ANTELOPE VALLEY BUSINESS PARK SPECIFIC PLAN

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued an amended Incidental Take Permit (ITP No. 2081b-2022-074-05) to Trader Joes Company for the Palmdale Warehouse Project. This permit, governed by the California Endangered Species Act and the Fish and Game Code, authorizes the incidental take of protected species, specifically the western Joshua tree and Mohave ground squirrel, within a 130.06-acre project area. The primary purpose of the amendment is to allow for the collection of onsite western Joshua tree fruit and seeds through December 31, 2028, ensuring that covered activities result in no additional impacts to the protected species. The project scope includes site preparation, grading, and the construction of infrastructure and buildings, with an operational target date in the fourth quarter of 2024. Compliance is managed through strict operational controls, including the use of a designated biologist for inspections every 14 days, the implementation of a trash abatement program with animal-proof containers, and specific lighting and vehicle speed restrictions. Financial obligations include the acquisition and perpetual management of habitat management lands, with estimated costs for the western Joshua tree and Mohave ground squirrel totaling several million dollars. Security for these obligations must be provided via an irrevocable letter of credit, which will be released upon the completion of construction, fulfillment of the Seed Collection Plan, and a final CDFW on-site inspection.