SU0004097 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Biological Resources, MOND&ASSOCIATES Impacts and Mitigations Tracy Facility Expansion Site the reach of Corral Hollow Creek that crosses the project site. As such,no project related impacts to California red-legged frog are expected. California horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum frontale)is a Federal species of concern and a California"species of special concern." The California horned lizard occurs throughout most of California west of the deserts and Cascade-Sierran highlands (Stebbins 1985). This lizard inhabits open country, especially sandy areas,washes, flood plains, and wind-blown deposits in a wide variety of habitats,including conifer and riparian habitats, and annual grassland(Zeiner et al. 1988). Warm, sunny,open areas are a main habitat requirernen% along with patches of loose soil where it can b itself. A clutch o six bury f to 21 eggs is laid between April and June(Stebbins, 1985). Shrubs are necessary to provide cover. CNDDB has a 1991 record for this lizard approximately one and one-quarter mile(1.25 mile) southwest of the project site, southwest of I- 580 in sparse, grazed grassland. The project site's expanse of near-level terrain and sandy substrate with minimal vegetative cover provides suitable habitat conditions for the California horned lizard. Hence, surveys should be conducted to determine its presence or absence on the project site. San Joaquin coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum ruddocki) is a Federal species of concern and a California"species of special concern." This snake occurs in and regions below 1,800 meters in open terrain and are most abundant in grass, desert, scrub, chaparral, and pasture lands (Zeiner et al. 1988). Rodent burrows,bushes,trees, and rock piles are used for cover, and hibernation 4 sometimes takes place in sandy soils approximately one foot below the surface, sometimes at the base of plants. This snake is more tolerant than most snakes of warm, dry environments;hence, they will be found above ground in hot weather even in deserts. It eats rodents, lizards, eggs, other snakes,insects, and carrion(Stebbins 1985). CNDDB reports an adult of this subspecies was identified road-killed in 1991, along the upper portion of Corral Hollow Road, approximately one and three quarter miles (1.75 miles)west of the project site. The project site's F sparsely vegetated grassland habitat and open, sandy substrate may provide suitable habitat for f this species. The dry creek beds in the summer months could also be used for thermo-regulation activities(sunning). Hence,prior to impacting potential coachwhip habitat, a trapping and ! removal effort should be initiated(see Impacts and Mitigations Section, Section 14, for further discussion). Northern Harrier(Circus cyaneus)is a California"species of special concern." CDFG is primarily concerned with this species nesting habitat. Under California Fish and Game Code §3503.5, this raptor, its nest, eggs and young are protected. Northern harriers build grass-lined nests on the ground within dense, low-lying vegetation. They usually nest on level to near level ground. This species is particularly vulnerable to ground predators while nesting, and is subject to disturbance by agricultural practices. M&A have observed northern harriers hunting over the project site. The project site's near-level terrain and grassland vegetation provide suitable nesting , habitat for this raptor species. Since northern harriers are highly mobile animals, it is possible that northern harriers could nest on the project site in future years. Hence,preconstruction nesting surveys should be conducted prior to initiating excavation in a particular mining area. 17