Travis AFB Sustainability Study Report Final Background Report | Page 144
Conservation and preservation areas are also located near Travis AFB, which
are shown on Figure 5.4‐1. Wilcox Ranch is a 1,342‐acre area that directly
borders the east side of Travis AFB. The ranch, which contains vernal pool
critical habitat, is protected by conservation easements and is owned by the
Solano Land Trust, Solano County, and the City of Fairfield. The 1,566‐acre
Jepson Prairie Preserve is owned by the Solano Land Trust and is located
approximately four miles east of Travis AFB. The prairie contains vernal
pools and grassland critical habitat. Species known to inhabit these areas
are Contra Costa goldfield, Swainson’s hawk, western burrowing owl,
California tiger salamander, vernal pool fairy shrimp, and vernal pool tadpole
shrimp.
Critical habitat and preserve areas surrounding Travis AFB could affect
future expansion of the Base boundary should that be deemed necessary. In
areas that are not protected by easements, the cost of land acquisition and
mitigation can be very high. For example, the compensation ratio is $19,000
for one acre of California tiger salamander habitat impacted.
While the nearby conservation areas serve as a refuge for various
threatened and endangered species, these species may migrate onto Travis
AFB due to the proximity of the areas. The Base has similar habitats, which
are federally protected and managed.
Source: Travis AFB Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, 2016
Findings
Future Base expansion would need to address any impacts on
threatened and endangered species.
Page 5‐24
Bird / wildlife aircraft strike hazards
ISSUE
BIO‐2
Travis is located in the Pacific Flyway and has many water
areas around it, which are natural bird attractants,
causing potential for bird / wildlife aircraft strike hazards.
Siting of habitat areas near Travis AFB flight paths and
operation areas could attract additional birds to the area
and increase bird‐aircraft strike hazards.
Compatibility Assessment
Bird / wildlife aircraft strike hazard (BASH) is a very serious concern for the
military. Bird aircraft strikes can cause damage to aircraft and in some
cases, may render aircraft completely irreparable or result in a mishap.
The region surrounding Travis AFB hosts a diverse collection of wildlife.
Seasonal wetlands, annual grasslands and riparian and marsh habitats are
found along Union Creek south of the airfield on Travis AFB, which attract
birds. Bird strike data indicates that larger flocking birds, such as gulls,
wading birds, and waterfowl, are considered to be more of a potential threat
to aviation safety. Smaller birds such as blackbirds and feral pigeons can
also present significant hazards to aircraft due to the formation of tight
flocks. Solitary birds, such as raptors and turkey vultures present a concern
due to their size, soaring, and hunting behavior.
Table 5.4‐1 shows the strike history by type of bird at Travis AFB from 2007
to 2015. Some types of birds have a larger impact than others. For
example, although waterfowl strikes only represent 4 percent of total bird
strikes, they encompass 37 percent of damaging bird strikes. These
numbers are important to determine what birds are hit the most, what type
of land uses they are attracted to, and how to control them.
Compatibility Assessment