Habitat Avoidance
In all suitable NRF habitat:
i. Removal or damage of known nest trees and associated screen trees will be avoided, unless they must be removed to implement the proposed project or are a confirmed safety hazard according to the guidance documents from the implementing agency or another agency with jurisdiction in the project area.
ii. Removal or damage of trees or snags with potential nesting platforms and associated screen trees will be avoided. These include trees with large, flattened tops; large, broken-topped trees; trees with decadence, such as large cavities; mistletoe broom structures, catfaces, or large limbs; or large snags with these similar characteristics.
iii. Removal of large (20 inches in diameter at breast height or larger) snags will be avoided, unless they must be removed to implement the proposed project or are a confirmed safety hazard according to the implementing agency’s guidance documents.