Biologists
A USFWS-Approved Biologist will oversee construction activities in, or within, 200 feet of suitable giant garter snake aquatic or upland habitat and will direct Qualified Biologists who may also support the project. A Qualified Biologist will be present during vegetation removal in giant garter snake habitat and during construction activities adjacent to aquatic habitat. The Qualified Biologist will walk ahead of the removal of emergent wetland and herbaceous upland vegetation.
The USFWS-Approved Biologist will be available on an on-call basis during activities with the potential to affect giant garter snake. If needed, the USFWS-Approved Biologist will remain on site during construction activities to protect giant garter snake. The USFWS-Approved Biologist or any Qualified Biologist working on site will have the authority to stop work if a giant garter snake is encountered in the construction area. No snakes will be moved, relocated, or handled unless the Project Proponent has submitted a snake rescue and relocation plan to USFWS, and USFWS has reviewed and approved the plan. Project Proponents may choose to submit their snake relocation plan to USFWS with their ESA Section 7(a)(2) Review Form to expedite review and approval; or may develop the plan in coordination with USFWS after the ESA Section 7(a)(2) Review Form has been submitted, but before construction begins.