ARCHIVED REPORTS_1993_1 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

direct mortality, temporary or permanent habitat loss, or towered reproductive success for substantial portions of local populations of candidates for state or federal listing, California species of special concern, or CNPS List 1 species. This impact assessment is based on published and unpublished information, field surveys, and conversations with agency representatives and other knowledgeable individuals. 4.2-1 Loss of Annual Grassland Implementation of the proposed project would result in the elimination of approximately 40 acres of grassland habitat and the displacement or loss of wildlife using the site. This impact is considered less than significant because annual grassland is common both locally and statewide, supports plant and wildlife species that are locally and regionally common, is dominated by weedy non-native plants, and is highly disturbed at the project site. Mitigation 4.2-1 No mitigation is required or recommended Impact 4.2.2 Potential Loss of Special -Status Plants Suitable habitat for special -status plant species does not exist at the proposed project site. Miti ag tion 4.2-2 No mitigation is required or recommended. Impact 4.2-3 Potential Loss of San Joaquin Kit Fox Habitat Implementation of the proposed project would eliminate approximately 40 acres of potential kit fox habitat. As stated earlier under "San Joaquin Kit Fox", although the project site is near an area where kit foxes have been observed, kit foxes do not appear to use the project site, or do so only infrequently. Furthermore, because the project site is small and isolated from other suitable potential kit fox habitat, it is not essential to maintain kit fox populations that might occur nearby. These conclusions are supported by the results of the 1993 surveys that evidenced no use of the project area by kit foxes. Therefore, the loss of 40 acres of potential kit fox habitat would not meet the legal criteria for a take of the kit fox under the California and federal Endangered Species Acts. Jones & Stokes Associates biologists consider this impact to be less than significant. The preliminary draft HCP recommends that the City of Tracy survey lands east of the Delta - Mendota Canal and the HCP study area to determine if kit foxes are present. The HCP states that mitigation measures similar to those outlined in the preliminary draft HCP eventually may be required for some development projects in this area. Mitigation 4.2-3 No mitigation is required or recommended. ER -93-1 -42- (9-27-93)