Pump Screens
The agency-approved biologist will be present during all vegetation clearing and grubbing activities in areas within the currently occupied range of special-status amphibians where suitable habitat is present. Prior to vegetation removal, the agency-approved biologist will thoroughly survey the area for these species (measure AMP-003). Vegetation in sensitive areas will either be cleared with handheld motorized tools (e.g., weed eaters, chainsaws) or by hand pulling, or an agency-approved biologist will walk in front of vegetation clearing equipment. Where dense brush occurs (e.g., blackberry, periwinkle), the biologist may direct an equipment operator to lift and shake dense vegetation with an excavator or backhoe so that the biologist can look underneath and search for amphibians. Tree stumps and roots will be left in place where possible to avoid any ground disturbance and preserve refugia habitat, with the exception of non-native invasive plants that could propagate from remaining vegetative material. Native branches, leaf litter, mulch, woody debris, and other vegetative trimmings may be retained and spread on site to enhance habitat as appropriate.