Appendix A Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)

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Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts) 4.1.4. Discussion of Cooper's Hawk Cooper's hawk is a medium-sized raptor that occurs in wooded areas and is frequently encountered in urban areas with mature trees and open foraging areas such as parks. It is a California Special Animal, which is an administrative designation made by the CDFW and carries no formal legal status. However, Section 15380 of the CEQA Guidelines indicates that these species should be included in an analysis of project impacts if they can be shown to meet the criteria of sensitivity outlined therein. The species is fairly common within the vicinity of the BSA and urban areas that contain large trees and open fields. Several mature ornamental trees located along the streets and residential areas within the BSA serve as potentially suitable nesting habitat for this species. 4.1.4.1. SURVEY RESULTS Cooper's hawk is the only special -status animal species observed within the BSA during the field surveys. An individual Cooper's hawk was observed flying over the BSA and perching on several large trees during the survey conducted on February 20, 2018. No evidence of nesting by this species was observed in the BSA during the surveys, and mature trees are limited in number within the BSA. 4.1.4.2. PROJECT IMPACTS The Project is not expected to directly or adversely impact Cooper's hawk because potentially suitable nesting habitat is limited in the BSA, and the removal of ornamental vegetation along North Fairview Street would not impact suitable nesting habitat for this species. 4.1.4.3. AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS/COMPENSATORY MITIGATION Impacts to Cooper's hawk and other nesting birds protected under the California Fish and Game Code will be avoided with implementation of Measure 13I0-2, as detailed below. BI0-2 Nesting Bird Surveys and Avoidance. If vegetation removal, construction, or grading activities are planned to occur within the nesting bird season (February 1 to September 30), a qualified biologist shall conduct a preconstruction nesting bird survey no more than three (3) days prior to the start of such activities. The nesting bird survey shall include the project site and areas immediately adjacent to the site that could potentially be affected by project -related activities such as ................................................................................................................................................ . 40 Fairview Street Improvements from 9th Street to 16th Street and Bridge Replacement Project