SU0012397 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

i Ms.Alisa Goularl San Joaquin County Community Development Department February 11,2020 Page 7 "Pre-Construction Surveys for Swainson's Hawk:if work is to be conducted during the nesting season,focused surveys for active Swainson's hawk nests shall be conducted by a j qualified biologist in a manner consistent with the Recommended Timing and Methodology of Swainson's Hawk Nesting Surveys in California's Cental Valley(2000).At least two surveys shall be completed within two survey periods immediately prior to the Project's initiation.If a lapse In project-related work of 15 days or longer occurs,another focused survey shall be performed,and the results sent to CDFW prior to resuming work. Surveys shall be conducted in all suitable habitat located at the Project work site,in staging,storage, and stockpile areas,and along transportation routes.Surveys shall be conducted within 32- mile of the Project area.If any active Swainson's hawlc nests are found within Ya-mile of the Project site, CDFW shall Immediately be contacted and additional survey measures may be required for Project activities." Comment 7:Revise ISMND to include Burrowing Owl Although not identified in the IS/MND,burrowing owl has the potential to occur within the vicinity of the proposed Project.The burrowing owl is listed by the State of California to be a Species of Special Concern,defined as a species with declining population levels,limited ranges,and/or continuing threats which make them vulnerable to extinction (https://wildlife.ca,goy/Conservation/SSC).Habitat loss,degradation,and fragmentation are the greatest threats to burrowing owls In California.Loss of agricultural and other open lands(such as grazed landscapes)also negatively affect burrowing owl populations.Because of their need for open habitat with low vegetation,burrowing owls are unlikely to persist In agricultural lands dominated by vineyards and orchards or urbanized lands.Also,fossorial mammal burrows are Important habitat to burrowing owl. The Project has the potential to adversely impact the species through permanent and temporary losses of nesting and foraging habitat.The Project may also result in additional impact to burrowing owl through nest abandonment,loss of young,and reduced health and vigor of chicks (resulting in reduced survival rates)and breeding and foraging disturbance through Project activities.The IS/MND should evaluate the potential for burrowing owls to be present within and adjacent to the Project area by documenting the extent of fossorial mammals that may provide burrows used by owls during the nesting and/or wintering seasons.Burrowing owls may also use unnatural features such as debris piles,culverts and pipes for nesting,roosting or cover.If potential burrowing owl habitat is present,CDFW recommends that surveys be conducted following the methodology described in Appendix D:Breeding and Non-breeding Season Surveys of the CDFW Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation(Staff Report),which is available at https://nrni.dfcl.ca.nov/FileFlandler.aslix?DocurnentlD=83843. Burrowing owl surveys should be conducted by a qualified CDFW-approved biologist.In accordance with the Staff Report,a minimum of four survey visits should be conducted within 500 feet of the Project area during the owl breeding season which is typically between February 1 and August 31.A minimum of three Survey visits,at least three weeks apart,should j be conducted during the peak nesting period,which Is between'April 15 and July 15,with at least one visit after June 15.Pre-construction surveys should be conducted no-less-than 14 days prior to ground disturbance with a final survey conducted within 24 hours prior to ground f