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Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts) <br />The Project is located within the Santa Ana River Watershed, which covers an area of <br />approximately 210 square miles in Orange County. The headwaters of the entire <br />2,650-square-mile Santa Ana River Watershed begin in the San Bernardino <br />Mountains and cross Riverside and Orange Counties before ultimately entering the <br />Pacific Ocean. Flows within the Santa Ana River can be attributed to storm water <br />runoff, urban runoff, and treated wastewater. <br />3.1.3. Biological Conditions in the Study Area <br />The primary vegetation/land cover type in the BSA is classified as developed with <br />four subtypes, including flood control channels, transportation, ornamental <br />landscaping, and disturbed or barren. The BSA is located within urban portions of <br />Santa Ana with no connection to undisturbed or natural lands. <br />3.1.3.1. FLOOD CONTROL CHANNELS <br />As discussed in the corresponding Jurisdictional Delineation Report (Appendix D), <br />the existing Fairview Street bridge crosses over the Santa Ana River, which has been <br />channelized and lined with concrete within the BSA for flood control purposes. <br />3.1.3.2. TRANSPORTATION <br />A large portion of the BSA consists of North Fairview Street and adjacent residential <br />streets. A portion of the SART that crosses under Fairview Street bridge is also <br />located within the BSA. <br />3.1.3.3. ORNAMENTAL LANDSCAPING <br />All vegetation within the BSA is ornamentally planted and consists primarily of street <br />trees, ornamental shrubs, and turf grass lawns. As previously mentioned, Fairview <br />Triangle is located in the central portion of the BSA adjacent to the Santa Ana River <br />and contains ornamentally planted native trees and shrubs. All vegetation within the <br />BSA appears to be regularly maintained. <br />3.1.3.4. DISTURBED OR BARREN <br />Several areas within the BSA along the SART are classified as disturbed or barren, <br />with bare ground and sparse ruderal/weedy vegetation cover. The weeds in these <br />areas appear to be regularly maintained as part of maintenance work along the SART. <br />3.1.4. Habitat Connectivity <br />The highly developed nature of the BSA presents various impediments to wildlife <br />movement, including roads, walls, fences, buildings, and lack of vegetative cover. <br />Furthermore, there are no large open space areas or designated significant ecological <br />................................................................................................................................................ . <br />16 Fairview Street Improvements from 9th Street to 16th Street and Bridge Replacement Project <br />