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a species status review to confirm whether(and where) listing is warranted and to recommend management and recovery actions. Projects with potential impacts to burrowing owl are encouraged obtain an ITP from CDFW or participate in the SJMSCP in order to comply with CESA. Based on the habitat suitability and nearby observations of burrowing owl, there is a high likelihood that burrowing owls will be encountered on either near or on the project site To assist the project proponent in complying with the CESA regulations surrounding burrowing owl protections in California, CDFW recommends that the project proponent perform pre-construction and annual surveys for burrowing owl as well as develop mitigation measures to avoid and minimize impact to potential burrowing owls within and adjacent to the project site. Recommendation or Recommended Mitigation Measure: Because of potentially suitable onsite habitat and/or presence of burrowing owl, CDFW recommends conducting pre-construction and annual surveys of the project site throughout the duration of proposed project activities. CDFW recommends that a qualified biologist complete a survey for burrowing owl following the methodology described in the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (CDFW 2012). The survey should be conducted within 1-2 weeks prior to the start of construction. If burrowing owls or signs of burrowing owl presence such as whitewash,feathers,animal dung,etc. are not detected, no further mitigation will be required. If burrowing owls are observed within 500 feet of the project area,the project proponent should develop an Impact Assessment consistent with the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation and submit the Impact Assessment to CDFW or the SJMSCP prior to construction work.The final avoidance and mitigation measures will be determined in coordination with CDFW or the SJMSCP,but the Impact Assessment should at a minimum include the following mitigation measure: Occupied burrows will not be disturbed. If occupied burrows are found,the biologist will ensure active nests are avoided and a no disturbance or destruction buffer be established by a biologist.The buffer shall be kept in place until after the breeding nesting season or biologist confirms the young have fledged,and the nest is no longer active for the season. The extent of these buffers shall be determined by the biologist and will depend on the species present,the level of noise or construction disturbance, line of sight between the nest and the disturbance,ambient levels of noise and other disturbances,and other topographical or artificial barriers.Table 1 includes example buffer distances that CDFW recommends based on time of year and disturbance level of project activities. Table 1. BurrowingOwl Avoidance Buffers Time of Year Buffer Size (in feet) per Level of Disturbance Low Medium High April 1-Aug 15 650 1650 1650 Aug 15- Oct 15 650 650 1650 Oct 16- Mar 31 165 330 1650 Surveys shall be conducted on the project site and within 500 feet of areas that will be directly or indirectly impacted by the project, where feasible. Surveys shall not be conducted during inclement weather, when burrowing owls are typically less active and visible. If burrowing owls or evidence of burrowing owls (e.g., whitewash or pellets) are not observed during surveys, no additional mitigation is necessary. If the birds are present, then there is potential for impacts to occur, and the project proponent to take a bird protected under FGC. If any new burrowing owl colonizes the project site 6