SU0007861 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

northern California, BUOW is typically found in close association with California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi). Manmade substrates such as pipes or debris piles may also be occupied in place of burrows. In the San Joaquin Valley, the species is both a winter visitor and a year-round resident; individuals of the latter group generally show strong site fidelity. The greater nesting period is from February through July. Prior to conducting the survey, CDFW's Natural Diversity Database and eBird.com (a publicly- accessible online bird observation database) were searched to determine the nearest documented BUOW occurrence(s) to the landfill. According to the Natural Diversity Database, the nearest documented BUOW occurrence is approximately 1.6 miles to the north of the landfill, and there are several other occurrences within 4.0 miles to the north and northwest. The nearest eBird observation is approximately 1.9 miles to the northwest, at the Stockton Airport (also reflected in the Natural Diversity Database). Methods Survey methodology was informed by guidelines developed by the Burrowing Owl Consortium and adopted by CDFW, corresponding both to "habitat assessment" and a "take avoidance survey" (pre-construction survey) as described in the updated 2012 protocol'. The area to be surveyed was indicated by markers already installed in the field, and maps provided by landfill personnel. From 9:15 to 10:30 AM, WMU FU-13 and surrounding areas within 200 feet were traversed on foot to determine the general suitability for BUOW, to locate burrows (or other suitable substrates), and to search for BUOW or sign of its presence. BUOW sign consists of feathers, regurgitated pellets and/or whitewash (feces stains), and is typically found near the entrances to occupied burrows. BUOW foraging perches often show these characteristics as well. All burrows and comparable refugia found were carefully examined for signs of BUOW occupation. Results No BUOW or indication of this species presence was observed during the survey. Burrows that appeared to be constructed by ground squirrels were observed in two portions of the surveyed area, specifically near the northern and western perimeters along respective manmade slopes that are situated below steeper, barren graded slopes currently buffering the active landfill area to the west. Approximately 40 burrows in total were noted. Both areas where burrow clusters were observed were grown to dense ruderal vegetation (weeds, etc.) that was at least two feet in height throughout and often greater than five feet. Many of the burrows in both areas appeared dilapidated, and no ground squirrels were observed throughout the survey. The remainder of the WMU FU-13 area consisted nearly entirely of a flat, graded area with heavily compacted fill material. The greater WMU FU-13 area is unlikely to support BUOW for the following reasons: • Most of the area consists of heavily compacted and disturbed fill material with no burrows or similar refugia present. • The very limited areas where burrows are present feature dense weedy vegetation that is at least two feet in height, effectively precluding utilization by BUOW. "Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation." California Department of Fish and Game. March 7, 2012. 2