Laserfiche WebLink
Andrew Engilis, Jr. Jeffrey A. Hart. Ph.D. <br /> Consulting Wildlife Biologist Consulting Landscape Ecologist <br /> P. O. Box 2424 1547 33rd Street <br /> Elk Grove, CA 95759 Sacramento, CA 95816 <br /> 1 February 1993 <br /> Ms. Kerry Sullivan <br /> San Joaquin Planning Department <br /> 1810 Hazelton Avenue <br /> Stockton, CA 95205 <br /> RE: Supplemental Biotics Study for Buckeye Ranch Development, dated <br /> October 26, 1992 <br /> Dear Ms. Sullivan: <br /> This letter comprises our comments on the Supplemental Biotics Study for <br /> the Buckeye Ranch Development. <br /> 1. General Comments <br /> Although upon the surface, the Biotics Study seems complete, there are <br /> several inherent problems with It. The description of the plant Ufa is vary I <br /> incomplete. Plant communities are not described using up-to-date classifications <br /> commonly used by resource professionals. No mention is made of the presence D61 <br /> and distribution of jurisdictional wetlands. The nature of the Brovelli Woods <br /> closed canopy forest, In contrast to true riparian vegetation, Is not discussed. The <br /> very degraded nature of the site, especially in relation to past grazing and <br /> farming activities, seems poorly understood in relationship to the functionality of <br /> wetlands. <br /> The document does not correctly portray the wildlife communities. In <br /> particular, the avifauna description is grossly inaccurate and do not give <br /> reviewers an accurate appraisal of those species on the ranch. There are <br /> conflicting statements relating to wetland and riparian hablUds and threatened D62 <br /> species biology and occurrence. The Biotics report provides mitigation <br /> recommendations, many of which are sound, others that are incorrect and/or <br /> missing additional restoration opportunities. Flaws in those recommendations <br /> suggest a poor understanding of the biological communities present on the site, <br /> and the impacts the proposed project will have on wildlife species, particularly <br /> birds. <br /> The Biotics Survey has failed to characterize the wildlife communities <br /> associated with plant communities on the site. Without a clear understanding of <br /> the wildlife communities one cannot accurately ascertain impacts. <br /> This plan lacks important literature citations relative to riparian systems, <br /> waterfowl and wetlands management, riparian restoration techniques, and <br /> VI-81 <br />