Introduction to Field Survey Methods Eco surveys generally employ a descriptive or qualitative approach towards data collection. Eco surveys generally employ a descriptive or qualitative approach towards data collection. These methods require expertise with all biotic communities so use a multi- disciplinary team approach to collect the data. These methods require expertise with all biotic communities so use a multi- disciplinary team approach to collect the data. Use the methods in this manual, or have deviations approved by OES before you do the work. Use the methods in this manual, or have deviations approved by OES before you do the work. A collection permit from ODNR-DOW is required before scientific sampling or collection of wildlife can occur. A collection permit from ODNR-DOW is required before scientific sampling or collection of wildlife can occur. Multi disciplinary team.

Defining the Study Area: Smaller Projects Study area is defined by ODOT or the project sponsor, but may have to be adjusted in the field for data collection. Study area is defined by ODOT or the project sponsor, but may have to be adjusted in the field for data collection. Areas that will be disturbed by construction. Areas that will be disturbed by construction. Buffer of at least 50 to 100 feet. Buffer of at least 50 to 100 feet. Stream impacts, area should include all representative habitats within that stream (eg. for QHEI) Stream impacts, area should include all representative habitats within that stream (eg. for QHEI) Large enough to encompass the area needed to complete the appropriate bio- assessments (fish, mussel survey, etc..). Large enough to encompass the area needed to complete the appropriate bio- assessments (fish, mussel survey, etc..) feet downstream feet downstream feet upstream feet upstream Right-of-entry letters.Contact the districts for information. Right-of-entry letters.Contact the districts for information.

Defining the Study Area: New Location Projects Study area will be defined in the scope of services by the Districts Study area will be defined in the scope of services by the Districts.

Timing of Fieldwork Weather conditions must be considered when planning field work. Weather conditions must be considered when planning field work. Stream flows should be considered for aquatic surveys. Stream flows should be considered for aquatic surveys. Plant flowering times or animal migration patterns may need considered for rare species surveys. Plant flowering times or animal migration patterns may need considered for rare species surveys. Field season is defined as the period of April 15 through October 15 of each year, ODOT OES must approve deviations from this time-frame Field season is defined as the period of April 15 through October 15 of each year, ODOT OES must approve deviations from this time-frame Wetland delineations are discouraged from November 15 through March 15 (need USACE approval to do delineations during this time or the data may not be accepted) Wetland delineations are discouraged from November 15 through March 15 (need USACE approval to do delineations during this time or the data may not be accepted). Winter season sampling is generally not conducive to data collection, except for identification of suitable Indiana bat roosting habitat. Winter season sampling is generally not conducive to data collection, except for identification of suitable Indiana bat roosting habitat. Winter determinations are OK as long as the ground is not frozen and/or snow covered.

Specimen Vouchering Vouchers may be needed for positive I.D. by experts. Vouchers may be needed for positive I.D. by experts. Pressed plants, color photographs, mussel shell material, and or road kill specimens should be retained to document rare species, out of range individuals, and/or individuals found in uncharacteristic habitats. Pressed plants, color photographs, mussel shell material, and or road kill specimens should be retained to document rare species, out of range individuals, and/or individuals found in uncharacteristic habitats. OES may ask for vouchers to verify listed or out of range species found in a project area. OES may ask for vouchers to verify listed or out of range species found in a project area. Burden of proof is ultimately the responsibility of the field investigator. Burden of proof is ultimately the responsibility of the field investigator. Federally listed species require a section 10 permit from the USFWS. Federally listed species require a section 10 permit from the USFWS. State scientific collection permits are the responsibility of the field investigator. State scientific collection permits are the responsibility of the field investigator. Collected specimens should be vouchered in permanent type collections. Collected specimens should be vouchered in permanent type collections.

QUESTIONS?