RES 06035 - Laserfiche WebLink

Draft Environmental Impact Report Bernal Property Phase II Specific Plan Based on a search of all current relevant sources, 26 special status plant species were determined to have the potential to occur on the project site and in the immediate vicinity, and were evaluated in the habitat assessment. None of these species had documented CNDDB occurrences on the project site (CDFG 2005), Potentially suitable habitat for 20 of the 26 of the plant species occurs within the project site (see Table Dl in Appendix D for information on the status of each species, its preferred habitat, and the occurrence of potentially suitable habitat within the project site), In the past, Northern California black walnut Uuglans californica var, hindsii, CNPS List 1 B) was often found in riparian woodlands, but it is currently believed to occur in only two or three remaining stands in Contra Costa and Napa Counties, The black walnut was developed and is still used in grafting with the less tolerant English walnut. Black walnut occurs sporadically along the Arroyo and as a street tree along Bernal Avenue. Generally, trees observed within the project site (outside of the Arroyo) have either been planted as landscaping or are presumed to be from an agricultural seed source and, therefore, are not considered to be special status species, but some larger trees may qualifY as Heritage trees, b. Wildlife Taxa of Concern "Special status species" is a broad term referring to those wildlife species with legal status, or considered significant because of restricted distribution, declining habitat, or other factors, Appendix D describes the application of the term and resources for evaluating the possible presence of a special status species in a given area. A number of animal taxa recognized as "special status species" by the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) have been recorded from or are suspected to occur in eastern Alameda County and southern Contra Costa County, In the vicinity of the project site, 87 seven special status wildlife species have been recorded, Of these, 23 species are not likely to ever be present because of the absence of suitable habitat on-site, Of the 64 wildlife species that may theoretically be present, 48 wildlife species have a low potential for occurrence on the project site, 11 species have a moderate potential for occurrence, and 5 species have a high potential for occurrence (see Table Dl in Appendix D for details), Twenty-five species of wildlife were observed in or adjacent to the project site during an October 20, 2005 site assessment. All of the wildlife species observed on the project site were common species, and many are adapted to occupying disturbed or urban areas, No special status wildlife species were observed, Suspected species that may utilize the Arroyo and the westernmost part of drainage B-2-1 would be restricted to habitat within the creek corridor, The 1986 survey report stated that "many vertebrate species (mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians) were observed utilizing the site for shelter and forage," Areas of dense willow along the Arroyo provide suitable breeding habitat for yellow warbler, Warblers occur in other wooded habitat during migration and winter months, but are more common in riparian habitat and tend to breed in riparian cover with dense understory, 60