Section 3. The Santa Clara Valley HCP/NCCP Key Issues and Examples from Other HCPs and NCCPs HCP Development: Key Aspects of Conservation Planning Planning Biology Economics Public Involvement Regulatory 1-27
Elements of an HCP Goals and objectives for HCP Geographic coverage (study area) Covered species Goals and objectives for species Covered activities Permit duration Impacts on species (level of take) Elements of an HCP (Cont.) Conservation measures to mitigate impacts (Conservation strategy) Expected outcome with conservation measures Funding mechanisms Monitoring plan Adaptive Management Plan Implementation structure 1-28
Elements of an HCP (Cont.) Assurances requested Changed circumstances and remedial measures Unforeseen circumstances procedures Permit amendment process Alternatives to take Study Area Purpose of study area Consider land use and species conservation Land cover mapping Activities may be covered within it All conservation under Plan occurs within it May be different from Permit Area 1-29
Study Area SCV HCP/NCCP Boundary based on Watershed boundaries (Coyote, Uvas/Llagas/Pajaro) Serpentine and Bay checkerspot butterfly habitat Jurisdictional boundaries (San Jose, County) Land use boundaries (County Parks) 520,000 acres 1-30
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Size of Approved HCPs 180 160 153 Number of HCPs 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 103 82 0-10 10.1-100 100.1-1,000 Source: USFWS 1/3/06 33 1,000.1-10,000 Size (acres) 21 23 10,000.1-100,000 100,000.1-1 million 7 > 1 million Regional HCPs: Heavyweights HCP State Size (ac) Status State of Georgia HCP GA 10,900,000 Approved West Mojave HCP CA 9,400,000 Approved Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan AZ 5,878,000 In Process Clark County MSCP NV 5,078,900 Approved International Paper HCP 7 states 5,000,000 Approved Karner Blue Butterfly HCP WI 2,030,000 Approved Kern Co. Valley Floor HCP CA 2,000,000 In Process Plum Creek Timber Co. Native Fish HCP ID, MT 1,464,000 Approved WA Dept. of Nat. Resources HCP WA 1,800,000 Approved W Riverside Co. MSCP CA 1,300,000 Approved 1-32
Covered Species Developed 4 criteria for selection Range: In study area? Status: Listed or likely to become listed? Impact: Will covered activities take species? Data: Do we know enough about species? Evaluated 137 special-status species List is preliminary review by Wildlife Agencies, stakeholders, Science Advisors Covered Species Recommended 33 species be covered by Plan: 18 wildlife species Townsend s big-eared bat San Joaquin kit fox Western pond turtle Golden eagle Steelhead trout Tricolored blackbird Western burrowing owl California red-legged frog California tiger salamander Bay checkerspot butterfly 1-33
15 plant species Most beautiful jewelflower Covered Species Santa Clara Valley dudleya Smooth lessingia 2003 Dean Wm. Taylor Fragrant fritillary 1999 California Academy of Sciences Mt. Hamilton thistle Hall s bush mallow 2005 David A. Tharp Coyote ceanothus 2005 Janell Hillman Robust spineflower 2002 Doreen L. Smith Chaparral harebell 2001 California Academy of Sciences Number of Covered Species in HCPs 350 300 312 Number of HCPs 250 200 150 100 50 39 26 15 16 4 12 2 0 1 2 3-5 6-10 11-25 26-50 51-100 >100 Number of Species Source: USFWS 1/3/06 1-34
Covered Species Other species addressed in Plan No Take Species No Direct Take Authorized Fully Protected species MBTA species Species used in conservation analysis Incidental benefits to many species CEQA species The list dilemma Covered Species: Next Steps Feedback needed on: Additional species to evaluate Changes in conclusions Additional occurrence data to improve analysis J&S will Assemble occurrence data Develop species ecological profiles Land cover mapping Develop habitat models 1-35
Land Cover Mapping Detailed mapping of study area Using high-resolution air photos with ground truthing Foundation for species models and natural community analysis 10-acre minimum mapping unit for most types 0.25-acre minimum mapping unit for wetlands, riparian, possibly serpentine 1-36
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Goals and Objectives for Species Clarified by 5-point policy (FWS June 2000) Measurable goals (quantifiable) Species-based goals (individuals, populations) Habitat-based goals (species' habitat, ecosystem function) Keep them simple link to monitoring Plan to use E Contra Costa HCP/NCCP as template Will begin developing once species list is more stable 1-38
Permit Duration How long will permits be in effect? 25 75 years is typical for regional HCPs Duration of activities Response time of habitat and species to conservation measures Time needed to assemble reserve system Time to reasonable buildout Level of assurances tied to permit duration in NCCPs Permit Durations of HCPs Number of Approved HCPs 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 59 105 50 1-4 yrs 5-9 yrs 10-15 yrs Source: USFWS 1/3/06 26 119 39 20/25 yrs 30 yrs 50/60 yrs 75 yrs 99/100 yrs Permit Duration 1 8 1-39
Covered Activities All actions that could result in take for which permit will be applicable Limit covered activities to those under control of Permittees Detailed list and description of actions v. general description of actions within geographic area Specific projects Ongoing operations or maintenance Include restoration, habitat enhancement, monitoring May exclude activities or projects 1-40
Covered Activities: SCV HCP/NCCP Criteria Location: Occurs within study area Timing: Construction occurs within permit term Impact: Reasonable likelihood to take covered species Definition: We know enough about project for Plan Practicability: Including activity will not result in substantial delay or cost Covered Activities: SCV HCP/NCCP Preliminary List Urban development Any ground-disturbing activity within cities (or USB) Rural development (outside city limits or USB) Rural residential development (e.g., ranchettes) Construction of County roads Expansion of the San Martin Airport Storm damage repair and prevention projects Bridge repair and replacement New recreation facilities and trails 1-41
Covered Activities: SCV HCP/NCCP Preliminary List Activities within Streams Flood protection capital projects Water utility capital projects Implementation of Coyote Valley Stream Stewardship Plan Implementation of the Fisheries Aquatic Habitat Collaboration Effort (FAHCE) in the study area Water utility/water supply operations & maintenance Stream maintenance for water supply and flood protection Water delivery contracts Covered Activities: SCV HCP/NCCP Preliminary List Rural operations and maintenance Improvement and maintenance of County roads Operation, maintenance, and management of County Parks Utility line or facility operation and maintenance Plan implementation Management and monitoring in HCP/NCCP preserve system Habitat restoration, enhancement Facility construction and maintenance 1-42
Covered Activities: Key Issues Cover ongoing agricultural activities? Cover neighboring landowner activities? Cover future speculative projects? Urban growth beyond current projections or General Plans? Consider analysis for CEQA/NEPA alternatives Covered Activities: Next Steps Refine list of covered activities Gather information regarding large projects planned outside urban areas Major road projects Water supply projects Energy/utility projects Need basic information on general location, footprint, timing Determine which activities should be excluded from permits 1-43