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Biological Resources Evaluation Report Griffith Energy Project 4.4 Special-Status Species Habitat Assessment The BSA was surveyed for special-status species and their habitats.Any potential burrows/dens and burrow surrogates for BUOW, SJKF, or American badger were mapped and photographed. To assess habitat for rare plants, soil types, vegetation cover, and disturbance on the Project site were evaluated. Habitat assessments conducted for CTS, Swainson's hawk, and SJKF are described in the subsections below. 4.4.1 California Tiger Salamander and California Red-Legged Frog To assess CTS and CRLF upland and aquatic habitat, the presence of small mammal burrows, water bodies on the project site, vegetation and debris cover, the grazing regime, and the presence of predatory and competing species were evaluated. Important CTS habitat features include ephemeral pools and a relative abundance of small mammal burrows (USFWS 2004). Methods for identification and assessment of potential CTS breeding sites in the Project vicinity is described in the subsection below. Important CRLF habitat features include shrubby or emergent riparian vegetation along still or slow-moving water at two- feet depth or greater. Habitat requirements for CRLF also include small mammal burrows or damp vegetation, such as leaf litter, for use during summer. 4.4.1.1 Assessment of Barriers to California Tiger Salamander Migration An assessment of barriers to CTS migration between the nearest known and potential breeding ponds and the Project site was conducted. Potential breeding sites were identified using aerial imagery and hydrologic spatial data from the NWI (USFWS 2021) and NHD (USGS 2021). Previously documented breeding sites were identified using search results from the CNDDB (CDFW 2021a). Each potential breeding site was visited during the survey and notes were recorded on features that may restrict the ability of CTS to access the site (e.g., roads, walls, steep slopes, trenches). Habitat data, such as water body feature type and surrounding vegetation, for each breeding site was also recorded. Paved and dirt roads are not considered as barriers to CTS migration, but high-density residential development and Interstate Highways are considered significant physical barriers (USFWS 2003). Non-lethal barriers were also taken into account. Non-lethal barriers include structures longer than 12 meters and above the recommended minimum barrier height for fencing meant to divert amphibians,12-15 inches (Langton and Clevenger 2021). Features which could facilitate access, such as culverts or small mammal burrows, were also noted. When possible, binoculars were used from vantage points to survey sites that were on private property. Notes and photographs were recorded for all accessible sites within the 1.24-miles of the Project site. 4.4.2 Swainson's Hawk A raptor nesting habitat assessment was conducted in the Project site and surrounding 0.5-mile buffer. Aerial imagery and binoculars were used to find and survey potential trees and other features (e.g., power poles)that could be used for raptor nesting. Visual surveys for nests and perched raptors were performed. Potential Swainson's hawk nesting features (e.g.,trees, power poles)were mapped within a 0.5-mile buffer of the Project site. 4.4.3 San Joaquin Kit Fox A SJKF habitat assessment was conducted in the Project site and 150-meter buffer. Meandering transects were performed to evaluate potential denning habitat and prey availability. Potential dens and manmade features (e.g., culverts and drainage pipes) within the required size and depth range for SJKF were photographed and mapped. Observations of small mammals and the presence of small mammal burrows were used to assess the availability of prey. The presence of potential predators or competitors (e.g., large hawks, coyotes, domestic dogs)was also recorded. Tetra Tech, Inc. 4-2 July 2023