Initial Study MND - Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and ...

Taylor MountainINITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATIONResponse: This sentence refers to Army Corps 404 permits specifically. The only permit requiredfrom the Corps is a Section 404 permit for the proposed project. Therefore, no change isneeded.Comment: e) Page B-58, Biological Resources Regulatory Setting – The comment suggests editing thetext to refer to the Regional Water Board as a regional agency rather than a state agency.Response: Although this item refers to the Regional Water Board, it is considered a stateagency. No change is needed.Comment: f) Page B-58, end of Biological Resources Regulatory Setting section - The comment requeststhe following text addition: “Additionally, future development will meet the requirements of the StormWater Low Impact Development Technical Design Manual and the Cal Green building code.”Response: Requirements regarding storm water design are addressed in the Hydrology andWater Quality section of the MND rather than in the Biological Resources section. No change isneeded.Comment: g) Page B-62, Standard S49 - The comment refers to vegetation removal for fire fuelreduction and notes that these activities may require additional permits and/or approval.Response: Although upland vegetation clearing for fuel reduction generally does not triggerpermitting from regulatory agencies, the Master Plan states that all activities will comply withapplicable permit requirements. This would include compliance with requirements inregulations such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Heritage Tree Ordinance. No change isneeded.Comment: h) Page B-63. The comment references the discussion of the Westem Pond Turtle standardsand suggests listing Standard 45, which includes preconstruction surveys, pre-construction training andtemporary wildlife exclusionary fencing.Response: The standards listed under Pond Turtle (S67, S69 and S71) cover the items includedin S45. No change is needed.Comment: i) Page B-63, Operational Phase S55 – The comment references the standard that prohibitsdogs off leash and off trail and suggests adding an exception for designated enclosed areas.Response: The full text of the referenced Standard 55 is in the Master Plan and includes thisexception. No change is needed.Comment: j) Page B-63, Operational Phase Guideline 23 (Monitor and manage for non-native birds andferal cats) - The comment asks how these non-native species would be managed.Response: Details regarding management of non-native species are provided in Chapter 5.9 ofthe Master Plan. No change is needed.Comment: k) Page B-65. The comment notes that activities listed in the following standards mayrequire additional permits and/or approvals:Final APP-8 September 2012