Laserfiche WebLink
Ms. Kelly Sullivan <br /> June 25, 1992 <br /> Page -2- <br /> Your letter of May 18 also noted a few areas of possible friction. With <br /> respect to Valley Oak trees, please note that sheets one and two describe the <br /> location of three heritage-sized Valley Oaks that the project plans to avoid. <br /> There are no other nearby Valley Oaks that the project will affect. <br /> The project site has no known Swainson's hawk nesting sites, though <br /> the general area is within the range of the hawk. Please see the enclosed map, <br /> which identifies known Swainson's hawk nesting areas. <br /> The site's present agricultural use does not provide high habitat value <br /> for any raptors, including Swainson's hawk. Mr. Hardesty's agricultural <br /> practices minimize the presence of rodents, and the site does not contain <br /> forested cover suitable for nest sites. Whatever habitat the site provides to <br /> raptors is minimal and an incremental portion of the contiguous open space. <br /> The project would not affect the habitat value of most of the site, other than <br /> to assure the continued irrigation, which may incrementally increase food <br /> supply. Moreover, the bass ponds may actually contribute to the food supply <br /> of the Swainson's hawk by providing a watering hole for local fauna. This <br /> resource becomes even more valuable during the summer months and <br /> drought periods. The project accommodates existing oak trees, eliminates <br /> little upland, and provides an essential water source. Taken as a whole, this <br /> suggests the ponds will benefit the Swainson's hawk. <br /> The subject property has no known archaeological sites. General Note <br /> Three, however, sets forth appropriate safeguards to protect any items <br /> unearthed during excavation. <br /> Finally, plans for grading the pond perimeter will ensure ample access <br /> for future maintenance. See General Note Seven. <br /> I trust that this information is sufficient to allow processing of the <br /> application. If additional information is needed, please feel free to call or <br /> write. Thank you for your help, and we look forward to your response. <br /> Very t yours, <br /> B. Demar Hooper <br /> BDH:dab <br /> Enclosure <br /> BDH/JAS/1855.2/L.KS <br />