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the site, a construction setback of twice the diameter of the drip -line of the nest tree (as measured from under the nest) would be required until nesting is complete. BURROWING OWL: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Fish and Game Code of California protect burrowing owls year-round, as well as their nests during the nesting season (February 1 through August 31). Burrowing owls are a year-long resident in a variety of grasslands as well as scrub lands that have a low density of trees and shrubs with low growing vegetation; burrowing owls that nest in the Central Valley may winter elsewhere. The primary habitat requirement of the burrowing owl is small mammal burrows for nesting. The owl usually nests in abandoned ground squirrel burrows, although they have been known to dig their own burrows in softer soils. In urban areas, burrowing owls often utilize artificial burrows including pipes, culverts, and piles of concrete pieces. This semi -colonial owl breeds from March through August, and is most active while hunting during dawn and dusk. There are a few records of this species in the CNDDB (2021) search area within a few miles of the site; the nearest record is approximately 0.5 miles northwest of the site. The intensity of agriculture and residential development within and surrounding the site reduces the likelihood of burrowing owls using the site for nesting. No burrowing owls were observed in the project site during the recent survey. Several ground squirrel burrows were observed along the banks of Duck Creek as well as along fence lines in the site. This species is known to occur in the general area and if burrow habitat becomes available in the future, this species may utilize habitats in the site for nesting. Pursuant to the San Joaquin County Multi -species Habitat Conservation Plan, if construction is scheduled to commence outside the nesting season (i.e., if construction starts between September 1 and January 31) and burrowing owls are present on-site, they can be passively relocated. In the event that 3009 Pock Lane: Biology 22 November 24, 2021