New Mexico
Service Center /

UPLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT

Conservation Practice Job Sheet 645

Client/Landowner: / Date Planned:
Project Location: / T- NS , R- EW , S- / County: / Field/Site ID:
USDA Program: / Contract #: / Project Acres:
Practice Purpose: To enable movement, or provide shelter, cover, food and water in proper amounts, locations and times to sustain wild animals that inhabit uplands during a portion of their life cycle.

WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN

I. Project Goals and Objectives
Landowner/Client's Goals and Objectives (describe):
This project 'targets' habitat for:
a species, group or guild (identify):
species richness and diversity; to provide a healthy and diverse natural ecosystem to support and benefit as many wildlife species and populations as possible.
Providing wildlife habitat is the primary, or secondary goal for the project site.
This project provides year-round habitat, or seasonal/life stage habitat (identify):
II. Wildlife Habitat Evaluation
Determine if the site meets, or has the potential to meet, the needs of the targeted wildlife. Identify items that may "limit the habitat value or suitability of the site for the targeted wildlife" (limiting factors).
Evaluation Method Used: / Date Completed:
Approved evaluations are provided in the FOTG section II, including: Wildlife Habitat Evaluation/Appraisal Guides (WHEG/WHAG).
§ Project is within the targeted wildlife's distribution range (yes, no): YesNo (re-evaluate the goals before proceeding)
§ Project area is capable of supporting the desired habitats (yes, no): YesNo (re-evaluate the goals before proceeding)
§ Baseline/Benchmark Score: , Anticipated Post-implementation (Planned) Score:
Ø The planned score must reflect that this plan will meet or exceed the minimum quality criteria as established in the evaluation.
List all Limiting Factors (in order of significance): / To be removed or reduced 1]
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Each question on the evaluation/appraisal guide addresses a potential limiting factor. If the score is low for a question, add that item to the list above. Example: "grassland nesting cover does not remain intact though-out the nesting season".
Notes:
III. Habitat Restoration, Enhancement or Creation and Management
Describe the actions, or facilitating/supporting NRCS practices, planned to remove or reduce the limiting factor(s). Also describe any recommended actions that will further enhance or improve habitat (beyond the minimum requirements for adequate habitat).
Describe the Action
(if applicable, include the NRCS Practice Name/Code) / Required1] to meet 645 criteria? / Planned Extent / Planned Date / Applied Extent / Applied Date
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
1] Application of this practice must remove or reduce habitat related limiting factors, in their order of significance; to the extent that adequate habitat to support life requirements of the targeted species is provided (meets minimum quality criteria).
VI. Operation & Maintenance (O&M)
The following actions shall be carried out to ensure that this practice functions as intended throughout its expected life.
§  Check the site at regular intervals, or during critical periods, to ensure that the practice is functioning as intended.
When to Check:
What to Check:
§  Anticipated Maintenance:
§  If damages are identified or the practice is not functioning as intended, contact NRCS for assistance.
§  Refer to any Facilitating or Supporting Practices job sheets for O&M related to those practices.
VII. Habitat Monitoring
The following actions shall be carried out to ensure that this practice has the intended effects on the targeted wildlife or habitat.
Monitoring is necessary and appropriate (yes, no, not required): YesNoNot Required, but provided as an option
Method:
Level of Complexity/Intensity (high, med. low): LowMediumHigh / Acres to be Monitored:

Practice Approval (requires Job Approval Authority as specified in the General Manual, NM180-480)

I verify that this job sheet conforms to the 645 standard and specification and provides clear recommendations.

______, date______

Authorized NRCS Representative

Landowner/Client Acknowledgement and Approval

I have received a copy of the job sheet and understand the contents and requirements. I provide approval of the plan, and I am willing to maintain the practice in order to achieve proper performance for the practice's lifespan.

______, date______

Landowner/Client Signature

Practice Completion (requires Job Approval Authority as specified in the General Manual, NM180-480)

I have made an on-site inspection and determined that the completed job conforms to the job sheet, standard, and specification. The project area meets or exceeds minimum quality criteria: Post-implementation WHEG/WHAG Score:

______, date ______

Authorized NRCS Representative

New Mexico /

UPLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT 645

Optional Form - Operation & Maintenance Record

- Management Record

Client/Landowner: / Date Planned:
Project Location: / T- , R- , S- / County: / Field/Site ID:
USDA Program: / Contract #: / Project Acres:
Operation & Maintenance (O&M)
Includes normal repetitive activities in the application and use of the practice (operation) and repair and upkeep of the practice (maintenance). Refer to the 645 Job Sheet for NRCS recommended or required O&M actions. Use this optional form to record the activities.
Date of Action / Description of O&M Action
Habitat Monitoring
Monitoring evaluates the effect the practice is having on the targeted wildlife or the habitat quality. Refer to the 645 Job Sheet for NRCS recommended or required monitoring actions. Use this optional form to record the activities.
Date of Action / Description of Monitoring Action

If this record will be used as practice documentation; please sign below confirming that the data is accurately represented.

______, date______

Landowner/Client Signature

NRCS, NM

October 2012