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The project area has been noted as particularly important natural <br /> resource of the county and has been identified for preservation as <br /> discussed with the county by conservation groups. The habitat <br /> D90 values and functions are irreplaceable within the constraints of <br /> modern planning. The restoration of an area like this could take <br /> well over one hundred years if at all. Surrounding wild areas no <br /> longer exist to expect recruitment of species as we have seen in <br /> the past. <br /> I am also greatly concerned that the supplemental studies would be <br /> fragmented from the EIR temporally as they are. This obscures the <br /> D91 full impacts of the project from the public. The public has a <br /> right to be informed in such a way that it can intelligently weigh <br /> the consequences. (Environmental Planning and Information Council <br /> v. County of E1 Dorado, 1982) . <br /> In addition to the general comments provided above I more specific <br /> comments on the adequacy and content of the EIR supporting <br /> Documents: <br /> 1) The studies were completed after the first near normal <br /> precipitation in six year. The consultant biologist states that <br /> these conditions allowed the most complete evaluation to date. It <br /> is very obvious that over a period of six year of drought that <br /> D92 conditions are far from normal. It is unreasonable to expect that <br /> conditions could revert to normal in the first growing season based <br /> on very basic ecological principles. Therefore, assessment of <br /> resources is inadequate due to non-normal circumstances., The <br /> habitat values on average should be higher and potentials for <br /> enhancement are overstated. <br /> 2) The conclusion of no elderberry longhorn beetles on site is <br /> D93 incorrect in two ways. First, under the federal endangered species <br /> act, habitat loss within the known range of the species would be <br /> considered a "take" and be in violation of FESA. Secondly, the <br /> random inspection of limbs for exits holes is not a reliable or <br /> accepted method of assessment. The US Fish and Wildlife has <br /> D94 required mitigation and consultation in similar situations. I also <br /> noted that the consultant biologist did not contact Chris Nigano of <br /> the USFWS, who is an expert on the species in the area. This points <br /> out the inadequacy of the evaluation for this species. Destruction <br /> of VELB habitat would be a FESA violation! <br /> 3) The Biotic supplement understates the importance of the <br /> D95 importance of the floodplain including the beaver pond, and Tracy <br /> lakes to fish for spawning during high water events. Again the <br /> studies of the fish populations in these ponds reflects non-normal <br /> times. The failure to find tiger salamanders may also be related to <br /> a temporal shift in the hydrology of the area. <br /> D96 4) The evaluation for Giant Garter Snakes also falls short of <br /> VI-92 <br />