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Page 81 „ • realigning 7,600 linear feet of the North Branch of the South Fork of Little Johns Creek,between I the northeastern and southwestern project boundaries,with a new 7,800-foot long channel along the northern and western project boundaries; J, • creation of approximately 7.0 acres of watercourse that is allowed to freely meander within a 200- foot wide floodplain; • Planting of 39.4 acres of riparian habitat; - • Monitoring and maintenance for five years following construction. (b) In addition,a 4.3-acre detention basin will be constructed in the southwest comer of the project site,as depicted on project plans(R-W.Beck and Associates, 1993). Implementation of these measures would ensure that habitat values provided by the recreated features °° i n the site in terms of functions and wetlands and aquatic habitat , would achieve exceed no net loss of etl q value as well as acreage. Creation of these features would provide nearly 4:1 acreage replacement of on- site surface water features. These mitigation measures would reduce potential impacts to the Creek to less than significant levels. The plan is consistent with the wetland mitigation goals in the San Joaquin County Multiple Species Conservation and Open Space Plan(San Joaquin County Council of Governments, 1999)and the San Joaquin County General Plan 2010. Impact F.2 Implementation of the proposed project could remove up to thirty-two valley oaks, averaging approximately thirty inches dbh. Native oak trees, including valley oaks,are identified as a significant resource in the County's Natural Resources Regulations- Trees (San Joaquin County Development Title, Chapter 9-1505). Additionally, heritage trees are recognized as significant biological and ecological resources in the San Joaquin County General Plan 2010.- Removal of oaks is permittable subject to an approved Improvement Plan application processed by County Community Development Department Staff Review procedure. Under this regulation,native oaks are to be replaced at a ration of three trees for each tree removed. For heritage trees,the replacement ratio is 5:1. Removal of trees at the project site,therefore,would conflict with local policies regarding natural resource conservation and protection. These trees are also important for foraging and as roosting, perching,and nesting sites for local bird species,including the Swainson's hawk,discussed below. The proposed conceptual plan would require removal of only one valley oak at the site. This oak is located in the existing creek channel between the City's property and the Brocchini parcel,southwest of the proposed wildlife preserve. Mitigation Measure F.2 Proposed as Part of the Project (a) Under current project plans,31 of the 32 valley oaks are along the perimeter of the site or are in the designated wildlife preserve adjacent to the creek and would not be removed. (b) Prior to initiation of any activity within a 100-foot radius of a valley oak proposed for retention, the project proponent shall install clearly visible temporary fencing around the dripline of the Valley oak to prevent inadvertent damage during on-site activities. Fencing shall be removed GR9.SSETTI ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING