Travis AFB Sustainability Study Report Final Background Report | Page 140
Endangered Species. Plant or animal species that have a very small
population and are at greater risk of becoming extinct. The presence of
threatened and endangered species may require special development
considerations, could halt development, and could impact the performance
of military missions.
Biological Resources (BIO)
Biological resources include federal and state listed species (threatened and
endangered species) and their habitats. These resources may also include
habitat such as wetlands and migratory corridors that are critical to the
overall health and productivity of an ecosystem. The presence of sensitive
biological resources may require special development considerations and
should be included early in the planning process.
Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA). FESA provides a program for the
conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and the
habitats in which they are found. The lead federal agencies for implementing
FESA are the USFWS and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service. Species include birds, insects, fish,
reptiles, mammals, crustaceans, flowers, grasses, and trees.
Key Terms
Airfield Operations Area. The Airfield Operations Area is an area used or
intended to be used for landing, takeoff, or surface maneuvering of aircraft,
including the runway and associated paved areas.
Threatened Species. According to the ESA a threatened species is “any
species which is likely to become an endangered species within the
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.”
Bird / Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH). BASH refers to the likely
occurrence for a collision between an airborne animal (usually a bird) and a
human‐made vehicle, particularly aircraft.
Vernal pools. Temporary pools of water that provide habitat for distinctive
plants and animals. They are considered to be a distinctive type of wetland
usually devoid of fish, and thus allow the safe development of natal
amphibian and insect species unable to withstand competition or predation
by fish.
BASH Relevancy Area. The BASH Relevancy Area is a five‐statute mile area
from the airfield operations area, including the runway. This area has been
determined by the FAA as an area where BASH incidences are likely to occur
due to the types of flying operations that occur near the airfield, such
operations are typically at slower speeds and lower altitudes making the
conditions for BASH opportune.
Critical Habitat. Specific areas found to be essential to the conservation of a
threatened or endangered species and which may require special
considerations or protection. Under this designation, the US Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) must review all federal government activities
within a designated critical habitat area to ensure that threatened and
endangered species are protected.
Depredation. The capture or killing of birds to reduce damage caused by
birds or to protect other interests such as human health and safety or
personal property.
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Compatibility Assessment