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mammals such as kangaroo rats, pocket mice, and ground squirrels as prey. Document review indicates that the project site is within range of the kit fox. Numerous sightings have been recorded in the CNDDB from 1972 through 1992. Based on observations, it appeared that the Site could provide suitable foraging and breeding habitat for the kit fox. Numerous tracks found during the site visit on January 31, 2003, matching literature-based kit fox track dimensions (Peterson 1974) indicate their occurrence within the project boundary. Numerous tracks matching literature-based coyote track dimensions (Peterson 1974)were also found within the project boundary.Although coyote may prey on kit fox, coyote and kit fox are not considered mutually exclusive (Cypher and Spencer 1998). Tracks of the kit fox and coyote occurred in spatially separated areas within the boundaries of the project; because of the high mining and agricultural use in the surrounding area, the nearby water sources, and the high use of the area by small prey mammals, it appears that both coyote and kit fox are using available resources. Conservation Measures LFR conducted informal consultation with the USFWS and the CDFG on several occasions. The USFWS recommended that the project adopt the standard recommendations of avoidance measures outlined in the USFWS Standardized Recommendations for Protection of The San Joaquin Kit Fox Prior to or During Ground Disturbance (USFWS 1999; Burton pers. comm. February 3, 2003; Zerrenner February 10, 2003). If the following five conservation measures are incorporated into the project, it is not expected that project activities will result in any adverse affects to kit fox: • Exclusion zones will be established around potential kit fox dens during construction activities. • A preconstruction survey will be conducted within 30 days, preferably 2 weeks to 1 day, prior to excavation activities to determine the presence or absence of kit fox within the project area. • If occupied kit fox dens are found within the project area,the USFWS will be notified for further action (i.e. buffer zones), as described in the USFWS Standardized Recommendations for the Protection of the San Joaquin Kit Fox (USFWS 1999). • Excavation workers following the guidelines in the USFWS Standardized Recommendations for the Protection of the San Joaquin Kit Fox. The training will provide information on the kit fox, excavation boundaries, and the measures being taken to reduce impacts to the species. • If encountered during daylight hours, construction will cease until the USFWS is notified. • Protection of the San Joaquin Kit Fox will be implemented. In addition to the above measures, the Standard Recommendations include: • Project-related vehicles should observe a 20-mph speed limit in all project areas. 16