Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Soil Investigations for Data Collection in the Delta <br />Initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration 93 <br /> <br />American Badger has a moderate potential to occur within the Study Area due to <br />the presence of suitable habitat and reported occurrences within two and five <br />miles of the Study Area. Implementation of Mitigation Measures MM BIO-1 and <br />MM BIO-16 would reduce potential impacts to American Badger to: Less than <br />Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. <br /> <br />MM BIO-16: American Badger <br /> <br />To minimize and avoid the potential impacts to American Badger that may <br />occur within the Study Area, the following measures will be implemented: <br /> <br />a. A qualified biologist shall conduct pre-activity surveys for American badger <br />and dens in suitable habitat within 48 hours prior to the start of soil <br />investigation activities. If there is a lapse in soil investigation activities of <br />two weeks or greater the area shall be resurveyed within 24 hours prior to <br />recommencement of work. Potential American badger dens identified in <br />the project area shall be monitored by the qualified biologist to determine <br />current use. <br /> <br />b. American badger dens determined by the qualified biologist to be <br />occupied during the breeding season (February 15 through June 30) shall <br />be flagged, and ground disturbing activities avoided, within 100 feet of the <br />den to protect adults and nursing young. Buffers may be modified by the <br />qualified biologist, depending on the applicable site conditions and <br />characteristics of the den, and shall not be removed until the qualified <br />biologist has determined that the den is no longer in use. <br /> <br />San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) <br />San Joaquin kit fox is listed as Endangered under FESA and Threatened under <br />CESA. It is the smallest canid species in North America, about 32 inches in <br />length and 12 inches high. Its ears are disproportionately large and has a black- <br />tipped tail. San Joaquin kit fox is endemic to the Central Valley and currently <br />inhabit suitable habitat in the San Joaquin Valley and in surrounding foothills of <br />the Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, and Tehachapi Mountains, from southern <br />Kern County north to Contra Costa County. Habitat for San Joaquin kit fox <br />include alkali sink, alkali flat, and grasslands (USFWS 2010c). In the northern <br />part of its range (including San Joaquin, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties) <br />where most habitat on the valley floor has been eliminated, it now occurs <br />primarily in foothill grassland, valley oak savanna, and alkali grasslands. The <br />home ranges of San Joaquin kit foxes are extensive and vary by location and is <br />thought to be related to prey abundance. Dens are used for temperature <br />regulation, shelter and protection from adverse weather and predators. Many <br />dens may be used throughout the year, and individuals may change dens often.