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Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc. CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum Augustin Bernal Community Park Fuel Reduction November 2025 4-35 three habitat types: core scrub, dispersal/foraging habitat, and rocky outcrop habitat. Dispersal and foraging habitat include woodland or annual grassland contiguous to core scrub habitat. The nature of the project activities would not change the habitat function of dispersal and foraging habitat because large oak woodland trees would be retained, and scrub and grassland habitat would not be heavily targeted for treatment. Core scrub habitat is described as shrub communities with a mosaic of open and closed canopy patches. USFWS defines scrub as coastal scrub, coyote brush scrub, or maritime chaparral areas (or “scrub”) greater than 0.5 acres in size, or scrub areas greater than 0.2 acres in size that are within 50 feet of scrub patches greater than 0.5 acres in size (USFWS 2006). When work is occurring within core scrub habitat areas, the crew would work closely with the biologist to selectively remove scrub in a way that retains these dimensions and, therefore, retains the overall habitat function while still serving the needs of the shaded fuel break. This technique has been used on previous projects and aims to provide a “scrub mosaic” that retains Alameda whipsnake habitat function. Scrub mosaic recommendations may vary depending on site conditions. The following techniques would be implemented during treatment: • Vegetation removal would occur in irregular, oblong shapes to maintain a natural condition • Vegetation removal would avoid rocky outcrops • The overall dominant habitat type would not be converted • Vegetation removal would focus on dead, woody vegetation, and invasive plants Preliminary and post-treatment surveys that would assess the condition and acreage of Alameda whipsnake core scrub habitat would be conducted. Post-treatment conditions would be assessed to ensure that there is no overall loss of habitat function within Alameda whipsnake core scrub. It should be noted that scrub is a transitional habitat type and, over time, canopy in these areas grows taller and denser, and larger tree species such as oak and madrone are naturally recruited and become increasingly dominant. Without any intervention, over a long period of time, scrub communities would naturally convert to woodland and forested habitat. Thoughtful treatment of select areas that incorporates retention of scrub islands suitable for Alameda whipsnake core scrub is expected to be more effective in retaining key core scrub habitat for Alameda whipsnake than complete inaction in these areas. This is consistent with Alameda whipsnake habitat protections described in CalVTP MM BIO-2b. The following additional measures apply within suitable Alameda whipsnake habitat: • All contractors, their employees, and agency personnel involved in the implementation of the Project would check for the presence of sensitive wildlife under or next to stationary vehicles prior to operating their vehicles o If an Alameda whipsnake or any wildlife is found, the qualified RPF or biologist would determine necessary steps to avoid impact • Pile burning treatment would avoid potential refugia for Alameda whipsnake