RES 2026023 - Laserfiche WebLink

/ \ Sequoia Ecological Consulting,Inc. CaIVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum C-33 Augustin Bernal Community Park Fuel Reduction November 2025 Direct and indirect impacts could occur to Crotch's (Bombus crotchii) and obscure bumble bee (Bombus caliginosus) through off-road machinery, prescribed burning, herbicide use, and removal of flowering plants. Primary threats to the survival of special-status bumble bees include habitat loss or modification due to development, agriculture, high-intensity fire, fire suppression, and herbicide use (Xerces Society et al. 2018). Because little is known about the life history and behaviors of bumble bees, and there is no established methodology for detecting overwintering or nesting colonies, they can be difficult to detect and therefore to completely avoid during treatment activities. If colonies were destroyed, it is possible that populations of these species would be reduced below self-sustaining levels, and treatment activities could substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of species. The does not impact chaparral or coastal sage scrub, is designed to avoid riparian habitat and no new roads would be created (SPR HYD-2). Pre-treatment surveys would combine a focused survey (SPR BIO-1, SPR BIO-3, SPR BI0- 10)to identify burrows and suitable habitat within the project site.The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (2023)issued"Survey Considerations for CESA Candidate Bumble Bee Species,"which offers a survey methodology for Crotch's and obscure bumble bees, among others. In lieu of or in addition to surveys,the Project Proponent may choose to assume presence and rely on habitat as an indicator of presence. Crew members and contractors would be trained to identify and avoid this species if encountered (SPR BIO-2), and a biologist would be available as needed to provide guidance when crews are working within suitable bumble bee habitat. If work occurs within occupied bumble bee habitat, MM BIO-2b requires flagging areas for avoidance and establishing no-work buffers. MM BIO-2b also states: "A qualified RPF, biologist, or biological technician will be required to monitor the effectiveness of the no-disturbance buffer around the nest, den, burrow, or other occurrence during treatment" If identified, these burrows would be protected with an avoidance buffer (SPR AD-2). A Spill Prevention and Response Plan (SPR HAZ-5) will be developed as part of project implementation, and the Project Proponent will comply with herbicide application regulations (SPR HAZ-6) and restrict use of herbicide to avoid native plants. The objectives of the CaIVTP treatment activities are to reduce the occurrence of high-intensity wildfire and to modify past practices of fire suppression. Project implementation could thus be beneficial to bumble bees by reducing high-intensity wildfire and improving habitat for bumble bee species;however,in the process of achieving this objective,there are potentially significant direct impacts to bumble bees.The CaIVTP PEIR acknowledges the difficulty in detecting overwintering and nesting bumble bees and in determining the occurrence and severity of impacts; it concludes that implementation of the CalVTP could cause impacts that are potentially significant and unavoidable to special-status bumble bees. The proposed project impacts are consistent with those described in the CaIVTP PEIR, and the proposed treatment activities may result in impacts to Crotch's and obscure bumble bee that are potentially significant and unavoidable. Greenhouse Gas Emissions XC Impact GHG-2:Generate GHG Emissions through Treatment Activities MM GHG-2: Implement GHG Emission Reduction Techniques during Prescribed Burns