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IMPACT Biological Resources—Conversion of Burrowing Owl Foraging Habitat and Potential Destruction of 4.10-5 Active Burrows. The proposed project would result in conversion of burrowing owl foraging habitat and could result in destruction of occupied burrows. Implementation of measures presented in Section 7.3.5 of the MHMP would compensate for loss of burrowing owl foraging habitat and avoid loss of active nest burrows. It would not,however,avoid destruction of potential occupied burrows during the nonnesting season. A significant impact would occur. ' Burrowing owls nest at the northern edge of the College Park site,and several observations of burrowing owls have been made elsewhere on the site(Figure 4.10-1). Many potentially suitable burrows are present on the College Park site(Figure 4.10-1). Burrows were observed in lower densities along agricultural field edges and irrigation canals elsewhere at the College Park site during the reconnaissance surveys. Additional burrow habitat could become established if agricultural fields are left fallow,particularly if ground squirrels,which create _ suitable burrows for the owls,are present. Implementation of the College Park development could result in destruction of occupied burrows, and nesting owls could be disturbed by nearby construction,potentially resulting in nest abandonment and mortality of chicks and eggs. In addition,agricultural fields at the College Park site _ provide suitable foraging habitat. Loss of foraging habitat in the vicinity of active nest burrows could adversely affect the success of nests that are active at the time of the conversion and the future suitability of those nest sites. Based on the estimated amount of agricultural habitat present at the College Park site,approximately 600 acres of foraging habitat could be lost as a result of College Park implementation. Implementation of measures presented in Section 7.3.5 of the MHMP would avoid destruction of active nests. Compensation for loss of Swainson's hawk foraging habitat(MHMP Section 7.3.3)would also compensate for — loss of burrowing owl foraging habitat.The MHMP also requires that nesting sites shall be relocated. Although individual owls can be relocated and artificial nesting sites can be constructed,it is not feasible to relocate natural nest sites. Also,the MHMP does not include measures to avoid destruction of occupied burrows during the nonnesting season. Therefore, occupied burrows or individual owls could be destroyed during the nonbreeding season and would represent a significant impact. Mitigation Measure 4.103: Biological Resources—Conversion of Burrowing Owl Foraging Habitat and Potential Destruction of Active Burrows The College Park developers shall request coverage under the SJMSCP,fees shall be paid in the amount _ determined by SJCOG during the application and review process for each project under College Park,and if SJCOG determines suitable habitat is present on or adjacent to a given project site,the following SJMSCP incidental take avoidance and minimization measures shall be implemented: _ • Burrowing owls shall be discouraged from entering or occupying construction areas by employing one of several methods outlined in Section 5.2.4.15 of the SJMSCP. These include retention of tall vegetation, regular discing of the site,or use of chemicals or traps to kill ground squirrels; • Pre-construction surveys for burrowing owls shall be conducted where project construction activities would occur within 75 meters of suitable habitat(based on SJCOG review). The survey shall be conducted within 2 weeks of the beginning of construction. If burrowing owls are found,the following measures shall be implemented: _ • During the nonbreeding season(September 1 through January 31),burrowing owls occupying the project site shall be evicted from the project site by passive relocation,as described in the DFG's Staff Report on Burrowing Owls(DFG 1995). _ • During the breeding season(February 1 through August 31),occupied burrows shall not be disturbed and shall be provided with a 250-foot protective buffer until and unless the Technical Advisory Committee, with the concurrence of the permitting agencies' representatives on the Technical Advisory Committee,or EDAW College Park at Mountain House Specific Plan III Draft EIR Biological Resources 4.10-36 San Joaquin County