Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 3.7. Agricultural Resources
• Diked Seasonal Wetlands and Ongoing Wetland-Compatible Agriculture
areas - modifying the way that these areas are managed to promote greater
wetland functions than presently exists to an area presently used for oat hay
production.
• Diked Seasonal Wetland areas north of Highway 37 - converting to seasonal
wetland an area presently used in part for livestock grazing.
• California Red-Legged Frog Enhancement area north of highway 37 -
modifying the way that these areas are managed and constructing small pools
with livestock exclosures to improve red-legged frog habitat in an area
presently used for livestock grazing.
Thresholds of Significance
Criteria used for determining the significance of an impact on agricultural
resources are based on the State CEQA Guidelines and professional
standards and practices. Impacts were considered significant if an alternative
would:
• convert Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, or Unique
Farmland to a non-compatible and/or non-agricultural use.
• convert land having a LESA score of >160 points.
• conflict or be incompatible with existing agricultural zoning or a Williamson
Act contract.
Impacts and Mitigation Measures
No-Action Alternative
As described in Chapter 1, SLT will move forward with the transfer title of the
Sears Point properties to the federal and state agencies regardless of whether or
not the project is implemented, beginning in 201109. USFWS management
policies allow them to honor the terms of existing agricultural leases that transfer
with the property between Highway 37 and the SMART rail line. When those
lease terms expire, each lease would be subject to a Special Use Permit. public
bid process whereby leases may be renewed or another operator may be selected.
SLT will honor existing agricultural leases on the property south of the SMART
rail line through May 20121. Once all leases have expired, SLT will then transfer
title to CDFG. CDFG’s management policies do not allow continuation of
agricultural leases. Impacts to agricultural activities under the No-Action
Alternative would therefore be comparable to that of the Project; however,
lacking implementation of the tidal wetland restoration, formal conversion of
farmland would not occur. This impact is considered less than significant, and no
mitigation is required.
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
3.7-8
April 2012