University of California, Merced Campus and Community North Project California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit (ITP) No. 2081-2009-010-04) Major A

University of California, Merced Campus and Community North Project California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit (ITP) No. 2081-2009-010-04) Major A

As approved by the University of California and County of Merced, the Project involves the construction and operation of a major research University campus in Merced County which will sustain up to 25,000 full-time students and a contiguous associate community to support the needs of the University. The Project will result in permanent impacts of up to 1,895 acres to California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense; CTS), Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni), and San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) habitat, portions of which are occupied by succulent owl’s clover (Castilleja campestris ssp succulenta); Colusa grass (Neostapfia colusana), and San Joaquin orcutt grass (Orcuttia inaequalis). The Project, as modified, is expected to result in incidental take of CTS, Swainson’s hawk, and San Joaquin kit fox which are designated as threatened species under CESA; and succulent owl’s clover, Colusa grass, and San Joaquin orcutt grass which are designated as endangered species under CESA. The ITP, as amended, as issued by CDFW, authorizes incidental take of these species that may occur as a result of the Project. Major Amendment No. 3 adds a Permittee, clarifies multiple Conditions of Approval, provides alternative minimization measures for California tiger salamander and Swainson’s hawk, adds the Yosemite Lake Conservation Area to HM Lands, and removes the Lazy K Ranch from the HM Lands.

Merced