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Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) State SNcies of Concern, No Federal Listing This fast-flying, falcon-type raptor chases down and captures small birds near the ground, as well as rodents. Two of its preferred food items are the horned lark and the California ground squirrel, both of which were abundant in selected areas of the site. One prairie falcon was seen chasing western meadowlarks in the open grassland near the northern border of the site. This bird is a cliff nester, thus it is unlikely that any nesting occurs on the site. Western Pond Turtle (Clemmys marmorata pallida) State Species of Concern. Priority 2, Federal Candidate 2 The draining of natural marshes and ponds coupled with the confinement of the Delta river systems has been responsible for the loss of this reptile's shallow shoreline foraging areas and sandy bank sites where it can dig egg deposition nests. It has declined steadily throughout California in recent years. This is especially disturbing since the western pond turtle is the only aquatic turtle in California and one of only two native turtles in the state. As previously reported, several specimens were observed in all three major aquatic habitats on the site. Habitat The Tracy Lakes are fully protected since they constitute critical habitat for migratory water birds under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, 1929. IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Project Description Development plans call for the deepening of Tracy Lakes to provide a year-around water source. The westerly end of South Tracy Lake would be deepened with two islands created for waterfowl nesting habitat. Seasonal wetlands would be managed through the use of weirs in the backwater stretches of South Tracy Lake. As the lake dries down, water would be pumped into these areas during the appropriate season, then allowed to dry out to provide food for other species. With the exception of one lot, all lots and the clubhouse would front portions of the two lakes. An existing trail through Brovelli Woods would be used for equestrain purposes. An 18-hole golf course is proposed over half of the 870- acre site, with four of the fairways located in Brovelli Woods. The primary project access would extend through Brovelli Woods and cross the Mokelumne River. Significance Criteria CEQA guidelines state that a project will normally have a significant effect on the environment if the project will substantially affect a rare or endangered species of animal or plant or the habitat of the species; interfere substantially with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species; or substantially diminish habitat for fish,wildlife or plants. Furthermore,three major biotic factors were considered when identifying the potential impacts which could occur if the project site was developed as proposed. 22