BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT AND RARE PLANT SURVEY FOR THE

±7-ACRE MCIVER DAIRY PARCEL

TOWN OF TRUCKEE, NEVADA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Prepared for: Truckee River Watershed Council P.O. Box 8568 Truckee, CA 96162

Prepared by:

11601 Blocker Drive, Ste. 100 Auburn, California 95603 (530) 888‐0130

JULY 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 1 Project Location...... 1 Setting ...... 1 Objectives of Biological Resources Assessment ...... 1

METHODS ...... 4 Literature Review ...... 4 Special-Status Species Reports ...... 4 Field Surveys ...... 4

SURVEY AND LITERATURE SEARCH RESULTS ...... 5 Soils ...... 5 Hydrology ...... 6 Biological Communities ...... 6 Waters of the U.S ...... 9 Special-Status Species ...... 14 Special-status Plants ...... 17 Special-status Wildlife ...... 22

RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 27 Waters of the United States ...... 27 Streams, Pond, and Riparian Habitat ...... 27 Special-Status Plants ...... 27

REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES ...... 29

FIGURES Figure 1. Site & Vicinty ...... 2 Figure 2. Aerial Photograph ...... 3 Figure 3. Habitat Map ...... 7 Figures 4a - 4d. Site Photos ...... 10 Figure 5. CNDDB Plant Species Occurrence Locations ...... 14 Figure 6. CNDDB Animal Species Occurrence Locations ...... 15

TABLES

Table 1. Biological Communities Present Within the McIver Dairy Study Area ...... 6 Table 2. Waters of the United States within the McIver Dairy Study Area ...... 9

i

Table 3. Special-Status Plant Species Determined to Have Some Potential to Occur within the McIver Dairy Study Area ...... 17 Table 4. Special Status Animal Species Determined to Have Some Potential to Occur Within the McIver Dairy Study Area ...... 23

APPENDICES

Appendix A. Plant Species Observed Within the McIver Dairy Study Area

Appendix B. Wildlife Species Observed Within the McIver Dairy Study Area

Appendix C. Potentially-Occurring Special-Status Plants Within the McIver Dairy Study Area

Appendix D. Potentially-Occurring Special-Status Animals Within the McIver Dairy Study Area

Biological Resources Assessment and Rare Plant Survey for the 7-ACRE MCIVER DAIRY STUDY AREA

INTRODUCTION

Project Location On behalf of the Truckee River Watershed Council, Salix Consulting, Inc (Salix) conducted a Biological Resource Assessment and Rare Plant Survey on the approximate 7-acre McIver Dairy parcel located on Donner Pass road in the town of Truckee, Nevada County (study area). The parcel is situated in Section 15, Township 17 North and Range 16 East on the Truckee, California 7.5-minute USGS topographic quadrangle (Figure 1). The approximate coordinates for the center of study area are 39°19’34.42"N and 120°11'47.70"W. The parcel is located adjacent to Donner Pass Road, just to the west of its intersection with Interstate 80 (Figure 2).

Setting The study area is located within the city limits of the town of Truckee, Nevada County. It ranges in elevation from approximately 5,906’ at the western boundary to approximately 5,892’ in the center of the parcel to 5,875’ at the southeast boundary.

The northern portion of the property is relatively flat and supports primarily herbaceous vegetation, and the southern portion is sloped and forested. The property supports wetlands that generally drain from west to east along a defined drainageway. Commercial/office land uses are located to the north of the parcel across Donner Pass Road. Municipal land uses, including the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Tahoe Forest Hospital are located just west of the study area. The forested hill to the south is undeveloped.

Objectives of Biological Resources Assessment  Identify and describe the biological communities present in the Study Area.  Record plant and animal species observed in the Study Area.  Evaluate and identify sensitive resources and special-status plant and animal species that could be affected by project activities.  Conduct a survey to determine if special-status plants are present.  Provide conclusions and recommendations.

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 1 July 2018 Study Area

Study Area

Source Maps: USGS Topographic Map Truckee Quad 1:24,000 Figure 1 S15 T17N R16E SITE AND VICINITY MAP 0 1,000 2,000 McIver Dairy Feet Town of Truckee, Nevada County, CA Villager Donn Nursery er Pass Road

¨¦§80

Study Area (±7 acres) Figure 2 ± AERIAL MAP 0 75 150 McIver Dairy Feet Imagery: 6-13-18 Salix Consulting, Inc Town of Truckee, Nevada County, CA

METHODS

Literature Review Salix biologists reviewed recent and historic aerial photographs, USGS maps, engineering exhibits, and site maps for the study area. In addition, the site was flown with a UAV to obtain an orthomosaic aerial photograph as well as oblique photos of the site (see cover photo). Standard publications were reviewed to provide information on life history, habitat requirements, and distribution of regionally occurring animal species. They include published books, peer-reviewed articles, field guides, and the California Wildlife Habitats Relationships Program. Publications utilized in this assessment are included in the References section of this document.

Special-Status Species Reports Salix biologists queried the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB 2018) for location records for special-status species known to occur in the 4-quadrangle region surrounding the Study Area. Quadrangles included in the query were, Truckee, Martis Peak, Tahoe City, and Hobart Mills. Salix biologists also reviewed the USFWS Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) database for occurrences of special- status fish, wildlife, and plant species in the region surrounding the study area, and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS 2018) Inventory was queried for special-status plants occurring in the 4-quad area.

For the purposes of this report, special-status species are those that fall into one or more of the following categories, including those:  listed as endangered or threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (including candidates and species proposed for listing),  listed as endangered or threatened under the California Endangered Species Act (including candidates and species proposed for listing),  designated as rare, protected, or fully protected pursuant to California Fish and Game Code,  designated a Species of Concern by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW),  defined as rare or endangered under Section 15380 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), or  Designated as Ranks 1, 2, or 3 on lists maintained by the California Native Plant Society.

Field Surveys Field surveys were conducted on June 13, 14 and July 6, 2018 by Jeff Glazner, Jeannette Halderman, and Hunter Gallant. The botanical surveys were conducted to determine presence or absence of special status plant species, and the wildlife assessment was

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 4 July 2018

intended to characterize existing conditions and assess the probability of occurrence of special status animal species. All surveys were conducted on foot in a measured and meandering fashion.

Appendix A is a list of plants observed, and Appendix B is a list of wildlife observed onsite. Plant names are according to The Jepson Manual: vascular plants of California, second edition (Baldwin 2012), and updated literature that supersedes the Jepson Manual. Standard manuals were used as needed to identify wildlife species observed.

SURVEY AND LITERATURE SEARCH RESULTS

Soils Two soil units have been mapped within the study area (NRCS 2017). The site is comprised primarily of the Aquolls and Borolls, 0 to 5 percent slopes map unit; a small portion of the site along Donner Pass Road is comprised of the Waca-Windy complex 30 to 50 percent slopes map unit.

Aquolls and Borolls, 0 to 5 percent slopes

The Aquolls component makes up 45 percent of the Aquolls and Borolls map unit. Slopes are 0 to 5 percent. This component is on marshes, valleys. The parent material consists of alluvium derived from igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is very poorly drained. Available water to a depth of 60 inches (or restricted depth) is very low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. This soil meets hydric criteria. The Borolls is a miscellaneous area.

Waca-Windy complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes

The Waca component makes up 65 percent of the Waca-Windy complex map unit. Slopes are 30 to 50 percent. This component is on mountain slopes, mountains. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from acidic tuff. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 32 to 36 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches (or restricted depth) is very low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 9 percent. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria.

The Windy component makes up 30 percent of the Waca-Windy complex map unit. Slopes are 30 to 50 percent. This component is on mountain slopes, mountains. The parent material consists of mudflow deposits derived from andesite. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 46 to 50 inches. The natural drainage class is well- drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches (or restricted depth) is low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 5 July 2018

not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 9 percent. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria.

Hydrology The site is located within the Trout Creek-Truckee River HUC12 watershed (160501020206) within the greater Truckee HUC8 watershed (16050102). Water on site is generally conveyed in a southeasterly direction crossing under Interstate 80 towards the Truckee River approximately 1,000 feet offsite. The water sources are from both surface sources (primarily from the west) and from groundwater discharge throughout much of the upper meadow.

Biological Communities Five biological communities have been identified within the study area, including meadow, mixed coniferous forest, sagebrush scrub, riparian, and developed/disturbed. Acreages for each are listed in Table 1 below and illustrated in Figure 3. Representative photos are presented in Figures 4a through 4d.

Table 1. Biological Communities/Habitat Types Within the McIver Dairy Study Area

Biological Community Acreage Meadow (wet and dry combined) 2.8 Mixed Coniferous Forest 1.5 Sagebrush Scrub 1.3 Riparian 0.2 Developed/Disturbed 0.8

Total 6.6

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 6 July 2018 Villager Donn Nursery er Pass Road

Habitat Components

Meadow (±2.83 acres) Mixed Coniferous Forest (±1.52 acres) Sagebrush Scrub (±1.26 acres) Developed/Disturbed (±0.80 acre) ¨¦§80 Riparian (±0.13 acre)

Study Area (±7 acres) Figure 3 ± HABITAT MAP 0 75 150 McIver Dairy Feet Imagery: 6-13-18 Salix Consulting, Inc Town of Truckee, Nevada County, CA

Meadow The largest habitat type in the study area is Montane Meadow (approx. 2.8 acres). About half of the meadow is wetland meadow, including the seasonal marsh. The meadow area slopes from west to east, and runoff is concentrated and flows through a relatively small culvert at the eastern boundary under Interstate 80.

At the west end of the site, the meadow habitat is comprised of large patches dominated by common species of grasses, sedges, rushes (e.g., quackgrass (Elymus repens), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), meadow barley (Hordeum brachyantherum), Nebraska sedge (Carex nebrascensis), and Baltic rush (Junus balticus)), with intermixed forbs including spicate checkerbloom, (Sidalcea oregana), leafy arnica (Arnica chammisonis), and field penny-cress (Thaspi arvense). Much of the southern meadow area is dominated by meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), a perennial bunchgrass. The meadow contains small depressional area embedded in the hillslope. These microhabitat areas contain low-growing annual species, typically found in vernally wet-areas, including harsh popcornflower (Plagiobothrys hispidulus), needle-leaved navarretia (Navarretia intertexta), toad-lily (Montia chamossoi), and hairy willow-herb (Epilobium ciliatum).

The upper, western end of the wetland swale that flows out of the marsh contains several species adapted to aquatic conditions due to continuous surface water into early summer. Abundant species in the drainage bottom include Bolander’s water star-wort (Callitriche heterophylla var. bolanderi), flowering quillwort (Triglochin scilloides), western yellow cress (Rorripa curvisiliqua), common monkeyflower (Erythranth guttata), and American brooklime (Veronica americana). Large patches of Baltic rush are also common along the swale. Downslope, the drainage is more variable in substrate, hydroperiod, and species composition. Common species include lakeshore sedge (Carex lenticularis), Nebraska sedge, and Baltic rush.

The seasonal marsh located near the western study area boundary is a long-ago excavated feature that appears to function as a detention basin. The basin is notched at its southeast corner and is the headwater of the wetland swale. The marsh contains shallow water well into summer and was only partially dried down during our July 6 site visit. It was dry during our fall 2017 wetland delineation efforts and was dominated then by creeping spikerush (Eleocharis macrostachya). Other common species include water sedge (Carex aquatilis), lakeshore sedge, southern beaked sedge (Carex utriculata), Nebraska sedge, and Baltic rush.

Mixed Coniferous Forest Mixed Coniferous Forest is present on approximately 1.5 acres of the site, occupying a small upland area at the northwestern corner of the site, as well as along the entire southern length of the site. These areas are dominated by an overstory of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi), and white fir (Abies concolor), with a sparse understory of scattered shrubs including wax current (Ribes cereum) and antelope brush (Pursia tridentata), and herbaceous species including kellogia (Kellogia galoides), pussytoes

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 8 July 2018

(Antennaria rosea), mountain sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), and meadow lupine (Lupinus lepidus).

Sagebrush Scrub Sagebrush scrub habitat is located in the eastern half of the study area, intermixed with the meadow and forest habitats. These areas are characterized by a few species of shrubs, primarily mountain sagebrush and antelope brush. Conifer saplings are prevalent in some of the scrub habitat areas along with abundant grasses and forbs.

Riparian

Riparian habitat exists in a couple patches in the center and along the wetland swale east end of the site, comprising less than 0.2 acre. Riparian habitat is dominated by willow species, including Geyer’s willow (Salix geyeriana), Pacific willow (Salix lasiandra var. lasiandra), and Lemmon’s willow (Salix lemmonii).

The site contains a notable population of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), along the drainage just west of the two structures. This population appears to be thriving. Also common on the site is Bull thistle (Circium vulgare), rated as C by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. It occurs sparsely throughout the meadow areas.

Developed/Disturbed This “habitat type” are the areas that are paved, scraped, have structures, or otherwise have little to no habitat value. This habitat type occupies the Donner Pass Road corridor and two historic dairy structures.

Waters of the U.S A wetland delineation of the study area was conducted in the fall of 2017, and five features were detected, as summarized on Table 1. The delineation report and map have been submitted under separate cover.

Table 2. Waters of the United States within McIver Dairy Study Area Type Acreage Wetlands Seasonal Marsh 0.214 Seasonal Wetland 0.012 Wet Meadow 0.707 Wetland Swale 0.273 Subtotal Wetlands 1.206 Other Waters: Ephemeral Stream 0.004 Total 1.210

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 9 July 2018 Looking west over project area. Interstate 80 on left, Donner Pass Road on right.

Phot

Western portion of study area.

Figure 4a AERIAL PHOTOS Photos date: 6-13-18 McIver Dairy Town of Truckee, Nevada County, CA Central portion of study area.

Eastern portion of study area.

Figure 4b AERIAL PHOTOS Photos date: 6-13-18 McIver Dairy Town of Truckee, Nevada County, CA North central portion of study area along Donner Pass Road. Upland scrub habitat. Photo date 6-13-18

Montane coniferous forest habitat along southern study area. White fir and Jeffrey pine abundant. Photo date 6-13-18

Meadow and scrub habitats. Eastern portion of study area where drainage flows under Interstate 80. Photo date 6-13-18

Figure 4c SITE PHOTOS McIver Dairy Town of Truckee, Nevada County, CA Looking west over southern edge of meadow and robust stand of Alopecurus pratensis. Photo date 7-06-18

Looking over meadow from northwest corner of study area. Photo date 6-13-18

Looking east over seasonal marsh. Photo date 7-06-18

Figure 4d SITE PHOTOS McIver Dairy Town of Truckee, Nevada County, CA

Wildlife Occurrence and Use The site is adjacent to the extremely active Donner Pass Rd and nearby to Interstate 80. Traffic and baseline disturbance levels is relatively high, which affect wildlife usage. However, the McIver Dairy site provides an assortment of habitats types and interfaces for wildlife species despite the ambient environment. Aquatic species, such as mallard, is common in the seasonal marsh. The open meadow is a nursery for insects and a major food source for birds. The riparian and mixed coniferous forest components provide physical cover, and thermal shade protection when the meadow is in full sun. Golden mantled ground squirrel were numerous in the sagebrush scrub. Stellar’s jay and robin were abundant in the mixed coniferous forest. The tall conifers are suitable habitat for nesting birds of prey, including raptors and owls.

Special-Status Species To determine potentially-occurring special-status species, the standard databases from the CDFW (CNDDB 2018), CNPS (2018), and USFWS Information for Planning and Consultation (2018) were queried and reviewed. These searches provided a thorough list of regionally-occurring special-status species and were used to determine which species had at least some potential to occur within or near the study area. Appendix C lists potentially-occurring special-status plants, and Appendix D lists special-status animals compiled from our queries as described above. The field survey and the best professional judgment of Salix biologists were used to further refine the tables in Appendices C and D. Additionally, CNPS Rank 4 plant species are not considered further in the document.

Figure 5a shows approximate locations of reported occurrences of special-status plants within a 5-mile radius of the study area, and Figure 5b shows approximate locations of reported occurrences of special-status animals within a 5-mile radius of the study area.

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 14 July 2018 CNDDB Special-Status Plant Species

Artemisia tripartita ssp. tripartita Eriogonum umbellatum var. torreyanum Potamogeton robbinsii

Botrychium crenulatum Ivesia sericoleuca Rhamnus alnifolia

Botrychium lunaria Juncus luciensis Rorippa subumbellata

Botrychium minganense Scutellaria galericulata

Botrychium lunaria

Ivesia sericoleuca

Ivesia sericoleuca Ivesia sericoleuca Meesia uliginosa Ivesia sericoleuca Ivesia sericoleuca

Ivesia sericoleuca

Ivesia sericoleuca Ivesia sericoleuca STUDY AREA

Ivesia sericoleuca Scutellaria galericulata Rorippa subumbellata

Rhamnus alnifolia Potamogeton robbinsii Rhamnus alnifolia Ivesia sericoleuca Juncus luciensis

Ivesia sericoleuca Ivesia sericoleuca Ivesia sericoleuca Ivesia sericoleuca Ivesia sericoleuca Ivesia sericoleuca Ivesia sericoleuca

Rhamnus alnifolia

Ivesia sericoleuca Ivesia sericoleuca

Rhamnus alnifolia

Artemisia tripartita ssp. tripartita Map data ©2018 Google Figure 5a 5-Mile Radius ± CNDDB OCCURRENCES MAP 0 4,000 8,000 McIver Dairy Feet Town of Truckee, Nevada County, CA CNDDB Special-Status Animal Species

California wolverine Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare

Lahontan cutthroat trout Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog southern long-toed salamander

Sierra Nevada mountain beaver bald eagle willow flycatcher

Sierra Nevada red fox northern goshawk yellow warbler

northern goshawk

California wolverine

Sierra Nevada red fox

Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog Sierra Nevada red fox

STUDY AREA

Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare willow flycatcher

yellow warbler

osprey bald eagle

Lahontan cutthroat trout southern long-toed salamander Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog Lahontan cutthroat trout willow flycatcher northern goshawk

Sierra Nevada mountain beaver Sierra Nevada mountain beaver Lahontan cutthroat trout northern goshawk Sierra Nevada mountain beaver

Sierra Nevada mountain beaver

northern goshawk

Map data ©2018 Google Figure 5b 5-Mile Radius ± CNDDB OCCURRENCES MAP 0 4,000 8,000 McIver Dairy Feet Town of Truckee, Nevada County, CA

Special-status Plants

Of the 24 potentially-occurring plant species listed in Appendix C, 12 species were identified as occurring within the surrounding region (generally within a 5-mile radius of the study area) (Figure 5a).

The nine (9) plant species listed below were determined to have no potential to occur within study area due to lack of suitable habitats, microhabitats or substrates. Five (5) of these species are reported to occur within a 5-mile radius of the study area (and are marked with an * below).

 Three-tip sagebrush (Artemisia tripartita tripartita)*  Galena Creek rockcress (Arabis rigidissima var. demota)  Tahoe yellow cress (Rorippa subumbellata)*  Mud sedge (Carex limosa)  Narrow-leaved sundew (Drosera anglica)  Munroe's desert mallow (Sphaeralcea munroana)  Common moonwort (Botrychium lunaria)*  Donner Pass buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum torreyanum)*  Robbins' pondweed (Potamogeton robbinsii)*

Fourteen (14) plant species were determined to have some potential to occur within the study area (Appendix C) Although the survey was floristic in nature, additional attention was paid to the potential occurrence of the target species (listed in Table 1 below). Seven (7) of these species occur within a 5-mile radius of the study area (Figure 5a).

Table 3. Special-Status Plant Species Determined to Have Some Potential to Occur within the McIver Dairy Study Area

Potential for Status* Species Habitat Occurrence Within Federal State CNPS Study Area** Great Basin scrub; lower Possible. Marginal Nevada daisy montane coniferous forest; to suitable habitat - - 2B.3 Erigeron eatonii nevadincola pinyon and juniper present. woodland (rocky). Davy's sedge Subalpine coniferous forest; Possible. Marginal - - 1B.3 upper montane coniferous to suitable habitat Carex davyi forest. present. Woolly-fruited sedge Bogs and fens; marshes and Unlikely. Marginal - - 2B.3 swamps; [freshwater, lake habitat along pond Carex lasiocarpa margins]. edges.

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 17 July 2018

Table 3. Special-Status Plant Species Determined to Have Some Potential to Occur within the McIver Dairy Study Area

Potential for Status* Species Habitat Occurrence Within Federal State CNPS Study Area** Chaparral; Great Basin Possible. Suitable Santa Lucia dwarf rush Scrub; lower montane habitat present. - - 1B.2 coniferous forest; meadows Juncus luciensis and seeps; vernal pools [mesic locations]. Marsh skullcap Lower montane coniferous Possible. Suitable - - 2B.2 forest; meadows (mesic); habitat present. Scutellaria galericulata marshes and swamps. Oregon fireweed Bogs and fens; lower Possible. Marginal - - 1B.2 montane coniferous forest; to suitable habitat Epilobium oreganum [mesic]. present. Uspswept moonwort Lower montane coniferous Unlikely. Site lacks - - 2B.3 forest mesic]; meadows and good habitat. Botrychium ascendens seeps. Lower montane coniferous Unlikely. Site lacks Scalloped moonwort forest; bogs and fens; good habitat. - - 2B.2 Botrychium crenulatum meadows; marshes and swamps (freshwater). Mingan moonwort Upper and lower montane Unlikely. Site lacks - - 2B.2 coniferous forest (mesic); good habitat. Botrychium minganense bogs and fens. Bogs and fens; meadows; Possible. Suitable American mannagrass marshes and swamps habitat present. - - 2B.3 Glyceria grandis (streambanks and lake margins). Nuttall's ribbon-leaved Possible. Suitable pondweed Marshes and swamps habitat present. - - 2B.2 (assorted shallow Potamogeton epihydrus freshwater). nuttallii Unlikely. Shallow Slender-leaved pondweed Marshes and swamps - - 2B.2 lake is marginal Stuckenia filiformis alpina (assorted shallow freshwter). habitat for species. Alder buckthorn Upper and lower montane Possible. Suitable - - 2B.2 coniferous forests; meadows habitat present. Rhamnus alnifolia and seeps; riparian scrub. Great Basin scrub; lower Possible. Suitable Plumas ivesia montane coniferous forest; habitat present. - - 1B.2 meadows and seeps; vernal Ivesia sericoleuca pools; [vernally mesic, usually volcanic].

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 18 July 2018

Table 3. Special-Status Plant Species Determined to Have Some Potential to Occur within the McIver Dairy Study Area

Potential for Status* Species Habitat Occurrence Within Federal State CNPS Study Area**

*Status Codes: **Definitions for the Potential to Occur: None. No suitable habitat (or nesting habitat) present CNPS within the study area. Rank 1B Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California Unlikely: Minimal or marginal quality habitat in the Rank 2 R, T, or E in California, more common elsewhere study area. Disturbance or other activities may 1- Seriously threatened in California restrict or eliminate possibility of species 2- Fairly threatened in California occurring. Possible. Suitable habitat occurs within the study area. Study area within range of species. Likely. Study area provides desirable habitat for species and there is a very high probability for its occurrence. Species documented to occur nearby in similar habitat. Observed: Species was observed within the study area.

Nevada daisy (Erigeron eatonii var. nevadincola). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 2B.3. Nevada daisy is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family. It is endemic to California and Northern Nevada. It grows in open grassland, rocky flats, generally in sagebrush or pinyon/juniper scrub from 4,500 to 9,500 feet elevation. It is a perennial herb with white flower petals. It blooms between June and October. Nevada daisy is known to occur in the region, especially in sagescrub habitat. The nearest recorded occurrence of Nevada daisy is 22 miles north/northwest of the study area, 3.5 miles northeast of Sierraville. It is possible for this species to occur in the study area because marginal to suitable habitat is present. This species was not observed during the survey.

Davy’s sedge (Carex davyi). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 1B.3. Carex davyi, a monocot, is a perennial herb that is native to California and is endemic (limited) to California alone. A member of the Cyperaceae family, its habitats include subalpine coniferous forest and upper montane coniferous forest. It blooms from May to August. The nearest reported occurrence of Carex davyi is 7.5 miles north of the study area, at the UC Sagehen Field Station. It is possible that Davy’s sedge occurs in the study area because marginal to suitable habitat is present. This species was not observed during the survey.

Wooly-fruited sedge (Carex lasiocarpa). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 2B.3. From a rhizome, Carex lasiocarpa bears erect stems which may exceed a meter in height with very long, very thin leaves. The stem has one to several compact pistillate spikes and at the tip one longer, fluffy staminate spike. The pistillate spike vaguely resembles a tiny purplish or brownish ear of corn, with several ovaries which each form a fruit. It occurs in very wet locations, often in standing water. The nearest recorded occurrence of Carex lasiocarpa is 10 miles southeast of the study area, at a spring near Agatum Street,

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 19 July 2018

Tahoe Vista in 2002. It is unlikely that wooly-fruited sedge occurs because only marginal habitat occurs along pond edges. This species was not observed during the survey.

Santa Lucia dwarf rush (Juncus luciensis). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 1B.2. It is an annual herb growing just a few centimeters tall, yellowish-green in color. The leaves are up to 1.5 centimeters long. The inflorescence contains one or two flowers with yellow-green tepals. It occurs in mesic locations (meadows, seeps, vernal pools) in chaparral, Great Basin scrub, and lower montane coniferous forest and blooms April to July. The nearest recorded occurrence of Juncus luciensis is less than 4 miles east of the study area, in the Martis Valley Recreation Area, near the campground. It is possible that Santa Lucia dwarf rush occurs in the study area because suitable habitat is present. This species was not observed during the survey.

Marsh skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 2B.2. Marsh skullcap is a perennial member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It grows in montane meadows, marshes, and swamps, and blooms between June and September. It is possible that it occurs in the study area because suitable habitat is present. This species was not observed during the survey.

Oregon fireweed (Epilobum oreganum). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 1B.2. Oregon fireweed is a perennial member of the Onagraceae (evening primrose) family that grows in bogs and fens of lower montane coniferous forest. It grows up to a meter in height with thin, hairless stems. The red-veined leaves are oval to lance-shaped and up to 9 centimeters long. The inflorescence bears flowers with pink petals just over a centimeter long and a protruding pistil. Blooms between June and September. It is possible that it occurs in the study area because marginal to suitable habitat is present. This species was not observed during the survey.

Upswept moonwort (Botrychium ascendens). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 2B.3. A perennial rhizomatous herb of the Ophioglossaceae family. It is a very small plant growing from an underground caudex and sending one yellow-green leaf above the surface of the ground. The leaf is up to 6 centimeters tall and is divided into a sterile and a fertile part. It occurs in mesic areas of lower montane coniferous forest (meadows and seeps) and blooms in July and August. The nearest reported occurrence of Botrychium ascendens is just over five miles north of the study area, at a tributary of Prosser Creek, west of Hobart Mills and Sagehen Hills. It is unlikely to occur within the study area because habitat is marginal. This species was not observed during the survey.

Scalloped moonwort (Botrychium crenulatum). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 2B.2. Scalloped moonwort is a very small plant growing from an underground caudex and sending one thin, shiny, yellow-green leaf above the surface of the ground. The leaf is up to about 6 centimeters tall and is divided into a sterile and a fertile part. The sterile part of the leaf has veined, fan-shaped leaflets with wrinkly edges. It grows in mountain seeps and along stream margins and blooms in June and July. The nearest reported occurrence of Botrychium crenulatum is four miles southeast of the study area at Coldstream Valley. It is unlikely to occur in the study area because good habitat on site is lacking. This species was not observed during the surveys.

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Mingan moonwort (Botrychium minganense). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 2B.2. Mingan moonwort is a very small plant growing from an underground caudex and sending one thin leaf above the surface of the ground. The leaf is up to 10 centimeters tall and is divided into a sterile and a fertile part. It grows in meadows, around seeps and along streams in open forests and blooms July to September. The nearest recorded occurrence of this species is four miles southeast of the study area, at Coldstream Valley. It is unlikely to appear in the Study Area because good habitat on site is lacking. This species was not observed during the surveys.

American mannagrass (Glyceria grandis). No state and federal status. CNPS Rank 2B.3. Native to Canada and the United States, where it is widespread in distribution. It is most commonly found in wet areas such as riverbanks and ponds. This is a rhizomatous perennial grass bearing thin stems which approach two meters in maximum height. The sturdy leaves each have a prominent central vein. The tops of the stems are occupied with spreading, multi-branched inflorescences bearing many small, oval-shaped spikelets. It blooms between June and August. The nearest recorded occurrence of American mannagrass is 7 miles south of the study area, at the Truckee River near Squaw Creek, northwest of Tahoe City. It is possible that Glyceria grandis would occur in the Study Area because suitable habitat is present. This species was not observed during the survey.

Nuttall’s ribbon-leaved pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus subsp. nuttallii). No state or federal status. Not recognized in Calflora. CNPS Rank 2B.2. It is a perennial rhizomatous herb (aquatic) of the Potamogetonaceae family. It produces narrow, compressed, unspotted stems to a maximum length of about 1 m. The stems are either unbranched or sparingly branched. It has two types of leaf; the submersed leaves are sessile 5–25 cm long and 0.1–1 cm wide, translucent, linear in shape and ribbonlike, red- brown to light green with a blunt to acute tip. The floating leaves are similar to the floating leaves of other Potamogeton, petiolate and opaque, up to 8 cm long and 3 cm wide. The inflorescence is a small spike of flowers that arises from the water on a peduncle. It grows in shallow fresh water of marshes and swamps; blooms in July and August. The nearest reported occurrence of this species is just over 2 miles west of the study area, at the east outlet of Donner Lake in shallow water in 2012. It is possible that Nuttall’s ribbon-leaved pondweed may occur within the study area due to the presence of suitable habitat. This species was not observed during the survey.

Slender-leaved pondweed (Stuckenia filiformis alpine). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 2B.2. A perennial rhizomatous herb (aquatic) of the Potamogetonaceae family. Grows in shallow fresh water of marshes and swamps; blooms May to July. The nearest reported occurrence of this species is 12 miles southeast of the study area, at Mink Harbor, Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe. It is unlikely that slender-leaved pondweed would occur within the study area because the lake is too shallow, and the habitat is marginal. This species was not observed during the survey.

Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 2B.2. Rhamnus alnifolia is a spreading shrub approaching two meters in maximum height, its

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thin branches bearing deciduous leaves. The thin, deeply veined leaves have oval blades up to 10 centimeters long, pointed at the tip and lightly toothed along the edges. The inflorescence is a solitary flower or umbel of up to three flowers occurring in leaf axils. The tiny flowers are just a few millimeters wide and lack petals. It blooms May to July. It grows in upper and lower montane coniferous forest wetlands, meadows and seeps and riparian scrub. It typically occurs in groundwater discharge areas. The nearest reported occurrence of alder buckthorn is just over 2 miles west of the study area, at the lower end of Donner Lake. It is possible that alder buckthorn occurs within the study area due to the presence of marginal habitat. This species was not observed during the survey.

Plumas ivesia (Ivesia sericoleuca). No state or federal status. CNPS Rank 1B.2. Plumas ivesia is a perennial member of the rose family (Rosaceae). It has a nearly cylindrical leaf with many leaflets and numerous white flowers. It grows in dry to moist meadows in Great Basin scrub and coniferous forests. It occurs in the northern Sierra Nevada to the Modoc Plateau, and blooms from May to September. The nearest reported occurrence of Plumas ivesia is less than two miles northeast of the study area, at upper Stockrest Springs Meadow, between I-80 and Glenshire Drive. It is possible that Plumas ivesia would occur in the study area because suitable habitat is present. This species was not observed during the survey.

Special-status Wildlife Of the 13 potentially-occurring animal species listed in Appendix D, 10 species were identified as occurring within the surrounding region (generally within a 5-mile radius of the study area) (Figure 5b).

The seven (7) animal species listed below were determined to have no potential to occur within the study area due to lack of suitable habitats or microhabitats. Five (5) of these species are reported to occur within a 5-mile radius of the study area (and are marked with an * below).  Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi)*  Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae)*  Southern long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum sigillatum)*  Greater sandhill crane (Grus canadensis tabida)  Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator)*  Fisher - West Coast DPS (Pekania pennanti)  California wolverine (Gulo gulo)* It is noted that Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog (Rana sierrae) occurs primarily at higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada from Plumas County to southern Tulare County (Zeiner et al. 1998). In the Sierra Nevada, this species is associated with streams, lakes, and ponds in montane riparian, lodgepole pine, subalpine conifer, and wet meadow habitat types at elevations ranging from 4,500 ft to 12,000 ft. This species is generally not found more than 3.3 feet from water. Adults are typically found sitting on rocks along shorelines where there is minimal to no vegetation. Suitable habitat for SNYLF is not

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present in the McIver Dairy study area due to the absence of permanent water on or nearby the study area. Six (6) animal species were determined to have some potential to occur within the study area (Appendix D). These species are listed in Table 2 below and are discussed in detail below the Table. Five (5) of these species occur within a 5-mile radius of the study area (Figure 5b). Table 4. Special Status Animal Species Determined to Have Some Potential to Occur Within The McIver Dairy Study Area Potential for Status* Occurrence Species Habitat Federal State Within Study Area** Birds Unlikely. May nest in conifers but Northern goshawk Dense, mature coniferous forests, most unlikely due to high Accipiter gentilis - SSC - typically dense fir stands in the Sierra degree of urban Nevada mountains. activity.

Unlikely. Although habitat components are present Uncommon summer resident in upper (willows/meadow), Willow flycatcher elevation montane riparian and wet small size of habitat - CE - Empidonax traillii meadow areas, usually with a thick and high adjacent growth of shrubby willow. human influence render habitat suitability very marginal. Breeds in riparian vegetation throughout California; populations in Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys are declining. Unlikely. Minimal Yellow warbler Common in eastern Sierran riparian - SSC - riparian habitat Setophaga petechia habitats below 8,000 feet. present.

Mammals Unlikely. Site is Montane riparian habitats with thickets primarily open of alders and willows and in stands of Sierra Nevada snowshoe meadow. Some young conifers interspersed with hare habitat present SSC chaparral. Early seral stages of mixed Lepus americanus tahoensis around edges of conifer, subalpine conifer, red fir, Jeffrey study area, away pine, lodgepole pine, and aspen, usually from Donner Pass along edges. Road.

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Table 4. Special Status Animal Species Determined to Have Some Potential to Occur Within The McIver Dairy Study Area Potential for Status* Occurrence Species Habitat Federal State Within Study Area** Unlikely. Site is Sagebrush, subalpine conifer, juniper, primarily open alpine dwarf-shrub, and perennial meadow. Some grassland habitats. Also found in low White-tailed jackrabbit habitat present SSC sagebrush, wet Lepus townsendii around edges of meadow, and early successional stages ofstudy area, away conifer habitats. Prefers open areas with from Donner Pass scattered shrubs. Road. Unlikely. Habitat Sierra Nevada mountain Dense deciduous trees and shrubs in components for the beaver SSC riparian habitat with an abundant source species are quite Aplodontia rufa californica of water. marginal.

*Status Codes: **Definitions for the Potential to Occur: State Unlikely: Minimal or marginal quality habitat in the CE California Endangered study area. SSC California Species of Concern Possible. Suitable habitat occurs within the study area. Likely. Study area provides desirable habitat for species and there is a very high probability for its occurrence. Observed: Species was observed within the study area.

Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) occurs in dense, mature conifer and deciduous forest habitats interspersed with meadows or other openings. It typically breeds in mature old-growth stands of conifer and deciduous habitats, at mid to high elevations. Nesting habitat generally includes north-facing slopes located near water. Nests are usually located in the fork of a large, horizontal limb close to the trunk, approximately 19-82 feet above the ground. This species often uses old nests and will maintain alternate sites. Breeding generally begins in mid-June, with eggs being incubated approximately 36 to 41 days. Young usually fledge at about 45 following hatching and are typically independent by 70 days.

According to the CNDDB (2018), the nearest reported occurrence of a nesting northern goshawk is three (3) miles southwest of the study area, two miles south of Donner Memorial State Park, south of Donner Lake in 1995. The nest was inactive in 1998-99. The Study Area does contain conifers, but it is unlikely that northern goshawk would nest there due to the high degree of urban activity in the area. The species was not observed during the summer surveys.

Yellow warbler (Dendoica petechia) is an uncommon to common, summer resident in the northern Sierra Nevada. It primarily breeds in riparian woodlands up to 8000 feet, but is also known to breed in montane chaparral, open ponderosa pine and mixed conifer

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habitats with substantial amounts of shrub cover. During migration, this species is found in a variety of forest and woodland habitats. Nests consist of an open cup placed approximately 2 to 16 feet above the ground in a deciduous tree or shrub. Breeding generally takes place from mid-April to early-August with peak activity occurring in June. Incubation is approximately 11 days. Young fledge at about 9 to 12 days following hatching. Young yellow warblers breed the following year after hatching.

The nearest reported occurrence of yellow warbler (CNDDB 2018) is two (2) miles west of the study area, immediately east of Donner Lake at Donner Memorial State Park, where a bird was observed foraging in the area. Because minimal riparian habitat is present in the study area, it is unlikely that yellow warbler would nest on the site. The species was not observed during the summer surveys.

Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailii), a state-listed endangered species, is a rare to locally uncommon summer resident in the Sierra Nevada. Willow flycatcher breeds from Tulare County north, along the western front of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, extending to the coast in northern California. This species resides in wet meadows and montane riparian habitats, up to 8,000 feet in elevation, and most often occurs in broad, open river valleys or large mountain meadows with large areas of shrubby willows (Zeiner et al. 1990). Preferred nesting habitat for willow flycatcher consists of extensive thickets of low, dense willows located along the edges of wet meadows, ponds, or backwater areas. While territories as small as one acre in size have been documented in riparian patches, suitable nesting habitat is generally greater than 10 acres in size. Peak egg-laying of willow flycatcher is during June. Incubation occurs for 12 to 13 days, and young fledge approximately 13 to 14 days after hatching.

The nearest reported occurrence of willow flycatcher is less than 0.5 mile east of the study area at Truckee. Another occurrence was documented 3.5 miles southeast of the study area, at Martis Creek Lake National Recreation Area. Although willow and meadow habitat components are present within the study area, the small size of the habitat and the high level of adjacent human influence render habitat suitability very marginal. Thus, it is unlikely that the species would nest here. The species was not observed during the summer surveys.

Sierra Nevada Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus tahoensis) is an uncommon resident at upper elevations of the Sierra Nevada. This subspecies of snowshoe hare is primarily found in montane riparian habitats with thickets of alders and willows, and in stands of young conifers mixed with chaparral. It prefers the younger stages of a variety of coniferous forests habitats, primarily occurring along the edges, adjacent to meadows. Individuals seek cover in dense tree or shrub thickets, where they create a shallow bowl- like depression. Breeding takes place from mid-February to June or July, with a gestation period of 35 to 37 days. Two to three litters are generally produced. Diet consists of grasses, forbs, sedges, and low shrubs during the summer. In winter, they eat the needles and bark of young conifers, and leaves and twigs of willow and alder (Zeiner et al. 1990).

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The nearest occurrence of the species is less than 0.5 mile east of the study area, at Truckee in 1915. A few occurrences of Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare (SNSH) have been documented by the CNDDB in the broader region around the Study Area. The most recent occurrence, reported from 1969, was from Sagehen Creek, north of the town of Truckee. It is unlikely that Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare would occur within the study area because the site is primarily open meadow. Some habitat is present around the edges of study area, away from Donner Pass Road. The species was not observed during the summer surveys.

Western White-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii) is an uncommon to rare year-round resident of the crest and upper eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range from the Oregon border south to Tulare and Inyo counties. Once widespread through its range, populations of the western white-tailed jackrabbit have become significantly fragmented. This primarily nocturnal species prefers open areas with scattered shrubs, such as in sagebrush, subalpine conifer, juniper, and perennial grassland habitats. It also occurs in wet meadows and early stages of conifer habitats. Seasonal movement from higher to lower elevations during winter months is common with this species. Like other hares, white-tailed jackrabbit takes cover in a shallow depression in dense underbrush. Breeding takes places from February to July, with gestation occurring for 30 to 42 days. Soon after birth, the young forage for themselves and subsequently become independent at about 3 to 4 weeks. During the spring through fall, the diet consists of grasses and other herbaceous plants. In winter, the diet includes buds, bark, and young twigs (Zeiner et al., 1990).

Only one occurrence of the western white-tailed jackrabbit has been documented in the broader region around the Study Area. This 1920 observation was from 11 miles south of the study area, in the vicinity of Tahoe City (CNDDB 2018). Based on the rarity of this species in the region and limited amount of suitable habitat available, occurrence of western white-tailed hare within or near the Study Area is considered highly unlikely. . The species was not observed during the summer surveys.

Sierra Nevada Mountain Beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica) occurs throughout the Sierra Nevada in montane riparian habitats, consisting of dense riparian-deciduous vegetation. This mostly nocturnal species also frequents forested areas with a dense understory near water. Cool, moist microclimates are required, along with deep, friable soils for burrowing. Burrows are excavated in deep soils in dense thickets, near streams or springs. Breeding takes place from December through March, with peak activity in February. Young are born from February through June, with one litter being produced each year. Young are weaned at about 60 days. The diet of the Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (SNMB) consists of the vegetative parts of plants, including dogwood, blackberry, ferns, willows, and grasses (Zeiner et al., 1990).

The nearest reported occurrence of the species (CNDDB 2018) is three (3) miles south/southwest of the study area, at an unnamed creek north of Cabin Creek, south of Truckee. Two populations were reported in 1985, and males and females were trapped in 1988. The habitat components necessary to support the species are quite marginal on

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this site. Thus, it is unlikely that it would occur here. The species was not observed during the summer surveys.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Waters of the United States The study area contains 1.210 acres of waters of the U.S. Impacts to waters of the U.S. require permits from the Corps of Engineers and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Streams, Pond, and Riparian Habitat The drainage flowing through the site is considered a wetland swale, and only a few short reaches near the buildings could be considered streambed. Riparian vegetation is limited, as well, to two short reaches. It is unlikely that a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (1602) would be required for any impacts to these features, but it would be prudent to present the plan to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for concurrence.

Special-Status Plants No special-status plant species were observed during the 2018 rare plant survey and no further surveys for special-status plants are recommended at this time.

Special-Status Wildlife

Thirteen special-status animals were identified through the database search as potentially-occurring within the broader region surrounding the Study Area and of those, seven (7) species were determined to have no potential to occur within the study area due to lack of suitable habitats or microhabitats. The remaining six (6) species were deemed unlikely to occur due to the absence of suitable habitat or the high degree of human activity and disturbance within the study area. Many of the special-status mammals, including forest carnivores, are known to occur in association with larger, relatively undisturbed, areas of coniferous forest located at higher elevations and away from human disturbance. Sierra Nevada yellow- legged frog requires permanent water, which is not present within or near the study area. The site also lacks mature forested areas that are needed for nesting by northern goshawk. Therefore, any occurrence of northern goshawk would be limited to individuals that occasionally venture into the site when foraging. Riparian areas have some potential to support special-status bird species known from the region, at least on a seasonal basis. Species determined to have some potential to occur in the vicinity of the Study Area include yellow warbler and willow flycatcher. While the quality of potential nesting habitat for willow flycatcher and yellow warbler is considered to be very low, there is some limited potential for these species to forage and nest in the scattered willows. To avoid potential disturbance of willow flycatcher and yellow warbler, it is recommended to avoid the removal of riparian vegetation to the extent feasible. In addition, any work

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 27 July 2018 conducted in the general vicinity of potential nesting habitat should be conducted outside of the typical breeding season for willow flycatcher and yellow warbler, as well as other migratory songbirds (nesting season generally mid-April through August). Although the potential for occurrence is low, any disturbance of breeding or nesting willow flycatcher or its habitat may require a permit under the California Endangered Species Act. If disturbance of potential habitat for willow flycatcher will likely be required within the Study Area, CDFW should be contacted in advance of project implementation to determine if protocol-level surveys are necessary and identify any permitting requirements and mitigation responsibilities. If protocol-level surveys are required by CDFW, activities should be conducted according to the timing and methods specified in “A Willow Flycatcher Survey Protocol for California” (Bombay et al. 2003), well in advance of project initiation.

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REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES

Baldwin, B.G., D.H. Goldman, D.J. Keil, R. Patterson, T.J. Rosatti, and D.H. Wilken, editors. 2012. The Jepson manual: vascular plants of California, second edition. University of California Press, Berkeley.

Bombay, H.L., T.M. Benson, B.E. Valentine, and R.A. Stefani. 2003. A Willow Flycatcher Survey Protocol for California.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Wildlife Habitat Relationships Program. 2008. Complete List of Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals in California. Sacramento, California.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch. 2018. Natural Diversity Data Base Report (CNDDB).

California Native Plant Society. 2018. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants. An online database maintained by the Native Plant Society.

Clark, W.S. and B.K. Wheeler. 1987. The Peterson Field Guide to Hawks of North America. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts.

Federal Register. April 2013a. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for the Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog and the Northern Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog, and Threatened Status for the Yosemite Toad; Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Volume 78, No. 80, Part II.

Federal Register. April 2013b. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog, the Northern Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog, and the Yosemite Toad; Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Volume 78, No. 80, Part III.

Fix, David and Andy Bezener. 2000. Birds of Northern California. Lone Pine Publishing. Renton, Washington.

Jameson, E.W., Jr. and H.J. Peeters. 2004. Mammals of California. University of California Press. Berkeley, California.

National Geographic Society. 1999. Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Third Edition. Washington D.C.

Sawyer, J.O. and T. Keeler-Wolf. 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, California.

Sibley, D.A. 2003. The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America. Alfred A. Knopf. New York.

McIver Dairy Salix Consulting, Inc. Biological Resource Assessment/Rare Plant Survey 29 July 2018

U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS. Web Soil Survey Online. Tahoe National Forest Area. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov. Accessed October 2017.

Zeiner, D.C., W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White. 1988. California's Wildlife, Volume I. Amphibians and Reptiles. State of California, the Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

Zeiner, D.C., W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White. 1990a. California's Wildlife, Volume II: Birds. State of California, the Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

Zeiner, D.C., W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White. 1990b. California's Wildlife, Volume III: Mammals. State of California, the Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

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Appendix A. Plant Species Observed Within the McIver Dairy Northeast Study Area

Appendix A McIver Dairy - Plants Observed, Oct/Nov 2017 & Jun/Jul 2018

Ferns and Allies Equisetaceae - Horsetail Family Equisetum arvense Common horsetail

Gymnosperms Pinaceae - Pine Family Abies concolor White fir Pinus contorta subsp. murrayana Lodgepole pine Pinus jeffreyi Jeffrey pine

Angiosperms - Dicots Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) - Carrot Family *Conium maculatum Poison hemlock Apocynaceae - Dogbane/Milkweed Family Apocynum androsaemifolium Bitter dogbane Asteraceae (Compositae) - Sunflower Family Achillea millefolium Common yarrow Anaphalis margaritacea Pearly everlasting Antennaria rosea subsp. confinis Pussytoes Arnica chamissonis Leafy arnica Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana Mountain sagebrush Chaenactis douglasii Dusty maidens *Cirsium vulgare Bull thistle Ericameria nauseosa Rubber rabbitbrush Erigeron divergens Spreading fleabane Gnaphalium palustre Western marsh cudweed Grindelia camporum Great Valley gumplant *Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce Madia glomerata Mountain tarweed Senecio integerrimus Mountain butterweed *Sonchus asper subsp. asper Prickly sow-thistle Symphyotrichum spathulatum var. spathulatum Western mountain aster *Taraxacum officinale Common dandelion *Tragopogon dubius Yellow salsify Wyethia mollis Mountain mule's-ears Berberidaceae - Barberry Family Berberis aquifolium Oregon-grape Boraginaceae - Borage Family Cryptantha affinis Side-groved cryptantha Cryptantha torreyana var. torreyana Torrey's cryptantha Phacelia hastata Silverleaf phacelia

* Indicates a non-native species Page 1 of 5 Plagiobothrys hispidulus Harsh popcornflower Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) - Mustard Family Boechera pinetorum Woodland rockcress *Lepidium campestre Field pepperweed Lepidium densiflorum Miner's pepper *Lepidium latifolium Broadleaf pepperweed Lepidium virginicum Bird's pepper Rorippa curvisiliqua Western yellow cress *Sisymbrium altissimum Tumble mustard *Sisymbrium orientale Sisymbrium *Thlaspi arvense Field penny-cress Caprifoliaceae - Honeysuckle Family Lonicera involucrata var. involucrata Twinberry Symphoricarpos mollis Creeping snowberry Caryophyllaceae - Pink Family Stellaria longipes var. longipes Long-stalk starwort Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot Family *Chenopodium album White pigweed *Salsola tragus Russian-thistle Ericaceae - Heath Family Pterospora andromedea Pinedrops Sarcodes sanguinea Snow plant Fabaceae (Leguminosae) - Legume Family Acmispon americanus Spanish lotus Lupinus lepidus var. confertus Meadow lupine *Melilotus albus White sweetcover Trifolium cyathiferum Cup clover *Trifolium hybridum Alsike clover Trifolium longipes Long-stalked clover Grossulariaceae - Gooseberry Family Ribes cereum Wax currant Hypericaceae - St. John's Wort Family *Hypericum perforatum subsp. perforatum Klamathweed Hypericum scouleri Western St. John's wort Lamiaceae (Labiatae) - Mint Family Monardella odoratissima subsp. pallida Pale mountain monardella Stachys ajugoides Bugle hedge-nettle Linaceae - Flax Family Linum lewisii Prairie flax Loasaceae - Loasa Family Mentzelia dispersa Nevada stickleaf Malvaceae - Mallow Family Sidalcea oregana subsp. spicata Spicate checkerbloom Montiaceae - Miner's Lettuce Family Calyptridium umbellatum Pussypaws Montia chamissoi Toad-lily

* Indicates a non-native species Page 2 of 5 Onagraceae - Evening Primrose Family Epilobium brachycarpum Summer cottonweed Epilobium ciliatum Hairy willow-herb Epilobium densiflorum Dense-flower spike-primrose Gayophytum diffusum Groundsmoke Orobanchaceae - Broomrape Family Castilleja tenuis Bristle owl's-clover Paeoniaceae - Peony Family Paeonia brownii Western peony Phrymaceae - Lopseed Family Diplacus torreyi Torrey's monkeyflower Erythranthe guttata Common monkeyflower Plantaginaceae - Plantain Family Callitriche heterophylla var. bolanderi Bolander's water-starwort Collinsia parviflora Blue-eyed Mary Penstemon rydbergii var. oreocharis Rydberg's beardtongue Penstemon speciosus Showy penstemon *Plantago lanceolata English plantain Veronica americana American brooklime Veronica peregrina subsp. xalapensis Purslane speedwell Polemoniaceae - Phlox Family Collomia grandiflora Large-flowered collomia Collomia tinctoria Yellow-staining collomia Navarretia intertexta Needle-leaved navarretia Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family Eriogonum nudum Naked wild buckwheat *Polygonum aviculare Common knotweed *Rumex crispus Curly dock Rumex salicifolius Willow dock Ranunculaceae - Buttercup Family Aquilegia formosa Crimson columbine Ranunculus occidentalis Buttercup Rhamnaceae - Buckthorn Family Ceanothus prostratus var. prostatus Mahala mat Rosaceae - Rose Family Amelanchier alnifolia var. pumila Pacific serviceberry Drymocallis glandulosa Glandular cinquefoil Fragaria virginiana Mountain strawberry Geum macrophyllum Large leaf avens Potentilla gracilis var. elmeri Slender cinquefoil Poteridium annuum Western burnet Purshia tridentata var. glandulosa Antelope brush Rosa woodsii subsp. ultramontana Interior rose Rubus parviflorus Thimbleberry Rubiaceae - Madder Family Galium trifidum subsp. columbianum Pacific bedstraw Kelloggia galioides Kelloggia

* Indicates a non-native species Page 3 of 5 Salicaceae - Willow Family Populus tremuloides Quaking aspen Salix geyeriana Geyer's willow Salix lasiandra var. lasiandra Pacific willow Salix lemmonii Lemmon's willow Sapindaceae - Soapberry Family Acer glabrum Mountain maple Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family *Verbascum thapsus Woolly mullein Urticaceae - Nettle Family Urtica dioica Stinging nettle

Angiosperms -Monocots Cyperaceae - Sedge Family Carex aquatilis Water sedge Carex athrostachya Slender-beak sedge Carex lenticularis Lakeshore sedge Carex nebrascensis Nebraska sedge Carex praegracilis Clustered field-sedge Carex utriculata Southern beaked sedge Eleocharis macrostachya Creeping spikerush Iridaceae - Iris Family Iris missouriensis Western blue flag Juncaceae - Rush Family Juncus balticus subsp. ater Baltic rush Juncus dubius Mariposa rush Juncaginaceae - Arrow-Grass Family Triglochin scilloides Flowering quillwort Poaceae (Gramineae) - Grass Family *Agropyron cristatum Crested wheatgrass Agrostis pallens Leafy bent *Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent *Alopecurus pratensis Meadow foxtail Bromus carinatus var. carinatus California brome *Bromus inermis Smooth brome *Bromus tectorum Cheat grass Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. cespitosa Tufted hairgrass Deschampsia danthonioides Annual hairgrass Elymus elymoides Squirreltail Elymus glaucus Blue wildrye *Elymus repens Quackgrass Elymus trachycaulus Slender wheatgrass Elymus triticoides Beardless wildrye *Festuca sp. Fescue grass Hordeum brachyantherum Meadow barley Hordeum jubatum Foxtail barley *Poa bulbosa subsp. vivipara Bulbous bluegrass *Poa pratensis subsp. pratensis Kentucky bluegrass

* Indicates a non-native species Page 4 of 5 Poa secunda Secund bluegrass Stipa occidentalis Western needlegrass Typhaceae - Cattail Family Typha latifolia Broad-leaved cattail

* Indicates a non-native species Page 5 of 5

Appendix B. Wildlife Species Observed Within the McIver Dairy Study Area

Appendix B McIver Dairy- Wildlife Observed -Summer 2018

Birds

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos American kestrel Falco sparverius Northern flicker Colaptes auratus Pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Western wood-pewee Contopus sordidulus Steller's jay Cyanocitta stelleri Common raven Corvus corax Mountain chickadee Poecile gambeli White-breasted nuthatch Sitta carolinensis Mountain bluebird Sialia currucoides American robin Turdus migratorius Yellow-rumped warbler Setophaga coronata Chipping sparrow Spizella passerina Song sparrow Melospiza melodia Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis Lesser goldfinch Spinus psaltria Mammals

Lodgepole chipmunk Tamias speciosus speciosus Golden-mantled ground squirrel Spermophilus lateralis Douglas' squirrel Tamiasciurus douglasii

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Appendix C Potentially-Occurring Special-Status Plants in the Region of the McIver Dairy Study Area

Appendix C McIver Dairy - Potentially-occurring Special-status Plants

Family Taxon Common Name Status* Flowering Period Habitat Probability on Project Site

Asteraceae (Compositae) Artemisia tripartita tripartita Fed: - August-August Upper montane coniferous forest None. No suitable habitat present within study area. (rocky, volcanic openings). Threetip sagebrush State: - CNPS: Rank 2B.3

Erigeron eatonii nevadincola Fed: - May-July Great Basin scrub; lower montane Possible. Marginal to suitable habitat present. coniferous forest; pinyon and Nevada daisy State: - juniper woodland (rocky). CNPS: Rank 2B.3

Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) Arabis rigidissima var. demota Fed: - August-August Broadleaved upland forest, upper None. No suitable habitat present within study area. montane coniferous forest. Well- State: Galena Creek rockcress - drained, stony soil underlain by CNPS: Rank 1B. basic volcanic rock. 2255-2560 m.

Rorippa subumbellata Fed: FC June-September Lower montane coniferous forest; None. Species only occurs along the shores of Lake meadows; [decomposed granitic Tahoe. Tahoe yellow cress State: CE beaches]. CNPS: Rank 1B.1

Cyperaceae Carex davyi Fed: FSW May-June Subalpine coniferous forest; upper Possible. Marginal to suitable habitat present. montane coniferous forest. Davy's sedge State: - CNPS: Rank 1B.3

Carex lasiocarpa Fed: FSW June-July Bogs and fens; marshes and Unlikely. Marginal habitat along pond edges. swamps; [freshwater, lake Woolly-fruited sedge State: - margins]. CNPS: Rank 2B.3

Page 1 of 5 Appendix C McIver Dairy - Potentially-occurring Special-status Plants

Family Taxon Common Name Status* Flowering Period Habitat Probability on Project Site

Carex limosa Fed: FSW June-August Bogs and fens [lower montane None. No suitable habitat present within study area. coniferous forest; upper montane State: Mud sedge - coniferous forest]. CNPS: Rank 2B.2

Droseraceae Drosera anglica Fed: FSW June-August Bogs and fens; meadows. None. No suitable habitat present within study area. Narrow-leaved sundew State: - CNPS: Rank 2B.3

Juncaceae Juncus luciensis Fed: FSS April-July Chaparral; Great Basin Scrub; Possible. Suitable habitat present. lower montane coniferous forest; State: Santa Lucia dwarf rush - meadows and seeps; vernal pools CNPS: Rank 1B.2 [mesic locations].

Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Scutellaria galericulata Fed: FSW June-September Lower montane coniferous forest; Possible. Suitable habitat present. meadows (mesic); marshes and Marsh skullcap State: - swamps. CNPS: Rank 2B.2

Malvaceae Sphaeralcea munroana Fed: - May-June Great Basin scrub. None. No suitable habitat present within study area. Munroe's desert mallow State: - CNPS: Rank 2B.2

Onagraceae Epilobium oreganum Fed: - June-September Bogs and fens; lower montane Possible. Marginal to suitable habitat present. coniferous forest; [mesic]. Oregon fireweed State: - CNPS: Rank 1B.2

Page 2 of 5 Appendix C McIver Dairy - Potentially-occurring Special-status Plants

Family Taxon Common Name Status* Flowering Period Habitat Probability on Project Site

Ophioglossaceae Botrychium ascendens Fed: FSS July-August Lower montane coniferous forest Unlikely. Site lacks good habitat. [mesic]; meadows and seeps. Uspswept moonwort State: - CNPS: Rank 2B.3

Botrychium crenulatum Fed: FSS June-July Lower montane coniferous forest; Unlikely. Site lacks good habitat. bogs and fens; meadows; marshes Scalloped moonwort State: - and swamps (freshwater). CNPS: Rank 2B.2

Botrychium lunaria Fed: FSS August-August Meadows; subalpine coniferous None. No suitable habitat present within study area. forest; upper montane coniferous State: Common moonwort - forest. CNPS: Rank 2B.3

Botrychium minganense Fed: FSS July-September Upper and lower montane Unlikely. Site lacks good habitat. coniferous forest (mesic); bogs State: Mingan moonwort - and fens. CNPS: Rank 2B.2

Poaceae (Gramineae) Glyceria grandis Fed: FSW June-August Bogs and fens; meadows; marshes Possible. Suitable habitat present. and swamps (streambanks and State: American mannagrass - lake margins). CNPS: Rank 2B.3

Polygonaceae Eriogonum umbellatum torreyanum Fed: - July-September Meadows; upper montane None. No suitable habitat present within study area. coniferous forest; [volcanic, Donner Pass buckwheat State: - rocky]. CNPS: Rank 1B.2

Page 3 of 5 Appendix C McIver Dairy - Potentially-occurring Special-status Plants

Family Taxon Common Name Status* Flowering Period Habitat Probability on Project Site

Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton epihydrus nuttallii Fed: - July-August Marshes and swamps (assorted Possible. Suitable habitat present. shallow freshwater). Nuttall's ribbon-leaved pondweed State: - CNPS: Rank 2B.2

Potamogeton robbinsii Fed: - July-August Marshes and swamps (deep water, None. No suitable habitat present within study area. lakes). Robbins' pondweed State: - CNPS: Rank 2B.3

Stuckenia filiformis alpina Fed: FSW May-July Marshes and swamps (assorted Unlikely. Shallow lake is marginal habitat for species. shallow freshwter). Slender-leaved pondweed State: - CNPS: Rank 2B.2

Rhamnaceae Rhamnus alnifolia Fed: FSW May-July Upper and lower montane Possible. Suitable habitat present. coniferous forests; meadows and Alder buckthorn State: - seeps; riparian scrub. 1370-2130 CNPS: Rank 2B.2 meters.

Rosaceae Ivesia sericoleuca Fed: FSS May-September Great Basin scrub; lower montane Possible. Suitable habitat present. coniferous forest; meadows and State: Plumas ivesia - seeps; vernal pools; [vernally CNPS: Rank 1B.2 mesic, usually volcanic].

Page 4 of 5 Appendix C McIver Dairy - Potentially-occurring Special-status Plants

Family Taxon Common Name Status* Flowering Period Habitat Probability on Project Site

*Status

Federal: State: CNPS (California Native Plant Society - List.RED Code): FE - Federal Endangered CE - California Endangered Rank 1A - Extinct FT - Federal Threatened CT - California Threatened Rank 1B - Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere FPE - Federal Proposed Endangered CR - California Rare Rank 2A- Plants extinct in California, but more common elsewhere FPT - Federal Proposed Threatened CSC - California Species of Rank 2B - Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, more common elsewhere FC - Federal Candidate Special Concern Rank 3 - Plants about which more information is needed, a review list FSS - Forest Service Sensitive Rank 4 - Plants of limited distribution, a watch list FSW - Forest Service Watchlist RED Code 1 - Seriously endangered (>80% of occurrences threatened) 2 - Fairly endangered (20 to 80% of occurrences threatened) 3 - Not very endangered (<20% of occurrences threatened)

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Appendix D. Potentially-Occurring Special-Status Animals in the Region of the McIver Dairy Study Area

Appendix D McIver Dairy - Potentially-occurring Special-status Animals

Status* Habitat Probability on Project Site

Fish

Lahontan cutthroat trout Fed: FT Historically found in all cold waters of the Lahontan Basin, None. Site lacks streams and lakes. Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi State: - including Independence Lake. Other: -

Amphibians

Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog Fed: FE Associated with streams, lakes, and ponds in montane riparian, None. No permanent water for breeding present onsite or near the Rana sierrae State: CT lodgepole pine, subalpine conifer and wet meadow habitats. study area. Occurs in the northern and central portions of the Sierra Nevada Other: SSC at elevations above 4,500 feet. Always near water.

Southern long-toed salamander Fed: - Inhabits alpine meadows, high mountain ponds and lakes. None. Seasonal pond/marsh onsite does not sustain water long Ambystoma macrodactylum sigillatum State: - enough for larvae to metamorphose. Other: SSC

Birds

Northern goshawk Fed: - Dense, mature coniferous forests, most typically dense fir stands Unlikely. May nest in conifers but unlikely due to high degree of Accipiter gentilis State: SSC in the Sierra Nevada mountains. urban activitiy. Other: *

Greater sandhill crane Fed: - Nesting habitat in NE California includes wet meadows that are None. Study area lacks habitat. Grus canadensis tabida State: CT often interspersed with emergent vegetation. Winters in the Central Valley using irrigated pastures as habitat. Other: CFP

Willow flycatcher Fed: - Uncommon summer resident in upper elevation montane riparian Unlikely. Although habitat components are present Empidonax traillii State: CE and wet meadow areas, usually with a thick growth of shrubby (willows/meadow), small size of habitat and high adjacent human willow. influence render habitat suitability very marginal. Other: *

Yellow warbler Fed: - Breeds in riparian vegetation throughout California; populations Unlikely. Minimal riparian habitat present. Setophaga petechia State: SSC in Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys are declining. Common in eastern Sierran riparian habitats below 8,000 feet. Other: *

Page 1 of 3 Appendix D McIver Dairy - Potentially-occurring Special-status Animals

Status* Habitat Probability on Project Site

Mammals

Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare Fed: - Montane riparian habitats with thickets of alders and willows and Unlikely. Site is primarily open meadow. Some habitat present Lepus americanus tahoensis State: SSC in stands of young conifers interdispersed with chaparral. Early around edges of study area, away from Donner Pass Road. seral stages of mixed conifer, subalpine conifer, red fir, Jeffrey Other: - pine, lodgepole pine, and aspen, usually along edges.

White-tailed jackrabbit Fed: - Sagebrush, subalpine conifer, juniper, alpine dwarf-shrub, and Unlikely. Site is primarily open meadow. Some habitat present Lepus townsendii State: SSC perennial grassland habitats. Also found in low sagebrush, wet around edges of study area, away from Donner Pass Road. meadow, and early successional stages of conifer habitats. Prefers Other: - open areas with scattered shrubs.

Sierra Nevada mountain beaver Fed: - Dense decidious trees and shrubs in riparian habitat with an Unlikely. Habitat components for the species are quite marginal. Aplodontia rufa californica State: SSC abundant source of water. Other: -

Sierra Nevada red fox Fed: - Occurs in conifer forests and rugged alpine landscape of the None. Site lacks suitable habitat. Vulpes vulpes necator State: CT Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges between 4,000 feet and 12,000 feet, most often above 7,000 feet. Other: *

Fisher - West Coast DPS Fed: FPT Occurs in intermediate to large-tree stage coniferous forests and None. Site lacks suitable habitat. Pekania pennanti State: CC riparian woodlands with a high percent level of canopy closure. . Other: SSC

California wolverine Fed: FPT Habitat generally consists of open terrain above the timberline, None. Site lacks suitable habitat. Gulo gulo State: CT but has been observed at 1500 feet. Prefer areas with low human disturbance. Use caves, hollows in cliffs, logs, rock outcrops, and Other: CFP burrows for cover, generally in denser forest stages.

Page 2 of 3 Appendix D McIver Dairy - Potentially-occurring Special-status Animals

Status* Habitat Probability on Project Site

*Status Federal: State: Other: FE - Federal Endangered CE - California Endangered Some species have protection under the other designations, such as the California FT - Federal Threatened CT - California Threatened Department of Forestry Sensitive Species, Bureau of Land Management Sensitive FPE - Federal Proposed Endangered CR - California Rare Species, U.S.D.A. Forest Service Sensitive Species, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. FPT - Federal Proposed Threatened CC - California Candidate Raptors and their nests are protected by provisions of the California Fish and Game FC - Federal Candidate CFP - California Fully Protected Code. Certain areas, such as wintering areas of the monarch butterfly, may be protected FPD - Federal Proposed for Delisting CSC - California Species of Special Concern by policies of the California Department of Fish and Game. WL - CDFG Watch List

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