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plants were observed on the project site and these were only prevalent along fence rows. Loss of a single small valley oak is not considered a significant impact. However, CDFG, CNPS and other concerned groups advocate the preservation of oaks, so the project site's valley oak should be retained if possible. Alternatively, a small number of replacement valley oaks could be planted in the park setting adjacent to the project site. Although a proper jurisdictional wetlands delineation (per U.S. Army Corps of Engineers criteria) was not performed by PAR as a part of this survey, there were no potential wetlands observed on the project site. Indirect impacts of the proposed project on the study area should be less-than-significant. During construction ambient noise would be raised to levels above those normally existing in the area. Elevated noise levels would discourage birds such as great blue herons and great egrets from nesting in the vicinity. However, the study area is already bounded by a trailer park and the existing transfer station. Wildlife currently using the study area have probably already habituated to urban background noise, and the park setting provides a buffer zone to at least half of the riparian woodland in the study area where nesting would most likely occur. The CDFG and USFWS have voiced ongoing concerns about the impacts of development on breeding raptors in California. In the study area, Swainson's hawks are of particular concern to agency biologists (but are not the only species of concern). As planned, the proposed project should not generate significant impacts to breeding Swainson's hawks or other breeding raptors. There is no nesting habitat on the project site for any sensitive raptor species except for burrowing owls, and no owl burrows were detected during the survey. The loss of potential raptor foraging acreage, while close to the Mokelumne River, is not extensive or valuable enough to be considered a significant impact. However, ambient noise and construction activities could disturb raptors nesting in the riparian habitat adjacent to the proposed project site. Less-than-significant impacts to breeding raptors could be insured by conducting a spring nest survey in the study area prior to the onset of any spring or summer construction activities. RECOAMENDED AIMGATION o Retain or replace valley oak. If possible, the six-inch valley oak on the project site should be retained on-site. If this proves impossible, the tree should be replaced in the study area, preferably in the park setting adjacent to the project site. The replacement ratio should be five 15-gallon trees for the existing tree that will be removed. Replacement oaks should be cared for in an appropriate manner. They should not be placed in areas where overwatering will occur 12