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31 <br /> <br />distance shall be determined by a competent biologist based on the site conditions <br />(topography, if the nest is in a line of sight of the construction and the sensitivity of the <br />birds nesting). The nest site(s) shall be monitored by a competent biologist periodically to <br />see if the birds are stressed by the construction activities and if the protective buffer <br />needs to be increased. Once the young have fledged and are flying well enough to avoid <br />project construction zones (typically by August), the project can proceed without further <br />regard to the nest site(s). Active nests, including those in the process of being constructed <br />shall not be disturbed. Surveys shall be repeated in areas where Project activities lapse for <br />a period of 7 days or more. <br />• Burrowing Owl Surveys – A burrowing owl pre-construction survey should take place <br />before any construction activities commence. Occupancy of burrowing owl habitat is <br />confirmed at a site when at least one burrowing owl or its sign at or near a burrow <br />entrance is observed within the last three years. If a burrowing owl or sign is present on <br />the Property three additional protocol level surveys will be initiated. Once these surveys <br />have been completed to identify the owl’s location, disturbance buffers should be placed <br />around each active burrow. No disturbance should occur within 200 meters of occupied <br />burrows during the breeding season (February 1 through August 31) and/or within 50 <br />meters of occupied burrows during non-breeding season (September 1 through January <br />31). Pre-construction surveys shall be completed 14 days prior to initiating activities. <br />• Special-status Bats Surveys – For all Project activities planned in or adjacent to <br />potential bat roosting habitat, such as structures and/or involving woody vegetation <br />modification or removal of any and all trees, a qualified biologist shall conduct daytime <br />and evening acoustic surveys in addition to extensive visual surveys of potential habitat <br />for special-status bats at least 7 days prior to initiation of Project activities. If bats are <br />found on-site, a qualified biologist shall identify the species, estimated quantity present, <br />roost type, and roost status, but shall avoid disturbing bats during surveys. A qualified <br />biologist shall also create a Bat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan if special-status bat <br />species are detected prior to the start of Project activities. The Bat Mitigation and <br />Monitoring Plan shall include: (1) an assessment of all Project impacts to special-status <br />bats, including noise disturbance during construction; (2) effective avoidance and <br />minimization measures to protect special-status bats; (3) and compensatory mitigation for <br />permanent impacts to special-status bats or their nesting/roosting habitat. If structures, <br />trees, or other refugia equivalents are slated for limbing, removal, or modification, the <br />Bat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan shall include the following measures: <br />• To ensure that special-status bats have left potential roosting refugia, work <br />shall occur over the course of two days. On the first day, smaller limbs or items