The Proposed Action would have minor adverse effects on vegetation resources on the 40-acre parcel in the short term. This alternative would result in 3 acres of temporary disturbance for construction or installation purposes. Direct disturbance to the community types described in Chapter 3, Affected Environment would occur as a result of trampling by machinery, personnel, or materials during construction.

In the long term, approximately 4 acres of native vegetation would be permanently removed where new buildings or development are proposed. Cacti and yucca would be transplanted as described in the Project Design Features, Section 2.4.5, “Project Design Features”; however, successful re-establishment of all transplanted individuals is not guaranteed. Some mortality is likely.

The risk of short or long-term adverse effects to rare or special status plants is low, as suitable, on-site habitat for these species is limited and no individuals have been identified on the 40-acre parcel.

Until native communities have successfully re-established, the 40-acre parcel would be at increased risk of noxious weed infestation as a result of ground-disturbing activities. High-traffic vehicle and pedestrian areas that are not paved or armored, such as walking trails, tent pads, and overflow parking areas, would be especially susceptible to noxious weeds. Annual monitoring and eradication activities would help control the spread of these species elsewhere on the ranch and outside of the main 40-acre parcel. Overall, with the increased human/caretaker presence on the ranch and diligent restoration efforts, the risk should be minimized.

The Proposed Action would ultimately restore all areas temporarily disturbed during construction as well as many areas disturbed by recent, non-historic uses (e.g., tennis courts). A total of 5 acres would be restored. This would result in a net increase of approximately one acre of vegetation, which represents a negligible, long-term beneficial impact.

The Proposed Action would have no cumulative effect on modification or loss of special status species habitat in the valley. (Effects would be limited to the 40-acre parcel.)

In the short term, the Proposed Action would present a minor incremental contribution to the risk of noxious weed spread in the valley.

If relocated cacti and yucca are not transplanted successfully, the incremental contribution of the Proposed Action to the overall loss of these species would be negligible at the regional scale.

Mitigation measures are not recommended for this resource.