Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 3.14. Aesthetics
Impact AE-2: Temporary Changes in Visual Character of
the Project Site
Proposed Project
Construction of the Project elements would be temporary, and short-term
disturbance related to earthwork or the presence of vehicles, personnel, and
supplies around the proposed site would generally not be visible to motorists
traveling on Lakeville Highway, Reclamation Road, or Highway 37. The Black
Point Sports Club’s operation would conclude prior to Project implementation;
therefore, there would be few if any viewers from vantage points south of the
SMART rail line. Consequently, this impact is considered less than significant,
and no mitigation is required.
Conclusion: Less than Significant.
Full-Tidal Alternative
In addition to the construction activities described for the Project, the Full-Tidal
Alternative would entail greater restoration activities in the area between
Highway 37 and the SMART rail line. Construction activities in this area would
be slightly more visible from adjacent roadways. However, these activities are
temporary, and visible mainly to motorists who generally have only fleeting
views of the Project site, being focused on roadway conditions and not on
surrounding scenery. Therefore, the Full-Tidal Alternative would not impose a
significant impact on viewers during temporary construction activities. This
impact is considered less than significant, and no mitigation is required.
Conclusion: Less than Significant.
Impact AE-3: Permanent Changes in Visual Character of
the Project Site
Proposed Project
Once constructed, project elements that may be visible north of the SMART rail
line would include the low berms proposed to delineate the wetland priority area
and along Reclamation Road south of Highway 37, and the seasonal wetland
enhancement area on the north side of Highway 37.new levee and the minor
modifications to the stormwater system. Some portions of the proposed trail
alignments would also be visible from Highway 37, Lakeville Highway, and
Reclamation Road. It is expected, however, that the trails would result in
minimal intrusions on the existing rural visual character of the Project site. Since
the proposed low berms south of Highway 37 would be vary between 1 foot and
3 feet in height, they would not present an intrusion on the existing rural visual
character of the Project site. The seasonal wetland enhancement area would
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
3.14-7
April 2012