14 ATTACHMENT 6 - Appendix A - E

73 APPENDIX A: MINIMIZATION MEASURES FOR CALIFORNIA TIGER SALAMANDER The following measures will minimize direct and indirect impacts to California tiger salamanders.  Prior to the start of construction, a qualified biologist will train all project staff regarding habitat sensitivity, identification of special status species, and required practices. The training shall include the general measures that are being implemented to conserve these species as they relate to the project, the penalties for non-compliance, and the boundaries of the project area. A fact sheet or other supporting materials containing this information should be prepared and distributed. Upon completion of training, employees will sign a form stating that they attended the training and understand all the conservation and protection measures.  A qualified biologist will survey the project site prior to, and be present to monitor, construction activities during any initial ground disturbance or vegetation clearing or other periods during construction, as necessary. The biologist will capture and relocate any California tiger salamanders that are discovered during the surveys or construction monitoring. Any individuals that are captured should be held for the minimum amount of time necessary to release them to suitable habitat outside of the work area.  A qualified biologist will stake and flag exclusion zones around all known locations of CTS breeding and upland refugia areas in the construction zone. These areas will be avoided during construction activities to the maximum extent practicable. All construction areas will be flagged, and all activity will be confined to these areas.  If a CTS is encountered during construction work, activities will cease until the animal is removed and relocated by a qualified biologist.  Construction activities should be limited to the period from May 1 through October 31.  Permanent and temporary construction disturbances and other types of project-related disturbances to CTS habitat shall be minimized to the maximum extent practicable and confined to the project site. To minimize temporary disturbances, all project-related vehicle traffic shall be restricted to established roads, construction areas, designated cross-country routes, and other designated areas. These areas also should be included in preconstruction surveys and, to the maximum extent possible, should be established in locations disturbed by previous activities to prevent further adverse effects. Sensitive habitat areas shall be delineated with high visibility flagging or fencing to prevent encroachment of construction personnel and equipment into any sensitive areas during project work activities. At no time shall equipment or personnel be allowed to adversely affect areas outside the project site without authorization from the Service.