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

Taylor MountainINITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATIONriparian habitat. These habitats are protected under federal regulations such as the CleanWater Act; state regulations such as the Porter-Cologne Act, the CDFG Streambed AlterationProgram, and CEQA; or local ordinances or policies such as city or county tree ordinances,Special Habitat Management Areas, and General Plan Elements. Sensitive communities at thesite include valley needlegrass grassland, wildflower field, freshwater seep, coastal and valleyfreshwater marsh, vernal marsh, open waters, riparian woodland, North Coast riparian scrub,and Oregon white oak woodland. Non-sensitive biological communities at the site include nonnativegrassland, coyote brush scrub, coast live oak woodland, eucalyptus grove, and ruderaland disturbed habitats. Non-native grassland and coast live oak woodland comprise themajority of the site. Biological communities at the site are described and illustrated in Prunuskeand Chatham, Inc. *herein referred to as “PCI”+ Ecological Resources Report (2011a).As described below, the Taylor Mountain property contains small vernal marshes and seepsscattered throughout the grasslands and one natural pond fringed by perennial freshwatermarsh. These wetlands provide important hydrologic functions, storing water from winterstorms, trapping sediment, and filtering nutrients and contaminants. They also support adistinctive set of plant species, dominated by natives, and provide green forage for livestockand other herbivores in summer months when the surrounding grasslands are dry. Wetlandsprovide a crucial water source for wildlife and breeding habitat for amphibians. The naturalpond on Taylor Mountain is one of the most unique and valuable wildlife resources on theproperty. These wetlands support a healthy population of California red-legged frog (Ranadraytonii), a special-status species, and common amphibians like the California newt andSierran treefrog.Sensitive Biological CommunitiesThe following sensitive biological communities located on the Preserve are illustrated in FigureB.3.4-1.Valley Needlegrass Grassland. Valley needlegrass grassland, dominated by native perennialgrass species, occurs on approximately 100 acres of the property. This community type isgenerally found on drier, steeper slopes and less nutrient-rich soils where the growth of nonnativeannual grasses is limited. The rocky outcrops scattered throughout the Taylor Mountainproperty also tend to support more native grassland species. This community type, believed tobe one of the most abundant grassland types across the state historically, has been greatlyreduced in extent statewide and is considered sensitive habitat. The needlegrass grasslandcommunity blends and often co-occurs with the wildflower fields and non-native grasslanddescribed below.Wildflower Fields. Wildflower fields occur in patches within grasslands on the property andtotal approximately 22 acres (including seven acres where wildflower fields co-occur withpurple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra)). Like valley needlegrass grassland, with which itintergrades, this habitat type has been greatly reduced from its historic extent across California.Remnant wildflower fields are considered sensitive.September 2012 B-43 Final