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The described mitigation procedures are placating at best, to the <br /> Native American Community. Placing wire mesh over burial mounds, <br /> D104 documenting found archaeological objects, and having a "Native <br /> American monitor," do not preserve the sacred nature of this site. <br /> The "no-build" alternative is the only viable option at this time. <br /> The remaining Brovelli Woods area is uniquely significant from an <br /> ecological standpoint. the importance of this area, including the <br /> D105 surrounding uplands, is such that impacts and further habitat loss is <br /> not acceptable. The proposed development of any of the build <br /> alternatives is simply not compatible with the need to preserve such <br /> critical habitat. <br /> The proposed project is not compatible with the Conservation <br /> designation called for in the General Plan. There are significant <br /> adverse impacts associated with the proposed project. In addition, <br /> D106 there are public trust issues associated with the determination that <br /> public access is not planned for in this project. Although such access <br /> needs to be managed so as to protect sensitive natural and cultural <br /> resources that make this area unique and important, such access still <br /> must be provided. <br /> The loss of at least 12% of the existing woodland habitat at this site <br /> has not been fully assessed. If the tree clearing actions that were <br /> already taken by the applicant had been instead proposed in the <br /> DEIR, there is a strong possibility they would not have been allowed <br /> to occur. The proposed project has already had a very significant <br /> D107 adverse impact on the Swainson's Hawk. This state-listed threatened <br /> species has suffered loss of nesting and foraging habitat as a direct <br /> result of the project activities. It is also possible that another state- <br /> listed species, the greater sandhill crane, was also impacted. This <br /> impact would certainly increase greatly if the project were approved <br /> in any form. The only appropriate compensation for the significant <br /> impacts that have already occurred would be to provide permanent <br /> conservation protection for the remaining area. This would also <br /> require the current development proposal to be dropped. <br /> The supplemental biological studies that have been performed for <br /> the proposed Buckeye Ranch Development are still inadequate in <br /> D108 scope and duration to reach conclusions that the project can be <br /> successfully mitigated. The stakes are in fact too high to take the <br /> great risk that this project poses. <br /> VI_% <br />