P1.4: Conserve Habitats for Threatened and Endangered Species – Above Green

(Required)

INTENT

Protect ecosystem function by avoiding development of areas that contain habitat for plant and animal species identified as threatened or endangered.

REQUIREMENTS

Case 1: Brownfields and previously developed sites

For all natural areas greater than 2,000 contiguous square feet (185.81 square meters): As part of the pre-design site assessment (Pre-design P2.2: Conduct a pre-design site assessment), identify whether the site is in the range of potential habitats for any plant or animal species on U.S. federal or state threatened or endangered lists or on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) “Red List of Threatened Species” as critically endangered (CR) or endangered (EN).

Designate the full extent of habitats for threatened or endangered species on the site as Vegetation and Soil Protection Zones (VSPZs) (see Pre-Design P2.3: Designate and communicate VSPZs).

Protect all listed animals and plants from damage or removal. Construction activities for minimal impact site development, and restoration and maintenance activities within VSPZs shall only occur during seasons when the animal species is not present.

Ensure the section of the site maintenance plan (see O+M P8.1: Plan for sustainable site maintenance) is complete and details the process for avoiding impacts to threatened and endangered species and their habitats during site maintenance.

Case 2: Greenfield sites

As part of the pre-design site assessment (Pre-design P2.2: Conduct a pre-design site assessment), identify whether the site is in the range of potential habitats for any plant or animal species on U.S. federal or state threatened or endangered lists or on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) “Red List of Threatened Species” as critically endangered (CR) or endangered (EN).

If the site is in the range of any threatened or endangered plant or animal species, conduct a habitat assessment for each identified species.

Designate the full extent of habitats for threatened and endangered species on the site as VSPZs (see Pre-Design P2.3: Designate and communicate VSPZs).

Protect all listed animals and plants from damage or removal. Construction activities for minimal impact site development and maintenance activities within VSPZs shall only occur during seasons when the animal species is not present. Restoration activities may occur within this zone to increase the quality of the habitat.

Ensure the section of the site maintenance plan (see O+M P8.1: Plan for sustainable site maintenance) is complete and details the process for avoiding negative impacts to threatened and endangered species and their habitats during site maintenance.

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES

During the site selection process, channel development to sites that do not include habitat for threatened or endangered plant and animal species.

Design the site to minimize disruption to existing habitats.

Design to allow species connectivity (habitat corridors) through the site and to adjacent sites.