Project: Mojave Desert Tortoise Pre-construction Surveys at 47 Mine Features

Client: Death Valley National Park, California

Period of Performance: October 2011

We conducted pre-construction surveys for the Mojave Desert tortoise around 47 mine features

(i.e., adits, shafts, and tunnels) for the National Park Service at Death Valley National Park. Field surveys, by a qualified tortoise biologist, consisted of walking the apron of each mine feature searching under vegetation and into crevices for tortoise burrows, individuals, or any sign of tortoise (i.e., scat, footprints, shell remnants). We also provided an educational lecture and informational handout for contractors and construction personnel responsible for implementing the closure of mine features. The intent of the education program was to inform construction workers about how to avoid harm to desert tortoise s and tortoise safety. Our biologists are experienced and field-trained for desert tortoise surveys throughout the desert southwest.