.
Location: 2224 Pleasant Way ( next to Parque de la Paz).
# 112: Janss House ( designated July 1987): Built 1931. 482 Greenmeadow Drive.
Currently the location of the Arts Council Center.
# 120: Banning Dam ( also known as Lake Eleanor Dam, designated May 1988): Built
1889. Location: Eleanor Creek, South Westlake Boulevard.
Interpretive Centers
Stagecoach Inn: Through living history and exhibits, this center describes life in the
Conejo Valley in the late 1800' s. Permanent exhibits also describe Chumash culture. This
site is owned by the Conejo Recreation and Park District and operated by the Conejo
Valley Historical Society. The Inn is located at 51 South Ventu Park Road.
Oakbrook Regional Park Chumash Interpretive Center: This interpretive center
includes exhibits, special events, and an interpretive trail that describe Chumash life. The
Center is owned by the County of Ventura and located on Lang Ranch Parkway.
Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center: This site
includes special events and exhibits that describe Native American culture and ranching
activities in the local area. The site is operated by the National Park Service and located
on West Potrero Road.
Policies
CO- 32 All information or maps on file with the City pertaining to the location of
previously recorded archaeological sites within the Thousand Oaks Planning Area shall
remain confidential unless specifically authorized to be released to the public by the local
Native American Indian Council.
CO- 33 Management of cultural resources such as archaeological sites, historic
structures or places shall emphasize resource protection and preservation.
CO- 34 The preferred method for preserving any previously recorded archeological site
shall be by deed restriction as permanent " open space", in order to prevent any future
development or use that might otherwise adversely impact these resources.
CO- 35 Decisions pertaining to the disposition of archaeological, historical and cultural
resources shall be made in concert with recognized public agencies, groups or
individuals having jurisdiction, expertise or interest in these matters, including but not
limited to the State Office of Historic Preservation, Thousand Oaks Cultural Heritage
Board and local Native American Indian Council, including other designated
representatives and affected property owners.
Implementation Measures
? ? Continue to conduct archaeological field surveys as deemed to be necessary,
while utilizing comprehensive resource management procedures to test, salvage,
stabilize and store locally excavated artifacts.
? ? Support the efforts of local citizens, appointed committees or other designated
public agencies and private institutions that are working to conserve
archaeological and historic resources. Full public discussion shall be encouraged
prior to any action being taken.
APPENDIX A
Flora of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area
Cryptograms - Ferns and Fern Allies
Dryopteridaceae - Wood Fern Family
Dryopteris arguta/ wood fern
Equisetaceae - Horsetail Family
Equisetum arvense/ common horsetail
Polypodiaceae - Polypody Family
Polypodium californicum/ California polypody
Pteridaceae - Brake Family
Adiantum jordanii/ California maidenhair
Cheilanthes newberryi/ Newberry's lace fern
Pellaea andromedifolia/ coffee fern
P. mucronata/ bird's- foot fern
Pentagramma triangularis ssp. triangularis [ Pityrogramma t.]/ goldback
fern
Selaginellaceae - Spike- moss Family
Selaginella bigelovii/ Bigelow's spike- moss
Class Dicotyledones ( Dicots)
Anacardiaceae - Sumac Family
Malosma laurina/ laurel sumac
Rhus integrifolia/ lemonadeberry
R. ovata/ sugar bush
Schinus molle/ Peruvian pepper tree
Toxicodendron diversilobum/ poison oak
Apiaceae - Carrot Family
Apiastrum angustifolium/ wild celery
Apium graveolens/ celery
Bowlesia incana/ bowlesia
Conium maculatum/ poison hemlock
Daucus pusillus/ rattlesnake weed
Foeniculum vulgare/ fennel
Lomatium dasycarpum/ woolly lomatium
L. utriculatum/ hog fennel
Sanicula arguta/ snake root
S. crassicaulis/ Pacific sanicle
S. tuberosa/ turkey pea
Tauschia arguta/ southern tauschia
Apocynacaea - Dogbane Family
Vinca major/ greater periwinkle
Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family
Asclepias californica/ California milkweed
A. eriocarpa/ Indian milkweed
A. fascicularis/ narrow- leaf milkweed
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Achillea millefolium/ yarrow
Achyrachaena mollis/ blow- wives
Acourtia microcephala [ Perezia m.]/ acourtia
Agoseris grandiflora/ mountain dandylion
Ambrosia psilostachya/ western ragweed
Ancistrocarphus filagineus [ Stylocline f.]/ woolly fishhooks
Anthemis cotula/ mayweed
Artemisia californica/ California sagebrush
A. douglasiana/ mugwort
A. dracunculus/ tarragon
A. subulatus var. ligulatus [ A. exilis]/ slim aster
Baccharis pilularis/ coyote brush
B. salicifolia [ B. glutinosa]/ mule fat
Bellis perennis/ English daisy
Bidens pilosa var. pilosa/ common beggar- ticks
Brickellia californica/ California brickellbush
Carduus pycnocephalus/ Italian thistle
Centaurea melitensis/ tocalote
C. solstitialis/ yellow star- thistle
Chaenactis artemisiifolia/ white pincushion
C. glabriuscula/ yellow pincushion
Chamomilla suaveolens [ Matricaria matricarioides]/ pineapple weed
Cichorium intybus/ chicory
Cirsium occidentale var. californicum/ California thistle
C. occidentale var. occidentale/ cobwebby thistle
C. vulgare/ bull thistle
Cnicus benedictus/ blessed thistle
Conyza bonariensis/ little horseweed
C. canadensis/ horseweed
Coreopsis bigelovii/ annual coreopsis
C. gigantea/ giant coreopsis
Cotula australis/ southern cotula
C. coronopifolia/ brass- buttons
Cynara cardunculus/ cardoon
Encelia californica/ California sunflower
Ericameria ericoides [ Haplopappus e. ssp. blakei]/ mock heather
E. linearifolia [ Haplopappus l.]/ interior goldenbush
Erigeron foliosus var. foliosus/ fleabane aster
Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. confertiflorum/ golden- yarrow
Filago californica/ California filago
Gnaphalium bicolor/ two- tone everlasting
G. californicum/ California everlasting
G. canescens ssp. beneolens [ Gnaphalium b.]/ fragrant everlasting
G. canescens ssp. microcephalum [ G. microcephalum]/ white everlasting
G. ramosissimum/ pink everlasting
Grindelia camporum [ G. robusta]/ gumplant
Hazardia squarrosa [ Haplopappus s.]/ saw- toothed goldenbush
Helenium puberulum/ sneezeweed
Helianthus annuus/ annual sunflower
H. gracilentus/ slender sunflower
Hemizonia fasciculata/ tarplant
H. minthornii/ Santa Susana tarplant
Heterotheca grandiflora/ telegraph weed
Hypochaeris glabra/ smooth cat's ear
Isocoma menziesii/ coast goldenbush
Lactuca serriola/ prickly lettuce
Lasthenia californica [ L. chrysostoma]/ California goldfields
Layia platyglossa/ tidy- tips
Lepidospartum squamatum/ scale- broom
Lessingia filaginifolia [ Corethrogyne f.]/ California- aster
Madia elegans/ common madia
Malacothrix saxatilis/ cliff- aster
Micropus californicus var. californicus/ slender cottonweed
Pentachaeta lyonii/ Lyon's pentachaeta
Picris echioides/ bristly ox- tongue
Raffinesquia californica/ California chicory
Senecio flaccidus var. douglasii [ S. douglasii var. d.]/ Douglas butterbush
S. vulgaris/ common groundsel
Silybum marianum/ milk thistle
Solidago californica/ California goldenrod
Sonchus asper/ prickly sow thistle
S. oleraceus/ common sow thistle
Stephanomeria virgata/ wand stephanomeria
Taraxacum officinale/ dandelion
Tragopogon porrifolius/ oyster plant
Uropappus lindleyi [ Microseris linearifolia]/ silver puffs
Venegasia carpesioides/ canyon sunflower
Xanthium spinosum/ spiny cocklebur
Betulaceae - Birch Family
Alnus rhombifolia/ white alder
Boraginaceae - Borage Family
Amsinckia menziesii var intermedia [ A. i.]/ common fiddleneck
Cryptantha clevelandii/ cryptantha
C. intermedia/ large- flowered popcorn flower
Heliotropium curassavicum/ wild heliotrope
Pectocarya linearis ssp. ferocula/ slender pectocarya
Plagiobothrys nothofulvus/ popcornflower
Brassicaceae - Mustard Family
Arabis glabra/ tower mustard
Brassica nigra/ black mustard
B. rapa/ field mustard
Capsella bursa- pastoris/ shepherd's purse
Cardamine californica/ milk maids
Descurainia pinnata ssp. menziesii/ tansy mustard
Erysimum capitatum/ western wallflower
Hirschfeldia incana [ Brassica geniculata]/ Mediterranean mustard
Lepidium nitidum/ shiny peppergrass
Lobularia maritima/ sweet alyssum
Raphanus sativus/ wild radish
Rorippa nasturtium- aquaticum/ water cress
Sisymbrium officinale/ hedge mustard
Thysanocarpus curvipes/ lacepod
T. laciniatus/ fringepod
Cactaceae - Cactus Family
Opuntia basilaris var. basilaris/ beavertail cactus
O. littoralis/ coastal prickly- pear
O. oricola/ prickly pear
O. prolifera/ coast cholla
Capparaceae - Caper Family
Isomeris arborea/ bladderpod
Caprifoliaceae - Honeysuckle Family
Lonicera subspicata var. denudata [ L. s. var johnstonii]/ chaparral
honeysuckle
Sambucus mexicana/ blue elderberry
Symphoricarpos mollis/ snowberry
Caryophyllaceae - Pink Family
Minuartia douglasii [ Arenaria d.]/ Douglas sandwort
Silene gallica/ windmill pink
S. laciniata ssp. major/ Indian pink
S. verecunda ssp platyota/ Dolores campion
Stellaria media/ common chickweed
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot Family
Atriplex lentiformis/ quail bush
A. semibaccata/ Australian saltbush
Chenopodium album/ lambs' quarters
C. ambrosioides/ Mexican tea
C. californicum/ California goosefoot
C. murale/ nettle- leaf goosefoot
Salsola tragus [ S. iberica]/ Russian thistle
Cistaceae - Rock- rose Family
Heleanthemum scoparium/ peak rush- rose
Convolvulaceae - Morning- glory Family
Calystegia macrostegia/ chaparral morning- glory
Convolvulus arvensis/ bindweed
Cornaceae - Dogwood Family
Cornus glabrata/ brown dogwood
Crassulaceae - Stonecrop Family
Crassula connata [ Tillaea erecta]/ pygmy- weed
Dudleya abramsii ssp. parva [ D. parva]/ Conejo dudleya
D. blochmaniae ssp blochmaniae/ Blochman's dudleya
D. cymosa ssp ovatifolia/ Santa Monica Mountains dudleya
D. lanceolata/ lance- leaf dudleya
D. pulverulenta/ chalk dudleya
Cucurbitaceae - Gourd Family
Cucurbita foetidissima/ calabazilla
Marah macrocarpus/ manroot
Cuscutaceae - Dodder Family
Cuscuta californica/ dodder
Ericaceae - Heath Family
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. mollis/ Eastwood manzanita
A. glauca/ bigberry manzanita
Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family
Chamaesyce albomarginata [ Euphorbia a.]/ rattlesnake weed
Croton californicus/ California croton
Eremocarpus setigerus/ dove weed
Euphorbia crenulata/ Chinese caps
Ricinus communis/ castor bean
Fabaceae - Legume Family
Amorpha californica var. californica/ false indigo
Astragalus brauntonii/ Braunton's milkvetch
A. gambelianus/ Gambel's milkvetch
Hoita macrostachya [ Psoralea m.]/ leather root
Lathyrus vestitus var. vestitus [ L. laetiflorus ssp. barbarae]/ chaparral
sweet pea
Lotus purshianus/ Spanish clover
L. salsuginosus/ coastal lotus
Lotus scoparius/ deer weed
Lupinus bicolor/ miniature lupine
L. hirsutissimus/ stinging lupine
L. longifolius/ bush lupine
L. succulentus/ arroyo lupine
L. truncatus/ Collar lupine
Medicago polymorpha/ California burclover
Melilotus alba/ white sweetclover
M. indica/ yellow sweetclover
Spartium junceum/ Spanish broom
Trifolium willdenovii [ T. tridentatum]/ tomcat clover
Vicia spp./ vetch
Fagaceae - Oak Family
Quercus agrifolia/ coast live oak
Q. berberidifolia/ scrub oak
Q. lobata/ valley oak
Gentianaceae - Gentian Family
Centaurium venustum/ canchalagua
Geraniaceae - Geranium Family
Erodium botrys/ long- beaked filaree
E. cicutarium/ redstem filaree
Geranium carolinianum/ Carolina geranium
Grossulariaceae - Gooseberry Family
Ribes indecorum/ white flowering currant
R. malvaceum/ chaparral currant
R. speciosum/ fuchsia- flowered gooseberry
Hydrophyllaceae - Waterleaf Family
Emmenanthe penduliflora/ whispering bells
Eriodictyon crassifolium/ yerba santa
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia/ eucrypta
Nemophila menziesii/ baby blue- eyes
Phacelia cicutaria/ caterpillar phacelia
P. grandiflora/ giant phacelia
P. parryi/ Parry's phacelia
P. ramosissima/ branching phacelia
Pholistoma auritum var. auritum/ fiesta flower
Juglandaceae - Walnut Family
Juglans californica var. californica/ Southern California black walnut
Lamiaceae - Mint Family
Marrubium vulgare/ horehound
Mentha spicata/ spearmint
Salvia apiana/ white sage
S. columbariae/ chia sage
S. leucophylla/ purple sage
S. mellifera/ black sage
S. spathacea/ hummingbird sage
Scutellaria tuberosa/ scullcap
Stachys albens/ white hedge nettle
S. bullata/ hedge nettle
Trichostema lanatum/ woolly bluecurls
T. lanceolatum/ vinegar weed
Lauraceae - Laurel Family
Umbellularia californica/ California bay
Loasaceae - Loasa Family
Mentzelia micrantha/ blazing star
Lythraceae - Loosestrife Family
Lythrum californicum/ California loosestrife
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Malacothamnus fasciculatus/ chaparral mallow
Malva parviflora/ cheeseweed
Sidalcea malvaeflora ssp. sparsifolia/ checker bloom
Myrtaceae - Myrtle Family
Eucalyptus globulus/ blue gum
Nyctaginaceae - Four O'clock Family
Mirabilis californica/ wishbone bush
Onagraceae - Evening Primrose Family
Camissonia bistorta/ California sun- cup
C. californica/ mustard primrose
C. micrantha/ small evening primrose
Clarkia bottae/ punch- bowl godetia
C. cylindrica/ speckled clarkia
C. epilobioides/ willow- herb clarkia
C. purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera/ purple clarkia
C. unguiculata/ elegant clarkia
Epilobium canum ssp. canum [ Zauschneria californica]/ California
fuchsia
E. ciliatum ssp. ciliatum [ E. adenocaulon]/ willow- herb
Gaura sinuata/ wavy- leaved gaura
Orobanchaceae - Broom- rape Family
Orobanche bulbosa/ chaparral broom- rape
O. fasciculata/ clustered broom- rape
Oxalidaceae - Oxalis Family
Oxalis albicans/ oxalis
O. pes- caprae/ Bermuda buttercup
Paeoniaceae - Peony Family
Paeonia californica/ California peony
Papaveraceae - Poppy Family
Dendromecon rigida/ bush poppy
Dicentra ochroleuca/ creme- flowered ear- drops
Eschscholzia californica/ California poppy
Papaver californicum/ fire poppy
Stylomecon heterophylla/ wind poppy
Plantaginaceae - Plantain Family
Plantago erecta/ California plantain
P. lanceolata/ English plantain
P. major/ common plantain
Platanaceae - Sycamore Family
Platanus racemosa/ western sycamore
Polemoniaceae - Phlox Family
Allophyllum glutinosum/ stinky gilia
Eriastrum sapphirinum/ sapphire wool- star
Gilia angelensis/ angel's gilia
G. capitata ssp. abrontanifolia/ globe gilia
Leptodactylon californicum/ prickly phlox
Linanthus dianthiflorus/ ground- pink
L. parviflorus/ linanthus
Navarretia hamata/ hooked navarretia
Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family
Chorizanthe staticoides/ Turkish rugging
Eriogonum cinereum/ ashyleaf buckwheat
E. crocatum/ Conejo buckwheat
Eriogonum elongatum var. elongatum/ wand eriogonum
E. fasciculatum/ California buckwheat
Polygonum arenastrum/ common knotweed
P. punctatum/ water smartweed
Pterostegia drymarioides/ fairy mist
Rumex crispus/ curly dock
R. salicifolius/ willow dock
Portulacaceae - Purslane Family
Calandrinia ciliata/ red maids
Calyptridium monandrum/ sand cress
Claytonia perfoliata/ miner's lettuce
Lewisia rediviva/ bitter root
Portulaca oleracea/ common purslane
Primulaceae - Primrose Family
Anagallis arvensis/ scarlet pimpernell
Dodecatheon clevelandii/ shooting star
Ranunculaceae - Buttercup Family
Clematis lasiantha/ pipestems
C. ligusticifolia/ virgin's bower
Delphinium cardinale/ scarlet larkspur
D. parryi ssp. blochmaniae/ Blochman's larkspur
D. parryi ssp. parryi/ Parry's larkspur
D. patens/ spreading larkspur
Ranunculus californicus/ California buttercup
Thalictrum fendleri var polycarpum [ T. polycarpum]/ meadow- rue
Rhamnaceae - Buckthorn Family
Ceanothus crassifolius/ hoaryleaf ceanothus
C. megacarpus var. megacarpus/ bigpod ceanothus
C. oliganthus/ hairy- leaved ceanothus
C. spinosus/ greenbark ceanothus
Rhamnus californica ssp. californica/ California coffeeberry
Rhamnus crocea/ redberry
Rhamnus ilicifolia/ holly- leaf redberry
Rosaceae - Rose Family
Adenostoma fasciculatum/ chamise
A. sparsifolium/ red shank
Cercocarpus betuloides var. betuloides/ birch- leaf mountain- mahogany
C. betuloides var blancheae/ island mountain- mahogany
Heteromeles arbutifolia/ toyon
Holodiscus discolor/ oceanspray
Potentilla glandulosa ssp glandulosa/ sticky cinquefoil
Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia/ holly- leafed cherry
Rosa californica/ California rose
Rubus ursinus/ California blackberry
Rubiaceae - Madder Family
Galium angustifolium ssp. angustifolium/ narrow- leaved bedstraw
G. aparine/ goose grass
G. nutallii ssp. nutallii/ San Diego bedstraw
Sherardia arvensis/ field madder
Salicaceae - Willow Family
Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa/ black cottonwood
P. fremontii ssp. fremontii/ Fremont cottonwood
Salix exigua/ narrow- leaved willow
S. laevigata/ red willow
S. lasiolepis/ arroyo willow
Saxifragaceae - Saxifrage Family
Lithophragma affine/ woodland star
Saxifraga californica/ California saxifrage
Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family
Antirrhinum kelloggii/ twining snapdragon
A. multiflorum/ chaparral snapdragon
Castilleja affinis/ coast paintbrush
C. applegatei ssp. martinii/ Indian paintbrush
C. exserta ssp. exserta [ Orthocarpus purpurascens]/ purple owl's clover
C. foliolosa/ woolly Indian paintbrush
Collinsia heterophylla/ Chinese houses
Cordylanthus rigidus ssp. setigerus [ C. filifolius]/ bird's beak
Keckiella cordifolia/ heart- leaved penstemon
Mimulus aurantiacus [ Diplacus longiflorus]/ sticky monkeyflower
M. brevipes/ yellow monkeyflower
M. cardinalis/ scarlet monkeyflower
M. guttatus/ common monkeyflower
Pedicularis densiflora/ Indian warrior
Penstemon cetranthifolius/ scarlet bugler
P. heterophyllus ssp. australis/ foothill penstemon
Scrophularia californica/ California figwort
Veronica anagallis- aquatica/ water speedwell
Solanaceae - Nightshade Family
Datura wrightii [ D. meteloides]/ Jimson weed
Nicotiana clevelandii/ Indian tobacco
N. glauca/ tree tobacco
Solanum americanum [ S. nodiflorum]/ little white nightshade
S. douglasii/ Douglas nightshade
S. xanti/ chaparral nightshade
Urticaceae - Nettle Family
Hesperocnide tenella/ western nettle
Parietaria hespera [ P. floridana]/ pellitory
Urtica dioica ssp. holosericea [ U. holosericea]/ stinging nettle
Urtica urens/ dwarf nettle
Verbenaceae - Vervain Family
Phyla lanceolata [ Lippia l.]/ frog fruit
P. nodiflora var. nodiflora [ Lippia n. var. rosea]/ garden lippia
Verbena lasiostachys/ common vervain
Violaceae - Violet Family
Viola pedunculata/ Johnny- Jump- Up
Viscaceae - Mistletoe Family
Phoradendron macrophyllum/ big leaf mistletoe
P. villosum/ oak mistletoe
Zygophyllaceae - Caltrop Family
Tribulus terrestris/ puncture vine
Class Monocotyledones ( Monocots)
Alismataceae - Water- Plantain Family
Alisma plantago- aquatica [ A. triviale]/ water plantain
Echinodorus berteroi/ burhead
Cyperaceae - Sedge Family
Carex barbarae/ sedge
C. praegracilis/ sedge
C. senta/ sedge
Cyperus involucratus [ C. alternifolius]/ umbrella- sedge
C. erythrorhizos/ umbrella- sedge
Eleocharis macrostachya/ common spikerush
E. montevidensis/ spikerush
Scirpus acutus var. occidentalis/ common tule
S. americanus [ S. olneyi]/ three square
S. californicus/ California bulrush
Iridaceae - Iris Family
Sisyrinchium bellum/ blue- eyed- grass
Juncaceae - Rush Family
Juncus balticus/ wire rush
J. bufonius/ toad rush
J. macrophyllus/ long- leaved rush
J. textilis/ textile rush
J. xiphioides/ iris- leaved rush
Lemnaceae - Duckweed Family
Lemna sp./ duckweed
Liliaceae - Lily Family
Allium haematochiton/ red- skinned onion
A. peninsulare var. peninsulare/ peninsular onion
Bloomeria crocea/ common goldenstar
Brodiaea jolonensis/ harvest brodiaea
Calochortus albus/ fairy lantern
C. catalinae/ Catalina mariposa lily
C. clavatus ssp. pallidus/ yellow mariposa lily
C. plummerae/ Plummer's mariposa lily
C. venustus/ butterfly mariposa lily
Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. pomeridianum/ soap plant
Dichelostemma capitatum ssp capitatum [ D. pulchella]/ blue dicks
Fritillaria biflora/ chocolate lily
Lilium humboldtii ssp ocellatum/ ocellated lily
Muilla maritima/ common muilla
Nolina cismontana/ chaparral beargrass
Yucca whipplei/ our Lord's candle
Zigadenus fremontii/ chaparral star- lily
Orchidaceae - Orchid Family
Epipactis gigantea/ stream orchid
Piperia unalascensis/ rein orchid
Poaceae - Grass Family
Achnatherum coronatum [ Stipa c.]/ giant needlegrass
Agrostis stolonifera/ creeping bent
A. viridis [ A. semiverticillata]/ bent grass
Arundo donax/ giant reed
Avena barbata/ slender wild oat
A. fatua/ wild oat
Briza minor/ little quaking grass
Bromus carinatus/ California brome
B. diandrus/ ripgut grass
B. hordeaceus [ B. mollis]/ soft chess
B. madritensis ssp. rubens [ B. rubens]/ red brome
B. tectorum/ cheat grass
Cortaderia atacamensis/ pampasgrass
Crypsis schoenoides/ swamp grass
Cynodon dactylon/ Bermuda grass
Elymus glaucus/ blue wildrye
Ehrharta erecta/ Veldt grass
Eragrostis hypnoides/ teal lovegrass
Gastridium ventricosum/ nit grass
Hordeum intercedens/ little barley
H. marinum ssp. leporinum [ H. leporinum]/ Mediterranean barley
Koeleria macrantha/ junegrass
Lamarckia aurea/ goldentop
Leptochloa uninervia/ Mexican sprangletop
Leymus condensatus [ Elymus c.]/ giant wild rye
Lolium multiflorum/ Italian ryegrass
Melica imperfecta/ coast range melic
Muhlenbergia microsperma/ littleseed muhly
M. rigens/ deergrass
Nassella cernua [ Stipa c.]/ nodding needlegrass
N. lepida [ Stipa l.]/ foothill needlegrass
N. pulchra [ Stipa p.]/ purple needlegrass
Oryzopsis miliacea/ smilo grass
Pennisetum clandestinum/ kikuyu grass
P. setaceum/ fountain grass
Phalaris aquatica/ Harding grass
Poa secunda ssp secunda [ P. scabrella]/ one- sided bluegrass
Polypogon interruptus/ ditch beard grass
P. monspeliensis/ rabbitsfoot grass
Schismus arabicus/ Mediterranean grass
Vulpia myuros var. hirsuta [ Festuca megalura]/ foxtail fescue
Typhaceae - Cattail Family
Typha domingensis/ Southern cattail
T. latifolia/ broad- leaved cattail
Zannichelliaceae - Horned- Pondweed Family
Zannichellia pallustris/ grass- wrack
APPENDIX B
Reptiles and Amphibians of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area
Family Plethodontidae - Lungless Salamanders
black- bellied salamander ( Batrachoseps nigriventris)
ensatina salamander ( Ensatina eschscholtzi ssp. eschscholtzi)
Family Bufonidae - True Toads
California toad ( Bufo boreas ssp. halophilus)
Family Hylidae - Tree Frogs and Allies
California treefrog ( Hyla cadaverina)
Pacific treefrog ( Hyla regilla)
Family Ranidae - True Frogs
bullfrog ( Rana catesbeiana)
Family Testudinidae - Water and Box Turtles
southwestern pond turtle ( Clemmys marmorata ssp. pallida)
red- eared slider ( Pseudemys scripta ssp. elegans)
Family Iguanidae - Iguanid Lizards
western fence lizard ( Sceloporus occidentalis)
coast horned lizard ( Phyrnosoma coronatum ssp. frontale)
California side blotched lizard ( Uta stansburiana ssp. hesperis)
Family Scincidae - Skinks
western skink ( Eumeces skiltonianus ssp. skiltonianus)
Family Anguidae - Alligator Lizards and Allies
southern alligator lizard ( Gerrhonotus multicarinatus ssp. webbi)
Family Teiidae - Whiptail Lizards and Allies
coastal whiptail lizard ( Cnemidophorus tigris ssp. multiscutatus)
Family Anniellidae - California Legless Lizards
silvery legless lizard ( Anniella pulchra ssp. pulchra)
Family Colubridae - Colubrid Snakes
ringneck snake ( Diadophis punctatus ssp. modestus)
western yellowbelly racer ( Coluber constrictor ssp. mormon)
striped racer ( Masticophis lateralis ssp. lateralis)
red coachwhip ( Masticophis flagellum ssp. piceus)
gopher snake ( Pituophis melanoleucus ssp. annectens)
California kingsnake ( Lampropeltis getulus ssp. californiae)
two- striped gartersnake ( Thamnophis hammondi ssp. hammondi)
western black- headed snake ( Tantilla planiceps)
California lyre snake ( Trimorphodon biscutatus ssp. vandenburghi)
night snake ( Hypsiglena torquata ssp. klauberi)
Family Viperidae - Rattlesnakes and Allies
Southern Pacific rattlesnake ( Crotalus viridis ssp. helleri)
APPENDIX C
Birds of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area
Family Podicipedidae: Grebes
pied- billed grebe ( Podilymbus podiceps)
eared grebe ( Podiceps nigricollis)
Family Phalacrocoracidae: Comorants
double- crested cormorant ( Phalacrocorax auritus)
Family Ardeidae: Herons, egrets etc.
American bittern ( Botaurus lentiginosus)
great blue heron ( Ardea herodias)
great egret ( Casmerodius albus)
snowy egret ( Egretta thula)
cattle egret ( Bubulcus ibis)
green heron ( Butorides striatus)
black- crowned night- heron ( Nycticorax nycticorax)
Family Anatidae: Ducks, geese etc.
Canada goose ( Branta canadensis)
wood duck ( Aix sponsa)
American wigeon ( Anas americana)
gadwall ( Anas strepera)
green- winged teal ( Anas crecca)
mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos)
common pintail ( Anas acuta)
blue- winged teal ( Anas discors)
cinnamon teal ( Anas cyanoptera)
northern shoveler ( Anas clypeata)
canvasback ( Aythya valisineria)
redhead ( Aythya americana)
ring- necked duck ( Aythya collaris)
lesser scaup ( Aythya affinis)
bufflehead ( Bucephala albeola)
ruddy duck ( Oxyura jamaicensis)
Family Cathartidae: New World Vultures
turkey vulture ( Cathartes aura)
Family Accipitridae: Eagles, hawks, kites
osprey ( Pandion haliaetus)
white- tailed kite ( Elanus caeruleus)
northern harrier ( Circus cyaneus)
sharp- shinned hawk ( Accipter striatus)
Cooper's hawk ( Accipiter cooperii)
red- shouldered hawk ( Buteo lineatus)
red- tailed hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis)
golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos)
Family Falconidae: Falcons, caracaras
American kestrel ( Falco sparverius)
merlin ( Falco columbarius)
peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus)
prairie falcon ( Falco mexicanus)
Family Phasianidae: Quails, pheasants etc.
California quail ( Callipepla californica)
Family Rallidae: Rails, gallinules and coots
Virginia rail ( Rallus limicola)
sora ( Porzana carolina)
American coot ( Fulica americana)
Family Charadriidae: Plovers etc.
killdeer ( Charadrius vociferus)
Family Scolopacidae: Sandpipers
greater yellowlegs ( Tringa melanoleuca)
spotted sandpiper ( Actitis macularia)
long- billed dowitcher ( Limnodromus scolopaceus)
common snipe ( Gallinago gallinago)
Family Laridae: Gulls, etc.
ring- billed gull ( Larus delawarensis)
California gull ( Larus californicus)
Family Columbidae: Pigeons, doves etc.
band- tailed pigeon ( Columba fasciata)
rock dove ( Columba livia)
mourning dove ( Zenaida macroura)
spotted dove ( Streptopelia chinensis)
common ground dove ( Columbina passerina)
Family Cuculidae: Cuckoos etc.
greater roadrunner ( Geococcyx californianus)
Family Tytonidae: Barn- owls
common barn- owl ( Tyto alba)
Family Strigidae: Typical Owls
great horned owl ( Bubo virginianus)
western screech owl ( Otus kennicottii)
burrowing owl ( Speotyto cunicularia)
short- eared owl ( Asio flammeus)
Family Caprimulgidae: Nightjars etc.
common poorwill ( Phalaenoptilus nuttallii)
Family Apodidae: Swifts
Vaux's swift ( Chaetura vauxi)
white- throated swift ( Aeronautes saxatalis)
Family Trochilidae: Hummingbirds
black- chinned hummingbird ( Archilochus alexandri)
Anna's hummingbird ( Calypte anna)
Costa's hummingbird ( Calypte costae)
rufous hummingbird ( Selasphorus rufus)
Allen's hummingbird ( Selasphorus salis)
Family Alcedinidae: Kingfishers
belted kingfisher ( Ceryle alcyon)
Family Picidae: Woodpeckers, etc.
Lewis woodpecker ( Melanerpes lewis)
acorn woodpecker ( Melanerpes formicivorus)
downy woodpecker ( Picoides pubescens)
Nuttall's woodpecker ( Picoides nuttallii)
red- breasted sapsucker ( Sphyrapicus ruber)
northern flicker ( Colaptes auratus)
Family Tyrannidae: Tyrant flycatchers
Pacific- slope flycatcher ( Empidonax difficilis)
ash- throated flycatcher ( Myiarchus cinerascens)
western wood peewee ( Contopus sordidulus)
Cassin's kingbird ( Tyrannus vociferans)
western kingbird ( Tyrannus verticalis)
black phoebe ( Sayornis nigricans)
Say's phoebe ( Sayornis saya)
Family Alaudidae: Larks
horned lark ( Eremophila alpestris)
Family Hirundinidae: Swallows
barn swallow ( Hirundo rustica)
cliff swallow ( Hirundo pyrrhonata)
tree swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor)
violet- green swallow ( Tachycineta thalassina)
rough- winged swallow ( Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
Family Corvidae: Crows, magpies, jays, etc.
scrub jay ( Aphelocoma coerulescens)
American crow ( Corvus brachyrhynchos)
common raven ( Corvus corvax)
Family Paridae: Titmice
plain titmouse ( Parus inornatus)
Family Aegithalidae: Bushtits
bushtit ( Psaltriparus minimus)
Family Sittidae: Nuthatches
white- breasted nuthatch ( Sitta carolinensis)
Family Certhiidae: Creepers
brown creeper ( Certhia familiaris)
Family Troglodytidae: Wrens
cactus wren ( Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)
house wren ( Troglodytes aedon)
Bewick's wren ( Thryomanes bewickii)
rock wren ( Salpinctes obsoletus)
canyon wren ( Catherpes mexicanus)
marsh wren ( Cistothorus palustris)
Family Muscicapidae: Old World Warblers, Thrushes, and Wrentits
wrentit ( Chamaea fasciata)
western bluebird ( Sialia mexicana)
Swainson's thrush ( Catharus ustulatus)
hermit thrush ( Catharus guttatus)
American robin ( Turdus migratorius)
golden- crowned kinglet ( Regulus satrapa)
ruby- crowned kinglet ( Regulus calendula)
blue- gray gnatcatcher ( Polioptila caerulea)
Family Mimidae: Mockingbirds, thrashers
northern mockingbird ( Mimus polyglottos)
California thrasher ( Toxostoma redivivum)
Family Motacillidae: Pipits, wagtails
American pipit ( Anthus rubescens)
Family Bombycillidae: Waxwings
cedar waxwing ( Bombycilla cedrorum)
Family Ptilogonatidae: Silky flycatchers
phainopepla ( Phainopepla nitens)
Family Laniidae: Shrikes
loggerhead shrike ( Lanius ludovicianus)
Family Sturnidae: Starlings
European starling ( Sturnus vulgaris)
Family Vireonidae: Vireos
solitary vireo ( Vireo solitarius)
Hutton's vireo ( Vireo huttoni)
warbling vireo ( Vireo gilvus)
Family Emberizidae: Wood warblers, Tanagers, Grosbeaks, Sparrows, and
Blackbirds
common yellowthroat ( Geothlypis trichaserulua)
yellow- rumped warbler ( Dendroica coronata)
yellow warbler ( Dendroica petechia)
black- throated gray warbler ( Dendroica nigrescens)
Townsend's warbler ( Dendroica townsendi)
orange- crowned warbler ( Vermivora celata)
Nashville warbler ( Vermivora ruficapilla)
MacGillivray's warbler ( Oporornis tolmiei)
Wilson's warbler ( Wilsonia pusilla)
yellow- breasted chat ( Icteria virens)
western tanager ( Piranga ludoviciana)
blue grosbeak ( Guiriaca caerulea)
black- headed grosbeak ( Pheucticus melanocephalus)
lazuli bunting ( Passerina amoena)
rufous- sided towhee ( Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
California towhee ( Pipilo crissalis)
rufous- crowned sparrow ( Aimophila ruficeps)
chipping sparrow ( Spizella passerina)
lark sparrow ( Chondestes grammacus)
sage sparrow ( Amphispiza belli)
savannah sparrow ( Passerculus sandwichensis)
grasshopper sparrow ( Ammodramus savannarum)
fox sparrow ( Passerella iliaca)
song sparrow ( Melospiza melodia)
Lincoln's sparrow ( Melospiza lincolnii)
golden- crowned sparrow ( Zonotrichia atricapilla)
white- crowned sparrow ( Zonotrichia leucophrys)
dark- eyed junco ( Junco hyemalis)
red- winged blackbird ( Agelaius phoeniceus)
western meadowlark ( Sturnella neglecta)
Brewer's blackbird ( Euphagus cyanocephalus)
brown- headed cowbird ( Molothrus ater)
hooded oriole ( Icterus cucullatus)
northern oriole ( Icterus galbula)
Family Fringillidae: Carduelin finches
purple finch ( Carpodacus purpureus)
house finch ( Carpodacus mexicanus)
pine siskin ( Carduelis pinus)
lesser goldfinch ( Carduelis psaltria)
Lawrence's goldfinch ( Carduelis lawrencei)
American goldfinch ( Carduelis tristis)
Family Passeridae: Old World Sparrows
house sparrow ( Passer domesticus)
APPENDIX D
Mammals of the Thousand Oaks Planning Area
Order Marsupialia
Family Didelphidae
opossum ( Didelphis marsupialis)
Order Insectivora
Family Soricidae
ornate shrew ( Sorex ornatus)
Family Talpidae
broad- handed mole ( Scapanus latimanus)
Order Chiroptera
Family Vespertilionidae
fringed myotis ( Myotis thysanodes)
California myotis ( Myotis californicus)
Yuma myotis ( Myotis yumanensis)
western pipistrelle ( Pipistrellus hesperus)
red bat ( Lasiurus borealis)
hoary bat ( Lasiurus cinereus)
big brown bat ( Eptesicus fuscus)
lump- nosed bat ( Plecotus townsendii)
pallid bat ( Antrozous pallidus)
Family Molossidae
Brazilian free- tailed bat ( Tadarida brasiliensis)
western mastiff bat ( Eumops perotis)
Order Lagomorpha
Family Leporidae
desert cottontail ( Sylvilagus auduboni)
brush rabbit ( Sylvilagus bachmani)
Order Rodentia
Family Sciuridae
California ground squirrel ( Spermophilus beecheyi)
western gray squirrel ( Sciurus griseus)
fox squirrel ( Sciurus niger)
Family Geomyidae
Botta's pocket gopher ( Thomomys bottae)
Family Heteromyidae
California pocket mouse ( Perognathus californicus)
Pacific kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys agilis)
Family Cricetidae
western harvest mouse ( Reithrodontymys megalotis)
deer mouse ( Peromyscus spp.)
dusky- footed woodrat ( Neotoma fuscipes ssp. macrotis)
San Diego desert woodrat ( Neotoma lepida ssp. intermedia)
California meadow mouse ( Microtus californicus)
Family Muridae
Norway rat ( Rattus norvegicus)
black rat ( Rattus rattus)
house mouse ( Mus musculus)
Order Carnivora
Family Canidae
coyote ( Canis latrans)
gray fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
Family Procyonidae
ringtail ( Bassariscus astutus)
raccoon ( Procyon lotor)
Family Mustelidae
long- tailed weasel ( Mustela frenata)
striped skunk ( Mephitis mephitis)
badger ( Taxidea taxus)
Family Felidae
mountain lion ( Felis concolor)
bobcat ( Lynx rufus)
Order Artiodactyla
Family Cervidae
mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ssp. hemionus)