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

Taylor MountainINITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATIONconstruction. These measures may include protecting soil surfaces by seeding or plantingpromptly with appropriate native species and covering with weed-free straw mulch. S4 – Maintain buffers (setbacks) from native grasslands for all new development. (See Table 3in Section 5.10.1 of the Master Plan.)Operational Phase S2 – Develop and implement a long-term monitoring program to evaluate the effects oflivestock grazing on plant species composition and wildlife usage within grasslands andwildflower fields. Use the results to guide grazing management. S5 – Maintain a moderate stocking rate, with livestock use well-distributed throughout thegrasslands. S6 – In coordination with grazing lessee, prevent the introduction of noxious weeds throughlivestock feed. S7 – Prevent the spread of invasive plant populations in grasslands. S8 – Eradicate high-and medium-priority invasive species with populations that are currentlylimited in extent on the property. These currently include distaff thistle and Klamath weed. S9 – Reduce and control high-and medium-priority invasive species with populations that arealready extensive on the property. These currently include black mustard, French and Scotchbroom, Italian thistle, medusahead, milk thistle, purple starthistle, and yellow starthistle. S285 – Minimize the use of disking for fire hazard reduction. Where possible, use livestockgrazing to reduce fuels, where needed. Remove only enough vegetation to accomplish firehazard management goals.Implementation of the above measures would ensure that impacts are less than significant.Wildflower FieldsThe largest expanse of wildflowers mapped on the property occurs just to the southeast of theexisting water tanks. Because of the association of this plant community with thin-soiled areasthat are difficult for non-native species to infiltrate, invasive species are not common.However, as in needlegrass grassland, wildflower fields are not immune to invasion bygrassland weeds and annual grasses, especially if they are subject to ground disturbance.The development of access, parking and trails has the potential to impact sensitive wildflowerhabitat (Figure B.3.4-2). Development of the proposed uses would have the potential topermanently remove approximately 0.29 acre of wildflower habitat throughout the property.The impact estimates are provided in Table B.3.4-2.Avoidance and minimization measures included for native grasslands (described above) wouldserve to protect sensitive wildflower habitat and therefore additional mitigation measures arenot required. As shown in the table, the majority of impact is related to potential traildevelopment. Master Plan standards implemented during final trail design will serve to reduceFinal B-58 September 2012