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A. Qualified Habitat Biologist. A critical area report shall be prepared by a qualified professional habitat biologist as identified in LMC 14.33.040.

B. Area Considered. The following physical areas shall be addressed in the critical area report for habitat conservation areas:

1. The project area of the proposed activity;

2. All habitat conservation areas and recommended buffers within two hundred feet of the project area; and

3. All shoreline areas, flood plains, and other critical areas, and related buffers within two hundred feet of the project area.

C. Habitat Assessment. A habitat assessment is an investigation of the project area to evaluate the presence or absence of a potential fish or wildlife species or habitat that is protected under this ordinance. A critical area report for a habitat conservation area shall contain an assessment of habitats including the following minimum site and proposal related information:

1. Detailed description of vegetation on and adjacent to the project area;

2. Identification of any species of local importance, priority species, or endangered, threatened, sensitive or candidate species that have a primary association with habitat on or adjacent to the project area, an assessment of potential project impacts to the use of the site by the species;

3. A discussion of any federal, state, or local special management recommendations, including Department of Fish and Wildlife habitat management recommendations, that have been developed for species or habitats located on or adjacent to the project area;

4. A discussion of measures, including avoidance, minimization and mitigation, proposed to preserve existing habitats and restore any habitat that was degraded prior to the current proposed land use activity and to be conducted in accordance with “mitigation sequencing”; and

5. A discussion of ongoing management practices that will protect habitat after the project site has been developed, including proposed monitoring and maintenance programs.

D. Additional Information May Be Required. When appropriate due to the type of habitat or species present or the project area conditions, the site plan review committee may also require the habitat management program include:

1. An evaluation by the Department of Fish and Wildlife or qualified expert regarding the applicant’s analysis and effectiveness of any proposed mitigating measures or programs, to include any recommendations as appropriate;

2. An evaluation by the local Native American Indian Tribe;

3. Detailed surface and subsurface hydrologic features both on and adjacent to the site; and

4. Any other information or review necessary to meet expectations of the growth management act, to provide adequate best available scientific information to make an informed decision on the identified environmentally sensitive site. (Ord. 1215 §26, 2003).