Preconstruction Surveys
A Qualified Biologist will conduct preconstruction surveys for suitable habitat for western spadefoot in the project area, with a focus on suitable water features, including but not limited to, ephemeral features (e.g. vernal pools and drainage ditches), permanent features (e.g. natural ponds and stock ponds), surrounding hydrologic or geographic features that support inundation during rain events, and associated upland habitat (grasslands and other areas with seasonally friable soils that support burrows). At least three surveys for western spadefoot of any life stage will be conducted.
Nighttime surveys (assuming eggs, larvae, and/or juveniles have not been detected) will be conducted by walking slowly and carefully along water features and between suspected breeding habitats after a rain event of at least 0.25 inch within a 48-hour period. Contact the USFWS for the most recent protocol or guidance on conducting surveys for the western spadefoot.
Potential vernal pools and seasonal wetlands will be assumed present unless appropriate surveys during the wet season (i.e. when ponding is most likely to be evident) or other evidence demonstrates the aquatic feature is not present (see AMP-3, Preconstruction Survey).