RES 2026023 - Laserfiche WebLink

Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc. CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum Augustin Bernal Community Park Fuel Reduction November 2025 4-43 o Preliminary and post-treatment surveys would be conducted that would assess the condition and acreage of core scrub habitat  Post-treatment conditions would be assessed to ensure that there is no overall loss of habitat functionality within Alameda whipsnake core scrub o It should be noted that scrub is a transitional habitat, 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, chaparral and scrub communities would naturally be converted to woodland and forested habitat  Thoughtful treatment of select areas that retains scrub islands suitable for Alameda whipsnake core scrub is expected to be more effective in retaining key core scrub Alameda whipsnake habitat than complete avoidance of these areas • SPR BIO-6: Prevent Spread of Plant Pathogens • SPR BIO-9: Prevent Spread of Invasive Plants, Noxious Weeds, and Invasive Wildlife • SPR HYD-4: Identify and Protect Watercourse and Lake Protection Zones • SPR BIO-3: Survey Sensitive Natural Communities and Other Sensitive Habitats Implementation of SPR BIO-1 and the survey required under SPR BIO-3 would ensure any riparian habitat, sensitive communities, or oak woodlands would be identified. In accordance with the project description, all riparian areas would be avoided, and no work would occur within riparian habitats. Riparian habitats would be avoided with a 50-foot buffer, but buffers may be increased based on recommendations of a qualified biologist and/or factors such as slope, existing erosion, sensitivity of the vegetative habitat, or presence of sensitive resources. SPR BIO-6 requires that BMPs be employed to avoid the spread of plant pathogens; and SPR BIO-9 prescribes actions to prevent the spread of invasive plants. Even following the above SPRs, project impacts could still be considered potentially significant. Therefore, MM BIO-3a would be implemented. Under MM BIO-3a, the qualified biologist would determine the natural fire regime, condition class, and fire return interval for each sensitive natural community and oak woodland type. Treatment activities in sensitive natural communities and oak woodlands would be designed to restore the natural fire regime and return vegetation composition and structure to their natural condition to maintain or improve habitat function. • MM BIO-3a: Design Treatments to Avoid Loss of Sensitive Natural Communities and Oak Woodlands The impact of the proposed project is consistent with the PEIR and would not constitute a substantially more severe significant impact than what was covered in the PEIR. Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation, consistent with the PEIR.