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The Biotic Study completely fails to mention the potential of Tracy Lakes, D69 should grazing cease,to support a substantial ring of riparian spades around the perimeter (this will be discussed more fully in the mitigation comments). P. 10 - Valley Grassland. The Biotic Study claims that the project site originally supported a complex D70 of bunch grass species. While we agree that the current site Is dominated by r mostly annual, exotic species, the original composition of this grassland area is unknown. Page 11 - AMphibians The presence of California slender salamander (Batrachaceos attenuatus) D71 has not been ruled out. Our surveys during January 1993 have yet to reveal its presence. We concur that both tiger salamander (Ambystoma Udnum) and red- legged frog (Ailaa eta do not occur on the project site. pane 1_ t - Aad The Biotics Study does not accurately portray those species of reptiles occurring on the property. Our extensive surveys on the site reveal a herpetofauna that is reminiscent of foothill live oak community. For example, the D72 presence of western and Gllberfs skinks has been confirmed (January 1993). Northwestern fence lizard is very common as Is gopher snake. Page 12 - Birds it is in this area that the Biotics Study is grossly inadequate. ft does not characterize the avifauna of the project area nor does it relate the significance of this site to the region. Stating that this area is an island is not enough, and may not be totally accurate. The Buckeye Ranch is close enough to other large riparian and wetland areas to constitute a complex. Within 10 miles of the ranch, there exists excellent riparian habitat, seasonal marsh, grasslands, and pasture. The 5,000 acre Cosumnes River Preserve is 4 miles to the north. After examining the bird list in this appendix, one wonders where the surveys were D73 conducted. Many species are missing from the list that we have found to be present. Confirmed spades seem to be run together with, what we think are hypothetical species. This is incorrect. Assumptions as to the makeup of the birdlife can lead to incorrect interpretation of community structure. For example, the higher incidence of live oaks (dominant In the woodland community) and few poplars or willows indicates that neotropical migrant nesting spades aro probably poorly represented (as compared to a true Central Valley riparian forest). Our preliminary findings on the site suggest three distinct avifaunal groupings: savannah species (meadowlarks, magpies, bluebirds, lark sparrows, raptors, etc.);wetlands species (waterfowl, egrets, herons, shorebirds, etc.); oak- woodland spades( titmouse, wrentit, nuthatch, scrub Jay, few neotropical migrant nesting spades, etc.). This Information will be presented in the Conservation and Restoration Plan being prepared by Hart and Engilis. Once avifaunal communities are characterized, we will assess the impacts of various aspects of 4 VIS