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fCNI Although mitigation of the wetlands which will be disturbed may not be required, reclamation plans provide for the establish- ment of wetlands several times as extensive as what will be disturbed. The formation of wetlands is anticipated as water collects in the low elevations of the phase I and V mininglareas. These wetlands should immediately benefit habitat, and their contributions to habitat value will increase with the evolution of hydrophytic vegetation on these sites. Wetlands could also form in other ways. In consideration of the potential for' forma- F11 tion of wetlands in reclaimed areas, the small acreage and/or low habitat value of wetlands to be disturbed, and non-disturbance of ,-, the stock ponds, major drainages, and a few vernal pools, impacts € are viewed as less than significant. 5.4.2 Tree Conservation San Joaquin County has promulgated an ordinance to protect certain trees in the county. Chapter 9-1505 of the County Devel- opment Title addresses removal, replacement, and other require- F, ments germain to Native Oak Trees, Heritage Oak Trees, and His- torical Trees as defined in the Title. Blue oaks are among the species which may be categorized as the foregoing if minimum trunk diameter requirements are met. A small number of blue oaks are scattered throughout portions of the excavation area. It appears that most, if not all, of the blue oaks in 'the # excavation area would be classified as Native Oak Trees. Fortunately, the number of blue oaks in the excavation area is but a very small percentage of the number in the permit area Fi outside of excavation boundaries. Since the vast majority' of blue oaks in the permit area will not be disturbed, impact's in E this area are judged to be less than significant. 5.4.3 Sensitive Plant Species _{ Surveys have not identified any of the species which have the potential to occur in the permit area, nor do NDDB records' in- dicate any such observations. These findings have led to a determination that no significant environmental effects will G occur relative to sensitive plant species. 5.4.4 Sensitive Animal Species It is believed that the proposed project area will not pose any significant impacts to the sensitive animal species which could utilize the various habitats. Reconnaissance surveys have not recorded the presence of any sensitive animal species or their signs in these habitats. The phased nature of excavation and reclamation activities will decrease impacts through the scheduled replacement of: grass- land habitat as this habitat is removed via excavation in devel- r"l oping areas. This will insure that resident and migratory spe- � , cies such as the Swainson' s hawk and burrowing owl will have habitat available during the quarry's lifespan. KRC Aggregate, Inc. 5 - April 1, 1994