Appendix D: Information to Include in a Monitoring Report for Giant Garter Snake

  1. Date

  2. Surveyor

  3. Project information (should include the following):

    1. Project name

    2. Location

    3. Project impacts and acres impacted


  4. Survey information (should include the following):

    1. Time of day

    2. Temperature at start and end of survey. Include ambient temperature, temperature at ground level, and at approximately 3 inches above ground level.

    3. Weather conditions (include wind conditions and cloud cover)

    4. Acres/area surveyed


  5. Site description (may include the following):

    1. Habitat types present, substrate/soils, etc.

    2. Topography/elevation

    3. Surrounding land-use/activity

    4. Description of project features


  6. Habitat characteristics:

    1. Burrows/potential hibernacula present? (Y/N)

    2. Amount and type of cover present, including upland and emergent vegetation

    3. Prey species present? (Y/N)

    4. Distance to nearest available habitat

    5. Other species observed


  7. Giant garter snakes present? (Y/N) If observed provide the following information:

    1. Number of individuals, and if possible to determine, whether juveniles or adults

    2. Location(s)

    3. Describe behavior and activity

    4. Describe protective measures implemented


  8. Describe on site minimization and avoidance measures implemented (fencing, dewatering, worker awareness training, etc.). Include any difficulties implementing measures and corrective measures taken.

Report all sightings to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office at (916) 414-6600, and to the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). The monitoring biologist must submit all sightings to CDFG Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) using a California Native Species Field Survey Form and provide copies to CDFG and the Service.

Endangered Species Div., Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service