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2.0 METHODS Prior to the San Joaquin kit fox Early Evaluation site assessment visit to the Hansen Road Parcel, a search of the CDFG Natural Diversity Data Base was conducted to identify any occurrences of the species. This included the ten USGS 7.5 minute quadrangles lying within a 10-mile radius of the Study Area and an element search for kit fox records within San Joaquin and Alameda counties. Habitat suitability for the San Joaquin kit fox at the Study Area was determined by field surveys and a review of existing documentation. In addition, aerial photographs were consulted to assess habitat continuity. On-site habitat suitability was assessed on August 16, 2006 by walking transects through all portions of the site not presently developed to evaluate denning potential, prey base and to search for kit fox sign (scat, tracks, prey remains) and potential den sites. All areas supporting California ground squirrel populations were surveyed thoroughly. Systematic variable-width transects were walked in all potentially suitable habitat areas of the Study Site and immediately adjacent off-site areas of similar habitat. Unsuitable developed areas were excluded from the survey. The distance between transects varied from 50 to 100 feet, depending on vegetation height and density. Fence lines, roadsides, culverts and drainages were carefully checked. Careful attention was given to ground squirrel burrows that are often used as dens by kit foxes. Dens were identified by evaluating a number of factors such as the size and shape of the entrance and presence of tracks, scat and prey remains at the entrance. Den entrances and culverts were examined with a flashlight. Following USFWS protocol definitions (USFWS 1999 survey protocol for the northern range), typical dens may include the following features: (1) one or more entrances approximately 5 to 8 inches in diameter at the narrowest width; (2)dirt berms adjacent to the entrances; (3) kit fox tracks, scat, or prey remains in the vicinity of the den; (4) matted vegetation adjacent to den entrances; and (5) manmade features such as culverts, pipes, and canal banks. All dens with these characteristics were photographed and classified as known, natal/pupping, potential, or atypical according to the 1999 USFWS protocol. Dens were mapped and site-specific data were recorded, such as size classes, location and presence of sign. 3.0 RESULTS In total approximately 5 acres of potentially suitable kit fox habitat was surveyed on-foot during the Early Evaluation, excluding approximately 3 acres of unsuitable developed areas. Figure 3 shows the specific SJKF survey area in relation to the larger Study Area. The Study Area contained a few ground squirrel burrows along the southern and western boundaries, but burrows were not observed on the property. If burrows were present, recent ground disturbance (track grading) may have temporarily filled them. It is likely that ground squirrels occasionally excavate burrows in the Study Area No evidence of kit fox presence or use was observed. Vegetation communities, habitat continuity, suitability of habitat, prey availability and sighting records are discussed below. 3.1 Vegetation Communities within the SJKF survey area Ruderal herbaceous/non-native annual grassland is the only habitat type within the SJKF survey area, occupying approximately 5 acres. This habitat is fragmented by several off-road