Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 3.5. Biological Resources
Alternative are considered potentially significant. Implementation of Mitigation
Measure BIO-MM-10 would reduce potential impacts to a less-than-significant
level.
Conclusion: Less than Significant with Mitigation.
Impact BIO-15: Loss of Suitable Habitat for Callippe
Silverspot Butterfly and Myrtle’s Silverspot Butterfly
Proposed Project
The wildflower fields in the Project site contain stands of Viola pedunculata,
which is the host plant for the federally-listed endangered Callippe silverspot
butterfly and is also suitable habitat for the federally-listed endangered Myrtle’s
silverspot butterfly. These species have not yet been documented on the Project
site but Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly is documented to occur adjacent to the
Project site and Callippe silverspot butterfly has a moderatehigh potential to
occur onsite based on the presence of its host plant and because the Project site is
within its known distribution. Because the life cycle of these species is closely
tied to their habitat, the removal of suitable habitat areas onsite could prevent
these species from inhabiting the site or if. If these species are occupying
suitable habitat. The, the removal of occupied habitat could result in direct harm
to these species.
Loss of occupied habitat is considered a significant impact. Implementation of
the Mitigation Measure BIO-MM-11 would reduce this potential impact to a less
-than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure BIO-MM-11: Avoid and Minimize Impacts to
Suitable Habitat for the Callippe Silverspot and Myrtle’s Silverspot
Butterflies
Because Callippe silverspot butterfly and Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly have a
moderate and high potential, respectively, to occur onsite and restoration
activities will occur in suitable habitat areas, a BO authorizing incidental take, as
described above under the federal ESA, must be obtained from the USFWS,
through preparation of a BA and a Section 7 consultation prior to the start of
restoration activities. Measures to avoid and minimize impacts to these butterfly
species include the following:
• A qualified biologist shall supervise the installation of construction barrier
fences around stands of Viola pedunculata. The barrier fence will be installed
as the first order of work and will provide a minimum 25-foot buffer around
populations of host plant. The temporary fence will be furnished,
constructed, maintained, and later removed as shown on the construction
plans, as specified in the special provisions, and as directed by the Project
engineer. Temporary fencing will be 4-foot-high, orange, commercial-quality
woven polypropylene. No construction activities will be permitted within the
fenced area.
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
3.5-50
April 2012