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species, and informal consultation with representatives from the USFWS and CDFG, LFR biologists determined that two protocol level wildlife surveys were required, San Joaquin kit fox and western burrowing owl. The surveys will be conducted within 30 days prior to excavation activities in order to determine if San Joaquin kit fox or western burrowing owl occupy burrows adjacent to or within the general vicinity of areas to be excavated. If it is determined that San Joaquin kit fox use the area for foraging, but not for shelter, protection measures as outlined below will be followed. If it is determined that San Joaquin kit fox occupy dens in the site vicinity, then the USFWS will be notified for consultation on further protection measures such as work schedule and avoidance distance. If it is determined that western burrowing owl occur on site,then the CDFG and USFWS will be notified for consultation on further protection measures such as work schedule and avoidance distance. Species specific habitat requirements, regulatory protection, and the decision making process are further described below.Although federal and state protection measures and protocol level surveys focus on San Joaquin kit fox and western burrowing owl, LFR biologists will also be aware of other species of concern, that do not have regulatory protection, with the likelihood to occur on site, and will take note if any are found. Conservation measures are in place to avoid and minimize potential impacts the project may have on any special status animal species likely to occur within the project vicinity. Plants: Of the 3 special status plant species indicated by document review, there was a very low potential for large-flowered fiddleneck (Amsinckia grandiflora)and a low potential for big tarplant(Blepharizonia plumosa sp. plumosa) and caper-fruited tropidocarpum (Tropidocarpum capparideum)to occur in the project vicinity. No occurrence of special status plant species was observed during the site visit by LFR biologists on January 31, 2003. In addition, no vegetative growth occurred on the burn areas; the burn areas were completely barren. The project is not expected to have an adverse affect on any special status plant species. Animals: Of the 58 special status animal species indicated by document review that may be found in the general area, 8 species had a moderate to high potential to be found in the project area and potentially affected by project activities. These include two reptiles (San Joaquin whipsnake and California horned lizard), four birds (grasshopper sparrow, short-eared owl,western burrowing owl, and California horned lark), and two mammals (San Joaquin kit fox and San Joaquin pocket mouse). No occurrence or sign of the above special status animal species was observed in the project vicinity during the site visit by LFR biologists on January 31, 2003, with the exception of San Joaquin kit fox as described below. San Joaquin Kit Fox.The San Joaquin kit fox(Vulpes macrotis mutica; kit fox) is state listed as threatened and federally listed as endangered and therefore protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Historical kit fox habitat consists of open grassland areas at or close to valley bottoms, however, kit fox are now known to use foothill habitat. Kit fox are nocturnal and require dens for shelter and pupping. They are likely to use more than one den; multiple den use is most prevalent during dispersal season. They may dig their own dens or use other mammal or man-made structures such as culverts. Kit fox breeding season is January 1 through May 31. In San Joaquin County, kit fox rely on small nocturnal 15