Title
Development Services Department recommending the Board approve key term definitions for use in preparing Phase I of the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan. (Est. Time: 1 Hr.)
Body
Recommendation:
Approve the use of the following definitions for preparing the INRMP:
Native vegetation
An assemblage of plants in a specific place or region that is self-perpetuating and has adapted to environmental and biological conditions. Native vegetation is dominated by native plant species but may include non-native plants or naturalized plants. Vegetation may be classified by type based on characteristics such as dominant plant communities or dominant plant species. Some native vegetation assemblages may contain significant numbers of introduced plant species that have adapted to local conditions.
Important habitat
For the purpose of General Plan Policy 7.4.2.8, Important Habitat is defined as habitats that support important flora and fauna, including deer winter, summer and fawning ranges and migration routes; stream, river and lakeshore habitat; fish spawning areas; seeps springs and wetlands; oak woodlands; large expanses of native vegetation; and other unique plant, fish and wildlife habitats. Degree or extent of importance will vary depending on proximity of connectivity to other areas of same or similar habitat that support the same flora and fauna. Higher density of such habitats will have greater conservation value that those isolated from same or similar habitats.
Large expanse
The amount of less disturbed, contiguous habitat needed for both narrowly occurring and wide-ranging species or to maintain natural processes, where the extent of land needed depends on the species or natural process.
Background:
This document summarizes the results of four meetings (January 7, 12, and two meetings on February 4, 2010) of the Plant and Wildlife Technical Advisory Committee (PAWTAC) and the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan Stakeholders Committe...
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