Appendix F Biological Survey BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION of APPROXIMATELY 3.6 MILES of RIGHT-OF-WAY for the MOSS MINE

Appendix F Biological Survey BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF APPROXIMATELY 3.6 MILES OF RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR THE MOSS MINE

Prepared for: Golden Vertex Corp.

Prepared by: Westl.and Resources, Inc.

Date: J\fay 17, 2017

Project No.: 1203.03

TABLE OF CONTENTS

l . INTRODUCTION...... l 2. PROJECT AREA DESCRJPT ION...... 1 2.1. Physiographic Setting...... 1 2.2. Vegetation of the Project Area ...... 2 2.3. Wildlife O bservations in the Project area ...... 4 2.4. Human Use of the Project Area ...... 4 3. SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES SCREENING ANALYSIS METHODS ...... 4 4. SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES SCREENING ANALYSIS RESULTS ...... 5 4.l. Screening Analysis Results for ESJ\ Listed Species ...... 5 4.2. Screening Analysis Results for BLM Sensitive Species ...... 8 4.3. BLM Species with Potential to Occur within the Project Area ...... 20 4.3.1. Pinto Beard tongue ...... 20 4.3.2. Le Conte's l11Casher ...... 20 4.3.3. Sonoran Desert Tortoisc ...... 21 5. REFERENCES ...... 23

TABLES

Table l. List of Plant Species Observed in Project Arca ...... 3 Table 2. Screening Analysis: Pocential for Occurrence of ES!\ Listed Species within the Project Area...... 6 Table 3. Screening Analysis ofBLJ\11 Sensitive Species in the Colorado River District' ...... 9

FIGURES (Joi/ow t,od)

Figure 1. Vicinity Map Figure 2. Project Area Figure 3. Sonoran Desert Tortoise Habitat Classes and Occurrences

APPENDICES

Westland Resources, Inc. Biological Evaluation of Appr oximately 3.6 Miles of Road and May 17, 201 7 Utility Corridor Right-O f-Way for the Moss Mine Page ii

(follow t,xl)

Appendix A USF\VS IPaC System O nline Query Appendix B. BLM Sensitive Species in Colorado River District Appendix C. AG FD HOMS Online Query Appendix D . Representative Photographs of die V egeration in the Project Area

Westland Resources, Inc. Biological Evaluation of Approximately 3.6 Miles of Road and May 17. 2017 Utility Corridor Right-Of-Way for the Moss Mine Page I

I. INTRODUCTION

Golden Vertex Corp. (Golden Vertex) proposes to construct an electrical transmission line along two e.xisting access roads associated with funire development at the Moss Mine in lvlohave County, Arizona (the Project). The access roads arc located on land administered by the Bureau of Land t-fanagement (BLM) (Figure 1). To complete the proposed utility, Golden Vertex must obtain a right-of-way permit from the BLNL Golden Vertex remined WestLand Resources, Inc. (\lv'estland), to conduct a Biological Evaluation (BE) in support of the right-of-way application process.

Westland prepared this BE in order to 1) describe the physiographic setting and vegetation of the Project Area, 2) identify the potential for special-srams specie.s as weUas any designated or proposed critical habimt for those species to occur in the Project Area, and 3) evaluate potential effects of the Project on special-status species that have some potential to occur in the Project Area. For the purposes of this BE, special-starus species are defined as species designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as Endangered, TI1reatened, Proposed for listing, or Candidate for listing that could occur in the Project Area (Appendix A), and those species designated as sensitive by the BLM Colorado River District (Appendix B).

2. PROJECT AREA DESCRIPTION

The original project area is a 3.6-mile-long by 100-foot-wide corridor that encompasses a total area of 43.6 acres. It is situated on the centerline o f the existing access roads located northwest of Oatman in lvlohave Councy, Arizona (f ownship 20 North, Range 20 West, portions of Sections 30 and 31 ; and Township 20 North, Range 21 West, portions o f Sections 25, 26, and 36 [Oatman 7.5' USGS quadrangle]) (Figure 2). The proposed transmission line will be constructed alongside the roads within the 100-foot-wide corridor. Golden Vertex requested survey of a possible re-route along another existing road in May o f 2017. The possible re-route (shown in red in Figure 2) consists o i a 0.81-mile-long, 100-foot-wide corridor along an existing unimproved road that crosses a portion o f Township 20 North, Range 21 West, Section 36, and a portion o f Township 20 Nonh, Range 20 West, Section 31. In one section, the road forks into two separate paraUel alignments. The second, more southerly alignment adds another 0.25 mile to the project area length, bringing the total re-route length to 1.06 miles. The total length of all the project area alignments is 4.66 miles. The possible re-rouce area measures 11.76 acres, bringing the total survey area to 55.36 acres.

2. 1. PHYSIOGRAPHIC SETTING

The Project Area lies west of d1e Colorado River on the western slope of the Black Mounmins along Silver Creek Wash, an ephemeral stream that runs southwest to northeast and is nibutary t.o the Colorado River. 111e Project Area lies within the Basin and Range physiographic province, which is

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characterized by a series of northwest-southeast trending mountain ranges separated by broad alluvial valleys (Chronic 1983). Elevations within the Project Arca range from approximately 1,500 feet (ft) (457 meters [ml) above mean sea level (ams]) at the west portion to 2,000 ft (610 m) ams] at the northeast portion ofthe Project Area (Figure 1). No substantial cliff faces, abandoned mine features, caves, or wetlands, or ocher permanent water features were observed within the Project Area during field reconnaissance.

The geology in the area adjacent to l\foss Mine is quartz monzonitc porphyry (Ransome 1923), a medium grained pinkish rock resembling granite. The host rock of the mineralization forms a conspicuous ridge which is prominent directly north o f the mine.

The soils within the Project Area consist primari ly of very gravelly loams formed from mixed gravelly alluviwn on fan remnants and fan terraces. Rocky soils fonned from residuum and colJuvitun derived from granite occur within the northeastern portion of the Project Arca, and sandy soils occur within Silver Creek Wash (WSS 201 7).

Annual precipitation in the Project Area ranges from 3 to 7 inches and, rypical of tl1e Mojave Desert, is greatest in the winter with a lesser secondary peak in the summer (\XI$$ 2017). There are neither perennial or intermittent streams, nor major springs within the Project Area (ADWR 2009).

The Project Arca lies with.in the Bullhead Bajada arural and Cultural Arca ofCritical Em~roruncntal Concern (ACEC) (Figure 2). The designation of this ACEC seeks 10 manage values such as habitat for tl1e Sonoran desert tortoise (Gqphems 11101~,fk,11) and other special-sranis or sensitive species in tl1e area (BLM 2007). The Project Area does not intersect any other ACE(.

2.2. VEGETATION OF THE P ROJECT AREA

Biotic communities are assemblages of plant species based on dominant plants, and organized along precipitation and temperanire gradients witll an accompanying suite ofanimal species (Brown 1994). There is one biotic community mapped within the Project Area: Mohave Desenscrub (Brown and Lowe 1980). During field reconnaissance the dominant vegetation community observed was the creosocebush (Lt11'fl!t1 lridett/(1/a) - white bursage (AJJJbmsi(I d11111osr,) series (Brown 1994) which comp1ised the majority of the upland portions in the Project Are,c.

In tl1e nortl1eastern portion of the Project i\rea (Appendix D, Photographs 1 & 2), common associates of the creosotebush - white bursage series included brittlebu sh (E11celia fari11osa) , rough joimfir (F.phedra aspera), buckhorn cholla (y•li1ulrop1mlia aca11tboca,pa), ratany (Km111eiia spp.), t'vlohave buckwheat (E1iog{Jl111111frucit11/at111t1), and Mohave yucca (Yllrta schidigem). In the middle portion of die Project Area (Appendix D, Ph0tograph 3) common associates ofthe creosotebush - white bursage series included brittlebush, teddy bear choUa (C}li11d,vp1111/ia bigelovit), and Mexican bladder sage (SalaZf11ia 111e:xicmu1). In the southwestern portion of the Project Area, due to the lower elevation there

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were fewer associated species of the creosocebush - white bursage series, commonly only brittlebush (Appendix D , Photograph 4).

The smaller washes in the Project Area (Appendix D, Photograph 5) differed from the upland vegetation only with the presence of burrobush (r[)wm1orka salso/a). Along Silver Creek Wash in the Project Area (Appendix D, Photographs 6 & 7) the vegetJ1tion is comprised of desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), smoketrec (PsflrolhN11f/lu spil/0s111), desert baccharis (B11Cch(l/is sergiloides), blue paloverde (Parki11so//iajlq1ida), catclaw acacia (Sc//egt1lia greggi,), and burrobush.

Several invasive plants were observed in the Project Area. l\foditerranean grass (Sthi.mms sp.) was a common groundcover in the upland portions of the Project Area, while brome (Brot1111s sp.) was observed in the washes of the Project Area. l\foch of the area is sparsely vegetated and efforts will be made to avoid larger trees or vegetated areas, particularly at ephemeral wash crosses. A list ofplant species observed in the Project Arca is provided in Table 1. Representative photographs of the vegetation in the Project Area are provided in Appendix 0 .

Table I . List of Plant Species Observed in Project Area_ Note that this table is not a complete species list of species that could occur within the Project Area. Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name White bursage An,b,vtin dt1111ota Desert barrel cactus Ferorartt1J !)'lintlrattt1s Rush milkweed A,·depiM 111/mlata Creosote bush Larrta tritlmtala Desert baccharis B"rrbaris se,xiloitles Lltdeleaf rnmny Kran1ni11 tr'efln Sweetbush Bebbiaj11111t.a White mcany K !.''9.; Brickelbush Brirlu/lia sp. Shrubb )' deervetch LJ!lf/S ,ijj,b,s Brome Bron111s sp. Wolfberry L1•d11111 pari.sbii Spmge C/Ja11meJJ•ft sp. False prairie clover iVlmi11a p,myi Desert willow Cbilopti1 li11eans Blue paloverde Parki1J.So11ia_jloridn Buckhorn cholla Cyli11drop,111tia acanthocarpa Slender poreleaf Po1vpbyl/11n1parile Teddy bear cholla C l1i!,elo1ii Smoketree Psorolbn1111111.t Jj)i1101111 Fluffgrnss DaJJ•orhloa p11/cbella Mexican bladdersage Salaz.aria 111e:x.:itm1a En.~lmann's hedgehog &Vi11orert11s e,,gelmam,ii Mediterranean grass S1-hiZ!1111s sp. cacrus Brittlebush E 11celi11fari11osn Johnson's litde ba.rre.1 Sderomrt11.1jobn.1onii cactus Rough joimfir Ephedm asp,ra Catdaw acacia SetteJ!,alia ,R.fl:,!/!.ii Flatcrown buckwheat Eri1J_vpm1111 dePe.>.11n1 Desert senna Sm1111 co11e.sii l\fohave buck·wheat E. fasciC11ht11111 Globemallow S/Jhaerak,.a Sp. Ocotillo Fouq"ieria spkwde1J.I ~,fohave yucca Yflcca schidiJ!.em Burrobush I-/y111e11odea salso/a Lotcbush Zizipb11s oh1t1Jifo!it1

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2.3. WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS IN THE PROJECT AREA

lnciden1>1l observations of wildlife or their si&rn while conducting field reconnaissance within the Project Area included common raven ( Co11111s co1'tlx), coyote (Crmis lutmtJs), nordiern mockingbird (Mi11/l(J po!)rfottos), black-throated sparrow (AJ11phispiza /Jili11eata) , desert cottontail (Sylvilag11s ,md11boni1), black-tailed jackrabbit (Lep11S talifomit11s), woodrat (Neo/01110 sp.), and wild burro (Eq11111 a.ri1111.r).

2.4. HUMAN USE OF THE PROJECT AREA

Land uses within the Project Area include catde grazing, dispersed public recreation, o ff-road vehicle use, recreational shooting, and hunting. General disturbance is most evident along the existing roadway that currendy appears to be used mainly for recreation. Numerous pullout areas are found along die roadway, generally in flat areas, that are used for recreational shooting.

3. SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES SCREENING ANALYSIS METHODS

Special-status species for the purpose of this report include species that have been recorded or have some potential to occur within or near the Project Area, and are:

l) Species listed or diose proposed for listing, as direatened or endangered by the USFWS under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that have been recorded or have some potential to occur within or near the Project Area as per the USF\X'S lnfomiation, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) tool (Appendix A), and 2) Species considered as sensitive by the BLM Colorado River District (AppendL'< B).

The JPaC tool was also used to identify designated or proposed critical habitat that occurs within or in the vicinity of the Project Arca (Appendix A).

Based on the special-status species lists generated from the above sources, a screening analysis was performed ro evaluate the potential for special-status species or designated or proposed critical habitat to occur within the Project Area. Determinations of the potential for special-status species or designated or proposed critical habitat to occur in die Project Area were based on:

• Review of the natural history and known geographical and elevational ranges ofspecial-status species; • ResultS of an Arizona Game & Fish Department (AGFD) Heritage Da1>1base Management System (HDMS) on-line environmental review tool query, which provided records ofspecial status species within 5 miles (8 kilometers) ofrhe Project Arca (Appendix C);

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• Review ofother occurrence records in published or grey literature' (in some cases); and • Comparisons of this information with field survey observations and habitat assessments of the Project Area. Field reconnaissance was conducted by a WescLand biologist on January 25 and 26, 2017, in order to identify habitat types in the Project Area and evaluate the potential for special-status species to be present. During this field visit, the biologist identified vegetation communities, recorded plant and wildlife species observations, assessed habitat within the Project Area for special-scams specie.s, and cook representative photographs of the Project Area.

The criteria used to determine the potential of occurrence for the species included in chis screening analysis are defined as folJows:

Present: The species has been observed to occur in the Project Area based on known records, the Project J\rea is \\~dtin the known range of the species, and habitat characteristics required by che species are known to be present.

Possible: The species has not been observed in the Project t\rea based on known records, but d1e known, current distribution of the species includes the Project Area and the required habitat characteristics of the species appear to be present in che Project Area.

Unlikely: The known, current distribution of the species docs not include the Project Arc-a, but the distribution of the species is close enough such that the Project Area may be within the dispersal or fornging distance of the species. 'The habitat characteristics required by the species may be present in the Project Arca.

None: The Project Area is outside ofthe known distribution of the species, and/or rhe habitat characteristics required by the species are not present.

4. SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES SCREENING ANALYSIS RESULTS

4.1. SCREENING ANALYSIS RESULTS FORESA LISTED SPECIES

Results from the IPaC query (Appendix A) yielded six ESA listed species to analyze fo r their potential to occur in d1e Project Area. ·n 1ere is no designated or proposed critical habitat within d1e Project i\rc,i. Based on WestLand's field reconnaissance and screcoing analysis, there is no potential for any ofthe six special-status ESA species to occur within the Project Area. Given that there is no potential for any ofd1ese species to occur in the Projecc Area, chere \\ill be no effeccs co these species as a result of the Projecc. The basis of determination ofeach species' potential co occur wimin the Project Area is pro,~ded in T able 2.

1 Grey lircr.uure includes documenn; rh:tr :.1.re n<;H comrQllccl by C()ntmcrci-:1.l publishers such :ts rcchnical reports pmduced br go\·emmeiu agt1lcies., ac:1.

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T able 2. Screening Analysis: Potential for Occurrence of ESA Listed Spec.ies within the Project Area. USFWS Potential to Effects Species Basis for Determination Status Occur in the Project Area Determination FISH (2) Inhabits backwaters, flooded bottornlands, pools, side channds, and other slowc-r moving habitacs under 6,000 ft (1,829 m) amsl in the Lower Colorado River Basin Razorback sucker None. 11, c Project Arca docs (USF\'iiS 1991). Populations in Arizona arc restricted 10 Endangered No Effect (Xxm11thtn ltxn11111) not support aquatic habitat. L1kes Mohave, l\foad, and the lower Colorado River below Havasu. There is critical habitat for chis species on the Colorado River approximately 8 miles northwest of the Project i\J:ca (USf'WS 1994). Inhabits warm to cool midREPTILES (1) Inhabits densely vegetated habitats along water sources from 3,000 to 5,000 ft (914 to 1,524 m) amsl. Populations Northern Mexican None. 'The Project Arca does in Arizona occur within the middle/ upper Verde River gartcrsnakc T hreatened not support riparian aqu,cic drainage, m.iddJe/lower Tonro Creek and Cienega Creek, No Effect (Thamnophis t411u habitat. and in isolated wetlands in Southeast i\J.izona (USFW'S 1J1egnlops) 2014a). HDMS records do not indicate an occurrence o f this species within 3 miles (5 km) o f the Project Area. BIRDS (3) Inhabits open sandy bcaches, sandbars, f,'

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USFWS Pote ntial to Effects Species Basis for De te rmination I Status Occur in the Project Area Determination Jn Arizona, most commonly found in lowland riparian woodlands where Fremont cottonwood, willow, velvet ash, Arizona walnut, mesquite, and rnmarisk :.ire dominant. Also uses mesquite bosques and smaller stands o f isolated cottonwoods mixed wich mesquite. Dense understorr foliage is an important factor for nesting. (USfWS 2014b; USFWS 2014c; Halcerman ec al. 201 5), Yellow-billed cuckoo None. The Project Area and areas of upland-associated vei,>etation along drainages (YBq concains no riparian woodlands lhreatened dom.inaced by oaks and junipers (\Vest.Land 2013). No Effect (C°'!)'ZfJS ametirnmu), that provide habitat for this western DPS species. This bird has been recorded throughout Arizona, including within Mohave County. Critical habitat for this species has been proposed along the Colorndo river approximately 5.5 miles (9.5 km) to the west o f the Project Area (USF\XIS 20'14c). No proposed critical habitat for YBC is mapped "'thin the vicinity of the Project J\rea (Appendix A). lnlrnbits freshwater marshes composed of cattail and Ywn a clapper rail bulrush along the Colorado River and its major None. 11,c Projccc Arca docs (Rt,l/111 ohsole111s tributaries, as well as areas supported by irrigation water. Endangered not support appropriate wetland No Effect [=l011giroshis] Populations are concentrated along the Lower Colorado or ripru:ian habitat. )!/111/flflCJJSiJ) River from the vicinity of Laughlin, 1evada to Yurna, Arizona (USFWS 2010).

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4.2. SCREENING ANALYSIS R ESULTS F OR BLH S ENSITIVE S PECIES

Results of the screening analysis of BLM sensitive species and the HDMS review (Appendix C) yielded three sensitive species with some potential to occur in the Project Area or its viciniry (Table 3). Based on the known, currentdistributions ofthese species, the required habitatcharacteristics ofthese species, and \XlestLand's site-specific knowledge, the three BLM sensitive species wich the potential to occur \\~thin the Project Arca arc as follows:

• Plants: o Pinto beardtongue (Pemlemon bicolot') • Birds: o Le Conte's 1brasher (Toxostoffla lecrmte,) • Reptiles: o Sonomn Desert Tortoise (Gophemt 111orafk111)

The Project may impact individuals or habitat ofthese species, but \\ill not likely contribute co a trend towards federal listing or cause a loss of viability to the population or species, or habitat for these three species. 'fl1ese d1ree species are considered furd1er in Section 4.3.

Based on WestLand's fi eld reconnaissance and screening analysis of the Project A(ea, the Project is expected to have No Effect on other BU v( sensitive species. The basis of determination o f each species' potential to occur is discussed in Table 3.

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Table J. Screening Analysis of BLM Sensitive Species in the Colorado River District'

Species Pote ntial to Occur Basis for Determination Effects Detennination

PLANTS (16) Inhabits steep rocky slopes and hillsides in moist soils and full sun within higher elevation Sonoran None. 'The Project Are-~ is ourside desert scrub and Semidesert grassland. In ripa1ian Parish Indian Mallow kJ1own geographic range and lacks areas, it occurs on flat terrnces ::.bove canyon No Effect (Al>11liknpmiJhi,) approp,iate habitat. bottoms. Ele.vation ranges from 1,700 to 4,900 ft (ARPC 2001; AGFD 2017). Found in mountain ranges ofcentral to southern Arizona (ARPC 200 I). Tnhabits open, rocky and sanely slopes between 2,950 to 4,590 ft (900 and 1400 m) in desert scrub None. 'J11e Project Area is outside Parish Wild Onion (AG FD 2017, SE!Net 2017). Known from che known highly restticre

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Species Potential to Occur Basis for Determination Effects Determination

In.habits well-drained rocl,-y hillsides and ridges, usually north aspect, in chaparral and oak/ pine C,lifornia Fbnnelbush None.11,e Projecr Area is outside woodland (AGFD 2017). Koown from Superstition, Fm110111odendro11 known geographic range and lacks l\fazarL.aJ, \Xleaver and Aquarius mountains and No Effect appropriare habitat. 1 1 califomic""' upper Verde Valley, Arizona. Also known from the cributaries oi upper Queen Creek.(SEINet 2017). ln)rnbirs sandy loam uplands and sandy washes in Mohave desert scrub (SETNet 20 I 7). In ALizona, White-margined scattered over a plain rhar eiTaphic ran1,'t: and has localities in northern Arizona, southern Nevada, and Pmsle111011 bicolor federal liscing or cause a loss o f appropriate habitat. eastern California (SFlNet 2017). In Arizona, only viability to the population, the rose-flowered form is known, from an area that species> or habitat. includes the Black and Hualapai mounmins of northwestern Mohave County (SEINet 2017). Tnlrnbirs edges ofdry lake beds in semi-desert None. The Project Area is outside grassland and Mohave Desert vegemtion, and Parish Phacelia known rcscrictcd geographic range gypsum lakcbcd deposits in Sonoran Dcserr No E ffccr Phardia pmisbii and lacks appropriate habitat vegemtion. In A.1.izona known only from Hualapai Valley and Burro Creek (ARPC 2001). Inhabits sandy soils, edges ofwashes, and sand None. 'The Project Arca is outside of Scaly Sand Food dunes between 325 - 820 ft (100 - 250 m). In kJ1own restricted geographic range No Effect Pholitma tlhflflria Arizona k,1own only from L~ Paz County, east and and lacks appropLiate habitat southeast ofParker (ARPC 2001). None. TI1e Project Area is outside of lnhabits sandy soils, sand dunes and other sandy Sand Food known restricted geographic range areas below 500 ft (I SO m). In Arizona known only o Effect Pholi.rmo .mn(Jrt1e and lacks appropriate habitat. from southwestern Yuma County (ARPC 2001).

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I Species Potential to Occur Basis for Determination Effects Determination

In.habits north-facing dry cliffs in desert scrub Keamev Sumac None. 111c Projec, Arca is outside of between 1,000 - 1,500 ft (300 - 450 m). In Arizona Rhu.r k;arn,yi ssp. No Effect known restricted geographic range. known only from southern Yuma County keam~)'i (ARPC 2001}. In )rnbits semi-stabil.ized sand dunes between 400 - None. The Project Area is outside of Schott \Xlire-lerruce 800 ft (120-245 m}. In Aiizona known only from known rcsr.rictcd geographic range o E ffect St,pb(tllQIJ/ffl(J Jfboflii southern Yuma and Maricopa counties and lacks appropriate habitat (ARPC2001}. Tnhabirs moisc soils in mesic canyons, along Arnvaipa \Xloodfern None. 'The Project Area is outside of riverbanks, and meadow habitats in shade. Disjunct Tlxlypte,;J p11/xr,i/p var. kJ1own geographic range and lacks populations are fou nd iJ1 Coconino, Gila, \\-laricopa, No Effect JOl/01711.fiJ approptiate habitat. Pima, Pinal, and Yavapai counties (AGFD 2017; SElNet 2017). In.habits sandy desert flats and low sand dunes and None. 'The Project Area is outside of Blue Sand Lily sandy soils between Oro 1,600 ft (0 - 490 111}. kJ1own geographic range and lacks No Effect T,ilfleiqpsispain,eri Known only from southern Yuma County and far approptiate habitat. western Pima County (ARPC 2001). Inhabits rocky, gravellr flats and slopes in Mohave None. The Project Area is outside of Joshua Tree descrtscrub between 1r'l00 to 6,000 ft (40Q..-1800 kJ1own geographic range. None were No Effect (Yi,«a /Jm:!folia) m). Found in Califonua, Nevada, Utah, and observed during field reconnaissance. Arizona. (SEINct 2017). INVERTEBRATES (2) Inhabits spring systems and immediate vicinity of Nooe.The Project J\rea is outside of Kingman Springsnail moist/wet environments (AGFD 2017). Known known restricted geographic range No Effect J)',gHlop.ris C{)nitP only from Burns, Dripping, and Cool Springs in the and lacks appropriate habitat. Black Mountains of Mohave County (AGFD 2017).

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I Species Potential to Occur Basis for Determination Effects Determination Monarch larvae (caterpillars) in Arizona are known No Effect. J\lrhougli rhe co feed almost exclusively on milkweed species in Projc.ct Arca is \\~thin the the genus t\sclepias and have occasionally been geographic range ofthe species, observed feeding on fringed twinevine (Fu11aslr11111 the Project Area lacks br~-eding l)•nnn,boides) (Morris, Kline, Md .Morris 2015, Gail habitat ofabundant milkweeds Monarch Butterfl y Unlikely. The Project Area is within ~fords, pe:rs. comm.) . Adult monarchs arc known to and water normally associated (Do11otts plexipp11.r geographic range but lacks o,•erwinrer and breed in the low deserts ofArizona with the species. Because the p/;o,.-ipp,u) appropriate breeding habitat. in areas where water and food (flower nectar) disnirbancc o f the Project is resources are abundant. These areas are generally largely associated with existing represented by urban cnvironmc:-nts (e.g ., Yuma, disturbance and the discurbance Phoenix and vicinity, Tucson) (J\forris, Kline, and is limited, no effects ro this Munis 2015). species arc ancicioaccd. FISH (4) Inhabits a variety ofaquatic habirnts from low- elevation sandy bottomed desert streams to cool, 1.ongfin Dace None. 11,e Project Area lacks clear mounr.ain streams. Found in the Gila and Bill No Effect Agosia ch,:poga,ter appropiiate habitat. \'{liJliams drainages and introduced into the Virgin River basin. Also occurs in San Pedro River and CienC!,.>a Creek (AGFD 2017). Inhabits rapids and flowi ng pools of rivers and Desert Sucker None. 1l1e Project J\rea lacks streams. Found in Gila and Bill Willi.ams drainages No Effect Catosro111m dark.i approp1iate habitat. of lower Colorado River (AGFD 20'17). Inhabits perennial, flowing streams with deep pools Sonora Sucker None. 11,e Project Arca lacks and cover (e.g., log and debris piles}. Found in Gila No Effect Ct,101tom11s ituigNis appropriate habitat. Md Bill Williams drainages oflower Colorado River (AGrD 2017) inhabits rocky tifOes, runs, and pools of headwatecs Speckled Dace None. '11,e Projecc Arca lacks and smalJ to medium rivers. Found in Bill \Xlilli:uns, o E ffccc Rhi11itbll!)'f O,tllllft appropriate habitat. Colorndo, Salt, Verde, Md Upper Gila River drainages in Arizona. (t\GFD 2017).

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Species Potential to Occur Basis for Determination Effects Determination

AMPHIBIANS (3) lnhabits rocky, shallow perennial streams in a range of elevations and habitats from low desert to None. 11,e Project Acea is within mountains (Brennan and Holycross 2006). Arizona wad 1:,.-eo,,'11tphic range but lacks Found in southern Apache and Navajo counties, No Effect (A11a.x;•m.r 111icrr;.rcopbus) appwpriate habitat. northern Graham and Greenlee counties, G i.la Yavapa.i and Nlohave counties (Brennan and Holycross 2006). Inhabits Ponds, wetlands, springs, rivers and None. ·n,cP roject Arca is within Relict Leopard Prog streams in 'tvfohave deserrsc-rub. Found in exr.reme geographic range but lacks No Effect Uthobote.r OJ/Ca northwestern Arizona (Brennan and Holycross appropLi atc habitat. 2006). Inhabits a variety ofperennial to near perennial None. 'The Project Area is within Lowland Leopard Prog nan,ml and manmade ,vaters. founrl in central and geographic range but lacks No Effect Lithobotesyovopaie1ui1 southeastern Arizona with the majority found below approp,iate habitat. the Mogollon Rim (AG FD 2017). REPTILES (5) Inhabits rocky foothills and slopes throughout much of the south central and western portions of Arizona, south and cast of the Colorado River in May affect individu.,ls or Possible. The Project Area is within areas that support a variety ofplant communities habitat, but will not likely Sonoran Desert geographic range and has appropriate \\~rhin rhc Sonoran Desert. Found in a narrow band contribute to a trend towards Tortoise2 habitat. No sign of this species \\'llS along the west edge ofnorthern Mohave County. In federal listing or cause a loss o f Gophem.r 111omfl,;1i norcd during field reconnaissance in the southern half of the county its range expands viability to the population, January and May. eastward~ crossing southern Yavapai County into species> or habitat. Gila County (AGfD 2017). There is an J-IDMS record of this species within 3 miles ofthe Project Area. I

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I Species Potential to Occur Basis for Determination Effects Determination In.habits springs, creeks, ponds, and waterholes of intermittent stream~ Ln upland biotic communities ranging from Sonoran desertscrub to montane pine Sonora Mud Turtle None. The Project Area is within forests . .M ay occur away from water during Kino.rlemo11 .rono,ieJJ.re geographic range bur lacks No F.ffect movements among aquatic feamres. Found in G ifa 10110,imse appropriate habitat. Rivci: drainage ofcentral and southeast Arizona and tributaries of the Colorado River in west-central Arizona (Brennan and Holvcross 2006). Yu,nan Desert None. The Projecr t\rea is outside of lo.habits dunes and sandy fla ts in Lower Colorado Fringe-toed Lizard the Jimircd g<-ographic range of the River desertscrub. Known only from Yuma County No Effecr U111a mfop,mctal" species and lacks appropriate habitat. (Brennan and Holycross 2006). i\fojave Fringe-roed None. The Project Arca is outside of Inhabits dunes and sandy flats in Lower Colorado J.izard che limiced geographic range of the River deserrscrub. Known only fron-1 I.a P:1.z County No Effecc U111a sttJ/Xlria snecies and lacks annropriate habitat. (Brennan and I lolycross 2006). Flat-tailed Horned None. T he Projccc Arca is outside of Inhabirs hard packed sandy tlars and low dunes in Liz.1rd the limited geographic range of the Lower Colorado River desertscrub. Known only No Effect P~)'/1101-0/H(I IJ/Ctdlii species and lacks appropriate habitat. from Yuma County (Brennan and Holycross 2006). BIRDS (11) Inhabits cool, macure ro old-growth forescs oftalJ pine, fii:, and/ or spruce, including riparian drainages, mil

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I Species Potential to Occur Basis for Determination Effects Determination No Effect. Th.is species forages Inhabits pinyon pine-juniper woodlands, Sonoran \\~ddyacross mulciplc deserrscrub, ~fadrean evergreen oak woodlands, landscapes. Because rhe semiarid grnsslands, chapamtl, and landscapes Possible. The Project Area is within disturbance of the Project is dominated by big sagebrush. Nests in areas with known geographic range and the largely associated with existing Golden Eagle little to no human activity, in tall rrees, cliffs, species might use the area for disnu:bancc, there is no ncscing Aq11il" dnysaeto.r canyons, or rock ledges, ne..1r large open areas where foraging. However, the Project Area habitat in the Project Area, and they forage for prey (Corman and \Xlise-Gervais lacks appropriate habitat for nesting. the dismrbancc is limited in 2005). There is an HDMS record ofrJ,is species relation to the a,•ailable foroging within 3 miles of the Project Area, however there is habitat in the vicinity, no effects no appropriate nesting habitat in the Project Area. ro this species are anticipated. Inhabits open, treeless, flat to gently-sloping areas chatacterized by low, sparse veget.~cion within 1:,>mssland, steppe, and desert biomes. Nso human- None. T he Project Arca is within Western Burrowing influenced landscapes such M bladed .reas for known geographic range but Owl fucure development, ~rticulrura) lands, airports, golf appropriate habitat of flat open areas No E ffect Athtne c1111ic11/arin courses, and other open clisturbed areas. Found with burrows was not noted during 1!Jp1r,oeo nesting tluotl!:,>hout tl,e state where favoi:able habitat field reconnaissance. is present; with concentrntion areas in the Detrital and Hualapai valleys north of Kingman (Corman and \Vise-Gervais 2005). Inhabits open, fla t grassland associations with Ferruginous Hawk None. 11,e Project Area is outside nearby knolls with scnttered junipers. Sometimes (breeding population known breeding range and lacks found in sagebrush deserts and pine-juniper No Effect only) appropriate habitat. woodlands in breeding range. Breeds in northern B11ko t'tj,alis Arizona (Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005). Inhabits Sonoran Desert uplands, in areas Nooe. The Project J\rea is within containing numerous saguaro cacti. Fewer are found Gilded Flicker known geogi:aphic range bur lacks in more nrid nnd sparsely vegetated areas. A No Effect Colaptes rba•1oide1 saguaro cacti, as verified during field common resident in suitable habitat throughout reconrnussance. Arizona (Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005).

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I Species Potential to Occur Basis for Determination Effects Determination No Effect. T his species forages Possible. The Project Area is within Inhabits steep, sheer cliffs overlooking woocllands, \\~ddyacross mulciplc known geographic range and rhe ripa_ri::tn nrens, and other h:..bit,1ts supporting avian landscapes. Because the species ma)' forage wide])' across prey species in abundance. In Aiizona, most often disturbance of the Project is habitat types and prey species (\Xihite found in forested regions from pinyon pine-juniper American Peregrine largely associated with existing er al. 2002). The Project Area, and evergreen oaks to ponderosa pine and mixed f alcon disnu:bancc, there is no ncscing however, does not contain cliffs, the conifer, to cold-temperate desert scrub and Sonoran t-=nko J>eft!.tiJJIIJ nnn/11111 habitat in the Project Area, and key habitat feature identified as desert scrub. Found in all areas throughout the state the dismrbancc is limited in associated wid, breeding for d,is wherever che-re is suitable habitat (Corman and relation to the a,•ailable foraging species (\Xihite et al. 2002, BLM \Xiise-Gervais 2005). BL\! identifies cliffs as a key habitat in the vicinity, no effects 2010). habitat feature for this species (BL.M 201 0). to this species are anticipated. Inhabits pinyon pine., conifer, and grasslands with scattered stands of juniper. lt is often found in PinyonJay bordering habitats as it wanders widely to forage. None. T he Project Arca lacks Gy11morbi1111.s Arizona breeding range includes central and No Effect appropriate habitat. l)'OJIOC,Pht1h1S norchcrn Arizona, where it paraJJds the distribution ofColorndo pinyon pine (Corman and Wise- Gervais 2005). Nes[s in large riparian trees (cottonwoods, willows. sycamores) and pines, as well as on ledges and cliff B•.ld Eagle None. 11,e Project Area lacks faces. i\ small, primarily year-round resident No Effect Holit1ef/11s le11,·ocepboh11 appropriate habitat. population occupies areas in Central Arizona, while -a wintering population occupies areas in bod1 Central and Northern Arizona (AGFD 2017). California Black Rail None. T he Project Arca is outside Inhabits wetlands with shallow, stable water and Lo1eml/J1sjm11nittnsit restricted geographic range and lacks gentli• sloping shorelines along the Colorado River No Effect (,(}fl(T'lliCIIUIJ appropriate habitat. (Corman and Wisc-Gervais 2005).

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Species Potential to Occur Basis for Determination Effects Determination

Nooe.The Project J\rea is ,vithu1 In.habits Sonoran desert scrub where large saguaros known ge('!,>raphic range and the with many cavirics arc in abundance or in higher species may forage widely fro m nest elevation woocllaods. Foraging habitat includes over Desert Purple i\fartin site.s. However, the Project Area does rivers, lakes, ponds, and earthen stock tanks, often No F.ffect PrlJ!.nes11bir hetperia not comain nesting habitat such as at considerable cliscaoces from nest sites. saguaros or woodlands, o r opc-n Throug ho ut south•ccncral Arizona and in open water commonly associated with forested areas above and below the Mogollon Rim fora_ging habitat for the species. (Corman and Wisc-Gervais 2005). Lo.habits sparsely vegetated .lower Sonoran desert scrub. Typical habitat consists ofopen, flat to gently Mar affect individuals or rolling hills and shallow braided washes. Trees and habitat, but will not likely Possible. The Project Area is " i thin larger shrubs are usually very sparingly distributed Le Conte's Thrasher concriburc ro a trend towards known geographic range and and saguaros and cholla are t)1>ically absent. rrom To,,.,"Osfo1J1a lectmlti federal listing or cause a loss of contains appropriate habitat. extreme west and southwest Arizona, Gila River viabilit)· to the population Valley, Mohave Desert along the Sacramento Va lley . h b' ' west o f Ki nwnan, and wi· t1 u·n th c Iowcr D ctn• ra1 Ispecies, or a !lat. Valle)' (Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005). MAMMALS(7) Inhabits gently sloping grasslands, shrub-steppe None. 11,e Project Arca is outside of Gunnison's Prai1ic Dog intcrmo untain valleys, and scmidcscrr and montanc the geographic range of the species No Effect (ynOIJ!)'J g111miso11i shrublands. Occurs mnorthern Ariaona (USFWS and lacks appropriate habitat. 2013). In.habits low to high elevation desert scrub where None. 11,e Project Arca is outside they roost sing ly in cracks and crevices on ro cky Spotted Bat known geographic range and lacks cliffs near surface water (TNF 2000). Occurs in No Effect E,1den11a 1J1amloh1111 appropdate roosring habicat. northwestern Arizo na with isolated rccrn:ds near Yuma and Seligman (AGFD 2017).

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I Species Potential to Occur Basis for Determination Effects Determination No Effect. Th.is species forages \\~ddyacross mulciplc Inhabits rocky canyons with abundant roosting landscapes. Because the crevices. Forages widely from roost sites in lower disturbance of the Project is and upper Sonoran desert scrub near cliffs. Greater Western Possible. The Project Area is within largely associated with existing Considered a year-round resident in Arizona, l\fasciff Bat geographic range but lacks disnu:bancc, there is no roosting observed in most counties (AGFD 2017).11,ere is Elfl11op1pero1i1 cnlifomit111 appropriate roosting habitat. habitat in the Project Area, and an HDl\eographic range. ofthe species, ln)rnbits woodlands and riparian areas in proximity the Project Area lacks roosting

co cliffs, and rocky o utcrops1 o fccn above water. habitat and the woodlands and T ypically, roosts in caves and abandoned foraging areas over water Unlikely. The Project Area is within underground mines, buc trees are also used. Occurs normally associated with the Allen's Big-cared Bat geographic range but lacks across most ofArizona, except the southwestern species. Because the clisrurbance ldio19·c1eris p//;ilotiJ approp,iate roosting habitat. deserts, especially along Mogollon Rim (AGFD of the Project is large.ly 2017). Normally associated with pine forest and associated with ex.istiJ,g riparian woodlands hue have been in documented in disturbance, there is no roosting desert scrub (AGFD 2017). habitat in the Project Area, and the disturbance is limited; no effects to this species are anticipaccd.

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I Species Potential to Occur Basis for Determination Effects Determination No Effect. Although this spc.cics may forage ln the vicinity of the Project Area, the Primarily inhabits Sonoran desert scrub. Roost sites disturbance of the Project is have large areas o f ceiling and fl ying space, and largely associated with existing California Leaf-nosed Possible. The Project Area is within include abandoned underground mines, caves, and disnu:bancc, there is no roosting Bar geographic range but lacks rock shelters. Occurs in soutl,ern porrion of habitat in the Project Area, and A1lmro/11J califar11icu1 appropriate roosting habitat. Arizona below the ]VlogoUon Rim, with occurrence the dismrbancc is limited in records concentrnted in wescern JX>rrion of the state relation to the available foraging (AG FD 2017). habitat in the vicinity. Thus, no effects to this species are anticipated. Forages over or near water in ponderosa pine and Arizona Myotis None. 'The Project Are-~ lacks oak-pine woodlands between 3,200 t0 8,620 ft. (975 o E ffect A1~'()/J~• orr11/J11,1 appropriate habitat. - 2627 m). Typical roosts found under exfoliating bark of snai.:s (AGFD 2017). No E ffect. Although this species may forage in the vicinity o f the Project Area, the clisturbance ofthe Project is Roosts in caves, runnels, mines, and under bridges largely associated with c.xiscing Possible. 11,e Project Area is within Cave 1\-lyotis within a few miles ofwater. Forages in desert scrub clisturbance, there is no roosting geographic range but lacks N!J~tis i.lifer vegetation. O ccurs primarily south of Mogollon habitat in the Project Area, and appropriate roosting habirar. Rim (AGFO 20 17). the disturbance is limited in relation to the available foraging habitat in the vicinity. Thus, no effects to this species arc anticipated.

I Rows \\~th ,brk gray shading arc those species with potential ro oc:cur within the Project Arca. 2AJlhough this species is •lOt on the 2010 OLM Sc:osic.ivc S1>ecies List for Coloudo River Disc.de,, ic is included i.n this aoalrsis bcc.-iuse of the focus OLM h:is 1>1:'1ccd on chc m:in:igcmcnt of the species, and BLM Md the goal ofthe Bullhead Bajada Natural and Cultural Area of Critical Environmental Concern to protect habirot for the Sonoran dc.'$ert tortoise.

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4.3. BLM SPECIES WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA

4.3. 1. Pinto Beardtongue

Pineo beardtongue (P. bico/01} is a short-lived herbaceous perennial plant in the Plancaginaceae family with fe w to many fl owering stalks. The showy tubular fl owers bloom in April and J\fay, and vary in color but are predominantly eitl)er yellow or rose (Smith 2006). In Arizona, only tl)e rose-flowered fom1 is known, from the Black and 1-lualapai mountains of northwestern 1\-lohave County (SEINet 2017), however the species is known from many areas in the J\fojave Desert of southern Nevada and adjacent southeastern California as well as northwestern Arizona. The population is estimated to be approximately 7,550 individuals, but there are likely areas where mis species occurs but has not been recorded (Smim 2006}. ·n )e species occurs in dismrbed sites such as washes, roadsides, and rocky slopes, crevices, and talus in the mountains, on aU aspects between 1,800 and 5,480 ft (550 and 1,670 m}. The nearest known occurrence of me species to me Project Area is approximately l 7 mi (27 km) co the southeast (SEINet 2017).

The pinto beardtongue has potential 10 occur in the Project Area. The eastern portion of rhe Project Area contains appropriate habitat of washes, roadsides, and rocky slopes between elevations of 1,800 and 5,480 ft (550 and 1,670 m). D uring field reconnaissance, suitable habitat for this species was observed; however, no indi,~duals of this species were observed, perhaps in part due to tl1e timing of the field reconnaissance which occurred outside tl1e blooming season for this species. D ue to the known distribution of this species in California and Nevada, itS estimated population of 7,550 individuals, and the limited disturbance area associated \\~th d1e Project, d1e Project may affect individuals, but is unlikely tO conttibute to a trend towards federal listing Ot cause a loss of viabili ty for me species, population, or habitat for this species.

4.3.2. Le Conte's Thrasher

The Le Come's mrasher (Toxoslolfla leconlei) is a non-migratory bird that is endemic to four southwestern states and northwestern Mexico. Although widespread, they are uncommon to rare residents in open desert with scattered shrubs and sanely and/or alkaline soil. The species nestS in mcn,s, tl1orny shrub, or small trees, but does not usually occur in creosotebush, which does not provide su fficient cover or structure for nesting. Pairs typically occupy the same area over a period of several years, and egg laying occurs from January through June (Prescott 1999).

Le Conte's th.rasher has potential to occur in the Project Area. TI1e eastern portion ofthe Project Area contains appropriate habitat of cacnis, thorny shrub, and small trees with le$S creosote than the western portion of the Project Area. During fi eld reconnaissance, suitable habitat for th.is species was observed; however, no individuals of this species were observed. Due co the large range ofth.is species across the soumwesc and into Mexico, the mobility of this species which enables avoidance o f

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disnubaoc.c, the s111all area of the Project '";th suitable habitat for this species, and the linUtcd distw:bance of the Project, the Project may affect, but is unlikely to contribute to a trend towards federal listing or cause a loss of viability area associated with the species, population, or habitat for this species.

4.3.3. Sonoran Desert Tortoise

Sonoran desert torcoises in Arizona are found throughout much of d1e south central and western portions of the state south and east ofthe Colo.rado River, from near Pearce Ferry in Mohave County south to the Mexican border in Ywna, Pima, and western Santa Cruz counties. The species range extends to the south through Sonora, l\foxico. The Project Area occurs in the narrow band of the tortoise's range fo und along the western edge ofnorthern Mohave County, an area that is considered Category 2 habitat by the BLM; that is, habitat that may be essential to maintenance ofviable, stable populations ofSonor,,n desert tortoise (t\JDTI I996 ).

Sonoran desert tortoises are found in d1e Arizona Upland and Lower Colorado River Subdivisions of Sonoran Desertscrub, in desert grassland communities, and in ecotonal areas consisting of Sonoran desert scrub with componenrs of Interior Chaparral, Mojave Desertscrub and juniper woodland, and desert grassland (Averill-Murray and Klug 2000). Populations occur at elevations between 510 and 5,300 ft (155 tO 1615 m) (t\GFD 2017) . Sonoran desert tortoise habitat primarily includes steep, rocky slopes, dissected bajadas, and foothills with boulder and rock piles that occur above the flat valley floor. In these environments, shelter sites are often associated with these boulder piles and Sonoran desert tortoises use existing crevices and cavities, often wiili loose, friable soils iliat allow for modification. O ther shelter sites in these environments consist of partially excavated (I.e., not deep) divots (aka pallers) on hillsides under vegetation (l\fartin 1995). Sonoran desert tOrtoises will also frequent pack rat houses, which provide iliermal buffering and increased humidity (ivlartin 1995, Averill-Murray et al. 2002a). In parts of their range, occupancy is associated with caliche caves and cavities in and along desert washes and arroyos (Riedle et al . 2008). Availability of shelter sites is considered to be one ofthe primary limiting factors determining occupancy and/ or population density (ZylStra and Steidl 2009, AveriU-Mw:ray et al. 2002b).

The Sonoran desert rortoise has potential to occur in die Project Area. The species has been documented in the vicinity of the Project Area, and burrows consistent with those known to be used by Sonoran desert tortoise, were observed at the very western portion of the Project Area (Appendix D, Photograph 8).

Duting field reconnaissance, suitable habitat fo r this species was observed; however, no individuals of this species were observed, perhaps in part due to ilie timing of the field reconnaissance which occurred outside the emergent season for this species. Due to the known distribution of this species

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in Atizona and soud1 inco Mc.xico 1 its escin1atcd robust popu.lacion of 4701000 to 9701000 incLi v-icluals (USF\1(1S 2015), its mobility, and the limited disturbance area of the Project, the Project may affect individuals, but is unlike.ly to contribute to a trend towards federal listing or cause a loss of viability for the species, population, or habitat for this species.

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S. REFERENCES

Andcrson,J.L. 1999. "TI1c \Xlhicc-.Margined Pcnstcmon (Penste111011 albo1J1argi11a1t1sJones), a Rare Mohave Desert Species, and the Hualapai Mountains Land Exchange in Mohave County, Arizona." Phoenix, Arizona: U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). 2009. Arizona Water Atlas. http://www.azwater.gov/AzD\VR/SmtewidePlanning/WaterAclas/UpperColoradoRiver/d ocumcnts.Volumc_ 4_B\VJ\,Lfinal.pdf.

Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD). 20l 7. Unpublished abstracts compiled and edited by the Heritage Data l'vlanagemenr System, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, AZ.

Arizona Tnteragency Desert Tortoise Team (ATDTI). 1996. Management Plan for the Sonoran Desert Population of the Desert Tortoise in Arizona.

Arizona fuire Plant Comminee (ARPq. 2001. Arizona Rare Plant Field Guide. A Collaboration of Agencies and Organizations, prepared by Arizona Rare Plant Committee.

Averill-Murray, R.C., and C.M. Klug. 2000. Monitoring and ecology of Sonoran desert tortoises in Arizona. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Technical Report 161. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, AZ.

Averill-Murray, R.C. , B.E. Martin, SJ. Bailey, and E.B. Wirt. 2002a. Activity and behavior of rhe Sonoran Desert tortoise in Arizona. Pages 135-158 in Van Devender, T.R. editor. The Sonoran Deserc Torcoise: Natural History, Biology, and Conservation. University o f Arizona Press, Tucson.

Averill-Murray, R.C., A.P. \-Xloodman, and J.M. Howland. 2002b. Population ecology of the Sonoran Desert tortoise in Arizona. Pages 109-134 in Van Devender, T.R. editor. The Sonoran Desert Tortoise: Natural Hist!') ', Biology, and Conservation. University ofArizona Press, Tucson.

Brennan, T.C., and A.T. Holycross. 2006. A Field C11irk to AJ,,pbibimu rmd &ptile.s i11 A,iZP11a. Phoenix, Arizom: Ari.zona Game and Fish Department.

Brown, D.E. (ed.). 1994. Biotic Co,mmmities: Sot1th1i-estem UnitedStates mtdNo1thwe.1tem Mexiro. University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, UT.

Brown, D.E., and C. H. Lowe. 1980. Biotic Con1n11111ilies - South1i-estem U11ited States a11d No11h1i-estem Mexiro. l\fap. General Technical Report Rivf-78. Rocky Mountain Foresc and Range

Westland Resources, Inc. Biological Evaluation of Appr oximately 3.6 Miles of Road and May 17, 20 17 Utility Corridor Right-O f-Way for the Moss Mine Page 24

Experiment Station, Forest Service, U. $. Department of Agriculture. (Reprinted 1994. University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, UT.)

Bureau of Land Management (BLl\tl). 2007. Record of Decision and Lake Havasu Field Office Approved Resource Management Plan. Prepared by U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management, Lake Havasu Field O ffice. Lake Havasu City, Arizona. May 2007.

__. 2010. Sensitive Species List fo r Arizona.

Chronic, H. l 983. Ro,ulside Geology ofAii:zy11t1. Mountain Press Publishing Company, Missoula, J\ff.

Corman, Troy, and Cathryn Wisc-Gervais. 2005. A,izo11a Breeding BirdAlias. 1\1bu9uer9uc: University of New Mexico Press.

Halterman, M.D., M.J.Johnson, J.A. Holmes, and S.A. Laymon. 2015. "A Natural History Summary and Survey Protocol fo r the Western Distinct Population Segment of the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Techniques and Methods." Final D raft, 45.

Martin, B.E., 1995. Ecology of tl1e desert rortoise (Gophem s agassiz!1) in a desert-grassland community in southern Arizona. M.S. tl1esis, University of Arizona, Tucson.

Morris, G . .M., C. Kline & S. M. Morris. 2015. Status of Da11a11s pkxipp11s population in Arizona. J.Lep. Soc. 69: 91 - 107

Prescott, B. l 999. Le Conte's Thrasher (Toxos/011,a leconttt). Available on-line at: http://www.bhn.gov/sty lc/medialib// blm/ca/pdf/pdfs/ cd

Ransome, F.L 1923. Geology of the Oatman Gold District, Arizona. A preliminary report prepared for the U.S. Geological Survey.

Riedle, J.D., Averill-Murray, R.C., Lutz, C.L. and Bolen, D.K, 2008. Habitat use by desert tortoises (Gophcrus agassizii) on alluvial fans in the Sonoran Desert, south-central Arizona. Cqpeia, 2008(2), pp. 41 4-420.

Soud1west Envirorunental Information Network (SEINet). 2017. "Database of Herbarium CoUections." Sb[i\Jet. http://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/index.php.

Smitl1 F. 2006. Current Knowledge and Conservation Status of Pe,ute111on bicolor (Brandegee) Clokey & Keck (Planraginaceae), the two-tone beardtongue. State of Nevada, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Nevada Naniral Heritage Program

Q:\lob,.\1211((,;\1203.03\1::.NV\Dnfl BE\ Hi,:,lr.,gic,al fa'm111tirnU>S. 17.17.dr,o: Westland Resources, Inc. Biological Evaluation of Approximately 3.6 Miles of Road and May 17, 20 17 Utility Corridor Right-Of-Way for the Mo ss Mine Page 25

Tonto National Forest. (INF). 2000. "Species AbstractS." htt_p://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE DOCU]'v!ENTS/fsbdev3 018579.pdf.

U. 5. Fish & Wildlife Service (USF\VS). 1985. Revised California Least Tern Recovery Plan. U.S. fish and Wildlife Service Portland, Oregon 1l 2. pp.

__. 1991. Endangered and 1breatened Wildlife and Plants; the Razorback Sucker (){ym11che11 texa1111s) Determined to be an Endangered Species. Federal Register 56 (205): 54957-54967.

__. l 994. Endangered and 'Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Critical Habitat for the Colorado River Endangered Fishes: Razorback Sucker, Colorado Squaw6sh, Humpback Chub, and Bonytail Chub. Federal Register 59(54): 13374-134-00. Accessed June 2013 at: http://www.fws.gov/southwes t/ es/arizona/Documents/Federal%20Registers/ CH_four_c olorado_river_fishes.pdf.

__. 2009. Endangered and Threatened Wildli fe and Planes; 12-lv!oneh Finding on a Petition co Lise a Distinct Population Segment of tl1e Roundcail Chub (Gila ,vlmsta) in the Lower Colorado River Basin. Federal Register 74 (128): 32352-32387.

__. 2010. Yuma Clapper Rail Recovery Plan (Rol/11s lo11giroshis J'llt11011emis) Draft First Revision. Southwest Region U.S. Fish and \XiiI d Iife Service Albuquerque, New Mexico.

---. 2013. "Endangered and Threatened Wildli fe and Planes; 12-lvloneh Fincling on a Petition co List the Guno.ison's Prairie Dog as an Endangered or Threated Species." Federal Rrgiste,· 78 (220): 68660--85

__. 2014a. Endangered and 'I11reacened Wildlife and Planes; ·n1reatened Status for the Nord1ern J'vfexican Gartersnake and Limited-headed Gartersnake; final Rule. Federal Register 79(130): 38678-38745.

__. 20146. Endangered and 1hreatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination ofThreatened Status for the Western D istinct Population Segment of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyz,a t1t1mica,111s). Federal Register 79 (218): 59992-60038.

__. 2014c. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for me Western Distinct Population Segment of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coc9•ZJI! a111erit"'111s); Final Rule. Federal Register 80 (193): 67154-67155.

__. 2015. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition ro Llst Sonoran Desert Tortoise as an Endangered or 'Ilueatened Species. Federal Register 74 (128): 60321 -60335.

Q:\lob,.\1211((,;\1203.03\1::.NV\ Dnfl BE\ Hi,:,lr.,gic,al fa'm111tirnU>S.17.17.dr,o: Westland Resources, Inc. Biological Evaluation of Approximately 3.6 Miles of Road and May 17, 201 7 Utility Corridor Right-Of-Way for the Moss Mine Page 26

Web Soil Survey (WSS). 2017. Soil Survey Staff, Natura.I Resources Conservation Service, United States D eparm1ent of Agriculmre. \'(leb Soil Survey. Avail.~ble online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. Accessed Januaxy, 18, 2017.

WestLand Resources. 2013. "Comments on the 2013 Proposal by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to List the Western Distinct Population Segment of the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus America.nus) as Threatened." Prepared for the A tiz_oJta Mi11i11g A.rsociotiofl. Tucson, Arizona: \XlescLand Resources, Inc.

\'vhite, Clayton M., Nancy J. Clum, Tom J. Cade and W. Grainger Hun t. (2002) . Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), ·n1e Birds ofNorth America (P. G. Rodewald, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of O rnithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America: hrtps: //birdsrn, org/Species Accounc/bna/si:,ecies/perfal DOI: 10.2173/bna.660 Zylstra, E.R. and RJ. Steidl. 2009. Habitat Use by Sonoran Desert Tortoises. Journal of Wildlife .Management 73:747-754.

Q:\lob,.\ 1211((,;\1203.03\1::.NV\Dnfl BE\ Hi,:,lr.,gic,al fa'm111tirnU>S. 17.17.dr,o: Westland Resources, Inc. FIGURES ARIZONA PROJECT VICINITY

C~:A.RK COUNTY; 'fNEVA DA

MOHAVE fOUNTY, ARIZONA

D Project Area

T20N, R20W, Portions of Sectioos 30 and 31, T20N, R21W, Portions of Sectloos 25, 26, and 36, GOLDEN VERTEX CORP. Mohave County, Arizona, Oatman USGS 7.5' Quadrangle (2014) Biological Evaluation of Image Source: ArcGIS Online, World Street Map Approximately 3.6 Miles of Right-of-Way for the Moss Mine 1,200 2,400 Feel VICINITY MAP ~ 400 800 Figure 1 Westland Resources Meters d __J

T20N, R20W, Portions of Sections 30and 31, T20N, R21W, Portions of Sections 25, 26. and 36. Legend Mohave County, Arizona, GOLDEN VERTEX CORP. Image Source: 2015 USDANAIP Orthophoto Project Area Surface Management (SLM 2014) [7 National Park Service (NPS) Data Source: BLMArea orCritical Concern and c:J Biological Evaluation of Wilderness Area acquired on 216/2017 from the BLM c:J Possible Re-Route LJ Bureau of Land Management (SLM) LJ Private Land (No Color) Approximately 3.6 Miles of Right-of-Way for the Moss Mine ~ SLMArea of Critical Concern r--=i Bureau of Reclamation LJ State Trust Land 4.000 8.000 PROJECT AREA ___,-..._ Feet (222} SLM WildernessArea D Indian Lands State WildlifeArea 1,250 2,500 Figure 2 Westland Resources Meters T20N, R20W, Portions of Sections 30 and 31, T20N, R21W, Portions of Sections 25, 26. and 36. GOLDEN VERTEX CORP. Mohave County, Arizona, Legend Davis Dam USGS 100,000 Quadrangle Biological Evaluation of Project Area AZ Tortoise Habitat {BLM, Aqulred 2017) Image Source: ArcGIS Online, USA Topo D Approximately 3.6 Miles of D Possible Re-Route Category 1 Right-of-Way for the Moss Mine Category 2 SONORAN DESERT TORTOISE 1:§:1 6~:~h4'~o::(~tio~=~~~u1r;1nces of ___,-..._ ~ o"""""liii•.oooil~~s.,.~ ..t Category 3 HABITAT CLASSES AND OCCURRENCES IN THE VICINITY OF THE PROJECT AREA ~ o• Westland Resources """"liii'aa·2.,so..,..,2..,.s'la.ters F,gure 3 APPENDIX A USFWS IPaC System Online Query United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Arizona Ecological Services Field Office 9828 Nonh 31st Ave #(;) Phoenix, AZ 8505 1-2517 Phone: (602) 242-0210 Fax: (602) 242-2513 ht1p://,,i.,ww.fws.~ov/soutbwest/es/ari1--0na/ hnp·//www !\vs gov/sombwestfe~/CndaneeredSpecies Main hrml

In Reply Refer To: May 03, 2017 Consultation Code: 02EAAZ00-2017-SLI-0233 Event Code: 02EAAZ00-2017-E-01405 Project Name: Moss Mine BE

Subject: Updated list of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project

To Whom It May Concern:

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is providing this list under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The list you have generated identifies threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species, and designated and proposed critical habitat, that may occur within one or more delineated United States Geological Survey 7.5 minute quadrangles with which your project polygon intersects. Each quadrangle covers, at minimum, 49 square mi les. Please refer to the species information links found at http·//www fws gov/southwest/e.s/arjwna/Docs Species htm or hrtp·//www fws gov/sonrhwesr/es/arjznna/Docnments/MjscDocs/AZSpeciesReference pdf for a quick reference, to determine if suitable habitat for the species on your list occurs in your project area.

The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the habitats upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(l) and 7(a)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to caJTy out programs for the conservation of Federal trust resources and to determine whether projects may affect federally listed species and/or designated critical habitat. A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other unde,t aki ngs having similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Reconunended contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12. 05/03/2017 Even! Code: 02EAAZ00·2017·E·01405 2

If the Federal action agency determines that listed species or critical habitat may be affected by a federally funded, pe1mitted or authorized activity, the agency 111ust consult with us pursuant to 50 CFR 402. Note that a "may affect" determination includes effects that may not be adverse and that may be beneficial, insignificant, or discountable. An effect exists even if only one individual or habitat segment may be affected. The effects analysis should include the entire action area, which often extends well outside the project boundary or "footprint" (e.g., downstream). Ifthe Federal action agency determines that the action may jeopardize a proposed species or adversely modify proposed critical habitat, the agency must enter into a section 7 conference. Tbe agency may choose to confer with us on an action that may affect proposed species or critical habitat.

Candidate species are those fo r which there is sufficient information to support a proposal fo r listing. Although candidate species have no legal protection under the Act, we recommend that they be considered in the planning process in the event they beco111e proposed or listed prior to project completion. More information on the regulations (50 CFR 402) and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in our Endangered Species Consultation Handbook at: http://wwwfws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/I'OC-GLOS.PDF.

In addition to species listed under the Act, we advise you to consider species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 U.S.C. 703-712) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.). Both laws prohibit the take of covered species. The list of MBT A-protected birds is in 50 CFR I 0.13 (for an alphabetical list see 1J11ps.:llww11.Uws..gPl/lbkdslm.aoage.m.ent1managedcspe.cie.slroigrat

Although bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are no longer listed under the Act, they are protected under both the BGEPA and the MBTA. If a bald eagle nest occurs in or near the proposed project area, our office should be contacted. An evaluation must be performed to determine whether the project is likely to disturb nesting bald eagles (see http://www.fws.gov/southeast/es/baldeagle/) and the Division of Migratory Birds consulted if necessary. The National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines provide recommendations to minimize potential project impacts to bald eagles (see http://www fws.gov/midwest/eagle/pdf/NationalBaldEagleManagemencGuidelines.pdO.

Activities that involve streams and/or wetlands are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). We recommend that you contact the Corps to determine their interest in proposed projects in these areas. For activities within a National Wildlife Refuge, we recommend that you contact refuge staff for specific information about refuge resources.

If your action is on Indian land or has implications for off-reservation tribal interests, we 05/03/2017 Even! Code: 02EAAZ00·2017·E·01405 3 encourage you to contact the tribe(s) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to discuss potential t1ibal concerns, and to invite any affected tribe and the BIA to paiticipate in the section 7 consultation. In keepiug with our tribal trust responsibility, we will notify tribes tbat may be affected by proposed actions when section 7 consultation is initiated. For more information, please contact our tribal coordinator, John Nystedt, at (928) 556-2160 or John Nys1e

The State of Arizona protects some species not protected by Federal law. We recommend you contact the Arizona Game and Fisb Department (AGFD) for animals and Arizona Department of Agriculture for plants to determine ifspecies protected by or of concern to the State may occur in your action area. The AGFD has an Environmental Review On-Line Tool that can be accessed at hllp://www.azgfd.gov1hgisl. We also recommend that you coordinate with the AGFD regarding your project.

For additional communications regarding this project, please refer to tbe consultation Trackiug Number in the header of this letter. We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. If we may be of further assistance, please contact Brenda Smith at 9281556-2157 for projects in Northern Arizona, our general Phoenix number (602/242-0210) for central Arizona, or Jean Calhoun at 5201670-6150 (x223) for projects in southern Arizona.

Sincerely,

Isl

Steven L. Spangle

Field Supervisor

Attachment(s):

• Official Species List 05/03/2017 Even! Code: 02EAAZ00·2017·E·01405

Official Species List

This list is provided pursuant 10 Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the requirement fo r Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior infonuation whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action".

This species list is provided by:

Arizona Ecological Services Field Office 9828 Nonh 31st Ave #c3 Phoenix, AZ 85051 -25 l 7 (602) 242-0210 05103,'2017 Even! Code: 02EAAZ00·2017-E-01405 2

Project Summary Consultation Code: 02EAAZ00-2017-SLl-0233

Event Code: 02EAAZ00-20l7-E-01 405

Project Name: Moss Mine BE

Project Type: LAND - EASEMENT/ RTGHT-OF-W AY

Project Description: Road improvement and widening for approximately 4 miles of dirt road

Project Location: Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: h11ps·//www.~oogle.com/maps/place/3S 08656479326052N J 14 4810529415057 LW

~"·· ~•,,, \t,""' .,,,, 11., r,

Counties: Mohave, AZ

Endangered Species Act Species There is a total of 6 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on your species list. Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. See the "Cri1ical habita1s" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions. 05/03/2017 Even! Code: 02EAAZ00·2017·E·01405 3

Birds

NAME STATUS California Least Tern (Sterna antil/ar,1111 browni) Endangered No critical habita1 has bee11desig,naced for this spocies. Species profile: bnns·Jlecos bvs govlec;p/species/& 104

Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus mnerica11us) Threatened Population: Western U.S. DPS There is a proposed rcilirnl huhiliU fo r this species. Your location is outside the proposed critical habi1a1. Specie.~ profile: bttps·//ecos Dvs govtec;plspeciesll21 1

Yuma Clapper Rail (Rallus /ongirostris ywnanensis) Endangered No critical habitat has been designated fo r this spe.cie.s. Species profile: b11ps·/fe(Qs Cw'- yQv/s:cp/."peries/1 '50'5

Reptiles

NAME STATUS Northern Mexican Gartersnake (Thanmophis eques mega/ops) Threatened Titere is a proposed critical habitat fo r this specie.~. Your location is outside the proposed critical habitat. Specie-s profile: hnps://ec-0s.fws.g9vtecohneciesQ(j5:)

Fishes

NAME STATUS Razorback Sucker (Xyrauche111exmws) Endangered There is a final critic.al babital designated for this species. Your location is outside the designated critical habilal. Specie.s profile: bn1w//ec-0s DYs rovkq>&pecies/530

Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta) Proposed Population: Lower Colorado River Ba~in DPS Threatened No critical habitat has been designated fo r this species, Specie-s profile: hJLp'-://ec-0s.fws.g9v/ecn{speciesf27R2

Critical habitats There arc no critical habitats within your project area. United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Arizona Ecological Services Field Office 9828 Nonh 31st Ave #(;) Phoenix, AZ 8505 1-2517 Phone: (602) 242-0210 Fax: (602) 242-2513 ht1p://,,i.,ww.fws.~ov/soutbwest/es/ari1--0na/ hnp·//www !\vs gov/sombwestfe~/CndaneeredSpecies Main hrml

In Reply Refer To: May 03, 2017 Consultation Code: 02EAAZ00-2017-SLI-0653 Event Code: 02EAAZ00-2017-E-01407 Project Name: Moss Mine BE phase 2

Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project

To Whom It May Concern:

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is providing this list under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The list you have generated identifies threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species, and designated and proposed critical habitat, that may occur within one or more delineated United States Geological Survey 7.5 minute quadrangles with which your project polygon intersects. Each quadrangle covers, at minimum, 49 square miles. Please refer to the species information links found at http·//www fws gov/southwest/e.s/arjwna/Docs Species htm or http·//www fws gov/sonthwesr/es/arjznna/Docnments/MjscDocs/AZSpeciesReference pdf for a quick reference, to determine if suitable habitat for the species on your list occurs in your project area.

The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the habitats upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(l) and 7(a)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to caJTy out programs for the conservation of Federal trust resources and to determine whether projects may affect federally listed species and/or designated critical habitat. A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other unde,t aki ngs having similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological evaluation similar 10 a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Reconunended contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12. 05/03/2017 Even! Code: 02EAAZ00·2017·E·01407 2

If your action is on Indian land or has implications for off-reservation tribal interests, we 05/03/2017 Even! Code: 02EAAZ00·2017·E·01407 3 encourage you to contact the tribe(s) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to discuss potential t1ibal concerns, and to invite any affected tribe and the BIA to paiticipate in the section 7 consultation. In keepiug with our tribal trust responsibility, we will notify tribes tbat may be affected by proposed actions when section 7 consultation is initiated. For more information, please contact our tribal coordinator, John Nystedt, at (928) 556-2160 or John Nys1e

Sincerely,

Isl

Steven L. Spangle

Field Supervisor

Attachment(s):

• Official Species List 05/03/2017 Even! Code: 02EAAZ00·2017·E·01407

Official Species List

This species list is provided by:

Arizona Ecological Services Field Office 9828 Nonh 31st Ave #c3 Phoenix, AZ 85051 -25 l 7 (602) 242-0210 05103,'2017 Even! Code: 02EAAZ00·2017-E-01407 2

Project Summary Consultation Code: 02EAAZ00-2017-SLl-0653

Event Code: 02EAAZ00-2017•E-01407

Project Name: Moss Mine BE phase 2

Project Type: LAND - EASEMENT/ RTGHT-OF-W A Y

Project Description: Improvement of existing and construction of new roadway

Project Location: Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: h11ps·//www.~oogle.com/maps/place/3S 08290 L804808046N J 14 452 n3206611osw

I Counties: Mohave. AZ

Endangered Species Act Species There is a total of 6 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on your species list. Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example. certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. See the "Cri1ical habita1s" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions. 05/03/2017 Even! Code: 02EAAZ00·2017·E·01407 3

Birds

NAME STATUS California Least Tern (Sterna antil/ar,1111 browni) Endangered No critical habita1 has bee11desig,naced for this spocies. Species profile: bnns·Jlecos bvs govlec;p/species/& 104

Yuma Clapper Rail (Rallus /ongirostris ywnanensis) Endangered No critical habitat has been designated fo r this spe.cie.s. Species profile: b11ps·/fe(Qs Cw'- yQv/s:cp/."peries/1 '50'5

Reptiles

Fishes

Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta) Proposed Population: LowerColorado River Ba~in DPS Threatened No critical habitat has been designated fo r this species, Specie-s profile: hJLp'-://ec-0s.fws.g9v/ecn{specie:sf27R2

Critical habitats There arc no critical habitats within your project area. APPENDIX B BLM Sensitive Species in Colorado River District United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT A.rizonil Stiltc Offic-e. One North Central Avenue, Suite 800 Phoenix, Arizona 85004-4427

March I, 2017 In Reply Refer To: 6840 (9300) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 03/03/2017 Instruction Memorandum No. AZ-IM-2017-009 Expires: 9/30/2020

To: All Field Offices

From: State Director

Subject: Updated Bureau of Land Management Sensitive Species List for Arizona

Purpose: The purpose ofthis Instmction Memorandum (IM) is to replace expired IM No. AZ-20 11 -005, listing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sensitive plant and animal species, which occur on BLM admi nistered lands in Arizona consistent with Manual Section 6840 and current WO-230 guidance.

Policy/ Action: The BLM Sensitive Species List for Arizona is contained in the Attachment. The list was developed using the criteria set forth in BLM Manual Section 6840, Special Status Species Management, and also includes: species listed or proposed to be listed as threatened or endangered pursuant to Section 4 ofthe Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), federally designated candidate species, and delisted species in the 5 years following their delisting. Species appearing on the attached list will be managed as BLM sensitive, as described in BLM Manual Section 6840.

In addition to the species identified in the attached list, all species identified by BLM California as BLM sensitive, which occur on public lands in California administered by the Colorado River District, are to be managed as BLM sensitive in California. The lists ofBLM California sensitive species can be found on the BLM California public web page at:

https://www.blm.gov/pro!!Tams/fish-and-wildlife/threatened-and-endangered/state-te data/califomia

Timeframe: This list is effective immediately.

Budget Impact: None. 2

Background: The BLM Manual Section 6840 describes the following criteria for BLM sensitive species:

In compliance with existing laws, including tbe BLM multiple-use mission as specified in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the BLM shall designate BLM sensitive species and implement measures to conserve these species and their habitats, including ESA proposed critical habitat, to promote their conservation and reduce the likelihood and need fo r such species to be listed pursuant to the ESA. All federally designated candidate species, proposed species, and delisted species i11 the 5 years following their delisting shall be conserved as BLM sensitive species.

A. State Directors shall designate species within their respective states as BLM sensitive using the fo llowing criteria. For species inhabiting multiple states, State Directors shall coordinate with one another in the designation ofBLM sensitive species so that species stan1s is consistent across the species' range on BLM admi nistered lands, where appropriate.

Species designated as BLM sensitive must be native species found on BLM administered lands fo r which the BLM bas tbe capability to significantl y affect the conservation stan1s ofthe species through management, and either:

(I) There is information that a species has recently undergone, is undergoing, or is predicted to undergo a downward trend such that the viability ofthe species or a distinct population segment ofthe species is at risk across all or a significant portion of the species' range, or

(2) The species depends on ecological refugia or specialized or unique habitats on BLM administered lands, and there is evidence that such areas are threatened with alteration such that tbe continued viability ofthe species in that area would be at risk.

The BLM Manual Section 6840 directs the BLM to manage BLM sensitive species and their habitats to minimize or el iminate threats affecting the status of the species or to improve the condition ofthe species' habitat.

This revised BLM Arizona Sensiti ve Species List updates the 20 IO list and reflects the fo llowing changes:

• TI1c list includes species listed or proposed as threatened or endangered, pursuant to the ESA, as amended, which occur, or potentially occur on BLM managed public lands. This list does DOI replace the need to obtain a "species list" from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for ESA compliance. Species lists can be obtained on-line at https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/.

• Should the Service add species to the list ofcandi dates, they wi ll be considered BLM sensitive ifthey occur or are likely to occur on BLM managed lands in Arizona. 3

• The list includes species covered by conservation agreements to which the BLM is a signatory. Two Fonner candidates with conservation agreements, Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morajkai) and relict leopard frog (Lithobates onca), have been added to the list.

• The list includes species which have been petitioned fo r listing pursuant to the ESA and received a positive 90-day finding (substantial scientific infom1ation was presented indicating listing may be warranted) and which occur or likely occur on BLM administered public lands in Arizona and for which BLM management could likely affect the conservation status. Five species, monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus), Sonoran tallussnail (S011ore/la magda/e11e11sis), Arizona toad (A11axyrus microscaphus), dese11 massasauga (Sistn,rus care11atus edwarsii) and Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), have been added to the list.

• Arizona cryngo (E,yngium sparga11ophyllum), a wetland dependent plant, has been added to the list.

• Generic groupings of Hydrobiid spring snails in genus Pyrgulopsis and Succineid snails in the family Succineidae have been removed from the list.

• Taxonomic updates and the results ofstatus reviews are reflected in this list. Two fonuer candidates, Tucson shovel-nosed snake (Chionactis occipita/is klauberi) and $prague's pipit (A 11thus spragueii}, are not included in the list.

• District occun-ence infonnation has been updated.

Directives Affected: Replaces Expired IM No.AZ-20 11-005.

Contact: Ifyou have any questions, please contact Tim Hughes at 602-417-9356, or Elroy Masters at 602-417-9346.

SIGNED BY: AUTHENTICATED BY: Deborah K. Rawhouser Susan Williams for Raymond Suazo StaffAssistant

1 Attachment: 1 - BLM Arizona Sensitive Species List (6 pp)

cc: Director (WO-230) Bureau of Land Management, Arizona - Bureau Sensitive Species List February 2017) INVERTEBRATES Common Name Scientific Name Status ASDO CRDO GOO PDO Habitat/Notes Arizona Cave Amphiood Stvf!obromus arizonensis BLMS h wet caves and mines Bvlas Sprinl)Snail Pyrf!u/opsis arizouae BLMS V springs (Positl\•e 90-dai• t1ndine) Desert Springsnail Pyrf!u/opsis deser/(1 BLMS h springs along the Vircin River Gila Trvonia Trvrmin f!ilae BLMS V springs (Posill,·e 90-dai• t1ndine) Grand Wash Sprinll.snail Pyrgu/opsis bacclms BLMS V springs (Posilive 90-dai• Findine) Kinll.man Sprinl(Snail Pyrgu/opsis conica BLMS V springs (Posilive 90-dai• Findine) Monarch Buuer0v Danaus p/e.ximms p/exippus BLMS V V V V (P ositive 90-da)' Findin2) Sonoran Talussnail Sonorella maJ!dalenensis BLMS V talus slopes (Posit1,•e. 90-day Findine) FISH Common Name Scientific Name Status ASDO CRDO GOO PDO Habitat/Notes Bluchcad Sucker Catostomus discobo/us BLMS h h Conservation A2:reement FE Bonvtail Chub Gila ele~a11s wiCH ,•-CH See Federal R""'sler & Recovery Plan Desert Punfish C11nrinodo11 maculad11s FE V \ ' See Federal R=•ster & Recover\' Plan Desert Sucker Carostomus clarki BLMS V V V V aouatic Flannelmoutb Sucker Carostomus latininnis BLMS V Conservation Ag·rccmcnt FE Gila Chub Gi/11 i11lermedia w/CH v-CH v-CH See Federal Reeister & Recover)' Plan Gila Toominnow Poedlionsis occitfeuta/is occil/e11lalis FE ,, \ ' See Federal Reeister & Recover)' Plan Lillie Colorado Soinedace Lenidomeda .,;uata FT ,, See Federal Reeister & Recovery Plan Unle Colorado Sucker Catostomus so. BLMS V Conservation A!!reemtnt FE Loach Minnow Tiaroea cobitis w/CH ,•-CH See Federal RN>ister & Recovery Plan Londin Dace AI!osia chrysof!a.-.ter BLMS V V V aquatic FE RazorbackSucker Xvrauclten le.\·am,s w/CH ,•-CH h-CH See Federal R""'sler & Recover)' Plan pT Conservation Agreement, See Federal Roundtail Chub Gi/11 rohusla BLMS \ ' \ ' Resister Sonora Sucker Catostonms insi!mis BLMS V V V aauatic Soeckled Dace Rhinichtln,s osculus BLMS V V V V aauatic FE Soikedace Metia (ul~ida w/CH ,•-CH h See Federal RN>ister & Recover)' Plan FE Vir2in River Chub Gila se111i11udu w/CH ,·-CH See Federal Rovister & Recovery Plan Conservation Agreement (l'os ith•c 90- Virnin Soinedace leoidometla mollisoinis mol/isoinis BLMS V da,• Findine)

Attachment 1-1 FE Woundfin Plaeo1Jter11s ar!!entissimus w/CH ,•-CH See Federal R..,,;ster & Recovery Plan AMPHIBIANS Common Name Scicnlific Name Status ASDO CRDO GOO PDO Habitat/Notes mid elevation tipari:m/wctlands Arizona Toad Ana.nn,s microscaoltus BLMS V V V V (Posith•e 90--dav Findlnel FT Chiricahua Ll'Opard Froe Litlwbafes chirfoahuensis w/CH v-CH See Federal Ree:istcr & Recovery Plan Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad Gastrophryne olivacea BLMS V V healthy grasslands Lowland Burrowing Treefrog Smi/isca fodiens BLMS V healthy grasslands Lowland Leopard Frog litlwbates J;avapaiensis BLMS V V V wetlands Northern Leopard Frog litlwbates pipiens BLMS V V h wetlands Plaint< Leopard Frog litltobates blairi BLMS h wctlandBox Turtle Ten·aoene onwta BLMS V healthy grasslands Flat-tailed Homed Lizard Phrv11osoma meal/ii BLMS V Conservation Ae:rccmcnt FT Mojave Desert Tortoise Govherus UJ!llSsiz.ii w/CH ,•-CH V See Federal Register & Recoveri• Pl:1n Mojave Frin_ge-toed Lizard Uma scoparia BLMS V sand FT Narrow•headed Gartersnake Thamnonhis rufim,nctatus w/JJCH h-nl'H See Federal Rccister New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Crotalus wi/lardi obst'11r11s FT V See Federal Rl'<>ister & Recovery Plan Northern Mexican FT Gartersnake Tlwmnophis et/Ut'S mega/ops w/pCH v-pCH v-pCH h-nCH See Federal Rl'Pister Slevin's Bunch11,rass Lizard Scelopon,s slevini BLMS V healthy ll,rasslands Sonoran Desert Tortoise Gopherus mora/kai BLMS V V V Conservation Ae:reement Sonora Mud Turtle Kinostemon sonoriense sonoriense BLMS V V V Riparian/aquatic Yuman Desett Fringe-toed Lizard Uma n,/Oounctata BLMS V sand (Positive 90--da,· FindinQ) BIRDS fhreedim,) Common Name Scicnlific Name Status ASDO CRDO GOO PDO Habitat/Notes American Pcrc£rrinc Falcon Falco JJere~riuus analum BLMS V V V V cliffs Arizona Bottcri's Snarrow Peucaea botterii arizonae BLMS V hcalthv 1trasslands Attachment 1-2 Arizona Grasshopper Sparrow A111111odram11s sawmnarum {muno/ef!uS BLMS V healthy 11,rasslands Bald Eagle Haliaee1us /eucoceplwlus BLMS h V V V Conservation Aereement I BGEPAI Cactus Ferrul)inous l'y~my-Owl Glauci

Attachment 1-3 See Federal Register, Reeovery Plan Mexican Grav Wolf Ca11is luJJus baile,:i FE/NEP h h & I0(i\ Rule Mexican Long-toMucd Bat Choeronvcteri.s mexicnna BLMS V caves/mines Ocelot Leonarus 1Jardalis FE h See Federal R"'"ster & Recovery Plan See Federal Register, ReeoveY)' Plan Sonoran Pro1u?.horn A11tilocaora americtma sonoriensis FE/NEP V h V & JOii) Ruic Sootted Bat Euderma mac11latr11n BLMS V h h h caves/ mines Townsend's BiQ-eared Bat Co1i;11orhi1111.s (=Plecotus) townsendii BLMS V V V V caves/mines PLANTS Common Name Sc.ientific Name Status ASDO CRDO coo PDO Habitat/Notes FE Acuna Cactus Et·hinomastus erectQcentrus i·ar. ac,mensis w/CH v-CH v-CH See. Federal Reeister narrow range, limeslone deposits. Burro Aauarius Milkvetch Asrrmwlus newbcrryi var. aauaria BLMS V Creek area narrow range, noodplain te.rraces in Aravaioa Sa2.e Salvia amissa BLMS V shadv canvons Aravaioa \Voodfern Thelvmeris oubentla var. so11ore11sis BLMS V V h few scanered sorinQs Arizona Cliffrose P11rslti11 subintef!rll FE See Federal R~is1er & Rec.oven • Plan Arizona Enaiuo Ervn~ium soa,wmoohv/111111 BLMS " V Arid land sorinQs. ciene11.as Arizona Hed2eho2 Cactus Ed1inocere11s trit!lod1idittt11s 1·11r. m'1z.011ic11s FE ,, h See Federal R~is1er Arizona Sonoran Rosewood Vauauelinin Cfliilornica sso. sonore,,sis BLMS V V relict soecies in shadv canvons narrow range, rocky outcrops in cauyons w/Madrean Woodland (PosltiYe 90-day Bartram Stonecron GraJJ/oJJetalum banramii BLMS V Findine) Blue Sand Liiv Tri1e/eioosis nalmeri BLMS V sand dunes and sandv soils Bradv Pincushion Cactus Pediocac/11,; bradvi FE " See Federal R"'"sler & Recovery Plan Califo rnia Flannelbush Fremo111odendron califon1ic11m BLMS V V relict nooulations in shadv c-.anvons Chihuahua Breadroot Healthy grasslands (Positive 90-day (Scurfoea) Pediomelum oe,uaohvllum BLMS V Findin2) narrow range, clifffaces ofGila Clifton Rock Daisy Perity/e ambrosiifolia BLMS V Conalomcratc Dalhouse Splccnwort Asole11i11111 (=Ceteracl,) dalho11siae BLMS V cliff face S<.'<>PS, Mule Mountains narrow range, Moenkopi Fonnation Diamond Butte Milkvetcb AsrraC!alus toanus var. scidulus BLMS V badlands wired soils FE Flckeisen Plains Cactus Pe,litJc,wtus neeb/esia1111s var. litkeiseni11e w/CH v-CH ,·-CH See Federal R,oister narrow range, fl oodplain terraces shady Fish Creek Fleabane EriJ!ero11 v iscaticus BLMS V canyons (PositiYe 90-dal' Findine) narrow range, Ooodplain terraces in Gentrv Indigo Bush Dalea temaculoides BLMS V shadv c.anvons Giant Sedge. Care:< snissa BLMS V V snrings FE Gierisch Mallow Snhaer11/cea l!ierisd1ii w/CH ,•-CH See Federal R~is1er Grand Canvon Rose Rosa s1ellau1 var, tlbvssa BLMS V narrow ranee, limestone cliff rims Attachment 1-4 Holmgren (Paradox) Milk FE Vetch Astra0 alus ho/m!'re11ion1111 w/CH ,•-CH See Federal R..,,;ster & Recovery Plan Huachuca Golden Aster Heterotheca n11teri BLMS V nan-ow ranee, Plains Grassland, LCNCA Huachuca Milkvctch Asfrmmlus hi;ooxvlus BLMS h nanow rane:c FE Huachuca Water Umbel Lilaeoosis sclraffneria11a sso. rec11rw1 w/CH v-CH Sec Federal R,oistcr Jones Cvcladenia C~•tfaJenia lmmilis var. ionesii FT V Sec Federal R,01stcr Joshua Tree Y11cca brevifolia BLMS V V V

Attachment 1-5 narrow range, gypsum soils of SilvcrkafSunrav Ence/ioosis amoohJ;fla BLMS V V Mocnkooi Fonnation

Smooth Catseve Cnmtantha semielabrn BLMS V extremelv narrow range nan-ow range, sandy loam soils. Virgin Sticky Wild Buckwheat Eriogonum viscidulum BLMS V River Valley narrow range, sandy loam soils, Virgin Three-cornered Milkvctch Astrmwlus l!eyeri var. tdauetrr,s BLMS V River VaHcv Tumamoc G lobcbcrrv Tumamoca macdommlil BLMS V V few rw'lnulations, Sonoran Dcscrl olains Welch's Milkweed Asclenias welshii FT V See Federal Re!>ister & Recovery Plan Whitc-mar!!ined Pcnstcmon Penstemo11 a/homarllinatus BLMS V narrow ranuc, sandv loam soils

Status and Occurrence Abbreviations:

Abbreviation Definition FE Federally Endangered oE Prooosed Endangered FT Federally Threatened oT Prooosed Threatened CH Desi,mated Critical Habitat oCH Prooosed Critical Habitat nDelist Pronosed fo r Delisting NEP Nonessential Experimental Population designated pursuant to Section I0(j) of the ESA OPS Distinct Pooulation Segment C Federal Candidate BLMS Arizona Bureau of Land Management Sensitive BGEPA Bald and Golden Eaelc Protection Act of 1940 V Known Occun·ence within the last IO years h Historic or Potential Occurrence Positive 90-dav Finding Petition for Jistine was found to contain substantial information indicating listing mav be warranted. ASDO Arizona Strip District Office: [Grand Canyon - Parashant N"M & Arizona Strip Field Office including Vermillion Cliffs NMl CRDO Colorado River District Offi ce: ff(jngman, Lake Havasu and Yuma fie ld offices] Gila District Office: [Safford Field Office including Gila Box Riparian NCA & Tucson Field Office including Ironwood Forest NM, San Pedro GDO Rioarian NCA, & Las Ciene•as NCAI PDO Phoenix District Office: fHassavamoa Field Office includin• Agua Fria NM & Lower Sonoran Field Office includin• Sonoran Desert NMl

Attachment 1-6 APPENDIXC AGFD HDMS Online Query Arizona Environmental Online Review Tool Report

Arizona Game and Fish Department Mission To conserve Arizona's diverse wildlife resources and manage for safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations.

Project Name: Moss Mine

Project Description: Moss Mine

Project Type: Mining, Exploration

Contact Person: Janet Fox

Organization: Westl and Resources Inc.

On Behalf Of: CONSULTING

Project 10: HGIS-04766

Please review the entire report for project type and/or species recommendations for the location information entered. Please retain a copy for future reference.

Page 1 of 10 Arizona Game and Fish Department project_report_moss_mine_21542_22082.pdf Project ID: HGIS-04766 Review Date: 1/1 3/2017 01:59:19 PM

Disclaimer:

1. This Environmental Review is based on the project study area that was entered. The report must be uµdaled ir Ille µrujet:l ~luc.Jy c:1rea, IU1..:.aliu11, ur lhe lyµe or µrojet:l cha11ye~. 2. This is a preliminary environmental screening tool. It is not a substitute for the potential knowledge gained by having a biologist conduct a field survey of the project area. This review is also not intended to replace environmental consultation (including federal consuhation under the Endangered Species Act), land use permitting, or the Departments review of site-specific projects. 3. The Departments Heritage Data Management System (HOMS) data is not intended to include potential distribution of special status species. Arizona is large and diverse with plants, animals, and environmental conditions that are ever changing. Consequently, many areas may contain species that biologists do not know about or species previously noted in a particular area may no longer occur there. HOMS data contains information about species occurrences that have actually been reported to the Department. Not all of Arizona has been surveyed for special status species, and surveys that have been conducted have varied greatly in scope and intensity. Such surveys may reveal previously undocumented population of species of special concern. 4. HabiMap Arizona data, specifically Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) under our State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) and Species of Economic and Recreational Importance (SERI), represent potential species distribution models for the State of Arizona which are subject to ongoing change, modification and refinement. The status of a wildlife resource can change quickly, and the availability of new data will necessitate a refined assessment.

Locations Accuracy Disclaimer: Project locations are assumed to be both precise and accurate for the purposes of environmental review. The creator/owner of the Project Review Report is solely responsible for the project location and thus the correctness of the Project Review Report content.

Page 2 of 10 Arizona Game and Fish Department project_report_moss_mine_21542_22082.pdf Project ID: HGIS-04766 Review Date: 1/13/2017 01:59:19 PM

Recommendations Disclaimer:

1. The Department is interested in the conservation of all fish and wildlife resources, including those sµttdtts lisltttl i11 l1 1is rttµurt o.rn.l l1 1ustt U1al may hc:1vt:l' 11ut l>t:H:!11 Uut:u rr u:mlt:ru willii11 Uu~ µ1ujt:H,;t vidnily a::; well as other game and nongame wildlife. 2. Recommendations have been made by the Department, under authority of Arizona Revised Statutes Title 5 (Amusements and Sports), 17 (Game and Fish), and 28 (Transportation). 3. Potential impacts to fish and wildlife resources may be minimized or avoided by the recommendations generated from information submitted for your proposed project. These recommendations are preliminary in scope, designed to provide early considerations on all species of wildlife. 4. Making this information directly available does not substitute for the Department's review of project proposals, and should not decrease our opportunity to review and evaluate additional project information and/or new project proposals. 5. Further coordination with the Department requires the submittal of this Environmental Review Report with a cover letter and project plans or documentation that includes project narrative, acreage to be impacted, how construction or project activity(s) are to be accomplished, and project locality information (including site map). Once AGFD had received the information, please allow 30 days for completion of project reviews. Send requests to: Project Evaluation Program, Habitat Branch Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 West Carefree Highway Phoenix, Arizona 85086-5000 Phone Number: (623) 236-7600 Fax Number: (623) 236-7366 Or PEP@azgfd gov 6. Coordination may also be necessary under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and/or Endangered Species Act (ESA). Site specific recommendations may be proposed during further NEPA/ESA analysis or through coordination with affected agencies

Page 3 of 10 Arizona Game and Fish Department project_report_moss_ mine _21542_22082.pdf Project ID: HGIS-04766 Review Date: 1/13/2017 01 :59:19 PM

Moss Mine Aerial Image Basemap With Locator Map

W+N E s ,. 0 Projecl Boundary 0 Buffere

Projec1 Size (actM~ 13.280.70 COLOR,100 PLA rEAU ul/Long (DD): 35.1001 / -114.4794

County(s): Mohave AGFO Region{s); Kingman

Townshlp/Range(s}: T20N, R21W; T20N, R20W

USGS Ouad(s~ DAVIS DAM: UNION PASS• SOH01'fA~· Otstltr

Setvloe Layer Cfe'dltt:sources: Esrl, HERE. OeLorme, TomTom, lntermap, incremenl P Corp., GEBCO. USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadetter NL, Oldnanee Survey, E111 Japan, METI, Evt China (Hong Kong ). ~

Page 4 ol 10 Arizona Game and Fish Department project_report_moss_ mine _21542_22082.pdf Project ID: HGIS-04766 Review Date: 1/13/2017 01 :59:19 PM

Moss Mine Web Map As Submitted By User

·~-..-.... ~ ,, ..,.-.,

t•-,-.1 W+E 0 0.5 1 2 ;i 4 s - =-c:---===l___Miles 0 Projeot Boundary Project Size (acres): 13,280.70 0 Buffered Project Boundary Lat/Long (DD): 35.1001 / ,114.4794 County(s): Mohave AGFD Reglon(s): Kingman Township/Range(s): T20N, R21W. T20N, R20W USG$ Quod(s); DAVIS DAM; UNION PASS•

Page 5 0110 Arizona Game and Fish Department project_report_moss_ mine _21542_22082.pdf Project ID: HGIS-04766 Review Date: 1/13/2017 01 :59:19 PM

Moss Mine Topo Basemap With Township/Ranges and Land Ownership -·

- I

T20N, R21W T20N, R20W

-• _..- - I

0• =--=0.5 ---2= ==3--- 4Miles 0 PrOjeCt Boundary Mixed/Other Project Size (acres): 13,280.70 0 Suffered Ptoject Boundary National Park/Mon Lat/Long (DD): 35.1001 /-114.4794 0 Township/Ranges Private County(s): Mohave AZ Game and fish Dept. State and Regional Parks AGFD Reglon(s): Kingman

SLM State TfU$t TowMhip/Range(s); T:!0N, R21W. T20N, R20W SOR US Forest Service USGS Quad(s); DAVIS OAM; UNION PASS+ Indian Res. WkDife Alea/Refuge Military

Page6ol 10 Arizona Game and Fish Department project_report_moss_ mine_ 21542_22082.pdf Project ID: HGIS-04766 Review Date: 1/ 13/2017 01: 59:19 PM

Special Status Species and Special Areas Documented within 3 Miles of Project Vicinity Scientific Name Common Name FWS USFS BLM NPL SGCN Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle BGA s 1B Bat Colony Eumops perotis californicus Greater Western Bonneted Bat SC s 1B Gopherus morafkai Sonoran Desert Tortoise CCA s 1A Heloderma suspectum cinctum Banded Gila Monster SC 1A Mount Perkins • Warm Springs Wildlife Corridor Linkage Design Xyrauchen texanus Razorback Sucker LE 1A

Note: Status code definitions can be found athttps·//www azgfd com/wildfifelplamlin~,lluidelines/statysqejjaitioos/

Species of Greatest Conservation Need Predicted within Project Vicinity based on Predicted Range Models Scientific Name Common Name FWS USFS BLM NPL SGCN Ammospermophilus harrisii Harris' Antelope Squirrel 1B Anthus spragueii Sprague's Pipit c· 1A Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle BGA s 18 Aspidoscelis flagellicauda Gila Spotted Whiptail 1B Athene cunicularia hypugaea Western Burrowing Owl SC s s 1B Botaurus lentiginosus American Bittern 18 Buteo regalis Ferruginous Hawk SC s 18 Castor canadensis American Beaver 1B Colaptes chrysoides Gilded Flicker s 1B Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat SC s s 18 Crotalus cerberus Arizona Black Rattlesnake 18 Euderma maculatum Spotted Bat SC s s 1B Eumops perotis californicus Greater Western Bonneted Bat SC s 1B Falco peregrinus anatum American Peregrine Falcon SC s s 1A Gopherus morafkai Sonoran Desert Tortoise CCA s 1A Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle SC, s s 1A BGA Heloderma suspectum Gila Monster 1A ldionycteris phyllotis Allen's Lappet-browed Bat SC s s 1B lncilius alvarius Sonoran Desert Toad 1B Lasiurus blossevillii Western Red Bat s 1B Lasiurus xanthinus Western Yellow Bat s 1B Lontra canadensis sonora Southwestern River Otter SC 1B Macrotus californicus California Leaf-nosed Bat SC s 1B Melanerpes uropygialis Gila Woodpecker 1B Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln's Sparrow 1B

Pago 7 0110 Arizona Game and Fish Department project_report_moss_ mine_ 21542_22082.pdf Project ID: HGIS-04766 Review Date: 1/ 13/2017 01 :59:19 PM

Species of Greatest Conservation Need Predicted within Project Vicinity based on Predicted Range Models Scientific Name Common Name FWS USFS BLM NPL SGCN Melozone aberti Abert'c Towhee s 1B Microtus mexicanus Mexican Vole 1B Myotis occultus Arizona Myotis SC s 1B Myotis velifer Cave Myotis SC s 1B Myotis yumanensis YumaMyotis SC 1B Nyctinomops femorosaccus Pocketed Free-tailed Bat 1B Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah Sparrow 1B Perognathus amplus Arizona Pocket Mouse 1B Perognathus longimembris Little Pocket Mouse 1B Pseudacris hypochondriaca Baja California T,eet,og 1B Pyrgulopsis conica Kingman Springsnail SC s 1A Rallus obsoletus yumanensis Yuma Ridgeway's Rail LE 1A Setophaga petechia Yellow Warbler 1B Tadarida brasiliensis Brazilian Free-tailed Bat 1B Toxostoma lecontei Le Conte's Thrasher 1B Troglodytes paciticus Pacific w,en 1B Vireo bellii arizonae Arizona Bell's Vireo 1B Vulpes macrotis Kil Fox 1B

Species of Economic and Recreation Importance Predicted within Project Vicinity Scientific Name Common Name FWS USFS BLM NPL SGCN Callipepla gambelii Gambel's Quail Odocoileus hemionus Mule Deer Ovis canadensis nelsoni Nelson Desert Bighorn Sheep Puma concolor Mountain Lion Zenaida asiatica White-winged Dove Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove

Pago8ol10 Arizona Game and Fish Department project_report_moss_mine_21542_22082.pdf Project ID: HGIS-04766 Review Date: 1/13/2017 01:59:19 PM

Project Type: Mining, Exploration

Project Type Recommendations:

Minimize potential introduction or spread of exotic invasive species. Invasive species can be plants, animals {exotic snails) , and other organisms (e.g., microbes), which may cause alteration to ecological functions or compete with or prey upon native species and can cause social impacts (e.g., livestock forage reduction, increase wildfire risk). The terms noxious weed or invasive plants are often used interchangeably. Precautions should be taken to wash all equipment utilized in the project activities before leaving the site. Arizona has noxious weed regulations (Arizona Revised Statutes, Rules R3-4-244 and R3-4-245). See Arizona Department of Agriculture website for restricted plants, https ·//agrjcuUure az govt. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has information regarding pest and invasive plant control methods including: pesticide, herbicide, biological control agents, and mechanical control, http :llwww.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahoroe. The Department regulates the importation, purchasing, and transportation of wildlife and fish (Restricted Live Wildlife), please refer to the hunting regulations for further information https· /lwww.azgfd.com/huntinglregulations.

Minimization and mitigation of impacts to wildlife and fish species due to changes in water quality, quantity, chemistry, temperature, and alteration to flow regimes (timing, magnitude, duration, and frequency of floods) should be evaluated. Minimize impacts to springs, in-stream flow, and consider irrigation improvements to decrease water use. If dredging is a project component, consider timing of the project in order to minimize impacts to spawning fish and other aquatic species (include spawning seasons), and to reduce spread of exotic invasive species. We recommend early direct coordination with Project Evaluation Program for projects that could impact water resources, wetlands, streams, springs, and/or riparian habitats.

The Department recommends that wildlife surveys are conducted to determine if noise-sensitive species occur within the project area. Avoidance or minimization measures could include conducting project activities outside of breeding seasons.

Based on the project type entered, coordination with the Office of Surfaoe Mining may be required (http·//www.osmre.gov/index shtm).

Based on the project type entered, coordination with State Historic Preservation Office may be required (htto·//azsIaIeoarks.com/SHPO/index.hIm1).

Pre- and post-survey/monitoring should be conducted to determine alternative access/exits to mines and to identify and/or minimize potential impacts to bat species. For further information when developing alternatives to mine closures. contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department Nongame Bat Coordinator at the Main Office in Terrestrial Branch, https·//www azgfd com/agency/offices or (602) 942-3000.

Based on the project type entered, coordination with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality may be required (http'{( www a zdeq govt).

Avoid/minimize wildlife impacts related to contacting hazardous and other human-made substances in facility water collection/storage basins, evaporation or settling ponds and/or facility storage yards. Design slopes to discourage wading birds and use fencing, netting, hazing or other measures to exclude wildlife.

Page 9 of 10 Arizona Game and Fish Department project_report_moss_mine_21542_22082.pdf Project ID: HGIS-04766 Review Date: 1/13/2017 01:59:19 PM

Project Location and/or Species Recommendations:

HOMS records indicate that one or more listed, proposed, or candidate species or Critical Habitat (Designated or Proposed) have been documented in the vicinity of your project. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) gives the US Fish cmU Wih.llirt:! St:!1vic.;t:1 (USFWS} rt:1yulc1lwy c:1. uU 1urily uvt:n ctll rt:!tltm::1.lly listt:!U ::;µt:R.:it!::>. Plttast! c.;011tcu.:l USFWS f c.;uluyic.:ctl Services Offices at http·/Jwww tws goy/sou1hwes1tes/arjzona/ or:

Phoenix Main Office Tucson Sub-Office Flagstaff Sub-Office 2321 W. Royal Palm Rd, Suite 103 201 N. Bonita Suite 141 SW Forest Science Complex Phoenix, AZ 85021 Tucson, AZ 85745 2500 S. Pine Knoll Dr. Phone: 602-242-021 O Phone: 520-670-6144 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Fax: 602-242-2513 Fax: 520-670-6155 Phone: 928-556-2157 Fax: 928-556-2121

HOMS records indicate that Sonoran Desert Tortoise have been documented within the vicinity of your project area. Please review the Tortoise Handling Guidelines found at: https://www.azgtd.com/wildlife/nongamemanagemenVtortoise/

Analysis indicates that your project is located in the vicinity of an identified wildlife habitat linkage corridor. Project planning and implementation efforts should focus on maintaining adequate opportunities for wildlife permeability. For information pertaining to the linkage assessment and wildlife species that may be affected, please refer to: http·/Jwww corrjdordesjgn org/arjzona. Please contact your local Arizona Game and Fish Department Regional Office for specific project recommendations: https·//www.azgfd.com/Agency/Offices.

Page 10 of 10 APPENDIX D Representative Photographs ofthe Vegetation in the Project Area View o f one smaller wash,,s in the Project Area with Photo 6. View downstream along Silver Creek Wash in the Project Area veg,:mion similar to rhe uplands except for ,he presence ofburrobush. showing vegerarion comprised ofdesert willow ,and blue paloverde.

Photo 7. View upstream along SiIve ,· Creek Wash in the Project Area Photo 8. Caliche cave in a small drainnge •t the far western portion ofthe showing vegetation comprised ofsmokerree, desert "illow, and desert Project Arca which is suitable habitat for Sonornn desert trto ise. bacch.ris.

Rcprescf'ltativc Photographs of the Vegetation In the Project Arca Appendix D

WP'-tl ;mrl RP~llrC'fl,< Photopagc 2 Photo 1. View of Moss M:ine from the south. The vegetation io the Photo 2. TI,e vegetation in the northern portion of the Project Area is northeastern porcion of the Project Arca is dominated by crcosotcbush and dominated by creo,;otebush and white bw·sage, with britdcbush and Mohave white bursage, with rn~any and Mohave buck-wheat as common associates. yucca as common associates.

vegetation portion o f the Project Area is Photo 4. The vei,-.erntion in the western portion o f the Project Are:, is dominated by creosorebush and white bursage, with brittlebush and reddy dominsted by creosocebush and white bursage, \\~th brirtlebush and fewer bear cholJa as common associates. associated species compared ro d,e northeastern portion.

Rcprescf'ltativc Photographs of the Vegetation In the Project Arca Appendix D

WP'-tl ;mrl RP~llrC'fl,< Photopage I