3 - The Bowery_PUBLIC COMMENT_RAMSEY

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5.0 Environmental Analysis 5.2 Biological Resources Avion Project SEIR Page 5.2-6 too small an acreage to support burrowing owl, the structure of the grassland (i.e., tall, dense) is not optimal for burrowing owl, and the lack of observations of suitable burrows, burrow complexes, or any sign of burrowing owl presence on-site. d. Jurisdictional Waters and Wetlands The drainage courses, their tributaries, and the two impoundment areas located on the project site are considered federal and state jurisdictional waters (Table 5.2-3). The major drainage courses are federal (USACE) non-wetland waters and state (CDFW, Regional Water Quality Control Board) streambed features that are ephemeral. These drainage courses do not support wetland vegetation, but occur within the upland chaparral habitat in the canyon bottoms. The two impoundments support herbaceous wetland plant species, hydric soils, and secondary wetland hydrology indicators, and therefore, are federal and state wetlands. The two impoundment areas support herbaceous wetland plants and, therefore, are considered a wetland under the City’s Biology Guidelines (City of San Diego 2012). Table 5.2-3 Jurisdictional Waters Jurisdictional Waters Type Existing Acres Agency Wetland 0.13 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regional Water Quality Control Board California Department of Fish and Wildlife City of San Diego Non-wetland water/Streambed 0.63 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regional Water Quality Control Board California Department of Fish and Wildlife TOTAL 0.76 5.2.2.4 Wildlife Movement Corridors Wildlife movement corridors are defined as areas that connect suitable wildlife habitat areas in a region otherwise fragmented by rugged terrain, changes in vegetation, or human disturbance. Natural features such as canyon drainages, ridgelines, or areas with vegetation cover provide corridors for wildlife travel. Wildlife movement corridors are important because they provide access to mates, food, and water; allow the dispersal of individuals away from high-density population areas; and facilitate the exchange of genetic traits between populations (Beier and Loe 1992). Wildlife movement corridors are considered sensitive by the City and Wildlife Agencies. Regional wildlife corridors were established as part of the MSCP planning that is documented in the Subarea Plan EIR. These established wildlife corridors connected the La Jolla Valley and associated Lusardi Creek lowlands to the Black Mountain Open Space Preserve to the east and south (Figure 5.2-2). The anticipated development boundary of the Avion property adjacent to the Black Mountain Open Space Preserve were accounted for in the development of these regional wildlife corridors. The Avion project site is surrounded by portions of the Black Mountain Open Space