percent (20%) of the Community Plan must be set aside for the preservation of third priority habitat. When area is set aside to preserve first and second priority habitat that meets or exceeds 20% of the site, the third priority habitat area requirement is considered met as well. Preserved habitat areas are required to be designated and zoned Open Space. Fourth priority habitats are not subject to special conditions.
The Community Plan provides for the preservation of 244.2 acres (23%) of second priority habitats. These habitats include Sullivan, Flores and Curtis Creeks, and valley foothill riparian woodland found along the banks of these creeks (refer to Figure 1-3). In addition, this habitat includes two existing ponds on Flores Creek and two impoundment ponds below the golf course. A building setback of 200 feet from the thread of perennial streams (Sullivan, Flores and Curtis Creeks) and 100 feet from the thread of intermittent streams is required. Building and clearing setbacks of up to 75 feet are also required along both sides of ephemeral streams (drainages) if it is necessary to protect relatively undisturbed woodland.
A preliminary biological assessment indicates the potential that great blue herons, a second priority species, may have colonized just south of the project site near Curtis Creek. A development setback of 300-feet is required and is provided for within the Community Plan.
The historic background of the Community Plan includes placer and quartz mining, various agricultural activities, and the construction of water conveyance and storage systems in support of mining and agriculture. The Community Plan is also located within the traditional territory of the Central Sierra Mi-Wuk (Native Americans). Remains of placer mining and quartz mining and other prospecting consist largely of waste rock piles along the banks of Flores, Sullivan and Curtis Creeks, and in the southern portion of the Community Plan. The partial remains of one stamp mill will be incorporated within one of the historic park sites.
Unstable hillsides and potential for flooding restrict development opportunities in some portions of the Plan Area. The County has defined slopes in excess of 30 percent as potentially unstable and having a high potential for erosion. Based upon the Tuolumne County General Plan Geohazard Diagram for the Sonora Quadrangle, a northwest trending geologic fault bisects the Plan Area (refer to Figure 1-3). Development in steep terrain, near faults or along drainages should be regulated in accordance with recommendations of a qualified soils engineer. Property most susceptible to these hazards should be preserved as Open Space or Parks and Recreation. With the exception of portions of the areas designated Estate Residential and for larger lots with the LDR designation, the Community Plan designates property in excess of 30 percent slope within Open Space easements.
