USFWS-SPM-WPT-06

No Net Loss of Basking Habitat

Maintain existing basking structures (e.g. logs, rocks, shorelines, emergent vegetation, algal mats, and substrate adjacent to aquatic habitat whenever possible. Avoid planting trees and shrubs that would shade suitable basking habitat and maintain an open riparian canopy to allow sufficient solar exposure for basking. Install basking structures as necessary for any basking habitat that is removed.