August 30, 2011 Board of County Commissioners

Background Physical Description Small cylindrical beige to grayish nearly legless lizard Adults 4 to 5 inches in length Federal Status: Threatened State Status: Threatened

Background May 10, 2011 and June 7, The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) discussed this item during open discussion. At the June 7, 2011 meeting, the BCC directed the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to present this issue to the Environmental Streamlining Task Force (ESTF) and to bring back a resolution for BCC consideration. June 15, EPD presented this issue and resolution to the ESTF. The ESTF recommended that EPD solicit public input. July 13, EPD held a community meeting with interested parties and stakeholders. July 26, EPD presented the proposed resolution to the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC). EPC voted to recommend that the BCC move forward with the proposed resolution.

Impacts of April 4, 2011 Survey protocol: Expands the consultation area and increases the number of properties that will be required to consult with the USFWS and conduct sand skink surveys in order to obtain a USFWS permit. Includes a 780 foot buffer when a sand skink has been identified and there is suitable soils, sufficient elevation, and within the identified County. The ability to refute the presence of sand skink is only available through a coverboard survey. The buffer requirement increases mitigation requirements associated with sand skink permitting.

Action Requested: Approval of the Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners urging the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to withdraw its April 4, 2011 Sand and Bluetail Mole Skink Survey Protocol. All Districts