Atch 33 Temporary Fencing Guidelines for Desert Tortoise Projects (2022).pdf

Temporary Fencing for Desert Tortoise Projects

The requirements for temporary fencing for a construction project are less stringent than permanent tortoise proof fencing, and are as follows:

The fencing should be flush with the ground (no gaps) or up to 4 inches deep, and height of fence 18-24 inches above the ground.

The fencing can be staked with rebar or other stakes, with the stakes sunk 6-12 inches into the ground.

The fencing can be fabric cloth fencing or plastic mesh fencing provided the gaps in the mesh are 2X2 inches or less in size.

Place the fencing around the area to be trenched, include enough area within fencing to allow for needed work space, equipment, etc.

Enclosed area may have an opening for a gate (section that opens) to let people and equipment in and out, but gate should remained closed when not in use.

A clearance survey the first day of the work prior to placing the fencing is needed.

If a clearance survey were to identify an active tortoise burrow immediately adjacent to the work site, fencing can be placed around the burrow for the few days duration of work at that work site, and then removed when the work moves down the line.

If a project is going to be completed in phases, then fencing can be placed in the section being worked.

Trenches need to be fenced the entire length of exposed trench.

The Nellis Natural Resource Program can provide clearance surveys for short duration/small scale projects. We need to know the time work to be executed with a couple weeks’ notice, or as much as possible to schedule ‘Authorized Biologist’. The biologist shall provide contractor with Awareness

Training at the site (~10 min); (required under the Nellis AFB Programmatic Biological Opinion, File No.

1-5-07-F-497).

Nellis Natural Resource Program points of contact:

Olivia Baez Anna Johnson olivia.baez@us.af.mil anna.johnson.18@us.af.mil 702-652-7606 702-652-4354

Note: An electronic copy of the Nellis AFB Programmatic Biological Opinion, File No. 1-5-07-F-497, can be provided upon request.

mailto:olivia.baez@us.af.mil mailto:anna.johnson.18@us.af.mil