Project Description
As a subcontractor to TetraTech, Inc., JE Fuller conducted and oversaw biological surveys for a proposed 79-mile-long fiber optic cable project proposed by Cable One (dba Sparklight) to serve rural communities in eastern and central Arizona. The project corridor contained Critical Habitat for federally-protected species, including Mexican spotted owl, southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo, northern Mexican gartersnake, narrow-headed garter-snake, and Arizona hedgehog cactus. JE Fuller coordinated with the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct ESA Section 7 consultation which required a Biological Assessment that considered impacts to federally-protected species and provided a comprehensive set of mitigation measures to minimize potential adverse impacts to these federally protected species. JE Fuller also provided several Forest Service biological resources reports disclosing any potential anticipated impacts to Forest Sensitive, migratory bird, Forest Management Indicator Species, and invasive weed species. JE Fuller also provided a permitted biologist to conduct narrow-headed and northern Mexican gartersnake monitoring during project construction. Monitoring is required in areas of sensitive habitat to avoid adverse impacts to these two species of gartersnake.
Services Provided:
- Biological Surveys
- Regulatory Coordination & ESA Section 7 Consultation
- Biological Resources Reporting
- Construction Monitoring
Location
Eastern/Central Rural Communities, AZ
Client
Cable One (dba Sparklight)