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1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1.1 Introduction In accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS, Sacramento Office) June 1999 survey protocol for the northern range of the San Joaquin kit fox (SJKF), this report summarizes the results of an Early Evaluation of potential habitat for the San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) at an approximately 8 acre parcel west of Tracy referred to as the Hansen Road Parcel (Study Area). The USFWS San Joaquin kit fox survey protocol for the northern range outlines two phases to assess potential habitat. The first phase requires Early Evaluation to enable the USFWS to evaluate a project's habitat potential for the fox and determine the appropriate mitigation, if any. The second phase, which is usually only completed when the results of the Early Evaluation are inconclusive, involves more detailed surveys, including spotlighting, scent station, and camera stations. According to 1997 USFWS guidelines, a SJKF survey is required when the project site is (1) within the known range of the San Joaquin kit fox, (2) there are known localities of the species within ten miles of the project boundaries, or (3) suitable habitat exists within one mile of the project boundaries. An Early Evaluation assessment was conducted at the Hansen Road Parcel because all three requirements apply at the site. The work completed and described in this report fulfills only the Early Evaluation requirements. 1.2 Study Area The Study Area is located in the San Joaquin Valley west of Tracy in southwestern San Joaquin County(Figure 1). The site covers approximately 8 acres, most of which is developed and disturbed uplands. Interstate 580 forms the southern and western boundaries of the Study Area; Hansen Road is the eastern boundary, and commercial development is present immediately north. The Study Area is surrounded by extensive agricultural lands to the south and west across Interstate 580, and commercial development to the north and east. The California Aqueduct is located less than one-quarter mile north of the Study Area. .o Topographically, the Study Area is relatively level and at an elevation of approximately 260 feet. Existing buildings and hardscape are present on approximately one-third of the Study Area. The remaining area consists of ruderal non-native annual grassland between bare ground areas associated with an off-road racing track. During the site visit, it appeared as though the weedy grassland had been mowed and/or disced in the past. The disturbed Study Area is not considered suitable habitat for SJKF. The 8 acres of fragmented ruderal herbaceous grassland and development are considered marginal habitat where kit fox have a low potential to occur (due in part to the small size of the available habitat and a lack of suitable corridor habitat connecting the site to other suitable San Joaquin kit fox habitats in the vicinity.) r An aerial photograph showing the continuity of vegetative communities in the vicinity of the Study Area is shown in Figure 2. r