2. Public Comments. Participation in members of the. locations. utilized. Action. Discussion/Action. City of Tracy 333 Civic Center Tracy, CA 95376

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1 SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY MULTI-SPECIESS HABITAT CONSERVATION AND OPEN SPACEE PLAN HABITAT TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING & HTAC FINANCIAL SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING San Joaquin Council of Governments Regional Center Building 555 E. Weber Avenue Stockton, CA Participation in the meeting may be available for Committee Members attending the HTAC meeting by Conference Call and members of the public, pursuant to California Government Code Sectionn 54953b), at one or more of the following locations. Please contact Steve Mayo at 209) prior to the meeting to determine which locations are utilized. City of Tracy 333 Civic Center Tracy, CA City of Lodi 221 W. Pine Street Lodi, CA City of Ripon 259 Wilma Avenue Ripon, CA SJ Ag Commissioner 2101 Earhart Avenue Stockton, CA City of Lathrop 390 Towne Center Drive Lathrop, CA SJ County 1810 Hazelton Avenue Stockton, CA City of Mantecaa 1001 W. Center Drive Manteca, CA City of Escalon 2060 McHenry Avenue Escalon, CA Call to Order / Introductions 2. Minutes: Approve Minutes of June 8, Public Comments Wednesday, August 10, :30 A.M. Board Conference Room AGENDA Action All technical items are available for action by the committee. The right column is recommendations by staff. 4. Consent Calendar: a. Manteca WQCF Solar Project Giant Garter Snake Buffer Reduction 5. SJMSCP Biological Services Contracts 6. Erman Liberty/Kennefick Preserve Acquisition and PMP Action Action 7. Other Matters of Business: Information/Discussion a. SJMSCP 2017 Development Fee Update b. El Dorado Center Street Bridge Project - LSA Biological Contract Time Extensionn Request 8. Summary and Adjournment of HTAC Meeting HTAC FINANCIAL SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING To be held in Executive Conference Room approximately10 minutes after adjournment of HTAC 1. Call to Order / Introductions 2. Public Comments SJMSCP Fee Analysis 4. Summary and Adjournment of HTAC Meeting Discussion/Action For your convenience, parking is available at the COG Regional Center marked Visitor on the East Side of the Parking Lot. There is additional parking available at Public Parking Lot K, located on American Street, just south of Weber Avenue. Additional meter parking on Weber Avenue. The San Joaquin Council of Governments is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make all reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities to participate in employment, programs, and access facilities. Persons requiring assistance or auxiliary aid in order to participate should contact Rebecca Montes at 209) at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

2 San Joaquin Multi-Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan Habitat Technical Advisory Committee San Joaquin Council of Governments 555 East Weber Avenue Stockton, CA June 8, 2016 MINUTES I. Call to Order/Introductions Mr. Stagnaro called the meeting to order at 9:31 am; introductions were made. Committee Members Present or Conference Call: Dave Stagnaro Mo Hatef Rick Caguiat Craig Hoffman Ken Zuidervaart John Beckman Kursten Sheridan Josh Emery Barbara Huecksteadt James Jones City of Stockton San Joaquin County City of Lathrop City of Lodi City of Ripon BIA CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife USFWS SJC Ag Commission EBMUD Others Present: None. SJCOG Staff/Consultants Present: Steve Mayo Laurel Boyd Rod Attebery Doug Leslie Program Manager Assistant Habitat Planner Neumiller & Beardslee ICF Jones & Stokes II. Approval of May 11, 2016 Minutes: It was moved/second Beckman/Emery) to accept the minutes of May 11, Motion passed 10/0.

3 III. IV. Public Comment: None. Consent Calendar: a. Lucca Winery Project b. Sambado Expansion Project c. Mirasol Solar Project It was moved/seconded Beckman/Emery) to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 10/0. V. SJMSCP Biological Services Contracts Mr. Mayo stated in May 2010, the SJCOG, Inc. Board approved a short list of biological firms to be used by the SJMSCP and authorized the Treasurer to negotiate contracts. In May 2016, SJCOG, Inc. staff released a Request for Qualifications RFQ) to fill the potential 10 firm short list of firms to conduct biological services for the habitat plan. The RFQ received 17 eligible responses in which 6 firms were previously contracted providing the required biological services under the plan prior and 11 new firms replied to the RFQ. Based on the response and extreme satisfaction of work provided as biological providers in the past years, the 6 prior firms are being recommended for the short list for contracting. The six prior firms consist of ECORP, ESA, HT Harvey, LSA, Monk & Associates, and WRA. Mr. Mayo continued to state the eleven other firms will go through the review and a selection will move to the interview process. The interview panel will consist of Kursten Sheridan, Josh Emery, Laurel Boyd, and Steve Mayo. The top four firms will move into rotation to complete a rotation of 10 biological firms. Mr. Mayo stated the master contract will be on a 3-year term with the possibility of a 2- year extension. It was moved/seconded Emery/Beckman) to Motion to Recommend Approval to the SJCOG, Inc. Board to Adopt the Prior Firms for the Short List of Environmental Consultant Firms and to authorize the Treasurer to Negotiate and Execute Contracts to Provide Biological Services for the Habitat Plan. Motion passed 10/0

4 VI. Martin Canal Properties Elliot Homes Preserve Dedication and Preserve Management Plan Mr. Mayo stated the Elliot Homes development project is proposing to dedicate a conservation easement over a portion of 3 parcels of land owned by the Virginia Martins Martins Canal Preserve) encompassing an overall easement dedication of approximately 56.5 acres. The easement dedication will be encumbered with an agricultural habitat easement in lieu of SJMSCP fees. The location of the properties is in the Old River area along Canal Boulevard northeast of the City of Tracy in the Central Zone. Mr. Mayo continued to state Elliot Homes intends to dedicate another +/- 7 acres in the near future, in which SJCOG, Inc. staff will bring back to HTAC and SJCOG, Inc. Board for approval. With the dedication, SJCOG, Inc. staff has written the Preserve Management Plan PMP) to reflect the surrounding existing Preserve Management Plans for economy of scale as a row and field crop habitat for species under the SJMSCP. Mr. Mayo stated the table on page 2 of the staff report has an error the preserve will include the use of herbicides, pesticides and/or rodenticide in accordance with Section M) and The Dutra Preserve had pocket gophers and the resolution was used as a template for the Martin Canal Properties dedication. For the dedicated preserve, there will be 2-4 pesticides used underground to avoid secondary poisoning. Mr. Emery stated the terms for use of pesticides are very vague and would like to revisit the language in the Preserve Management Plans. Mr. Attebery stated SJCOG, Inc. staff should revise and create templates for specific habitats and species. It was motioned/seconded Hatef/Beckman) to Motion to Approve Recommendation to SJCOG, Inc. for the Approval of the Conservation Easement Dedication subject to bringing a revised Preserve Management Plan to the Habitat Technical Advisory Committee HTAC) and the SJCOG, Inc. Board. Motion passed 10/0. VII. Jaques Highway 4 Property Preserve Acquisition and Preserve Management Plan Mr. Mayo stated the Jaques Highway 4 property encompasses a total of approximately 321 acres in size which SJCOG, Inc. has interest to encumber with a habitat easement on a portion of active agricultural lands of approximately 300 acres to serve as mitigation for impacts under the plan. The property is located in the Delta Zone along the San Joaquin River, south of Highway 4 and west of the City of Stockton near the City of Stockton s Waste Water Treatment Ponds. With the acquisition, SJCOG, Inc. staff has written a Preserve Management Plan PMP) to be consistent with the requested 10-acre holding from CDCR the SJCOG, Inc. Board approved to hold earlier this year. The drafted PMP reflects the existing Delta Zone agricultural preserve PMPs for economy of scale as a row

5 and field crop habitat for species under the SJMSCP. Enhancements will be compatible with on-going farming activities. Mr. Mayo continued to state the appraisal came back as $7,000 per acre, which is approximately the average cost for the area. Additional enhancements will come back to committee for approval in a supplemental PMP. It was moved/seconded Beckman/Sheridan) to Motion to Approve Recommendation to SJCOG, Inc. for the 1) Approval of the Conservation Easement Acquisition and 2) Approval of the Preserve Management Plan PMP) for the Preserve Site. VIII. Gikas Wing Levee Property Preserve acquisition and Preserve Management Plan Mr. Mayo stated the Gikas Wing Levee property encompasses a total of 225 acres in size which SJCOG, Inc. has interest to encumber with a habitat easement on a portion of active agricultural lands of approximately 220 acres to serve as mitigation for impacts under the plan. The location of the property is northeast of the City of Tracy in the Old River/Paradise Cut area in the Delta Zone. The potential preserve is very near existing SJCOG, Inc. preserves in the area of the Delta and Central Zone. Mr. Mayo continued to state with the acquisition, SJCOG, Inc. staff has written a Preserve Management Plan PMP) to be consistent with the current PMP to reflect the existing PMP for economy of scale as a row and field crop habitat for species under the SJMSCP. The PMP does not have enhancements planned on the property but can be considered in the future with approval of the landowner to be compatible with on-going farming activities. Should SJCOG, Inc. staff and the landowner agree on future enhancements, a supplemental PMP would be brought back to committee and SJCOG, Inc. Board for approval. It was moved/seconded Emery/Beckman) to Motion to Approve Recommendation to SJCOG, Inc. for the 1) Approval of the Conservation Easement Acquisition and 2) Approval of the Preserve Management Plan PMP) for the Preserve Site. IX. Erman Liberty Kennefick Property Preserve Acquisition and Preserve Management Plan Mr. Mayo stated the Erman Liberty Kennefick Road property encompasses 177 acres, which SJCOG, Inc. has interest to encumber approximately 172 acres with an agricultural habitat easement on a portion of the agricultural fields. The location of the property is northeast of the City of Lodi and south of Dry Creek in the Central Zone. With the acquisition, SJCOG, Inc. staff has written a Preserve Management Plan PMP) to reflect the existing Preserve Management Plans PMP) of the row and field crop preserves in the

6 Central Zone for economy of scale for species under the SJMSCP. The PMP has no specific enhancements for areas on the referenced property but future enhancements can be included at a later date which will be compatible with on-going farming activities in cooperation with the land owner to restore habitat for various species. The cost of the easement is valued at an average cost not to exceed $9,000 per acre. Mr. Emery stated with this property being irrigated pasture, rather than row and field crop, will SJCOG, Inc. be restricting this property further. Mr. Emery stated his worry is if there is California Tiger Salamander habitat nearby and the landowner decides to rip the land to put in row and field crop, SJCOG, Inc. now has a situation where increased take is occurring on our easements. This needs to be worked out with the landowner. Mr. Mayo stated if that is the plan s intent, staff would need to reappraise the property because what USFWS is requesting is to restrict the landowner from specific agricultural uses. Staff would be breaking off a little more of that agricultural stick. Currently, the property is not appraised in the way USFWS is requesting. Mr. Emery stated if reappraising the property to further restrict agricultural uses is not what the landowners want, staff needs to find a resolution for when the landowner wants to convert areas from irrigated pasture to row and field crop. Mr. Emery stated it presents a situation where unauthorized take is occurring and the Preserve Management Plan is allowing the landowners to do so. Mr. Attebery asked if USFWS likes the property and would like to see the property conserved without purchasing the agricultural stick, would the Service be interested? Mr. Emery stated yes; SJCOG, Inc. needs to start obtaining easements in this area. Mr. Attebery stated SJCOG, Inc. staff should ask the landowners if they would be interested in further restricting the agricultural activities within the easement area. If the landowner is not interested, staff can bring the item back to committee and SJCOG, Inc. Board for discussion and approval. This item was then pulled by staff for further discussion. X. Other Matters of Business a. Quick Review biological Process Mr. Mayo stated SJCOG, Inc. staff will be providing a Quick Review process for infill projects located on the compensation maps as urban habitat land to provide a faster turnaround on biological reports rather than the standard 30 day turnaround.

7 b. Norther San Joaquin Power Connect Project Mr. Mayo stated SJCOG, Inc. staff was asked to pass out the open house flyer for the Northern San Joaquin Power Connect project. This item was for information only, no action was taken. XI. Summary and adjournment: At 11:00 am the meeting was adjourned until August 10, 2016.

8 August 2016 HTAC STAFF REPORT SUBJECT: RECOMMENDED ACTION: Manteca Water Quality Control Facility Solar Array Project Motion to Approve Recommendation to SJCOG, Inc. to Allow a Revision to the Incidental Take Minimization Measures for Giant Garter Snake GGS) and Western Pond Turtle WPT) Buffers DISCUSSION: SUMMARY: The project applicant, City of Manteca Public Works, is requesting coverage under the San Joaquin Multi-Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan SJMSCP). Although the project is in a mapped area of the plan, the project needs to allow a revision to the Incidental Take Minimization Measures for Giant Garter Snake GGS) and Western Pond Turtle WPT) buffers. The project is located south of Yosemite Avenue and west of McKinley Avenue, within the city limits of Manteca in the Central Zone attachment 1 & 2). RECOMMENDATION: SJCOG, Inc. staff recommends the HTAC make the recommendation to the SJCOG, Inc. Board to allow a revision to the Incidental Take Minimization Measures for Giant Garter Snake GGS) and Western Pond Turtle WPT) buffers. FISCAL IMPACT: SJCOG, Inc. to be provided mitigation for the project impacts as required under the SJMSCP. The impacts for this project would consist of 5.5 acres of Agricultural C34) habitat at the appropriate rate of disturbance under the Plan. BACKGROUND: The City of Manteca is seeking environmental approval for three alternative energy programs at its Water Quality Control Facility, one of which is a solar photovoltaic) array. The proposed solar array project includes the installation of a ground mounted, single axis tracking 1 MW, California Electric Code compliant, photovoltaic power generation system a solar array) to be located at the

9 Water Quality Control Facility. The installation will be connected to the site s 17 kv electrical loop near the transformers on the eastern side of the Ultra Violet facility. The only ground disturbance will be driven by steel H-piles that will support the photovoltaic panels attachment 3). In order for the project to construct, the project will impact Giant Garter Snake GGS) habitat within the suggested 200 foot buffer and Western Pond Turtle WPT) within the 300 foot buffer. As identified in section 5.59 of the plan, HTAC, on a case by case review, can establish a setback and buffer zone to be used by a project in place of the 200 and 300 feet suggested. Because construction of portions of the project will be within the suggested 200 foot and 300 feet buffer areas, the project proponent has requested a reduction in the buffer to a 0 setback for the construction site impacts. The reduction of this buffer is necessary for the construction of this project. All other ITMM measures for GGS e.g. construction window between May and October and required survey work) and WPT will remain standard. The SJMSCP GIS habitat layer classifies the project site as Agriculture C34). If allowed to participate in the SJMSCP with the revised ITMM, the total disturbed area will consist of 5.5 acres of Agricultural C34) habitat impacts. The project applicant will be responsible for mitigating for the habitat impacts that is consumed by this project by either paying the appropriate fees at the time of ground disturbance or dedicating land in lieu of a fee at the appropriate SJMSCP ratio. Adjacent Vegetation and Land Use Location SJMSCP Vegetation Map Classification Habitat Type Category Actual Use Of Property Site Agriculture C34) Agriculture C34) Agriculture C34) North Agriculture C34) Agriculture C34) Agriculture C34) South Agriculture C34) Agriculture C34) Agriculture C34) East Agriculture C34), Urban U) Agriculture C34), Urban U) Agriculture C34), Urban U) West Agriculture C34) Agriculture C34) Agriculture C34) COMMITTEE ACTIONS: Habitat Technical Advisory Committee: Action Required SJCOG, Inc. Board: August 26 th if recommended ATTACHMENTS: 1. General Location Map 2. Project Location Map 3. Project Site Map Prepared by: Laurel Boyd, Assistant Habitat Planner

10 ATTACHMENT 1

11 ATTACHMENT 2

12 ATTACHMENT 3

13 8/2016 HTAC STAFF REPORT SUBJECT: SJMSCP Biological Services Contracts RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to Recommend Approval to SJCOG, Inc. Board to Adopt the Short List of Environmental Consultant Firms and to Authorize the Treasurer to Negotiate and Execute Contracts to Provide Biological Services for the Habitat Plan DISCUSSION: In May 2016, staff released a Request for Qualifications RFQ) to fill the potential 10 firm short list of firms to conduct biological services for the habitat plan. The RFQ received 17 eligible responses which 6 firms were already contracted providing the required biological services under the plan prior and 11 new firms replied to the RFQ. The Board previously approved a short list of biological firms of prior providers listed below) for the SJMSCP services as well as authorized the Treasurer to negotiate contracts in June 2016 as staff interviewed other responders for the last four firms. Based on the response and extreme satisfaction of work provided as biological providers in the past years, the 6 prior firms were recommended for the short list for contracting. Those firms were: 1. ECORP 2. ESA 3. HT Harvey 4. LSA 5. Monk 6. WRA The remaining RFQ respondents 11 firms) were evaluated in a two-step process. The first was generic scoring review of the respondent materials by each person on the panel USFWS Josh Emery, CDFW Kursten Sheridan, SJCOG, Inc. staff Laurel Boyd and SJCOG, Inc. staff Steven Mayo) to rank the top 7 firms for interviews. The second round consisted of interviews. The interviews occurred in June 2016 as schedules permitted of the top 7 ranked firms to narrow the recommendation to the final 4 firms to complete the short list for contracting. The panel made the selection of the 4 firms for recommendation by the panel for the short list and potential contracts being brought to HTAC for recommendation to the SJCOG, Inc. Board. Those 4 firms are: 1. Area West 2. Foothill Associates

14 3. Sycamore 4. Vollmar As prior practices, the firms that are established on the newest SJMSCP Biological Services shortlist will be rotated as development project biological services are needed. For example, as one firm gets a service request, the next service request will be given to the next firm on the list. Furthermore, if one firm cannot fulfill the service request due to work overload, the service request will be given to the next firm on the shortlist. Therefore, staff is recommending the HTAC recommend to the SJCOG, Inc. Board approval the short list of consultants providing biological services under the SJMSCP and authorize negotiations by the Treasurer to establish the contracts. The newly established contracts will be valid for a minimum period of three years and can be administratively extended another two years as needed under the Habitat Plan. FISCAL IMPACT: The fiscal impact will fluctuate for each requested service due to influences such as project size, habitat type and service type. Funding for the biological services will be provided by the Habitat fund at the set hourly rate of $140 per hour for all firms. Prepared by: Steve Mayo, Program Manager

15 8/2016 HTAC STAFF REPORT SUBJECT: RECOMMENDED ACTION: Erman Liberty Kennefick Preserve Acquisition and Preserve Management Plan Motion to Approve Recommendation to SJCOG, Inc. for the 1) Approval the Conservation Easement Acquisition and 2) Approval of the Preserve Management Plan PMP) for the Preserve Site DISCUSSION: SUMMARY: The Erman Liberty Kennefick Road property encompasses a total of 177 acres +/- in size which SJCOG, Inc. has interest to encumber 172 +/- acres with an agricultural habitat easement on a portion of the agricultural fields. The location of the property is northeast of the City of Lodi and south of Dry Creek in the Central Zone. The potential preserve is approximately 8 miles east of two existing SJCOG, Inc. preserves and 7 miles north of another existing SJCOG, Inc. preserve in the Central Zone as also shown in the attachment 1 and 2. With the acquisition, SJCOG, Inc. staff has written this draft Preserve Management Plan PMP) to reflect the existing Preserve Management Plans PMP) of the row and field crop preserves in the Central Zone for economy of scale for species under the SJMSCP. The PMP has no specific enhancements for areas on the referenced property but future enhancements can be included at a later date which will be compatible with on-going farming activities in cooperation with the land owner to restore habitat for various species since there have been historical records of Swainson s hawks and other species near the property in the California Natural Diversity Database CNDDB) through a supplemental restoration plan. RECOMMENDATION: A motion to recommend the SJCOG, Inc. Board to 1) approve the conservation easement acquisition and 2) approve the preserve management plan PMP). FISCAL IMPACT: SJCOG, Inc. will be acquiring an overall easement on approximately 172 +/- acres of active agricultural habitat under the SJMSCP. The cost of the easement is valued at an average cost not to exceed $9,000 per acre with a total acquisition cost of approximately $1,548,000 and the applicable closing costs required. Also, SJCOG, Inc. will be providing an endowment to be set

16 aside in a specific endowment fund for the preserve in the amount of roughly $891, /- acres x $5, per acre for 2016 endowment amount). These funds will be used for land management and enhancements as required under the SJMSCP permits. BACKGROUND: The Erman Liberty Kennefick property is located northeast of the City of Lodi and south of Dry Creek in the Central Zone. The conservation easement will cover the existing agricultural lands which are actively farmed to serve as mitigation for prior development impacts under the SJMSCP to row and field crop habitat for the betterment of species covered under the SJMSCP. The Preserve Management Plan PMP) attachment 3) drafted by ICF reflect the existing Preserve Management Plans PMP) of the row and field crop preserves in the Central Zone for economy of scale for species under the SJMSCP. Currently, there are no enhancements planned to the landscape but any additional future enhancements planned on the property not displayed in Table 1 would be brought back as a supplemental PMP in the future to be completed in cooperation with the land owner. The land owners display very good stewardship practices and there are very little invasive species within the fields on premises. Table 1 Enhancements for Row and Field Crop/Riparian Preserves Enhancement Potential Under SJMSCP Y N N/A Use of Herbicides, pesticides and/or rodenticide in accordance with Sect M) & X Create, expand or restore riparian area to enhance nesting X Plant elderberry plants for VELB X Enhance foraging habitat using native grass and forb species Appendix N) X Install roosting or nest sites and platforms X Fencing of riparian areas X Install bat boxes X Maintain water quality within creeks and wetlands e.g. red-legged frog habitat) X Create burrowing owl burrows X Eliminate invasive and undesirable species X Plant vegetation e.g. tules, blackberry thickets & cattails for tricolor blackbird/ggs) X COMMITTEE ACTIONS: Habitat Technical Advisory Committee: Recommendation for Approval SJCOG, Inc. Board August 25, 2016 if Recommended ATTACHMENTS: 1. Overview Preserve Location Map 2. Preserve Location Map 3. Preserve Management Plan Prepared by: Steven Mayo, Program Manager

17 ATTACHMENT 1

18 ATTACHMENT 2

19 ATTACHMENT 3

20 DRAFT PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE ERMAN LIBERTY KENNEFICK ROADS PROPERTY PRESERVE P R E P A R E D F O R : San Joaquin Council of Governments 555 East Weber Street Stockton, CA Contact: Steve Mayo P R E P A R E D B Y : ICF International 630 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA Contact: Doug Leslie May 25, 2016

21 ICF International Draft Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve. May. ICF ) Sacramento, CA. Prepared for San Joaquin Council of Governments, Stockton, CA.

22 Contents List of Tables and Figures... iii List of Acronyms and Abbreviations... iv Page Chapter 1 Introduction Preserve Location Setting Land Ownership and Management Chapter 2 Purpose of the Preserve Management Plan Wildlife Habitat Associations Goal and Objectives of the Management Plan Chapter 3 Land Management Activities Agricultural Practices Preserve Enhancements Permitted and Prohibited Uses and Activities Access and Trespass/Illegal Uses/Signage Agricultural Conversion Alteration of Watercourses Chemicals Dumping Emergency Vehicle Access Hunting and Fishing Maintenance and Repair Mosquito Abatement Native Vegetation Removal or Destruction Natural Resource Development Pest Management Recreational Activities Roads Subdivision Structures Vehicle Use Implementation and Management Schedule Chapter 4 Monitoring Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve i May 2016 ICF

23 Baseline Monitoring Monitoring Preserve Enhancements Annual and Long-Term Monitoring Monitoring Neighboring Lands Success Criteria Chapter 5 Adaptive Management Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve ii May 2016 ICF

24 Tables and Figures Table Table 1. Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve Parcel Information Page Figure Figures appear at end of document 1 Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve San Joaquin County 2 Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve and Other Conservation Easements in the Vicinity 3 Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 4 Habitats Present on the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 5 Documented Occurrences of SJMSCP-Covered Species within 2 Miles of Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve iii May 2016 ICF

25 Acronyms and Abbreviations amsl CNDDB GIS HTAC ELKRP SJCOG SJMSCP USGS above mean sea level California Natural Diversity Database geographic information systems Habitat Technical Advisory Committee Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve San Joaquin Council of Governments San Joaquin County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan U.S. Geological Survey Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve iv May 2016 ICF

26 Chapter 1 Introduction The San Joaquin Council of Governments SJCOG) is currently implementing the San Joaquin County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan SJMSCP) 1 San Joaquin Council of Governments 2001). The principal biological goal of the plan is to maintain habitat of sufficient quality and quantity to conserve populations of all fish, wildlife, and plant species covered by the SJMSCP. As part of this plan, lands within the SJMSCP area are acquired as preserves from willing landowners through either conservation easements or fee title purchase. This document is the preserve management plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve ELKRP), owned by Matt and Amy Erman and Brian Ronayne, on which a conservation easement is being placed. The preserve is comprised of a single parcel in San Joaquin County near the border with Sacramento County on the edge of the Central and Vernal Pool zones Figure 1). A conservation easement is being placed on approximately 172 acres of the property for incorporation into the preserve system as a row and field crop preserve. This preserve management plan will establish management protocols for the ELKRP. The ELKRP is intended to offset impacts resulting from the conversion of agricultural lands primarily within the Central Zone, as allowed in Section of the SJMSCP. This document provides the landowners, SJCOG, and the land manager with specific guidelines regarding preserve design, management, and monitoring in accordance with SJMSCP requirements. Preserve Location The ELKRP is located approximately 6 miles northeast of Woodbridge and less than a mile south of Dry Creek in San Joaquin County Figure 1). Information pertaining to the property is provided in Table 1. Table 1. Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve Parcel Information Assessor s Parcel Numbers Acreage SJMSCP Index Zone USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle Township Range Section acres Central Zone Lockeford SJMSCP = San Joaquin County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan; USGS = U.S. Geological Survey 4N 7E 1 San Joaquin County Council of Governments San Joaquin County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation & Open Space Plan. Stockton, CA. Available: < >. Downloaded August 28, Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 1-1 May 2016 ICF

27 San Joaquin Council of Governments Introduction The property lies approximately 6 miles east of the Beck and Hilder Preserves and 5 miles north of the Nakagawa and El Rio Reserves Figure 2). Setting The ELKRP is an approximately 172-acre portion of a 175-acre parcel being placed under conservation easement Figure 3). The bulk of the preserve is used for cattle grazing. An approximately 40-acre portion in the preserve in the southwest corner has been used to grow corn or other hay or feed crops. The majority of the property is flood irrigated Figure 4). There are several barns/sheds on the property clustered together near the northeast corner of the property, along with several large and mature valley oak trees Figure 4). Several other large, mature valley oak trees occur throughout the property Figure 3). The property is bordered by vineyards on the west and south sides. Extensive pastureland with vernal pool habitats occurs to the northeast. Elevations on the preserve range from approximately 60 to 70 feet above mean sea level amsl). Historically, the preserve has been used primarily to graze cattle. Land Ownership and Management The parties responsible for managing lands in accordance with the preserve management plan for the ELKRP are listed below. Landowner Matt and Amy Erman, Brian Ronayne Contact: Matt Erman 4914 E. Collier Road Acampo, CA Phone: Conservation easement holder San Joaquin Council of Governments, Inc. 555 East Weber Street Stockton, CA Contact: Steve Mayo Phone: Land manager ICF International 630 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA Contact: Doug Leslie Phone: Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 1-2 May 2016 ICF

28 Chapter 2 Purpose of the Preserve Management Plan The preserve management plan sets forth specific guidelines regarding land management and monitoring activities to ensure the landowner and SJCOG are in agreement with the conditions of the conservation easement and the manner in which preserve lands will be managed and monitored. Preserve management plans describe the baseline biological conditions of the property; state the goals and objectives of management; and describe the ongoing land management activities, including permitted and prohibited uses of the property. The preserve management plan also sets forth guidelines for adaptive management as required under the SJMSCP. Adaptive management is a systematic process for continually improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of operational programs. The principles of adaptive management recognize that the resources being managed are dynamic systems, and that the state of knowledge regarding natural resource management is constantly improving. In the context of preserve management, monitoring activities are undertaken to assess the progress of management activities toward achieving the stated management goals. The information collected can then be used to improve management activities, if warranted. However, there will be no alteration of management activities that adversely affect permitted agricultural uses of the land without the agreement of the landowner. Wildlife Habitat Associations The habitats and preserve elements described in the SJMSCP and present on the ELKRP are listed below. Row and field crop pastureland). Presence of rodents. Presence of pigeons or mice. Presence of tall perching site Presence of small reptiles and/or amphibians in shallow waters Presence of nearby caves, old buildings, or similar roosting sites These habitats and preserve elements provide foraging habitat for the SJMSCP-covered species listed below. Swainson s hawk Buteo swainsonii) Northern harrier Circus cyaneus) White-tailed kite Elanus leucurus) Merlin Falco columbarius) Great egret Ardea alba) Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 2-1 May 2016 ICF

29 San Joaquin Council of Governments Purpose of the Preserve Management Plan Great blue heron Ardea herodias) Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus) Yuma myotis Myotis yumanensis) The pasturelands on the preserve can also benefit several other common bird species, including resident and wintering raptors, songbirds, shorebirds, and wading birds. Pasturelands also provide foraging areas for small rodents, rabbits, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and gopher snakes. The forage value varies seasonally and annually depending on grazing pressure, rainfall, and irrigation frequency, which effects vegetative cover present at the site. The SJMSCP geographic information systems GIS) database and the California Natural Diversity Database CNDDB) were searched to identify records of SJMSCP-covered species within approximately 2 miles of the ELKRP. Over 20 records of nesting Swainson s hawk occur within 2 miles of the ELKRP. There are two records of tricolored blackbird Agelaius tricolor), one record of Valley elderberry longhorn beetle Desmocerus californicus dimorphus) along Dry creek to the north, and one record of white tailed kite. In addition, there are several records of vernal pool fairy shrimp Branchinecta lynchi), and one record each for of mid-valley fairy shrimp Branchinecta mesovallensis), vernal pool tadpole shrimp Lepidurus packardi ), and California tiger salamander Ambystoma californiense) on nearby vernal pool lands Figure 5). Goal and Objectives of the Management Plan The ELKRP will be managed as a Row and Field Crop Preserve as described in Section of the SJMSCP. The goal of this preserve is to maintain and enhance the habitat values extant on the site for the benefit of Swainson s hawk and other species covered by the SJMSCP that forage in and/or live in pasturelands. Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 2-2 May 2016 ICF

30 Chapter 3 Land Management Activities This chapter discusses the land management activities that will be implemented under the conservation easement. The desired agricultural practices as well as permitted and prohibited land uses are discussed. The ELKRP will be managed according to the guidelines for Row and Field Crop Preserves outlined in section of the SJMSCP. Management of Row and Field Crop habitats focuses on maintaining crops pasturelands in this case, although a portion of the preserve is used to grow row and field crops) having a canopy structure and other attributes that do not mechanically prevent foraging by raptors. Agricultural Practices Land management practices on the ELKRP have historically provided benefits for Swainson s hawk and other SJMSCP-covered species. These practices will be continued as part of this preserve management plan. The property has historically been used for grazing cattle and growing row crops primarily corn on approximately 40 acres). It is anticipated that these practices will continue. Conversion of pasturelands or row and field crops to other crops types such as vineyards, orchards, blueberries, and other permanent or semi-permanent row crops are prohibited without permission from the SJCOG Habitat Technical Advisory Committee HTAC). Preserve Enhancements No preserve enhancements are proposed for the ELKRP. Permitted and Prohibited Uses and Activities This section identifies permitted and prohibited uses of the preserve under the ELKRP Conservation Easement. Landowner refers to Matt and Amy Erman and Brian Ronayne. SJCOG refers to the SJCOG, Inc., and all affiliated agencies, organizations, or individuals that represent the SJCOG during implementation of actions under the preserve management plan. The primary permitted use of the preserve is ongoing agricultural production that provides foraging habitat for Swainson s hawk and other SJMSCP-covered species. The uses and activities listed below will be permitted or prohibited in accordance with the terms of the conservation easement. Access and Trespass/Illegal Uses/Signage No access to the public will be permitted. The SJMSCP requires that signage be installed at all preserves under conservation easement. At the landowner s discretion, the signage can identify the property as being part of the San Joaquin County Open Space system, or No Trespassing signs can be Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 3-1 May 2016 ICF

31 San Joaquin Council of Governments Land Management Activities installed. Signage should be installed on the ELKRP within 120 days following approval of the conservation easement. The signs should be installed along public roadways and rights-of-way and should clearly state that public access is prohibited. The signs will be provided by the SJCOG and installed by the landowner. Agricultural Conversion The conversion of the preserve from production of pastureland to agricultural uses that are not compatible with providing Swainson s hawk foraging habitat e.g., conversion to orchards, vineyards, blueberries, or other permanent or semi-permanent crop types) is prohibited without prior approval by the HTAC. Alteration of Watercourses The alteration or manipulation of any natural watercourse, wetland, or body of water and activities or uses that are detrimental to water quality, including, but not limited to, degradation, pollution, or fill, are prohibited. This prohibition does not include or installation of preserve enhancements. Chemicals Except for those pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizers used in ongoing row and field crop production, no chemicals will be used on the preserve unless they are used for the specific purpose of controlling exotic weed or pest species that may threaten habitat functions and values. Dumping The dumping, storage, or other disposal of refuse, trash, sewer sludge, and toxic or hazardous materials or chemicals is not permitted on the preserve. This prohibition includes the storage or disassembly of inoperable automobiles, trucks, farm equipment, or other machinery for the purpose of sale or storage. Emergency Vehicle Access Emergency vehicles have direct access to the preserve from Liberty and Kennefick Roads, when necessary Figure 3). The ELKRP is currently protected by gates and fencing but is not actively patrolled. Hunting and Fishing Noncommercial hunting and trapping of wildlife is permitted so long as it is conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and in a manner that does not significantly deplete wildlife resources or damage the ecology of the biological resources on the preserve. Commercial hunting and fishing are prohibited. Maintenance and Repair The landowner will be responsible for the general maintenance, repair, and replacement of existing facilities such as roads, fences, agricultural ditches, and irrigation supply lines and pumps. Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 3-2 May 2016 ICF

32 San Joaquin Council of Governments Land Management Activities Mosquito Abatement The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District currently conducts mosquito abatement activities in the vicinity of the ELKRP. These activities include occasional inspection and treatment of the site for mosquito and mosquito larvae. These activities will not change as a result of the creation of the preserve. Native Vegetation Removal or Destruction Other than what is customary for permitted agricultural practices, no large-scale removal, cutting, or destruction of native vegetation is permitted. Natural Resource Development The filling, dumping, excavating, draining, dredging, mining, drilling, removing, exploring, or extracting of or for minerals, soils, sands, gravels, rocks, or other material on or below the surface of the preserve is prohibited, unless otherwise approved by the HTAC. Pest Management Pest management is an ongoing activity associated with agricultural production. However, the implementation of pest management is restricted in accordance with the parameters listed below to ensure that agricultural activities are consistent with the goals and objectives of the SJMSCP. Application of rodenticides will be restricted to bait feeders and is generally discouraged. Vertebrate pest control will be conducted in accordance with rodenticide labeling instructions. Vertebrate pest control will be conducted in accordance with Endangered Species Act Bulletins available from local Agricultural Commissioner). Vertebrate pest control will be conducted in accordance with Agricultural Commissioners regulation and procedures). If vertebrate pest control procedures are not effective and additional control is necessary, adaptive management procedures will be followed. The landowner will consult with the HTAC in a timely fashion and in accordance with the SJMSCP. To ensure that agricultural activities are consistent with the goals and objectives of the SJMSCP, rodenticide baiting in burrows and rodenticide broadcast baiting are prohibited, with the following exception. The use of strychnine or other non-anticoagulant rodenticides such as ZP Rodent Oat Bait or AG Oat Grain Bait) dispersed underground using a gopher-baiting machine for example) for pocket gopher abatement is allowed. Anti-coagulant rodenticides are prohibited. The intention is to ensure that dead pocket gophers remain underground to reduce the possibility of secondary poisoning of covered species. While the aforementioned rodenticide labels list other uses for the product, such as vole control in alfalfa fields, their use for control of species other than pocket gophers in a manner other than specified above is prohibited because their above ground use would pose a danger to covered species, including Sandhill cranes. Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 3-3 May 2016 ICF

33 San Joaquin Council of Governments Land Management Activities Recreational Activities No revenue-generating recreational activities are permitted. Roads The construction of new roads is prohibited. However, resurfacing of existing roads with onsite materials and clean gravel is permitted as long as material is kept within the immediate roadway. Subdivision Subdivision of the property is prohibited unless required by state or local regulations. Structures The construction or placement of the structures listed below is prohibited on the preserve. New residential or other buildings. Camping accommodations. Mobile homes, house trailers, permanent tent facilities, Quonset huts or similar structures. Underground tanks. Billboards, signs, or other advertising. Streetlights. New utility structures or lines outside of existing easement however, power lines would be allowed to the extent necessary to allow new pumps on the property for agricultural purposes). New sewer systems. Vehicle Use The use of motorized vehicles off designated roadways, except for agricultural purposes, is not permitted. Implementation and Management Schedule The landowner will begin implementing and managing the preserve in accordance with this preserve management plan immediately upon formal approval and acceptance of the conservation easement by the landowners, SJCOG, and the HTAC. The landowners and SJCOG intend that the property be preserved and maintained in perpetuity by permitting only those agricultural practices that provide foraging habitat for Swainson s hawk and other SJMSCP-covered species that forage in agricultural habitats. The proposed agricultural practices are beneficial to these species. Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 3-4 May 2016 ICF

34 Chapter 4 Monitoring This chapter describes the biological monitoring plan and reporting requirements for land management activities on the ELKRP. This chapter also summarizes remedial measures that may be implemented should the property not provide the desired benefits for Swainson s hawk and other SJMSCP-covered species. The primary objective of the monitoring plan is to ensure that the goals and objectives of the SJMSCP and this preserve management plan are being met. A preserve monitoring strategy for the entire SJMSCP preserve system is currently being completed. The monitoring plan described in this chapter is considered provisional until the system-wide monitoring plan is completed and approved. Three types of monitoring are required to assess the effectiveness of the preserve management plan in conserving target species: surveys to establish baseline conditions; monitoring the establishment and success of preserve enhancements; and annual monitoring to assess changes in the baseline conditions, to ensure compliance with the terms of the conservation easement, and to assess if the current management is achieving the desired conditions or if changes in management are needed. Baseline Monitoring To establish the baseline condition of both habitats and target species present in and around the preserve, a baseline habitat assessment and focused survey for Swainson s hawk will be conducted. This baseline data will be used for comparison with results from future years monitoring efforts to ensure that the goals and objectives of the preserve management plan are being met. A set of photo stations will be established around the property to document site conditions annually. The baseline habitat assessment will include a brief description of the habitats present on the site at the time the conservation easement is recorded. Because neighboring land uses may change over time, potentially reducing the suitability of habitats on the preserve, the baseline assessment will include mapping of habitat/crop cover types within a 2-mile radius of the preserve. The baselinefocused survey will entail a complete search of all potential nesting substrates for nesting Swainson s hawk within a 2-mile radius of the preserve site. These requirements will be met to the extent that access is allowed on adjacent properties. All detections of SJMSCP-covered species will be recorded. Monitoring Preserve Enhancements No preserve enhancements are currently proposed for this property, and thus no monitoring of preserve enhancements is required. Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 4-1 May 2016 ICF

35 San Joaquin Council of Governments Monitoring Annual and Long-Term Monitoring As required by the SJMSCP, preserves under conservation easements will be visited annually to assess compliance with the terms and conditions of the conservation easement. Because Swainson s hawk is one of the primary target species of this preserve management plan, the site visit will be conducted during spring or summer, when Swainson s hawks can be found in the region. Three variables will be reviewed during each site visit: the crop cover types) that are in production; the areal extent of each crop type, if applicable; and any changes in land use or status of the preserve that could substantively influence the effectiveness of the preserve in providing benefits for species covered under the SJMSCP. Habitats/crop cover types and a focused Swainson s hawk survey will be conducted within a 2-mile radius of the preserve once every 3 years. Mapped data will be recorded in the GIS database. The results of the focused survey and assessment of adjacent land uses will be provided in the SJMSCP program-level annual report. Noncompliance with the conservation easement will be addressed in accordance with the provisions of the easement. Monitoring Neighboring Lands The SJMSCP includes a neighboring lands protection program, the purpose of which is to protect adjacent landowners from incidental take of SJMSCP-covered species should they move from the conservation easement lands to neighboring lands. Land uses subject to the neighboring land use provisions of the SJMSCP are composed primarily of row and field crops. In accordance with the SJMSCP, neighboring landowners will be notified of the establishment of the preserve and will be invited to avail themselves of the Neighboring Land Use Protections provided by the SJMSCP. Management of the ELKRP under this preserve management plan will be substantially the same as current land management. Consequently, implementation of the plan is not expected to affect neighboring agricultural land uses. However, neighboring land uses may change over time. Conversion of pasturelands and row and field crops to vineyards, orchards, or other crop types incompatible with the provision of habitat for SJMSCP-covered species has been occurring at an accelerated rate. Conversion of pasturelands and row and field crops to incompatible crop types or other uses may result in a decline in habitat use by Swainson s hawk and other SJMSCP-covered species. Accordingly, monitoring habitat conditions on neighboring lands within a 2-mile radius of the preserve is incorporated into this monitoring plan. Success Criteria A single criterion was identified to determine the success of land use on the preserve. Preserve management will be considered successful if the entire 172 acres of designated pasture and row and Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 4-2 May 2016 ICF

36 San Joaquin Council of Governments Monitoring field crops are maintained in their current condition each year and all terms and conditions of the conservation easement are adhered to. Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 4-3 May 2016 ICF

37 Chapter 5 Adaptive Management This chapter summarizes the adaptive management provisions of the SJMSCP as they pertain to the ELKRP. Adaptive management is a systematic process for continually improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of operational programs. The principle of adaptive management recognizes that the resources being managed are dynamic systems and that the state of knowledge regarding natural resource management is constantly improving. Adaptive management, by definition, does not include predetermined actions, but rather identifies new responses based on the outcome of management activities. In the context of preserve management, monitoring activities are undertaken to assess the progress of management activities toward achieving the stated management goals. The information collected can then be used to improve management activities, if change is warranted. However, there will be no alteration of management activities that adversely affect permitted agricultural uses of the land without the agreement of the landowner. Results of monitoring will be used to determine the effectiveness of the measures outlined in the SJMSCP and this preserve management plan in providing habitat for Swainson s hawk and other SJMSCP-covered species. If substantial changes in populations of covered species occur, or evidence suggests the operating conservation program outlined in the SJMSCP is not meeting the goals and objectives outlined in the SJMSCP, then adaptive management procedures may be warranted. Such measures would include a review of the terms of the conservation easements and a review of the cropping patterns, crop types, monitoring requirements, and other management or monitoring activities on SJMSCP preserves. Preserve Management Plan for the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve 5-1 May 2016 ICF

38 Erman Property Preserve Acampo Woodbridge Lodi 12 Lockeford Stockton 4 French Camp 99 Lathrop 205 Tracy 120 Manteca Ripon 120 Escalon K:\Projects_2\SJHCP\05076_05\arcmap\Erman\Figure1_ErmanA.mxd ds 5/16/2016 Legend SJMSCP Index Zone Central Zone 580 Central/Southwest Transition Zone Primary Zone of the Delta Southwest Zone Vernal Pool Zone Miles Figure 1 Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve San Joaquin County

39 G a l t UV 99 K:\Projects_2\SJHCP\05076_05\arcmap\Erman\Figure2_Erman.mxd ds 5/16/2016 L o d i Erman Property Preserve Existing SJMSCP Perserves Armstrong Other Conservation Easements and Open Space Miles Nakagawa Aerial Source - ArcGIS Online/NAIP 2014 Data Sources - CCED 2015, CPAD 2015 Figure 2 Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve and Other Conservation Easements in the Vicinity

40 Liberty R oad K:\Projects_2\SJHCP\05076_05\arcmap\Erman\Figure3_Erman.mxd ds 5/16/2016 Legend N Ke nnefic k Ro ad Erman Property Preserve ,000 Feet Aerial Source - ArcGIS Online/NAIP 2014 Figure 3 Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve

41 Photo 1. Irrigted Pasture on the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve Graphics ) TG Photo 2. Barns and Mature Valley Oak Trees on the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve Figure 4 Habitats Present on the Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve

42 Swainson's hawk Erman Property Preserve Erman Property Preserve 2-Mile Buffer BRLY/LEPA BRLY AMCA BRLY CACASU BRLY BRLY Code AGTR AMCA BRLY BRNO CACASU DECADI ELCA LEPA RABO K:\Projects_2\SJHCP\05076_05\arcmap\Erman\Figure5_Erman.mxd ds 5/16/2016 QULO QULO 0.5 AGTR Birds Mammals Species Name Tricolored blackbird California tiger salamander Vernal pool fairy shrimp Midvalley fairy shrimp Swainson's hawk succulent owl's-clover Valley elderberry longhorn beetle White-tailed kite Vernal pool tadpole shrimp Foothill yellow-legged frog Species within 2 Mile Radius of Erman Property Preserve BRLY AGTR Herps Inverts Plants AGTR San Joaquin HCP Terrestrial Species Records DECADI California Natural Diversity Database Species Records Miles ELCA BRNO USDA Online Aerials Date: NAIP, 2014 CNDDB Date: April, 2016 Figure 5 Documented Occurrences of SJMSCP-Covered Species within 2 Miles of Erman Liberty Kennefick Roads Property Preserve