Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest

Prepared by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

for the U.S. Forest Service, Carson National Forest, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

7 June 2015

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Fisheries Management Division 1 Wildlife Way Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

SUMMARY

This biological assessment and evaluation analyzes potential effects on special-status species from proposed construction of a fish barrier on the Rio Costilla in north-central Taos County, New Mexico, on the Valle Vidal Unit of the Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest. The purpose of the project is to enable continued restoration of the native Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis) and other native fishes to the Rio Costilla drainage.

The U.S. Forest Service - Carson National Forest, in cooperation with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, propose to construct the fish barrier on the Rio Costilla. The proposed action consists of four major components: 1) realignment of a 255-m (837-ft) segment of Forest Road 1950 at the proposed fish barrier site; 2) temporary stream diversion to dewater the in-channel work area; 3) construction of the proposed fish barrier; and 4) removal of the temporary stream diversion and site restoration. Construction would be initiated in September 2016 and would take approximately 90 days to complete.

Included in this biological assessment and evaluation are determinations of effects of the proposed action on special-status species, which includes Forest Service sensitive species on the Carson National Forest and federal listed or proposed species, as well as any designated or proposed critical habitat for those species.

Eleven special-status species were identified as potentially occurring in the project area. These eleven species included three plant species, one invertebrate species, three fish species, one amphibian species, one bird species, and two mammal species (Table S-1). Ten of the special-status species are designated as Forest Service sensitive species on the Carson National Forest. The eleventh species (New Mexico meadow jumping mouse) is federally listed as endangered with proposed critical habitat (Table S-1). The project action area is not within proposed critical habitat.

The proposed action would have no effect on nine of the special-status species (Table S-1). Northern leopard frog and American water shrew, both listed as Forest Service sensitive species, may be affected in the short term by construction of the proposed fish barrier. In the long term, potentially suitable wetland and aquatic habitat for both species may be improved in an area encompassing approximately 0.98 ha (2.42 ac) upstream from the proposed fish barrier due to increased water-surface elevation in the backwater of the fish barrier.

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page i New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Table S-1. Special-status species effects analysis summary. Status codes for Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the State of New Mexico (NM) are: SEN = Forest Service sensitive; FE = federal endangered; CH = critical habitat has been designated; SOC = species of concern or sensitive (no legal protection); ST = state threatened; and SE = state endangered.

STATUS COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME EFFECT DETERMINATION USFS USFWS NM yellow lady’s-slipper Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens SEN ------NO EFFECT robust larkspur Delphinium robustum SEN --- SOC NO EFFECT

Arizona willow Salix arizonica SEN --- SOC NO EFFECT nokomis fritillary Speyeria nokomis nokomis SEN ------NO EFFECT

Rio Grande cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis SEN --- SOC BENEFICIAL EFFECT

Rio Grande chub Gila pandora SEN --- SOC BENEFICIAL EFFECT

Rio Grande sucker Catostomus plebeius SEN ------BENEFICIAL EFFECT northern leopard frog Lithobates pipiens SEN ------MAY EFFECT bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus SEN --- ST NO EFFECT

American water shrew Sorex (palustris) navigator SEN ------MAY EFFECT

New Mexico meadow jumping mouse Zapus hudsonius luteus --- FE/CH SE NO EFFECT

The effects determinations and analyses in this report were made by John Pittenger of Blue Earth Ecological Consultants, Inc., 7 June 2015. They were reviewed and approved by Michael Gatlin, Carson National Forest.

John Pittenger, Sr. Biologist Michael Gatlin, Forest Fisheries Biologist Blue Earth Ecological Consultants, Inc. Carson National Forest 1345 Pacheco Street 208 Cruz Alta Road Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505-3907 Taos, NM 87571 (505) 983-2687 ext. 103 (575) 758-6200 [email protected] [email protected]

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page ii New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

AUTHOR QUALIFICATIONS

This biological evaluation was prepared by John Pittenger, Sr. Biologist, Blue Earth Ecological Consultants, Inc. (1345 Pacheco Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505) under contract to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Forest Service regulations require that biological assessments and evaluations be prepared by journey-level biologists or botanists (Forest Service Manual §2634.03[3]).

Mr. Pittenger has a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences from Northern Illinois University (1982) and a M.S. degree in Fisheries Science from New Mexico State University (1986). He also has graduate education in plant ecology from Northern Illinois University. He has 31 years of experience in ecological field surveys and data collection, endangered species survey and consultation, and impact assessment. He has worked as a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish prior to becoming a private consultant with Blue Earth Ecological Consultants, Inc., in 1998.

Mr. Pittenger has prepared over 110 biological evaluations or assessments for informal or formal section 7 consultations. He has contributed ecological effects analysis to many NEPA documents (EAs and EISs) for federal and state agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Mexico Department of Transportation, New Mexico State Parks, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

He has conducted field surveys for special-status species throughout New Mexico including for bird species (southwestern willow flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo, burrowing owl), native fishes and herptiles (loach minnow, spikedace, White Sands pupfish, Gila trout, Rio Grande silvery minnow, roundtail chub, narrowheaded gartersnake, northern Mexican gartersnake, northern leopard frog, Chiricahua leopard frog), and rare plants (Pecos sunflower, Kuenzler’s hedgehog cactus, Holy Ghost ipomopsis, night-blooming cereus cactus). He has also conducted biological surveys throughout the state and to develop lists of flora and fauna and characterize habitats. Mr. Pittenger has extensive experience in development and field implementation of monitoring programs for wetland vegetation, soils, and hydrology; surface water quality; aquatic habitat conditions; and fish populations. He also has experience in developing recovery and conservation plans for sensitive taxa (Gila trout, White Sands pupfish, endangered aquatic invertebrates in the Roswell basin). Mr. Pittenger has conducted basic ecological research on fishes in New Mexico including Rio Grande chub, White Sands pupfish, and fishes of the Canadian River drainage. He has also conducted basic ecological research on other taxa including Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly and aquatic invertebrates of spring systems in the San Andres Mountains. A detailed resume is available on request by contacting:

Mr. John Pittenger, Sr. Biologist Blue Earth Ecological Consultants, Inc. 1345 Pacheco Street Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505-3907 (505) 983-2687 ext. 103 [email protected]

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page iii New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY...... i

AUTHOR QUALIFICATIONS...... iii

1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Location of the Project Area...... 1 1.2 Description of the Proposed Action...... 4 1.2.1 Forest Road 1950 Realignment...... 4 1.2.2 Temporary Stream Diversion...... 4 1.2.3 Fish Barrier Construction...... 7 1.2.4 Diversion Removal and Site Restoration...... 7 1.3 Action Area...... 11 1.3.1 Construction Area...... 11 1.3.2 Rio Costilla Downstream...... 11 1.3.3 Rio Costilla Upstream...... 13 1.3.4 Area Affected by Construction Noise...... 13

2.0 BASELINE CONDITIONS...... 15 2.1 Existing Fish Community and Habitat Conditions...... 15 2.2 Forest Plan Management Direction...... 17

3.0 IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED ACTION...... 19 3.1 Direct Impacts...... 19 3.2 Indirect Impacts...... 19 3.3 Cumulative Effects...... 21

4.0 SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES ANALYSIS...... 23 4.1 Potentially Affected Special-Status Species in the Action Area...... 23 4.2 Yellow Lady’s-Slipper...... 26 4.2.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat...... 26 4.2.2 Status in the Action Area...... 27 4.2.3 Future Condition Without the Proposed Action...... 27 4.2.4 Determination - No Effect...... 27 4.3 Robust Larkspur...... 27 4.3.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat...... 27 4.3.2 Status in the Action Area...... 27 4.3.3 Future Condition Without the Proposed Action...... 27 4.3.4 Determination - No Effect...... 27 4.4 Arizona Willow...... 28

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page iv New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

4.4.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat...... 28 4.4.2 Status in the Action Area...... 28 4.4.3 Future Condition Without the Proposed Action...... 28 4.4.4 Determination - No Effect...... 28 4.5 Nokomis Fritillary...... 29 4.5.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat...... 29 4.5.2 Status in the Action Area...... 29 4.5.3 Future Condition Without the Proposed Action...... 29 4.5.4 Determination - No Effect...... 29 4.6 Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout...... 29 4.6.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat...... 30 4.6.2 Status in the Action Area...... 31 4.6.3 Future Condition Without the Proposed Action...... 31 4.6.4 Determination - Beneficial Effect...... 31 4.7 Rio Grande Chub...... 33 4.7.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat...... 33 4.7.2 Status in the Action Area...... 33 4.7.3 Future Condition Without the Proposed Action...... 33 4.7.4 Determination - Beneficial Effect...... 34 4.8 Rio Grande Sucker...... 34 4.8.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat...... 34 4.8.2 Status in the Action Area...... 34 4.8.3 Future Condition Without the Proposed Action...... 35 4.8.4 Determination - Beneficial Effect...... 35 4.9 Northern Leopard Frog...... 35 4.9.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat...... 35 4.9.2 Status in the Action Area...... 35 4.9.3 Future Condition Without the Proposed Action...... 36 4.9.4 Determination - May Effect...... 36 4.10 Bald Eagle...... 36 4.10.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat...... 36 4.10.2 Status in the Action Area...... 37 4.10.3 Future Condition Without the Proposed Action...... 37 4.10.4 Determination - No Effect...... 37 4.11 American Water Shrew...... 37 4.11.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat...... 37 4.11.2 Status in the Action Area...... 37 4.11.3 Future Condition Without the Proposed Action...... 38 4.11.4 Determination - May Effect...... 38 4.12 New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse...... 38 4.12.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat...... 38 4.12.2 Status in the Action Area...... 39

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page v New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

4.12.3 Future Condition Without the Proposed Action...... 39 4.12.4 Determination - No Effect...... 39

5.0 CONSERVATION MEASURES...... 40 5.1 Site Preparation BMPs...... 40 5.2 Scheduling BMPs...... 40 5.3 Site Clearing BMPs...... 40 5.4 Construction BMPs...... 40 5.5 Diversion and Dewatering BMPs...... 41 5.6 Inspection, Maintenance, and Monitoring BMPs...... 41

6.0 LITERATURE CITED...... 42

APPENDIX A Special-Status Species Lists...... 48

APPENDIX B Special-Status Species Not Considered in the Analysis...... 68 TABLES

Table 1. Special-status species that may occur on the Carson National Forest...... 24 FIGURES

Figure 1. Location of the Rio Costilla fish barrier project area...... 2 Figure 2. Vicinity map of the Rio Costilla Fish barrier project area...... 3 Figure 3. Plan view of the Rio Costilla Fish barrier project area...... 5 Figure 4. Plan view of the temporary stream diversion ...... 6 Figure 5. Plan view of the proposed fish barrier...... 8 Figure 6. Elevation and cross section views of the proposed fish barrier...... 9 Figure 7. Plan view of rip-rap placement at the proposed fish barrier...... 10 Figure 8. Action area for analysis of effects of the proposed action on special-status species...... 12 Figure 9. Action area for potential noise impacts resulting from construction activities...... 14 Figure 10. Mean daily flow in the Rio Costilla...... 16 Figure 11. Floodplain and riparian habitat in the project area...... 16 Figure 12. Upland habitat in the project area...... 18 Figure 13. Rock outcrop and spruce stand on the south side of the Rio Costilla...... 18 Figure 14. Direct and indirect impact areas for the Rio Costilla fish barrier project...... 20 Figure 15. Current distribution of Rio Grande cutthroat trout in the Rio Costilla watershed...... 32

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page vi New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This biological assessment and evaluation adverse effect on the populations, its habitat, and analyzes potential effects on special-status species on the viability of the species as a whole.” from proposed construction of a fish barrier on the Rio Costilla, located on the Questa Ranger Determinations of effects of the proposed action District of the Carson National Forest in on special-status species follow directions at FSM northwestern Taos County, New Mexico (Figure 2672.42 (Standards for Biological Evaluations), 1). The project is proposed by the U.S. Forest which defines three possible effects determination Service -Carson National Forest, in cooperation outcomes in the impact analysis: no effect; with the New Mexico Department of Game and beneficial effect; or may affect. Pursuant to Fish (Game and Fish) and the U.S. Fish and directions at FSM 2672.42 and 2672.43, this Wildlife Service, Southwest Region (Fish and biological evaluation and assessment includes: Wildlife Service), and is part of ongoing efforts to restore native Rio Grande cutthroat trout • identification of special-status species (Onchorhynchus clarkii virginalis) to the Rio potentially affected by the proposed action; Costilla watershed. Funding for this project • description of occupied or suitable habitat; would be provided through a State Wildlife Grant • analysis of effects of the proposed action on to the New Mexico Department of Game and species and their occupied or suitable habitat Fish from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the project area; Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. In • analysis of cumulative effects; and addition, the project is located on federal lands • documentation of the process and rationale administered by the Carson National Forest. for effects determinations.

The purpose of this biological evaluation and assessment is to analyze and present 1.1 Location of the determinations of effects of the proposed action Project Area on special-status species, which includes Forest Service sensitive species and federal listed, The project area is located along the Rio Costilla proposed, and candidate species (including any in northwestern Taos County, on the Questa designated or proposed critical habitat for those Ranger District of the Carson National Forest species). Determinations are presented to assist (Figure 1), approximately 19.8 km (12.3 mi) east the project proponents in complying with Section of Costilla, New Mexico, on N.M. Highway 7 of the Endangered Species Act (50 CFR 402) 196/FR 1950. The proposed fish barrier site is and pertinent directions and requirements of the located approximately 0.8 km (0.5 mi) U.S. Forest Service at Forest Service Manual downstream from the confluence of Comanche (FSM) §2672 (Wildlife, Fish, and Sensitive Plant Creek with the Rio Costilla (Figure 2). Elevation Habitat Management - Planning for Management at the proposed fish barrier site is approximately and Recovery). Section 2672.1 of the FSM states 2,707 m (8,881 ft). that “There must be no impacts to sensitive species without an analysis of the significance of

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 1 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Figure 1. Location of the Rio Costilla fish barrier project area in northwestern Taos County, New Mexico.

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 2 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Figure 2. Vicinity map of the Rio Costilla Fish barrier project area. Elevation at the proposed fish barrier site is approximately 2,707 m (8,881 ft). The proposed fish barrier site is located at 36.834o N latitude, 105.333o W longitude (North American Datum of 1983), and 470275 meters E, 4076496 meters N (UTM Zone 13 North, North American Datum of 1983). The project area is located in T. 30 N, R. 15 E, Section 15, SW 1/4, and can be located on the Comanche Point, NM, 7.5-minute U.S. Geological Survey topographic quadrangle (1995, DMA 4957 IV SE - Series V881).

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 3 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

slope cuts made for the road realignment. Road 1.2 Description of the fill side slopes would be 1V:1.5H. Road ditches Proposed Action would be sloped, graded, and shaped to provide proper drainage. The two existing 61-cm (24-in) The purpose of the proposed action is to enable diameter corrugated metal culverts would be completion of the upper Rio Costilla native fish replaced with new 61-cm (24-in) diameter restoration project (New Mexico Department of corrugated metal culverts. The existing culverts Game and Fish, 2006). The proposed action would be removed from the old road bed. consists of four major components: 1) realignment Armoring would be installed at the new culvert of 255 m (837 ft) of FR 1950; 2) construction of inlets and outlets. Following completion of a temporary stream diversion around the barrier construction, the abandoned segment of FR 1950 site to dewater the work area; 3) construction of a would be removed and the area would be graded fish barrier in the Rio Costilla; and 4) removal of and contoured to match the natural topography of the temporary stream diversion and restoration of the site. the construction area. Each of these elements is described in detail below. Construction is 1.2.2 Temporary Stream anticipated to take up to 90 days, beginning in Diversion September 2016. Following realignment of FR 1950, a temporary 1.2.1 Forest Road 1950 stream diversion would be constructed around the Realignment proposed fish barrier site to allow for dewatering of the work area. Stream diversion would not take First, a 255-m (837-ft) segment of FR 1950 would place until after 1 October, when Costilla be realigned to the north, as shown in Figure 3, so Reservoir outflow irrigation deliveries are that the road remains above the estimated 100- terminated. The temporary stream diversion 3 year recurrence interval flow elevation. The would be designed with a capacity of 0.85 m /s 3 realignment would begin about 30.5 m (100 ft) (30 ft /s [cfs]) based on stream-flow analysis, west of the existing culvert crossing on an which indicated that average daily flow in 3 ephemeral drainage immediately west of the fish October is less than 0.85 m /s (30 cfs) 99.4 barrier site (Figure 3). The dimensions of the percent of the time. realigned road would match the existing dimensions of FR 1950. First, an approximately 99.1-m (325-ft) long trench, 1.6 m (5.3 ft) wide and 1.2 m (4 ft) deep, The realigned road would have a top width of 4.9 would be excavated to accommodate a 91.4-cm m (16 ft) and would be surfaced with four inches (36-in) diameter, smooth-walled polyethylene of crushed clean aggregate with a maximum size pipe (Figure 4). This size of pipe would have the 3 of 2.5 cm (1 in). The road base would be capacity to convey 0.85 m /s (30 cfs) with 0.3-m constructed with clean, naturally occurring (1-ft) freeboard. Following excavation of the backfill. Backfill and cover soil to be used in trench, the pipe would be installed. Slope of the building the new segment of road and restoring pipe would be 0.5 percent. the site post-construction would be salvaged from

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 4 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Figure 3. Plan view of the Rio Costilla terminal fish barrier project area showing proposed realignment of Forest Road 1950 and the location of the proposed fish barrier.

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 5 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Figure 4. Plan view of the temporary stream diversion at the proposed Rio Costilla terminal fish barrier site.

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 6 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

A rock rip-rap apron would be constructed at the existing stream bed (Figure 6). Rip-rap would be downstream confluence of the temporary stream placed on the downstream side of the barrier, on diversion and the Rio Costilla to prevent erosion the upstream and downstream sides of the north and scour and to dissipate hydraulic energy before wing wall, and on the downstream side of the the diverted steam flow returns to the channel. south wing wall (Figure 7). The structure would exclude fish up to a 50-year recurrence interval Temporary cofferdams would be installed at the flow and would remain structurally stable up to a upstream and downstream ends of the in-channel 100-year recurrence interval flow. work area (Figure 4). Temporary cofferdams would consist of duffle-top, waterproof bulk bags 1.2.4 Diversion Removal and filled with gravel and lined with a waterproof geosynthetic liner material. Contractor-proposed Site Restoration alternative cofferdam designs such has pre-cast Following completion of fish barrier construction concrete ecology blocks or water-filled bladders and concrete curing, the temporary cofferdams may be used with concurrence from project proponents and regulatory agencies. and the temporary stream diversion would be removed. Excavated areas would be backfilled with native soil. All areas that have been 1.2.3 Fish Barrier Construction disturbed by construction would be contoured to restore natural site topography and seeded with Once the temporary stream diversion is operating, plant species native to the project area. construction of the fish barrier would commence. The barrier structure would be constructed A minimum of 15.2 cm (6 in) of loose cover soil perpendicular to stream flow and would be 30 m would be placed in all areas to be seeded. (98.4 ft) long. The barrier would consist of an Seeding would be conducted with species native 8.23-m (27-ft) central weir section, a 12.56-m to the project area. Species composition, seeding (41.2-ft) south wing wall, and a 9.20-m (30.2-ft) dates, and application rates would be conducted in north wing wall (Figure 5). The barrier would be accordance with the Carson National Forest. 4.88 m (16 ft) wide and would be constructed of Vegetative, certified weed-seed free mulch would concrete and compacted fill. be applied to seeded areas at a rate of 0.34 kg/m2 (3,000 lbs/ac). Grass, hay, or straw mulch would The central weir section would consist of a be anchored by a mulch-tilled crimper or similar concrete weir and apron, with the weir crest device. elevation 1.07 m (3.5 ft) above the apron (Figure 6). The concrete apron below the weir would be 4.88 m (16 ft) wide and have a slope of 16H:1V. The downstream crest of the apron would be 1.32 m (4.34 ft) above the existing stream channel bottom. The south wing wall would be tied into bedrock, and the north wing wall would be keyed into the north bank a minimum of 1.5 m (5 ft; Figure 6). The barrier footing would be constructed approximately 1.5 m (5 ft) below the

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 7 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Figure 5. Plan view of the proposed fish barrier.

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 8 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Figure 6. Elevation and cross section views of the proposed fish barrier.

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 9 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Figure 7. Plan view of rip-rap placement at the proposed fish barrier.

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 10 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

in the Rio Costilla near Costilla is 12.84 cfs (U.S. 1.3 Action Area Geological Survey, 2015).

The action area for analysis of potential effects of For the purpose of this analysis, it was assumed the proposed action on special-status species was that elevated turbidity effects could affect the Rio defined as the construction area and upstream and Costilla for a distance of up to 122 m (400 ft) downstream segments of the Rio Costilla that may downstream from the lower temporary cofferdam be indirectly affected by construction and (Figure 8). Furthermore, it was assumed that presence of the barrier. These components of the elevated turbidity would likely occur during four action area are described below. specific stages of construction, as follows.

1.3.1 Construction Area 1) Placement of temporary cofferdams. 2) Initial diversion of stream flow through The construction area for the proposed fish barrier the temporary stream diversion. project encompasses approximately 1.16 ha (2.86 3) Removal of the temporary cofferdams. ac; Figure 8). For the purpose of this biological 4) Return of stream flow through the project evaluation and assessment, it was assumed that area. this entire area would be subject to surface disturbance during the course of the It was assumed that elevated turbidity during these approximately 90-day construction period. four stages of construction would persist for no Permanent construction features remaining after longer than two hours. These assumptions were construction is completed would include the based on measurements of turbidity effects in case proposed fish barrier and the realigned section of studies similar to the proposed action, which are FR 1950 (Figure 8). The footprint of the proposed summarized below. fish barrier and associated rip-rap would be approximately 335 m2 (0.08 ac), and the net Norman (2015) reported turbidity effects increase in road surface area resulting from associated with removal of a temporary steam proposed realignment of FR 1950 would be crossing on the upper Truckee River in Nevada. approximately 76 m2 (0.02 ac). Stream flow was 12 cfs, which is comparable to the 12.84 cfs mean daily flow in the Rio Costilla 1.3.2 Rio Costilla Downstream for October through November (U.S. Geological Survey, 2015). No turbidity effects were observed The downstream portion of the action area in the at a distance of 122 m (400 ft) downstream from Rio Costilla consists of the stream segment that the project area, and construction-related turbidity may be influenced by elevated turbidity associated pulses dissipated to background levels within two with construction of the fish barrier and hours. installation, operation, and removal of the temporary stream diversion. The proposed action would be conducted during base-flow, non- irrigation delivery conditions in the Rio Costilla. Mean daily flow for October through November

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Figure 8. Action area for analysis of effects of the proposed action on special-status species. The action area consists of the 1.14 ha (2.82 ac) construction area, a 349-m (1,145-ft) long upstream segment of the Rio Costilla, a 122-m (400-ft) long downstream segment of the Rio Costilla, and a 242-ha (598-ac) area around the proposed fish barrier site that may be affected by construction noise (refer to Figure 9). See text for discussion.

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Foltz and others (2013) monitored turbidity during 1.3.4 Area Affected by two culvert-to-bridge upgrades that employed the same method of temporary stream diversion that Construction Noise would be used for the Rio Costilla terminal fish For the purpose of this analysis, point-source barrier project. They found that turbidity effects construction noise was assumed to be 84 dBA (i.e. were restricted to a 100-m (330-ft) reach typical maximum noise level associated with downstream from the project area, and that operation of equipment such as cement mixers, elevated turbidity persisted for no longer than two hours. Background turbidity levels ranged excavators, backhoes, heavy trucks, etc.). Ambient noise level was assumed to be 40 dBA (i.e. wind from 0.8 to 1.5 nephelometric turbidity units in trees, water, occasional vehicle on FR 1950). (NTU), and all construction-related turbidity was less than 50 NTU above background levels. These parameters were used in the equation D = (C-A/α) Do * 10 to determine the distance at which No new sediment loads to the Rio Costilla would construction noise would attenuate to background result from the proposed fish barrier. Rip-rap and levels. In this equation, Do = reference distance revegetation would be conducted along the stream (15.2 m [50 ft]), C = construction noise level (84 banks. Consequently, bank erosion would not dBA), A = ambient noise level (40 dBA), and α = occur except possibly under very infrequent, large 25 (attenuation factor for soft ground). flood events. During such events, background levels of suspended sediment would be very high Solving the equation yields an attenuation and the potential contribution from erosion of the distance (D) of 877 m (2,877 ft). Consequently, project area would be negligible in comparison. the proposed action may result in indirect noise impacts in an 877-m (2,877-ft) buffer area around 1.3.3 Rio Costilla Upstream the construction site (Figure 9). This buffer area encompasses 242 ha (598 ac). The action area in the Rio Costilla upstream from the fish barrier would extend approximately 349 m (1,145 ft; Figure 8). This distance was determined based on the crest elevation of the central weir of the proposed fish barrier, which would be 2,711.29 m (8,895.3 ft). This would result in an increase in surface water area approximately 349 m (1,145 ft) upstream from the proposed fish barrier, as shown in Figure 8. Surface water area would increase in this reach from 0.29 ha (0.73 ac) to 0.98 ha (2.42 ac).

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Figure 9. Action area for potential noise impacts resulting from construction activities. Noise generated during construction would likely attenuate to background levels at the perimeter of the circle shown in the figure, which has a radius of 877 m (2,877 ft) and encompasses an area of 242 ha (598 ac).

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2.0 BASELINE CONDITIONS 2.1 Existing Fish through March (Figure 10). Base flows in the project area are likely lower because tributary Community and Habitat inflows between the project area and the gage at Conditions Costilla (e.g. Gate Creek, Latir Creek, Cordova Creek, Ute Creek) add flow volume to the stream The fish community in the project area includes Water-surface slope of the Rio Costilla through the following six species: rainbow trout the project area is approximately 0.8 percent (Oncorhynchus mykiss); hybrid cutthroat x (Pioneer Technical Services, Inc., 2014). Aquatic rainbow trout (O. mykiss x clarkii); brown trout habitat in the Rio Costilla is typical of montane (Salmo trutta); longnose dace (Rhinichthys streams in the area and consists of pool and riffle cataractae); longnose sucker (Catostomus sequences, undercut banks, flats or glides, and catostomus) and white sucker (C. commersoni; ; runs. Sand and smaller-grained particles less than New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, 2006: 2 mm (0.08 in) diameter make up approximately 42). Only one of these six species, longnose dace, 12 percent of the stream substrate, and is native. Other native fish species that embeddedness is approximately 23 percent (New historically occurred in the project area included Mexico Environment Department, 2011: 19). Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Rio Grande chub, and Rio Grande sucker (see sections 4.7.1 and 4.8.1). The Rapid Geomorphic Assessment score, which The primary factors in decline of these native ranges from 0 to 36 with lower scores indicating fish species in the pper Rio Grande watershed U higher channel stability, was 9.5 in 2006 (New include predation by and competition with Mexico Environment Department, 2011: 20). The nonnative salmonids, hybridization with nonnative Rapid Habitat Assessment score, which ranges fish species, habitat fragmentation by from 0 to 200 with higher values indicating better impoundments, habitat degradation caused by habitat quality, was 161 in 2006 (New Mexico land-use practices, and cold-water releases below Environment Department, 2011: 20). Low flow reservoirs (Alves et al., 2008; Calamusso and alteration was identified as the only cause of Rinne, 1999; Pritchard and Cowley, 2006; Rees et impairment of water quality in the Rio Costilla al., 2005a :10). (New Mexico Environment Department, 2012: 51). Flow in the Rio Costilla in the project area is influenced by water storage in and releases from Floodplain wetlands dominated by herbaceous Costilla Reservoir for beneficial use in the Amalia wetland plant species such as sedges (Carex spp.) area in New Mexico and to meet compact delivery and rushes (Juncus spp.) flank the channel of the requirements to Colorado. Mean daily flow peaks Rio Costilla upstream from the proposed barrier in May at the height of snowmelt runoff, then site (Figure 11). gradually declines through September (Figure 10). Base flow conditions, when flows are generally less than 0.7 m3/s (25 cfs), prevail from October

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Figure 10. Mean daily flow in the Rio Costilla at Costilla, New Mexico, 1936 to 2015 (data from U.S. Geological Survey, 2015). Error bars are one standard deviation.

Figure 11. Floodplain and riparian habitat in the project area. View is looking downstream to the proposed barrier site (located at the tall spruce trees in center of the photo). Photo taken on 13 April 2015.

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Common riparian and floodplain plant species population levels and resource allocations (U.S. along the Rio Costilla in the project area include Forest Service, 1982: 12-13). thinleaf alder (Alnus incana tenuifolia), Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens), Wood’s rose (Rosa woodsii), wax currant (Ribes cereum), shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa), common gooseberry (Ribes inerme), and grasses (Figure 11).

Upland habitat in the project area consists of a relatively flat terrace surface with vegetation dominated by grasses and forbs on the north side of the Rio Costilla (Figure 12). South of the Rio Costilla, upland habitat consists of north-facing hill slope with vegetation dominated by Colorado blue spruce (Figure 13). 2.2 Forest Plan Management Direction

The Carson National Forest Plan (U.S. Forest Service, 1986) states that management of the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest is governed by the Valle Vidal Unit Multiple-Use Area Guide (U.S. Forest Service, 1982). The project area is located in the riparian management zone of the Valle Vidal Unit (U.S. Forest Service, 1982: 3). The management emphasis for this zone is on “providing a diverse and high quality wildlife and fisheries resource that is harmonious with other uses” (U.S. Forest Service, 1982: 3) and to “benefit riparian dependent resources” (U.S. Forest Service, 1982: 21).

Management directions for fish and wildlife in the riparian zone include managing fish and wildlife habitat to maintain viable populations of existing native species, identifying and protecting sensitive species, and cooperating with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to establish

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Figure 12. Upland habitat in the project area. View is looking west from the east end of the proposed FR 1950 realignment segment. Photo taken on 13 April 2015.

Figure 13. Rock outcrop and spruce stand on the south side of the Rio Costilla at the proposed barrier site. View is looking upstream, with the rock outcrop in the shadow of the trees on the right. Photo taken on 13 April 2015.

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3.0 IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED ACTION This chapter presents a summary of the direct, 3.2 Indirect Impacts indirect, and cumulative impacts associated with the proposed action. Indirect impacts are defined as effects that are caused by the proposed action, but which occur 3.1 Direct Impacts at a later time or at a distance away from the triggering action and which are reasonably Direct impacts are defined as effects caused by the foreseeable (40 CFR 1508.8; U.S. Fish and proposed action that occur at the same time and Wildlife Service, 1998: 4-29). In this case, the place as the triggering action (40 CFR 1508.8), triggering action is construction of a fish barrier which in this case is construction of a fish barrier on the Rio Costilla and all associated work, on the Rio Costilla and all associated work (e.g. including realignment of FR 1950 and temporary realignment of FR 1950, temporary stream diversion of the Rio Costilla during construction. diversion). Direct impacts also include interdependent and interrelated activities (U.S. Indirect impacts would consist of: Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998: 4-26 and 4-27). 1) noise generated during construction, which Direct impacts would consist of ground would be audible off-site; disturbance in the 1.14 ha (2.82 ac) construction 2) construction-related turbidity pulses in the area (Figure 14). For the purpose of this Rio Costilla downstream from the biological evaluation and assessment, it was construction site; and assumed that this entire area would be subject to 3) increased water surface elevation in the Rio surface disturbance during the course of the Costilla upstream from the barrier following approximately 90-day construction period. completion of construction. Permanent construction features remaining after construction is completed would include the As discussed in section 1.3.2, indirect effects of proposed fish barrier and the realigned section of the proposed action downstream in the Rio FR 1950. The footprint of the proposed fish Costilla would consist of pulses of elevated barrier and associated rip-rap would be turbidity for a distance of up to 122 m (400 ft) approximately 335 m2 (0.08 ac), and the net downstream from the lower temporary cofferdam increase in road surface area resulting from (Figure 14). proposed realignment of FR 1950 would be approximately 76 m2 (0.02 ac).

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Figure 14. Direct and indirect impact areas for the Rio Costilla fish barrier project. Not shown is the indirect impact area for construction-generated noise. See text for discussion.

These turbidity pulses would likely occur during Elevated turbidity during these four stages of four specific stages of construction, as follows. construction would persist for no longer than two hours. 1) Placement of temporary cofferdams. 2) Initial diversion of stream flow through Indirect effects of the proposed action upstream in the temporary stream diversion. the Rio Costilla would consist of increased water 3) Removal of the temporary cofferdams. surface elevation in a reach extending 4) Return of stream flow through the project approximately 349 m (1,145 ft) upstream from the area. proposed fish barrier (Figure 14; see section 1.3.3

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for discussion). The increased water surface reasonably foreseeable future actions that may elevation would result from establishment of the overlap spatially and temporally with effects of fish barrier weir crest at an elevation of 2,711.29 the proposed action. m (8,895.3 ft). Surface water area would increase in this reach from 0.29 ha (0.73 ac) to 0.98 ha Past and ongoing actions that have taken place in (2.42 ac). the vicinity of the project area and that have affected habitat conditions include: Indirect noise effects of the proposed action would occur as a result of construction activities • emplacement and operation of Costilla Dam during the 90-day construction period. As and subsequent flow regulation; discussed in section 1.3.4, noise generated by • road construction and maintenance; construction activity would attenuate to • railroad logging and timber harvest; background levels within an area 877 m (0.54 mi) • livestock grazing; around the construction site. However, noise • introduction and stocking of nonnative fish; effects from construction would likely have an and effect on wildlife only within a smaller area of • restoration of Rio Grande cutthroat trout to approximately 400 m (0.25 mi) around the portions of the Rio Costilla watershed. construction site (e.g. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2013a). At a distance of 400 m (0.25 mi) Costilla Reservoir was completed in 1920 to from the construction site, an 84 dBA noise level “capture ephemeral snowmelt for deferred release (i.e. typical maximum noise level associated with to irrigated farm lands later in the summer operation of equipment such as cement mixers, months” (Knox, 2003). Irrigation water released excavators, backhoes, heavy trucks, etc.) would from Costilla Reservoir is conveyed in the Rio attenuate to approximately 45 dBA. Costilla downstream beyond the National Forest boundary before it is diverted into man-made Construction-generated noise during the 90-day irrigation canals and ditches. Irrigation releases construction period (September through generally occur from mid-May through November 2016) may cause temporary September. Costilla Reservoir acts as a settling displacement of terrestrial wildlife. However, any basin that removes suspended sediment from noise effects associated with the proposed action reservoir inflows (New Mexico Environment would cease when construction is complete, and Department, 2011: 23). there would be no long-term effects on wildlife. The ongoing impacts of road construction and 3.3 Cumulative Effects maintenance include increased soil erosion and alteration of storm-water runoff patterns, which may result in an increase in sediment input into For the purpose of this cumulative effects the Rio Costilla. Additionally, stream channel analysis, existing conditions were considered to modifications made during road construction may represent the cumulative aggregate impact of all also have increased sediment loading and reduced past and ongoing actions in the project area riparian shading in the Rio Costilla watershed, (Council on Environmental Quality, 2005). leading to increased water temperatures Following is a description of past, ongoing, and (Bionomics Southwest, 2005).

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Railroad logging conducted throughout the water quality from rotenone applications, removal Carson National Forest in the late 1800s and of nonnative fish from restoration areas, and early 1900s caused widespread alteration of repatriation of Rio Grande cutthroat trout (New riparian habitats (U.S. Forest Service, 2004: 7). Mexico Department of Game and Fish, 2006). Although many riparian habitats have recovered, some have still not returned to full natural Reasonably foreseeable future actions that are function (U.S. Forest Service, 2004: 7). These planned in the project area, aside from stocking of areas may have diminished stream shading and sterile rainbow trout mentioned above, include stream banks susceptible to excessive erosion. stream renovations and restoration of Rio Grande cutthroat trout and other native fish to upstream Historic livestock grazing and haying operations habitats in the Rio Costilla watershed (New in riparian areas altered stream-side canopy cover Mexico Department of Game and Fish, 2006) and and vegetation characteristics (U.S. Forest maintenance of FR 1950. Effects of Rio Grande Service, 2014: 13). As described above for cutthroat trout restoration include short-term historic logging, many of these riparian systems impacts to water quality, expanded range of native have recovered. However, some remain in fish, short-term increase in human disturbance, impaired condition resulting in reduced stream temporary loss of angling opportunities, and a shading and increased bank erodibility. long-term increase in opportunities to fish for Rio Grande cutthroat trout (New Mexico Department Nonnative fish, including rainbow trout, brown of Game and Fish, 2006: 23-24). The effect of trout, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), white maintenance of FR 1950 would be short-term sucker, and longnose sucker have been introduced increases in sediment supply to the Rio Costilla at various times in the past. All of these species associated with earth disturbance or placement of persist in the Rio Costilla watershed to the unconsolidated material (e.g. gravel on road detriment of native fish (e.g. Calamusso and surface). Rinne, 1999). The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish currently stocks triploid (i.e. sterile) rainbow trout in the Rio Costilla downstream from the Carson National Forest boundary, and this stocking program will continue in the foreseeable future. The stocked rainbow trout are sterile and therefore would not hybridize with native Rio Grande cutthroat trout.

Rio Grande cutthroat trout restoration activities have occurred in the Rio Costilla watershed since 2006. To date, the species has been restored to approximately 113 km (70 mi) of stream habitat and to 16 montane lakes in the watershed (B. Bakevich, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, pers. comm., 7 February 2015). The effect of this program has been short-term impacts to

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4.0 SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES ANALYSIS 4.1 Potentially Affected prohibiting take without a permit from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish or New Special-Status Species in the Mexico Forestry and Resources Conservation Action Area Division. To determine which special-status species should There are 40 special-status species that may occur be analyzed in this biological assessment and in Taos County (Table 1; Appendix A). For the evaluation, information for each species in Table purpose of this biological assessment and 1 was examined to determine first if the range of evaluation, special-status species are defined as: the species included Taos County and, second, if suitable habitat for the species was found in the • plant and animal species listed as sensitive by action area (see section 1.3 for a description of the the U.S. Forest Service, Region 3; and action area). Special-status species that met these • species that are listed, proposed for listing, or two criteria were included in the analysis. These candidates for listing under the federal species are highlighted by shaded rows in Table 1. Endangered Species Act. The rationale for omitting species from analysis is presented in Appendix B. Also shown in Table 1 is the associated state status, if any, for the special-status species. State status designations include listing of animal species as state endangered or threatened under the New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Act or listing of plant species as state endangered under the New Mexico Endangered Plant Species Act. Species may also be informally categorized as sensitive species or species of concern, which affords no legal protection. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service no longer maintains a list of species of concern.

Species listed as sensitive by the Forest Service, Region 3 receive special emphasis in planning and management activities to ensure their conservation. Species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) are afforded protection from harm, harassment, or destruction of habitat. The New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Act and New Mexico Endangered Plant Species Act protect state-listed species by

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Table 1. Special-status species that may occur on the Carson National Forest. Those species highlighted by shaded rows were considered in the analysis. Status is provided for three agency categories: USFS (U.S. Forest Service, Region 3); USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service); and NM (status accorded to plant species by the New Mexico Rare Plants Program of the New Mexico Energy Minerals, and Natural Resources Department or to animal species by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish).

The code SEN under the USFS column indicates species listed as Forest Service, Region 3 sensitive. Species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act are coded under the USFWS column as endangered (FE), threatened (FT), or candidate for federal listing (FC); CH denotes critical habitat is designated for the species proposed (PCH) for the species. Species protected under the New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Act or the New Mexico Endangered Plant Species Act are coded under the NM column as endangered (SE) or threatened (ST). SOC denotes a species of concern or sensitive species, which is an informal designation that does not afford any legal protection.

STATUS RANGE HABITAT IN COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME INCLUDES PROJECT USFS USFWS NM TAOS CO. AREA

PLANTS (12 taxa) tufted sand verbena Abronia bigelovii SEN --- SOC NO ---

Pagosa milkvetch Astragalus missouriensis var. humistratus SEN --- SOC NO ---

Ripley’s milkvetch Astragalus ripleyi SEN --- SOC YES NO

Arizona leatherflower* Clematis hirsutissima var. hirsutissima SEN ------NO --- yellow lady’s-slipper Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens SEN ------YES YES alpine larkspur Delphinium alpestre SEN --- SOC YES NO robust larkspur Delphinium robustum SEN --- SOC YES YES small-headed goldenweed Lorandersonia (Ericameria) microcephala SEN --- SOC YES NO

Pecos fleabane Erigeron subglaber SEN --- SOC YES NO

Chama blazing star Mentzelia conspicua SEN --- SOC NO ---

Blumer’s dock* Rumex orthoneurus SEN ------NO ---

Arizona willow Salix arizonica SEN --- SOC YES YES

INVERTEBRATES (2 taxa)

Sangre de Cristo pea-clam Pisidium sanguinichristi SEN --- ST YES NO nokomis fritillary Speyeria nokomis nokomis SEN ------YES YES

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Table 1, continued

STATUS RANGE HABITAT IN COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME INCLUDES PROJECT USFS USFWS NM TAOS CO. AREA

FISH (4 taxa)

Rio Grande cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis SEN --- SOC YES YES

Rio Grande chub Gila pandora SEN --- SOC YES YES roundtail chub Gila robusta SEN --- SE NO NO

Rio Grande sucker Catostomus plebeius SEN ------YES YES

AMPHIBIANS (2 taxa) boreal toad Anaxyrus boreas boreas SEN --- SE NO NO northern leopard frog Lithobates pipiens SEN ------YES YES

BIRDS (10 taxa) northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis SEN --- SOC YES NO bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus SEN --- ST YES YES

American peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus anatum SEN --- ST YES NO white-tailed ptarmigan Lagopus leucura SEN --- SE YES NO western yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus occidentalis SEN FT/CH SOC YES NO

Mexican spotted owl Strix occidentalis lucida --- FT/CH SOC YES NO western burrowing owl Athene cunicularia hypugaea SEN ------YES NO boreal owl Aegolius funereus SEN --- ST YES NO southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus --- FE/CH SE YES NO gray vireo Vireo vicinior SEN --- ST YES NO

MAMMALS (10 taxa) masked shrew Sorex cinereus SEN ------YES NO

American water shrew Sorex (palustris) navigator SEN ------YES YES pale Townsend's big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens SEN --- SOC YES NO spotted bat Euderma maculatum SEN --- ST NO NO

Canada lynx Lynx canadensis SEN FT --- YES NO

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Table 1, continued

STATUS RANGE HABITAT IN COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME INCLUDES PROJECT USFS USFWS NM TAOS CO. AREA black-footed ferret Mustela nigripes --- FE --- NO NO

American marten Martes americana origenes SEN --- ST YES NO

Gunnison's prairie dog Cynomys gunnisoni SEN --- SOC YES NO

New Mexico meadow jumping mouse Zapus hudsonius luteus --- FE/PCH SE YES YES

American pika Ochotona princeps saxatilis SEN ------YES NO

* Forest Service sensitive only for National Forests in Arizona

4.2 Yellow Lady’s-Slipper typically rises approximately 10 cm (4 in) above the leaves. There are four to six ovate-lanceolate leaves on blooming plants. Yellow lady’s-slipper Yellow lady’s-slipper (an orchid) is listed as a flowers from June through July. Yellow-lady’s Forest Service - Region 3 sensitive species on the slipper is a long-lived perennial. New shoots Carson National Forest (Table 1; Appendix A). sprout from rhizomes, and flowers are insect Its conservation status in New Mexico is S2 pollinated (Coleman, 2002: 63; Deller, 2003: 8). (imperiled; NatureServe, 2014). This orchid typically occurs as small, isolated populations that Yellow lady’s-slipper occurs throughout most of are vulnerable to extirpation through over- North America (Coleman, 2002: 65; Deller, 2003: collection, grazing, competition with invasive 26). In New Mexico, yellow lady’s-slipper is plants, physical impacts (e.g. off-road vehicle found in Catron, Colfax, Grant, Los Alamos, travel), and loss of riparian and wetland habitat Otero, San Miguel, San Juan, and Santa Fe (Coleman, 2002: 67-68; NatureServe, 2014). counties (Coleman, 2002: 65). The species likely occurs in Taos County as well (e.g. photos of 4.2.1 Description, Distribution, and probable Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens Habitat from the South Fork Red River by J. Oldenettel, 4 June 2014). Yellow lady’s-slipper is a relatively large- flowered orchid, with flower size up to 10 cm (4 Yellow lady's slipper orchid is found in forest in) high by 10 cm (4 in) wide (Coleman, 2002: habitats from 1,830-2,900 m (6,000-9,500 ft) 62). The flowers consist of a bright yellow pouch elevation. In mature forest stands in Rocky and yellowish-green sepals and petals that have Mountain montane coniferous and subalpine reddish stripes and dots (Kearney and Peebles, coniferous forests it occurs as a facultative 1960: 198-199; Coleman (2002: 62). Plants are wetland plant, and it is often found in scattered 16-60 cm (6-24 in) tall, and the flower stem populations along streams (Sivinski and Lightfoot,

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1995: 6). At lower elevations, yellow lady’s larkspur has no conservation status in New slipper is typically found in spring-fed wetland Mexico (NatureServe, 2014). habitats in narrow canyons (Coleman, 2002: 66). 4.3.1 Description, Distribution, and 4.2.2 Status in the Action Area Habitat

There are no known collections of yellow lady’s- Robust larkspur is a tall perennial plant that grows slipper from the project area or from the Rio to a height of 1-2 m (3.2-6.6 ft). It has glabrous, Costilla drainage. Suitable habitat for yellow reddish stems and between 40 and 100 bluish- lady’s-slipper occurs in the floodplain wetlands purple or pale lavender flowers that bloom from along the Rio Costilla upstream from the proposed July to September. It is found in north-central fish barrier. New Mexico and south-central Colorado along canyon bottoms and in aspen groves at elevations 4.2.3 Future Condition Without the from 2,200-3,400 m (7,200-11,200 ft) elevation in Proposed Action vegetation characterized as lower and upper montane coniferous forest (New Mexico Rare Riparian and wetland habitat in the project area Plant Technical Council, 2015). would not be altered if the proposed action is not implemented. Consequently, there would be no 4.3.2 Status in the Action Area effect on yellow lady’s-slipper if no action is taken. There are no known collections of robust larkspur from the project area. Potentially suitable habitat 4.2.4 Determination - No Effect for robust larkspur is found along the Rio Costilla in the project area. Yellow lady’s-slipper is not known to occur in the project area. The fish barrier footprint is not 4.3.3 Future Condition Without the located in suitable habitat for the orchid. Proposed Action Palustrine emergent wetlands on the floodplain upstream from the proposed fish barrier site are Riparian and wetland habitat in the project area potentially suitable habitat for yellow lady’s - would not be altered if the proposed action is not slipper. The increase in water surface elevation implemented. Consequently, there would be no upstream from the fish barrier would result in an effect on robust larkspur if no action is taken. increase in wetland habitat that is potentially suitable for the orchid. 4.3.4 Determination - No Effect

4.3 Robust Larkspur Robust larkspur is not known to occur in the project area. The fish barrier footprint and Robust larkspur is listed as a Forest Service - associated rip-rap would cover approximately 75 Region 3 sensitive species on the Carson National m (246 ft) of stream bank, which is potentially Forest (Appendix A). It is also listed as a New suitable habitat for robust larkspur. Additionally, Mexico species of concern (Table 1). Robust the hydrologic regime would be increased along

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approximately 349 m (1,145 ft) of stream bank (New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council, upstream from the proposed fish barrier as a result 2015). of the increase in water surface elevation. This increased area of moist to saturated soils could Arizona willow occurs in sedge meadows, expand the amount of potentially suitable habitat cienegas, and wetlands along stream drainages in for robust larkspur in the project area. subalpine coniferous forest, from 2,914-3,560 m (9,560-11,680 ft) elevation (Decker, 2006: 17). In 4.4 Arizona Willow New Mexico, its known distribution includes Mora, Rio Arriba, and Taos counties (New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council, 2015). Arizona willow is listed as a Forest Service - Region 3 sensitive species on the Carson National Forest (Appendix A). It is also listed as a New 4.4.2 Status in the Action Area Mexico species of concern (Table 1). Its conservation status in New Mexico is S1 Arizona willow has not been documented from the (critically imperiled; NatureServe, 2014). Rio Costilla drainage in New Mexico (New Arizona willow is impacted by livestock and Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council, 2005). The wildlife browsing, water impoundments and project area is located at approximately 2,707 m diversions, roads, recreation, development and (8,881 ft) elevation. The lowest reported maintenance of ski resort facilities, disease, elevation for occurrences of Arizona willow in alteration of natural hydrologic regimes, changes New Mexico is 2,914 m (9,560 ft; Decker, 2006: in the riparian community species composition 15). However, the species has been reported from and structure, and invasion of non-native elevations as low as 2,438 m (8,000 ft) in Utah vegetation brought about by historic and current and 2,591 m (8,500 ft) in Arizona (Decker, 2006: livestock grazing (Decker, 2006; New Mexico 15). Rare Plant Technical Council, 2015). 4.4.3 Future Condition Without the 4.4.1 Description, Distribution, and Proposed Action Habitat Riparian and wetland habitat in the project area Arizona willow is a shrub that forms a prostrate would not be altered if the proposed action is not mat, large hedge, or thicket typically less than 80 implemented. Consequently, there would be no cm (2.6 ft) tall. Leaves are broadly elliptic to effect on Arizona willow if no action is taken. ovate with rounded or cordate bases and finely serrate margins. The upper leaf surface is shiny 4.4.4 Determination - No Effect and the lower surface is non-glaucous. The inflorescence is brown, black, or bicolor. Arizona Arizona willow is not known to occur in the willow flowers in late May to June. It closely project area. No willows (Salix spp.) were found resembles the widespread Salix boothii, but it has in the project area. The only woody riparian or broader leaves with rounded to cordate leaf bases, floodplain plant species found in the project area and more teeth per centimeter than S. boothii were thinleaf alder (Alnus incana tenuifolia), Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens), shrubby

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cinquefoil (Pentaphylloides floribunda), Wood’s 4.5.2 Status in the Action Area rose (Rosa woodsii), wax currant (Ribes cereum), and common gooseberry (Ribes inerme). Nokomis fritillary has been collected in Taos County from the vicinities of Questa and Taos 4.5 Nokomis Fritillary (Toliver et al., 1994: 300-301). Potentially suitable habitat for the species is found in Nokomis fritillary (also known as Great Basin floodplain wetlands upstream from the proposed silverspot butterfly) is listed as a Forest Service - fish barrier site. Region 3 sensitive species on the Carson National Forest (Table 1; Appendix A). Its conservation 4.5.3 Future Condition Without the status in New Mexico is S1 (critically imperiled; Proposed Action NatureServe, 2014). Nokomis fritillary is threatened by heavy livestock grazing, habitat Riparian and wetland habitat in the project area loss, herbicide treatments, and hydrologic would not be altered if the proposed action is not alteration (NatureServe, 2014). implemented. Consequently, there would be no effect on Nokomis fritillary if no action is taken. 4.5.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat 4.5.4 Determination - No Effect

Wingspan of adult nokomis fritillary is 6.3-7.9 cm The proposed action would result in a slight (2.5-3.1 in). The dorsal surface of wings on males increase the water level in floodplain wetlands is predominately orange-brown with black upstream from the proposed fish barrier site. This markings, while females have more extensive would not effect the abundance or distribution of darkening at the base of the wings (Selby, 2007: host plant or nectar sources for nokomis fritillary. 14). Nokomis fritillary is known from Mora, San Juan, San Miguel and Taos counties as a resident 4.6 Rio Grande Cutthroat butterfly (Cary and Holland, 1992:72). The species has been documented in Sapello Canyon Trout (San Miguel County), the Chuska Mountains (San Juan County), and from Taos County in the Rio Grande cutthroat trout is listed as a Forest vicinities of Questa and Taos (Toliver et al., Service - Region 3 sensitive species on the Carson 1994). Nokomis fritillary is associated with National Forest (Appendix A). It is also springs, seeps, and wetlands with flowing water. considered a New Mexico sensitive species (Table Its adult flight period is from mid-July through 1). Its conservation status in New Mexico is S2 September (Opler and Bartlett Wright, 1999; (imperiled; NatureServe, 2014). Toliver et al., 1994). The larval host plant is Viola and adults nectar feed on flowers, especially On 1 October 2014, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife thistles (Opler and Bartlett Wright, 1999; Scott, Service issued a 12-month finding on a petition to 1986). list Rio Grande cutthroat trout as an endangered or threatened species (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014a and 2014b). The finding

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determined that listing of Rio Grande cutthroat do not exceed about 24oC (75oF) for extended trout was not warranted at that time. periods (Pritchard and Cowley, 2006: 13). At the other end of the thermal spectrum, minimum mean 4.6.1 Description, Distribution, and daily water temperatures in the summer are above Habitat 7.8oC (46oF) in optimal habitat (Pritchard and Cowley, 2006: 18). In addition to these Distinguishing features of Rio Grande cutthroat temperature thresholds, suitable water quality is trout include a red to orange “cutthroat” mark in also characterized by low levels of suspended the gular fold on the underside of the lower jaw sediment, high oxygen concentration, and low and relatively large, irregularly shaped dark spots concentrations of metals, trace elements, and other on the body primarily posterior to the dorsal fin pollutants over the long term. but which may also occur anterior to the dorsal fin and above the lateral line (Sublette et al., 1990: Rio Grande cutthroat trout requires well-aerated 51). Body color of Rio Grande cutthroat trout gravel substrates (i.e. free of fine sediments) for varies from light rose to red-orange on the sides spawning and egg development (Magee et al., and pink or yellow-orange on the belly (Pritchard 1996). Optimum gravel size ranges from 12 to 85 and Cowley, 2006: 12). mm (0.5 to 3.3 in; Pritchard and Cowley, 2006: 26). Spawning occurs as spring snowmelt runoff Rio Grande cutthroat is native to coldwater stream diminishes; generally from mid-May to mid-June habitats in the Pecos, Canadian, and Rio Grande in New Mexico (Pritchard and Cowley, 2006: 25; drainages in New Mexico and Colorado. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2008: 27902), Historically, the species likely occupied depending on latitude and elevation. Rio Grande approximately 10,718 km (6,660 mi) of stream, cutthroat trout typically become sexually mature with about 52 percent of that total in New Mexico at age 3, but some males may become sexually and the remaining 48 percent in Colorado (Alves mature at age 2 (Pritchard and Cowley, 2006: 25). et al., 2008: 9). Most of the historic range of Rio Grande cutthroat trout was in the Rio Grande Cutthroat trout form redds or nests in gravel drainage basin (81 percent), followed by the substrate where eggs are deposited and fertilized. Canadian (10 percent) and Pecos (nine percent) Egg production by individual female Rio Grande river drainages. Genetic differences indicate that cutthroat trout is positively related to fish size the three major population groups (Rio Grande, (Pritchard and Cowley, 2006: 26). Hanson (1994) Canadian, and Pecos) have been geographically found that fertilized cutthroat trout eggs in the Rio isolated for several thousand years (Pritchard et de Truchas hatched in 29 to 37 days, accumulating al., 2008). Currently, Rio Grande cutthroat trout 456 to 609 thermal units (Fahrenheit). After eggs occupies approximately 1,149 km (714 mi) of hatch, the larval trout remain in the gravel stream habitat within its historic range (U.S. Fish substrate until the yolk sac is absorbed. Fry then and Wildlife Service, 2014a). The current move to shallow (less than 20 cm [8 in] deep), fragmented distribution represents only about low-velocity (less than 0.61 m/s [2 ft/s]) habitats eleven percent of the historic range of Rio (Pritchard and Cowley, 2006: 18). Grande cutthroat trout. Rio Grande cutthroat trout occur in stream Pools are an important habitat component for habitats with maximum water temperatures that adult cutthroat trout, and optimal habitat is

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characterized by abundant deep pools, particularly 4.6.3 Future Condition Without the those with cover such as large woody debris Proposed Action (Pritchard and Cowley, 2006: 18). Cutthroat trout feed on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Fry In the absence of the proposed fish barrier project, prey mainly on midge larvae, mayfly larvae, and Rio Grande cutthroat would not be successfully ostracods, while adult Rio Grande cutthroat trout restored to approximately 85.3 km (53 mi) of typically forage on drifting aquatic and terrestrial streams in the Rio Costilla watershed on the invertebrates (Pritchard and Cowley, 2006: 25). Carson National Forest (i.e. “Project Area B” in New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, 2006: Principal factors affecting Rio Grande cutthroat 7-9). Nonnative trout and nonnative suckers trout include population isolation, habitat would persist to the continued detriment of native fragmentation, habitat degradation, genetic fish, including Rio Grande cutthroat trout. introgression with nonnative trout, competition Metapopulation structure of Rio Grande cutthroat with and predation by nonnative trout, drought, trout in the Rio Costilla watershed would not be wildfire, disease, and potential habitat changes restored. Existing aquatic habitat conditions and associated with climate change (U.S. Fish and the abundance and diversity of aquatic biota Wildlife Service, 2008). Isolated populations would not be altered or changed from its current experience loss of genetic diversity through condition. There would be no permanent fill genetic drift, and introgression threatens placed in the Rio Costilla at the fish barrier site, populations through risk of outbreeding and there would be no temporary impacts to water depression (Pritchard and Cowley, 2006: 27-28). quality associated with proposed construction Introduction of nonnative trout typically results in activities. decline of Rio Grande cutthroat trout populations through genetic introgression, competitive 4.6.4 Determination - Beneficial Effect exclusion and predation on early life stages (Harig et al., 2000; Peterson et al., 2004). Construction of the proposed fish barrier would allow for restoration of Rio Grande cutthroat trout 4.6.2 Status in the Action Area to approximately 85.3 km (53 mi) of streams in the Rio Costilla watershed on the Carson National Historically, Rio Grande cutthroat trout occurred Forest (Figure 1; “Project Area B” in New Mexico throughout the Rio Costilla drainage in suitable Department of Game and Fish, 2006: 7-9). This habitats (Alves et al., 2008; Sublette et al., 1990). would allow for removal of nonnative trout and Rio Grande cutthroat trout currently occupies nonnative suckers from aquatic habitats upstream approximately 90.63 km (56.3 mi) of stream from the fish barrier and restoration of native Rio habitat in the Rio Costilla watershed (Figure 15). Grande cutthroat trout to a large drainage system. Hybrid Rio Grande x rainbow trout occur in the The proposed action would be an important step project area. The nearest pure population of Rio in substantially improving the security and Grande cutthroat trout is approximately 2.8 km conservation status of the species. and is the final (1.7 mi) upstream from the project area in La component of the project to restore the species to Cueva Creek (Figure 15). Suitable habitat for Rio the Rio Costilla watershed. Grande cutthroat trout is found in the Rio Costilla in the project area.

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Figure 15. Current distribution of Rio Grande cutthroat trout in the Rio Costilla watershed.

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4.7 Rio Grande Chub and are usually associated with undercut banks, overhanging vegetation, and aquatic plants (Bestgen and Platania, 1990; Bestgen et al., 2003; Rio Grande chub is listed as a Forest Service - Rees et al., 2005a; Sublette et al., 2005). The Region 3 sensitive species on the Carson National species appears to be restricted to stream Forest (Appendix A). It is also considered a New segments with gradient less than two percent and Mexico sensitive species (Table 1). Its elevations ranging from 1,717 to 2,810 m (5,633 conservation status in New Mexico is S3 to 9,217 ft; Rees et al., 2005a: 10). (vulnerable; NatureServe, 2014). Rio Grande chub is threatened by water diversions, The species is a mid-water carnivore and common modification of flow regimes, introduction of food items include zooplankton, aquatic and nonnative species, sedimentation, and water terrestrial insects, juvenile fish, crustaceans, and pollution (NatureServe, 2014). detritus (Sublette et al., 1990). Spawning occurs in spring, with some evidence suggesting that 4.7.1 Description, Distribution, and autumn spawning may also occur (Rinne, 1995a). Habitat Pittenger (in litt.) observed spring spawning aggregations in tail-water areas of pool habitats in Rio Grande chub is a medium-sized cyprinid fish Glorieta Creek, New Mexico. with olive-colored back and sides, two dark lateral stripes, a silver to white belly, and yellowish- 4.7.2 Status in the Action Area orange coloration at the insertion of the anal, pelvic, and pectoral fins (Sublette et al., 1990). It Although there are no collection records of Rio reaches total lengths of up to approximately 150 Grande chub from the project area, it is likely that mm (5.9 in) in stream habitats (Rees et al., the species historically occurred in the Rio 2005a). Costilla drainage. Rio Grande chub historically co-occurred with Rio Grande cutthroat trout and Historically, Rio Grande chub likely occurred Rio Grande sucker, both of which have been throughout cool-water habitats in main-stem and documented as historically occurring in the Rio tributary streams of the Rio Grande and Pecos Costilla drainage. Suitable habitat for Rio Grande River drainages (Bestgen and Platania, 1990; chub is found in the Rio Costilla in the project Bestgen et al., 2003; Rees et al., 2005a; Sublette area. et al., 1990). Once considered to be the most common fish in cool-water habitats within its historic range, Rio Grande chub has declined 4.7.3 Future Condition Without the markedly (Bestgen et al., 2003: 25-26; Calamusso Proposed Action and Rinne, 1999; Rees et al., 2005a). The species has likely been extirpated from the main-stem Rio In the absence of the proposed fish barrier project, Grande and now occurs only in tributary streams Rio Grande chub would not be restored to the Rio in that drainage (Rees et al., 2005a). Costilla watershed on the Carson National Forest. Nonnative trout and nonnative suckers would Rio Grande chub is typically found in pool persist to the continued detriment of native fish, habitats with sand, gravel, and cobble substrate, including Rio Grande chub.

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Existing aquatic habitat conditions and the abdomen is pale (Sublette et al., 1990). An abundance and diversity of aquatic biota would orange or salmon-colored lateral stripe or band is not be altered or changed from its current present. condition. There would be no permanent fill placed in the Rio Costilla at the fish barrier site, The native distribution of Rio Grande sucker in and there would be no temporary impacts to water New Mexico includes the Rio Grande and its quality associated with proposed construction tributaries north of Albuquerque, Alamosa Creek, activities. Rio San José, and the Mimbres River. It has been introduced into the Rio Hondo and Gila River 4.7.4 Determination - Beneficial drainages (Sublette et al., 1990). The species has Effect been extirpated from the main stem of the Rio Grande (Rinne, 1995b) and is declining Implementation of the proposed action will allow throughout the rest of its native range in the Rio for restoration of Rio Grande chub to the Rio Grande drainage in New Mexico (Rinne and Costilla drainage upstream from the barrier. Platania, 1995) and Colorado (Swift, 1996). Restoration of Rio Grande chub to a drainage network could potentially result in establishment This sucker inhabits swift-flowing streams with of a large, resilient population of the species clean substrates, where it scrapes attached algae within its historic range. Removal of nonnative from the surface of rocks (Rees et al., 2005b). fish from the restoration area would have a Rio Grande sucker spawns in spring over clean beneficial effect on Rio Grande chub by gravel or cobble substrates (Sublette et al., 1990). eliminating predation and competition stresses The species is negatively impacted by sediment imposed by the nonnative species. loading to streams, which blankets substrates and reduces food availability and spawning habitat. However, the species is also negatively impacted 4.8 Rio Grande Sucker by competition with nonnative white sucker (Catostomus commersoni; Swift-Miller et al., Rio Grande sucker is listed as a Forest Service - 1999). Region 3 sensitive species on the Carson National Forest (Table 1; Appendix A). Its conservation 4.8.2 Status in the Action Area status in New Mexico is S2 (imperiled; NatureServe, 2014). Rio Grande sucker is Rio Grande sucker was collected in the Rio threatened by modification of flow regimes, Costilla in 1925 (Smithsonian Institution Museum competition with and predation by nonnative of Natural History, collection record no. 018007). species, sedimentation, and water pollution However, the species has not been collected in (NatureServe, 2014). recent history, and the only sucker species now present in the Rio Costilla drainage are longnose 4.8.1 Description, Distribution, and and white sucker, both nonnative species. Habitat Suitable habitat for Rio Grande sucker is found in the Rio Costilla in the project area. Rio Grande sucker is dark brownish-green with blotches or mottling on the back and sides. The

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4.8.3 Future Condition Without the Northern leopard frog is threatened by habitat Proposed Action loss, predation by and competition with introduced nonnative species, and disease In the absence of the proposed fish barrier project, (NatureServe, 2014). Rio Grande sucker would not be restored to the Rio Costilla watershed on the Carson National 4.9.1 Description, Distribution, and Forest. Nonnative trout and nonnative suckers Habitat would persist to the continued detriment of native fish, including Rio Grande sucker. Northern leopard frog is distinguished by a Existing aquatic habitat conditions and the continuous, typically inset, dorsolateral fold, a abundance and diversity of aquatic biota would thigh pattern of discrete dark spots on a light not be altered or changed from its current background, conspicuous light halos surrounding condition. There would be no permanent fill dorsal spots, and usually one large spot on the placed in the Rio Costilla at the fish barrier site, nose anterior to the eye (Degenhardt et al., 1996). and there would be no temporary impacts to water quality associated with proposed construction In New Mexico, the species occurs in the Rio activities. Grande drainage north of Elephant Butte Reservoir, the Rio San José, Zuni River, upper 4.8.4 Determination - Beneficial San Francisco River drainage, San Juan River, and Effect upper reaches of the Canadian River drainage. A population is also found in the upper reaches of As described above for Rio Grande chub, the Gallinas River in San Miguel County implementation of the proposed action will allow (Degenhardt et al., 1996: 89). for restoration of Rio Grande sucker to the Rio Costilla drainage upstream from the barrier. Northern leopard frog is typically associated with Restoration of Rio Grande sucker to a drainage streams and rivers and, to a lesser extent, lakes, network could potentially result in establishment marshes, and irrigation ditches. Reproduction of a large, resilient population of the species occurs in spring. Egg masses are attached to within its historic range. Removal of nonnative emergent vegetation. Northern leopard frog feeds suckers from the restoration area would have a primarily on invertebrate prey (Degenhardt et al., beneficial effect on Rio Grande sucker by 1999). eliminating hybridization stresses imposed by the nonnative species. 4.9.2 Status in the Action Area 4.9 Northern Leopard Frog Northern leopard frog is known to occur in the Rio Costilla watershed at elevations below 2,926 m (9,600 ft; New Mexico Department of Game Northern leopard frog is listed as a Forest Service and Fish, 2006: 43). There is suitable habitat for - Region 3 sensitive species on the Carson the species in and along the Rio Costilla in the National Forest (Table 1; Appendix A). Its project area. conservation status in New Mexico is S1 (critically imperiled; NatureServe, 2014).

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4.9.3 Future Condition Without the (apparently secure) for non-breeding populations Proposed Action and S1 (critically imperiled) for breeding populations (NatureServe, 2014). Existing aquatic habitat conditions and the abundance and diversity of aquatic biota would 4.10.1 Description, Distribution, and not be altered or changed from its current Habitat condition. There would be no permanent fill placed in the Rio Costilla at the fish barrier site, Bald eagles migrate and winter from the northern and there would be no temporary impacts to water New Mexico border southward regularly to the quality associated with proposed construction Gila, lower Rio Grande, middle Pecos, and activities. Consequently, there would be no effect Canadian river valleys (Hubbard, 1985). Some on northern leopard frog if no action is taken. areas removed from water harbor concentrations of eagles, such as the Mogollon plateau and the 4.9.4 Determination - May Effect region between the Pecos River and the Sacramento, Capitan, Manzano and Sandia Installation of the temporary stream diversion and mountain ranges. Summering or breeding eagles dewatering of the in-stream work area may result are rare and have only been documented from a in displacement or mortality of northern leopard few locations. Key habitat areas include winter frogs, if any occur in the project area at the time roost and concentration localities, such as at of construction. However, the proposed action Navajo Lake, the Chama Valley (Rio Arriba would impact approximately 0.29 ha (0.73 ac) of County), Cochiti Lake (Sandoval County), the stream channel habitat, of which approximately northeastern lakes (Raton to Las Vegas), the lower 72.4 m2 (0.02 ac) would be permanently filled by Canadian River valley, Sumner Lake, Elephant the fish barrier and rip-rap. This relatively small Butte Lake, Caballo Lake, and the upper Gila impact would not be likely to have any Basin (Hubbard, 1985). Any nesting or measurable effect on the distribution, abundance, summering areas are considered key habitat for or viability of northern leopard frog. The increase the species. in water level upstream from the fish barrier following construction may result in improved Bald eagles are typically associated with water habitat conditions for northern leopard frog in the and riparian habitat. These eagles night-roost in backwater created by the fish barrier, which groups in sheltered, forested habitats, such as would encompass an area of approximately 0.98 canyons. Suitable foraging habitat is characterized ha (2.42 ac). by open expanses of water with abundant prey (e.g. waterfowl, fish) and large trees or snags for perch sites, although sites away from water where 4.10 Bald Eagle prairie dogs are present may also be used (Stahlecker, 2009: 4). In New Mexico, optimal Bald eagle is listed as a Forest Service - Region 3 habitats center on riparian and lacustrine sensitive species on the Carson National Forest environments where food, shelter, and potential (Appendix A). It is also considered a New nest sites are in the greatest supply (New Mexico Mexico sensitive species (Table 1). Its Department of Game and Fish, 1988). conservation status in New Mexico is S4

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The main threats to wintering populations are 4.11 American Water Shrew habitat loss and degradation, including declines in prey and roost site availability. Disturbance, American water shrew is listed as a Forest Service contamination, and illegal taking are also threats - Region 3 sensitive species on the Carson to bald eagles (New Mexico Department of Game National Forest (Table 1; Appendix A). Its and Fish, 1988). conservation status in New Mexico is S2 (imperiled; NatureServce, 2014). 4.10.2 Status in the Action Area 4.11.1 Description, Distribution, and Bald eagles are present in the Rio Costilla watershed as non-breeding individuals. Nesting Habitat has been documented in adjacent Colfax County but not in Taos County (Stahlecker, 2009). American water shrew is distinguished from other Migratory and juvenile eagles are commonly seen shrews in New Mexico by its relatively large size near Costilla Reservoir in the spring and summer and marked dorsal black and ventral white months (New Mexico Department of Game and coloration (Findley et al., 1975: 15). The tail is Fish, 2006: 58). distinctly bicolored and is as long as the body (Fitzgerald et al., 1994: 81). 4.10.3 Future Condition Without the In New Mexico, American water shrew is Proposed Action confined to riparian habitats above 2,438 m (8,000 ft) in the Sangre de Cristo, San Juan, and Jemez Potential foraging or roosting habitat in the mountains (Findley et al., 1975: 16). It is a semi- vicinity of the project area would not be altered if aquatic species and is associated with densely the proposed action is not implemented. vegetated stream banks and wetlands. Water Consequently, there would be no effect on bald shrews feed primarily on aquatic insects. eagle if no action is taken. Reproduction occurs from January through August, and there are several litters per year 4.10.4 Determination - No Effect (Fitzgerald et al., 1994: 82-83).

The proposed action would result in disturbance 4.11.2 Status in the Action Area for approximately 90 days in a 242 ha (598 ac) area centered on the proposed fish barrier site (see American water shrew has been collected at Figure 11 in Chapter 3). This noise disturbance Costilla Pass, located on the Taos County-Colfax area does not include Costilla Reservoir, where County border, east of the project area (Findlet et bald eagles are most likely to be encountered. al., 1975: 17). Suitable habitat for American Bald eagle foraging and roosting habitat is water shrew is found along the Rio Costilla in the marginal in the project area and would not be project area. altered by the proposed action.

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4.11.3 Future Condition Without the conservation status in New Mexico is S1 Proposed Action (critically imperiled; NatureServe, 2014).

Riparian and wetland habitat in the project area Critical habitat for New Mexico meadow jumping would not be altered if the proposed action is not mouse is currently being proposed (U.S. Fish and implemented. Consequently, there would be no Wildlife Service, 2014d). No critical habitat is effect on American water shrew if no action is proposed in Taos County, New Mexico (U.S. Fish taken. and Wildlife Service, 2014d).

4.11.4 Determination - May Effect 4.12.1 Description, Distribution, and Habitat Installation of the temporary stream diversion and dewatering of the in-stream work area may result New Mexico meadow jumping mouse is dark in displacement or mortality of American water yellowish brown above, yellowish-brown on the shrew, if any occur in the project area at the time sides, and white below. It reaches total lengths of of construction. The proposed action would 181 to 123 mm (7.1 to 9.2 in) and has a long, impact approximately 0.29 ha (0.73 ac) of stream bicolored tail and elongated hind feet (U.S. Fish channel habitat, of which approximately 72.4 m2 and Wildlife Service, 2013b). (0.02 ac) would be permanently filled by the fish barrier and rip-rap. This relatively small impact Meadow jumping mouse (Z. hudsonius) occurs area would not be likely to have any measurable from Alaska to Labrador southward to British effect on the distribution, abundance, or viability Columbia and the southwestern United States, of American water shrew. The increase in water Oklahoma, Alabama, and Georgia. The level upstream from the fish barrier following subspecies Z. h. luteus is endemic to New Mexico, construction may result in improved habitat eastern Arizona, and south-central Colorado conditions for American water shrew over an area (Hafner et al., 1981; U.S. Fish and Wildlife of approximately 0.98 ha (2.42 ac) by expanding Service, 2013b). wetlands in that area. New Mexico meadow jumping mouse occurs locally in the San Juan, Jemez, and Sacramento 4.12 New Mexico Meadow mountains and in the central-northern and the Jumping Mouse central Rio Grande Valley (Hafner et al., 1981). The species has also been recorded once in the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse is listed as Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Williams Lake in a Forest Service - Region 3 sensitive species on Taos County (Morrison, 1988; Frey, 2006: 11) the Carson National Forest (Table 1; Appendix and near Belen (Morrison, 1988). Key habitat A). It was listed as endangered under the federal areas include along the Rio Cebolla in the Jemez Endangered Species Act on 10 June 2014 (U.S. Mountains, the vicinity of Española, Isleta Marsh Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014c). New Mexico in Bernalillo County, Bosque del Apache National meadow jumping mouse is also listed as a state Wildlife Refuge, and the Cloudcroft area. The endangered species (Appendix A). Its species may also still persist where previously

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taken, including near El Rito (Rio Arriba County) 4.12.2 Status in the Action Area and Socorro. New Mexico meadow jumping mouse is New Mexico meadow jumping mouse is found considered to be extirpated on the Carson next to perennial water in wetland habitats National Forest (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, dominated by tall, dense herbaceous wetland 2013b: 32). Wetland and riparian habitat in the vegetation with saturated soils. The species project area lacks sufficient vegetation density requires one of two wetland vegetation and height to be suitable for New Mexico meadow community types (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, jumping mouse. 2013b: 29): 4.12.3 Future Condition Without the 1) persistent emergent herbaceous wetlands Proposed Action dominated by beaked sedge (Carex rostrata) or reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) Riparian and wetland habitat in the project area alliances; or would not be altered if the proposed action is not 2) scrub-shrub riparian areas that are dominated implemented. Consequently, there would be no by willow (Salix spp.) or alder (Alnus spp.) effect on New Mexico meadow jumping mouse if no action is taken. Other specific habitat requirements include flowing water that maintains saturated soils during the growing season, tall (at least 69 cm [27 in]) 4.12.4 Determination - No Effect and dense wetland vegetation, and habitat patches consisting of 9 to 24 km (5.6 to 15 mi) of stream, The proposed action would not affect New ditch or canal (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mexico meadow jumping mouse, as the species is 2013b: 29). considered to be extirpated from the Carson National Forest (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico meadow jumping mouse also 2013b: 32). Potential habitat for the species may requires adjacent upland habitats for hibernation. develop upstream from the proposed fish barrier, In both the Jemez Mountains and the Rio Grande which will increase in water surface elevation and Valley, Morrison (1985, 1988) found that potentially increase palustrine emergent wetland preferred habitat for the New Mexico meadow habitat over approximately 0.98 ha (2.42 ac) of jumping mouse included permanent streams, river channel and adjacent floodplain. moderate to high soil moisture, and dense and diverse stream-side vegetation consisting of grasses, sedges, and forbs.

New Mexico meadow jumping mouse is active during the growing season and hibernates from September or October to May or June (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2013b). It feeds on insects and seeds. One litter is produced each year (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2013b).

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5.0 CONSERVATION MEASURES

To protect water quality, the following national • Use vegetable oil or other biodegradable best management practices (BMPs) would be hydraulic oil for heavy equipment hydraulics implemented as part of the proposed action (BMP wherever practicable when operating in or AqEco-2 - Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems; near water. U.S. Forest Service, 2012: 21-23) . 5.2 Scheduling BMPs 5.1 Site Preparation BMPs • Avoid scheduling in-stream work during the • Incorporate Clean Water Act section 404 and spawning or migratory seasons of resident or 401 permit requirements into the project migratory fish and other important life history design and plan. phases of sensitive species that could be • Clearly delineate the work zone. affected by the project. • Locate access and staging areas near the • Avoid scheduling in-stream work during project site but outside of work area periods that could be interrupted by high boundaries, aquatic management zones, flows. wetlands, and sensitive soils. • Consider growing season and dormant season • Refuel and service equipment only in for vegetation when scheduling activities designated staging areas. within or near the water body to minimize the • Develop an erosion and sediment control plan period of time that the land would remain to avoid or minimize downstream impacts exposed, thereby reducing erosion risks and using measures appropriate to the site and the length of time when aesthetics are poor. proposed activity. • Prepare for unexpected failures of erosion 5.3 Site Clearing BMPs control measures. • Consider needs for solid waste disposal and • Clearly delineate the geographic limits of the work-site sanitation. area to be cleared. • Consider using small, low ground-pressure • Use suitable drainage measures to improve equipment and hand labor where practicable. the workability of wet sites. • Ensure all equipment operated in or adjacent • Avoid or minimize unacceptable damage to to the water body is clean of aquatic invasive existing vegetation, especially plants that are species, as well as oil and grease, and is well stabilizing the bank of the water body. maintained. • Ensure all equipment is steam-cleaned prior to bringing it on site to prevent transporting 5.4 Construction BMPs noxious weed or invasive plant propagules to the project area. • Minimize heavy equipment entry into or crossing water as is practicable.

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• Conduct operations during dry times. 5.5 Diversion and • Stage construction operations as needed to limit the extent of disturbed areas without Dewatering BMPs installed stabilization measures. • Promptly install and appropriately maintain • Remove aquatic organisms from the erosion control measures. construction area before dewatering to • Promptly install and appropriately maintain prevent organisms from returning to the site spill prevention and containment measures. during construction. • Promptly rehabilitate or stabilize disturbed • Return clean flows to the channel or water areas as needed following construction or body downstream from the activity. maintenance activities. • Restore flows to their natural stream course as • Stockpile and protect topsoil for use in site soon as practicable after construction or revegetation. before seasonal closures. • Minimize bank and riparian area excavation during construction to the extent practicable. 5.6 Inspection, • Keep excavated materials out of the water body. Maintenance, and • Use only clean, suitable materials that are free Monitoring BMPs of toxins and invasive species (e.g. noxious weeds) for fill. • Inspect the work site at suitable, regular • Properly compact fills to avoid or minimize intervals during and after construction or erosion. maintenance activities to check on quality of • Balance cuts and fills to minimize disposal the work and materials and identify need for needs. mid-project corrections. • Remove all project debris from the water • Develop a strategy for providing emergency body in a manner that will cause the least maintenance when needed. disturbance. • Include implementation effectiveness • Identify suitable areas off site or away from monitoring to evaluate success of the project water bodies for disposal sites before in meeting design objectives and avoiding or beginning operations. minimizing unacceptable impacts to water • Contour site to disperse runoff, minimize quality. erosion, stabilize slopes, and provide a • Use suitable measures to limit human, favorable environment for plant growth. vehicle, and livestock access to the work site • Use suitable species and establishment as needed to allow for recovery of vegetation. techniques to revegetate the site in compliance with local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and prevention and control of invasive species.

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6.0 LITERATURE CITED

Alves, J. E., K. A. Patten, D. E. Brauch, and P. M. Jones. 2008. Range-Wide Status of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis): 2008. Unpublished report prepared by the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Conservation Team. 87 pp. + appendices.

Bestgen, K. R. and S. P. Platania. 1990. Extirpation of Notropis simus simus (Cope) and Notropis orca Woolman (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from the Rio Grande in New Mexico, with notes on their life history. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Southwestern Biology 6:1-8.

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Morrison, J. L. 1985. The Distribution of the Meadow Jumping Mouse, Zapus hudsonius luteus, in the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico. Report prepared for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish under contract no. 516.6-74-01. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe, New Mexico. 39 pp.

Morrison, J. L. 1988. Distribution, Life History, and Ecology of the Meadow Jumping Mouse, Zapus hudsonius luteus, at Four Sites along the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico. Report prepared for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish under contract no. 516.6-75-21. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe, New Mexico. 57 pp.

NatureServe. 2014. NatureServe Explorer: An On-Line Encyclopedia of Life [Web Application]. Version 7.1, NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. http://explorer.natureserve.org (accessed on 11 March 2015 )

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 43 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. 1988. Handbook of Species Endangered in New Mexico. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. 2006. Restoration of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis) and the Native Fish Community to the Upper Rio Costilla Watershed. Final Environmental Assessment prepared by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe, New Mexico, submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southwestern Region, Federal Aid Division, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 234 pp.

New Mexico Environment Department. 2011. Water Quality Survey Summary for the Valle Vidal, 2006. New Mexico Environment Department, Surface Water Quality Bureau, Santa Fe, New Mexico. 24 pp.

New Mexico Environment Department. 2012. Water Quality Survey Summary for the Upper Rio Grande Watershed (Cochiti Reservoir to the Colorado Border), 2009. New Mexico Environment Department, Surface Water Quality Bureau, Santa Fe, New Mexico. 59 pp.

New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council. 2015. New Mexico Rare Plants. http://nmrareplants.unm.edu/ rarelist.php (accessed on 6 March 2015).

Norman, S. 2015. 2014 Best Management Practices Evaluation Program Annual Report, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Ecosystem Conservation Unit. 17 pp.

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Pioneer Technical Services, Inc. 2014. Rio Costilla Fish Barrier Technical Memo. Memorandum from Chad Bailey, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc., to Kirk Patten, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, 30 June 2014. Pioneer Technical Services, Inc., Butte, Montana. 16 pp.

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Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 44 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Rinne, J. N. 1995a. Reproductive biology of the Rio Grande chub, Gila pandora (Teleostomi: Cypriniformes), in a montane stream, New Mexico. Southwestern Naturalist 40(1): 107-110.

Rinne, J. N. 1995b. Reproductive biology of the Rio Grande sucker, Catostomus plebeius (Cypriniformes), in a montane stream, New Mexico. Southwestern Naturalist 40(2): 237-241.

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Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 46 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

U.S. Forest Service. 2014. Carson Forest Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Report, Fiscal Year 2013. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Carson National Forest, Taos, New Mexico. 58 pp.

U.S. Geological Survey. 2015. USGS 08255500, Costilla Creek Near Costilla, NM. http://waterdata.usgs. gov/nm/nwis/dv/?site_no=08255500&agency_cd=USGS&referred_module=sw (accessed on 2 April 2015).

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 47 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

APPENDIX A Special-Status Species Lists

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 48 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 49 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 50 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 51 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 52 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 53 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 54 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 55 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 56 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 57 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 58 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 59 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 60 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 61 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 62 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 63 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 64 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 65 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish List (http://www.bison-m.org/speciesreports.aspx), Taos County, New Mexico, 7 March 2015.

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 66 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council List (http://nmrareplants.unm.edu/index.html), Taos County, New Mexico, 7 March 2015.

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 67 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

APPENDIX B Special-Status Species Not Considered in the Analysis

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 68 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Following is a summary of the rationale for not considering 26 special-status species in the analysis. Footnotes indicate the source of information that was used to determine whether or not to include a particular species in the analysis. tufted sand verbena (Abronia bigelovii): not found in Taos Co., occurs on hills and ridges of gypsum in the Todilto Formation at 1,750-2,250 m (5,700-7,400 ft) elevation.a

Pagosa milkvetch (Astragalus missouriensis var. humistratus): not found in Taos Co., occurs on soils derived from the Mancos and Lewis formations in openings in ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, and upper piñon-juniper woodlands at 2,150-2,345 m (7,050-7,700 ft) elevation.a

Ripley’s milkvetch (Astragalus ripleyi): found in Taos Co., occurs in sagebrush, piñon-juniper woodland, and Gambel oak thickets in ponderosa pine forest, 2,120 to 2,500 m (7,000 to 8,250 ft) elevation.a The action area does not include any of these habitats.

Arizona leather flower (Clematis hirsutissima var. hirsutissima): not found in Taos Co., in Arizona occurs in moist mountain meadows, prairies, and open woods and thickets usually in limestone soils of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests at 2,075-2,745 m (6,800-9,000 ft) elevation.b alpine larkspur (Delphinium alpestre): found in Taos Co., occurs in alpine tundra and open meadows in subalpine coniferous forest at 3,500-3,950 m (11,500-13,000 ft).a Project area is riparian, montane grassland, and mixed conifer forest at 2,707 m (8,881 ft) elevation. small-headed goldenweed (Lorandersonia microcephala): found in western Taos Co., occurs in granitic rock crevices in open ponderosa pine forests at 2,440-2,600 m (8,000-8,500 ft) elevation, and it is locally abundant within its limited range between Tres Piedras and Petaca.a Action area is outside the known range of this species.

Pecos fleabane (Erigeron subglaber): found in central Taos Co. in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, occurs in rocky, open meadows in subalpine coniferous forest at 3,050-3,500 m (10,000-11,500 ft) elevation. Narrowly endemic and sporadically distributed on some high ridges and peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The largest known concentration of this species is on the Elk Mountain Ridge of the southern Pecos Wilderness. A specimen from Wheeler Peak (Taos County) is atypical and tentatively placed within this species.a Action area is riparian, montane grassland, and mixed conifer forest at 2,707 m (8,881 ft) elevation.

Chama blazing star (Mentzelia conspicua): not found in Taos Co., occurs on road cuts and barren hillsides, on gray to red shales and clays of the Mancos and Chinle formations in piñon-juniper woodland at 1,800-2,200 m (5,900-7,200 ft) elevation.a

Blumer’s dock (Rumex orthoneurus): not found in Taos Co.b

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 69 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Sangre de Cristo peaclam (Pisidium sanguinichristi): found in Taos Co., occurs only in Middle Fork Lake, habitat is lacustrine.c No lacustrine habitat is present in the action area. roundtail chub (Gila robusta): not found in Taos Co., occurs in the San Juan River drainage.c boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas): not found in Taos Co.c northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis): found in Taos Co., nests in mature, closed-canopied coniferous forest.c Surveys conducted since 2006 have not located any nesting northern goshawk on the Questa Ranger District.d

American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum): found in Taos Co., nests in cliff habitats in wooded areas.c No cliff habitats are present in the action area. white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura): found in Taos Co., occurs in alpine tundra habitat.c No tundra habitat is found in the action area. yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis): may occur in Taos Co., nests in mature deciduous riparian forest habitat.c Mature lowland deciduous riparian forest habitat is not found in the action area.

Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida): found in Taos Co., nests and roosts in old-growth, uneven- age forest stands with complex structure.e Forest stands with these characteristics are not found in the action area. No Mexican spotted owl management areas (nest sites or roosting areas) are located in the action area.f western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea): found in Taos Co., nests in open grassland habitat.c Suitable habitat for this species is not found in the action area. boreal owl (Aegolius funereus): found in Taos Co., nests in spruce-fir forest habitat.c The action area does not contain suitable habitat for this species. southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus): found in Taos Co., nests in dense riparian shrub-scrub habitat.c Riparian shrub-scrub habitat suitable for southwestern willow flycatcher is not found in the action area. gray vireo (Vireo vicinior): may occur in Taos Co., nests in piñon-juniper and juniper savanna habitat.c Action area is riparian, montane grassland, and mixed conifer forest at 2,707 m (8,881 ft) elevation. masked shrew (Sorex cinereus): found in Taos Co., occurs in subalpine forest (i.e. spruce-fir) habitats along streams and in wetlands, typically at elevations above 2,896 m (9,500 ft).c,e Action area is riparian, montane grassland, and mixed conifer forest at 2,707 m (8,881 ft) elevation.

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 70 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

pale Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens): found in Taos Co., distribution is closely tied to caves and cave-like features, such as old mines, and also in abandoned buildings.c Suitable habitat for this species is not found in the action area. spotted bat (Euderma maculatum): not found in Taos Co.c

Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni): found in Taos Co., occurs in grassland habitat.c No prairie dog burrows were found in the action area.

American marten (Martes americana): found in Taos Co., occurs in mature old-growth spruce-fir communities with more than 30 percent canopy cover, well-established understory of fallen logs and stumps, and lush shrub and forb vegetation supporting microtine and sciurid prey. Martens avoid large openings such as clear-cuttings and extensive burns.c Action area is riparian, montane grassland, and mixed conifer forest at 2,707 m (8,881 ft) elevation.

Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis): may occur in Taos Co., occurs in boreal forest habitat.c Action area does not contain boreal forest habitat. black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes): not found in Taos Co.c

American pika (Ochotona princeps saxatilis): found in Taos Co., occurs in rocky talus slope habitat from tundra down into subalpine coniferous forest.c The action area does not contain rocky talus slope habitat and is at an elevation below subalpine coniferous forest.

a New Mexico Rare Plants web site (http://nmrareplants.unm.edu/index.html) b Arizona Native Plant Society web site (http://aznativeplantsociety.org) c Biota Information System of New Mexico (BISONM) database (http://www.bison-m.org/index.aspx) d Page 5 in U.S. Forest Service. 2014. Carson Forest Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Report for FY 2013. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Carson National Forest, Taos, New Mexico. 58 pp. e Findley et al. (1975), page 15 e Page 25 in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2012. Mexican Spotted Owl Recovery Plan, First Revision (Strix occidentalis lucida). Southwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico. f Carson National Forest GIS data.

Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Rio Costilla Terminal Fish Barrier Project, Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest Page 71 Blue Earth Ecological Consultants, Inc. 1345 Pacheco Street Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505-3907