Fort Ord HCP EIR/EIS

DD&A is currently preparing the EIR and EIS for the Fort Ord HCP. The redevelopment of the 28,000-acre former military base may result in impacts to both state and federally listed species, including two state listed plants (sand gilia and Seaside bird’s beak) and four federally listed wildlife species (California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, western snowy plover, and the Smith’s blue butterfly). As a result, the Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) is applying for a state and federal Incidental Take Permits under Section 2081 and Section 10 of the state and federal Endangered Species Acts. The EIR/EIS will evaluate impacts of the HCP and will focus on mitigation of these species, in a large part by preserving large, contiguous habitat reserve areas totaling approximately 18,000 acres. Primary issues associated with the implementation of the HCP include impacts associated with prescribed burns, growth inducement, and cumulative impacts.