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LFR Levine-Fricke • San Joaquin Pocket Mouse. The San Joaquin pocket mouse(SJPM; Perognathus inornatus)is a federal Species of Concern. SJPM's habitat consists of open, sandy areas with grasses and forbs. SJPM are permanent residents and dig burrows for cover and storage of seeds, which constitute the majority of their diet. Little is known about their reproductive cycle; their reproduction probably occurs in spring and early summer(CDFG 2003). Protection Measures Document review indicates that the project site is within range of the SJPM. The CNDDB reported occurrence at a neighboring "previously mined non-native grassland" in 2001. Based on observations, and the occurrence of SJPM in very similar habitat, it appears that the site could provide suitable habitat for the SJPM. The following measures to avoid and minimize impact to SJPM will be incorporated into the project because there is a moderate to high potential for SJPM to occur in the project site vicinity: ■ Vehicles moving around the project site, including trucks and excavators, will remain to the fullest extent possible on existing access roads. Several roads exist at the site which are already compacted and do not contain burrows. ■ Existing burrows that the SJPM may use for shelter will be avoided to the fullest extent possible. In the event that a vehicle must travel off road to excavate existing burn areas, a qualified biologist will examine off road areas to ascertain the best route to burn areas. Once a route is determined, vehicles will remain on route and/or within excavated areas. ■ Areas of special concern(i.e. high density of existing burrows)will be demarcated by a qualified biologist and avoided. • San Joaquin Coachwhip (ViMpsnake). The San Joaquin whipsnake(Masticophis flagellum ruddocki; SJW)is a federal Species of Concern and also a California Species of Concern. SJW prefer and regions with open terrain. They are most abundant in habitat with little or no trees consisting of valley grassland, pastureland, or saltbrush scrub. SJW require mammal burrows (and less frequently, bushes, trees, or rock piles)for cover. Their diet consists of rodents, lizards and eggs, snakes, birds and eggs, young turtles, insects, and carrion. SJW mate in April and May, eggs are laid in June and July, and young begin to appear in August or early September(CDFG 2003). SJW hibernate during colder, winter months in soil or sand approximately 1 foot below the surface. Project activities are not expected to impact hibernating SJW because project activities are expected to take place in the mid-summer to early fall. Protection Measures Final_RAP_Tracy_9.18.03(final).doc Page 29