[See page 5-321 for the original comment] Since red-tail hawks were observed during the various surveys at the Baylands Project site, it was reasonable to also include anecdotal evidence of nesting. The description of bats on page 4.C-7 is included based on the specific habitats present, and where habitat is found, it is standard practice to include their potential for occurrence. Please see paragraph 1 on page 4.C-7 where it indicates that coyote are potentially located on the Baylands Project site. Please also see Mitigation Measure 4.C-4b which specifies that feeding stations are not to be allowed as they could attract predators such as red fox into the Baylands Project site. While the non-native red fox could potentially occur on site, they would also be subject to removal as a non-native predator per Mitigation Measure 4.C-4c.
[See page 5-321 for the original comment] See Master Response 9 regarding identification of wetlands within the Baylands Project site.
[See page 5-321 for the original comment] Where preliminary work determined that habitat to support special-status species exists, further studies were conducted, and the result were incorporated in the Draft EIR as part of the discussion of Impact 4.C-1 and the associated mitigation measures. Based on specific biology requirements for special-status species, determinations of potential occurrence can be made based on observed habitats. The absence of highly specific habitat conditions that are required for a special-status species can be used to determine their absence or low potential for occurrence. Please also see Response OSEC-99.
[See page 5-322 for the original comment] The last full paragraph on page 4.C-11 is revised to read as follows:
Brisbane Lagoon is a tidal lagoon feature composed of approximately 119 acres of open water subject to muted tidal influence and an additional 17.6 acres of lagoon perimeter, located at the southern end of the Project Site. The lagoon’s shorelines are a dynamic environment and depending on the tide can include some beach during low tides. During high tides, open water can extend up to the riprap edges of the Lagoon, inundating any beach or tidal habitat
contain little beach during high tides and most of the shoreline exposed during low tides is protected by riprap. Marsh areas are present at the southern end of the lagoon, which has attained marsh plain elevations and supports tidal marsh habitat dominated by pickleweed (Salicornia sp). This also occurs at the northern most portion of the Lagoon where the Guadalupe Channel drains to the Lagoon.
[See page 5-322 for the original comment] See Master Response 9 for a discussion of the methodology used to determine the extent of wetland area