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San Joaquin County Community Environmental Setting,Impacts,and Mitigation Measures Development Department Biological Resources The results of the July 12,2005, survey indicate that,overall,there is a very low — likelihood that the project site supports special-status plant species based on the level of disturbance from previous and ongoing agricultural activities, lack of suitable habitat conditions,and no previously recorded occurrences in or immediately adjacent to the project site. Special-Status Wildlife — Based on a review of existing information, including a search of the CNDDB, USFWS species lists,and species distribution and habitat requirements data,25 special-status wildlife species were identified during the prefield review as — having the potential to occur within the project region (10-mile radius around the study area). The listing status,preferred habitat, and potential for occurrence in the study area for each of these species are listed in Table 3.D-2. Of the 25 special-status wildlife species identified as potentially occurring in the project region, 17 species would not occur at the project area because the area _ lacks suitable habitat for the species or is outside the species' known range. An explanation for the absence each of these species from the study area is provided in Table 3.D-2. Five special-status bird species(American peregrine falcon, _ Cooper's hawk, sbarp-shinned hawk,tricolored blackbird, and white-tailed kite) may migrate through or roost in the project area. Because almond orchards in the project area do not provide suitable nesting habitat for these species, these , species would not be affected by the proposed Project. Although no suitable nesting habitat is present in the project area for Swainson's hawk, a group of large eucalyptus trees are present adjacent to the project area on the west side of the Delta-Mendota Canal and could support nesting Swainson's hawks. In addition to the 25 special-status wildlife species listed in Table 3.13-2, non- special-status migratory birds could nest in the project area. Orchards attract foraging and roosting birds such as western scrub jay(Aphelocoma californica) and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). Although these species are not considered special-status wildlife, their occupied nests and eggs are protected by — Sections 3503 and 3503.5 of the California Fish and Game Code and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act(MBTA). Overall,the project area provides marginal habitat for special-status wildlife species. After reviewing existing information and conducting the July 12, 2005, reconnaissance-level field survey,the wildlife biologist concluded that three — special-status species listed in Table 3.D-2 (California homed lark, Swainson's hawk,and San Joaquin kit fox)have the potential to occur in the project area and/or may be affected by construction activities;these species are discussed below. California Horned Lark. California horned lark is designated as a state species of special concern. The California homed lark is a subspecies of the homed lark found throughout much of the state. California homed larks are ground-nesting birds,preferring open grasslands and prairies with short vegetation or bare ground and little to no shrub or tree cover(Beason 1995). California homed — larks may also occupy the edges of agricultural fields or row crop stubble. DeSilva Gates Quarry Project — Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.D-6 J85 0.5105.05