State Route 58 Widening Project - Bakersfield Freeways

Chapter 4 Results: Biological Resources, Discussion of Impacts and Mitigation
certain to occur. Project direct effects are further differentiated by permanent and
temporary effects. Temporary effects are not expected to extend beyond the period of
project construction, and occur where the area that is affected will be restored to preproject
conditions following project construction. Permanent effects include those
that occur at the time of construction and remain following project completion, and
occur when the area is permanently converted from one cover/habitat type to another.
Direct Effects
The proposed project could result in the direct permanent loss of approximately
1.21 acre (0.18 acre non-native grassland, 1.00 acre ruderal/disturbed, and 0.03 acre
open water/waterway) of kit fox habitat, which represent both potential foraging and
denning habitat for this species, and temporary effects to approximately 6.61 acres
(3.25 acres of non-native grassland, 3.30 acres of ruderal/disturbed areas, and
0.06 acre of open water/waterway) of kit fox habitat. Direct, permanent effects
include the removal of non-native grassland, ruderal/disturbed, and open
water/waterways to accommodate the new roadbed, intersection improvements, and
proposed new ROW limits. Direct temporary effects include disturbance during
construction of the project to provide access and staging areas of the proposed
project. Kit fox could forage and den in this habitat and the permanent loss and
temporary disturbance of habitat could cause kit fox to move elsewhere in search of
foraging and denning opportunities (Table 3).
Of the dens identified in the BSA during 2008 surveys, one den is located within the
project footprint and could be directly permanently eliminated during project
construction. This estimate of den loss is based on those dens identified within the
project footprints during 2008 surveys and could change if kit fox create additional
dens or abandon dens in the project footprint, or if the footprint limits are extended or
reduced. Loss of dens could result in kit fox displacement.
Disturbances associated with the construction of the proposed project may also
temporarily affect the San Joaquin kit fox. Kit foxes could be struck by construction
equipment or other vehicles or become entrapped in dens during ground disturbing
activities. Noise and light pollution during construction are considered direct effects
as they may prevent kit foxes from foraging, mating, or rearing their young.
34 State Route 58 Widening Project Biological Assessment