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The suggestion that the cleared fairways swaths be replanted with riparian tree species is sound <br /> IF the overriding consideration is to mitigate for the tree loss. However, if the replanting is <br /> required to promote the Swainson's hawk survival in San Joaquin County, the long maturation <br /> time needed to bring these species to a potential nesting habitat status does not address the <br /> immediate need for effective, short-term measures to stem the rapid decline of this bird. <br /> With this in mind, it is the consulting biologists opinion that since the trees have been destroyed <br /> the best use of the now open land would be to manage these plots as productive forest meadow <br /> habitats. The prime purpose of these plots would be for small rodent prey production for the <br /> Swainson's hawk and other avian and mammalian predators. With a good rodent prey base <br /> immediately adjacent to nesting habitat, energy normally spent on distant foraging can be <br /> minimized. In addition, more prey catches would most likely be made from perch sites along <br /> the edge of these meadows than from the classic soaring buteo perch position in open terrain. <br /> This translates to better nourishment of the hen during the pre-laying period, and better chick <br /> survival during the parental feeding period. <br /> Both a well-designed and managed Scottish-type set of seasonally used fairways or a native <br /> grassland plot, similar to the grassland restoration sites proposed in the applicant's restoration <br /> plan for the grassland areas, would suffice for these grassy plots. <br /> B 14: Comment acknowledged. The scope-of-work finally agreed to by Robertson Homes was limited <br /> in response to budget concerns. The Supplemental Report (pp. 2 and 13) details the scope of <br /> work, which called for resurvey of specified areas, relocation and rerecordation of previously <br /> identified prehistoric sites, and the implementation of soil chemical analyses in determining <br /> archaeological site boundaries. This scope of work, although limited, supplemented previous <br /> archaeological investigations, and is believed (in conjunction with the previous work) to meet <br /> Robertson Homes' CEQA obligations. <br /> B 15: The consulting archaeolgists (Biosystems) have stated in the Supplemental Report (p. 37) that <br /> previously unidentified subsurface archaeological deposits may possibly be encountered during <br /> ground disturbing activities. Recommendations were made that if such deposits were <br /> encountered, work at the location of any find cease, and a qualified cultural resources <br /> professional be contacted immediately to examine and evaluate the discovery. However, in <br /> response to comments that some form of monitoring be conducted during subsurface work, we <br /> have modified our recommendations. Because monitoring may be warranted in areas where <br /> subsurface work is in close proximity to cultural resources, we recommend that for those <br /> circumstances where subsurface work is within 30 meters (=98 feet) of cultural resources, an <br /> archaeologist be present during any grading or construction activities, to monitor for the <br /> unearthing of archaeological materials. The text in the supplemental study has been changed <br /> accordingly (see page 37). <br /> B 16: Comment noted. <br /> C. County Agencies <br /> Cl: No response required. <br /> VI-154 <br />