Exceptions to Work Restrictions in the Exclusion Buffer
If a USFWS-Approved Biologist determines that some work activities can take place within the exclusion buffer described in Measure PLANT-3 without causing any adverse direct or indirect impacts to Covered plants identified for avoidance, those approved work activities may be conducted within the exclusion buffer. Covered vernal pool plants will be clearly marked by a USFWS-Approved Biologist prior to worker entry into the exclusion buffer. Workers may only enter the exclusion buffer when accompanied by a Qualified Biologist, and all work within the exclusion buffer will be monitored by a Qualified Biologist. Based on the results of the botanical surveys, complete avoidance of populations onsite during their respective blooming periods will be applied for the following four Covered plant species with limited populations: Ben Lomond spineflower, soft bird’s-beak, Suisun thistle, and Howell’s spineflower.