PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT FOR THE PERRIS AAA AUTO RECLAMATION CENTER, CITY OF PERRIS, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

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1 PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT FOR THE PERRIS AAA AUTO RECLAMATION CENTER, CITY OF PERRIS, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Prepared for: Placeworks 3 MacArthur Place, Suite 1100 Santa Ana, California Principal Investigator: Kim Scott Riverside County Certified Paleontologist November 2016 Project Number: 3974 Type of Study: Paleontological Resources Assessment Localities: None known from these sediments within 10 miles of the project USGS 7.5 Topographic Quadrangle: Perris 7.5 Total Area of Impact: 9.6 acres Key Words: middle to early Pleistocene, Quaternary very old alluvial fan; PFYC 2 low fossil potential 1518 West Taft Avenue Orange, CA Office (714) Field Offices San Diego Riverside Morro Bay San Francisco Federal Certifications 8(a), SDB, EDWOSB State Certifications DBE, WBE, SBE, UDBE D2-1 cogstone.com Toll free (888)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS...II EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... III INTRODUCTION... 1 PURPOSE OF STUDY... 1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION... 2 PROJECT PERSONNEL... 2 REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT... 5 STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS... 5 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)... 5 Public Resources Code (PRC) Section RIVERSIDE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN, OPEN SPACE ELEMENT... 5 PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA... 6 BACKGROUND... 7 GEOLOGICAL SETTING... 7 PROJECT GEOLOGY... 7 RECORD SEARCH... 7 FIELD RECONNAISSANCE... 9 PALEONTOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES CITED APPENDIX A: QUALIFICATIONS APPENDIX B: WESTERN SCIENCE CENTER RECORDS SEARCH APPENDIX C: SENSITIVITY RANKING CRITERIA LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1. PROJECT VICINITY... 1 FIGURE 2. PROJECT TOPOAGRAPHY... 3 FIGURE 3. PROJECT AERIAL... 4 FIGURE 4. PROJECT GEOLOGY... 8 FIGURE 5. AN OPEN CULVERT ON THE PROPERTY SHOWS AN ADVANCED LEVEL OF OXIDATION (RED) D2-2 i

3 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AAA B.A. BLM B.S. CEQA GIS GSF M.A. M.S. PBDB PFYC PRC project UCMP USGS WEAP American Automobile Association Bachelor of Arts Bureau of Land Management Bachelor of Science California Environmental Quality Act Resource Management Inc. Geographic Information System gross square feet Master of Arts Master of Sciences Paleobiology Database Potential Fossil Yield Classification Public Resources Code AAA Perris Auto Reclamation Center Project University of California Museum of Paleontology United States Geological Survey Worker Environmental Awareness Program D2-3 ii

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The American Automobile Association (AAA) proposes to construct and operate an AAAinsured vehicle recovery and auction facility with a 2,400-square foot office/garage building and paved parking for car storage and processing and service lots. This 9.6 acre property is located at the southeast intersection of Harley Knox Boulevard and Webster Avenue in the northern portion of the City of Perris, Riverside County, California. The maximum depths of cut are estimated to be 10 feet below the current ground surface and will be for utilities. Morton and Miller (2006) map the project entirely as middle to early Pleistocene alluvial fans. These sediments are estimated to range in age from 126,000 to 2 million years old. Near March Air Force Base, the 780,000 year old Brunhes-Matuyama paleomagnetic boundary is present at 9.8 feet (3 meters) below ground surface in these sediments (Morton et al., 1997). A paleontological records search for the project was provided by the Western Science Center (Radford, 2016) and a prior records search for the rail line that passes through downtown Perris in the same sediments was consulted (San Bernardino County Museum; Scott, 2008). Online records from the University of California Museum of Paleontology database and the Paleobiology Database were searched for fossil records as well as print sources. No middle to early Pleistocene paleontological localities are recorded in the project nor from middle to early Pleistocene alluvial fans from a ten mile radius of the project. The field observations confirmed Morton and Miller s (2006) geologic mapping of the project. Sediments over the site were finer grained ranging from silts to sands, and red in color indicating that these are older, distal alluvial fan deposits. Based on prior work in the area, virtually all of the fossils recovered occur in the lake and stream deposits. The oxidation of these sediments indicates that these deposits remained in the open for decades if not hundreds of years, resulting in the red color of the sediments. Because bone erodes over time if it is not buried, it is unlikely that any fossils will be found during construction. As such all sediments are assigned a Potential Fossil Yield Classification of 2 with a low potential for fossils. It is possible but unlikely that paleontological resources may be encountered during construction activities within the Pleistocene alluvial fans. Based on the planned depth of cuts, no monitoring is currently recommended. If unanticipated fossils are unearthed during construction, work should be halted in that area until a qualified paleontologist can assess the significance of the find. Work may resume immediately a minimum of 50 feet away from the find. This procedure should be included in the Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training provided to construction personnel. D2-4 iii

5 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF STUDY The purpose of this study is to determine the potential paleontological related impacts due to construction of the AAA Perris Auto Reclamation Center Project (project; Figure 1). This report is written to conform with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements. Figure 1. Project Vicinity D2-5 1

6 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION Construction work planned is the building of an AAA insured vehicle recovery and auction facility with a 2,400-square foot office/garage building and paved parking for car storage and processing and service lots. This 9.6 acre property is located at the southeast intersection of Harley Knox Boulevard and Webster Avenue in the northern portion of the City of Perris in Riverside County, California (Figures 2 and 3). The maximum depths of cut are estimated to be 10 feet below the current ground surface and will be for utilities. PROJECT PERSONNEL Resource Management Inc. () conducted the paleontological resources studies (Appendix A). Kim Scott served as the Qualified Principal Paleontologist for the project and wrote this report. Scott has a M. S. in Biology with an emphasis in paleontology from California State University, San Bernardino, a B.S. in Geology with an emphasis in paleontology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and over 20 years of experience in California paleontology and geology. Sherri Gust, a Riverside County Qualified Principal Paleontologist reviewed this report for quality control and supervised all work. Gust has a M. S. in Anatomy (Evolutionary Morphology) from the University of Southern California, a B.S. in Anthropology from the University of California at Davis and over 35 years of experience in California. André Simmons prepared the GIS maps throughout this report. Simmons has a M.A. in Anthropology from California State University Fullerton, a GIS certification, and over seven years of experience in California archaeology and paleontology. Megan Wilson conducted the record search and survey. Ms. Wilson holds an M.A. in Anthropology from California State University, Fullerton and is a Registered Professional Archaeologist with over five years of experience in southern California archaeology. She is also cross-trained in field paleontology practices. D2-6 2

7 Figure 2. Project Topography D2-7 3

8 Figure 3. Project Aerial D2-8 4

9 REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS Paleontological resources are protected by state law. This protection covers all vertebrate fossils (animals with backbones) and any unique paleontological locality. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) CEQA declares that it is state policy to: "take all action necessary to provide the people of this state with...historic environmental qualities." It further states that public or private projects financed or approved by the state are subject to environmental review by the state. All such projects, unless entitled to an exemption, may proceed only after this requirement has been satisfied. CEQA requires detailed studies that analyze the environmental effects of a proposed project. In the event that a project is determined to have a potential significant environmental effect, the act requires that alternative plans and mitigation measures be considered. If paleontological resources are identified as being within the proposed project study area, the sponsoring agency must take those resources into consideration when evaluating project effects. The level of consideration may vary with the importance of the resource. PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE (PRC) SECTION No person shall knowingly and willfully excavate upon, or remove, destroy, injure or deface any historic or prehistoric ruins, burial grounds, archaeological or vertebrate paleontological site, including fossilized footprints, inscriptions made by human agency, or any other archaeological, paleontological or historical feature, situated on public lands, except with the express permission of the public agency having jurisdiction over such lands. Violation of this section is a misdemeanor. As used in this section, "public lands" means lands owned by, or under the jurisdiction of, the state, or any city, county, district, authority, or public corporation, or any agency thereof. RIVERSIDE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN, OPEN SPACE ELEMENT The following policies provide direction for paleontological resources: OS 19.8 Whenever existing information indicates that a site proposed for development may contain biological, paleontological, or other scientific resources, a report shall be filed stating the extent and potential significance of the resources that may exist within the proposed development and appropriate measures through which the impacts of development may be mitigated. D2-9 5

10 OS 19.9 This policy requires that when existing information indicates that a site proposed for development may contain paleontological resources, a paleontologist shall monitor site grading activities, with the authority to halt grading to collect uncovered paleontological resources, curate any resources collected with an appropriate repository, and file a report with the Planning Department documenting any paleontological resources that are found during the course of site grading. OS Transmit significant development applications subject to CEQA to the San Bernardino County Museum for review, comment, and/or preparation of recommended conditions of approval with regard to paleontological resources. ( PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA Only qualified, trained paleontologists with specific expertise in the type of fossils being evaluated can determine the scientific significance of paleontological resources. Fossils are considered to be significant if one or more of the following criteria apply: 1. The fossils provide information on the evolutionary relationships and developmental trends among organisms, living or extinct; 2. The fossils provide data useful in determining the age(s) of the rock unit or sedimentary stratum, including data important in determining the depositional history of the region and the timing of geologic events therein; 3. The fossils provide data regarding the development of biological communities or interaction between paleobotanical and paleozoological biotas; 4. The fossils demonstrate unusual or spectacular circumstances in the history of life; 5. The fossils are in short supply and/or in danger of being depleted or destroyed by the elements, vandalism, or commercial exploitation, and are not found in other geographic locations. As so defined, significant paleontological resources are determined to be fossils or assemblages of fossils that are unique, unusual, rare, uncommon, or diagnostically important. Significant fossils can include remains of large to very small aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates or remains of plants and animals previously not represented in certain portions of the stratigraphy. Assemblages of fossils that might aid stratigraphic correlation, particularly those offering data for the interpretation of tectonic events, geomorphologic evolution, and paleoclimatology are also critically important (Scott and Springer, 2003; Scott et al., 2004). D2-10 6

11 BACKGROUND GEOLOGICAL SETTING The proposed project site is situated in one of the most tectonically active regions of North America. To the north of the project, the San Andreas Fault Zone travels up Cajon Pass where it is the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. The Transverse Ranges are a result of these two plates grinding past each other and catching along the bend in the San Andreas. The project is located on the Pacific Plate which is composed of numerous blocks that can move independently. The Transverse Range Province are an east-west trending series of steep mountain ranges and valleys, oblique to the normal northwest trend of coastal California, hence the name Transverse. The province extends offshore to include San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz islands. Its eastern extension, the San Bernardino Mountains, has been displaced to the south along the San Andreas Fault. Intense north-south compression is squeezing the Transverse Ranges, and as a result this is one of the most rapidly rising regions of the earth (Wagner, 2002). PROJECT GEOLOGY Morton and Miller (2006) map the project entirely as middle to early Pleistocene alluvial fans (Qvof a ; Figure 4). These sediments are estimated to range in age from 126,000 to 2 million years old. Near March Air Force Base, the 780,000 year old Brunhes-Matuyama paleomagnetic boundary is present at 9.8 feet (3 meters) below ground surface in these sediments (Morton et al., 1997). These sediments are described as moderately well consolidated, well dissected, orangishbrown sands and silts with some gravels and conglomerates (Morton and Miller, 2006). RECORD SEARCH A paleontological records search for the project was provided by the Western Science Center (Radford, 2016; Appendix B) and a prior records search for the rail line that passes through downtown Perris in the same sediments was consulted (San Bernardino County Museum; Scott, 2008). Online records from the University of California Museum of Paleontology database (UCMP, 2016), and the Paleobiology Database (PBDB, 2016) were searched for fossil records as well as print sources (Jefferson, unpublished). No middle to early Pleistocene paleontological localities are recorded in the project nor from middle to early Pleistocene alluvial fans from a ten mile radius of the project. Younger late Pleistocene localities are located near to the project (Radford, 2016; Appendix B), but these D2-11 7

12 should not be considered in determining the project sensitivity as they are younger than any of the sediments present in the project area. Figure 4. Project Geology D2-12 8

13 FIELD RECONNAISSANCE The reconnaissance stage is important to confirm that the geological maps of the project area confirm to what is observed in the field and to assess the sediments present for their potential to contain fossils. Additionally if there are known paleontological resources, it is important to verify the exact location of those resources, the condition or integrity of each resource, and the proximity of the resource to the project area. Megan Wilson of completed an intensive-level pedestrian survey of the entire 9.6 acre project area on October 28, The survey consisted of walking parallel transects, spaced at no greater than 15-meter intervals within the project area while closely inspecting the ground surface. The entire project area was heavily disturbed by agricultural activities, however where farming had not muddled the sediments, field observations confirmed Morton and Miller s (2006) geologic mapping. The red color of the sediments are consistent with older Pleistocene alluvial fan deposits that have been oxidizing at the surface for many years (Figure 5). Sediments over the site were finer grained ranging from silts to sands indicating that these are distal alluvial fan deposits (Figure 6). Figure 5. An open culvert on the property shows an advanced level of oxidation (red). D2-13 9

14 PALEONTOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY A multilevel ranking system was developed by professional resource managers within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as a practical tool to assess the sensitivity of sediments for fossils. The Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC) system (BLM, 2007; Appendix C) has a multi-level scale based on demonstrated yield of fossils. The PFYC system provides additional guidance regarding assessment and management for different fossil yield rankings. Occurrences of fossil resources are closely tied to the geologic units (e.g., formations or members) that contain them. The probability for finding significant fossils in a project area can be broadly predicted from previous records of fossils recovered from the geologic units present in and/or adjacent to the study area. Using the PFYC system, geologic units are classified based on the relative abundance of vertebrate fossils or scientifically significant invertebrate or plant fossils and their sensitivity to adverse impacts. This ranking is not designed to be applied to specific paleontological localities or small areas within units. Although significant localities may occasionally occur in a geologic unit, a few widely scattered important fossils or localities do not necessarily indicate a higher PFYC value; instead, the relative abundance of localities is intended to be the major determinant for the value assignment. Geological setting and fossil localities were considered in determining paleontological sensitivity according to PFYC criteria. Additionally, sediments nearest to the basement rock where they are produced are typically coarsest; those farthest from the basement rock are finest. The chance of fossils being preserved greatly increases once the average size of the sediment particles are reduced to 5 mm across or less. Fossil preservation also greatly increases with the presence of water. Remains left on the ground are quickly weathered from the sun and destroyed, usually within 20 years or less depending on the environment. So the sands, silts, and clays of rivers, lakes, and oceans are most likely to contain fossils. Based on prior work in the area, virtually all of the fossils recovered occur in the lake and stream deposits. The oxidation of these sediments indicates that these deposits remained in the open for decades if not hundreds of years, resulting in the red color of the sediments. Because bone erodes over time if it is not buried, it is unlikely that any fossils will be found during construction. As such all sediments are assigned a PFYC of 2 with a low potential for fossils. D

15 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Although the sediments present are middle to early Pleistocene and may contain Ice Aged fossils, and the finer grained nature of these sediments are conducive to fossils, the highly oxidized nature of the alluvial fan sediments indicates that these deposits remained in the open for decades if not hundreds of years, resulting in the red color. Because bone erodes over time if it is not buried, it is unlikely that any fossils will be found during construction. It is possible but unlikely that paleontological resources may be encountered during construction activities within the Pleistocene alluvial fans. Based on the planned depth of cuts, no monitoring is currently recommended. If unanticipated fossils are unearthed during construction, work should be halted in that area until a qualified paleontologist can assess the significance of the find. Work may resume immediately a minimum of 50 feet away from the find. This procedure should be included in the Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training provided to construction personnel. D

16 REFERENCES CITED BLM (Bureau of Land Management) 2008 Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC) System. Online at: File.dat/IM _att1%20-%20PFYC%20System.pdf Jefferson, G. T. unpublished: A Catalogue of late Blancan and Irvingtonian Vertebrates and Flora from Arizona, southern California, Nevada, Utah, and northwestern Mexico. Morton, D. M., B. F. Cox, J. C. Matti, J. W. Hillhouse, and R. C. Jachens 1997 Regional geology and structure in the area of March Air Force Base, southern California. USGS Administrative Report to March Air Force Base, A, 31 p., 9 maps, scale 1:24,000 (for informal agency use only). This report can be examined at the March Air Force office or at the USGS office located in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of California, Riverside. Morton, D. M. and F. K. Miller 2006 Geology map of the San Bernardino and Santa Ana 30 x 60 quadrangles, California; Geology and description of map units, version 1.0. Digital preparation by Cossette, P. M. and K. R. Bovard. USGS Open File Report , scale 1:100,000. PaleoBiological database 2016 Online records search of the University of California, Berkeley paleontology database. Radford, D AAA Auto Reclamation Project records search, October 26, See Appendix B. Scott, Eric (former Curator of Paleontology, San Bernardino County Museum) 2008 Paleontological literature and records review, Perris Valley Commuter Rail Line Project, Riverside County, California. On file with. Scott, E. and K. Springer 2003 CEQA and fossil preservation in southern California. The Environmental Monitor, Winter: 4-10, 17. Scott, E., K. Springer, and J. C. Sagebiel 2004 Vertebrate paleontology in the Mojave Desert: the continuing importance of follow through in preserving paleontologic resources, p , in M. W. Allen and J. Reed (eds.), The human journey and ancient life in California s Deserts: Proceedings from the 2001 Millennium Conference. Maturango Museum Publication No. 15, Ridgecrest, California, USA. UCMP 2016 Online records search of the University of California, Berkeley paleontology database. D

17 Wagner, D.L California Geomorphic Provinces. California Geologic Survey Note 36. Website: D

18 APPENDIX A: QUALIFICATIONS D

19 SHERRI GUST Project Manager and Qualified Principal Paleontologist EDUCATION 1994 M. S., Anatomy (Evolutionary Morphology), University of Southern California, Los Angeles 1979 B. S., Anthropology (Physical), University of California, Davis SUMMARY QUALIFICATIONS Gust has more than 35 years of experience in California, acknowledged credentials for meeting national standards, and is a certified/qualified principal paleontologist in all California cities and counties that maintain lists. She is a Member of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, Society for Economic Sedimentology and Paleontology, and others. Gust holds current statewide BLM paleontology permits in California and Nevada. She has special expertise in the identification and analysis of human, animal and fossil bone. SELECTED PROJECTS Double Date Facility, Coachella, Riverside County, CA. Managed paleontological and cultural resources monitoring for construction of new date processing facility. Provided monitoring compliance report. Principal Investigator Perris Valley Metrolink Improvement Project, Riverside to Perris, Riverside County, CA. Managed paleontological and cultural resources monitoring for construction of Metrolink Improvements. Ensured completion of daily and monthly updates. Principal Investigator Line D Project, Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Hemet, Riverside County, CA. Managed paleontological spot checks and monitoring for construction of water line improvements. Provided monitoring compliance report. Principal Investigator Temecula Park & Ride at I-15, Caltrans District 8, Temecula, Riverside County, CA. The City of Temecula proposes to construct a park and ride area for commuters interested in participating in ridesharing. Managed determination of an Area of Potential Effects, preparation of a Historic Property Survey Report, and an Archaeological Survey Report. Principal Investigator Dune Palms Road Low Water Crossing Replacement Project, La Quinta, Riverside County, CA. The City proposes to replace an outdated bridge with an all-weather bridge. Managed determination of an Area of Potential Effects, preparation of a Historic Property Survey Report, and an Archaeological Survey Report. Principal Investigator Paradise Valley Specific Plan, Glorious Land Company, unincorporated Riverside County, CA. The project involves construction of a planned community near Indio on 2,151. Prepared Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment; after project changes provided additional record search and survey and updated report. Principal Investigator Heacock Channel Improvement Project, Moreno Valley, Riverside County, CA. Managed cultural and paleontological resources assessments for 50 acres of channel improvements. Principal Investigator Mira Loma Beach Street Storm Drain Improvements, Mira Loma, Riverside County, CA. Authored paleontological mitigation plan. Managed paleontological resources monitoring. Provided monitoring compliance report. Principal Investigator D

20 EDUCATION KIM SCOTT Principal Paleontologist 2000 B.S., Geology with paleontology emphasis, University of California, Los Angeles 2013 M.S., Biology with a paleontology emphasis, California State University, San Bernardino SUMMARY QUALIFICATIONS Scott has more than 20 years of experience in California paleontology and geology. She is a qualified geologist and field paleontologist with extensive survey, monitoring and fossil salvage experience. In addition, she has special skills in fossil preparation (cleaning and stabilization) and preparation of stratigraphic sections and other documentation for fossil localities. Scott serves as company safety officer and is the author of the company safety and paleontology manuals. SELECTED PROJECTS Palm Avenue Grade Separation, Caltrans District 8, San Bernardino County. Directed the assessment of paleontological resources for proposed grade separation of the Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) Railroad tracks at Palm Avenue and Route 66. Co-authored a combined Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report. Field Director State Route 91 HOV Project, Caltrans District 8, Riverside. Co-authored a combined Paleontological Identification/Evaluation Report and Paleontological Mitigation Plan for the SR 91 High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Addition between Adams St. and the 60/91/215 Interchange in Riverside. Managed monitoring during construction. Co-author of Paleontological Monitoring Report (PMR). Paleontology Field and Lab Director Ranchero Road-BNSF Grade Separation, City of Hesperia, Hesperia. Directed paleontological resources monitoring for the duration of all ground disturbing activities in native sediments greater than five feet deep. Field Director and Report Co-author Avenue 52 Grade Separation, Caltrans District 8, Coachella, Riverside County. Performed paleontological record searches, background research, reconnaissance survey, and co-authored PIR/PER. Paleontology Field and Lab Director Merced Freeway Project, Caltrans District 10, Merced. Alternated 2 week rotations performing direction of fossil recovery and field preparation of fossils for 5 mile segment of State Route 99 south of Merced. Some 128 localities and 1667 fossils recovered in five months of excavation for detention basins. Contributed to final report. Field / Lab Director and Report Contributor Geospatial Paleontology Database, Caltrans District 6, 9, and 10. Conducted paleontological research for 15 counties in central and eastern California for paleontological screening tool. Paleontology Researcher Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project, Segments 1-3, Southern California Edison, Los Angeles and Kern counties. Co-authored paleontological resources management plans and directed paleontological monitoring for construction of new electrical transmission facilities. Paleontology Field and Lab Director and Report Co-author El Casco Substation Project, Southern California Edison, Riverside County. Performed preconstruction mitigation measures and prepared portions of Paleontological Resources Treatment Plan. Field and Lab Director and Report co-author D

21 ANDRÉ-JUSTIN C. SIMMONS Archaeologist/Cross-trained Paleontologist & GIS Supervisor EDUCATION 2014 M.A., Anthropology: Specializing in Anthropological Archaeology, California State University, Fullerton 2010 B.A., Anthropology and History, California State University, Fullerton, graduated cum laude 2012 Certificate in Geographic Information Systems, California State University, Fullerton SUMMARY QUALIFICATIONS Mr. Simmons is a qualified archaeologist and cross-trained paleontologist with extensive field experience in survey, monitoring, faunal analysis, and excavation. He exceeds the qualifications required by the Secretary of the Interior s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Further, he is certified in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and specializes in ESRI s ArcGIS software. Mr. Simmons is responsible for supervising GIS data collection and management, geospatial analysis, and the production of GIS maps and databases for large and small-scale projects. His key research interests include settlement patterns and use of space among Paleoindians, the American Southwest, early historic and prehistoric California, and historical Mexico. He has over six years of experience in California Archaeology and paleontological monitoring along with more than 24 hours of paleontology training and over four years of GIS experience. SELECTED PROJECTS WECC Path 42, Southern California Edison, Riverside County, CA. Conducted a cultural resources records search and field survey for a 14.5 mile transmission line segment near Thousand Palms. Archaeological/ Paleontological Technician Eldorado-Ivanpah Transmission Project, Southern California Edison, Eldorado, NV to Ivanpah, CA. Performed paleontological monitoring for project that involves construction of 195 miles of new transmission lines and associated fiber optic lines across BLM and private lands. Paleontological Monitor Devers-Mirage 115 KV System Split Project, Southern California Edison, Riverside County, CA. Performed archaeological and paleontological monitoring during construction activities associated with maintaining and upgrading the electrical systems of Cathedral City, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Thousand Palms and unincorporated Riverside County. Archaeological/Paleontological Monitor Leatherneck Substation Project, Southern California Edison, San Bernardino County, CA. Prepared GIS maps for a cultural resources survey and subsequent survey report for ten pulling stations near Twenty-Nine Palms. GIS Technician Fogarty Substation, Southern California Edison, Riverside County, CA. Performed archaeological and paleontological monitoring during ground disturbing activities in Lake Elsinore. A historic glass fragment and prehistoric shells were recovered. Archaeological/Paleontological Monitor Daggett II, Southern California Edison, San Bernardino County, CA. Conducted archaeological and paleontological monitoring of construction activities of transmission towers and associated access roads for the 225-acre Human External Cargo Helicopter Training Facilities Project in Daggett. Archaeological/Paleontological Monitor SR 99 Arboleda Drive Freeway Project, Caltrans District 10, Merced County, CA. Conducted paleontological resources monitoring, fossil recovery, and fossil preparation for a 5-mile segment. Prepared GIS report maps. Some 128 localities and 1,667 fossils recovered in five months of excavation for detention basins. Paleontology & GIS Technician D

22 EDUCATION 2014 M.A. Anthropology, California State University, Fullerton cum laude 2013 GIS Certificate, California State University, Fullerton 2006 B.A., Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles cum laude MEGAN PATRICIA WILSON Archaeologist/GIS Specialist SUMMARY QUALIFICATIONS Ms. Wilson is a Registered Professional Archaeologist and cross-trained paleontologist with 9 years of experience in survey, excavation, and laboratory preparation/curation analysis. Her key research areas include prehistoric subsistence and settlement patterns of coastal southern California, protohistoric and historic archaeology of southern California and the Great Basin, and paleo environmental reconstructions based on archaeological flora and faunal analysis. She is GIS proficient and assists with the digitizing and mapping of spatial data for archaeology projects. Ms. Wilson has five years of experience in southern California archaeology and is an expert in prehistoric and historic Orange County archaeology and artifact identification. SELECTED PROJECTS Paradise Valley Specific Plan, Glorious Land Company, unincorporated Riverside County, CA. The project involves construction of a master-planned community. Of the 5, 000-acre project area, 1,800 acres are slated for development, leaving the remaining 3,200 acres as open space. Coordination with the BLM was required regarding off-site power and fiber optic lines situated on federal lands. Conducted records search and archive research. also conducted NAHC consultation, archaeological and paleontological resources survey and APE mapping for inclusion in the Supplemental Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment Report. Archaeologist 2014 I-15 Limonite Interchange Improvement, County of Riverside/Caltrans District 8, Jurupa Valley/Eastvale, Riverside County, CA. Prepared GIS maps for inclusion in a Paleontological Mitigation Plan (PMP). Sub to Dokken Engineering. GIS Specialist Dune Palms Bridge, Project Design and Environmental Documents, La Quinta, Riverside County, CA. The project involved replacing a low water crossing spanning the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel at Dune Palms Road. Conducted record search, sacred lands search, and NAHC consultation. also conducted an intensive field survey, APE mapping, and prepared a Historic Properties Survey Report (HPSR) with appended Archaeological Survey Report (ASR) to support the PA&ED/PSR/PS&E documents. In addition, the project is located within known boundaries of prehistoric Lake Cahuilla, which has previously produced significant fossils. conducted a paleontological sensitivity analysis and prepared a Paleontological Identification Report (PIR). Sub to Parsons Brinckerhoff. Archaeologist Temecula Park and Ride at I-15, Caltrans District 8, Temecula, Riverside County, CA. Conducted records search, sacred land search, NAHC consultation, and created all project maps for inclusion in Historic Property Survey Report (HPSR) and Archaeological Survey Report (ASR). This project involved the construction of a park and ride area. Sub to Michael Baker/RBF. Archaeologist WECC Path 42, Southern California Edison, Thousand Palms, Riverside County, CA. Updated maps and graphics for inclusion in a cultural resources monitoring compliance report documenting activities associated with the construction and demolition of tower and guard structures for the Devers-Mirage Circuit. GIS Specialist D

23 APPENDIX B: WESTERN SCIENCE CENTER RECORDS SEARCH D

24 D

25 APPENDIX C: SENSITIVITY RANKING CRITERIA D

26 PFYC Description (BLM, 2008) Very Low. The occurrence of significant fossils is non-existent or extremely rare. Includes igneous or metamorphic and Precambrian or older rocks. Assessment or mitigation of paleontological resources is usually unnecessary. Low. Sedimentary geologic units that are not likely to contain vertebrate fossils or scientifically significant nonvertebrate fossils. Includes rock units too young to produce fossils, sediments with significant physical and chemical changes (e.g., diagenetic alteration) and having few to no fossils known. Assessment or mitigation of paleontological resources is not likely to be necessary. Potentially Moderate but Undemonstrated Potential. Units exhibit geologic features and preservational conditions that suggest fossils could be present, but no vertebrate fossils or only common types of plant and invertebrate fossils are known. Surfacedisturbing activities may require field assessment to determine appropriate course of action. Moderate Potential. Units are known to contain vertebrate fossils or scientifically significant nonvertebrate fossils, but these occurrences are widely scattered and of low abundance. Common invertebrate or plant fossils may be found. Surface-disturbing activities may require field assessment to determine appropriate course of action. High. Geologic units containing a high occurrence of significant fossils. Fossils must be abundant per locality. Vertebrate fossils or scientifically significant invertebrate or plant fossils are known to occur and have been documented, but may vary in occurrence and predictability. If impacts to significant fossils can be anticipated, onthe-ground surveys prior to authorizing the surface disturbing action will usually be necessary. On-site monitoring or spot-checking may be necessary during construction activities. Very High. Highly fossiliferous geologic units that consistently and predictably produce vertebrate fossils or scientifically significant invertebrate or plant fossils. Vertebrate fossils or scientifically significant invertebrate fossils are known or can reasonably be expected to occur in the impacted area. On-the-ground surveys prior to authorizing any surface disturbing activities will usually be necessary. On-site monitoring may be necessary during construction activities. PFYC Rank 1 2 3b 3a 4 5 D