9.5_-_USFWS_Listed_Species_Update_8-3-10.pdf

This document is a letter from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office to Ecosystems West Consulting Group, dated August 3, 2010, regarding listed species in the vicinity of the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project in Santa Cruz, California. The letter responds to a request for an official list of endangered, threatened, and special status species that may occur in the project area. The USFWS provides a comprehensive list of species across multiple categories including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and plants, each with their scientific name and status (Endangered, Threatened, or Critical Habitat).

The document fulfills requirements under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, with Caltrans designated as the lead federal agency responsible for reviewing potential project impacts on listed species. The USFWS recommends that Caltrans conduct a biological assessment to determine the effects of the construction project on listed species or critical habitats. If any listed species or critical habitat might be adversely affected, the agency is advised to request formal consultation. The letter also suggests reviewing additional information in the California Natural Diversity Data Base and contacting the California Department of Fish and Game for more details on sensitive species in the area.