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07 - Vegetation and WildlifeDEIS 7-1 9/12/2018 Chapter 7: Vegetation and Wildlife 7.1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS This Chapter describes the vegetation and wildlife that currently exists on the Project Site and analyzes potential impacts to those resources from the Proposed Project. As such, these analyses address the potential for the Proposed Action to have one or more significant adverse environmental impacts that were identified in the Lead Agency’s Positive Declaration (see Appendix A-5). The Project Site is a suburban office park that contains a highly developed interior with continuous impervious surface and minimal vegetation. The on-Site habitat is characterized by maintained lawn and a mixed deciduous hardwood perimeter. During the construction period there would be a temporary loss of habitat for species that use mowed lawn as the dominant habitat. However, after construction, the Proposed Project would result in a net increase in the amount of lawn habitat for existing wildlife. The Proposed Project would reduce the amount of impervious surface on-Site by 0.41 acres. As discussed below, the Proposed Project would not have an adverse impact on rare, threatened, or endangered species, or species of special concern, nor would it have an adverse impact on significant natural communities. The Project Site is adjacent to the Hutchinson River Parkway (the “Parkway”) right-of-way, which provides a low-quality habitat corridor that is only suitable for generalist wildlife species. As discussed below, it is the Applicant’s opinion that the Proposed Project would not impact this corridor. The Proposed Project would require the removal of approximately 134 trees with a diameter breast height (dbh) of 10 inches or greater. Four of these trees are considered significant under the Village of Rye Brook (the “Village”) Code. There would be temporary impacts of reduced shade and tree habitat associated with tree loss during the construction period, however, in the Applicant’s opinion, this is not considered to be a significant adverse impact. As discussed below, the Proposed Project includes the planting of 438 new trees and 288 new shrubs, which would fully mitigate the loss of 134 Village-regulated trees to be removed as required by the Village Code. 7.2. EXISTING CONDITIONS 7.2.1. HABITAT The Project Site contains 7.46 acres of impervious surface and 10.31 acres of pervious surface, which consists of approximately 3.61 wooded acres and 6.70 acres of lawn (see Table 7-1). The center of the Site has an extremely low habitat value, whereas it is higher in the perimeter due to the connectivity to surrounding suburban wooded areas, ability to act as a wildlife corridor in conjunction with the Parkway wooded right-of-way, and the presence of wetlands. However, due to the narrowness of these wooded areas, especially along the northern and western portion of the Project Site, little forest interior is available as habitat for less generalist wildlife species. A list of vegetative species observed on-Site during reconnaissance visits by AKRF is provided in Appendix D-3. 900 King Street Redevelopment 9/12/2018 7-2 DEIS Table 7-1 Habitats of the Project Site Habitat Existing Acreage (approximate) Impervious 7.46 Wooded 3.61 Lawn 6.70 Total 17.77 Note: Wooded and lawn habitats include acreage for wooded and emergent wetlands respectively Source: JMC Engineering. 7.2.1.1. Maintained Lawn with Ornamental Trees The existing office building and associated parking lot, as well as the corridor that abuts The Arbors, are surrounded by maintained lawn with ornamental tree species. Ornamentals include flowering cherry trees (Prunus spp.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies), among other imported tree varieties. 7.2.1.2. Mixed Deciduous Hardwood Continuous, but narrow, areas of mature forest exist on the northern perimeter of the Site, adjacent to the Parkway right-of-way, and within the southeastern-most corner of the Site adjacent to King Street and Arbor Drive. These deciduous hardwood areas consist of poorly drained areas at the northeastern-most corner of the Project Site dominated by silver maple (Acer saccharinum) and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica); well-drained areas in the southern-most corner of the Project Site dominated by red oak (Quercus rubra) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides); and sloped areas to the northwest dominated by red oak and American linden (Tilia Americana). 7.2.1.3. Forested Wetlands As discussed in Chapter 5, “Waters and Wetlands,” three forested wetlands exist on-Site. Species composition within these forested wetlands demonstrates soil disturbance, which is evidenced by invasive shrub species, such as multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) and common privet (Ligustrum vulgare), and a native tree canopy dominated by silver maple, green ash, and American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). 7.2.1.4. Emergent Wetlands As discussed in Chapter 5, “Waters and Wetlands,” two emergent wetlands occur on-Site and are dominated by common reed (Phragmites australis), an invasive emergent species. These wetlands provide little habitat for native wildlife populations. 7.2.1.5. Impervious Surface The Project Site currently contains 7.46 acres of impervious surface, or 42 percent of the Site, including buildings and parking areas. 7.2.2. WILDLIFE The Project Site does not provide high-quality habitat for wildlife due to existing development on and adjacent to the Site and the lack of any sizable areas of undeveloped Chapter 7: Vegetation and Wildlife DEIS 7-3 9/12/2018 wooded land. As such, wildlife expected to occur on-Site would include urban tolerant species such as raccoon (Procyon lotor), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), and red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). The segment of the Parkway right-of-way adjacent to the Site does not provide high-quality habitat or act as a significant corridor—which typically, joins two or more larger areas of similar habitat—for wildlife. Instead, this segment provides a low-quality habitat corridor due to its narrowness and inability to provide any forest interior, adjacent development, highway traffic, guardrails, noise barrier, and concrete median and is therefore only suitable for generalist wildlife species. Nevertheless, the Parkway is a linear forested corridor that facilitates movement of generalist species and migratory birds, including raptors (i.e., hawks and eagles) and songbirds (i.e., neotropical migrants) seasonally. 7.2.3. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES The results of the EAF Mapper for the Project Site and the Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) indicates that there are no known rare, threatened, or endangered species, or species of special concern located within or adjacent to the Project Site (see Appendix D-1). In addition, the EAF Mapper states that no known significant natural communities are present within or adjacent to the Project Site. No New York State-listed or federally listed plants or animals were observed on-Site during the wetland delineation and tree survey. 7.2.4. TREES In accordance with Chapter 235 of the Village Code, JMC Engineering and AKRF, Inc. inventoried trees measuring 6 inches dbh or greater (see sheet C-100 in Appendix A-4 for the locations of the inventoried trees). A total of 671 trees 6 inches dbh and greater were identified on-Site and an additional 11 trees 6 inches dbh or greater were identified off-Site in the vicinity of the proposed emergency access drive. Forty-six of the trees inventoried on-Site are 30 inches dbh or greater and are therefore considered Significant Trees under the Village Code. The inventory notes species, size, and condition for trees that may be disturbed by the Proposed Project (see Appendix D-4). Condition, which evaluated both tree health (e.g., roots, trunk, branches, and foliage) and structure, was calculated on a scale of 1 to 10. For each tree within the limit of disturbance, AKRF’s certified arborist evaluated whether the species is less desirable (e.g., Norway maple) or invasive (e.g., tree of heaven). Dominant species on-Site include red oak, Norway maple, and Norway spruce. 7.3. POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 7.3.1. HABITAT The Proposed Project would reduce the amount of impervious surface on-Site by 0.41 acres. While the wooded areas would decrease by 0.85 acres, the Proposed Project would increase the amount of lawn by 1.26 acres (see Table 7-2). It should be noted that much of the wooded area that would be disturbed is located to the north of the stormwater basin in the narrow area between the Site’s existing parking lot and Village Hall. As discussed more fully below, it is the Applicant’s opinion that this change in habitat coverage would not be considered a significant adverse impact owing to the relatively low quality of the existing on-Site habitat and the overall decrease in impervious coverage on the Site. 900 King Street Redevelopment 9/12/2018 7-4 DEIS Table 7-2 Habitats of the Project Site Habitat Existing Acreage Proposed Acreage Change (acres) Impervious 7.46 7.05 - 0.41 Wooded 3.61 2.76 - 0.85 Lawn 6.70 7.96 + 1.26 Total 17.77 17.77 — Note: Wooded and lawn habitats include acreage for wooded and emergent wetlands respectively Source: JMC Engineering. During the construction period there would be a temporary loss of habitat for species that use mowed lawn as the dominant habitat. However, immediately adjacent to the Project Site is a similar habitat that would be available to wildlife. After construction, the Proposed Project would result in a net increase in the amount of lawn habitat for existing wildlife. 7.3.2. WILDLIFE The Proposed Project would not have an adverse impact on rare, threatened, or endangered species, or species of special concern, nor would it have an adverse impact on significant natural communities. As discussed in above, the Project Site does not currently provide high quality habitat for wildlife. After the construction period the Proposed Project would provide a net increase in pervious surface (lawn) coverage and a reduction in impervious surfaces. During the construction period, there would be a temporary disruption of habitat, however, that would not adversely affect existing wildlife due to a similar habitat immediately adjacent to the Site. 7.3.3. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES No State or federally listed endangered, threatened, special concern, rare or exploitably vulnerable species of plants or animals were identified on-Site during site inspections nor are any known for the Project Site or vicinity based on information from NYSDEC and USFWS IPaC. Therefore, no impacts to listed species would occur from the Proposed Project. 7.3.4. TREES The Proposed Project would require the removal of approximately 213 trees with 6 inches dbh or greater; 134 of which have 10 inches dbh or greater. Four of these trees (Trees #408, 436, 591, and 686) are considered “significant” under the Village Code (see Table 7-3). As shown in Table 7-3, of the four Significant Trees proposed to be removed, two are maple trees (42 and 43 dbh, respectively), one is a Sycamore tree (36 dbh), and one is an Oak tree (36 dbh). Table 7-3 Significant Trees Proposed to be Removed Tree Identification Number1 Species DBH Health Score Structure Score 408 Maple 42 3 3 436 Maple 43 3 4 591 Sycamore 36 5 5 686 Oak 36 4 4 Note: 1.For locations of the significant trees proposed to be removed, please see Sheet C-130 of the full sized Proposed PUD Concept Plan in Appendix A-4. Source: AKRF, Inc. Chapter 7: Vegetation and Wildlife DEIS 7-5 9/12/2018 There would be temporary impacts of reduced shade and tree habitat associated with tree loss during the construction period, however, this is not considered a significant adverse impact. In addition, as further discussed below, the Proposed Project includes the planting of 438 new trees and 288 new shrubs, which would fully mitigate the loss of the 213 trees to be removed as required by the Village Code. 7.4. MITIGATION MEASURES Section 235-18 of the Village Code requires that native, non-invasive trees with 2 to 2.5 inches dbh be planted on-Site to mitigate the removal of trees with 10 inches dbh or greater. Replacement trees are not required for removal of trees with a dbh less than 10 inches. Removed trees with 10 to 24 inches dbh require the planting of one 2- to 2.5-inch dbh caliper tree; removed trees with 25 to 36 inches dbh require the planting of two 2- to 2.5-inch dbh caliper trees; removed trees with 37 to 48 inches dbh require the planting of three 2- to 2.5-inch dbh caliper trees; and removed trees with 49 inches dbh or greater require the planting of four 2- to 2.5-inch dbh caliper trees. Based on this formula, the Proposed Project would be required to plant at least 150 native, non-invasive 2- to 2.5-inch dbh caliper trees on-Site (see Table 7-4). Table 7-4 Tree Removal Mitigation DBH of Tree Removed Required Replacement (number of 2- to 2.5-inch dbh caliper trees) Number of Trees Removed Number of Trees Required to be Planted Less than 10 dbh No replanting necessary 79 0 10 to 24 dbh 1 120 120 25 to 36 dbh 2 12 24 37 to 48 dbh 3 2 6 49 dbh or more 4 0 0 Total 213 150 Sources: Village Zoning Code Section 235-18; AKRF, Inc. A preliminary planting plan has been developed (see Sheet L-100 in Appendix A-4) that proposes to plant 438 new trees and 288 new shrubs. At least 212 of the 438 trees proposed to be planted would meet the requirements of §235-18 as mitigation for the proposed removal of on-Site trees. Sheet L-100 in Appendix A-4 lists examples of tree sizes and species to be planted, including 18 red oak trees and 19 red maple trees with a 3- to 3.5-inch dbh caliper and other species like the river birch (Betula nigra), pin oak (Quercus palustris), American sycamore, sugar maple (Acer saccharum), American linden, white pine (Pinus strobus), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), and shadblow serviceberry (Amelanchier Canadensis). All of the trees will be non-invasive, which will help protect native tree species, and include deciduous, evergreen, and flowering trees. The fallen leaves of deciduous trees help soils replenish nutrients; evergreen trees provide shelter from the cold and wind for birds and small animals; and flowering trees provide nectar for insects. All trees would be installed in accordance with the Village’s planting guidelines.1 The new trees would be planted throughout the Site with ornamental trees closer to the buildings and trees that would help restore habitat closer to the edges of the Project Site. Trees added along the right-of-way that parallels the Parkway would help control erosion in this steep slope area. The Proposed Project would also not include buildings within the Wetland A buffer after the 1 Village Attachment 235-1 PLANTING GUIDELINES FOR TREES AND SHRUBS 900 King Street Redevelopment 9/12/2018 7-6 DEIS demolition of the existing office building, which currently encroaches into it. Instead trees would be planted between the buffer and the proposed townhouses which would help protect the existing conditions of the wetland. Trees would also be added along Arbor Drive for the full length of the Project Site, except drive curb cuts, which would help block views of the Proposed Project from Arbor Drive and King Street. New trees planted after construction would be monitored and maintained for 5 years by a horticultural consultant and replaced as necessary due to potential mortality during this monitoring period. Wetland buffer planting zones will be indicated on the final Site Plan and their preservation in a wooded (unmowed) condition included in the covenants/restrictions provided on the final drawings submitted to the Village. For on-Site trees proposed to remain, a Tree Protection Plan will be developed during Site Plan approval for review and approval by the Village. This plan would be designed and implemented in accordance with the Village’s tree protection guidelines and specifications.2 Specifically, this plan would identify trees designated for protection and would include specifications for installation of protection fencing, directives for root pruning, tunneling, and use of root curtains where applicable. With the implementation of the Village-approved Tree Protection Plan, the Proposed Project would not cause significant adverse impact to trees proposed to remain on-Site.  2 Village Attachment 235-2 TREE PROTECTION GUIDELINES