Conservation Corner November/December 2017

By Shani Kleinhaus and Mackenzie Mossing

Cannabis Cultivation: What Does it Mean for our Waterways?

California’s legalization of cannabis has brought unforeseen implications that may threaten natural resources throughout the state. The state is now developing rules for cannabis cultivation and the current draft policy allows marijuana growers to develop roads and other infrastructure without environmental review, and to bypass the Clean Water Act on federal and state levels. We are greatly concerned with encroachment into waterways and their sensitive ecosystems without CEQA review and without biological opinions by government agencies that examine impacts to endangered species. We outlined our concerns in a letter to the State Water Resources Control Board hoping that the state will make changes for a better final policy. Santa Clara County supervisors adopted a moratorium that temporarily bans commercial cannabis cultivation in unincorporated areas of our county, but this may change in the near future, so we will remain vigilant.

A Win for Wildlife in Los Altos Hills

A long-term engagement with the community of Los Altos Hills focused on the proposed nine-home Stirling subdivision on nineteen acres at the headwater of Matadero Creek. We were concerned with fencing that could block wildlife movement and with the loss of habitat and mature oak trees. Advocacy can be effective! The developer is now looking to preserve oaks and habitat, and to minimize fencing to allow permeability and enhance habitat.

Preservation or Parking Lot?

McClellan Ranch Preserve has been SCVAS’s home for over twenty years. We have fought hard in the past to preserve its natural beauty and ecological integrity from proposals that threatened to pave and build along Stevens Creek. Considering our history with Cupertino, we were dismayed to learn recently that there is a proposal to pave the west side of Steven’s Creek to serve as overflow parking for the preserve. The plans showed an abysmal setback from the creek (less than twenty feet!) and did not include any restorative efforts. We wrote a letter to the City urging them to evaluate other solutions for parking, implement a fifty-ft setback from the creek and restore habitat along the riparian corridor.

Private Home Pushing the Limits

This summer, Audubon members in the Cupertino community alerted us to a proposal for a 9,000-square-foot home in the hillsides on Lindy Lane. While we do not always take issue with private home development, we sprang into action when we learned the project proposed to destroy nineteen trees, including many native oaks. We were also concerned that approval of this project would set a precedent for more urban sprawl into the hillsides. Through letters and conversations with staff and planning commissioners, we urged the City to reduce the project’s footprint and the number of trees that would be removed. The City also heard overwhelming opposition from the community. The Planning Commission has since asked the developer to return with a significantly smaller design.

The Fight to Save Coyote Valley Continues 

In Coyote Valley and Santa Teresa Hills, we continue to dedicate efforts to review, comment and oppose inappropriate development and to promote the preservation of Coyote Valley and the Santa Teresa Hills nearby. We are currently following development proposals for a home and access road, mobile home resort, and warehouses, as efforts continue to develop the valley floor and the hills that surround it.

Fun and Learning in Overfelt Gardens, East San Jose

Our nature exploration of Overfelt Gardens on September 23rd was a huge success! Nearly fifty people (including local community members, families, and San Jose State students) divided into groups and explored the park’s history and biodiversity. We used the iNaturalist and eBird applications on our smart phones to document every life form that we found. In total, 900 observations recorded 193 species, including 23 species of birds, 38 insects, 12 galls, 15 lichens and mosses, 1 reptile, 4 mammals, and 100 species of trees and plants (see https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/overfelt-park-bioblitz). Bird highlights included a Willow Flycatcher, Wilson’s Snipe, Belted Kingfisher and Black-throated Gray Warbler! We thank San Jose Vice Mayor Magdalena Carrasco and her staff, San Jose Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services, San Jose Parks Advocates, and San Jose State University for their collaboration and participation in this event. We are also grateful for the volunteers who lent their time and expertise to help us create a fun, educational experience for everyone.

Conservation Corner September/October 2017

By Shani Kleinhaus and Mackenzie Mossing

Fighting for Burrowing Owls in North San Jose

Burrowing Owl by Keith Wandry

Burrowing Owl populations have plummeted in Santa Clara County due to the aggressive development of grasslands that historically supported hundreds of owls. Pushed to the brink of extirpation, Burrowing Owls rely heavily on sparse patches of remaining viable habitat, most of which lies along the bay north of Highway 237. Yet despite our best efforts to save the dwindling population and raise awareness, a flurry of new development projects threatens to pave over open space and Burrowing Owl habitat and eradicate them from the region for good.

The Habitat Agency levees fees on projects that impact Burrowing Owl habitat. Unfortunately, fees are only calculated within a half-mile radius of an active nest (defined as a nest that has been occupied in the past three years). The result of this condition is that as the Burrowing Owl population declines, fewer pairs nest in our area and thus most of the open space – even prime Burrowing Owl habitat – is exempt from paying fees. 

Unmitigated loss of habitat is the focus of our advocacy efforts in North San Jose. We recently settled a lawsuit involving Burrowing Owl mitigation fees for the Topgolf project in Alviso. We also commented on a large-scale industrial development proposed on 64.5 acres of agricultural land north of Highway 237 between Zanker Road and Coyote Creek. The project includes infrastructure that will cut right through the bufferlands of the Regional Wastewater Facility – an area that supports the last viable population of Burrowing Owls in the South Bay Area. We will continue to follow this project and advocate for better mitigation.

Private Home Development Threatens Critical Wildlife Corridor

A proposal to develop a McMansion on the cusp of North Coyote Valley attracted our attention due to potential impacts on a critical landscape linkage. The seventeen-acre project site is located along the Coyote-Alamitos Canal, on the southern edge of the Santa Teresa Foothills - a narrow ridge connecting Tulare Hill, Metcalf and the Hamilton Range. This is the only ridge connection for wildlife between the bay and Pacheco Pass south of Gilroy. The hills of this area are home to many wildlife species. Laguna Seca, south of the project site, is the county’s largest natural freshwater wetland, where birds gather to quench their thirst and forage for food. While we are working diligently to protect North Coyote Valley, the ridge to its north is now threatened. It’s a wack-a-mole game!

Deer, bobcats, skunks, raccoons, and coyotes use the Coyote Alamitos Canal to move between Tulare Hill and Santa Teresa Park on a daily basis, and to cross safely under Santa Teresa Boulevard. Hawks, Barn Owls, turkeys, and quail have been seen flying and foraging in the canal during summer months.

The project proposal includes plans to develop an access road immediately adjacent to this canal and culvert, which may significantly impede wildlife movement and direct animals onto Santa Teresa Road, posing a risk to wildlife and drivers. In addition, we fear that fencing, pesticides, and human and pet behaviors might also cause conflicts with wildlife.

We are sad to see this beautiful, ecologically important area targeted for development, and hope the City realizes the value in protecting this piece of land. We will advocate for the protection of this critical landscape linkage and fight for the wildlife that rely so heavily on it.

Museum Place

San Jose Planning Commission recently approved a 24-story mixed-use project in the heart of downtown. We expressed concerns due to the large amounts of glass incorporated into the design, posing a potential collision threat to birds that migrate along the nearby Guadalupe River or live in the adjacent Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park (including a large colony of Acorn Woodpeckers).           

After the Planning Commission meeting, we met with the architects to discuss elements of the development that may be hazardous to birds and offer suggestions. We are reassured to see that metal screening, shades, columns, and balcony balustrades may make the building a bit friendlier for birds. This is a small victory that bolsters our campaign to convince developers to build with birds in mind.

San Jose’s Plans for the Homeless  

San Jose is moving forward with plans to construct “tiny home” communities for the homeless throughout the city. Many of the potential sites that were initially identified were along creek corridors and in parklands. While SCVAS is greatly concerned with the displacement/homelessness crisis in our region and is supportive of transitional housing, we believe that housing solutions should not consume our most sensitive environments. Our advocacy efforts have effected a change in the criteria that directs for site-selection to include 100-ft setbacks from creeks.

Learn About the Birds of Facebook’s Living Roof!

Our 18-month report discussing the results of our monthly bird surveys on Facebook’s Living Roof in Menlo Park is now available. The roof supports a complex habitat that has attracted 36 local and migratory bird species. Read the report here!

Conservation Corner July/August 2017

By Shani Kleinhaus and Mackenzie Mossing 

San Jose Recognizes SCVAS Advocacy

In May, Councilmember Raul Peralez, Mayor Sam Liccardo and the great City of San Jose presented Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter with a commendation for our advocacy work in engaging and encouraging the community to explore, enjoy, and protect our planet. It is gratifying to be appreciated for our many years of advocating for creeks and wetlands, parks and open space, migratory and resident birds, and wildlife habitat. We are thankful to Councilmember Peralez and District 3 Staff, Mayor Liccardo, and City Councilmembers for recognizing our work, and we congratulate our partners at Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter.

Shani Kleinhaus accepting the award by District 3 Staff

Coyote Valley: Good News and Fun

The proposed “Panattoni Project” is no more – in June, Peninsula Open Space Trust acquired the disputed thirty acres in North Coyote Valley. We strongly opposed the Panattoni development due to potential habitat loss and harm to critical wildlife movement along Fisher Creek. Wins are rare, and we celebrate this one!

The long awaited vision for Coyote Valley emerged in June, when Open Space Authority (OSA) published the hope to purchase additional land and to preserve North Coyote Valley for its wildlife habitat and critical hydrological function. We look forward to continuing work with OSA and the community to preserve the valley. We are also looking to further scientific exploration of the valley. For that purpose: 

• We recently published a comprehensive report, “The Birds of Coyote Valley,” to showcase the importance of the valley to resident and migratory birds. (www.scvas.org/pdf/Conservation/The_Birds_of_Coyote_Valley_012017.pdf)

• We are planning a Coyote Valley BioBlitz on August 19th. This event will focus on identifying species of animals, insects, and plants in designated sites across the valley. To participate, please email BioBlitzCA@gmail.com or RSVP at coyote-valley-bioblitz.eventbrite.com. See page 2 announcement for details.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Invite friends and neighbors to join our advocacy list and participate in BioBlitz. Please consider inviting SCVAS to speak about Coyote Valley at your San Jose neighborhood association meeting (email advocate@scvas.org)!

Protecting Birds from Collision with Glass: LinkedIn

LinkedIn’s new redevelopment project (on Middlefield Road and Highway 237) would infill a sparse office campus with three additional six-story office buildings, two parking structures, and a four- to five-acre open area. Our concerns arose after reviewing architectural renderings that showed large walls of glass incorporated into the design. We asked the Mountain View City Council to require bird-safe design for the project and several Councilmembers expressed concern. LinkedIn representatives have since promised to incorporate bird-safe design in the new buildings. This campus will join North Bayshore campuses where Intuit, Google, and Microsoft are all building with birds in mind.

Electronic Billboards: What They Mean for Birds and Wildlife

The City of San Jose is looking to intensify electronic billboards for commercial advertising in downtown and North San Jose. These billboards contribute to light pollution and sky glow and are also disruptive to wildlife and cast light into nearby residences at night. During the migratory season birds can confuse bright light with the sun, often causing them to collide with building facades. Corridors along rivers, streams, and creeks provide habitat to many species and are especially sensitive to increases in light pollution. We have expressed our concerns to the City and will continue to advocate against intensification of electronic billboards, especially near sensitive wildlife habitat.

Advocating for Birds and Nature in Our Parks

SCVAS has long advocated for the inclusion of birds and nature in all parks in our region. When residents are asked to prioritize park amenities, they often ask for nature to be protected and enhanced even in urban parks. Residents also value access to nature and environmental education programs. SCVAS is currently engaged in several Parks Master Plan updates throughout the county, including:

• The Palo Alto Parks, Recreation, and Natural Open Space Master Plan is now complete and going through environmental review. SCVAS participated as a stakeholder and contributed to the plan’s goals, policies, and programs. We also commented on the Mitigated Negative Declaration.

• San Jose’s Greenprint is in the community outreach stage. We are on the Steering Committee for the plan and held an intercept event to gather input from residents.

• Cupertino is starting a City-Wide Parks Master Plan and Santa Clara County Parks is embarking on a new Strategic Plan. We continue to advocate for the inclusion of goals, policies, and programs that focus on preserving natural habitat and protecting birds.

The Egrets of Shorebird Way

The Egret Rookery on Google’s campus in Mountain View is bustling with activity. This year, the sycamore trees along Shorebird Way are supporting more than ninety nests, home to families of Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Black-crowned Night Herons. Through our partnership with Google, SCVAS hosted Egret Office Hours every week in May and June to educate Google employees and the public about the rookery. The egrets are expected to stay through summer and we highly recommend a visit to Shorebird Way!

Conservation Corner May/June 2017

By Mackenzie Mossing, SCVAS Environmental Advocacy Associate 

Young Ranch proposed development puts open space, wildlife, and birds at risk. After a 2014 defeat, YCS Investments is at it again with yet another proposal to develop Young Ranch – a 79-lot subdivision on the southeast hillsides just outside San Jose’s Greenline. A natural extension of Coyote Ridge, Young Ranch contains ecologically sensitive habitat where Tule Elk roam, Golden Eagles fly over the grasslands, and wildlife use natural springs to quench their thirst. In spring, wildflowers create spectacular displays, and the endangered Bay Checkerspot Butterfly hovers among the flowers.  We are concerned with the loss of this open space and habitat, and fear the proposed residential development will introduce cats and rodenticides onto the property, consequently impacting birds and other wildlife. SCVAS has joined other environmental organizations in submitting comments to the County highlighting our concerns and the inadequacy of the environmental impact report produced for the project.

Young Ranch by Shani Kleinhaus

Another proposed development in the County, Cordoba Center, abuts Llagas Creek in San Martin and also has the potential to impact birds and wildlife. We have submitted comment letters to the County addressing our concerns with this project as well. 

Museum Place project threatens the birds of Plaza de Cesar Chavez. A proposal to add a 24-story mixed-use high rise to the Tech Museum in San Jose will cast a shadow on Plaza de Cesar Chavez, dramatically changing the environment of the park. Several palm trees in the park serve as nesting sites for Acorn Woodpeckers, and are slated for removal should they be affected by the shade. In a letter to the City of San Jose, we outlined our concern that the shading of the park and removal of these palm trees may cause the eviction of the Acorn Woodpecker colony. The development’s giant cliff of glass may also pose a hazard to birds that are susceptible to colliding with glass, including Cooper’s Hawks and Cedar Waxwings. We will continue to advocate and offer suggestions to protect birds in the park.

Google moves forward with a new campus development (Charleston East). In March, Mountain View City Council voted to approve Google’s new campus on Charleston Road. We were supportive of the proposal to replace some of the non-native trees, including redwoods, with tree species that regenerate our valley’s historical landscape. We hope that in just a few years, willows, cottonwood, sycamore, oaks and other native trees will provide an enriched habitat for birds and for people in North Bayshore. The Charleston East project embraces a complex set of ecological planning and sustainability concepts. From a bird’s point of view, the project proposes bird-friendly glass, minimized light pollution, and the replacement of linear street tree model with a complex palette of native plants and trees. Through our partnership with Google, we are able to offer guided birding tours of the various native habitats that have been integrated into the fabric of their current campus. We envision the Charleston East project will prove to be as successful as the current campus in providing sustenance for local and migrating birds.

A sand and gravel quarry and an endangered species mitigation bank are proposed for sections of the 6200-acre Sargent Ranch at the southwestern border of Santa Clara County. This is the latest in decades of efforts to use this land. Over time, dozens of oil wells have been constructed here, but efforts to develop golf courses, a casino, luxury homes and residential communities have all ended up in litigation and bankruptcy. SCVAS and other environmental organizations opposed the development of Sargent Ranch in the early 2000s, and we remain concerned today.

Photo: Tar Creek at Sargent Ranch by Shani Kleinhaus

The Gilroy Dispatch describes Sargent Ranch as “a magnet for real estate developers, a Holy Grail to nature conservationists, and ‘most sacred grounds’ to a local Native American tribe.” Indeed, every inch of this land is holy to the Amah Matsun Tribal Band. Wildlife are free to roam and raptors to soar. The rolling hills of Sargent Ranch hide natural seeps of oil that creep down the slopes into the sycamore-shaded (aptly named) Tar Creek.

Though this area is a unique natural resource for residents and wildlife, sand is an important commodity and we expect to see support for local mining of sand and gravel. We will be watching as this plan moves forward and will consider the impacts of this project on birds and nature.