Work Window
To avoid the nesting season of the light-footed Ridgway’s rail, project activity in habitat where presence has been confirmed, or is presumed, will be conducted from September 16 through March 14. If project activities must occur during the nesting season, individuals, nests, and occupied or assumed occupied habitat will be avoided by implementing a 500-feet disturbance buffer between noise-generating project activities and light-footed Ridgway’s rail habitat Noise buffer distances may be modified in coordination with the USFWS Field Office based on project specific characteristics or a Project Proponent/Action Agency may choose to submit their own analysis and buffer recommendations for the USFWS’ consideration. If sufficient buffers cannot be implemented, the proposed activities may lead to adverse effects not to exceed the self-imposed take limit of harm to no more than 5% of a given population annually. The self-imposed take limit also requires no net loss of habitat through the protection measures and/or offsetting impacts with habitat restoration or enhancement. The local USFWS Field Office and Project Proponent will work together during the ESA Section 7(a)(2) Review Form process to ensure an individual project does not adversely affect a significant portion of the population in the project area.