Draft Environmental Impact Report - California Off Highway Vehicle ...

3.5 Biological Resources
3.5 Biological Resources
This section presents details about the existing setting and the regulatory setting for biological
resources. It also presents an analysis of the biological resources impacts that would result from
implementing the Clay Pit SVRA General Plan, including constructing and operating the
headquarters facilities.
3.5.1 Existing Setting
Section 2.3.2, “Biotic Resources,” of the General Plan describes the biotic resources (e.g., habitats,
common and special‐status plant and wildlife species, sensitive natural communities) present at
Clay Pit SVRA. Of particular importance is the natural vernal pool grassland on the terrace of the
excavated basin, the disturbed vernal pool habitat within the basin, and the vernal pool fairy
shrimp that live in these pools (Figure 3.5‐1).
3.5.2 Regulatory Setting
Biological resources are subject to a variety of federal and state laws and regulations. Section 2.7,
“Planning Influences,” of the General Plan summarizes the federal, state, and regional plans,
policies, regulations, and laws related to biological resources at Clay Pit SVRA. In particular,
Section 2.7.3, “Regulatory Influences,” includes a description of the federal Endangered Species
Act (ESA); the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; Clean Water Act (CWA) Sections 404 and 401; the
California Endangered Species Act (CESA); California Fish and Game Code regarding Fully
Protected Species, protection of bird nests, and Streambed Alteration Agreements; and the
California Porter‐Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Section 2.7.1, “Systemwide Planning,” also
provides a description of the systemwide Wildlife Habitat Protection Program and the Habitat
Management System (HMS) used to monitor, evaluate, and manage habitats within each SVRA.
3.5.3 Thresholds of Significance
The significance criteria for this analysis are based on the environmental checklist in Appendix G
of the State CEQA Guidelines, as amended. Implementation of the Clay Pit SVRA General Plan,
including construction and operation of the headquarters facilities, would have significant
environmental impacts related to biological resources if it would:
have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any
species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special‐status species in local or regional
plans, policies, or regulations, or by DFG or USFWS;
have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by DFG or
USFWS;
Clay Pit State Vehicular Recreation Area
Draft EIR 3.5-1 February2012