Laserfiche WebLink
grassland are located between the eastern edge of the project site and the Delta Mendota <br /> Canal. Hospital Creek, which is sparsely vegetated and dry throughout much of the year, <br /> is located approximately 0.25 mile south of the project site. <br /> The protect site supports many of the plant and wildlife species typically associated with <br /> agricultural land in central California. Plant species observed growing between tree rows <br /> and in ruderal areas include a number of non-native grasses and forbs such as rip-gut <br /> brome (Bromus diandrus), soft-chess brome (Bromus hordeaceus), storksbill (Erodium <br /> moschatum), and Mediterranean mustard (Hirschfeldia incana). Wildlife species observed <br /> or expected to occur on-site include Brewer's blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus), house <br /> sparrow (Passer domesticus), house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus <br /> , European starling <br /> (European starling), yellow-billed magpie (Pica nuttall►), American crow (Corvus <br /> brachyrhynchos), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyl), and Botta's pocket <br /> gopher (Thomomys bottae). <br /> j Sensitive Biological Resources <br /> Biological resources that have been afforded special protection by federal or state <br /> legislation and/or recognition by local resource conservation agencies and organizations <br /> are discussed in this section. Information sources consulted for the classification of <br /> sensitive resources are as follows: <br /> • Plants -- California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB 1996) and California <br /> Native Plant Society's Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered <br /> Vascular Plants (CNPS 1996). <br /> • <br /> Wildlife -- CNDDB (1996). <br /> • Habitats --CNDDB (1996) and Holland (1986). <br /> Special-Stratus Plants <br /> The CNDDB and CNPS data bases include occurrences of several special-status plants <br /> in the vicinity of the project site. However, none of these plants are known to occur in <br /> orchards or cropland. Therefore, no special-status plants are not expected to occur on the <br /> project site. <br /> Special-Status Wildlife <br /> After reviewing CNDDB records, conducting field reconnaissance surveys, and consulting <br /> with CDFG and USFWS, the following three special-status wildlife species were identified <br /> as potentially occurring onsite: San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica), Swamson's - <br /> hawk (Buteo swainsoni), and western burrowing owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypugaea). <br /> Draft Environmental Impact Report 4-98 ER-96-3 <br />