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` 4 Results r. Generally,the study area is situated on nearly level alluvial fans composed of deep, fertile soils. As a result,the area is largely agricultural,with the majority of the land in various stages of cultivation. Elevations in the study area range from 159 feet above msl in its northeast comer to ` 211 feet above msl in its southwest comer. The topographic gradient is approximately 40 feet per mile (0.5 degrees),decreasing in elevation toward the northeast. The ground surface is relatively flat with no prominent relief or landforms, with the exceptions of Hospital Creek, located in the �. southwest corner of the site; the concrete-lined Delta-Mendota Canal, located less than 160 feet west of the project site; and the California Aqueduct, located 2,200 feet west of the project site. San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties lie in the central region of the Central Valley. Historically, both counties supported extensive native grasslands dominated by perennial bunch grasses, along with extensive marshes and overflow areas along rivers; scattered freshwater communities such as vernal pools, seasonal wetlands, and intermittent drainages; riparian woodlands associated with rivers and creeks; and intermittent oak woodlands. Intensive agricultural and urban development has resulted in a reduction of these habitats. Agricultural production(including cattle ranching) is ` the main use for land in the two counties. In San Joaquin County,row crops, orchards, and hay crops comprise the majority of agricultural production. Row crops,rice,alfalfa, and hay crops characterize agricultural production within central Stanislaus County. The remaining native plant communities occur in isolated remnant patches within urban and agricultural landscapes or in areas where varied topography has limited disturbance. L The climate of the study area is hot and subhumid. The average annual precipitation in the site vicinity is 10 inches. The mean maximum temperature is approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit ` (°F)and the mean minimum temperature is approximately 47°F(Western Regional Climate Center,2005). 4.2.2 Study Area Vegetation Communities Vegetative communities are assemblages of plant species that occur together in the same area and ` that are defined by species composition and relative abundance. The study area consists predominantly of agricultural land with small inclusions of two other habitats: annual grassland and valley foothill riparian. Agricultural The study area is almost entirely composed of actively farmed agricultural lands, predominantly row crops and almond and apricot orchards. Surrounding fields also support orchards,hay and ` grain crops, grapes, and other row crops. Cultivated lands provide little habitat for native plant species; however,natural vegetation can occur along field edges and irrigation features such as ditches. r r r Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project 4-5 ESA 1203015 Wetland Delineation Repod February 2006 r