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habitat does exist for this species within the study area, including the area of the <br /> proposed bridge crossing. <br /> Black-shouldered kite (Elanus caeruleus) is a state listed "fully protected" raptor <br /> species. It was observed during HLA's surveys in riparian woodlands along the <br /> Mokelumne River. It is likely that this species nests in the general area of the <br /> observation, although no active nests were observed. Potential nesting and foraging <br /> habitat does exist for this species within the project area along the riparian corridor. <br /> Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni) is a state listed threatened, federal candidate <br /> species. They often nest near riparian systems of the valley as well as utilizing lone <br /> trees or groves of trees in agricultural fields. Valley oak, cottonwood, walnut, large <br /> willow, with an average height of about 58 feet are the most commonly used nest trees <br /> in the Central Valley. They also require large open grasslands with abundant prey in <br /> association with suitable nest trees. While Swainson's are restricted to portions of the <br /> Central Valley, and east toward El Dorado hills (in the Sierra foothills), no recorded nest <br /> sites occur within the study area; however, habitat for this species does exist within the <br /> project area along the riparian corridor. <br /> 3.3.2 Impacts <br /> The level of significance of the biological impacts addressed in this section of the <br /> report are based on the value of the lost habitat and the effect on the individual species. <br /> Potential significant impacts that would result from the proposed project are <br /> primarily associated with the removal of riparian woodland and mature oak trees that <br /> would occur as a result of the proposed bridge crossing relocation. Modifications to the <br /> Mokelumne River channel and associated riparian corridor (as a result of this bridge <br /> crossing) and the adjacent marsh area (as a result of construction of the proposed access <br /> road) would significantly alter existing fish and wildlife habitat if unmitigated. <br /> Loss of high quality native habitat such as riparian woodland is considered <br /> significant, whereas loss of marginal or manmade habitat is considered either potentially <br /> significant or less than significant depending on potential value. Impacts to suitable rare <br /> and endangered species habitat is considered potentially significant. <br /> 52 <br />