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APPENDIX I - BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Impact 4.7-2 The proposed "restoration" of the Tracy Lakes would greatly reduce or eliminate the wildlife habitat value of two thirds of this historic seasonal wetland site, including its presumed function as a Swainson's hawk foraging area. The excavation of all of North Tracy Lakes and approximately half of South Tracy Lakes will convert seasonal wetland habitats to relatively deep (15 to 25 feet), steep-sided, small reservoir lakes, thereby altering wildlife complement which use the seasonal wetlands. Under the proposed plan only a few species of diving ducks could utilize the permanent lakes, whereas seasonal wetlands provide a feeding habitat for most waterfowl except for the merganser or fish-eating ducks. However,ample fish prey is available year round in the large stock pond. The proposed plan is not considered a wetland restoration plan, but a major habitat replacement which would result in the loss of one of the best known natural seasonal wetland basins in the Central Valley. Specifically,the conversion would entail the loss of 100 acres of classical seasonal wetland that presently functions as a shallow foraging site for water birds during the winter in normal rainfall years and dries in spring to produce seasonal rodent and rabbit habitat. This latter function in turn enhances the entire area as a summer Swainson's hawk foraging habitat. (Also refer to discussion under previous impact.) Mitigation Measures 4.7-2(a) Eliminate the excavation of the Tracy Lakes basins and retain the lakes as seasonal wetlands. 4.7-2(b) Discontinue periodic tilling of the lake basins and plant native species. 4.7-2(c) Retain a waterfowl management specialist to design and supervise the planting and management of a permanent cover crop for the lake basin. An annual seed crop would be produced for invading rodent populations in summer and migrant water birds in winter. 4.7-2(d) Relocate all lots at least 3610 feet from the high water shoreline of the lakes. Human activities in and around the lake would preclude water birds and Swainson's hawks from foraging in this area of the site. Impact 4.7-3 Potential injury or destruction of native trees through root and limb damage could occur during and after project construction. 24