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

Taylor MountainINITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATIONImplementation of the above avoidance and minimization measures and other measuresincluded to protect sensitive species that utilize this habitat would lessen potentially significantimpacts to a less-than-significant level.Native GrasslandAlthough they are generally long-lived and tough once established, native perennial grasslandspecies are typically slow to establish. In contrast, most of the non-native annual species thatare so abundant on Taylor Mountain grow and germinate rapidly and are often well adapted todisturbance. Ground disturbance in native grasslands is likely to facilitate invasion by these nonnativespecies. Fragmentation of habitat can further increase the risk of invasions by both nonnativeplant and animal species, which thrive in disturbed environments. Fragmented and nonnativedominated grasslands are less valuable to wildlife than are more intact native grasslands.Invasive species have potential to spread on the property, and can develop into dense standsthat eliminate habitat for natives, reduce habitat complexity and diversity, and decrease forageand habitat value for livestock and wildlife. Some species can also increase fire hazards, withlarge accumulation of dry plant material. Well-managed livestock grazing may help suppresssome non-native plant populations and facilitate some native species. Grazing can also be aneffective grassland management tool for many species of wildlife, especially grassland birds(DiGaudio, 2010).The development of access and parking, camping sites, and trails has the potential to impactsensitive native grassland (Figure B.3.4-2). Development of the proposed uses, as shown onconceptual plans, would have the potential to permanently remove approximately 1.07 acres ofnative grassland throughout the property. The impact estimates are provided in Table B.3.4-1.Table B.3.4-1. Estimated Potential Impacts on Native GrasslandLand Use TypeArea Impacted(acres)Access and Parking 0.09Buildings and Infrastructure —Camping 0.33Trails 0.65Total 1.07Measures to protect native grassland habitat are included in the Master Plan. These standards,which would guide final design and further reduce the amount of impacted area noted in TableB.3.4-1, are summarized as follows:Construction Phase(s) S1 – Develop and implement a restoration plan for any proposed trail or other developmentthat is unable to avoid native grasslands, including wildflower fields. S3 – Locate trails, visitor facilities, and other development-related disturbance outside ofpatches of native grassland and wildflower fields as feasible. Where ground disturbance isunavoidable, protection measures must be in place during and immediately followingSeptember 2012 B-57 Final