HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-25-2017 PC Correspondence - Item 2 (Cooper)To: SLO Planning Commission
Re: 3777 Orcutt Road
From: Allan Cooper
Date: January 25, 2017
RECEIVED
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
JAN 2 5 2017
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Meeting: P (.4 l -2 -111
Item: * 2—
The Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final EIR states that the large trees onsite provide
suitable habitat for special status avian species and autumnal/winter aggregation
sites for monarch butterflies. Nevertheless these large trees lining the "unnamed"
creek and located within the proposed subdivision's greenbelt are slated for
removal. The final EIR states that the potential impacts to wildlife are not
considered significant because of the following mitigation. To ensure the no -net -
loss of a species, the applicant shall create two acres of occupied special -status
species habitat for every one acre of habitat impacted by project development.
This strategy, particularly with regards to the proposed removal of the mature
eucalyptus trees, will hardly mitigate the permanent loss of the monarch
overwintering grove and active avian nest habitat. Monarchs need tall trees (of at
least 60 feet) because they roost in the intermediate level of the canopy where
wind protection is greatest. Hawks and owls typically put their nests in the crowns
of tall trees.
The initial study states that the Tree Committee will not have an opportunity to
review these tree removals if this project is routed through the ARC. Because
these removals involve a substantial number of mature trees, the Tree
Committee should be allowed the opportunity to review this project in addition to
and before the ARC review, as was done with 71 Palomar.
Finally, it is also puzzling why these mature trees have to be removed since they
are located well within the subdivision's proposed greenbelt. Thank you!
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