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grasslands. California tiger salamander have been historically observed in the local region near Shelton Road approximately 2 miles east of the junction with Escalon-Bellota Road, near Burson Road in Calaveras County, and approximately five miles north of Linden. None have ever been observed on or near the project site. No California tiger salamander were observed on the project site during surveys in February 1991. However, surveys were conducted during drought conditions when adults would not be active. No juvenile salamander were observed in the stock pond and no other suitable standing water habitats were present. Additional surveys should be conducted in May and late fall 1991 to verify presence or absence. Giant garter snake is one of the most aquatic of the garter snakes and is usually found in areas of permanent freshwater. These garter snakes forage in and along streams taking fish, amphibians, and amphibian larvae. The snake typically basks on streamside rocks during the day and retreats to mammal burrows, crevices, and other surface cover at night. Young are typically born in secluded sites such as under loose bark of rotting logs or in dense vegetation near pond or stream margins. The giant garter snake is a California threatened species and a candidate (category 2) for federal listing. No giant garter snake were observed on the project site. Suitable habitat is present near the stock ponds and riparian scrub habitats. Only one giant garter snake has been recorded within 10 miles of the project site and it is extremely unlikely that giant garter snake would be present. Bald eagle and American peregrine falcon are both state and federally listed endangered species. Both are \Nride-ranging and have historically been observed within the greater East Bay/ Mt. Diablo region. No suitable; nesting habitat for either species is present on or near the project site and no known nest sites for either species are known to occur near the project site. Neither of these birds would be expected to use the site to anv extent for foraging. Swainson's hawk is a California threatened species and a candidate (category 3c) for federal listing. Swainson's hawk are a fairly regular summer visitor and breeder throughout the western states although the California population has declined greatly in recent years. Swainson's hawk use stands with few trees in juniper-sage flats, riparian systems, or oak savannah for breeding and they forage in adjacent grasslands or agricultural fields. Suitable; nesting sites for Swainson's hawk are located on the project site primarily within the riparian scrub habitat in the center of the site and immediately off the project site in the cottonwoods to the east of the southeastern property boundary. No Swainson's hawk were observed on or near the project site and it is unlikely that they would be present or would even use the project site to any great extent. However, their breeding activity does not begin until late March with peak activity from late May to July. Further field surveys are required during the nesting season to verify absence. Burrowing owl is a California species of special concern which use open dry grasslands, prairie, and desert habitats. They are year-round residents in San Joaquin County. Burrowing owl use elevated perches such as dikes or berms, and typically nest in and around ground squirrel burrows. The entire project site is potential habitat for burrowing owl. Berms placed in and around the drainageways on the extreme northern portion of the project site and between the two most CONDOR