Why Conserve Swainson’s Hawks?

Two Reasons• Endangered

Species Act– Section 2080– Incidental take

permit– HCP

• CEQA– Mandatory finding

of significance.

California Endangered Species Act

• Section 2080 of the Fish and Game Code prohibits "take" of any species that the commission determines to be a threatened or endangered species.

• Section 2081 allows Take of listed species for activities that are otherwise lawful.

Potential for incidental “take”

Disturbance could lead to abandonment and “take”

CEQA – DFG is a Trustee Agency

• No Land-use Authority

• Advise the Lead Agent

• Ensure Conservation of the Species

• Aid in recovery

Loss of Habitat for a Listed Species is a Significant Effect

Where should we Conserve Swainson’s Hawks?

State-wide Decline(Historic from Bloom, 1979)

Heart of Swainson's Hawk range in the Central Valley

Where do we Conserve Swainson’s Hawks?

• Avoid Planned Growth areas.

• Proximity to Impacts

• Occupied habitat (known nests).

• Suitable Habitat.

• Adjacent to Existing Preserves

Potential Mitigation Areas