4.2 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

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1 4.2 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES INTRODUCTION The Agricultural Resources chapter of the EIR summarizes the status of the existing agricultural resources within the boundaries of the (proposed project), including identification of any Prime/Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance within the project boundaries. If Prime/Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance is determined to be on-site, the analysis will address the conversion of said lands to urban uses. In addition, any conflicts with existing zoning for agricultural or forest use and City of Galt policies are identified. Furthermore, the chapter addresses the project s consistency with the policies and standards of the Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) regarding agricultural resources. Documents referenced to prepare this chapter include the 2030 Galt General Plan 1 and associated Existing Conditions Report 2 and EIR, 3 the Sacramento County General Plan of , 4 the Sacramento LAFCo Policy, Standards and Procedures Manual, 5 the National Resource Conservation Service Web Soil Survey, 6 and the Soil Candidate Listing for Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance, Sacramento County EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING The Existing Environmental Setting section describes current farmland and soil productivity classification systems, as well as the extent and quality of any agricultural and forest resources present on the project site. Farmland Classifications The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) uses two systems to determine a soil s agricultural productivity: the Land Capability Classification System and the Storie Index Rating System. The prime soil classification of both systems indicates the presence of few to no soil limitations, which, if present, would require the application of management techniques (e.g., drainage, leveling, special fertilizing practices) to enhance production. The Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP), part of the Division of Land Resource Protection, California Department of Conservation (DOC), uses the information from the NRCS to create maps illustrating the types of farmland in the area. Land Capability Classification System The Land Capability Classification System takes into consideration soil limitations, the risk of damage when soils are used, and the way in which soils respond to treatment. Capability classes range from Class I soils, which have few limitations for agriculture, to Class VIII soils, which are unsuitable for agriculture. Generally, as the rating of the capability classification system 4.2-1

2 increases, yields and profits are more difficult to obtain. A general description of soil classification as defined by the NRCS is provided in Table Class I Storie Index Rating System Table Land Capability Classification Definition Soils have slight limitations that restrict their use. Soils have moderate limitations that restrict the choice of plants or that require moderate II conservation practices. Soils have severe limitations that restrict the choice of plants or that require special III conservation practices, or both. Soils have very severe limitations that restrict the choice of plants or that require very IV careful management, or both. Soils are not likely to erode but have other limitations; impractical to remove that limit V their use largely to pasture or range, woodland, or wildlife habitat. Soils have severe limitations that make them generally unsuited to cultivation and limit VI their use largely to pasture or range, woodland, or wildlife habitat. Soils have very severe limitations that make them unsuited to cultivation and that restrict VII their use largely to pasture or range, woodland, or wildlife habitat. Soils and landforms have limitations that preclude their use for commercial plants and VIII restrict their use to recreation, wildlife habitat, or water supply or to aesthetic purposes. Note: Capability subclasses are soil groups within one class. They are designated by adding a small letter, e, w, s, or c, to the class numeral, for example, IIe. The letter e shows that the main hazard is the risk of erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained; w shows that water in or on the soil interferes with plant growth or cultivation (in some soils the wetness can be partly corrected by artificial drainage); s shows that the soil is limited mainly because it is shallow, droughty, or stony; and c, used in only some parts of the United States, shows that the chief limitation is climate that is very cold or very dry. Source: USDA Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Sacramento County, California, The Storie Index Rating system ranks soil characteristics according to their suitability for agriculture from Grade 1 soils (80 to 100 rating) which have few or no limitations for agricultural production, to Grade 6 soils (less than 10 rating) which are not suitable for agriculture. Under the Storie Index Rating system, soils deemed less than prime can function as prime soils when limitations such as poor drainage, slopes, or soil nutrient deficiencies are partially or entirely removed. The six grades, ranges in index rating, and definition of the grades, as defined by the NRCS, are provided below in Table

3 Table Storie Index Rating System Grade Index Rating Definition 1 Excellent 80 through 100 Few limitations that restrict their use for crops 2 Good 60 through 79 3 Fair 40 through 59 4 Poor 20 through 39 5 Very Poor 10 through 19 Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program Suitable for most crops, but have minor limitations that narrow the choice of crops and have a few special management needs Suited to a few crops or to special crops and require special management If used for crops, are severely limited and require special management Not suited for cultivated crops, but can be used for pasture and range 6 Non-Agriculture Less and 10 Soil and land types generally not suited to farming Source: USDA Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Sacramento County, California, The FMMP was established in 1982 to continue the Important Farmland mapping efforts begun in 1975 by the USDA. The intent of the USDA was to produce agriculture maps based on soil quality and land use across the nation. As part of the nationwide agricultural land use mapping effort, the USDA developed a series of definitions known as Land Inventory and Monitoring (LIM) criteria. The LIM criteria classified the land s suitability for agricultural production; suitability included both the physical and chemical characteristics of soils and the actual land use. Important Farmland maps are derived from the USDA soil survey maps using the LIM criteria. Since 1980, the State of California has assisted the USDA with completing the mapping in the State. The FMMP was created within the California DOC to carry on the mapping activity on a continuing basis, and with a greater level of detail. The California DOC applied a greater level of detail by modifying the LIM criteria for use in California. The LIM criteria in California utilize the Land Capability Classification and Storie Index Rating systems, but also consider physical conditions such as dependable water supply for agricultural production, soil temperature range, depth of the groundwater table, flooding potential, rock fragment content, and rooting depth. The California DOC classifies lands into seven agriculture-related categories: Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance (Statewide Farmland), Unique Farmland, Farmland of Local Importance (Local Farmland), Grazing Land, Urban and Built-up Land (Urban Land), and Other Land. The first four types listed above are collectively designated by the State as Important Farmlands. Important Farmland maps for California are compiled using the modified LIM criteria and current land use information. The minimum mapping unit is 10 acres unless otherwise specified. Units of land smaller than 10 acres are incorporated into surrounding classifications. Each of the seven land types are summarized below, based on California DOC s A Guide to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program

4 Prime Farmland: Statewide Farmland: Unique Farmland: Local Farmland: Grazing Land: Urban Land: Prime Farmland is land with the best combination of physical and chemical features able to sustain the long-term production of agricultural crops. The land has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields. The land must have been used for the production of irrigated crops at some time during the two update cycles (a cycle is equivalent to two years) prior to the mapping date. Farmland of Statewide Importance is land similar to Prime Farmland, but with minor shortcomings, such as greater slopes or with less ability to hold and store moisture. The land must have been used for the production of irrigated crops at sometime during the two update cycles prior to the mapping date. Unique Farmland is land of lesser quality soils used for the production of the State s leading agricultural crops. The land is usually irrigated, but may include non-irrigated orchards or vineyards, as found in some climatic zones in California. The land must have been cultivated at some time during the two update cycles prior to the mapping date. Farmland of Local Importance is land of importance to the local agricultural economy, as determined by each county s Board of Supervisors and a local advisory committee. Sacramento County local farmland includes lands which do not qualify as Prime, Statewide, or Unique designation, but are currently irrigated crops or pasture or non-irrigated crops; lands that would meet the Prime or Statewide designation and have been improved for irrigation, but are now idle; and lands that currently support confined livestock, poultry operations and aquaculture. Grazing Land is land on which the existing vegetation, whether grown naturally or through management, is suited to the grazing of livestock. The minimum mapping unit for this category is 40 acres. Urban and Built-up Land is occupied with structures with a building density of at least one unit to one-half acre. Uses may include but are not limited to, residential, industrial, commercial, construction, institutional, public administration purposes, railroad yards, cemeteries, airports, golf courses, sanitary landfills, sewage treatment plants, water control structures, and other development purposes. Highways, railroads, and other transportation facilities are mapped as part of this unit, if they are part of a surrounding urban area

5 Other Land: Other Land is land that is not included in any other mapping categories. The following uses are generally included: rural development, brush timber, government land, strip mines, borrow pits, and a variety of other rural land uses. Project Site Characteristics The proposed project site consists of approximately 504 acres, only approximately 338 acres of which is proposed to be developed as part of the project. The 338-acre area proposed for development is known as Liberty Ranch. The Future Growth Area includes approximately 17.4 acres of the project site and includes the UPRR right-of-way and the two triangle parcels south of the UPRR tracks. The Future Growth Area is not proposed for development at this time. The remaining portion of the project site consists of non-participating properties, including numerous rural residences, Liberty Ranch High School, and Estrellita High School. The existing land uses on the project site consist of predominantly agricultural, schools (Liberty Ranch High School and Estrellita Continuation High School), and rural residential. According to the Sacramento County Williamson Act map published by the California DOC, the entire project site is not under a Williamson Act contract. 9 Soil Classifications According to the Soil Survey of Sacramento County, the project site is made up of the following soils: 10 San Joaquin silt loam, leveled, zero to one percent slopes (map symbol 213); San Joaquin silt loam, zero to three percent slopes (214); San Joaquin-Durixeralfs complex, zero to one percent slopes (216); San Joaquin-Galt complex, leveled, zero to one percent slopes (217); San Joaquin-Xerarents complex, leveled, zero to one percent slopes (221); and Xerarents-San Joaquin complex, zero to one percent slopes (238). The soils are described below in Table and shown in Figure As shown in Table 4.2-3, all of the on-site soils are Grade 4, meaning the soils are severely limited in their agricultural potential because of shallow soil depths; less permeable subsoil; steeper slope; or more clayey or gravelly surface soil texture than Grade 3 soils, as well as poor drainage; greater flood hazards; hummocky micro-relief; salinity; or poor fertility levels, all acting alone or in combination. Therefore, none of the on-site soils meet the criteria for Prime Farmland. Soil Descriptions San Joaquin silt loam, leveled, zero to one percent slopes (213) is located on low terraces. Permeability of this San Joaquin silt loam is very slow. Surface runoff is very slow, and the erosion hazard is none to slight. The available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 23 to 40 inches. The soil is used principally for irrigated crops or for irrigated hay and pasture

6 Other uses include irrigated crops for rice. The land capability unit is IIIs-3, irrigated and nonirrigated. Table On-Site Land Capability Classification and Storie Index Rating Land Capability Classification Storie Soil Name and Map Symbol Non-Irrigated* Irrigated* Index Grade San Joaquin silt loam, leveled (213) IIIs-3 IIIs San Joaquin silt loam (214) IIIs-3 IIIs San Joaquin-Durixeralfs complex (216) IVs-5 IVs San Joaquin-Galt complex, leveled (217) IIIs-3 IIIs San Joaquin-Xerarents complex, leveled (221) IIIs-3 IIIs Xerarents-San Joaquin complex (238) IIIs-3 IIIs Note: * Capability subclasses are soil groups within one class. They are designated by adding a small letter, e, w, s, or c, to the class numeral, for example, IIe. The letter e shows that the main hazard is the risk of erosion unless close-growing plant cover is maintained; w shows that water in or on the soil interferes with plant growth or cultivation (in some soils the wetness can be partly corrected by artificial drainage); s shows that the soil is limited mainly because it is shallow, droughty, or stony; and c, used in only some parts of the United States, shows that the chief limitation is climate that is very cold or very dry. Source: USDA Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Sacramento County, San Joaquin silt loam, zero to three percent slopes (214) is located on low terraces. Permeability of this San Joaquin silt loam is very slow. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is slight. The available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 23 to 40 inches. The soil is used principally as rangeland or for dryland crops, such as wheat. Other uses include irrigated hay and pasture and irrigated vineyards or row crops for rice. The land capability unit is IIIs-3, irrigated and non-irrigated. San Joaquin-Durixeralfs complex, zero to one percent slopes (216) is located on low terraces. Permeability of this San Joaquin-Durixeralfs complex is slow to very slow. Surface runoff is very slow, and the erosion hazard is none to slight. The available water capacity is low or very low. The effective rooting depth is 23 to 40 inches. The soil is used principally for irrigated pasture and hay or for irrigated crops. Other uses are limited by the depth to a hardpan, the very slow permeability, and the limited available water capacity. The land capability unit is IVs-5, irrigated and non-irrigated. San Joaquin-Galt complex, leveled, zero to one percent slopes (217) is located on low terraces. Permeability of this San Joaquin-Galt complex is slow to very slow. Surface runoff is very slow, and the erosion hazard is slight. The available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 24 to 40 inches. The soil is used principally for irrigated crops or for irrigated hay and pasture. Other uses are limited by the depth to a hardpan, the very slow permeability, and the limited available water capacity. The land capability unit is IIIs-3, irrigated and non-irrigated

7 Figure On-Site Soil Map Project Site N Source: USDA, National Resources Conservation Service, Web Soil Survey, Accessed August 26,

8 San Joaquin-Xerarents complex, leveled, zero to one percent slopes (221) is located on low terraces. Permeability of this San Joaquin-Xerarents complex is moderate to very slow. Surface runoff is very slow, and the erosion hazard is none to slight. The available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 23 to 40 inches. The soil is used principally for irrigated crops or for irrigated hay and pasture. Other uses include irrigated crops for rice. The land capability unit is IIIs-3, irrigated and non-irrigated. Xerarents-San Joaquin complex, zero to one percent slops (238) is located on low terraces. Permeability of this Xerarents-San Joaquin complex is moderate to very slow. Surface runoff is slow to very slow, and the erosion hazard is none to slight. The available water capacity is low to high. The effective rooting depth is 23 to 60 inches. The soil is used principally for irrigated hay and pasture. Other uses include irrigated crops for corn, wheat, grapes, rice, and milo. The land capability unit is IIIs-3, irrigated and non-irrigated. Important Farmland Designation The California DOC has defined areas of the project site as Statewide Farmland, Unique Farmland, Local Farmland, Grazing Land, Urban Land, and Other Land (see Figure 4.2-2). 11 The site is currently zoned as General Agriculture 20 Acres (AG-20), General Agriculture 80 Acres (AG-80), and Agricultural Residential 5 Acres (AR-5) under the Sacramento County zoning code. 12 The site is currently designated for commercial, residential, and public uses by the Galt General Plan and is designated Agricultural-Residential (AG-RES) and General Agriculture 20 Acres (GA 20) by the Sacramento County General Plan. 13 Forest Land and Timberland As noted above, the site is currently designated as AG-RES and GA 20 by the Sacramento County General Plan and the County zoning is AG-20, AG-80, and AR-5. The AG-20 and AG- 80 zoning designations is established to preserve agricultural lands for the continuation of commercial agriculture enterprises. Minimum parcel sizes within the AG Zone are 20, 40, 80 or 160 acres, as specified by the precise zoning. The AR-5 zoning designation provides for rural residential uses, such as animal husbandry, small-scale agriculture, and other limited agricultural activities. According to Public Resources Code section 1220(g), "forest land" is land that can support 10-percent native tree cover of any species, including hardwoods, under natural conditions, and that allows for management of one or more forest resources, including timber, aesthetics, fish and wildlife, biodiversity, water quality, recreation, and other public benefits. Of the 128 trees on-site, only 37 were determined by a certified arborist to be in fair-good to excellent condition. 14 In addition, only four trees on the property qualify for protection under the City of Galt s Municipal Code having a diameter at breast height (dbh) of six or more inches and being one of the four species listed for protection. Although trees exist on the 504-acre project site, the site does not support 10-percent native tree cover of any species; therefore, forest or timberland resources do not exist on-site or in the vicinity of the project site. In addition, the site is not zoned for forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104[g])

9 Figure FMMP Designations Project Site Project Site 4.2-9

10 4.2.3 REGULATORY CONTEXT Many agencies have developed laws and regulations designed to protect agricultural and forest resources. The following discussion contains a summary review of regulatory controls pertaining to agricultural resources, including State and local laws and ordinances. State Regulations The following are the State environmental laws and policies relevant to agricultural resources. California Land Conservation Act Under the provisions of the Williamson Act (California Land Conservation Act 1965, Section 51200), landowners contract with the County to maintain agricultural or open space use of their lands in return for reduced property tax assessment. The contract is self-renewing and the landowner may notify the County at any time of intent to withdraw the land from its preserve status. Withdrawal involves a ten-year period of tax adjustment to full market value before protected open space can be converted to urban uses. Consequently, land under a Williamson Act Contract can be in either renewal status or non-renewal status. Lands with a non-renewal status indicate the farmer has withdrawn from the Williamson Act Contract and is waiting for a period of tax adjustment for the land to reach its full market value. As noted previously, the properties making up the proposed project site are not under a Williamson Act contract. Farmland Security Zones Super Williamson Act In August 1998, the Williamson Act s farmland security zone (FSZ) provisions were enacted with the passage of Senate Bill 1182 (California Government Code Section ). The sub-program, dubbed the Super Williamson Act, enables agricultural landowners to enter into contracts with the County for 20-year increments with an additional 35 percent tax benefit over and above the standard Williamson Act contract. Annexation of FSZs is generally not allowed. Section of the California Government Code requires Local Agency Formation Commissions to reject plans that would result in the annexation of FSZ territory into cities. However, FSZ annexation is permissible under certain circumstances including voter approval, necessary public improvements, and landowner consent. The properties making up the proposed project site are not in a FSZ. Local Regulations The following are the local environmental laws and policies relevant to agricultural resources. Sacramento LAFCo Sacramento LAFCo is a State-mandated boundary commission responsible for coordinating logical and timely changes in local government boundaries. In consideration of proposals, the Commission observes four basic statutory purposes: the discouragement of urban sprawl, the

11 preservation of open space and agricultural land resources, the efficient provision of government services, and the encouragement of orderly growth boundaries based upon local conditions and circumstances. LAFCo s powers, procedures, and functions are set forth in the Cortese-Knox- Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, (Government Code Section et seq.). The following definitions will be used to determine the potential impacts pertaining to compliance with Sacramento LAFCo policies: Agricultural lands "Agricultural lands" means land currently used for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity for commercial purposes, land left fallow under a crop rotational program, or land enrolled in an agricultural subsidy or set-aside program. Prime agricultural lands "Prime agricultural land" means an area of land, whether a single parcel or contiguous parcels, that has not been developed for a use other than an agricultural use and that meets any of the following qualifications: (a) Land that qualifies for rating as Class I or Class II in the Soil Conservation Service land use capability classification. (b) Land that qualifies for rating 80 through 100 Storie Index Rating. (c) Land that supports livestock used for the production of food and fiber and that has an annual carrying capacity equivalent to at least one animal unit per acre as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture in the National Handbook on Range and Related Grazing Lands, July 1967, developed pursuant to Public Law 46, December (d) Land planted with fruit or nut-bearing trees, vines, bushes, or crops that have a nonbearing period of less than five years and that will return during the commercial bearing period on an annual bases from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant production not less than four hundred dollars ($400) per acre. (e) Land that has returned from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant products an annual gross value of not less than four hundred dollars ($400) per acre for three of the previous five calendar years. (f) Land which is used to maintain livestock for commercial purposes. Sacramento LAFCo has adopted specific standards to ensure that fair and consistent decisions are rendered in accordance with State law. The following list of the adopted Sacramento LAFCo policies and standards is not exhaustive, and only lists goals and policies that pertain to the proposed project. The following are applicable policies from the Sacramento LAFCo Policy, Standards and Procedures Manual, Chapter IV, General Standards

12 E. Agricultural Land Conservation 1. LAFCo will approve a change of organization or reorganization which will result in the conversion of prime agricultural land in open space use to other uses only if the Commission finds that the proposal will lead to the planned, orderly and efficient development of an area. For purposes of this standard, a proposal leads to the planned, orderly efficient development of an area only if all of the following criteria are met: a. The land subject to the change of organization or reorganization is contiguous to either lands developed with an urban use or lands which have received all discretionary approvals for urban development. b. The proposed development of the subject lands is consistent with the Spheres of Influence Plan, including the Master Services Element of the affected agency or agencies. c. Development of all or a substantial portion of the subject land is likely to occur within five years. In the case of very large development, annexation should be phased whenever feasible. If the commission finds phasing infeasible for the specific reasons, it may approve annexation if all or a substantial portion of the subject land is likely to develop within a reasonable period of time. d. An insufficient vacant non-prime land exists within the applicable Spheres of Influence that are planned, accessible, and developable for the same general type of use. e. The proposal will have no significant adverse effect on the physical and economic integrity of other agricultural lands. In making this determination, LAFCo will consider the following factors: i. The agricultural significance of the subject and adjacent areas relative to other agricultural lands in the region. ii. The use of the subject and the adjacent areas. iii. Whether public facilities related to the proposal would be sized or situated so as to facilitate the conversion of adjacent or nearby agricultural land, or will be extended through or adjacent to, any other agricultural lands which lie between the project site and existing facilities. iv. Whether natural or man-made barriers serve to buffer adjacent or nearby agricultural land from the effects of the proposed development. v. Applicable provisions of the General Plan open space and land use elements, applicable growth-management policies, or other statutory designed to protect agriculture. 2. LAFCo will not make the affirmative findings that the proposed development of the subject lands is consistent with the Spheres of Influence in the absence of an approved Sphere of Influence Plan. LAFCo will not make the affirmative findings that insufficient vacant non-prime land exists within the Spheres of Influence Plan unless the applicable jurisdiction has: a. Identified within its Spheres of Influence all prime agricultural land as defined herein. b. Enacted measures to preserve prime agricultural land identified within its Sphere of Influence for agricultural use

13 c. Adopted as part of its General Plan specific measures to facilitate and encourage in-fill development as an alternative to the development of agricultural lands Galt General Plan The following applicable goals and policies are taken from the Conservation and Open Space Element and the Land Use Element of the 2030 Galt General Plan. Conservation and Open Space Element Goal COS-4 To preserve and enhance open space lands to maintain the natural resources of the Galt area. Policy COS-4.1 Policy COS-4.3 Policy COS-4.4 The City shall work to preserve prime agricultural lands surrounding the Planning Area from future development by creating a clear and sensitive urban transition to minimize land use conflicts and protect long-term agriculture. The City shall support the preservation and enhancement of natural land forms, natural vegetation, and natural resources as open space to the extent feasible. The City shall, where appropriate, permanently protect as open space areas of natural resource value, including wetlands preserves, riparian corridors, woodlands, and floodplains. Land Use Element Goal LU-9 To maintain and preserve agricultural and open spaces within and surrounding the Planning Area and promote the expansion of parkland. Policy LU-9.1 Policy LU-9.2 The City should participate in regional efforts to establish a permanent agriculture, open space, and wildlife habitat greenbelt between the northern boundary of the Planning Area and the City of Elk Grove. The City shall strongly encourage Sacramento County to deny the subdivision of agricultural land near Galt for agricultural-residential uses at a minimum lot size of less than two acres west of the 2007 city limits and less than five acres east/north of the 2007 city limits

14 4.2.4 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES The section below describes the standards of significance and methodology utilized to analyze and determine the proposed project s potential impacts related to agricultural resources. Standards of Significance An agricultural impact may be considered to be significant if implementation of the proposed project would result in any of the following: Result in the conversion of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural use; Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract; Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland Production; Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use; Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses or conversion of forest land to non-forest uses; or Conflict with the annexation and/or reorganization policies and procedures of Sacramento LAFCo. Method of Analysis Evaluation of potential impacts of the proposed project on agricultural resources were based on the following: the Galt General Plan; the Galt General Plan EIR; the USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey performed for the project site; the Soil Survey of Sacramento County, the Soil Candidate Listing for Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance, Sacramento County; and the Sacramento LAFCo Commissioner Handbook. The standards of significance listed above are used to delineate the significance of any potential impacts. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures The following discussion of impacts is based on implementation of the proposed project in comparison with the standards of significance identified above. The discussions and mitigation measures presented below apply to the Liberty Ranch, Future Growth Area, and nonparticipating properties portions of the proposed project unless otherwise stated

15 4.2-1 Impacts related to the conversion of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural use, or impacts related to changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. Based on the analysis below and the lack of feasible mitigation, the impact is significant and unavoidable. According to the Soil Candidate Listing for Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance, the project site does not include soils that meet the criteria for Prime Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance. As shown in Figure above, the California DOC has defined the project site as Statewide Farmland, Unique Farmland, Local Farmland, Grazing Land, Urban Land, and Other Land. Non-Participating Properties The existing land uses on the non-participating properties are two schools (Liberty Ranch High School and Estrellita Continuation High School) and approximately 13 rural residences. One of the rural residences appears to contain strawberry fields. It should be noted that a development plan for the non-participating properties does not currently exist. As noted previously, the non-participating properties are zoned as AR-5 and AG-80 under the Sacramento County zoning code. The AR-5 zoning designation provides for rural residential uses, such as animal husbandry, small-scale agriculture, and other limited agricultural activities. The AR-5 designation is typical of established rural communities and allows one dwelling unit per five acres (du/ac). Dwellings in agricultural and agricultural-residential areas are also considered single-family residential uses. The AG zoning designation is established to preserve agricultural lands for the continuation of commercial agriculture enterprises. The minimum parcel size within AG-80 is 80 acres. As shown in Figure 4.2-2, the California DOC has defined the non-participating properties as Local Farmland, Urban Land, and Other Land. Due to the aforementioned California DOC designations and existing urban land uses, impacts related to the conversion of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural use would be less than significant for the non-participating properties. Agricultural operations in the vicinity of the non-participating properties are located on the rural residential parcels north of Twin Cities Road. Due to the location of the nonparticipating properties, existing agricultural operations would continue upon implementation of the proposed project. In addition, because the non-participating properties are not proposed for development at this time, the proposed project would not result in changes in the existing environment which would result in the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. Future Growth Area The existing land uses on the Future Growth Area include active agricultural fields. The Future Growth Area is not proposed for development at this time. As noted previously, the Future Growth Area is zoned as AG-80 under the Sacramento County

16 zoning code. The AG zoning designation is established to preserve agricultural lands for the continuation of commercial agriculture enterprises. The minimum parcel size within AG-80 is 80 acres. As shown in Figure 4.2-2, the California DOC has defined the Future Growth Area as Local Farmland and Grazing Land. Due to the aforementioned California DOC designations and existing urban land uses, impacts related to the conversion of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural use would be less than significant for the Future Growth Area. Agricultural operations in the vicinity of the Future Growth Area are located on the rural residential parcels south of the UPRR tracks, east of Marengo Road, and west of Cherokee Lane. Due to the location of the Future Growth Area, existing agricultural operations would continue upon implementation of the proposed project. In addition, because the Future Growth Area is not proposed for development at this time, the proposed project would not result in changes in the existing environment which would result in the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. Liberty Ranch The existing land uses on the Liberty Ranch properties are predominantly agricultural with two rural residences. Neither of the rural residences appear to contain active farmland. As shown in Figure 4.2-2, the California DOC has defined the Liberty Ranch properties as Statewide Farmland, Unique Farmland, Local Farmland, and Other Land. The Galt General Plan does not identify farmland resources within the project area, and the site is not designated for farmland uses by the Galt General Plan. However, due to the existing California DOC designations as well as the existing land uses, implementation of the proposed project would convert agricultural land on the Liberty Ranch properties to non-agricultural uses. It should be noted that the proposed project would not block any rural roads, stub existing water or utility lines, or otherwise involve changes in the existing environment which could result in the conversion of agricultural land adjacent to or in the vicinity of the project site to non-agricultural uses. Nevertheless, the proposed project would involve changes to the project site which would result in conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses. Conclusion Impacts related to the conversion of the 504-acre project site to urban uses were previously analyzed in Galt General Plan EIR. Implementation of the proposed project would not convert Prime Farmland to non-agricultural uses. However, the Liberty Ranch property contains Statewide, Unique, and Local Farmland, the Future Growth Area contains Local Farmland and Grazing Land, and the non-participating properties contain Local Farmland. In addition, development of the project would not convert additional farmland to non-agricultural uses. Because implementation of the proposed project would

17 convert Statewide Farmland, Unique Farmland, and Local Farmland to non-agricultural uses, a significant impact would result. Mitigation Measure(s) Potential mitigation for impacts related to the conversion of Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance to urban uses could include purchasing agricultural conservation easements outside the project area. However, it should be noted that this mitigation would not create new agricultural land; rather, the mitigation would simply preserve existing agricultural land elsewhere. Consistent with the Galt General Plan EIR, feasible mitigation measures do not exist to reduce the above impact to a less-thansignificant level. Therefore, the impact would remain significant and unavoidable Impacts related to conflicting with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract. Based on the analysis below, the impact is less than significant. The Liberty Ranch project site and the Future Growth Area are either currently in agricultural use or were formerly agricultural sites that included row crops and orchards. The non-participating properties currently contain urban uses, such as Liberty Ranch High School, Estrellita Continuation High School, and numerous rural residences. The project site is currently located within Sacramento County, though the project site is within the City of Galt Sphere of Influence (SOI) and designated for urban development in the Galt General Plan. Current County zoning for the project site is AG-80, AG-20, and AR-5, but consistent with the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act, prezoning shall be applied to annexation areas (see Gov. Code Section 56375). The project site would be prezoned to be consistent with the Galt General Plan and Specific Plan designations for commercial, residential, and public uses for the project site. The conversion of the project area to mostly residential land uses would be consistent with the urban land use designations in the Galt General Plan for the project site. In addition, the project site is not under any Williamson Act contracts. Therefore, the proposed project would result in a less-than-significant impact in regard to land that is currently zoned for agricultural use or under a Williamson Act contract. Mitigation Measure(s) None required Impacts related to the loss or conversion of forest land or timberland to non-forest uses, or impacts related to changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of forest land to non-forest uses. Based on the analysis below, the project would have no impact. The project area is not considered forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220[g]), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), and is not zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104[g]). The site is not located near forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland Production. Therefore, the proposed project would have no impact with regard to loss,

18 conversion, or potential conversion of forest land or any potential conflict with forest land, timberland, or Timberland Production zoning. Mitigation Measure(s) None required Impacts related to compliance with the policies of Sacramento LAFCo pertaining to the conversion of agricultural land. Based on the analysis below, the impact is less than significant. The project site is currently located within Sacramento County and is currently designated for agricultural and agricultural-residential uses by the Sacramento County General Plan. The proposed project includes a request for annexation of the 504-acre project site to the City of Galt, which ultimately requires the approval of Sacramento LAFCo. According to the Sacramento LAFCo s Commissioner Handbook, development of existing vacant lands within the SOI for urban uses should be guided away from presently-undeveloped prime agricultural lands. As discussed above, LAFCo has specific qualifications to help define prime agricultural lands. Prime agricultural land means an area of land, whether a single parcel or contiguous parcels, that has not been developed for a use other than an agricultural use and that meets any of the qualifications outlined below. Table compares the characteristics of the proposed project site to the six qualifications outlined by LAFCo. According to Table 4.2-4, the characteristics of the project site and the on-site soils of the Liberty Ranch portion of the project site do not meet any of the criteria for prime agricultural land as defined by Sacramento LAFCo. The non-participating properties are not currently used for the production of unprocessed plant products and do not meet any of the criteria for prime agricultural land. Therefore, the Liberty Ranch site and nonparticipating properties would not be considered prime agricultural land, and the proposed project would not result in the conversion of such land. Approval by the Sacramento LAFCo requires special provisions related to Williamson Act territory to be met; however, the project site is not under a Williamson Act. In addition, the project site is not in a FSZ. Therefore, the Sacramento LAFCo goals and provisions related to Williamson Act Territory would not apply to the proposed project. In summary, approval by the Sacramento LAFCo requires the statutory goals related to the development of logical local boundaries, the preservation of prime agricultural land and open space, and Williamson Act contracts to be met. The project site is not located on a site that contains Prime Farmland and the proposed project would not conflict with the agricultural preservation goals and policies of LAFCo. It should be noted that the Galt General Plan does not identify farmland resources within the project area, and the site is not designated or zoned for farmland uses by the Galt General Plan. Furthermore, the project does not contain lands under a Williamson Act contract. Therefore, the project

19 would result in a less-than-significant impact in regard to compliance with LAFCo s policies related to the conversion of agricultural land to urban uses. Table Sacramento LAFCo Prime Agricultural Land Comparison Criteria Discussion (a) Land that qualifies for rating as Class I or Class II in the Soil Conservation Service land use capability classification. (b) Land that qualifies for rating 80 through 100 Storie Index Rating. (c) Land that supports livestock used for the production of food and fiber and that has an annual carrying capacity equivalent to at least one animal unit per acre as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture in the National Handbook on Range and Related Grazing Lands, July 1967, developed pursuant to Public Law 46, December (d) Land planted with fruit or nut-bearing trees, vines, bushes, or crops that have a nonbearing period of less than five years and that will return during the commercial bearing period on an annual bases from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant production not less than four hundred dollars ($400) per acre. (e) Land that has returned from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant products an annual gross value of not less than four hundred dollars ($400) per acre for three of the previous five calendar years. (f) Land which is used to maintain livestock for commercial purposes. All of the on-site soils are either in Class III or Class IV. Classes III and IV have severe or very severe limitations that restrict the choice of plants or that require special or very careful conservation practices. As such, the on-site soils do not meet criteria (a). All of the on-site soils are below a Storie Index Rating of 31. Soils with a Storie Index Rating ranging from 20 to 39 are severely limited and require special management. As such, the on-site soils do not meet criteria (b). Livestock has not been raised on the project site and the project site has not been used for grazing purposes within the past five years. As such, the land does not meet criteria (c). Fruit or nut-bearing trees, vines, bushes, or crops have not been grown on this property within the past five years. As such, the land does not meet criteria (d). The project site is currently being used for clover and seed crop production. However, the gross crop value for the site is less than $400 per acre. 15 As such, the land does not meet criteria (e). The project site has not been used to maintain livestock for commercial purposes for the past five years. As such, the land does not meet criteria (f). Source: Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission. Policy, Standards and Procedures Manual. September Mitigation Measure(s) None required

20 Cumulative Impacts and Mitigation Measures Draft EIR The discussion of cumulative impacts is based on the implementation of the proposed project in combination with other proposed and pending projects in the region associated with buildout of the Galt General Plan. The cumulative impacts pertaining to agricultural resources were previously analyzed in the Galt General Plan EIR and are further analyzed in the following discussion Impacts related to cumulative loss of agricultural land. Based on the analysis below and the lack of feasible mitigation, the impact is significant and unavoidable. Portions of the proposed project site have historically been used for agricultural operations and are currently being farmed. The proposed project includes annexation of approximately 504 acres and development of approximately 338 acres of land for mixed residential neighborhood uses, including low density, medium density, and high density residential, parks, open space, schools, and minor commercial and public facilities. The Galt General Plan EIR determined that impacts related to the conversion of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, and Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural uses would be significant and unavoidable due to the lack of feasible mitigation. Table summarizes the FMMP categories and acreage which would be converted as a result of buildout of the Galt General Plan, including the 504-acre project site. Table FMMP Categories Affected by Galt General Plan Buildout Category Acres 1 Grazing 100 Farmland of Local Importance 1,300 Prime Farmland 100 Farmland of Statewide Importance 3,000 Unique Farmland 100 Other Land 900 Total 5,880 Note: 1 Estimate based on total FMMP lands found in the General Plan Study Area as reported in the Existing Conditions Report (see Appendix B of the General Plan Draft EIR). Source: Table 8-2 of the Galt General Plan EIR. Policies included in the General Plan EIR which aim to alleviate the impact are summarized in various General Plan Elements. For example, the Conservation and Open Space and Land Use Elements provide a number of policies that have been developed to ensure a safe environment for the City s residents, visitors, and businesses. Some of the policies are intended to support continued agricultural uses (e.g., Policies COS-4.1, LU- 8.1, and LU 8-2). Policy LU-8.1, Greenbelt, requires the City to participate in regional efforts to establish a permanent greenbelt between the northern boundary of the General Plan Study Area and the City of Elk Grove. In addition, Policy COS-4.1 encourages the

21 City to preserve prime agricultural lands surrounding the General Plan Study Area. The aforementioned policies help to reduce conflicts between agricultural and urban uses. However, because buildout of the General Plan would permanently convert important farmland to non-agricultural uses, impacts to agricultural land would remain significant and unavoidable. The proposed project would redistribute the land use designations within the 356-acre Liberty Ranch area, while retaining the currently adopted General Plan land use designations in the non-participating properties annexation area. Consistent with the General Plan EIR, implementation of the proposed project would result in the conversion of agricultural land on the Liberty Ranch property to urban uses. Therefore, annexation of the proposed project site, in conjunction with buildout of the Galt General Plan, would have a significant cumulative impact related to the permanent loss of agricultural land. Mitigation Measure(s) Potential mitigation for impacts related to the cumulative loss of agricultural land could include purchasing agricultural conservation easements outside the project area. However, it should be noted that this mitigation would not create new agricultural land; rather, the mitigation would simply preserve existing agricultural land elsewhere. Consistent with the Galt General Plan EIR, feasible mitigation measures do not exist to reduce the above impact to a less-than-significant level. Therefore, the impact would remain significant and unavoidable. Endnotes 1 City of Galt Galt General Plan Policy Document. April City of Galt Galt General Plan Existing Conditions Report. November City of Galt. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the 2030 Galt General Plan. July Sacramento County. Sacramento County General Plan of November 9, Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission. Policy, Standards and Procedures Manual. September United States Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey Available at: 7 California Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program: Soil Candidate Listing for Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance, Sacramento County, California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, FMMP: A Guide to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. Available at: California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resources Protection, Land Conservation (Williamson) Act. Map: Sacramento County Williamson Act FY 2011/2012. Published U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Sacramento County, California, California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resources Protection, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. Map: Sacramento County Important Farmland Published January Sacramento County. Sacramento County Online Map Available at: 13 Sacramento County. Sacramento County General Plan Land Use Diagram. November 9,