Work Windows
Activities within 250 feet of western spadefoot breeding habitat will take place from July 1 through October 15 to avoid the western spadefoot breeding season. Activities will be timed so that work within pools or ponds are conducted when they are dry and no recent metamorphs/toadlets are present in cracked soil. Work in this work window is only allowed if vernal pools remain dry for 72 hours. If there is a 70% or greater forecasted rain event of 0.1-inch or more in a 24-hour period, work activities will be postponed until site conditions are dry. Work will be conducted only in daylight.
Project activities within suitable upland habitat that may support western spadefoot will take place from January 1 to May 1 (depending on seasonal rains) during the western spadefoot breeding season when the species is typically more active and closer to breeding habitat, unless preconstruction surveys and monitoring demonstrate that both suitable breeding and upland habitats are present in the project area. In that case, based on the recommendation of the USFWS-Approved Biologist, and with written approval from the USFWS (e.g., email), the Project Proponent may proceed with work in upland habitat outside of this work window.
Work will be conducted only in daylight.