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Development Services Department recommending the Board of Supervisors adopt the revised initial inventory of habitat map, consistent with Subtask 1.b of the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) work program. An update of INRMP Phase 1 tasks is also provided. (Est. Time: 2 Hrs.)
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Background: In December 2009, the County entered into a contract with Sierra Ecosystem Associates (SEA) to assist in the production of Phase 1 of the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). The INRMP is required as mitigation to impacts of urban development in the western part of the county as a result of the adoption of the 2004 General Plan. (General Plan EIR Impact 5.12-1) This impact was recognized as being significant and unavoidable. Policy 7.4.2.8 is a mitigation measure to reduce the impact, although it did not reduce it to a less than significant level.
Phase 1 of the INRMP process is primarily information gathering. Phase 2 will establish the conservation strategy that will implement the mitigation measure. The County is about one third of the way through Phase 1. Key decisions now need to be made before certain steps can progress further.
Task 1 of the work program is the mapping of important habitat and connectivity. The subtasks to be performed by SEA are:
1.a. Facilitate discussion with PAWTAC, ISAC and the Board and define terms;
1.b. Update the initial inventory map;
1.c. Develop a list of indicator species; and
1.d. Evaluate wildlife movement corridors.
On March 16, 2010, staff presented a set of definitions to the Board, as a part of Subtask 1.a, with the intent to define terms used in the applicable General Plan policies and the contract in order to provide clear direction to staff, the consultants, and the advisory committees assisting in the preparation of the INRMP. At that time, the Board indicated that the map required in Subtask 1.b would adequately define those terms, and directed staff to return to the Board with a...
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