Comment on FR Doc # 2011-15403

This comment is submitted from Paula Lane Action Network (P.L.A.N.), a 501c3 nonprofit conservation organization, based in South Sonoma County. We submitted written comments during the project evaluation of the quarry proposed for Roblar Road, strongly opposing the project. Biological resources were of utmost importance in our comments. We support expansion of the critical habitat for CTS on Roblar Road. This is an area of pristine upland habitat for California Tiger Salamander, California Red-Legged Frog, Burrowing Owl, American Badger, and other upland species. The complex ecosystem in the Roblar Road area fragilely and productively co-exists with agriculture. It is an exceptionally special and pastoral area where CTS and other species are likely to be able to survive well. We also support the 1.3 mile outward boundary for habitat extension and protection, and urge USFWS to revisit the modifications that have been proposed to not comply with the 1.3 mile boundary. In particular, moving eastward to Stony Point Road and south toward Petaluma proper would be highly recommended. Similar habitat conditions exist in these areas and the discovery of CTS is reasonable to consider. The recognition of South Sonoma County habitat supporting endangered, threatened and other Special Status species is long overdue. We are encouraged to see USFWS taking the necessary steps to protect the Roblar Road area and include it in the critical habitat for CTS. An additional component must involve protecting existing habitat and strongly discouraging off-site mitigation for destruction of species and habitat. With climate change, impacts from climage change, coastal species moving inland to upland areas and competing with existing species for habitat and forage, acting appropriately to protect existing habitat and movement areas is also critical. Thank you for accepting these comments.