SU0013451 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

biologist,and there were numerous sitings of Swainson's hawks flying to and from the site and adjacent irrigated pastures where they were assumed to be foraging. On three occasions, Swainson's hawks were also observed swooping to the ground on site, after what was presumed to be rodent prey. Development would result in the loss of approximately 124 acres of foraging habitat: approximately 49 acres from the creation of homesite parcels bordering the lakes,which provides optimal rodent(prey) habitat; and approximately 85 acres from the construction of recreational facilities such as the golf course,tennis courts, and horse stable. Prior to submittal of any application materials,the applicant logged approximately 13 acres of trees from three portions of the woods to create three fairways for the golf course. This cleared area comprises approximately 13 acres and may be considereda taking of habitat for the state threatened Swainson's hawk pursuant to Section 2080 of the California Fish and Game Code. Finding: Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,the project which avoid or substantially lessenthe significant environmentaleffect as identifiedin the FEIR. These mitigation measures are listed below. Statement of Fact: This impact will be reduced by the following: 1) Protect existing suitable nesting habitat and trees by establishing a wildlife sanctuary on Buckeye Ranch.Creation of this private refugewill provide a satelliterefuge for wildlifeof the Cosumnes River Preserve. 2) Maintain relations with habitat management staff of the Cosumnes Preserve, private consultants, and California Department of Fish and Game field biologists in order to coordinate protection activities on Buckeye Ranch. 3) Improve grassland managementon the Buckeye Ranch.Discontinue cattle grazing on the property except as a possible management tool to diversify cover through controlled grazing. Restoration in this area will create 400 acres of improved foraging habitat for Swainson's hawks. 4) Restore grassland habitat on irrigated pasture.Creation of natural grasslands interspersed with vernal pools on previously irrigated pasture will create optimal foraging habitat for Swainson's hawks on the property. This restoration will create 19 acres of foraging habitat for Swainson's hawk. 5) Restore and manage interfairway grassland to improve foraging opportunities for raptors. Improving cover type in the interfairway areas (which in some cases are wider than 400 feet) will provide foraging possibilities for the species. 6) Implement grassland management plan as outlined in the resource management plan (Table 10, p. 149). Create variable grass depths,and grassland phenology that provides optimal cover and foraging opportunities for Swainson's hawk. 7) Restore and manage seasonal marsh habitat to coincide with Swainson's hawk foraging needs.Since Swainson's hawks raise theirchicks during late spring through earlysummer, with fledgling occurring between mid-July and mid-August,the proposed restoration and management plan for the seasonal marsh habitat will provide foraging habitat during a critical period of chick development(Table 9 of the Resource Plan). Seasonal marsh habitat in South Tracy Lake will be managed as a summer-dry and moist-soil marsh system.Both habitats will provide excellentcover for rodents,small birds and insects. This habitat type is a dramatic improvementon existing farmed land of the lake bottoms(sudan 4