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AUGUSTIN BERNAL MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL PROJECT DRAFT INITIAL STUDY <br /> 12956 <br />DUDEK 12 April 2022 <br /> Construction contracts shall prohibit the use of monofilament plastic netting in erosion-control <br />materials to avoid entrapment of snakes and other native wildlife. <br /> The City shall designate qualified biologists to monitor project construction. Biologists shall have <br />appropriate training and experience with Alameda whipsnakes. <br /> A qualified biologist shall provide pre-project environmental awareness training to all construction <br />crew members about the potential presence of Alameda whipsnake on the project site. The training <br />shall include basic information on species identification and habitat, describe how the species may <br />be encountered in the work area, and review all species protection measures. <br /> A qualified biologist shall be present on site during all ground-disturbing activities (e.g., vegetation <br />clearing and grading). Prior to the clearing of shrubs or dense ground vegetation for the new trail, <br />a biologist shall survey the work area to confirm that Alameda whipsnakes are absent before <br />activities commence. Workers shall not clear any vegetation from a given trail section until it has <br />been cleared by an approved biologist and without a qualified biologist present. <br /> Construction crews or an approved biologist shall inspect open trenches in the morning and <br />evening for trapped Alameda whipsnakes and other reptiles. <br /> Qualified biologists shall have the authority to stop work if Alameda whipsnakes are found during <br />construction. Any Alameda whipsnake found in a location where it may be at risk shall be allowed <br />to leave the area on its own accord. The City shall report any Alameda whipsnake observations to <br />the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife within 24 hours <br />and initiate formal consultation under the federal Endangered Species Act and California <br />Endangered Species Act, respectively. <br />Nesting Bird AMM: Conduct Pre-Construction Survey for Nesting Birds. No construction shall occur between <br />March 1 and April 30. Prior to beginning project construction activities between May 1 and August 31, a <br />pre-construction nesting bird survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist within 7 days prior to <br />construction activities to determine if any native birds are nesting on or near the project site (including a <br />300-foot buffer for raptors). If construction is paused between May 1 and August 31 for more than 14 days, <br />an additional nesting bird survey shall be conducted within 7 days prior to resuming construction activities. <br />If any active nests are observed during surveys, a suitable avoidance buffer shall be determined by the <br />qualified biologist based on species, location, and planned construction activity. These nests shall be <br />avoided until the chicks have fledged and the nests are no longer active, as determined by the qualified <br />biologist. <br />SURVEYS COMPLETED <br />Biological and cultural resource surveys were completed as part of the trail design to inform the final proposed trail <br />alignment with a goal of avoiding sensitive environmental resources. The methodology and findings of the biological <br />resources survey are reported in Section 3.4 of this Initial Study. The methodology and findings of the cultural <br />resources survey are documented in the Cultural Resources Inventory Report which is Appendix C to this Initial <br />Study. The Cultural Resources Inventory Report is confidential; additional information about this report may be <br />obtained by contacting the City of Pleasanton.