~ Environmental Assessment of Vegitation and Wildlife ~

1. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the constraints and opportunities assessment of vegetation and wildlife for the Brooktrails Township are:

• To describe and map habitat types based on dominant vegetation;
• to describe existing conditions and evaluate current land use in relationship to both vegetation and wildlife;
• to evaluate special-status species use or potential habitat on site; and
• to evaluate and discuss the opportunities and constraints that biological resources may play in the planning and development of the Brooktrails Township.

2. INFORMATION MAPPED

The information mapped consists of a delineation of habitat types based on the dominant vegetation observed through field reconnaissance of the site and review of aerial photography. The DEIR for the Willits Creek Reservoir described the on-site habitats based on an adaptation of a system developed by Cheatham and Haller. For the purposes of this EA, the on-site habitats are best described based on the Wildlife Habitat Relationship System (WHR) developed for the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG).

Wildlife

Many wildlife species utilize on-site habitats for breeding, foraging, cover, and migration corridors. However, some species require special habitat features such as cliffs, caves, ponds, or various stages of woody vegetation for breeding, resting, and escape cover. The use and value of habitat to a specific species can be affected by a number of characteristics of the land. The value of nesting and foraging habitat for raptors can be affected by size of the habitat area, distance to foraging areas from nesting territories, density of the prey base, and the presence of features that may disturb species using the habitat.

fire management within forested areas and the distribution of residences and roads throughout the Brooktrails Township reduce the general wildlife values of the area. Remote areas connected with undisturbed habitat outside the Township, steep forested hillsides, and the creek corridors provide the most valuable wildlife habitat within the project area.

Of key importance to wildlife in Brooktrails Township are the Riverine, and Lacustrine habitats associated with Willits and Dutch Henry Creeks, and Lakes Emily and Ada Rose, which provide a critical year round source of water. Rainbow trout, Pacific giant salamanders, and rough-skinned newts are common in deeper pools in the creeks. Adult foothill yellow-legged frogs occur in the upper reaches of Willits Creek. The presence of this assemblage of aquatic vertebrates attests to the importance and high quality of habitat along creeks and drainages.

As indicated in Appendix A, 4... species of vertebrate wildlife were observed during field reconnaissance of the project site during July 1990 and July 1993.

3. PLANNING CONSTRAINTS

Planning constraints associated with biological resources are the occurrence of areas with high habitat value to wildlife, such as the riparian/riverine corridors, and the presence of potential habitat for special-status plant or wildlife species.

Special-status species include plants and animals that are legally protected under both State and federal Endangered Species Acts, the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or the Fish and Game Code of California. In addition, special-status species include species that are not currently protected by statute but are considered rare or endangered under CEQA, or species considered by the scientific community to be sufficiently rare to qualify for such listing (i.e. candidate species for listing as threatened or endangered, species of special concern to the CDFG, or rare plants identified by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS)). Species of special concern generally are given the same consideration under CEQA and by the CDFG as listed species.

Appendix B contains a list of special-status plant and wildlife species that occur in the region of the Brooktrails Township. Of the species listed in Appendix B, four species, foothill yellow-legged frog, northwestern pond turtle, run Chinook salmon, and er steelhead, were observed within the Township.

The following is a description of the potential project planning constraints associated with special-status species and sensitive habitats. The species described below have potential habitat in Brooktrails Township as indicated in Appendix B. Definitive surveys for these species have not been conducted.

Special-Status Plants

Brooktrails Township contains potential habitat for several special-status plant species, as indicated in Appendix B. A rare plant survey has not been conducted to determine the presence of any of the species listed with potential habitat within the project area. However, no special-status plant species were observed during transects conducted for the timber inventory..

The majority of the plant species listed in Appendix B are typically associated with a specific habitat element such as moisture, exposure, or serpentine soils. A few are general forest-type species. The following summarizes the occurrence and constraints associated with special-status plant species with potential habitat within the project area.

Special-Status Wildlife

Reptiles and Amphibians

The sensitive reptile and amphibian species which occur within the Township are aquatic species. Lakes and creeks and ponds within Brooktrails Township provide habitat for foothill yellow-legged frog and northwestern pond turtle.

BIRDS

Northern Spotted Owl

Brooktrails Township falls within the range of the northern spotted owl, a federally listed threatened species. EIP surveys conducted in 1990 resulted in no observations of this species in the Willits Creek drainage. The CNDDB records nesting occurrences in the Redwood Creek drainage within approximately 2-5 miles from the Willits Creek.

Although this species was previously thought to be an exclusively old growth forest species, conversations with representatives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and CDFG have indicated that it also occupies second growth forests. According to the agencies, second growth areas occupied by the spotted owl typically have an established upper canopy of conifers, suitable nest substrate (snags and holes in trees), and an understory that supports an abundance of prey species (primarily woodrats). Absent the above habitat elements, spotted owl occupation is unlikely.

The dominant on-site habitat is the early successional stage of Douglas Fir Forest composed predominately of dense stands of tanbark oak with a widely spaced conifers. A comprehensive conifer canopy closure, prey base, and nesting substrate analysis has not been conducted. Preliminary analysis based on general surveys of the area indicate that the necessary conifer canopy closure and nesting substrate are lacking or extremely limited.

Discussions with the CDFG and the USFWS have indicated that without a detailed habitat suitability analysis, they consider the project site to represent suitable nesting and/or foraging habitat within the range of the northern spotted owl. Even if the site is not currently occupied, it may become occupied by spotted owls at a later date as the on-site habitats mature.

Sensitive Species

No sensitive plant species were observed on the surveys, and none were observed during surveys for this report.

No sensitive bird species were observed in the riparian corridor during surveys for this report.
Cooper's hawk and sharp-shinned hawk, California Species of Special Concern Although no nests were observed, suitable potential nesting habitat occurs in trees on the site. The highest potential for nesting raptors would be in tall trees occurring in the valley/foothill riparian habitat because it is subject to less human disturbance and provides more shelter than other habitats on the site. yellow warblers, a California Species of Special Concern, are known to occur in summer and are likely to utilize the riparian corridor in the project area for breeding.

The northwestern pond turtle, a candidate for federal endangered listing, and the foothill yellow-legged frog, proposed for endangered listing and a California Species of Special Concern, occur upstream and downstream of this project vicinity, and could occur in the project vicinity due to the occurrence of suitable upland habitat for egg-laying. These species are discussed in more detail below under the bridge widening discussion and in Table 4.7-2.


Wildlife

The wide variety of vegetation, soils, and topographic forms present have created natrual species diversity among the flora and fauna.

The diversity of vegeteation in the Greenbelt and the supply of water form nearby streams and springs provides suitable habitat for many species of wildlife. A wildlife inventory was not permformed dduring field work for the timere management plan.

Many species of birds, indludins California quail, American crows, red-tailed hawks, hummingbirds woodpectkers, and many species of songbirds occr in vegetatiov tlyped in the Greenbelt. Mammals that inhabit the Gtreenbelt of the surrounding area include deeer and skunk, wild pigs, and perhaps bears.

Habitats that are valuable to wildlife are provided by trees and shrubs occurring in the riparian corridor of Creek. The majority of the bird species recorded during surveys for this report were observed in or associated with riparian habitat, including wood duck and mallards, red-shouldered hawk, black phoebe, Bewick's wren, California towhee, rufous-sided towhee, and hermit thrush. Birds observed in the vicinity for the CCRS inventory include acorn woodpecker, plain titmouse, Wilson's warbler, American robin, European starling, house finch, rufuos-sided towhee, scrub jay, Anna's hummingbird, California towhee, great blue heron, lesser goldfinch, mallard, white-breasted nuthatch, brown-headed cowbird, lesser goldfinch, mourning dove, orange-crowned warbler, warbling vireo, and yellow warbler.
Mammals observed during surveys for the EIR included

Amphibians and reptiles known to occur in the vicinity of the bridge include western pond turtle (one individual encountered by CCRS between SCF 21 and 22), slender salamander ( SCF 22 to 24), western fence lizard, and unidentified frogs. California red-legged frogs are not known to occur in the project impact area. However, pools under the bridge are potential suitable habitat for red-legged frogs.

Sensitive Species

Sensitive Plant Species

The California Natural Diversity Data Base Rarefind report lists occurrences of 5 sensitive plant species within the Brubeck USGS quadrangle and adjacent quadrangles. A list giving the scientific names and status of these species is contained in Table 4.

• Milo Baker's lupine occurs in roadside ditches, dry gravelly areas along roads, and in small streams, at approximately 1,500 feet in elevation. The CNDDB considers its occurrence in 1986 along Highway 101, approximately 3.5 miles south of Longvale, to be an inadvertant introduction. It is unlikely that this species occurs on the Brooktrails site because there are no nearby native populations to provide a seed source.
• Showy Indian clover is known historically from the vicinity of Brooktrails. Much of its habitat has been lost to agriculture and urbanization. For years, showy Indian clover was thought to be extinct. In , a single plant was found in Sonoma County. Only limited or marginal habitat for showy Indian clover: rich swales, grasslands, and ditches, is present on the Brooktrails site.
• Baker's meadowfoam is a vernal pool species known from several locations in Little Lake Valley. It grows in large colonies in seasonally moist or saturated sites within grassland, and in swales, roadside ditches and margins of marshy areas. Vernal pools and suitable habitat for Baker's meadowfoam are not present on the Brooktrails site.
• Baker's navarretia grows in vernal pools of low meadows, flats, and swales in adobe or alkaline soils. A single collection from the vicinity of Willits was made in 1902. Baker's navarretia was last seen in the vicinity of Rocktree/Little Lake Valleys, northeast of Willits, in 1983. It was collected twice in Sherwood Valley, northwest of Willits in 1899 and 1900. Vernal pools and suitable habitat for Baker's navarretia are not present on the Brooktrails site.
• Roderick's fritillary grows in dry hard-packed clay soil on grassy slopes and mesas. It was observed along the trail around Leonard Lake, southwest of Walker Valley in 1991. Suitable habitat for Roderick's fritillary is not present on the sandstone soils underlying grassy slopes in the Brooktrails site.

None of these sensitive plant species is known to occur on the Brooktrails site, none were observed during EIP's field surveys, and none would be expected to occur because habitat is not present on the Brooktrails site.

Sensitive Animal Species

The California Natural Diversity Data Base Rarefind report lists occurrences of 5 sensitive animal species, 3 birds, one amphibian, and one reptile, within the Brubeck USGS quadrangle and adjacent quadrangles. A list giving the scientific names and status of these species is contained in Table 4.

• Northern spotted owl. The Township is within the range of the nso. Although no northern spotted owls were reported to occur in Brooktrails, EIP conducted nocturnal call surveys for spotted owls..................... No northern spotted owls were observed.
• Yellow warbler. The yellow warblwer is a summer migrant which is associated with riparian habitats. It is considered species of special concern by the CDFG.
• Foothill yellow-legged frog. During EIP's wildlife surveys, 6 adult foothill yellow-legged frogs were observed basking on sunlit rocks in small pools in Willits Creek.
• Northwestern pond turtle. During EIP's wildlife surveys, several adult pone turtles were observed near the Lake Emily dam.

Although not observed during EIP's field surveys, Cooper's hawk and sharp-shinned hawk would be expected to be resident in riparian woodland and forest communities. They are considered species of special concern by the CDFG

No sensitive plant species were found along the during previous surveys, none were observed during surveys for this report, Suitable habitats for listed plant species known to occur in the vicinity are not present anywhere on the project site.

Birds observed in the riparian corridor bordering which are California Species of Special Concern include sharp-shinned hawk and yellow warbler. Several raptor species (birds of prey), which are protected during their nesting periods, have been observed and potentially nest in tall trees or riparian vegetation within the projects area, including northern harrier, sharp-shinned hawk, red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, American kestrel, and great horned owl. Although no nests have been observed, suitable nesting sites exist in tall trees or riparian vegetation within the projects area. Raptors which were observed during surveys for this report included the sharp-shinned hawk, a California Species of Special Concern, and red-shouldered and red-tailed hawks. These are all fully protected under Section 3503.5 of the Fish and Game Code of California.

Foothill Yellow-legged frogs (proposed for federal angered listing and California Species of Special Concern) breed from approximately November to March, depositing their egg masses on emergent vegetation on the surface of water. Their habitat is generally require

Northwestern pond turtle, a candidate for federal endangered listing, requires pools and basking areas for summer habitat. It retreats into upland areas during the rainy season to avoid being swept away by flooding during storm events. It also retreats to upland areas to lay eggs. It requires gradually sloping banks, friable soils, and generally a southern exposure for nesting sites. the occurrence of a pond turtle

REGULATORY BACKGROUND

NEED TO REVISE PER REVISIONS TO SAND HILL ROAD...
Federal Regulations

A myriad of federal and state statutes provide a regulatory structure which guides the protection of biological resources. The following discussion provides a summary of those laws that are relevant to biological resources in the vicinity of the projects site.

Clean Water Act - Section 404

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (1972) prohibits filling jurisdictional waters of the U.S. without a permit issued by the Corps under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Environmental Protection Agency. Most waters of the U.S. are defined by list (lakes, ponds, rivers, etc.) and the limits of jurisdiction are determined at the ordinary high water mark. San Francisquito Creek would be defined as a "waters of the US" and therefore under Corps jurisdiction below the ordinary high water mark. Other waters require field delineation and a determination of jurisdiction. Fills may be permitted by the issuance of an Individual Permit or by complying with an existing general permit ("nationwide"). Fills of less than one acre can occur without notification of the Corps if they comply with the provisions of one or more previously issued general permits. However, general permits cannot authorize fill that would affect a threatened or endangered species.

Clean Water Act - 401

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that a section 401 certification or waiver must be obtained from the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to qualify for a Nationwide Permit from the Corps. The projects will require the approval of the RWQCB for controlling contaminants in run-off from the sites.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

Under 16 U.S.C. 703-711, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it "unlawful to take" any migratory bird listed in 50 C.F.R. part 10, including "nests, eggs, or products." Migratory bird species observed in the are included in Table 4.7-1.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

The federal Endangered Species Act is administered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Section 3 of the Act defines an endangered species as any species, including subspecies, "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range". This section defines threatened species as any species "likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range". "Federally-listed" or "listed" indicates that a species has been designated as endangered or threatened through publication of a final rule in the Federal Register. Designated endangered and threatened species, listed under Section 4 of the Act, receive the full protection of the ESA.

Proposed endangered and threatened species are those for which a proposed regulation, but not a final rule, has been published in the Federal Register. Proposed species are granted limited protection, and Candidate species are afforded no protection under the ESA.

State of California Regulations

Endangered Species Act (CESA)

The California Endangered Species Act declares that deserving species will be given protection by the State because they are of ecological, educational, historical, recreational, aesthetic, economic, and scientific value to the people of the State. CESA established that it is State policy to conserve, protect, restore, and enhance endangered species and their habitats.

Under State law, species may be formally designated rare, threatened, or endangered by official listing by the California Fish and Game Commission (CDFG). Listed plants are generally given greater attention during the land use planning process by local governments, public agencies, and landowners than are plants that have not been listed.

Species listed under the California Endangered Species Act (Fish and Game Code Section 2050 et seq.) cannot be "taken" without adequate mitigation and compensation. At present, "take" means to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill, or to attempt to do so. Based on the most recent Findings of the California Attorney General's Office, "take" does not prohibit indirect harm by way of habitat modification. Typically, CDFG implements endangered species protection by entering into management agreements ("Section 2081 Management Agreements") with project applicants.

The provisions of the California Endangered Species Act are not directly relevant to the project at this time, because none of the sensitive species likely to occur in the project area (Table 4.7-2) are listed under the California Endangered Species Act. It is possible, however, that one or more of those species could be listed during the life of the projects.

California Environmental Quality Act- Treatment of Sensitive Plant and Animal Species

Both the Federal and State Endangered Species Act protect only those species formally listed as threatened or endangered (or rare in the case of the State list). Section 15380 of the California Endangered Species Act Guidelines, however, independently defines "endangered" species of plants or animals as those whose survival and reproduction in the wild are in immediate jeopardy and "rare" species as those who are in such low numbers that they could become endangered if their environment worsens. Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines states that a project will normally have a significant effect on the environment if it will "Substantially affect a rare or endangered species of animal or plant or the habitat of the species." The significance of impacts to a species under CEQA, therefore, may be based on analyzing actual rarity and threat of extinction despite legal status or lack thereof.

Fish and Game Code - Section 1601-1603
The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) has direct jurisdiction under Fish and Game Code sections 1601 - 1603 in regard to any proposed activities that would divert or obstruct the natural flow or change the bed, channel, or bank of any stream. These regulations require that private landowners or project developers obtain a "Streambed Alteration Agreement" from the CDFG prior to any alteration of a stream channel or its banks.

Fish and Game Code - Sections 3503, 3503.5, 3513, 3800

Fish and Game Code Section 3503 states that it is unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird. Section 3503.5 protects all birds-of-prey (raptors) and their eggs and nests. Section 3513 states that it is unlawful to take or possess any migratory nongame bird as designated in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Implementation of these provisions can require that project-related disturbance be reduced or eliminated during critical phases of the nesting cycle (March 1 - August 15 annually). Disturbance that causes nest abandonment and/or loss of reproductive effort (killing or abandonment of eggs or young) is considered "taking". Such taking would also violate federal law protecting migratory birds (Migratory Bird Treaty Act).

Local Regulations

In 1992, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance designating the Township Board of Directors as the Area Planning Commission. Among the Board's chief duties is preparation of a specific plan for the Brooktrails area. The Brooktrails Township Specific Plan will serve as a comprehensive planning document for the Township.

Mendocino County zoning ordinances require a 20 foot construction setback from the banks of watercourses. Due to the steep slopes present throughout the Township, this setback requirement is overcome by terrain characteristics.

Local Policies and Plans
A timber inventory was prepared for the Board of Directors of the Brooktrails Community Services District Greenbelt Area by Lawrence D. Camp & Associates in September, 1984. The Greenbelt is composed of undeveloped parcels ranging from 0.1 acre to 890 acres that were not divided when the subdivision was created in the mid-1960's. The total Greenbelt area contains approximately 2,160 acres. The golf course covers approximately 65 acres, and the two manmade reservoirs cover approximately 25 acres. Most of the Greenbelt suitable for forest management is located in the western half of the subdivision. 1815 acres are judged suitable for management. An additional 150 acres in 49 separate parcels is considered unsuitable for managment because of parcel size or location. In Brooktrails Township, forest management is a synthesis of the landowner's goals for the property and the biological conditions and limitations that exist. The benefits available through more intensive management are outlined in the timber management plan. The plan also provides informaton about the timber resource, regeneration problems, and selection of appropriate timber harvesting methods. Because the Greenbelt area is located within Brooktrails Community Services District, the open space or Greenbelt areas are zoned P.F., or Public Facility. County zoning regulations do not prohibit forest management on parcels zoned P.F.

Management policies will recognize the importance of maintaining a high level of water quality, and reducing the current fire hazzrd within the Greenbelt and on adjacent private lots. Enhancement of wildlife habitat will be considered in development of management policies and impelmentation of management practices.

Future management policies are subject to continued revision as a result of changing ownership objectives, research findings, and the complex ciological interactions that occur in the forest ecoxystem. The intensity and direction of future forest management is dependent upoon the goals and objectives of the District's Board of Directors.

The California Department of Forestry has primary responsibility for most activities within the Greenbelt, with a major emphasis on the regulation of timber harvesting. The Forest Practice Act and Sections 895 through 920, and 1000 through 1085.6 of Title 14 of the California Administrative Code are applicabale to the harvest and sale of timber. The Act and its administrative rules are supervised by the local CDF resource offices in Ukiah and Willits.

If the District contunues to participate in the California or Federal Forest Improvement Programs, CDF will have a superviwory role; howevcer, the CDF has no regulatory authority if the District finances reforestation or thinning work without participateing in the sharing programs.

The CDFG becomes involved in timber management as necessary to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat.

The North Coast Water Quality Control Board has broad authority to protect and enhance water quality. In the past, the agency has been very active in review of timeber harvesting operations and has established its own proteciton measures. The boasrd retains authority to establish discharge standards for all types of forest management activities including timber harvestins, site preparation, and applicaiton of herbicides when these activities may occur adjacent ot sterawms or lakes.

The Mendcocino County Agricultural Commissioner has the primary responsibitlity for field supervision of restricted chemicals ueds against undesirable plants, inisects, or animals. If restricted chemicals are used for forest management activities, the District will be requirerd to obtain a peermit form the agricultural Commisioner:s office.

Local Agency Tree Ordinances

have ordinances designed to preserve each community's larger, mature trees or trees with special aesthetic value. Such trees may be of a certain species, certain diameter, or may be concentrated in a certain area to maintain aesthetic features. A heritage tree ordinance is a particular type of tree preservation ordinance intended to preserve historically significant trees. Tree ordinances are summarized below.

• Requires a permit for removal of any tree greater than 2 feet in diameter, measured at 4 feet above the ground. <
• Regulation of the Removal of Heritage Trees defines and protects heritage trees on private property and requires a permit to remove, destroy, or trim such trees. Section County Ordinance: Regulation of Removal of Significant Trees defines and protects significant trees on private property and requires a permit to remove, destroy, or trim such trees.
• Or does not currently have a Tree Ordinance which would protect mature and heritage trees. The has expressed concern for the preservation of existing trees to the maximum extent possible, particularly large trees which are visually or culturally significant due to their species, form, or location, and trees which are in good condition and can be expected to continue to provide benefits for many years in the future.
• County is in the process of developing a tree ordinance. When it is proposed that trees be removed within the right-of-way of any county-maintained road, the County requires that a map identifying trees by species and size be submitted to the County Board of Supervisors for review.

(11) Whether natural features area appropriately preserved and integrated with the project.

Applicable Environmental Plans and Policies

The following Comprehensive Plans, Goals and Policies have specific applicability to the project.

Encourage programs to improve the quality of storm water runoff.

Require replanting where vegetation has been removed.

Reduce the negative impacts of human activities on plant and animal life.

Encourage the planting of fire-resistant plants and control of flammable chaparral vegetation in the foothills to reduce fire hazards

Control access to environmentally sensitive public areas in the Baylands and foothills.

Reduce pesticide use and increase the use of natural predators and other biological controls.

Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Element

III. Open Space Goals

6. Protection and conservation of open spaces which area vital as wildlife habitat, and of areas of major or unique ecological significance.

1.0 Preservation and enhancement of water areas: acknowledges the necessity of the responsibility for the preservation and enhancement of all water areas -- wetlands, and creeks -- in order that they may:

a. Preserve an irreplaceable resource (primarily natural) which forms a large scale open space.

b. Preserve and enhance environmental air, water, visual and sound quality.

c. Function as a moderator of the climate.

d. Provide a living scientific and educational resource for all age groups.

e. Enhance the fulfillment of open space, conservation and recreational needs.

f. Allow for only those uses (public or private) which are found to be compatible with the foregoing objectives.

General Plan

General Plan, includes open Space Goals and Policies that promote the preservation of open-space lands for recreation, protection of natural resources, the production of managed resources, protection of health and safety and/or the enhancement of scenic qualities. Policy I-G-8 states that wildlife habitat and ecologically fragile areas shall be maintained and preserved to the maximum extent possible. shall work in cooperation with other jurisdictions to implement this policy." "Extensive landscaping should be included in public and private development, including greater landscaping in large parking areas. "Well-designed pedestrian facilities should be included in areas of intensive pedestrian activity." The Goals also encourage maintenance of open space on lands and within unincorporated area, and efforts to acquire develop and/or maintain appropriate open space and conservation lands.

The approximate 40-square mile planning area for covers the whole watershed that drains into the Creek, both naturally and via storm drains,

Plans

Vegetation Management Plan - was prepared for the which covers

IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Standards of Significance

For the purpose of this EIR, impacts to biological resources are considered significant if implementation of the project at any of the sites would:

• substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species (CEQA Section 15065);
  
• cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels (CEQA Section 15065);
  
• threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community (CEQA Section 15065);
  
• reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal (CEQA Section 15065);
  
• substantially affect a rare or endangered species of animal or plant or the habitat of the species (CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G);
  
• interfere substantially with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species (CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G);
  
• be inconsistent with the goals or policies of the Mendocino County General Plan related to biological resources; or
  
• be inconsistent with the planning goals and policies, or ordinances related to biological resources of other local agencies with jurisdiction in the project areas;
  
• damage or reduce the size of an existing environmentally sensitive habitat area;
  
• result in contamination of an environmentally sensitive habitat area which has the potential to adversely affect health or reproduction of native plants or wildlife in the habitat area;
  
• eliminate mature native oak trees or specimen quality examples of other tree species or substantially reduce the number of smaller trees within a given area, or
  
• significantly reduce nesting or roosting habitat for birds within the project area.