ITEM 23 ATTACHMENT 6 - Project Plans

2 It was determined that there is no potential for Alameda whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus) to occur on the Property. Finalized critical habitat “Unit 3” for the Alameda whipsnake is located to the west of the Property, but the annual grassland habitat located on the Property is regularly disked multiple times a year and does not contain any rock piles or outcroppings. Rock piles are an important habitat feature for this species as they provide cover and foraging potential. Given this information, it was determined that there is no suitable habitat for Alameda whipsnake, and they are presumed absent from the Property. It was determined that there was potential for CRLF to occur on the Property within the intermittent drainage along the west side of Foothill Road. Protocol level surveys to determine the presence or absence of this species were conducted between March and May of 2022. The results of the surveys were negative; therefore, the species is presumed absent from the Property. There is the potential for three special-status bird species to occur on the Property in a nesting and/or foraging manner. There are eight CNDDB occurrences of burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) located within five miles of the Property. The Property supports potential burrowing and foraging habitat for this species, as there are numerous mammal burrows located within the annual grassland habitat. There is also the potential for northern harrier (Circus hudsonius) to occur on the Property. The nearest CNDDB occurrence of this species is located approximately 6.5 miles north of the Property. But there is the potential for this species to forage or nest among the annual grassland habitat found throughout the Property. Additionally, there is the potential for white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) to occur on the Property. There is one CNDDB occurrence of this species within five miles of the Property, and there is potential for the kite to forage throughout the annual grassland habitat. However, due to the lack of any marshes, lakes, rivers, or ponds in the immediate vicinity, it is unlikely that this species would nest on the Property. It is recommended that a pre-construction avian survey be conducted if construction- related activities take place during the nesting season (February through August). Additionally, pre-construction burrowing owl surveys should be conducted prior to any construction-related activities. There are three CNDDB occurrences of pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) within five miles of the Property. The annual grassland habitat located throughout the Property provides potential foraging habitat for this bat species. In addition, the bats may roost within the old orchard trees, or oak woodland habitat that occurs on the Property. When project construction-related activities such as tree removal take place it is recommended that a bat habitat assessment be conducted by a qualified bat biologist during seasonal periods when bats are active to determine suitability of the on-site habitat. If special-status bat species are discovered, construction activities may be timed to minimize impacts and additional mitigation may be required.