2016-07-14_PERMIT FILE - M2016010

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AV BI0rI. ogic inc Natural Resource Consultants METHODS 2015 Survey Methods followed the FWS 2012 Mexican Spotted Owl Survey Protocol. Prior to the survey,call stations were mapped using GIS based on vegetation data collected onsite by 1310-Logic and terrain to provide full coverage of all suitable MSO habitat. BIO-Logic established eight calling stations set approximately 300 to 600 meters apart depending on terrain(Figure 2). When assessing the call stations during the first visit,one of the calling points was moved a short distance to better cover an intermittent drainage. Four of the call stations were on slopes and ridges south of Little Turkey Creek. Three were on a road along Little Turkey Creek. One point was along an access road that follows the unnamed intermittent stream that flows through Deadman Gulch. The biologists hiked to the four locations south of Little Turkey Creek and to the station along the road in the northeast corner. They drove to the other three stations. Surveys were conducted on June 17,2015 by Jim Le Fevre and John Wickersham,on June 26 and July 20 by Jim Le Fevre and Dan Soucy,and on August 24 by Jim Le Fevre. Each biologist is certified by FWS to conduct MSO surveys and has conducted several other MSO surveys in other locations. Surveys were all nocturnal,begun after sunset. Weather was generally favorable throughout the survey period, although we did encounter short periods of light rain during two visits. Typical conditions during most of the survey periods were light winds,no rain,and temperatures down to about 60°F by the end of the survey night. At each calling station a biologist remained at the station for the period of time specified in the protocol,alternating periods of voice imitation of MSO calls with listening periods. 2016 Survey In discussion with FWS prior to the 2016 survey, some call stations were moved and other locations established to provide additional coverage to areas beyond the project boundary and to maintain adequate coverage within the project area(Figure 2). Thirteen call stations set 300 to 500 meters apart were established. Five of the call stations were on slopes and ridges south of Little Turkey Creek,three were on the road along Little Turkey Creek,and four were on slopes or ridges north of Little Turkey Creek. One point was along an access road that follows the unnamed intermittent stream that flows through Deadman Gulch. The biologist hiked to call stations north and south of Little Turkey Creek. Stations located along access roads were accessed by vehicle. Surveys were conducted on April 14 and 25,May 19,and June 6,2016 by Jim Le Fevre,following the same methods as in 2015. Weather was generally favorable throughout the survey period,although short periods of wind and light rain occurred during the first visit,delaying calling at some stations. Typical conditions during most of the survey periods were light to variable winds,no rain,and temperatures 40 to 55°F by the end of the survey night.