DRAFT Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona

Lead Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

September 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1.0 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR PROPOSED ACTION ...... 1 1.1 Introduction: ...... 1 1.2 Location: ...... 1 1.3 Background: ...... 1 1.4 Purpose and Need: ...... 4 1.5 Decision to be made: ...... 5 1.6 Regulatory Compliance: ...... 5 1.7 Scoping/Public Participation and Issues Raised During Initial Project Planning: ...... 6

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES ...... 7 2.1 Alternative A--No Action: ...... 7 2.2 Alternative B--Proposed Action: ...... 8

3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ...... 10 3.1 Physical Environment: ...... 10 3.2 Biological Resources/Environment: ...... 11 3.3 Socioeconomic Considerations: ...... 15

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES FROM ALTERNATIVES ...... 16 4.1 Effects to Physical Environment: ...... 17 4.2 Biological Resources/Environment: ...... 22 4.3 Socioeconomic Effects: ...... 29 4.4 Summary of Environmental Consequences by Alternative: ...... 34 4.5 Assessment of Cumulative Effects by Alternative: ...... 35 4.6 Environmental Justice ...... 38 4.7 Tribal Assets ...... 38 4.8 Unavoidable Adverse Effects ...... 38 4.9 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources ...... 39

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 39

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 i 6.0 CONSULTATION, COORDINATION, AND DOCUMENT PREPARATION ...... 41 6.1 List of Preparers and Contributors: ...... 41

Figures Figure 1. Project Vicinity ...... 2 Figure 2. Project Location ...... 3 Figure 3. Proposed Project ...... 9

Tables Table 1. Federally Listed Species and Critical Habitat Potentially Occurring in the Project Area ...... 12 Table 2. Summary of Consequences by Alternative ...... 34

Appendices

Appendix A. Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 ii 1.0 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR PROPOSED ACTION 1.1 Introduction: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is considering the issuance of a Right-of-Way (ROW) permit to Mohave County (County). The ROW permit would allow the County to construct and maintain drainage improvements to Sacramento Wash, which are necessitated by persistent flooding and associated sedimentation issues on Oatman-Topock Highway (Oatman Highway) within Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (Havasu NWR; Refuge). This Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) is being prepared to evaluate the physical effects of the County project should a ROW permit be issued to the County. This DEA complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in accordance with Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1500-1509) and Department of the Interior (516 DM 8) and Service (550 FW 3) policies (see Section 1.8 for a list of additional regulations that this DEA complies with). NEPA requires examination of the effects of proposed actions on the natural and human environment. In the following chapters, two alternatives (the Service’s decision to issue the permit or to deny the permit) are described and environmental consequences of each alternative are analyzed. 1.2 Location: The proposed project would occur in Mohave County, Arizona, approximately 0.8-mile north of Interstate 40 (I-40), 0.6-mile northeast of the Topock Marina, and 0.7-mile east of the Colorado River in Sections 34 and 35, Township 16 North, Range 21 West, Gila and Salt River Baseline and Meridian, on lands administered by the Service and adjacent to Oatman Highway (see Figures 1 and 2). 1.3 Background: President Franklin Roosevelt established Havasu NWR in 1941 (Executive Order 8647). At the time of establishment, the entirety of Lake Havasu, Topock Gorge, and Topock Marsh were within the Refuge. Since then, the area comprising the Refuge has changed to exclude most of Lake Havasu, but additions of other (mostly upland) areas have kept the overall size near the established acreage of 37,000. Currently, the Refuge is 37,515 acres with refuge lands along the Colorado River within Topock Gorge and 17,801 acres of designated Wilderness. According to Executive Order 8647, Havasu NWR was established “…as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.” Service management goals for the Refuge have been refined over time as a result of further management planning, improved scientific understanding, and administrative priorities. As a function of its enabling legislation, the Refuge’s general and conceptual mission is focused on restoring and managing its lands, to the extent feasible, for their historic functional value as wildlife habitat. To accomplish this, the Refuge uses its water entitlement, water delivery infrastructure, and other management capabilities (e.g., mechanical treatment, prescribed fire, public use regulation) to mimic environmental conditions prevalent prior to the developments along the Colorado River. The watershed of Sacramento Wash is comprised of approximately 1,331 square miles and serves drainage basins from Topock, Yucca, and Golden Valley, more than 70 miles upstream from its point-of-discharge into the Topock Bay and Topock Marsh. Sacramento Wash makes an at-grade crossing of Oatman Highway, south of Topock, Arizona, at milepost (MP) 1.56. Oatman Highway is an existing two-lane rural highway in western Mohave County that generally follows Historic U.S. Route 66 (Route 66; Historic Route 66) and serves an average of 1,350 vehicles per day. Oatman Highway is contained within a 100-foot ROW owned and maintained by the County. This highway ROW predates the establishment of the Refuge. Sacramento Wash adjacent (upstream and downstream) to Oatman Highway traverses Havasu NWR lands which are managed by the Service. The wash confluences with the Topock Bay approximately 0.6-mile west of Oatman Highway; Topock Bay ultimately drains to the Colorado River.

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Figure 1. Project Vicinity Project Limits (~147.6 AC) Bureau of Land Mgmt. Existing Mohave County Right-of-Way Fort-Mohave Indian Res. Havasu N.W.R Private Land State Trust Land

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Source: USGS 7.5' Quadrangle Map (Topock, AZ 1973) Figure 2. Project Location Based on the review of historical aerial photography, an earthen dike was constructed south of Sacramento Wash and east of Oatman Highway between 1980 and 1990 to capture and direct flows to the main channel of Sacramento Wash rather than allowing water to naturally flow through the existing tamarisk bosque on the east side of Oatman Highway. It is unknown why this manmade dike was constructed or who constructed it, but it greatly impacted the historic drainage patterns of Sacramento Wash. Substantial sediment transported by Sacramento Wash flows have deposited downstream of the Oatman Highway low-water crossing, rendering the wash non-functional in discharging storm flows into Topock Bay through its historic drainage patterns. This phenomenon has resulted in Sacramento Wash flows backing up at Oatman Highway and depositing substantial sediment south of the low-water crossing along Oatman Highway as the flows seek the path of least resistance to discharge. Flows currently travel through Sacramento Wash and reach Oatman Highway at the existing main crossing, then flow south along Oatman Highway due to a berm of sediment that has been created by routine maintenance of the roadway on the west side of the highway; this renders Oatman Highway impassible for most flow levels during storm events. Due to the County’s strained staffing resources to remove sediment deposits after recurring storm events, berms currently exist on the east and west side of Oatman Highway which channels flows onto the roadway and creates greater flooding and road closure concerns. Flows do not continue west toward Topock Bay until they reach an existing wash channel that is lower in elevation than the existing roadway; this existing channel is south of the project area. During storm events, the Oatman Highway often requires more than a 24-hour closure for County roadway maintenance crews use one loader, one motor grader, three belly dump trucks, two 10-wheel dump trucks, and one construction broom to relocate deposited sediment and standing water from Oatman Highway in the project vicinity. Current annual sediment yields within Sacramento Wash are 250 acre-feet per year. The County’s analysis for Sacramento Wash, associated sediment transport, and roadway closures has resulted in their request to the Service for a ROW permit to construct and maintain drainage improvements.1 Information regarding the County’s analysis and alternatives the County considered leading up to the request for a ROW permit, can be obtained at the County offices upon request. 1.4 Purpose and Need: The purpose of the proposed action is to consider the issuance of a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a ROW permit to the County would allow them access to construct and maintain drainage improvements to Sacramento Wash to manage sediment. The objective of the County’s project is to restore Sacramento Wash to its historical drainage patterns to reduce the significant sediment transported and deposited on Oatman Highway and at Sacramento Wash outfall in Topock Bay. As is typical with large watersheds in the desert southwest, storm events generating measurable runoff can cause significant flows and sediment to be transported and deposited at the watershed outfall or at the man-made barriers (i.e., roadways, berms, dikes, culverts, etc.). Specific to Sacramento Wash, sediment tends to be deposited east and west of Oatman Highway, resulting in sediment buildup at the outfall and thus increased sediment into Topock Bay, and ultimately the Colorado River. The highway, with an average of 1,350 vehicles per day, is often impassable during and after small storm events due to the amount of flooding and, as a result, sedimentation. Given the rural nature of this area, detours can become lengthy when Oatman Highway is closed. For example, Topock and Golden Shores access during an Oatman Highway closure involves traveling via westbound I-40 to Broadway Street to North K Street/Mohave Valley Highway in Needles, CA to Arizona Route 95 / Harbor Avenue Bridge to Courtwright Road, which turns into County Route 1, and continues to Golden Shores and Topock; the total detour route is more than 25 miles. Between August 24, 2013 and October 1, 2014, the Oatman Highway crossing was

1 CVL Consultants. 2015. Oatman Highway at Sacramento Wash Engineering Study and Technical Memorandum Mohave County Contract No. 12-Ps-10-04 Phase 1 Report.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 4 impacted by flooding and sedimentation a total of 12 times resulting in road closures for a total of 648 hours (an equivalent of 81 working days2). During this time period, road closures ranged between 16 hours (2 working days) and 160 hours (20 working days), with a median road closure duration of 49.5 hours (approximately 6.2 working days) per flood event. Assuming an average of 1,350 vehicles per day on Oatman Highway and a detour distance of 25 miles over 6.2 working days (49.5 hours), vehicles traveled an average of 1,255,500 additional miles annually as a result of the roadway closures. During these flood events, swift-water rescues occur because of the mix of regional, out-of-area traffic and motorist impatience under the absence of convenient alternate routes to Golden Shores and points east. The Golden Shores Fire Department reports more than 21 swift-water rescues in the Topock / Golden Shores area have occurred over a three-year period between 2014 and 2016. In addition, detours during these road closures obstruct the efficient delivery of emergency services, as emergency services originating from I-40 travel more than 25 miles, when coming from I-40 westbound (i.e., Yucca or Kingman). Given these conditions, this action is proposed to allow the County to address maintenance challenges caused by sediment deposition on Oatman Highway and ultimately reduce or avoid road closures. The County’s project is intended to redirect the flows to the historic drainage patterns to provide flow crossings at the Oatman Highway bridge, south of the main Sacramento Wash channel, thus reducing flood waters and reducing sediment transport and deposition onto Oatman Highway and continuing downstream into Topock Bay. There is a need to evaluate issuing a ROW permit request per our obligations to review all requests submitted (50 CFR 29.21); and determine that the requested ROW will not interfere with or detract from the purposes for which Havasu NWR was established. 1.5 Decision to be made: This DEA includes an evaluation of the environmental effects of the alternatives and provides information to help the Service fully consider environmental impacts associated with issuing a ROW permit and any proposed mitigation. Using the analysis in this DEA, the Service will decide if there are any significant effects associated with the alternatives that require the preparation of an environmental impact statement or whether the proposed action, issuance of a ROW permit, can proceed. 1.6 Regulatory Compliance: This DEA was prepared by the Service and represents compliance with applicable Federal statutes, regulations, Executive Orders, and other compliance documents, including the following: ▪ American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. 1996). ▪ Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470). ▪ Clean Air Act of 1972, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.). ▪ Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.). ▪ Endangered Species Act of 1973, (ESA) as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). ▪ Executive Order 12898, Federal Action Alternatives to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations, 1994. ▪ Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958, as amended (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.). ▪ Floodplain Management (Executive Order 11988). ▪ National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). ▪ Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR 1500 et seq.).

2 1 working day = 8 hours; the general amount of time a crew works during the day.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 5 ▪ National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.). ▪ Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.). ▪ Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment (Executive Order 11593). ▪ Protection of Wetlands (Executive Order 11990). ▪ National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.). ▪ The approved 1994 Comprehensive Management Plan for the Lower Colorado River National Wildlife Refuges (1994-2014) as required by 43 CFR 1610.5. Further, this DEA reflects compliance with applicable State of Arizona and local regulations, statutes, policies, and standards for conserving the environment and environmental resources such as water and air quality, endangered plants and animals, and cultural resources. 1.7 Scoping/Public Participation and Issues Raised During Initial Project Planning: The Service solicited comments on the proposed project via a 30-day public scoping period starting on May 19, 2016 when a Public Notice announcing the intent to prepare a DEA was released and distributed to local media outlets. Upon release of this document, another 30-day public comment period will be offered. Additionally, the Service has requested individual consultations with the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. Beyond these initial consultation efforts, the best opportunity for the Service to gauge the public’s reaction to the proposed action will come from solicitation of public comments when this DEA is released. Comments on this DEA will be accepted from September 15, 2017 to October 15, 2017. Comments can either be mailed to Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, 317 Mesquite Avenue, Needles, CA 92363 or emailed to [email protected]. Consultation conducted beyond this DEA included, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)/Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) initiated consultation for the adjacent Oatman Highway Bridge Project with the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the Service, the Chemehuvi Tribe, The Colorado River Indian Tribes, the Fort Mohave Indian Tribe, the Hopi Tribe, the Hualapai Tribe, the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe, and the Moapa Band of Paiutes on a finding of "no adverse effect" on March 7, 2016. Concurrences were received from SHPO (March 11, 2016), and the Hopi Tribe (March 10, 2016). 1.7.1 Issues Identified During Scoping During the Service’s initial outreach efforts and scoping for this proposed action, the Service received one letter with several concerns from the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. Proposed project areas of concern are as follows: • Ongoing impacts to Oatman Highway from sediment deposition; • Impacts of the County’s project on Refuge habitat, specifically the revegetation area, and wildlife (including threatened and endangered species); • Cultural resources that migrate through the Sacramento Wash drainage during storm events and are within the sediment depositions at Oatman Highway; and • Water quality impacts from sediment deposition. 1.7.2 Issues Identified During Project Planning During the County’s project planning process, which initiated the Service’s ROW permit review, the following issues were identified: • Motorist safety concerns during roadway flooding:

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 6 o According to publications of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, nearly 50 percent of flood deaths occur in vehicles when drivers try to navigate through floodwaters. o According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)3, 4 ▪ 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock over an adult. ▪ 12 inches (1 foot) of fast-moving moving floodwater can cause a person to lose control of their vehicle and can carry a small car downstream. ▪ 24 inches (2 feet) of fast-moving floodwater can carry most vehicles downstream, including a sport utility vehicle (SUV). ▪ 1 foot of water rise displaces up to 1,500 pounds of vehicle weight. In other words, a car would “weigh” 1,500 pounds less for each foot of water rise. ▪ 500 pounds of lateral force is applied to a car for every 1 foot the water rises. o Flood waters can hide washed-out roads. o Due to the proliferation of motorist attempts to cross low-water crossings during flooding, the State of Arizona maintains Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-910 that state that any motorist who becomes stranded after driving around barricades to enter a flooded stretch of roadway may be charged for the cost of their rescue. • Strained County staffing resources limit maintenance activities and storm event sediment deposition cleanup. • Ongoing impacts to Oatman Highway from sediment deposition, including delay of emergency services due to detours; swift-water rescues required during storm events; and detours for an average of 1,350 vehicles per day. 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES When the Service is presented with a permit application, the range of alternatives for consideration is limited to two alternatives – deny the ROW permit or issue the ROW permit. In this DEA, Alternative A represents the no action alternative (denying the ROW permit) and Alternative B represents the proposed action (issuing the ROW permit). No other alternatives are within the Service’s decision authority for this action. 2.1 Alternative A--No Action: Under Alternative A, the Service would deny the ROW permit to the County; therefore, existing conditions would remain unchanged. The County would continue to conduct roadway inspections. Flooding would continue to result in an average of 6 road closures per year, for an average of 49.5 hours (6.2 working days) per road closure, based on the 2013 and 2014 data. These roadway closures would continue to result in an average of an additional 1,255,500 miles traveled, assuming an average of 1,350 vehicles per day on Oatman Highway and a detour distance of 25 miles over 6.2 working days (49.5 hours). County maintenance crews would continue to use one loader, one motor grader, three belly dump trucks, two 10-wheel dump trucks, and one construction broom to remove sediment within the Oatman Highway ROW and place on the roadway shoulder in the Golden Shores area in order to reopen the roadway after a storm event. Sediment from these events would continue to accumulate over time, both through natural deposition and County maintenance crews relocating sediment from the roadway to the roadway shoulders near Golden Shores. Sediment accumulation would prevent runoff from crossing the road at the existing main channel crossing location. Instead, runoff within Sacramento Wash would continue to reach Oatman Highway at the existing main channel crossing, flow south along Oatman Highway, and ultimately cross the road south of the project area at an existing wash.

3 Flood Safety – Turn Around Don’t Drown® online at http://tadd.weather.gov/. 4 Flood Physics Slideshow online at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/water/tadd/pdfs/WaterPhysics.pdf.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 7 2.2 Alternative B--Proposed Action: Under Alternatives B, the Service would issue a ROW permit to the County for construction and long-term maintenance in the Refuge. The issuance of the ROW permit would allow the County to construct and maintain drainage improvements to Sacramento Wash to manage sediment. Construction of the County’s drainage improvements is anticipated to begin in Fall 2017 and expected to take approximately 4 month to complete. The following elements would be conducted concurrently during the County’s project: • Remove the existing manmade dike that currently directs flow to the existing Sacramento Wash main channel. • Excavate a channel to direct flows across Oatman Highway at the newly-constructed bridge location. The proposed channel would have a bottom width of approximately 95 feet and side slopes of 3:1. • Construct a training dike along the south bank of the proposed channel to direct flows across Oatman Highway. The training dike would have a top width of 8 feet and side slopes of 3:1. • Excavate a low flow channel in the existing Sacramento Wash channel west of Oatman Highway to convey flow to the west. The low flow channel would have a bottom width of 20 feet to allow for maintenance and side slopes of 3:1. • Excavate an additional low flow channel at the low point of Oatman Highway to enable residual flow possible under significant storm events to continue to drain to the west. The low flow channel would have a bottom width of 16 feet to allow for maintenance and side slopes of 3:1. • Construct an earthen berm along the east side of Oatman Highway. The earthen berm would be approximately 3 feet high, have a top width of 8 feet and have 3:1 side slopes. • Construct three diversion berms at various locations in the existing Sacramento Wash main channel to direct flow south through the tamarisk bosque. These diversion berms would have a top width of 8 feet, range from 3 to 5 feet high, 20 to 40 feet wide, and 115 to 170 feet long. Some flow would bypass these diversion berms and continue to the existing wash crossing at Oatman Highway to minimize impacts to potential Waters of the U.S. (WOUS) downstream. The majority of runoff would flow south through the tamarisk bosque, which would allow deposition of sediment while runoff flows toward the berm and is then redirected south to the newly-constructed Oatman Highway bridge crossing. Under Alternative B, the County’s project would cover a total of approximately 148 acres, with a total of 4.84 acres of potential WOUS; refer to Figure 3. As discussed in further detail in Chapter 4, Environmental Consequences, the County’s project would ultimately include 0.12 acre of permanent impacts to potential WOUS, 2.33 acres of temporary impacts to potential WOUS, and 7.73 acres of vegetation impacts, of which 1.05 acres are within the Service’s irrigated revegetation area west of the highway. The remainder of the vegetation impacts are to the tamarisk bosque. The County’s project would allow for stormwater runoff in Sacramento Wash, from the 2-year, 30-minute storm event, to flow through not only the existing crossing, but through the existing tamarisk bosque dispersing flows and allowing for sediment deposition through existing vegetation before flows reach the Oatman Highway bridge and ultimately outfall to Topock Bay. The removal of the manmade dike under this alternative would sustain and not artificially accelerate flows within Sacramento Wash that approach the Refuge’s vegetated area west of Oatman Highway and thus lend to reducing the likelihood of sediment being picked up and transported non-naturally to the outflow channel of Topock Bay and Topock Bay. The County’s project would pass the 2-year storm event; therefore, roadway closures would occur approximately once every two years for approximately 49.5 hours (6.2 working days) under this alternative. The detour route and mileage would be the same as existing conditions; however, the detour would occur an average of once every two years, thus resulting in an average of an additional 209,250 miles traveled every two years because of Alternative B. Sediment maintenance along Oatman Highway, within the County ROW, would be required during the roadway closure, thus sediment maintenance would occur an average of once every two years.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 8 Source: USDA NAIP, 2015

PROPOSED DIVERSION BERM MINIMUM 95% OF FLOW CONTINUES DOWNSTREAM

PROPOSED DIVERSION BERM MINIMUM 60% OF FLOW CONTINUES DOWNSTREAM

PROPOSED DIVERSION BERM MINIMUM 10% OF FLOW CONTINUES DOWNSTREAM ash o W ent am acr O S at ma n H wy EXISTING CROSSING

PROPOSED LOW FLOW CHANNEL EXCAVATION

E XISTING DIKE TO BE REMOVED

PROPOSED BERM ALONG EAST SIDE OF OATMAN HIGWAY

PROPOSED LOW FLOW CHANNEL EXCAVATION

PROPOSED ACCESS ROAD

PROPOSED CHANNEL

EXISTING BRIDGE

PROPOSED TRAINING DIKE

Project Limits (~147.6 AC) USFWS Management Areas Maintenance Right-of-Way required from USFWS Dryland Revegetation Area Existing Mohave County Right-of-Way Future Revegetation Area Diversion Berms Flowline Irrigated Revegetation Area Proposed Restoration Area (2.1 AC) Vegetation Impacts (7.73 AC) Includes 1.05 AC of USFWS Irrigated Revegetation Permanent Impacts to Potentially Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. (0.12 AC) Temporary Impacts to Potentially Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. (2.33 AC) Potentially Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. (4.84 AC)

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Figure 3. Proposed Project During maintenance, County maintenance crews would use one loader, one motor grader, three belly dump trucks, two 10-wheel dump trucks, and one construction broom to relocate sediment from the roadway to the roadway shoulders near Golden Shores. Sediment removal, including removal of existing sediment piles, would be conducted with appropriate tribe consultation. If no appropriate off-site location is identified, the sediment would be placed on the shoulder of the roadway near the Golden Shores area until a suitable location is identified. The County would continue to conduct roadway inspections. Roadway closures would continue to be necessary for sediment removal during larger storms, such as the 100-year storm event. 3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT This section provides a description of the affected resources to be considered when evaluating Alternatives A and B. Havasu NWR encompasses 37,515 acres adjacent to the Colorado River between Needles, CA and Lake Havasu City, AZ. The project site is located 0.8-mile north of I-40, 0.6-mile northeast of the Topock Marina, and 0.7-mile east of the Colorado River (see Figures 1 and 2) and encompasses a total of approximately 148 acres. 3.1 Physical Environment: Within the proposed project site, topography is relatively flat, with elevations ranging between 460 and 470 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) that slopes west toward Topock Bay. The project site is located east of Topock Bay, in the southern Mohave Valley on a series of channels and alluvial terraces within the Sacramento Wash floodplain and the outflow to Topock Bay. Oatman Highway bisects the project site. Oatman Highway has a 100-foot ROW easement that is owned and maintained by the County. 3.1.1 Water Resources: The project site is located within and in proximity to Sacramento Wash, and is designated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Floodplain Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Zone A, 100-year floodplain. Sacramento Wash drains a watershed area consisting of approximately 1,331 square miles and confluences with Topock Marsh and Topock Bay, which ultimately drains into the Colorado River. The confluence of Sacramento Wash and Topock Bay is approximately 0.6-mile downstream of the Sacramento Wash main channel intersection with Oatman Highway. The project site contains a total of 4.84 acres of potential WOUS within the main channel of Sacramento Wash and a channel that has developed along the man-made earthen berm that diverts flows to the main channel of the wash. 3.1.2 Soils / Landforms / Geology: The project site is located in the Basin and Range physiographic province of the North American Cordillera of the southwestern United States. The southern portion of the Basin and Range province is situated along the southwestern flank of the Colorado Plateau and is bounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west. The Basin and Range province is dominated by fault controlled topography consisting of mountain ranges and relatively flat alleviated valleys. From its headwaters to Topock Marsh and Topock Bay, Sacramento Wash crosses three main geologic units: Quaternary surficial deposits, undivided; Pliocene to middle Miocene deposits; and Early Pleistocene to latest Pliocene surficial deposits.5 The soil in the project site is generally made up of alluvium (gravelly sandy loam and sand) deposited by Sacramento Wash. Specifically, soils in the project site include: Carrizo family very gravelly loamy sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes; Coolidge-Denure families complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes; Gunsight very gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 40 percent slopes;

5 Terracon. 2015. Preliminary Geotechnical/Geological Engineering Report for the Sacramento Wash Flood Control Project. January 5, 2015.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 10 Lagunita sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes; Rositas family, superstition and torriorthents soils, 1 to 60 percent slopes, and marshes.6 3.1.3 Air Resources: The project site has excellent air quality, due to the rural land uses in most of the surrounding area. It lies within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clark-Mohave Intrastate Air Quality Control Region 13, which is an attainment area for National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Annual vehicle emissions occur from passenger vehicles and County maintenance crews. During an average year, County maintenance crews operate one loader, one motor grader, three belly dump trucks, two 10-wheel dump trucks, and one construction broom for an average of 297 total hours. Vehicle emissions result from the addition 1,255,500 miles traveled annually because of roadway closures and detour routes. 3.2 Biological Resources/Environment: 3.2.1 Vegetative Communities: The dominant land/vegetation cover type within the project area is Invasive Southwest Riparian Woodland and Shrubland. The project site also includes North American Warm Desert Riparian Woodland and Shrubland; Sonora- Mojave Creosotebush-White Bursage Desert Scrub; Sonoran-Mojave Creosotebush-White Bursage Desert Scrub; and Sonoran Paloverde-Mixed Cacti Desert Scrub. The dominant plant species in the project site is Athel tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla) which is prevalent in the aforementioned tamarisk bosque east of the highway. Other species within the project site include big saltbush (Atriplex lentiformis), blue paloverde (Parkinsonia florida), buckwheat (Eriogonum sp.), creosote bush (Larrea tridentate), cryptantha (Cryprantha sp.), Mediterranean grass (Schismus sp.), mustard (Brassica sp.), pepperweed (Lepidium sp.), pricklyburr (Datura inoxia), prickly Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), honey mesquite (Prosopis grandulosa), and smoketree (Psorothamnus spinosus). The Service has been actively restoring the area on the west side of Oatman Highway, as depicted in Figure 3. This management area has been divided into three categories: irrigated revegetation area; dryland revegetation area; and future revegetation area. The Service’s Revegetation Plan is included as Appendix A.7 The landscape surrounding the project area (within 0.5-mile of the project area) is dominated by Sonora-Mojave Creosotebush-White Bursage Desert Scrub and Invasive Southwest Riparian Woodland and Shrubland. Other land/vegetation cover types in this area include North American Warm Desert Riparian Mesquite Bosque, North American Warm Desert Riparian Woodland and Shrubland, Open Water, Sonora-Mojave Mixed Salt Desert Scrub, Sonoran Paloverde-Mixed Cacti Desert Scrub. The dominant plant species adjacent to the outflow channel of Topock Bay included California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus) and tamarisk (Tamarix spp.). A small, narrow stringer of Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) flanked by arrowweed (Pluchea sericea), big saltbush, screwbean mesquite, and tamarisk was documented along the Topock Bay south dike foot trail. Other species observed in the area surrounding the project area include creosote bush, cryptantha, Mediterranean grass, mustard, and Russian thistle.8 3.2.2 Wildlife: There are a number of wildlife species that occur in this area of the Refuge. Common birds present in the general Topock Bay, Topock Marsh, and Sacramento Wash area include egrets, herons, flycatchers, seasonal raptors, waterfowl, passerines, water birds and shorebirds. The Refuge provides important habitat for a wide variety of

6 Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2016. Web Soil Survey for Mohave County, Arizona, Southern Part. Online at: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm. Accessed June 9, 2016. 7 Parametrix. 2011. Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project. Technical memorandum submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2. 8 SWCA. 2017. Biological Evaluation of the Sacramento Wash Improvement Project, Mohave County, Arizona. April.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 11 migrating birds and marsh birds. Higher elevation areas contain habitat elements for various terrestrial mammals and reptiles. Common species of small mammals that are likely to occur within the Refuge, and thus within or adjacent to the project site, include pocket mice, cottontail rabbits, and packrats. Coyotes and bobcats are common larger mammals. Reptiles that inhabit the upland areas include whiptail lizards, rattlesnakes, and king snakes. Beaver and muskrat frequent canals, ditches, and marshes in the Refuge. While the project site includes ephemeral streams/washes, the nearby Topock Bay and Colorado River contain widespread fish species such as common carp, largemouth bass, bluegill, razorback sucker, bonytail chub, and catfish.9 3.2.3 Threatened & Endangered Species: Eight species/subspecies (four birds, three fish, and one reptile) were listed on the Service official species list for the project area. Of the eight listed species/subspecies for the project area, four are unlikely to be present in the project area because the project area lacks the habitat requirements for the species, or is outside the range of these species/subspecies, or both. The project site is within the range and contains the habitat requirement for the remaining four species (southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo, Yuma Ridgway’s (clapper) rail, and northern Mexican gartersnake). The following special-status species/subspecies/populations and special areas have been documented within 3 miles of the project vicinity: bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), winter population and Sonoran Desert population; flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis); razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus); Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai); southwestern willow flycatcher; western yellow-billed cuckoo and its proposed critical habitat; Yuma Ridgway’s (clapper) rail; bonytail chub (Gila elegans) critical habitat; and Havasu NWR. Of these special- status species, the bonytail chub (and its critical habitat), razorback sucker, southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo (and its proposed critical habitat), and Yuma Ridgway’s (clapper) rail are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Table 1 provides a summary of special-status species and their habitats that have the potential to occur within the project site.10 Table 1. Federally Listed Species and Critical Habitat Potentially Occurring in the Project Area11 Common Name Service Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project (Species Name) Status Area Birds California least tern E Forms nesting colonies on bare or sparsely Unlikely to be present. The project site (Sternula antillarum vegetated sandy beaches, sandbars, islands, does not contain suitable, sparsely browni) and a variety of deposited materials along vegetated riverine or lake habitats. coasts, bays, inland rivers, large lakes and Topock Bay and the Colorado River are reservoirs, alkali wetlands, and gravel and in close proximity to the project site sand pits; also, breeds on flat gravel rooftops (0.4-mile northwest and 0.5-mile in certain coastal areas. In Arizona, known or southwest, respectively); however, believed to occur in Maricopa, Mohave, and these areas also do not contain suitable Pima counties. sparsely vegetated habitats. The nearest known sightings of this species are in Lake Havasu, approximately 18.1 miles south of the project site. Southwestern willow E w/ CH Breeding range elevation ranges from sea May be present. There is no suitable flycatcher level to more than 8,500 feet in dense, mesic habitat within the project site for (Empidonax traillii riparian habitats. Only breeds near surface breeding, but could support migrating extimus) water or saturated soil along rivers and individuals. Further detail is provided streams, reservoirs, cienegas, and other in the discussions below. wetlands. Nesting habitat is typically dense

9 Ibid. 10 SWCA. 2017. Biological Evaluation of the Sacramento Wash Improvement Project, Mohave County, Arizona. April. 11 Ibid.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 12 Table 1. Federally Listed Species and Critical Habitat Potentially Occurring in the Project Area11 Common Name Service Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project (Species Name) Status Area vegetation where surface water or soil moisture is high. In all counties in Arizona except Navajo County, as well as New Mexico, southern California, southern Nevada, southern Utah, and southwestern Colorado. Further detail is provided in the discussions below. Western Yellow-billed T w/ Typically nests below 6,600 feet amsl in May be present. There is no suitable cuckoo PCH riparian woodlands. The species is commonly habitat within the project site for (Coccyzus americanus) associated with cottonwood/willow breeding, but could support migrating dominated vegetation. In Arizona, is known individuals. Proposed critical habitat is to occur or believed to occur in all counties. located west of the project site, at a Further detail is provided in the discussions distance of approximately 0.7 miles below. west of the southern portion of the project site. Further detail is provided in the discussions below. Yuma Ridgway’s E Uses freshwater and brackish marshes often Unlikely to be present. The project site (clapper) rail dominated by tall, dense emergent lacks marsh habitat required by the (Rallus obsoletus vegetation. Plants associated with this species. Further detail is provided in yumanensis) species include cattail, California bulrush, the discussions below. common reed, and tamarisk. In Arizona, occurs is Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal, and Yuma counties. Occurs below 2,200 feet amsl along the Colorado River as far north as Lake Mead, Virgin River, Bill Williams River, the lower Gila River, and the lower Salt and Verde Rivers. Further detail is provided in the discussions below. Fish Bonytail chub E w/CH Warm-water main stem rivers, usually in or Unlikely to be present. There are no (Gila elegans) near deep swift water, in flowing pools and permanent aquatic habitats in the eddies just outside the main current below project site. The outflow channel of 4,000 feet. During spring flooding, use Topock Bay and Topock Bay are ponded and inundated terrestrial habitats. In located approximately 0.3-mile west- reservoirs, occupy a variety of habitat types, southwest and 0.4-mile northwest of but seem to favor open water. In Arizona, the project site, respectively. The introduced and found in Lake Mohave and Colorado River is located Lake Havasu with possible individuals approximately 0.5-mile southwest of between Parker Dam and Davis Dam. In the project site. Critical habitat for the Arizona, known or believed to occur in La species is designated approximately Paz, Mohave, and Yuma counties. 0.5-mile southwest of the project site (Colorado River). Razorback sucker E w/CH Main channels to slow backwaters of Unlikely to be present. Arizona Game (Xyrauchen texanus) medium-sized and large streams and rivers and Fish Department (AGFD) indicates below 6,000 feet. Young require quiet, warm, that the species has been documented shallow water such as tributary mouths, within 3 miles of the project vicinity; backwaters, or inundated floodplain habitats however; there are no permanent in rivers, and coves or shorelines in aquatic habitats in the project site. The reservoirs. In Arizona, populations are outflow channel of Topock Bay and restricted to Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Topock Bay are located approximately Mohave, and the lower Colorado River 0.3-mile west-southwest and 0.4-mile between Lake Havasu and Davis Dam. They northwest of the project site, are managed intensively in small tributaries respectively. The Colorado River is of the Gila River subbasin, Cibola High located approximately 0.5-mile

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 13 Table 1. Federally Listed Species and Critical Habitat Potentially Occurring in the Project Area11 Common Name Service Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project (Species Name) Status Area Levee Pond, Anchii Hanyo Native Fish southwest of the project site. Lakes Facility, and Parker Strip. Known or believed Mohave and Havasu are located to occur in Coconino, Gila, Graham, approximately 35.0 miles north and Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal, 12.0 miles south of the project site, Yavapai, and Yuma counties. respectively. Critical habitat for the species is designated approximately 32.5 miles north of the project site (Lake Mohave). Roundtail chub PT Cool to warm water over a wide range of Unlikely to be present. The project site (Gila robusta) elevations in rivers and streams throughout is below the elevation range of this the Colorado River basin. Often occupy species, and there are no permanent areas of the deepest pools and eddies of mid- aquatic habitats in the project site. sized to larger rivers and streams. In Arizona, AGFD indicates that the nearest occurs at elevations between 1,210 and 7,220 segment of the species’ range is feet above mean sea level in two tributaries approximately 52.0 miles southeast of of the Little Colorado River, several the project site (Big Sandy River). tributaries of the Bill Williams River basin, the Salt River and four of its tributaries, the Verde River and five of its tributaries, Aravaipa Creek, and Eagle Creek. Known or believed to occur in all Arizona counties except Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yuma. Reptiles Northern Mexican T Riparian obligate, but will use terrestrial May be present. The project site is gartersnake w/PCH habitat for hibernation, gestation, seeking within the extreme elevation and (Thamnophis eques mates, and dispersal. Strongly associated historical distribution but does not megalops) with perennial water with vegetation, contain perennial water. The project including small wetlands, stock tanks, large- site could support gestation, river riparian forests, and streamside gallery immigration, emigration, and/or forests at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 brumation activities. Nearest feet to as low as 130 feet amsl and as high as occurrence of the snake and proposed 8,500 feet amsl. In Arizona, occur in five critical habitat are approximately 37.7 populations in the Paige Springs Bubbling miles southeast of the project site. Ponds State Fish Hatcheries along Oak Further detail is provided in the Creek, the lower Tonto Creek, and the upper discussions below. Santa Cruz, Bill Williams, and upper and middle Verde Rivers. Known or believed to occur in all Arizona counties except Maricopa and Yuma. Further detail is provided in the discussions below. Service Status Definitions: CH = Designated Critical Habitat E = Endangered; Endangered species are those in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range. The ESA specifically prohibits the take of a species listed as endangered. Take is defined by the ESA as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to engage in any such conduct. PCH = Proposed Critical Habitat PT = Proposed Threatened T = Threatened; Threatened species are those likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their range. The ESA prohibits the take of a species listed as threatened under Section 4d of the ESA. Take is defined by the ESA as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to engage in any such conduct.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 14 3.3 Socioeconomic Considerations: 3.3.1 Tribal Resources/Cultural Resources/Environment: The native tradition of the lower Colorado River is defined almost entirely through modern ethnography and historic accounts rather than by evidence of prehistoric archaeology. In broad terms, conventional measures of archaeological significance typically do not apply here. The significance of the archaeology does not stem from the material richness or depositional complexity of the sites themselves. More relevant in defining the value of the cultural resources is the recognition that a cultural continuum exists between the prehistoric and modern Native American presence. Although the millennia-old systems of subsistence and settlement no longer exist, it is important to note that many traditional practices survived quite late into the historic era, and that Native American communities in the area, mainly along the lower Colorado River, continue to regard national wildlife refuge lands with a profound reverence for religious and ancestral values. Tribal Resources12: The project site is located entirely within the identified cultural boundaries of the Amut Ahar Mojave named place. Amut Ahar is a property of traditional religious and cultural importance to the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe and related Yuman language Colorado River Tribes. This place has been claimed and delineated by indigenous tribal members (i.e., knowledgeable persons), who have firsthand knowledge and oral tradition that establishes the location and extent of the property in addition to its historical, cultural, and religious importance. Amut Ahar is a place where raw clay materials were gathered and collected for traditional uses, including medicinal, ceremonial, religious, and utilitarian purposes. The Amut Ahar property is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and formal documentation for listing as a property of traditional religious and cultural importance is currently in preparation for submittal to the Keeper of the Registrar. Fort Mojave Tribal Elders have discussed the importance of this area repeatedly, which provides traditional knowledge and oral histories related to the southern Mohave Valley prior to the controlling of the Colorado River through dams and channelization. The Colorado River is a living system, traditionally respected for its power and the provider of water and other important traditionally used materials to all of the Colorado River Tribes. As such, the Colorado River and its hydrologic mechanisms interact at Amut Ahar to provide tangible cultural manifestations related to both transient and geologic sources of clay, a traditional river crossing location, and part of a greater cultural landscape of great traditional religious and cultural importance to the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. The Topock (a Mojave word for ‘to cross’) area was one of the traditional crossing locations for the Mojave during low river conditions. During these times, the Mojave People could, and would, wade across the river as well as walk to the transient clay sources deposited seasonally from spring flooding to collect materials for a variety of traditional uses. This important area was the focal point for multiple Mojave settlements living in the southern region of the Mohave Valley. These settlements were visited or observed by early expeditions who entered into the Mohave Valley and interacted with the Mojave People; including Sitgreaves (1851), Whipple (1853-1854), Beale (1857-1858), and Ives (1857). This area was depicted on numerous historic maps, such as on Wheeler’s 1875 map, labeled as “Red Crossing.” This Mojave named place was present long prior to the many manmade intrusions into the region. Cultural Resources: The project site is bisected by Oatman Highway, which is a newly recorded segment of the larger historic structure of Route 66. Route 66 was built through northern Arizona between 1920 and 1923 but was not designated as Route 66 until 1926. Route 66 was established as a transcontinental route connecting Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles,

12 Information regarding property of traditional religious and cultural importance was provided by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe during consultation lead by the Service.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 15 California. Route 66 has previously been determined, as a whole, to be eligible for the NRHP listing. Segments of Route 66 elsewhere in Arizona are listed in the NRHP. In addition to the identification of the newly recorded segment of Route 66, field surveys in June and December 2015 identified 1 new multicomponent archaeological site and 11 isolated occurrences. The newly identified multicomponent site consists of a historic-era trash scatter encompassing a small number of aboriginal flaked stone artifacts. The isolated occurrences consist mainly of historical trash, with one occurrence of a single prehistoric plain ware sherd. The isolated occurrences are not eligible for inclusion in NRHP or the Arizona Register of Historic Places (ARHP). 13 3.3.2 Economic/Public Use/Recreation: The Refuge is tied to the local economy largely through the public’s use of the Refuge for recreational opportunities. These opportunities typically come in the form of fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and sightseeing. While minimal recreation occurs within the proposed construction area itself, the Oatman Highway is used to access areas of recreation, as well as the communities of Topock and Golden Shores. Oatman highway has an average of 1,350 vehicles per day, with higher traffic volumes during the winter and summer visitor/tourist seasons. While not all of the average vehicles per day are recreationists, the recreationists that visit the Refuge spend money in the community benefiting the local economy. The 2013, Banking on Nature Report stated that for every $1 Congress provides in funding to run the National Wildlife Refuge System, almost $5 on average is returned to local communities. The Refuge, overall, also plays a role in the local economy because Refuge employees typically live in the community, own property, and support local businesses through their routine purchases. 3.3.3 Visual Resources: The project site is located between I-40 and Topock and Golden Shores. Views from the project site generally consist of unobstructed views of the surrounding desert landscape. Tall vegetation and sediment buildup on the roadway shoulders are present on the east and west sides of the project site, east of Oatman Highway, which can obstruct views of the surrounding topography. Within the project vicinity, existing man-made features include Oatman Highway and the recently constructed Oatman Highway bridge, I-40 (located south of the project site), the railroad (which generally parallels the south and east portions of the project boundary), and overhead utility lines. 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES FROM ALTERNATIVES This section reviews and documents the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative effects that implementation of each of the two alternatives described in Section 2.0, Description of Alternatives, of this DEA would likely have upon the physical, biological, and social aspects of the human environment (as described in Section 3.0, Affected Environment). Definitions of terms used in this DEA are provided below. The direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of each alternative were considered. • Direct effects are the impacts that would be caused by the alternative at the same time and place as the action. Because the Service’s action is to deny or issue a ROW Permit, no direct impacts would occur. • Indirect effects are impacts that occur later in time or distance from the triggering action. • Cumulative effects are incremental impacts resulting from other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, including those taken by federal and non-federal agencies, as well as undertaken by private individuals. Cumulative impacts may result from singularly minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time.

13 SWCA. 2015. Archaeological Survey of Oatman Highway – Sacramento Wash Crossing, Mohave County, Arizona. December.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 16 Various types of impacts, including beneficial and adverse impacts are considered. • Beneficial impacts are those resulting from management actions that maintain or enhance the quality and/or quantity of identified refuge resources. • Adverse impacts are those resulting from management actions that degrade the quality and/or quantity of identified refuge resources. The EA also evaluates the reasonably expected duration of each impacts, whether short-term or long-term. • Short-term impacts affect identified refuge resources and occur during implementation of the project but last no longer. • Long-term impacts affect identified refuge resources and occur during implementation of the management action and are expected to persist in the 1-5 years following implementation. The intensity of impact was also considered. • Minor impacts result from a specified management action that can be reasonably expected to have detectable though limited effect on identified refuge resources at the identified scale. • Moderate impacts result from a specified management action that can be reasonably expected to have apparent and detectable effects on identified refuge resources at the identified scale. • Major impacts result from a specified management action that can be reasonably expected to have readily apparent and substantial effects on identified refuge resources at the identified scale. 4.1 Effects to Physical Environment: 4.1.1 Water Resources: Water Quality--Discussion of Direct and Indirect Effects: Alternative A--No Action: Under this alternative, a ROW permit would not be issued by the Service to the County; therefore, existing conditions would continue. During storm events, stormwater would continue to reach Oatman Highway at the existing main crossing, then flow south along Oatman Highway before ultimately crossing the road as sheet flow, resulting in roadway closures. Based on the 2013 and 2014 road closure data, roadway closures would continue to occur an average of 6 times per year, for an average of 49.5 hours per closure. In addition, sediment would continue to accumulate over time. The alternative would not result in the reduction of stormwater flows or sediment transport and deposition; a 2-year, 30- minute storm would continue to have stormwater flow velocities of 6 feet per second and the annual sediment yield into Topock Bay would not change. No construction activities would occur as a result of Alternative A; therefore, this alternative would not have any direct or indirect short-term impacts. With respect to long-term impacts, Alternative A would indirectly result in a continuation of the challenges to manage sediment transport in Sacramento Wash. This alternative would not improve water quality to the water entering Topock Bay from Sacramento Wash during small storm events. Alternatives B—Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would result in the Service issuing a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a ROW permit does not physically impact water quality; therefore, there would be no direct impacts associated with Alternative B. However, the Proposed Action would have indirect impacts on Sacramento Wash, because it would allow the County to construct and maintain drainage improvements along and in the vicinity of Sacramento Wash to manage sediment. In the proposed conditions, the existing manmade dike east of Oatman Highway will be removed. Therefore, the flows will be allowed to reestablish the historic drainage patterns and disperse through the existing tamarisk bosque where velocities would dissipate and sediment would deposit in the dense vegetation during small storm events (i.e., 2-year

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 17 storm events). Velocities flowing through the vegetation areas are anticipated to range from 1 to 2 feet/second during the 2-year, 30-minute storm event. Reestablishing the historic drainage patterns within Sacramento Wash would allow sediment to settle within the existing tamarisk bosque area during smaller design storm events, reducing the annual sediment load in the water reaching the outflow channel of Topock Bay and Topock Bay. Research has shown that vegetative buffers are effective at trapping sediment (Wenger 1999) and a 75-foot to 150-foot riparian corridor is adequate for protecting water quality (Lynch et. al. 1985; USFWS 2012). Thus, the County’s project improvements would provide beneficial water quality impacts downstream (west of Oatman Highway) during years that do not experience large storm events. An annual sediment yield analysis was completed with the Design Concept Report (DCR). The DCR used methodology from the Maricopa County Drainage Design Manual – Hydraulics. Sediment yield was computed for several storms. The design storm (2-yr, 30-minute) was not calculated. However, the design storm is approximately 35% of the calculated 2-year, 24-hour storm. According to the results, the 2-year, 24-hour storm generates approximately 156 acre-feet of sediment, annually. The design storm would generate approximately 35 percent of the sediment, or approximately 55 acre-feet, annually. During the design storm, the runoff inundates approximately 130 acres. Therefore, approximately five inches of sediment would be deposited in the tamarisk bosque on an annual basis for the design storm. It should be noted, that during the larger storms (i.e., 5-year, 10-year, 25-year, etc.) this sediment accumulated within the tamarisk bosque would be transported downstream as a result of higher velocities produced by these larger storm events. This cyclical nature of storms would prevent sediment from accumulating within the tamarisk bosque, especially in the 100-year event where it anticipated that the majority of sediment would be transported downstream. The reestablishment of the historic drainage patterns within Sacramento Wash would also reduce the amount of sediment buildup at Oatman Highway, which would ultimately reduce road closures and would reduce excessive roadway maintenance for the County. The County’s project would have minimal impact on sediment amounts and water flows during larger storm events, such as the 100-year storm events. Larger storm events such as the 100-year event, would continue to transport sediment, including sediment within the tamarisk bosque, to Topock Bay, reducing the buildup of sediment within the tamarisk bosque. Further, it is expected that there would be possible short-term indirect impacts to water quality in the project area during the County’s construction phase and for a short period of time afterwards (on the order of weeks or several months). This potential adverse impact would result from soils that are disturbed and mobilized during construction activities and may be washed into Sacramento Wash and ultimately Topock Bay. This would increase suspended sediment levels for a short period of time if a storm event occurs during construction. However, this increase in sediment and, thus, the potential adverse impact on water quality, would be reduced with the implementation of measures outlined in the required Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). 4.1.2 Water Resources: Jurisdictional Waters--Discussion of Direct and Indirect Effects: Alternative A--No Action: If the No Action alternative is taken, the County would not receive a ROW permit; therefore, no changes would result to Sacramento Wash and its drainage patterns. During storm events, stormwater would continue to reach Oatman Highway at the existing main crossing, then flow south along Oatman Highway before ultimately crossing the road as sheet flow, resulting in roadway closures. Based on the 2013 and 2014 road closure data, roadway closures would continue to occur an average of 6 times per year, for an average of 49.5 hours per closure. In addition, sediment would continue to accumulate over time. This alternative would not result in the reduction of stormwater flows or sediment transport and deposition; a 2-year, 30-minute storm would continue to have stormwater flow velocities of 6 feet per second and the annual sediment yield into Topock Bay would not change. No construction activities would occur as a result of Alternative A; therefore, this alternative would not have any direct or indirect short-term impacts

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 18 on WOUS. With respect to long-term impacts, Alternative A would indirectly result in a continuation of the challenges to manage sediment transport in Sacramento Wash and ultimately Topock Bay. Alternative B—Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would result in the Service issuing a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a ROW permit does not physically impact jurisdictional WOUS; therefore, there would be no direct impacts associated with Alternative B. However, the Proposed Action would have indirect impacts on jurisdictional WOUS, because it would allow the County to construct and maintain drainage improvements to Sacramento Wash and beyond to manage sediment. The County’s project would temporarily impact 2.33 acres of WOUS and would permanently impact 0.12 acre of WOUS. These permanent indirect impacts would result from the County’s construction of three diversion berms in Sacramento Wash. Temporary indirect impacts would stem from the County removing the existing manmade dike, excavating Sacramento Wash west of the highway, and maintaining the proposed improvements in perpetuity. Environmental commitment JW-1 requires the County to obtain Section 404/401 permits prior to construction. Another indirect result of Alternative B is that the County would restore Sacramento Wash to its historical drainage patterns, thus reducing sediment transported and deposited at the Sacramento Wash crossing of Oatman Highway and outfall to Topock Bay during small storm events. The County’s project would have minimal impact on sediment amounts and water flows during larger storm events, such as the 100-year storm events. Larger storm events such as the 100-year event, would continue to transport sediment, including sediment within the tamarisk bosque, to Topock Bay, reducing the buildup of sediment within the tamarisk bosque. The County’s design of the diversion berms would minimize indirect impacts to potential WOUS by allowing flows to continue downstream to the existing Sacramento Wash. The County’s project qualifies for Nationwide Permit (NWP) No. 14 - Linear Transportation Projects and the County is currently seeking this NWP permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The County’s Section 401 Water Quality Certification is conditionally certified; therefore, an individual Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the County’s project will not be issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures: JW-1: No construction work shall occur within jurisdictional WOUS until the appropriate Clean Water Act Sections 404 /401 permits are obtained by the County. Once obtained, the contractor shall do the following: • The contractor shall comply with all terms and conditions of the Section 404 Permit and associated verification letter and impact sheet as established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 4.1.3 Soil \ Landforms \ Geology -- Discussion of Direct and Indirect Effects: Alternative A--No Action: If the No Action alternative is taken, the County would not receive a ROW permit; therefore, no changes would result to Sacramento Wash and its drainage patterns. During storm events, stormwater would continue to reach Oatman Highway at the existing main crossing, then flow south along Oatman Highway before ultimately crossing the road as sheet flow, resulting in roadway closures. Sediment would continue to accumulate over time. This alternative would not result in the reduction of stormwater flows or sediment transport and deposition; a 2-year, 30-minute storm would continue to have stormwater flow velocities of 6 feet per second and the annual sediment yield into Topock Bay would not change. During large storm events, such as the 100-year storm event, some sediment buildup within the roadway would be pushed into Topock Bay; however, because of the buildup of sediment along the Oatman Highway ROW, not all of the buildup would be moved downstream on a regular basis. Thus, the sediment buildup would continue within and along Oatman Highway ROW.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 19 No construction activities would occur as a result of Alternative A; therefore, there are no expected short-term direct or indirect impacts to soils, landforms or geology associated with this alternative. It is anticipated that over the long- term, there would be moderate impacts, as trends of sediment transport, as well as sediment management challenges, are expected to continue. Alternative B—Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would result in the Service issuing a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a ROW permit does not physically impact soils, landforms, and geology; therefore, there would be no direct impacts associated with Alternative B. However, the Proposed Action would have indirect impacts on soils, landforms, and geology, because it would allow the County to construct and maintain drainage improvements to Sacramento Wash and beyond to manage sediment. The primary indirect impact to the soil resources as a result of issuing the permit would be associated with the County’s construction of the berms and training dike, the removal of the existing manmade dike, and the excavation of existing channels. This would entail excavation of soil, at a depth of 3 to 3.5 feet in Sacramento Wash. The soils within the project site are alluvium deposited by Sacramento Wash. County construction activities would excavate the existing Sacramento Wash channel west of the highway, excavate a new low flow channel that would divert flows from the roadway to the Oatman Highway bridge crossing where they would discharge to the channel that would be excavated at the Oatman Highway bridge location. A temporary increase in erosion and sediment within Sacramento Wash water would occur during construction; however, this increase would be reduced with the implementation of measures outlined in the required SWPPP. Refer to Section 4.1.1, Water Resources: Water Quality, for further detail on construction soil disturbance impacts on water quality. More generally, regarding indirect impacts to the overall floodplain soils, the County’s project would restore Sacramento Wash to its historical drainage patterns in order to reduce the amount of sediment transport and deposition near Oatman Highway continuing to Topock Bay, during smaller storm events. In the proposed conditions, the existing manmade dike east of Oatman Highway will be removed. Therefore, the flows will be allowed to reestablish the historic drainage patterns and disperse through the existing tamarisk bosque where velocities would dissipate and sediment would deposit in the dense vegetation during small storm events. Velocities flowing through the vegetation areas are anticipated to range from approximately 1 to 2 feet/second during the 2-year, 30-minute storm event. The reestablishment of the historic drainage patterns within Sacramento Wash would also reduce the amount of sediment buildup at Oatman Highway, which would ultimately reduce road closures and would reduce excessive roadway maintenance for the County. The County’s project would have minimal impact on sediment amounts and water flows during larger storm events, such as the 100-year storm events. Larger storm events such as the 100-year event, would continue to transport sediment, including sediment within the tamarisk bosque, to Topock Bay, reducing the buildup of sediment within the tamarisk bosque. Alternative B would reduce the amount of sediment buildup at Oatman Highway during small storm events, would ultimately reduce road closures, and would reduce excessive roadway maintenance for the County. 4.1.4 Air Resources--Discussion of Direct and Indirect Effects: Alternative A--No Action: If the No Action alternative is taken, the County would not receive a ROW permit; therefore, no changes would result to Sacramento Wash and its drainage patterns. During storm events, stormwater would continue to reach Oatman Highway at the existing main crossing, then flow south along Oatman Highway before ultimately crossing the road as sheet flow, resulting in roadway closures. This alternative would not result in the reduction of stormwater flows or sediment transport and deposition; a 2-year, 30-minute storm would continue to have stormwater flow velocities of 6 feet per second and the

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 20 annual sediment yield into Topock Bay would not change. Sediment would continue to accumulate over time. In addition, an average of 6 storm events per year resulting in flooding and sediment deposition, and thus an average of 6 roadway closures per year, for approximately 49.5 hours each, would continue to occur under this alternative. The County of Mohave would continue to use one loader, one motor grader, three belly dump trucks, two 10-wheel dump trucks, and one construction broom for each roadway closure, resulting in this equipment being used for an approximate 297 total hours, annually. Additionally, detours would continue to occur an average of 6 times per year. Assuming an average of 1,350 vehicles per day on Oatman Highway and a detour distance of 25 miles over 6.2 working days (49.5 hours), vehicles travel an additional 1,255,500 miles annually. This is the same as existing conditions, and thus resulting in similar vehicle emissions as compared to existing conditions. No construction activities would occur as a result of Alternative A; therefore, there are no expected direct or indirect short-term impacts on air quality. Long-term impacts on air quality associated with the denial of a ROW permit for the County would continue as under current conditions, thus, there would be minimal long-term adverse impacts. Alternative B-- Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would result in the Service issuing a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a ROW permit does not physically impact air resources; therefore, there would be no direct impacts associated with Alternative B. However, the Proposed Action would have indirect impacts on air resources, because it would allow the County to construct and maintain drainage improvements to Sacramento Wash and beyond to manage sediment. Under Alternative B, the County’s construction phase would result in adverse short-term indirect impacts to the immediate area’s air quality as a function of exhaust emissions from construction equipment and from ground disturbance associated with construction activities. There would be an increase in blowing dust and sand during the construction phase. Implementing best management practices (BMPs) regarding properly maintaining construction equipment and dust abatement would be expected to minimize this indirect impact. BMPs could include maintaining construction and maintenance equipment per manufacturer’s guidelines, cleaning equipment before being moved off- site, hauling materials shall be covered or should contain 6 inches of freeboard when hauling materials, and construction traffic speeds on unpaved areas shall be slow as to not create additional dust (approximately 25 miles per hour or less). Moreover, this short-term impact would cease after the completion of construction activities. Alternative B would not result in a change in uses of the project site. Long-term indirect effects could occur during maintenance activities, when sedimentation deposition would be removed from the County ROW and placed on the shoulders near Golden shores, or at a tribe-approved suitable off-site location. With the improvements associated with Alternative B, it is anticipated that roadway closures would occur once every 2 years, thus, the equipment use required for maintenance would run for an average of 49.5 hours every two years, as compared to an average total of 297 hours annually under existing conditions. In addition, total vehicle miles traveled during roadway closures would be reduced to an average of 209,250 miles every two year, because Alternative B is anticipated to result in one roadway closure every two years. Comparing vehicle miles traveled for Alternative B to the miles traveled under existing conditions (which are also the same as Alternative A), total miles traveled over a two-year period as a result of detours would be reduced by 2,301,750 miles. Alternative B would reduce the total equipment operation hours annually as well as the total detour miles traveled, thus, air emissions would be reduced. This would be a reduction from the existing conditions and a reduction as compared to Alternative A. Long-term indirect beneficial impacts would occur under Alternative B relative to air resources because maintenance activities and total distance traveled as a result of detours would be reduced, thus reducing construction equipment and vehicle emissions.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 21 4.2 Biological Resources/Environment:

4.2.1 Vegetative Communities--Discussion of Direct and Indirect Effects: Alternative A—No Action: Under Alternative A, the Service would not issue a ROW permit to the County; therefore, existing conditions would remain. During storm events, stormwater would continue to reach Oatman Highway at the existing main crossing, then flow south along Oatman Highway before ultimately crossing the road as sheet flow, resulting in roadway closures. Sediment would continue to accumulate over time and sediment removal due to storm events is anticipated to occur an average of 6 times per year. This alternative would not result in the reduction of stormwater flows or sediment transport and deposition; a 2-year, 30-minute storm would continue to have stormwater flow velocities of 6 feet per second and the annual sediment yield into Topock Bay would not change. Sediment would continue to accumulate over time. In addition, an average of 6 storms events per year resulting in flooding and sediment deposition, and thus an average of 6 roadway closures per year, would continue to occur under this alternative. No direct or indirect impacts would occur to the existing land/vegetation cover types: Invasive Southwest Riparian Woodland and Shrubland; North American Warm Desert Riparian Woodland and Shrubland; Sonora-Mojave Creosotebush-White Bursage Desert Scrub; and Sonoran Paloverde-Mixed Cactus Desert Scrub. Sacramento Wash and the dominant plant species, including tamarisk, would remain the same for the immediate future. There would be indirect moderate impacts because the trend for sediment transport are expected to continue. This would result in a buildup of sediment along Oatman Highway during each storm event. As mentioned above, larger storm events (i.e., 100-year storm events) would transport some of this deposited sediment into Topock Bay; however, these storm events would not transport all of the sediment buildup along Oatman Highway because of the height of the existing sediment. This trend could ultimately (more than 15 years) affect the Sacramento Wash Revegetation Plan management area to the west of Oatman Highway. Alternative B—Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would result in the Service issuing a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a ROW permit does not physically impact vegetative communities; therefore, there would be no direct impacts associated with Alternative B. However, the Proposed Action would have indirect impacts on vegetative communities, because it would allow the County to construct and maintain drainage improvements to Sacramento Wash and beyond to manage sediment. Alternative B would indirectly impact 7.73 acres of vegetation, as shown in Figure 3, as a result of the County’s project. These indirect impacts would result from the removal of the existing manmade dike on the northern end of the project site, construction of the berm along the east side of Oatman Highway, construction of the training dike at the south end of the project site, and channel excavation. Vegetation removal could include native, non-native, and invasive plant species. The Sacramento Wash Revegetation Plan was prepared in 2011 for an approximately 240-acre management area to the west of Oatman Highway; refer to Appendix A. The management area was divided into three areas: irrigated revegetation area; dryland revegetation area; and future revegetation area. Of the 7.73 acres of vegetation removal within the project site, 1.05 acres of vegetation removal would occur within the irrigated revegetation area, as shown in Figure 3. Mitigation Measure VEG-1 requires the restoration and revegetation of the 1.05 acres of indirect impacts to the irrigated revegetation area at a 2:1 ratio, for a total of 2.1 acres, north of the County’s proposed channel and west of Oatman Highway, within the area identified by the Revegetation Plan as a future revegetation area (refer to Figure 3). Revegetation pursuant to VEG-1 would be completed by the County during the County’s construction activities. Revegetation is generally established within 5 years of planting. No

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 22 indirect impacts would occur to the dryland or future revegetation areas to the west of Oatman Highway as a result of Alternative B. The County’s construction activities have the potential to introduce invasive plant species when construction equipment is not properly maintained. Construction equipment could transport seeds from one location to another. Therefore, Mitigation Measure VEG-2 requires appropriate inspection and cleaning of equipment prior to entering the construction area as well as prior to leaving the construction area. The County’s project would disperse water through the historic drainage patterns. The 2-year, 30-minute storm event flows would be allowed to disperse through the existing tamarisk bosque where flow velocities would dissipate and sediment would deposit in the dense vegetation. Velocities flowing through the vegetation areas are anticipated to range from approximately 1 to 2 feet per second during a 2-year, 30-minute storm event. Reestablishing the historic drainage patterns within Sacramento Wash will allow sediment to settle within the existing tamarisk bosque area during smaller design storm events, reducing the annual sediment load in the water reaching the outflow channel of Topock Bay and Topock Bay. This would provide beneficial water quality impacts downstream (west of Oatman Highway) during years that do not experience large storm events. Under existing conditions, higher velocity flows inhibit vegetation establishment. Reestablishing historic drainage patterns would reduce existing velocities and allow vegetation to regenerate in these areas providing additional opportunities for natural vegetation establishment processes. The redistribution of flows would allow vegetation to regenerate in some areas, specifically the dead areas of tamarisk west of Oatman Highway, because these areas have been cut off from historical smaller weather/flooding events. The County’s project would have minimal impact on sediment amounts and water flows during larger storm events, such as the 100-year storm event. Larger storm events, such as the 100-year event, would continue to transport sediment, including sediment within the tamarisk bosque, to Topock Bay, reducing the buildup of sediment within the tamarisk bosque. An annual sediment yield analysis was completed with the Design Concept Report (DCR). The DCR used methodology from the Maricopa County Drainage Design Manual – Hydraulics. Sediment yield was computed for several storms. The design storm (2-yr, 30-minute) was not calculated. However, the design storm is approximately 35% of the calculated 2-year, 24-hour storm. According to the results, the 2-year, 24-hour storm generates approximately 156 acre-feet of sediment, annually. The design storm would generate approximately 35 percent of the sediment, or approximately 55 acre-feet, annually. During the design storm, the runoff inundates approximately 130 acres. Therefore, approximately five inches of sediment would be deposited in the tamarisk bosque on an annual basis for the design storm. It should be noted, that during the larger storms (i.e., 5-year, 10-year, 25-year, etc.) this sediment accumulated within the tamarisk bosque would be transported downstream as a result of higher velocities produced by these larger storm events. This cyclical nature of storms would prevent sediment from accumulating within the tamarisk bosque, especially in the 100-year event where it is anticipated that the majority of sediment would be transported downstream. Alternative B is anticipated to have both beneficial and adverse effects, as the reestablishment of the historic drainage patterns would allow for natural revegetation in areas currently barren (increasing habitat) but could increase the chance of revegetation being non-native. Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures VEG-1: a. The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe will have a 45-calendar day plant salvage period within the 1.05-acre irrigated revegetation area prior to construction to collect and harvest wood for traditional uses. If the wood is not collected after the 45-calendar day plant salvage period as detailed in the written notice from Mohave County, it becomes the property of the contractor during construction.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 23 b. The contractor will restore/revegetate the 1.05-acre irrigated revegetation area at a 2:1 ratio (for a total of 2.1 acres), north of the proposed channel and west of Oatman Highway, at the time of construction. This area will be revegetated with the same plants and seeds that were planted during the 2010 and 2011 revegetation effort: mesquite, blue paloverde, desertbroom, saltbrush, native grasses, and native herbs. The restoration/revegetation would be completed pursuant to the Sacramento Wash Revegetation Plan for the area. The County of Mohave would be responsible for the success of the restoration/revegetation for the first five years to ensure establishment of the revegetation effort. VEG-2: To prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species seeds, the contractor, in coordination with Havasu NWR staff, shall do the following: a. To prevent the introduction of invasive species seeds, the contractor and Havasu NWR staff shall inspect all earthmoving and hauling equipment at the equipment storage facility. The equipment shall be washed and free of all attached plant/vegetation and soil/mud debris prior to entering the construction site. b. To prevent invasive species seeds from leaving the site, the contractor and Havasu NWR staff shall inspect all construction equipment and remove all attached plant/vegetation and soil/mud debris prior to leaving the construction site. 4.2.2 Wildlife--Discussion of Direct and Indirect Effects: Alternative A--No Action: Under Alternative A, the Service would not issue a ROW permit to the County; therefore, existing conditions would remain. During storm events, stormwater would continue to reach Oatman Highway at the existing main crossing, then flow south along Oatman Highway before ultimately crossing the road as sheet flow, resulting in roadway closures. Sediment would continue to accumulate over time and sediment removal due to storm events is anticipated to occur an average of 6 times per year. This alternative would not result in the reduction of stormwater flows or sediment transport and deposition; a 2-year, 30-minute storm would continue to have stormwater flow velocities of 6 feet per second and the annual sediment yield into Topock Bay would not change. Sediment would continue to accumulate over time. In addition, an average of 6 storms events per year resulting in flooding and sediment deposition, and thus an average of 6 roadway closures per year, would continue to occur under this alternative. No changes would occur to Sacramento Wash and its drainage patterns, thus, no changes would occur to existing vegetation and wildlife habitat. Under this alternative, no construction would occur, eliminating associated disturbance and displacement of species which would have a short to long-term benefit on wildlife in the area. There would be indirect moderate impacts because the trend for sediment transport is expected to continue. This would result in a buildup of sediment along Oatman Highway during each storm event. As mentioned above, larger storm events (i.e., 100-year storm events) would transport some of this deposited sediment into Topock Bay; however, these storm events would not transport all of the sediment buildup along Oatman Highway because of the height of the existing sediment. This trend could ultimately alter vegetation in areas of deposition accumulation or downstream of deposition, west of Oatman Highway, over decades, and thus could indirectly effect wildlife species. Alternative B—Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would result in the Service issuing a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a permit does not physically impact wildlife; therefore, there would be no direct impacts associated with Alternative B. However, the Proposed Action would have indirect impacts on wildlife, because it would allow the County to construct and maintain drainage improvements to Sacramento Wash and beyond to manage sediment.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 24 Alternative B would have no indirect impact, and thus no effect, on California least tern, bonytail chub, razorback sucker, and roundtail chub, because these species’ habitats do not occur in the project site. Small mammals, birds, and associated wildlife could be temporarily displaced during construction. Since similar habitat is abundant in the areas surrounding the project site, indirect impacts to wildlife are expected to be short-term because wildlife would return to the project site upon completion of construction activities. The County’s project would permanently remove 7.73 acres of existing vegetation, including 1.05 acres within the irrigated revegetation area, as a result of construction activities (e.g., existing manmade dike removal, construction of the training dike and berms, and excavation of channels). This constitutes a permanent loss of habitat, and associated loss of common terrestrial wildlife in the final footprint of the County’s project, as shown in Figure 3. This loss of vegetation would be approximately 5.6 percent of the total project area. Mitigation Measure VEG-1 requires the restoration and revegetation of the 1.05 acres of direct impacts to the irrigated revegetation area at a 2:1 ratio, for a total of 2.1 acres; therefore, it is anticipated that species that have been displaced will return to the area once construction is complete and restoration has occurred. The County’s project would disperse water through the historic drainage patterns. The 2-year, 30-minute storm event flows would be allowed to disperse through the existing tamarisk bosque where flow velocities would dissipate and sediment would deposit in the dense vegetation. Velocities flowing through the vegetation areas are anticipated to range from approximately 1 to 2 feet per second during a 2-year, 30-minute storm event. Reestablishing the historic drainage patterns within Sacramento Wash would allow sediment to settle within the existing tamarisk bosque area during smaller design storm events, reducing the annual sediment load in the water reaching the outflow channel of Topock Bay and Topock Bay. This would provide beneficial water quality impacts downstream (west of Oatman Highway) during years that do not experience large storm events. Under existing conditions, higher velocity flows inhibit vegetation establishment. Reestablishing historic drainage patterns would reduce existing velocities and allow vegetation to regenerate in these areas providing additional opportunities for natural vegetation establishment processes. The redistribution of flows to historic drainage patterns would allow vegetation to regenerate in areas, specifically the dead areas of tamarisk west of Oatman Highway, because these areas have been cut off from historical smaller weather/flooding events, providing additional habitat for wildlife. Conversely, in areas where long-term indirect impacts result in a change in land/vegetation type, some species of wildlife would likely decline in abundance and diversity as vegetation gradually changes over decades. The possible decline in wildlife numbers is not expected to be enough to affect the Havasu NWR’s overall wildlife populations and is expected to be outweighed by the anticipated wildlife benefits associated with the enhancement of habitat (i.e., anticipated reduced flow velocity and improved water quality downstream during smaller storm events). An annual sediment yield analysis was completed with the Design Concept Report (DCR). The DCR used methodology from the Maricopa County Drainage Design Manual – Hydraulics. Sediment yield was computed for several storms. The design storm (2-yr, 30-minute) was not calculated. However, the design storm is approximately 35% of the calculated 2-year, 24-hour storm. According to the results, the 2-year, 24-hour storm generates approximately 156 acre-feet of sediment, annually. The design storm would generate approximately 35 percent of the sediment, or approximately 55 acre-feet, annually. During the design storm, the runoff inundates approximately 130 acres. Therefore, approximately five inches of sediment would be deposited in the tamarisk bosque on an annual basis for the design storm. It should be noted, that during the larger storms (i.e., 5-year, 10-year, 25-year, etc.) this sediment accumulated within the tamarisk bosque would be transported downstream as a result of higher velocities produced by these larger storm events. This cyclical nature of storms would prevent sediment from accumulating within the

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 25 tamarisk bosque, especially in the 100-year event where it anticipated that the majority of sediment would be transported downstream. Research has shown that vegetative buffers are effective at trapping sediment (Wenger 1999) and a 75-foot to 150- foot riparian corridor is adequate for protecting water quality (Lynch et. al. 1985; USFWS 2012); therefore, it is anticipated that the net indirect impact of the Proposed Action on wildlife would be beneficial as a result of improved water quality during smaller storm events and reestablished historic drainage patterns. 4.2.3 Threatened and Endangered Species--Discussion of Direct and Indirect Effects: Alternative A--No Action: Under Alternative A, the Service would deny Mohave County a ROW permit. The denial of this permit would result in no changes to Sacramento Wash and its drainage patterns. During storm events, stormwater would continue to reach Oatman Highway at the existing main crossing, then flow south along Oatman Highway before ultimately crossing the road as sheet flow, resulting in roadway closures. Sediment would continue to accumulate over time and sediment removal due to storm events is anticipated to occur an average of 6 times per year. This alternative would not result in the reduction of stormwater flows or sediment transport and deposition; a 2-year, 30- minute storm would continue to have stormwater flow velocities of 6 feet per second and the annual sediment yield into Topock Bay would not change. No direct impacts would occur to threatened or endangered species. Under this alternative, no construction would occur, eliminating associated disturbance and displacement of any listed species which would have a short to long- term benefit on wildlife in the area. Long-term indirect impact may occur from vegetation changes (refer to Section 4.2.1, Vegetative Communities, and Section 4.2.2, Wildlife). If vegetation changes occur over the long- term and habitat is no longer available, then threatened and endangered species would be indirectly impacted due to the assumption that invasive species would continue to grow in the project site. Alternative B-- Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would result in the Service issuing a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a ROW permit does not physically impact threatened and endangered species; therefore, there would be no direct impacts associated with Alternative B. However, the Proposed Action would have indirect impacts on threatened and endangered species, because it would allow the County to construct and maintain drainage improvements to Sacramento Wash and beyond to manage sediment. As discussed above in Section 3.2.3, Threatened and Endangered Species, four special status species are unlikely to be present in the project area because the project site lacks the habitat requirements for the species, or is outside the range of these species/subspecies, or both. The project site contains the habitat and is within the range for the following four special status species: southwestern willow flycatcher; western yellow-billed cuckoo; Yuma Ridgway’s rail (Yuma clapper rail); and northern Mexican gartersnake. A Biological Evaluation was prepared in April 2017 to evaluate effects of the proposed alternatives on these species. Five southwestern willow flycatcher surveys and four western yellow-billed cuckoo surveys were conducted in 2015 following the approved survey protocol. During the southwestern willow flycatcher and western yellow-billed cuckoo surveys, it was determined that species-specific surveys were not necessary for the Yuma Ridgway’s rail (Yuma clapper rail). 14 Overall, Alternative B would result in the County removing vegetation, as discussed in Section 4.2.1, Vegetative Communities. The County’s project would result in slower flow velocities and improved water quality discharging into Topock Bay and ultimately the Colorado River. Reduced flow velocity and improved water quality would have a beneficial indirect

14 SWCA. 2017. Biological Evaluation of the Sacramento Wash Improvements Project, Mohave County, Arizona. April.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 26 impact on habitat and thus a beneficial indirect impact on threatened and endangered species. As habitat benefits occur, special status species in the project site and vicinity would benefit from improved habitats. Species-specific indirect impacts are discussed, below, for the four special status species that have the potential to occur within the project site.15 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Habitat within the project site consist of mature tamarisk lacking dense structure in the two- to five-meter range and lacking surface water or soil moisture. Species-specific surveys found negative results in the project site; however, three migrant individuals were detected on August 13, 2015 during later-season western yellow-billed cuckoo surveys. The three individuals were detected in the same general area on the outflow channel of Topock Bay. While individuals could migrate through the project site, a migrating individual’s preference would be outside of the project site, in habitats adjacent to permanent water or saturated soils (i.e., adjacent to water or saturated soils, with dense [two- to five-meter range] structure). The nearest residential (non-migratory) southwestern willow flycatcher is approximately 1.9 miles west-northwest of the project site at the Lost Lake flycatcher survey site. Critical habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher is designated approximately 39.8 miles southeast of the project site. The construction of the County’s project would not prevent migrating southwestern willow flycatchers from using the nearby preferential habitat along the outflow channel of Topock Bay or the Colorado River. The removal of tamarisk could displace migrating individuals using the project site during construction, resulting in an adverse impact. Disturbance to migrating individuals within the project site and adjacent habitats as a result of construction noise, could occur, resulting in an adverse impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measures VEG-1 (revegetation), VEG-2 (invasive species), and TE-2 would mitigate these adverse impacts. The County’s project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the southwestern willow flycatcher. Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo Habitat within the project site consists mostly of tamarisk and is not suitable for western yellow-billed cuckoo breeding, but could support migrating individuals. Species-specific surveys did not detect any western yellow- billed cuckoos in and within 0.5-mile of the project site. While individuals could migrate through the project site, a migrating individual’s preference would be outside the project site, in riparian habitats adjacent to Topock Bay and the Colorado River, within areas that resemble breeding habitats (i.e., native broadleaf habitats adjacent to perennial water). During the species-specific surveys, a small, narrow stringer of cottonwoods located 0.3-mile northwest of the project site, along the south dike foot trail adjacent to the outflow channel of Topock Bay, was identified as the most likely habitat patch available for migrating western yellow-billed cuckoos. The nearest breeding western yellow-billed cuckoos were located at the Beal Lake Conservation Area, 4.2 miles northwest of the project site. Proposed critical habitat for the species is located west of the project site, approximately 120 meters (approximately 394 feet) west of the southern portion of the project, at its closest distance. The construction of the County’s project would not prevent migrating western yellow-billed cuckoo from using the nearby outflow channel of Topock Bay or the Colorado River. The removal of tamarisk could displace migrating individuals using the project site during construction, resulting in an adverse impact. Disturbance to migrating individuals within the project site and adjacent or nearby habitats as a result of construction noise, could occur, resulting in an adverse impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measures VEG-1 (revegetation), VEG-2 (invasive species), and TE-3 would reduce these adverse impacts. The County’s project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the western yellow-billed cuckoo.

15 SWCA. 2017. Biological Evaluation of the Sacramento Wash Improvements Project, Mohave County, Arizona. April.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 27 Yuma Ridgway’s rail (Yuma clapper rail) The Yuma Ridgway’s rail (Yuma clapper rail) uses freshwater and brackish marshes, often dominated by tall, dense emergent vegetation. This species is unlikely to be present within the project site because it lacks marsh habitat required by the species. The species may wander in search for food in winter when food abundance is lowest. During the southwestern willow flycatcher and western yellow-billed cuckoo surveys, no Yuma Ridgway’s rails (Yuma clapper rails) were detected in the project site; however, individuals were detected on the outflow of Topock Bay from the Topock Marina to the south dike foot trail approximately 0.3-mile southwest and 0.4-mile northwest and west of the project site. These individuals were detected within a known marsh bird survey area that is surveyed regularly by Havasu NWR. This species is generally considered to be non-migratory; however, individuals may disperse from breeding sites and can be found in atypical habitats during dispersal. The Yuma Ridgway’s rail may be vulnerable from July through September when they are flightless for approximately 3.5 weeks as a result of undergoing a complete molt. The construction of the County’s project would not overlap with the breeding season (mid-March to early September). Disturbance to individuals within the project site and adjacent or nearby habitats as a result of construction noise, could occur, resulting in a short-term adverse impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measures VEG-1 (revegetation), VEG-2 (invasive species), and TE-1 would reduce these adverse impacts. The County’s project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the Yuma Ridgway’s rail (Yuma clapper rail). Northern Mexican Gartersnake The northern Mexican gartersnake is a riparian obligate, but will use terrestrial habitat for hibernation, gestation, seeking mates, and dispersal. The project site is within the extreme elevation and historical distribution of the species; however, the project area does not contain perennial water. Because the outflow channel of Topock Bay, located 0.3-mile west of the project site, resembles northern Mexican gartersnake habitat, the project site may support gestation, immigration, emigrant, and brumation activities. If present, the northern Mexican gartersnakes would be expected to occur in low densities, with reduced recruitment, due to the presence of bullfrogs and non- native sportfish (i.e., largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish). The snake has not been detected within 3 miles of the project site and individuals were not located incidentally during the 2015 surveys and are not known by Havasu NWR personnel to occur in the area nor have any surveys or trapping efforts occurred. The nearest occurrence of the northern Mexican gartersnake and proposed critical habitat are located 37.7 miles southeast of the project area, Bill Williams River. Implementation of Mitigation Measures VEG-1 (revegetation), VEG-2 (invasive species), and TE-4 would reduce these adverse impacts. The County’s project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the northern Mexican gartersnake. Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures: TE-1: Clearing, grubbing, or tree/limb removal will not take place during western yellow-billed cuckoo and southwestern willow flycatcher breeding season (March 1 to August 31). the Project Engineer will contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Manager: Richard Meyers (760) 326- 3853 ten (10) working days prior to clearing, grubbing, or tree/limb removal to arrange for a Service- approved qualified biologist to conduct active nest surveys of vegetation 48 hours prior to removal. TE-2 Construction activities will occur between October 1 and March 1. Construction is not to occur March 1 to September 30 within southwestern willow flycatcher migrating season and breeding season. Species- specific surveys will be conducted by a Service-approved qualified biologist prior to construction, as required by Havasu NWR Refuge Manager. In the event that an active southwestern willow flycatcher nest

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 28 or nests are located prior to vegetation removal, construction will cease until all nesting attempts fail or until fledglings would no longer be present on site (fledglings may be present through September). TE-3 Construction activities will occur between October 1 and March 1. Construction is not to occur March 1 to September 30 within western yellow-billed cuckoo migrating season and breeding season. Species-specific surveys will be conducted by a Service-approved qualified biologist prior to construction, as required by Havasu NWR Refuge Manager. In the event that an active southwestern willow flycatcher nest or nests are located prior to vegetation removal, construction will cease until all nesting attempts fail or until fledglings would no longer be present on site (fledglings may be present through October). TE-4 The contractor shall do the following: a. Reduce stockpiling of construction material that can serve as an attractant for northern Mexican gartersnake by permanently placing all fill material directly after excavation, or hauling all material directly off-site to an approved, predetermined area in coordination with the Havasu NWR Refuge Manager and tribal staff. b. Construction personnel will be trained on northern Mexican gartersnake identification, life history, and related data recordation. In the event that northern Mexican gartersnakes are located prior to vegetation removal, construction will cease and the contractor will notify the Service-approved qualified biologist and the Havasu NWR Refuge Manager to determine the appropriate course of action. 4.3 Socioeconomic Effects: 4.3.1 Tribal Resources/Cultural Resources/Environment--Discussion of Direct and Indirect Effects: Alternative A--No Action: Under this alternative, the Service would deny the ROW permit requested by the County. During storm events, stormwater would continue to reach Oatman Highway at the existing main crossing, then flow south along Oatman Highway before ultimately crossing the road as sheet flow, resulting in roadway closures. Sediment would continue to accumulate over time and sediment removal due to storm events is anticipated to occur an average of 6 times per year. This alternative would not result in the reduction of stormwater flows or sediment transport and deposition; a 2-year, 30-minute storm would continue to have stormwater flow velocities of 6 feet per second and the annual sediment yield into Topock Bay would not change. Sediment would continue to accumulate over time. In addition, an average of 6 storm events per year resulting in flooding and sediment deposition, and thus an average of 6 roadway closures per year, would continue to occur under this alternative. Maintenance activities for an average of 6 storm events, lasting an average of 49.5 hours, within the County ROW would continue to be required under this alternative. Sediment would continue to be removed from within the County ROW and placed on the roadway shoulder near Golden Shores. No construction activities would occur as a result of Alternative A; therefore, no anticipated direct or indirect impacts to the cultural environment, as current conditions would be maintained, and no soil disturbing activities would occur from the County’s project. Alternative B—Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would result in the Service issuing a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a ROW permit does not physically impact cultural resources; therefore, there would be no direct impacts associated with Alternative B. However, the Proposed Action would have indirect impacts on tribal and cultural resources, because it would allow the County to construct improvements in Sacramento Wash to manage sediment.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 29 As discussed in Section 3.3.1, Tribal Resources/Cultural Resources/Environment, a cultural continuum exists between the prehistoric and modern Native American presence within Havasu NWR and within the project site. It is important to note that many traditional practices survived quite late into the historic era, and that Native American communities in the area, mainly along the lower Colorado River, continue to regard national wildlife refuge lands with a profound reverence for religious and ancestral values. The project site is within the Amut Ahar Mojave named place and the Topock Mojave named place. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad (formally the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad) relocated their damage prone river crossing bridge from the Town of Needles to the Topock area in 1889, with construction of the Red Rock Cantilever Bridge completed on June 25, 1890. This intrusion was compounded with the construction of various highways and roads (National Old Trails Highway, Route 66, and Interstate 40), multiple natural gas lines and compressor stations, and the river controls that were constructed and implemented in the 1920s to 1950s (including the dams, berms, or dredging) to tame the river. All of these intrusions and river controls have affected the area with each new intrusion adding to the cumulative adverse effects to this important place and the culturally significant landscape within the region in general. Even with such intrusions, they have not diminished the religious and cultural significance of the area to the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. The project site is bisected by Oatman Highway, which is outside of the County’s project boundaries. Oatman Highway is a newly recorded segment of the larger historic structure of Route 66. Route 66 has previously been determined, as a whole, to be eligible for NRHP listing. Segments of Route 66 elsewhere in Arizona are listed in the NRHP. The newly identified multicomponent site consists of a historic-era trash scatter encompassing a small number of aboriginal flaked stone artifacts. The isolated occurrences consist mainly of historical trash, with one occurrence of a single prehistoric plain ware shard. The isolated occurrences are not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP or the ARHP. Under the Proposed Action, there would be no indirect impact on Route 66, as the County’s project does not propose improvements within County ROW, beyond vegetation removal requirements for the construction of a proposed berm. The County’s project would reduce the amount of sediment deposits near Oatman Highway, and thus would reduce the maintenance required along this segment of Historic Route 66. This is considered a beneficial impact. Eleven (11) isolated occurrences were identified within the project site. These isolated occurrences largely consist of historical and modern trash, with one occurrence of a prehistoric plain ware sherd. The historical isolated occurrences are associate with the historic-era and more recent use of the project site. Given the history of disturbance in the western portion of the project site, the presence and location of the prehistoric isolated occurrence is likely the result of past mechanical disturbance following the fire event ten years ago, and is not within its original context. The isolated occurrences are not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP or ARHP because they lack significance under all four Register Criteria and fail to retain any integrity conveying historic significance. The majority of the isolated occurrences were identified outside the County’s direct project construction footprint, but within the County’s project limits (approximately 148 acres). However, there are isolated occurrences, located in proximity to the County’s project areas of disturbance. Mitigation Measures CULT-1 and CULT-2 would be required during construction to minimize the adverse impacts of the County project. The multicomponent site (prehistoric and historic-era components) is located within the proposed project boundaries.16 This site contains over 200 fragments of glass, 10 large chunks of concrete, more than 20 fragments of modern clay pigeons, one brick (no stamp), and various modern trash scattered throughout the site. Pieces of a

16 SWCA. 2015. Archaeological Survey of Oatman Highway – Sacramento Wash Crossing, Mohave County, Arizona. December.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 30 minimum of eight railroad ties were also observed. No other historical features were identified at this site. The prehistoric component of this site consists of a low-density scatter of 11 quartzite flakes (3 primary and 8 tertiary) and one small fossiliferous chert core. No ceramic or ground stone artifacts were observed. A minimum of four of these flakes are large enough to be considered “macroflakes.” Four large cobbles of the same quartzite material were also present. While the cobbles exhibited no evident of testing or use, the color and quality of material does not appear readily available in the area, suggesting that the cobbles may have been transported to this location. The fossiliferous chert core was unique compared to the other types of material identified in the artifact assemblage, and was also likely transported to this location from a source outside the project site. This multicomponent site is in poor condition due to severe erosion and flooding resulting from rain events and loose surface sediments. There is evidence of motorized activity and other mechanical disturbance in the vicinity of the site. The prehistoric component is in fair condition, as mechanized disturbance has not yet adversely impacted the flaked stone scatter; however, due to topographical and environmental factors in the project vicinity, the presence of flaked stone in this location may be the result of natural erosion and translocation during flooding events. Neither the historic-era or prehistoric components of the site retain sufficient integrity nor are they associated with any significant event, person, design, or important information to convey any historic significance. Therefore, the site is recommended not eligible for the NRHP and ARHP.17 The County’s project would include ground disturbing activities associated with the removal of the existing manmade dike on the northern end of the project site, construction of the berm along the east side of Oatman Highway, construction of the training dike at the south end of the project site, and the channel excavation. While the multicomponent site is located within the project site, it is located outside of the County’s impact footprint. Therefore, no indirect impacts to this multicomponent site would occur as a result of Alternative B. The existing manmade dike east of Oatman Highway would be removed as a result of the County’s project. Therefore, the flows would be allowed to reestablish the historic drainage patterns and disperse through the existing tamarisk bosque where velocities would dissipate and sediment would deposit in the dense vegetation for small storms (i.e., 2-year storm events). Velocities flowing through the vegetation areas are anticipated to range from approximately 1 to 2 feet/second during the 2-year, 30-minute storm event. Reestablishing the historic drainage patterns within Sacramento Wash would allow sediment to settle within the existing tamarisk bosque area, thus reducing the amount of sediment buildup at Oatman Highway during smaller design storm events. As discussed in Section 2.2, Alternative B – Proposed Action, the County’s project would pass the 2-year storm event; therefore, roadway closures would occur approximately once every two years under this alternative. Sediment maintenance along Oatman Highway, within the County ROW, would be required during the roadway closure, thus sediment maintenance would occur an average of once every two years. During maintenance, County maintenance crews would relocate sediment from the roadway to the roadway shoulders near Golden Shores. Sediment removal, including removal of existing sediment piles, would be conducted with appropriate tribal consultation. Materials will be repatriated to Tribal lands as directed by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. The County would continue to conduct roadway inspections. The County’s project would have minimal impact on sediment amounts and water flows during larger storm events, such as the 100-year storm events. Larger storm events such as the 100-year event, would continue to transport sediment, including sediment within the tamarisk bosque, to Topock Bay. Therefore, maintenance events during large storm events would continue and sediment removal within the County ROW would be required. Materials will be repatriated to Tribal lands as directed by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe.

17 SWCA. 2015. Archaeological Survey of Oatman Highway – Sacramento Wash Crossing, Mohave County, Arizona. December.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 31 There may be impacts to unknown cultural resources, if any archeological sites are found within the project site associated with construction and soil disturbance that were not identified at the time of the survey. Mitigation Measures CULT-1 and CULT-2 would be required during construction in order to minimize the indirect impact of the Proposed Action on cultural resources. Further, the Service has ongoing consultation with the tribes and would encourage and support whatever level of tribal participation is desired on the part of the tribes (for instance, if one of the tribal governments is interested in monitoring the construction activities). Materials will be repatriated to Tribal lands as directed by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures: CULT-1: If previously unidentified cultural resources are encountered during activity related to the construction of the project, the contractor shall stop work immediately at that location, notify the Engineer, and shall take all reasonable steps to secure the preservation of those resources. The Engineer will contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cultural Resources Specialist (505-248-7396) immediately, and make arrangements for proper treatment of identified resources. The Engineer will also contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (602-230-6954) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu NWR Refuge Manager. CULT-2: If human remains are discovered during project implementation, all work in the immediate area should cease, the area be secured, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cultural Resources Specialist and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu NWR Refuge Manager be notified within 24 hours of the discovery. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cultural Resources Specialist and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu NWR Refuge Manager shall work with the State Historic Preservation Office to determine whether the discovery is significant and required mitigation of adverse effects. If Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act applies to the discovery, Arizona Department of Transportation Historic Preservation Specialist and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will treat the discovery in accordance with the requirements in 43 CFR 10.6. CULT-3 Sediment removal shall be conducted with appropriate tribal consultation lead by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cultural Resources Specialist and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu NWR Refuge Manager. Materials will be repatriated to Tribal lands as directed by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. 4.3.2 Economic/Public Use/Recreation--Discussion of Direct and Indirect Effects: Alternative A--No Action: While minimal recreation occurs within the County’s proposed construction area itself, the Oatman Highway is used to access areas of recreation, as well as the communities of Topock and Golden Shores. The Refuge, overall, also plays a role in the local economy as relates to the fact that Refuge employees typically live in the community, own property and support local businesses through their routine purchases. The current economic role that the Refuge plays in the local economy would continue. There would be no changes expected and this alternative would not directly or indirectly impact the recreational opportunities of the Havasu NWR such as fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and sightseeing. The Oatman Highway crossing would continue to be significantly impacted by flooding and sediment deposition. The highway would continue to be impassable during and after small storm events. Oatman Highway would continue to be closed an average of 6 times per year, for approximately 49.5 hours per closure. The County of Mohave spends approximately $7,400 per roadway closure based on these averages, thus, annual estimated cost of 6 roadway closures for 49.5 hours each is approximately $44,400 per year. This estimate varies depending on the length of the closure and the number of closures in any given year.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 32 Storm events would continue to result in detours; Topock and Golden Shores access during an Oatman Highway closure involves traveling route via westbound I-40 to Broadway Street to North K Street/Mohave Valley Highway in Needles, CA to Arizona Route 95 / Harbor Avenue Bridge to Courtwright Road which turns into County Route 1 and continues to Golden Shores and Topock; the total detour route is more than 25 miles. During these flood events, swift-water rescues would continue to occur because of the mix of regional, out-of-area traffic and motorist impatience under the absence of convenient alternate routes to Golden Shores and points east. As mentioned in Section 1.4, Purpose and Need, the Golden Shores Fire Department reports more than 21 swift- water rescues in the Topock / Golden Shores area have occurred over a three-year period between 2014 and 2016. In addition, detour operation during these road closures would continue to obstruct the efficient delivery of emergency services, as emergency services coming from I-40 travel a total of more than 25 miles, if coming from the I-40 westbound (i.e., Yucca or Kingman). Alternative B—Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would result in the Service issuing a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a ROW permit does not physically impact the economic, public use, and recreation of the Havasu NWR; therefore, there would be no direct impacts associated with Alternative B. However, the Proposed Action would have indirect impacts on the economic, public use, and recreation of the Havasu NWR, because it would allow the County to construct improvements in Sacramento Wash and beyond to manage sediment. As discussed above, minimal recreation occurs within the County’s proposed construction area itself, the Oatman Highway is used to access areas of recreation, as well as the communities of Topock and Golden Shores. The Refuge, overall, also plays a role in the local economy as relates to the fact that Refuge employees typically live in the community, own property and support local businesses through their routine purchases. The current economic role that the Refuge plays in the local economy would continue. The County’s project would provide improvements to Sacramento Wash in order to redirect flows to historic drainage patterns. This would reduce sediment transport and deposition onto Oatman Highway, which would reduce road closures during and after the two-year storm events. Because Alternative B would result in improvements that would allow the two-year storm event flows to pass through the area, road closures would be anticipated to occur once every 2 years. The County of Mohave spends approximately $7,400 per roadway closure; thus, Alternative B would result in an estimated cost for 1 roadway closure for 49.5 hours each is approximately $7,400 for a 2-year period; a reduction in maintenance costs of approximately $74,000 over 2 years. This estimate varies depending on the length of each roadway closure and the number of closures in any given year. Alternative B would also reduce excessive roadway maintenance for Mohave County, as the amount of storm water on the roadway would be reduced and thus the amount of sediment on the roadway would be reduced during smaller storm events. This would reduce the need for detours and would allow more consistent access to Golden Shores, Topock, and other recreational areas north of the project site. The reduced need for detours would also reduce the number of swift water rescues that result from travelers going around detours and traversing flooded roadways. Therefore, the Proposed Action would have a net indirect beneficial impact on the economic, public use, and recreation of the Havasu NWR as a whole. 4.3.3 Visual Resources--Discussion of Direct and Indirect Effects: Alternative A--No Action: Under Alternative A, the Service would deny the ROW permit for the County; thus, the County would not construct their drainage improvements and existing conditions would remain. There would be no direct impacts on visual resources.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 33 During storm events, stormwater would continue to reach Oatman Highway at the existing main crossing, then flow south along Oatman Highway before ultimately crossing the road as sheet flow, resulting in roadway closures. Sediment would continue to accumulate over time and sediment removal due to storm events is anticipated to occur an average of 6 times per year. This alternative would not result in the reduction of stormwater flows or sediment transport and deposition; a 2-year, 30-minute storm would continue to have stormwater flow velocities of 6 feet per second and the annual sediment yield into Topock Bay would not change. During large storm events, such as the 100- year storm event, some sediment buildup with the roadway would be pushed into Topock Bay; however, because of the buildup of sediment along the Oatman Highway ROW, not all of the buildup would be moved downstream on a regular basis. Thus, the sediment buildup would continue within and along Oatman Highway ROW. Long-term indirect minor impacts would occur on visual resources as a result of sediment buildup under Alternative A. Alternative B—Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would result in the Service issuing a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a ROW permit does not physically impact visual resources; therefore, there would be no direct impacts associated with Alternative B. However, the Proposed Action would have indirect impacts on visual resources, because it would allow the County to construct improvements in Sacramento Wash and beyond to manage sediment. The County’s project would include ground disturbing activities associated with the removal of the existing manmade dike along Sacramento Wash east of the highway, construction of the berm along the east side of Oatman Highway, construction of three diversion berms, construction of the training dike at the south end of the project site, and the channel excavation. Many of these changes would not be apparent to viewers using Oatman Highway; however, the features near Oatman Highway would be noticeable. It is anticipated that there would be a short-term minor adverse impact to visual resources, owing to disruptions associated with construction activities. However, the effects from construction activities would cease upon project completion. The County’s channel excavation would remove existing sediment, the construction of berms and dikes containing riprap would be in proximity to Oatman Highway, and the vegetation removal would be noticeable in areas near Oatman Highway through the project site. Therefore, the visual expanse would be slightly changed. The existing sediment along the roadway shoulder would likely be removed, thus providing increased views of the surrounding area. Tall vegetation on the east side of the project site, east of Oatman Highway, currently obstruct views of the surrounding topography. Some of this vegetation would be removed, allowing for more open views of the surrounding area, although these views would remain partially obstructed with the introduction of the berm east of the highway. Long-term views in some areas of the project site would remain similar to current conditions, while long-term views from Oatman Highway would be similar to Alternative A. Thus, long-term impacts from the County’s project would be minor impacts. 4.4 Summary of Environmental Consequences by Alternative: Table 2. Summary of Consequences by Alternative Alternative A: Environmental Resource Alternative B.1: Proposed Action No Action No direct impacts; Short-term adverse Water Resources: Water No short-term direct or indirect impacts; indirect impacts; Long term beneficial Quality Minimal long-term adverse impact indirect impacts Water Resources: No direct impacts; Short-term minor adverse No short-term direct or indirect impacts; Jurisdictional Waters (waters indirect impacts; Long-term beneficial Minimal long-term adverse impacts of the U.S.) indirect impact No direct impacts; Minor short-term No short-term direct or indirect impacts; Soils/Landforms/Geology negative impact; Long-term beneficial Moderate long-term adverse indirect impact impact

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 34 Alternative A: Environmental Resource Alternative B.1: Proposed Action No Action No direct impacts; Minor short-term adverse No short-term direct or indirect impacts; Air Quality indirect impact; Long-term beneficial Minimal long-term adverse impacts indirect impacts No direct impacts; Short-term minor adverse Continuing trend of natural ecosystem indirect impacts; Long-term beneficial Biological Resources: Vegetative evolution; Gradual long-term adverse indirect indirect impact from water quality Communities impact due to invasive species (Tamarisk) enhanced habitat; Gradual long-term proliferation adverse indirect impact due to invasive species (Tamarisk) proliferation No direct impacts; Moderate short-term Continuing trend of natural ecosystem adverse indirect impact; beneficial long- operation; Gradual moderate long-term adverse term indirect impacts from water quality Biological Resources: Wildlife indirect impacts due to invasive species enhanced habitat; Gradual moderate long- (Tamarisk) proliferation term adverse indirect impacts due to invasive species (Tamarisk) proliferation No direct impacts; Short-term adverse Continuing trend of natural ecosystem Biological Resources: Special indirect impact; Beneficial long-term evolution; Gradual long-term adverse indirect Status Species indirect impacts from water quality impact enhanced habitat No direct impacts; Moderate short-term Cultural and Historic Resources No direct or indirect impacts adverse indirect impacts; Minor long-term adverse indirect impact No short-term direct or indirect impacts; No direct impacts; No short-term indirect Moderate long-term adverse indirect impact Economic/Public Use/Recreation impact; Long-term beneficial indirect impact associated with continued storm-related road (reduce storm-related road closures) closures No short-term direct or indirect impacts; No direct impacts; Minor short-term adverse Visual Resources Minor long-term adverse indirect impacts indirect impact; Minor long-term beneficial associated with continued sediment buildup indirect impact 4.5 Assessment of Cumulative Effects by Alternative: A cumulative impact is defined as an impact on the environment that results from the incremental impact of a proposed action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (federal or nonfederal) or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time (40 CFR 1508.7). Cumulative impacts are the overall, net effects on a resource that arise from multiple actions. Impacts can “accumulate” spatially, when different actions affect different areas of the same resource. They can also accumulate over the course of time, from actions in the past, the present, and the future. Occasionally, different actions counterbalance one another, partially cancelling out each other’s effects on a resource. But more typically, multiple effects add up, with each additional action contributing an incremental impact on the resource. Cumulative impacts in this DEA considered Alternative A (denying the ROW permit) and Alternative B (issuing the ROW permit) in conjunction with other projects in the Topock/Sacramento Wash area. Currently, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is working with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on the PG&E Topock Remediation Project. In addition, the ADOT and the County have recently constructed the Oatman Highway bridge. Havasu NWR completed a portion of their Sacramento Wash Revegetation Plan along the west side of Oatman Highway, as depicted on Figure 3, and additional restoration will take place as part of the County’s project.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 35 4.5.1 Alternative A--No Action: It is anticipated that maintaining the current condition through Alternative A, No Action, would involve a continuation of many of the challenges the Refuge and the County face in the management of Sacramento Wash and Oatman Highway. Under Alternative A, the Service would not issue a ROW permit to the County. During storm events, stormwater would continue to reach Oatman Highway at the existing main crossing, then flow south along Oatman Highway before ultimately crossing the road as sheet flow, resulting in roadway closures. Based on the 2013 and 2014 road closure data, roadway closures would continue to occur an average of 6 times per year, for an average of 49.5 hours per closure. These road closures would continue to result in detours; Topock and Golden Shores access during an Oatman Highway closure involves traveling route via westbound I-40 to Broadway Street to North K Street/Mohave Valley Highway in Needles, CA to Arizona Route 95 / Harbor Avenue Bridge to Courtwright Road which turns into County Route 1 and continues to Golden Shores and Topock; the total detour route is more than 25 miles. During these flood events, swift-water rescues would continue occur because of the mix of regional, out-of-area traffic and motorist impatience under the absence of convenient alternate routes to Golden Shores and points east. As mentioned in Section 1.4, Purpose and Need, the Golden Shores Fire Department reports more than 21 swift- water rescues in the Topock / Golden Shores area have occurred over a three-year period between 2014 and 2016. In addition, detour operation during these road closures would continue to obstruct the efficient delivery of emergency services, as emergency services coming from I-40 travel a total of more than 25 miles, if coming from the I-40 westbound (i.e., Yucca or Kingman). In addition, sediment would continue to accumulate over time. During large storm events, such as the 100-year storm event, some sediment buildup along the roadway would be pushed into Topock Bay; however, because of the buildup of sediment along the Oatman Highway ROW, not all of the buildup would be moved downstream on a regular basis. Therefore, roadway flooding during storm events would continue to occur and sediment would continue to accumulate over time, therefore, road closures would continue to occur during small storm events. Further, this alternative would not address the management challenges of Sacramento Wash and its sediment transport and deposition throughout the project site, within the County ROW, and into Topock Bay. Other conservation activities in the vicinity of Topock Bay are considered unlikely to offset the expected adverse indirect impact associated with continued sediment transport and encroachment of undesirable vegetation. Moreover, if flows in the Colorado River are reduced in the future, as many have predicted as a consequence of climate change, drought or higher levels of water use upstream from the project site, general environmental stressors would likely increase significantly. These factors sum to make the No Action alternative one that would reduce the cumulative beneficial impacts of the County’s project. 4.5.2 Alternative B—Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would result in the Service issuing a ROW permit to the County. The issuance of a ROW permit does not have a physical impact; therefore, there would be no cumulative direct impacts associated with Alternative B. However, the Proposed Action would have cumulative indirect impacts, because it would allow the County to construct improvements in Sacramento Wash and beyond to manage sediment. The County’s project would effectively address the environmental management challenges regarding Sacramento Wash. The County’s project is expected to relieve the challenge of managing sediment transport and deposition within Sacramento Wash, along Oatman Highway, and ultimately to Topock Bay. Implementation of the County’s project is expected to ultimately improve the conditions for fish and wildlife, its benefits would be additive to other

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 36 conservation work occurring in the Topock Bay and Topock Marsh area, such as the PG&E Topock Remediation Project and the Havasu NWR Sacramento Wash Revegetation Plan. In a cumulative context of what the County’s project represents, it is anticipated that other governmental and private entities, and the public at large, would be supportive of the issuance of the ROW permit and the purpose of the County’s project. An indirect result of the Proposed Action is the construction of the County’s project, which would reduce flow velocity and improve water quality. The reduced flow velocity would allow sediment to deposit throughout the historic drainage patterns of Sacramento Wash. This would reduce sediment deposition along Oatman Highway and the areas west of Oatman Highway. Therefore, the indirect beneficial impact of the Proposed Action would be the improved water quality of the water discharging into Topock Bay and ultimately the Colorado River. Combined with other conservation activities in the vicinity of Topock Bay, such as the PG&E Topock Remediation Project and the Havasu NWR Sacramento Wash Revegetation Plan, this would continue to provide a cumulatively beneficial impact to the overall ecosystem within Sacramento Wash and Topock Marsh. In the cumulative context, the 2-year, 30-minute storm event flows would be allowed to reestablish historic drainage patterns and disperse through the existing tamarisk bosque where flow velocities would dissipate and sediment would deposit in the dense vegetation. Velocities flowing through the vegetation areas are anticipated to range from approximately 1 to 2 feet per second during a 2-year, 30-minute storm event. Restablishing the historic drainage patterns within Sacramento Wash would allow sediment to settle within the existing tamarisk bosque area during smaller design storm events, reducing the annual sediment load in the water reaching the outflow channel of Topock Bay and Topock Bay. This would provide a reduction in annual sediment load in the water reaching the outflow channel of Topock Bay and Topock Bay for smaller storms such as the 2-year, 30-minute event. The reestablishment of historic drainage patterns, in conjunction with other nearby cumulative projects, would allow vegetation to regenerate in some areas, specifically the dead areas of tamarisk west of Oatman Highway, because these areas have been cut off from historical smaller weather/flooding events. The cumulative projects would have minimal impact on sediment amounts and water flows during larger storm events, such as the 100-year storm events. Larger storm events, such as the 100-year storm event, would continue to transport sediment, including sediment within the tamarisk bosque, to Topock Bay, reducing the buildup of sediment within the tamarisk bosque. The project site is within the Amut Ahar Mojave named place and the Topock Mojave named place. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad (formally the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad) relocated their damage prone river crossing bridge from the Town of Needles to the Topock area in 1889, with construction of the Red Rock Cantilever Bridge completed on June 25, 1890. This intrusion was compounded with the construction of various highways and roads (National Old Trails Highway, Route 66, and Interstate 40), multiple natural gas lines and compressor stations, and the river controls that were constructed and implemented in the 1920s to 1950s (including the dams, berms, or dredging) to tame the river. All of these intrusions and river controls have affected the area with each new intrusion adding to the cumulative adverse effects to this important place and the culturally significant landscape within the region in general. Even with such intrusions, they have not diminished the religious and cultural significance of the area to the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. Sediment removal would be conducted with appropriate tribal consultation. Materials will be repatriated to tribal land, as directed by the Tribe. The County’s project would provide improvements to Sacramento Wash that reestablish the historical drainage patterns that would allow stormwater flows to have reduced levels and/or velocities in the wash, which would reduce sediment transport and deposition onto Oatman Highway during smaller storm events, resulting in reduced or avoided road closures and reduced excessive roadway maintenance for Mohave County. The redistribution of flows to the historic drainage patterns would result in improvements that would allow the 2-year, 30-minute storm flows to pass through the area, thus, road closures would be anticipated to occur once every 2 years. This would reduce the need for

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 37 detours and would allow more consistent access to Golden Shores, Topock, and other recreational areas to the north of the project site. The County’s project would combine with other projects to provide a beneficial impact to continued access to recreational areas and residential areas (Topock and Golden Shores). The reduced need for detours would also reduce the number of swift water rescues that result from travelers going around detours and traversing flooded roadways. This would be a beneficial impact to safety concerns regarding roadway closures and swift water rescues. Short-term indirect impacts resulting from Alternative B are related to resources within Sacramento Wash that would only combine with other conservation activities if they all occur at the same time. Short-term (temporary) impacts would be temporary and would cease upon construction completion. In addition, each individual project would be subject to any regulatory requirements and best management practices, as well as any project-specific mitigation, to reduce individual temporary impacts. Thus, cumulative short-term impacts would be considered moderate impacts if all construction occurred at the same time. These adverse impacts, however, would cease upon completion. 4.6 Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority and Low-Income Populations; February 11, 1994) was designed to focus the attention of Federal Agencies on the human health and environmental conditions of minority and low-income communities. The County’s project is not anticipated to impact any low-income or minority populations.

4.7 Tribal Assets Tribal reservation land is located north of the project site.18 In addition, the project site is located within the Amut Ahar Mojave named place, which is eligible for listing on the NRHP as a property of traditional religious and cultural importance. The Topock Mojave names place is present within the project site vicinity. The Archaeological Survey prepared for the adjacent Oatman Highway Bridge Project included the current project area to save additional survey costs for the County. As such, the consultation letters sent by FHWA also inadvertently included the scope of work for this project. FHWA/ADOT initiated consultation for the adjacent Oatman Highway Bridge Project with the Arizona SHPO, the Service, the Chemehuvi Tribe, The Colorado River Indian Tribes, the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, the Hopi Tribe, the Hualapai Tribe, the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe, and the Moapa Band of Paiutes on a finding of "no adverse effect" on March 7, 2016. Concurrences for the adjacent Oatman Highway Bridge Project were received from SHPO (March 11, 2016), and the Hopi Tribe (March 10, 2016). The Service’s Cultural Resources Specialist is leading consultation, which includes meetings with the Tribe. In addition, the County has committed to the AhaMakav Cultural Society that they are dedicated to the continued efforts regarding the appropriate treatment of sediment that is encountered during construction and maintenance activities. Materials will be repatriated to Tribal lands as directed by the tribe.

4.8 Unavoidable Adverse Effects No known unavoidable adverse impacts have been identified for either alternative. The impacts from the Proposed Action, issuing a ROW permit for construction and maintenance of the County’s project, would result in an indirect unavoidable disturbance and displacement to some wildlife during the construction period. Additionally, there would be permanent removal of existing vegetation in that constructed area. The County proposes to implement best management practices to minimize potential impacts on wildlife species and revegetate the disturbed area when construction is completed.

18 SWCA. 2015. Archaeological Survey of Oatman Highway – Sacramento Wash Crossing, Mohave County, Arizona. December.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 38 4.9 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources Irreversible and irretrievable resource commitments are related to the use of nonrenewable resources and the effects that this use could have on future generations. Irreversible effects primarily result from the use or destruction of specific resources that cannot be replaced within a reasonable time frame, such as energy or minerals. Irretrievable resource commitments involve the loss in value of an affected resource that cannot be restored as a result of the action, such as extinction of a threatened or endangered species or the disturbance of a cultural resource. Alternative A would not result in a large commitment of nonrenewable resources. Alternative B would result in an indirect commitment as the County’s project implementation would require the irretrievable commitment of fossil fuels (diesel and gasoline), oils, and lubricants used by heavy equipment and vehicles. This would be most intense during County construction and would continue to a lesser extent during continued maintenance activities. The Service would require the County to implement best management practices to minimize potential adverse impacts. Alternative B is within the Amut Ahar Mojave named place and the Topock Mojave named place. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad (formally the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad) relocated their damage prone river crossing bridge from the Town of Needles to the Topock area in 1889, with construction of the Red Rock Cantilever Bridge completed on June 25, 1890. This intrusion was compounded with the construction of various highways and roads (National Old Trails Highway, Route 66, and Interstate 40), multiple natural gas lines and compressor stations, and the river controls that were constructed and implemented in the 1920s to 1950s (including the dams, berms, or dredging) to tame the river. All of these intrusions and river controls have affected the area with each new intrusion adding to the cumulative adverse effects to this important place and the culturally significant landscape within the region in general. Even with such intrusions, they have not diminished the religious and cultural significance of the area to the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. Sediment removal would be conducted with appropriate tribal consultation. Materials will be repatriated to tribal land, as directed by the Tribe. 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES The following environmental commitments and mitigation measures would be required to be implemented by the County if the Service issues a ROW permit under Alternative B. JW-1: No construction work shall occur within jurisdictional WOUS until the appropriate Clean Water Act Sections 404 /401 permits are obtained by the County. Once obtained, the contractor shall do the following: • The contractor shall comply with all terms and conditions of the Section 404 Permit and associated verification letter and impact sheet as established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. VEG-1: a. The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe will have a 45-calendar day plant salvage period within the 1.05-acre irrigated revegetation area prior to construction to collect and harvest wood for traditional uses. If the wood is not collected after the 45-calendar day plant salvage period as detailed in the written notice from Mohave County, it becomes the property of the contractor during construction. b. The contractor will restore/revegetate the 1.05-acre irrigated revegetation area at a 2:1 ratio (for a total of 2.1 acres), north of the proposed channel and west of Oatman Highway, at the time of construction. This area will be revegetated with the same plants and seeds that were planted during the 2010 and 2011

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 39 revegetation effort: mesquite, blue paloverde, desertbroom, saltbrush, native grasses, and native herbs. The restoration/revegetation would be completed pursuant to the Sacramento Wash Revegetation Plan for the area. The County of Mohave would be responsible for the success of the restoration/revegetation for the first five years to ensure establishment of the revegetation effort. VEG-2: To prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species seeds, the contractor, in coordination with Havasu NWR staff, shall do the following: a. To prevent the introduction of invasive species seeds, the contractor and Havasu NWR staff shall inspect all earthmoving and hauling equipment at the equipment storage facility. The equipment shall be washed and free of all attached plant/vegetation and soil/mud debris prior to entering the construction site. b. To prevent invasive species seeds from leaving the site, the contractor and Havasu NWR staff shall inspect all construction equipment and remove all attached plant/vegetation and soil/mud debris prior to leaving the construction site. TE-1: Clearing, grubbing, or tree/limb removal will not take place during western yellow-billed cuckoo and southwestern willow flycatcher breeding season (March 1 to August 31) the Project Engineer will contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu NWR Manager: Richard Meyers (760) 326-3853 ten (10) working days prior to clearing, grubbing, or tree/limb removal to arrange for a Service-approved qualified biologist to conduct active nest surveys of vegetation 48 hours prior to removal. TE-2 Construction activities will occur between October 1 and March 1. Construction is not to occur March 1 to September 30 within southwestern willow flycatcher migrating season and breeding season. Species- specific surveys will be conducted by a Service-approved qualified biologist prior to construction, as required by Havasu NWR Refuge Manager. In the event that an active southwestern willow flycatcher nest or nests are located prior to vegetation removal, construction will cease until all nesting attempts fail or until fledglings would no longer be present on site (fledglings may be present through September). TE-3 Construction activities will occur between October 1 and March 1. Construction is not to occur March 1 to September 30 within western yellow-billed cuckoo migrating season and breeding season. Species- specific surveys will be conducted by a Service-approved qualified biologist prior to construction, as required by Havasu NWR Refuge Manager. In the event that an active southwestern willow flycatcher nest or nests are located prior to vegetation removal, construction will cease until all nesting attempts fail or until fledglings would no longer be present on site (fledglings may be present through October). TE-4 The contractor shall do the following: a. Reduce stockpiling of construction material that can serve as an attractant for northern Mexican gartersnake by permanently placing all fill material directly after excavation, or hauling all material directly off-site to an approved, predetermined area in coordination with the Havasu NWR Refuge Manager and tribal staff. b. Construction personnel will be trained on northern Mexican gartersnake identification, life history, and related data recordation. In the event that northern Mexican gartersnakes are located prior to vegetation removal, construction will cease and the contractor will notify the Service-approved qualified biologist and the Havasu NWR Refuge Manager to determine the appropriate course of action.

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 40 CULT-1: If previously unidentified cultural resources are encountered during activity related to the construction of the project, the contractor shall stop work immediately at that location, notify the Engineer, and shall take all reasonable steps to secure the preservation of those resources. The Engineer will contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cultural Resources Specialist (505-248-7396) immediately, and make arrangements for proper treatment of identified resources. The Engineer will also contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (602-230-6954) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu NWR Refuge Manager. CULT-2: If human remains are discovered during project implementation, all work in the immediate area should cease, the area be secured, and Federal Highways Administration, Arizona Department of Transportation Historic Preservation Specialist, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu NWR Refuge Manager be notified within 24 hours of the discovery. The Arizona Department of Transportation Historic Preservation Specialist and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu NWR Refuge Manager shall work with the State Historic Preservation Office to determine whether the discovery is significant and required mitigation of adverse effects. If Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act applies to the discovery, Arizona Department of Transportation Historic Preservation Specialist and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will treat the discovery in accordance with the requirements in 43 CFR 10.6. CULT-3 Sediment removal shall be conducted with appropriate tribal consultation lead by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cultural Resources Specialist and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Havasu NWR Refuge Manager. Materials will be repatriated to Tribal lands as directed by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. 6.0 CONSULTATION, COORDINATION, AND DOCUMENT PREPARATION 6.1 List of Preparers and Contributors: 6.1.1 Kimley-Horn Team • Jennifer Tremayne, Project Manager, Senior Environmental Scientist • Christa Redd, Senior Environmental Planner • Chris Melisi, Environmental Scientist • Jason Getz, GIS Specialist 6.1.2 Mohave County • Steve Lotowski, PE, PTOE, Director, Mohave County Public Works • Tim Walsh, PE, Director, Mohave County Development Services • Jana Sterling, SWCA, Biological Resources • Allen Graber, SWCA, Biological Resources 6.1.3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Richard Meyers, Refuge Manager, Havasu NWR • Glenn Klingler, Project Leader, Lake Havasu NWR Complex

• David Siegel, Cultural Resources Specialist, Southwest Region • Daryl Magnuson, former Deputy Refuge Manager, Havasu NWR

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 41 • Linda Miller, former Refuge Manager, Havasu NWR • Carol Torrez, NEPA Coordinator, Southwest Region • Monica Kimbrough, Assistant Refuge Supervisor, Southwest Region • Juliette Fernandez, Refuge Supervisor, AZ/NM, Southwest Region • Brenda Zaun, Zone Biologist, SW Arizona NWR Complex • Kathleen Blair, Ph.D, Ecologist, Lake Havasu NWR Complex

DOCUMENT’S FINALPAGE

Draft Environmental Assessment for a Right-of-Way Permit for the Mohave County Sacramento Wash Improvements Project on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona September 2017 42 Appendix A.

Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project

1019 39th AVE SE, SUITE 100 PUYALLUP, WA 98374 T. 253.604.6600 F. 253.604.6799 www.parametrix.com

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

Date: September 6, 2011

To: Mark Kaib Deputy Regional Fire Coordinator US Fish & Wildlife Service, Region 2

From: Todd Caplan

Subject: Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project cc: Linda Miller

Project Number: 283-4838-009

Project Name: Sacramento Wash Revegetation

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) contracted Parametrix to implement revegetation treatments recommended in the Sacramento Wash Revegetation Plan (Parametrix, 2010). The purpose of this Technical Memo is to summarize the main implementation steps, including lessons that can be applied to future floodplain rehabilitation projects on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) or other FWS refuges, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico.

The Sacramento Wash Fire burned 306 acres including approximately 240 acres of dense tamarisk (Tamarisk ramosissima and T. aphylla) growing on the alluvial fan deposits where the Sacramento Wash terminates at the southern end of Topock Marsh. The fire also consumed approximately 41 acres of emergent wetland vegetation, including cattails (Typha domengensis), bulrush (Schoenoplectus sp.), and spikerush (Eleocharis sp). The remaining land cover classes affected by the fire were characterized as either developed, mixed shrub-scrub, or open water. More details on the fire and project site are available in the BAER Plan (FWS, 2008) and the revegetation plan (Parametrix, 2010).

The revegetation plan concentrated on the 240-acre area previously dominated by tamarisk. This area was divided into management zones based upon results from soils data analysis and mapping (Parametrix, 2010). These management zones were then prioritized for revegetation based upon proximity to available water. Water availability was considered important because the soils data indicated very high soil salinity levels that required mitigation (i.e., leaching) prior to planting native vegetation. During early discussions with FWS it was considered desirable to obtain irrigation water through pumping from Topock Marsh rather than installing a new groundwater well. With this in mind, the revegetation plan identified an area closer to the marsh as the “Priority 1” mitigation area. Subsequent discussions with FWS, however, determined that revegetation priority should instead be located closer to the county road (i.e., higher public visibility) and that it would be worth investing in a new groundwater well to improve potential for revegetation success. The management zone closer to Topock Marsh would still be revegetated, but without the benefit of irrigation water. TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

Figure 1 shows the location of the two revised management zones addressed under this revegetation project. The management zone to the east, which borders the Oatman-Topock Highway (i.e., County Highway 10) is approximately 22 acres and is referred to as the Irrigated Revegetation Zone. The west-side management zone that borders the marsh is approximately 30 acres, and is referred to as the Dryland Revegetation Zone. The large map unit marked (Future Revegetation) is labeled this way because during revegetation planning the area was still occupied by many tamarisk log and woody debris piles remaining after the initial post-fire clearing treatments. Log and woody debris management eventually fell under Parametrix project responsibilities and is also addressed in this technical memo.

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 2 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

Figure 1. Sacramento Wash Fire Revegetation Project Map (The NPS herbicide research plot boundary is estimated.)

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 3 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

SUBCONTRACTOR AND VENDOR SELECTION

A. Custom Seed Collection and Greenhouse Propagation

The revegetation plan emphasized the FWS desire to utilize regionally local (i.e., Mohave County) seed sources for revegetation whenever possible. We contacted several plant nurseries and seed companies regarding local seed sources or custom collection capabilities for the desired species listed in the revegetation plan. As discussed in the revegetation plan, there were two strategies for establishing native vegetation:

1. Custom greenhouse propagation of mesquite (western honey and screwbean), blue palo verde, and desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides) grown in 2.5 x 14 (D-60) pots.

2. Seeding saltbush (quailbush and 4-wing saltbush), native grasses (needle grama, alkali sacaton, James’ galleta), and native herbs (desert globemallow).

We contacted several Arizona based plant nurseries regarding their ability to collect seed and custom grow the mesquite, blue palo verde, and Baccharis plants. The nurseries were Signature Botanica (Morristown, AZ), Nighthawk Native Nursery (Tucson, AZ) and Mountain States Wholesale Nursery (Glendale, AZ). Bids were obtained from all three, and Signature Botanica provided the best price at $3.50 per plant. Signature Botanica also had a track record with Havasu NWR and already had an adequate supply of screwbean and western honey mesquite seed collected previously within the Refuge boundaries. Mountain States Nursery provided a bid, but they did not have the preferred pot size. The bids from all three companies are displayed in Appendix A (included on CD).

*** Note: Preferred timing for installing potted plant material along the LCR is March/April. Custom seed collection and propagation in D-60 pots requires approximately 8 months start prior to installation. Needless to say, large pots require more time. Do not delay!

Regarding the species identified for the seeding mix, we contacted Wildland Restoration (Tucson, AZ), Granite Seed Company (Salt Lake City, UT), and Curtis & Curtis Seed (Clovis, NM). Curtis & Curtis did not have local seed for any of the desired species. Wildland Restoration and Granite Seed both had a Mohave County seed source for 4-wing saltbush and quailbush; however, Wildland offered a better price on the quailbush, so we purchased that species from them. Wildland was the only entity with an Arizona source for Needle Grama (source = Maricopa County, AZ). Similarly, Granite Seed had a Maricopa County source for desert globemallow. There were no commercially available Arizona sources for alkali sacaton and the closest was from New Mexico available through Granite Seed Company. After two conference calls and email correspondences with Jack Allen (Havasu NWR biologist) and Kathleen Blair (LCR Refuge Complex Ecologist), it was decided to move forward with purchasing alkali sacaton even though the seed source was not local. This exception was made based upon the logic that: (1) even though it is not found along the LCR, the species is native to Mohave County, (2) others (e.g., Fred Phillips Consulting – Flagstaff; USBR MSCP Program) have used the species with great success along the LCR, and (3) it was considered unlikely that this species would spread outside the project site and cross-breed with local varieties of the same species. Similar logic was applied to selection of James’ galleta grass. The final seeded species list and quantities purchased from Granite Seed and Wildland Restoration are provided in Table 1.

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 4 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

Table 1. Seeding Rate Calculations and Cost of Seed Purchased from Different Commercial Suppliers

IRRIGATION TREATMENT BLOCK

TOTAL PLS SPECIES (provided by PLS.POUND LBS (22 COST PER Wildlands Restoration) COMMON NAME Life-Form SEEDS/SQ.FT. #SEEDS/ACRE #SEEDS/LB S/ACRE ACRES) PLS/POUND COST Atriplex lentiformis var breweri Quailbush Perennial forb 1 43,560 800,000 0.05 1$ 11.00 $ 0.60 Atriplex canescens 4-wing saltbush shrub 0.5 21,780 44,203 0.49 11$ 8.50 $ 4.19 Bouteloua aristidoides Needle grama annual grass 20 871,200 414000 2.10 46$ 24.00 $ 50.50 Sphaeralcea ambigua desert globemallow perennial forb 1 43,560 500000 0.09 2$ 60.00 $ 5.23

TOTAL 22.5 936540 2.74 per acre$ 60.52 ACRES TO SEED 22 22 acres$ 1,331.41

TOTAL PLS SPECIES (provided by PLS.POUND LBS (22 COST PER Granite Seed Co.) COMMON NAME Life-Form SEEDS/SQ.FT. #SEEDS/ACRE #SEEDS/LB S/ACRE ACRES) PLS/POUND COST grass (perenial Sporobolus airoides alkalai sacaton warm season) 8 348,480 1,758,000 0.20 4$ 25.00 $ 4.96 grass (perennial Pleuraphis jamsii James' galleta warm season) 4 174,240 159,000 1.10 24$ 22.00 $ 24.11

TOTAL 12 522720 1.29 per acre$ 29.06 ACRES TO SEED 22 22 acres$ 639.41

DRY-LAND TREATMENT BLOCK TOTAL PLS SPECIES (provided by PLS.POUND LBS (30 COST PER ESTIMATE Wildlands Restoration) COMMON NAME Life-Form SEEDS/SQ.FT. #SEEDS/ACRE #SEEDS/LB S/ACRE ACRES) PLS/POUND D COST Atriplex lentiformis var breweri Quailbush shrub 4 174,240 800,000 0.22 7$ 11.00 $ 2.40 Atriplex canescens 4-wing saltbush shrub 2 87,120 44,203 1.97 59$ 8.50 $ 16.75 Bouteloua aristidoides Needle grama annual grass 30 1,306,800 414000 3.16 95$ 24.00 $ 75.76

TOTAL 36 1568160 5.35 per acre$ 94.91 ACRES TO SEED 30 30 acres$ 2,847.15

TOTAL PLS SPECIES (provided by PLS.POUND LBS (30 COST PER ESTIMATE Granite Seed Co.) COMMON NAME Life-Form SEEDS/SQ.FT. #SEEDS/ACRE #SEEDS/LB S/ACRE ACRES) PLS/POUND D COST grass (perenial Sporobolus airoides alkalai sacaton warm season) 10 435,600 1,758,000 0.25 7$ 25.00 $ 6.19

TOTAL 10 435600 0.25 per acre$ 6.19 ACRES TO SEED 30 30 acres$ 185.84

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 5 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

B. Well Drilling and Irrigation System

Irrigation planning had three major components: (1) well drilling, (2) pump installation/electric hook-up, and (3) irrigation system rental.

Well Drilling

We engaged in early discussions with Victor Hewlett regarding potential use of an existing well that he had previously drilled near the southeast boundary of the project area. Victor is the Operations Manager for the Golden Shores Water Company and generously offered free use of his well for the project. It had apparently been drilled and cased many years ago as a back-up water source for the water company, but had not been used for a long time. His estimate was that the well could produce approximately 300 gallons per minute (gpm). After many phone calls/emails coordinating with Victor and his drilling consultant, it turned out that the casing was cracked and would require significant rehabilitation if we were to use this for the project. Given questionable utility, timing constraints, and other complications, it was deemed best to drop this pursuit and install a new well.

Three bids were solicited from prospective drillers – ADT Drilling (Scottsdale, AZ), Brown Drilling (Kingman, AZ), and Layne Christensen (Fontana, CA). Layne Christensen offered to provide a bid but never follow through. Brad Guay (temporary Havasu NWR hydrologist), John Sorrell (hydrogeologist with Stetson Engineers), Andrew Hautzinger (FWS Regional Hydrologist) and I held phone interviews with Brown Drilling and ADT to discuss their proposed drilling methods and available equipment. It was determined after these conversations that ADT was the preferred drilling contractor based upon their drilling equipment, proposed methodologies, and local experience. Thus, even though their bid was higher than Brown’s, it was jointly determined that ADT provided the best value to the FWS for the job.

Pump Installation

It is apparently standard practice for the drillers to team up with pump companies for this type of work. ADT was teamed with Laveen Pump Company (Goodyear, AZ) and Brown was teamed with Pump Tech (Mayer, AZ). I had a very negative experience dealing with Laveen Pump Company, but Pump Tech was very responsive and pleasant to work with. Therefore, I entered into separate subcontracts with ADT and Pump Tech to complete the well installation.

In consultation with Brad Guay, we requested additional cost estimates from Pump Tech based upon different pumping rate options (500 gpm vs. 1000 gpm). It was jointly decided to go with the smaller 500 gpm, but as it turned out, we were still able to get approximately 800 gpm using this pump! The bid documents and specifications from ADT and Pump Tech are provided in Appendix A (included on CD).

Electrical Hook-Up

While Pump Tech coordinated and implemented the pump installation and most of the electrical connections, it was necessary to coordinate with Mohave County and Mohave Electric Cooperative. This coordination involved purchasing a permit from Mohave County and paying Mohave Electric Cooperative to extend power from an existing pole across the Oatman-Topock highway to a new support pole on the project site. Parametrix paid both Mohave County (for the permit) and Mohave Electric Cooperative (for the electrical engineering and power extension across the highway). Through their subcontract terms, Pump Tech installed the new pole and extended power to the well pump. Brad Guay coordinated installation of a shed over the well pump and power control box.

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 6 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

Irrigation System

Based upon analyses discussed in the revegetation plan (Parametrix, 2010), it was determined that the most appropriate irrigation system for project site condition was to rent a “solid-set” irrigation system. This irrigation system was designed/sized for the 22-acre Irrigation Management Unit and generally consisted of an 8-inch main line, 3-inch lateral lines, and risers with Rain-Bird sprinkler heads. The irrigation system design required 65 psi at the well head and a minimum 30 hp pump (Pump Tech installed a 50-hp pump).

Two irrigation rental supply companies were identified (Rain-for-Rent and Water Movers, both based in Las Vegas, NV). Bids were received from both, and the bid from Rain-for-Rent ($1,593/month) was a fraction of the cost estimate provided by Water Movers ($7,976.76/month). Rain-for-Rent was selected to provide the irrigation system. Bids from both companies are provided in Appendix A (included on CD).

C. Site Preparation

The 22-acre Irrigated Revegetation Area contained extensive log and woody debris piles, as well as very uneven terrain (Figure 2). It was necessary, therefore, to subcontract a heavy equipment operator to address these issues prior to installing the irrigation system. Darisel Excavation, LLC (Lake Havasu City, AZ) had been working as a subcontractor to the previous log-removal contractor and expressed strong interest in performing the work. Given the project time constraints and positive experience with Darisel, the FWS allowed Parametrix to enter into a subcontract with Darisel to perform the work. The job entailed pushing the log and woody debris piles away from the 22-acre irrigation area and leveling the larger soil mounds.

Figure 2. Log Pile Windrows within Irrigated Treatment Zone.

Extensive tamarisk log and brush piles were lined in wind-rows across the 22-acre irrigation zone. Darisel Excavation, LLC, was subcontracted to push these piles to the outside perimeter of the 22-acre area for later treatment/disposal.

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 7 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

D. Revegetation Services

Seeding and Mulching

Following detailed search, we identified two strongly qualified seeding contractors: Rocky Mountain Reclamation (Farmington, NM) and Caldon Seeding & Reclamation (Albuquerque, NM). Professional seeding contractors (rather than local farmers with a seed drill) were needed because it was necessary to apply three different seeding techniques involving diverse equipment to: (1) apply some species using a seed drill, (2) apply others (i.e., needle grama) using hydromulch equipment, and (3) apply and vertically crimp straw mulch.

I had past personal experience with Rocky Mountain Reclamation (RMR) and was very satisfied with their work. Caldon Seeding & Reclamation (CSR) was highly recommended by the Albuquerque District Corps of Engineers. Bids were received by both, but CSR made the extra effort to visit the project site and better understand the site conditions and project needs. They were exceptionally responsive, clearly focused on ensuring client satisfaction, AND provided a lower bid for the work (bids from RMR and CSR provided in Appendix A, included on CD). CSR was selected for the project.

Tree and Shrub Planting

After many phone calls and internet searches I was able to find two Arizona based planting contractors: Native Resources International (NRI) and Taylorbird Enterprises. NRI was highly recommended by Signature Botanica and Taylorbird was strongly recommended by Fred Phillips Consulting (Flagstaff). Both NRI and Taylorbird visited the site and both seemed well qualified. However, Taylorbird’s cost estimate was nearly 50 percent (!) lower than NRI (bids in Appendix A, included on CD). Taylorbird was selected for the job.

E. Log Removal/Disposal

Financial resources were requested in winter 2011 to enable hiring a qualified logging contractor to complete treatments of the log and woody debris piles spread across the Sacramento Wash project area. Several qualified, Arizona-based contractors were recommended by Molly Pitts, Executive Director of the Northern Arizona Wood Products Association, including Paul Bunyan Firewood (PBF), Holl Logging, and High Desert Investment Company (HDIC). Mark Kaib was familiar with a forth potential contractor called Bosque Wood Products, Ltd. (BWP), based in Albuquerque, NM.

Holl Logging, HDIC, and PBF attended a site scoping meeting in January 2011 and all three provided cost estimates. BWP made a separate site visit soon after, but followed up soon after stating they would not submit a bid. PBF’s bid was at least 40 percent lower than the other two bids (Appendix A, included on CD). Given the FWS previous experience with accepting the lowest bid on this work, I checked 4–5 references provided by PBF. All strongly recommended PBF so after careful consultation with FWS, PBF was selected for this work.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Project implementation was initiated in October 2010 with the well drilling (ADT) and followed an aggressive schedule to enable irrigation operation starting in late January 2011. All of these tasks required intensive oversight, which was performed by Todd Caplan (Parametrix) and Brad Guay (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hydrologist on temporary assignment to Havasu NWR). The primary implementation tasks are provided in Table 2. Photo logs and associated notes for these implementation steps are provided in Figure 3.

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 8 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

Table 2. Implementation Schedule and Subcontractor/Vendor Cost Information

Task Start Date End Date Subcontractor/ Total Cost Vendor Well Drilling October 2010 November 2010 ADT Drilling $56,965.00

Irrigation Site Preparation November 2010 December 2010 Darisel Excavation $36,216.16 (woody debris pile management plus amendment to assist with irrigation system installation)

Well Pump and Electrical November 2010 December 2010 Pump Tech $61,482.05

Permit Re: Electric Hook-Up December 2010 December 2010 Mohave County $106.28 (vendor)

Electrical Engineering November 2010 December 2010 Mohave Electric $7,690.14 Cooperative (vendor) Well and Irrigation Installation Installation Irrigation and Well Irrigation System Installation December 27, 2010 January 5, 2010 Rain-for-Rent $12,544.40 (vendor) (mobilization and set up)

Seed Suppliers April 2011 April 2011 Wildland $4,568.74 Restoration

Granite Seed $906.08 Company

Seeding/Mulching April 27, 2011 May 3, 2011 Caldon Seeding & $31,500.00 Reclamation

Custom Grown Trees/Shrubs August 2010 (seed May 3, 2011 Signature Botanica $5,525.00

Revegetation Revegetation collection and plant (plants delivered to propagation) project site)

Tree/Shrub Planting May 3, 2011 May 8, 2011 Taylorbird $12,434.95 Enterprises

Irrigation Monthly Rental January 2011 August 2011 Rain for Rent $1,651.72/month x (vendor) 8 months = $13,213.76

Log Treatment/Disposal April 2011 July 2011 Paul Bunyan $271,000.00 Firewood Other Other Technical Support October 2010 June 2011 Stetson Engineer $12,000.00

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 9 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

Figure 3. Photo Log and Notes Associated with Site Preparation and Revegetation Activities

Photo Log Notes

 Darisel Excavation pushed the logs to areas along the east, north, and west perimeters of the 22-acre irrigation zone.  Large soil mounds were spread to improve terrain conditions prior to irrigation system set up.

 Photo showing ADT installing well casing.

 From 0 to 35 the borehole was clayey silt or silty clay and not worth slotting. Static water level in well was at 5.

 Casing was slotted at two intervals: 35–75 and 120–160.  Pump test determined well could produce steady 800 gpm.

 Water quality from pump test revealed 34 degrees C which indicates source water not from Colorado River. Full water quality test results in Appendix C (included on CD).

 Final Specs on the Well Pump:  75 hp pump.  Minimum goal of 660 gpm, but we’re able to produce steady 800 gpm.  Up to 325 of total dynamic head (TDH).  Pump equipped with one-way check to prevent backflow and allows pump to start with full column of water each time.

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 10 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

Figure 3. Photo Log and Notes Associated with Site Preparation and Revegetation Activities

Photo Log Notes

 Solid set system was very high maintenance due to uneven terrain. Frequent “blow-outs” where pipes become disconnected when pressure builds after daily turn on. Unfortunately no “flexible-line” portable irrigation system out there that we’re aware of.

 In addition, constant leaks at lateral and main line connection points, riser connections, and valves. Multiple heads needed to be replaced for various malfunction issues.

 That said, the irrigation system did allow us to apply sufficient amounts of water to successfully accomplish salt leaching and plant irrigation.

 Our leaching goal, based on soil salinity levels (Parametrix 2010) required we strive to apply up to 30 inches of irrigation water. Knowing that our net irrigation application rate is ~0.15 inches per hour (sprinkler output), the conservative estimate was that we would need to apply water for 200 hours in each zone (x two zones).

 Irrigation was applied inconsistently through winter/spring due to periodic high winds, system maintenance issues, and staff schedule conflicts. System operated for salt leaching January 28 through April 28. Irrigation log summary, including total gallons, acre feet, and inches/feet (depth) provided in Table 3.

 Despite challenges, we managed to exceed 30-inch leaching objective (Table 2). Brad Guay deserves all the credit for pulling this off!

 Post-leaching soil samples were collected from seven locations the week of April 25, 2011. Samples taken from three depth increments (1 ft., 3 ft., and 5 ft.) to evaluate if salinity levels decreased from pre-treatment levels. Results displayed in Table 4.

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 11 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

Figure 3. Photo Log and Notes Associated with Site Preparation and Revegetation Activities

Photo Log Notes

 Caldon Seeding and Reclamation applied seed and certified weed-free straw to both the 22-acre irrigated revegetation zone and the 30-acre dryland (nonirrigated) revegetation zone.

 This photo shows hydroseeding technique. This was required to apply the desert needle grass because the seed would not pass effectively through the seed drill.

 Victor Hewlett, the Operations Managers at Golden Shores Water Company allowed us to use his fire hydrant to fill the hydroseeder as much as needed.

 This seed drill was used to apply seed for 4-wing saltbush, quailbush, alkali sacaton, James’ galleta, and desert globemallow.

 Straw mulch was broadcast across both the irrigated and Dryland revegetation zones and then vertically “crimped.”

 The purpose of this treatment is multifold:  Reduce soil and seed loss via wind erosion.  Increase soil moisture retention.  Reduce surface soil temperatures by providing shade.  Facilitate seed germination.

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 12 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

Figure 3. Photo Log and Notes Associated with Site Preparation and Revegetation Activities

Photo Log Notes

 Taylorbird Enterprises installed all of the trees and shrubs provided by Signature Botanica.

 600 screwbean mesquite, 600 western honey mesquite, 300 blue palo verde, and 200 desert broom plants.

 The planting locations were pre-marked in the field the week prior using different colored pin flags for different species. The 22-acre irrigation zone was divided into 1-acre blocks.

 Twelve of these blocks were selected for different planting densities. The densities were based upon achieving different levels of tree cover after 10 years, with target cover goals of approximately 25%, 50%, or 75% aerial cover. See Planting Density Map in Figure 4.

 Tree shelters were placed around all potted plants as protection from herbivores (rabbits, feral hogs, etc.).

 We noted that vultures would land on these, using them as roosting platforms. As a result, a small percentage of them were damaged.

 We were initially concerned that the temperatures in the tree shelters were too hot because many plants had brown leaves along the lower portions of the stem. However, plant mortality levels have been exceptionally low (approximately 3% as of this report), so our initial concerns appear unwarranted.

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 13 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

Figure 4. Tree/Shrub Planting Grid Map

Each grid square covers 1 acre. Due to plant preferences for different soil textures, more screwbean mesquites were planted in the northern planting zones (Zones 1-5) and greater numbers of western honey mesquites were planted in the southern zones. Baccharis and blue palo verde were relatively evenly distributed across both zones. This map was used primarily as a guide, but in practice some plants were installed between these grid squares.

US Fish & Wildlife Service 283-4838-009 Summary of Sacramento Wash Revegetation Project 14 September 6, 2011

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (CONTINUED)

Table 3. Log Record for Salt Leaching Water Applied Between January 28 and April 28, 2011

Leaching Salts Date Weather Totalizer Start Time Row No's End Time Totalizer Total Time Total Gals/Hr Initial (x 100 Gals) (AZ) Final Gallons 1/28/2011 427668 10:40 AM 32‐55 11:40 AM 428342 1:00 67400 1617600 1/31/2011 428440 12:06 PM 32‐55 1:22 PM 429234 1:16 79400 1504421 2/10/2011 429234 1:17 PM 32‐55 4:14 PM 431030 2:57 179600 1461153 2/11/2011 431030 10:40 AM 1‐55 3:09 PM 433795 4:29 276500 1480149 2/15/2011 433801 10:18 AM 1‐31 4:50 PM 437909 6:32 410800 1509061 2/16/2011 437913 7:40 AM 1‐31 3:10 PM 442729 7:30 481600 1541120 2/17/2011 442729 7:30 AM 1‐31 6:23 PM 449458 10:53 672900 1483884 2/22/2011 449464 7:55 AM 1‐31 6:28 PM 454802 10:33 533800 1214332 2/23/2011 454802 8:30 AM 1‐31 5:41 PM 460573 9:11 577100 1508211 2/24/2011 460573 7:30 AM 1‐31 6:40 PM 467487 11:10 691400 1485994 2/28/2011 467487 7:35 AM 1‐31 5:32 PM 473714 9:57 622700 1501990 3/1/2011 473714 7:40 AM 1‐31* 5:30 PM 476623 9:50 290900 709993 3/2/2011 476623 7:25 AM 1‐31 6:10 PM 483351 10:45 672800 1502065 3/3/2011 483351 7:47 AM 1‐31 5:52 PM 489572 10:05 622100 1480701 3/8/2011 489572 1:00 PM 1‐31 1:35 PM 489958 0:35 38600 1588114 3/9/2011 489958 7:40 AM 1‐31 5:43 PM 496178 10:03 622000 1485373 3/10/2011 496178 7:03 AM 1‐31 5:43 PM 502133 10:40 595500 1339875 3/11/2011 502133 7:40 AM 1‐31 9:22 PM 510675 13:42 854200 1496409 3/14/2011 510750 7:12 AM 1‐31 8:18 PM 518996 13:06 824600 1510718 3/15/2011 518996 7:49 AM 1‐31 6:17 PM 525851 10:28 685500 1571847

164:42:00 9799400 Total Gals 30.1 Ac‐Ft 2.7 Ft water applied to 11 Acres Leaching Salts Date Weather Totalizer Start Time Row No's End Time Totalizer Total Time Total Gals/Hr Initial (x 100 Gals) (AZ) Final Gallons 3/16/2011 525897 7:38 AM 32‐62 6:40 PM 532687 11:02 679000 1476979 3/17/2011 532687 8:07 AM 32‐62 4:29 PM 537899 8:22 521200 1495076 3/18/2011 537922 6:24 AM 32‐62 4:05 PM 543939 9:41 601700 1491305 3/21/2011 543934 10:00 AM 32‐62 9:45 PM 551080 11:45 714600 1459609 3/22/2011 551093 7:38 AM 32‐62 8:00 PM 558845 12:22 775200 1504431 3/23/2011 558864 7:31 AM 32‐62 8:57 PM 567323 13:26 845900 1511285 3/24/2011 567323 7:45 AM 32‐62 4:30 PM 572762 8:45 543900 1491840 3/25/2011 572773 7:14 AM 32‐62 7:00 PM 580100 11:46 732700 1494459 3/28/2011 580100 7:12 AM 32‐62 6:46 PM 587308 11:34 720800 1495608 3/29/2011 587308 9:05 AM 32‐62 6:15 PM 593008 9:10 570000 1492364 3/31/2011 593008 9:46 AM 32‐62 3:30 PM 596543 5:44 353500 1479767 4/1/2011 596543 8:36 AM 32‐62 2:30 PM 600102 5:54 355900 1447729 4/4/2011 600106 7:45 AM 32‐62 6:01 PM 606532 10:16 642600 1502182 4/5/2011 606532 7:17 AM 32‐62 5:06 PM 612648 9:49 611600 1495253 4/6/2011 612648 7:20 AM 32‐62 3:45 PM 617881 8:25 523300 1492182 4/7/2011 617881 7:25 AM 32‐62 3:00 PM 622620 7:35 473900 1499815 4/8/2011 622620 8:57 AM 32‐62 2:30 PM 626098 5:33 347800 1504000 4/11/2011 626098 7:39 AM 32‐62 5:27 PM 632252 9:48 615400 1507102 4/12/2011 632252 7:35 AM 32‐62 7:23 AM 647104 23:48 1485200 1497681 4/15/2011 647104 7:25 AM 32‐62 5:59 PM 653664 10:34 656000 1489968 4/20/2011 653664 8:39 AM 1‐31 5:53 PM 657381 9:14 371700 966152 4/21/2011 657381 7:53 AM 1‐31 6:19 PM 663830 10:26 644900 1483476 4/22/2011 663830 7:45 AM 1‐31 5:52 PM 670169 10:07 633900 1503815 4/25/2011 670169 7:25 AM 1‐31 7:39 AM 670330 0:14 16100 1656000 4/28/2011 670330 2:30 PM 1‐31 3:25 PM 670980 0:55 65000 1701818

236:15:00 14501800 Total Gals 44.5 Ac‐Ft 4.0 Ft water applied to 11 Acres Note: Leaching management aimed to apply 30 inches of water to one “management zone” at a time. The South Zone included Lateral Line Rows 1–31. The North Zone included Lines 32–55.

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Table 4. Laboratory Results April 2011 to Assess Post-Leaching Soil Salinity Levels

Note: Goal was to reduce salinity (ECe) levels to ≤8 dS/m throughout the soil profile. This was accomplished in some, but not all, sampling locations.

POST-PLANTING IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT

Pre-planting irrigation objectives were singularly focused on leaching salts downward and (ideally) out of the soil profile as much as possible. As stated in the revegetation plan (Parametrix, 2010), the goal for the desired plant species (mesquite, etc.) was to reduce the average ECe level to ≤8 dS/m. The post-planting irrigation objectives were more broad, and included:

1. Facilitating germination of seeded species.

2. Facilitating root elongation towards the groundwater table for planted trees and shrubs.

3. Applying water in a manner that promotes continued downward movement of salts out of the plant rooting zone as much as practicable.

To meet these objectives (especially No. 2 and No. 3), irrigation water was applied for 4–5 consecutive days (approximately 8–10 hours a day) in each irrigation zone. (Reminder: There were two irrigation zones – South Zone included Lines 1–31, North Zone included Lines 32–55). After one zone was irrigated for 4–5 consecutive days, that same zone would not be irrigated again for 2–3 weeks. The irrigation application schedule and total volume is displayed in Table 5.

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This irrigation approach appears to have successfully achieved all three management objectives:  We observed outstanding germination of seeded (and nonseeded) species, particularly in the north irrigation zone (Figure 5).  As of August 2011, mortality rates of planted trees and shrubs was very low (<3 percent) and the mesquite plant growth rates visually indicate that many trees may have tapped the capillary fringe (moist soil zone immediately above the water table).  Soil salinity levels either remained the same or decreased further between April and August 2011 sampling (Table 6).

Irrigation management, however, was not void of challenges (see Figure 6).

Figure 5. Photographs Showing Vegetation Growth and Establishment in the Irrigated Area

Photo Log Notes

 This photo, taken July 6, 2011, shows robust mesquite growth just 2.5 months after planting.

 The dominant grass in the background is an annual oat that came up as a result of the oat straw used during the seeding/mulching. While this species was not intentionally seeded, it provided excellent ground cover and did not crowd-out the other species that were seeded.

 The diversity of herbaceous plant growth was impressive, particularly across the north irrigation zone.

 We observed the seeded desert needle grama and the alkali sacaton establishing, along with a plethora of other grasses and forbs that apparently have come in on their own (including the composite shown in this photograph).

 Unfortunately there was no monitoring budget, so we did not have the opportunity to do a plant species census or establish baseline vegetation monitoring plots.

 We did, however, establish permanent photo-point monitoring stations. The GPS coordinates are listed in Table 7.

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Figure 5. Photographs Showing Vegetation Growth and Establishment in the Irrigated Area

Photo Log Notes

 The April 2011 and August 2011 photos are contained on a CD provided with this report.

 There were considerably fewer herbaceous species established in the south irrigation zone compared to the north zone. Causes for low first-year herbaceous growth in the south zone are unknown, but some preliminary hypotheses include:  Sandier soils in the south zone drained rapidly so seedlings that emerged may have desiccated.  The south zone was rapidly colonized by an annual weed known locally as pigweed (Chenopodium sp) that may have suppressed germination of seeded species.

 This photo shows blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) growing in the irrigated area. This species was not part of the seed mix; however, it was predictably also not part of the natural seed bank at the project site. It is safe to assume it was somehow incorporated into either the seed mix or the straw mulch. The same may or may not be said for the other herbaceous species observed growing in the north irrigation zone.

 The barley straw applied by Caldon Seeding & Reclamation was certified weed free. We also received seed tests from Wildlands Restoration and Granite Seed Company regarding the purity of the seeds purchased from them.

 Native grass species were prolific in August 2011. This photograph shows alkali sacaton (seeded) and side-oats grama. Side-oats was not purchased but was apparently still mixed in with the seeded species.

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Figure 5. Photographs Showing Vegetation Growth and Establishment in the Irrigated Area

Photo Log Notes

 This cottonwood came in on its own. We observed only one other cottonwood.

 It would be worth keeping an eye on how this one does once the irrigation system is gone. If it is still thriving by the end of next summer, it may be worth trying to plant a few rootless cottonwood poles (install during winter months when plants are dormant) to see how they do.

 This photo shows a young quailbush plant that came up from seed. Although this species was seeded across the irrigated and nonirrigated areas, our experience with previous projects is that these saltbush species (quailbush and 4-wing saltbush) take 2–3 years before they really take off.

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Figure 6. Photo Log and Notes Associated with Post-Planting Irrigation Challenges

Photo Log Notes

 Soils in the north irrigation zone had considerably more fine textured soils and were much more prone to ponding.

 Ponding was undesirable because it could potentially drown plants and it could promote soil salinization.

 This did not occur uniformly across the northern irrigation zone, so we would shut off specific irrigation lines if the >25% of the area between two lines was experiencing ponding.

 The southern zone (Lines 1-31) never experienced ponding.

 As anticipated, Saltcedar (T. ramosissima) seedlings benefited greatly from the water applied by the irrigation system.

 The greatest number of seedlings appears to be in the northern irrigation zone where the soils are finer textured and remain moist for longer periods.

 Christian Eck, the Student Conservation Association (SCA) intern assigned to managing the irrigation system for the summer, spent considerable effort pulling and uprooting as many seedlings/saplings as possible. While the soils are moist, the plants uproot fairly easily.

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Figure 6. Photo Log and Notes Associated with Post-Planting Irrigation Challenges

Photo Log Notes

 The plants in this photo are primarily comprised of a native annual plant in the Chenopodiaceae family, known generally as “pigweed” or “lambs quarter” (Chenopodium album).

 Although it is native, it clearly has invasive tendencies in irrigated areas.

 The plants encroached in fairly high densities in the southern irrigation zone, and to a lesser degree in the northern zone.

 This species achieved heights of >6 feet, and began to interfere with irrigation water dispersal from the sprinkler heads. To combat this, Christian used a gas-powered weed whacker to cut pig-weed plants growing in close proximity to irrigation sprinklers. This occurred through most of the summer months.

 Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), a nonnative invasive species is present within the irrigated area.

 This species thrives in moist soils but as of this report comprised relatively low percent of cover in the area.

 We suspect it will struggle on this site once the irrigation system is removed, but it will be prudent to keep an eye out for it.

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Table 5. Log Record for Salt Leaching Water Applied Between May 4 and August 12, 2011

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Table 6. Laboratory Results August 2011 to Assess Post-Irrigation Soil Salinity Levels

Note: Compare to Table 4 to see how EC (salinity) levels declined further after irrigation management.

Table 7. GPS Coordinates for Permanent Photo Monitoring Stations

Note: Photographs were taken in four cardinal directions (N, E, S, W) using a compass. GPS coordinates are in UTM NAD 83, Zone 11N.

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The nonirrigated revegetation area was far different from the irrigated area in terms of plant establishment. As of August 2011, no plants (seeded or naturally occurring) were observed in this area (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Nonirrigated Revegetation Zone

Photo Log Notes

 No seed germination was observed in the nonirrigated revegetation zone. Without irrigation we expect at least 3 years before notable germination of seeded species will occur.  Precipitation data for Spring/Summer 2011 from Needles Airport (Western Regional Climate Center Station 046118) was not published at the time of this report.  The MesoWest weather station at Topock, managed by University of Utah and the National Interagency Fire Center, does not display more than 30 days of weather data http://raws.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/roman/ meso_base.cgi?stn=QHAA3&time=GMT. Nonetheless, summer rainfall was very low in 2011.

LOG CHIPPING AND SPREADING

The log chipping operation was implemented between April 2011 and July 2011. The highest density of logs was within large piles and windrows immediately east and north of the 22-acre irrigated revegetation area (see area labeled as “Future Revegetation Area” in Figure 1). The photo log in Figure 8 highlights the management process.

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Figure 8. Woody Debris and Log Management Photo Log

Photo Log Notes

 Paul Bunyan Firewood leased a MORBARK 3800 chipper.

 This front end loader was mounted with a large grapple/rake attachment and used in tandem with an excavator to gather and organize logs for chipping.

 Logs were fed into the chipper using an excavator with a grapple bucket attachment.

 Wood chips were deposited on the ground in piles below the chipper conveyor belt.  Typical chip size was 1 W x 6 L.

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Figure 8. Woody Debris and Log Management Photo Log

Photo Log Notes

 The chips were spread evenly across the soil and the front-end loader and grapple/rake attachment.  This same piece of equipment was used to rake the chips into the soil.

LESSONS LEARNED AND FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Revegetation  The first year results of this project highlight the value of the site assessment work that was used to guide all of the project implementation steps. We strongly encourage the FWS to follow a similar site characterization process as was used for this project. That process included an EM-38 salinity survey and an Order 1 soil survey, as well as evaluations of seasonal depth to groundwater and pre-fire vegetation (to the degree practical). These data were instrumental in guiding the salinity/irrigation management prescriptions and with selecting appropriate plant species for current and potential site conditions.  With supplemental irrigation, both mesquite species (screwbean and honey mesquite) appear to have tapped the groundwater table within the first year. Mesquite plants were installed in late April and by late August were mostly 7–8 feet tall.

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 As of August 2011, mortality of planted trees and shrubs was approximately 3 percent. We assumed approximately 15 percent mortality when determining planting rates (i.e., number of plants). While the vigorous growth of both mesquite species was apparent, the growth rates for both desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides) and the blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida) were much more modest. This desert broom plants appeared more stressed and suffered higher relative mortality than the other species.  Supplemental irrigation promoted very strong germination and establishment of both seeded and nonseeded herbaceous species. We were surprised how many “native” grass plants emerged that were not on the seeded species list. It is probable that at least some of these species (e.g., side-oats grama and blue grama) were unintentionally part of the purchased grass seed as it is highly unlikely that they were part of the soil seed bank. A plant census would help us better estimate what species might have emerged from the seed bank versus the straw mulch.  Some level of plant monitoring (beyond tree/shrub survival counts) would have been very informative, particular for gaining better understanding of the relationship between soil conditions and plant species cover and distribution. For example, general observations indicated very little herbaceous plant growth in the southern portion of the irrigated area, but there was an abrupt transition where the herbaceous growth was suddenly prolific. The species composition, however, was highly spatially variable in this northern area. Monitoring could help us understand drivers of these patterns and could be applied to future revegetation planning (especially when coupled with soils mapping similar to what was performed for this project).  Another advantage of monitoring would be to understand which plant species did well and which did not. While we do have good survival data for the planted trees and shrubs, we really do not have a clear picture of which seeded species did well and which didn’t. Furthermore, there several grass, forb, and shrub species that emerged that weren’t in the seed mix. Some of these may have been good species to consider for future projects, but without a basic plant census we are not able to capitalize on this information. Conversely, there were significant numbers of unidentified “weeds” that may or may not be problematic. On this latter note, however, we suspect that most of these weedy species (primarily in the Chenopodiaceae family) will not emerge next year when the site is no longer irrigated.  Follow up saltcedar management is required in the 22-acre irrigated zone. The young saltcedar plants are easy to uproot by hand when the ground is moist, but the number of new saltcedar plants is too great to effectively manage this way. We strongly recommend follow-up herbicide treatments in fall/winter 2012.  Additional tree/shrub mortality counts should be made sometime during mid to late summer 2012.

BAER Rehabilitation Project Implementation and Management  Given the distance between the project area and my office in Albuquerque, I think the project flowed remarkably well. One key reason for this was the availability of local refuge staff expertise (Brad Guay) and labor (Christian Eck) during certain critical project phases. For this project, critical phases requiring local presence included well drilling, pump/power hook up, and daily irrigation management. The other tasks, like revegetation and irrigation system set up, were fairly easy to oversee myself. While other BAER rehabilitation projects may have different implementation elements, I suspect most would require some local expertise or labor during critical project phases to ensure success.  Another key element that enabled smooth project implementation was the excellent communication and coordination with the refuge and the regional office. Phone calls and emails were returned promptly and everyone attended conference calls on short notice during critical project phases.  Despite everybody’s hard work to expedite the post-BAR Plan implementation activities, we still found ourselves with only 10 months to implement all of the on-the-ground rehabilitation work. This is primarily because there were several crucial steps between the BAR Plan completion and on-the-ground

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implementation that took some time, namely: (1) performing a detailed site characterization/assessment, (2) using these data to develop a revegetation/rehabilitation plan, and (3) soliciting and selecting various subcontractors for different implementation phases. There was also some unavoidable lag time between each of these steps associated with amending my contract. That said, I’m really not sure what could have been done to move things along any faster, but it would be worth getting together to discuss and debrief, especially because most floodplain rehabilitation projects along the LCR would follow a similar (if not identical) planning and implementation sequence.  The process for soliciting and selecting equipment contractors for this project was very efficient. While there were some important advantages to having Parametrix develop subcontract agreements with these equipment contractors (i.e., quickly identified qualified contractors to bid on project; relatively fast turn- around to get the preferred contractor started, etc.), there were some challenges as well. The primary challenge was prompt payment. Most of these equipment contractors are used to working as direct contractors to the federal government where they commonly enter into payment terms of Net 15. However, Parametrix typically has a Net 30 payment agreement with government clients, as was the case here. This means that we enter into a Net 45 payment schedule with subcontractors. For heavy equipment contractors this payment arrangement can be very challenging, even for solid companies with stable cash flow. On future projects this issue could be ameliorated by either shortening the payment terms with the prime (in this case with Parametrix) to Net 15, or simply arranging the contract directly between FWS and the equipment contractors.

Future Revegetation in the Sacramento Wash Fire Area  If resources become available to revegetate the 50+ acre area displayed in Figure 1, consider the following approach:

 Revegetate these areas primarily with mesquite trees. Consider using blue palo verde also but monitor their survival in the 22-acre irrigated area during mid to late summer 2012 before deciding whether to use this species in other areas. Either way, grow all potted plants selected for revegetation in similar tall (e.g., D-60) pots that were used for the other areas in this project.

 Closely evaluate the pros and cons of using drip irrigation versus another “solid-set” overhead spray irrigation system. The solid-set overhead spray system was important for applying the volume of water needed to mitigate high salinity levels, although this may be less critical in the area east of the power line road. The soil salinity assessment performed in 2009 (see Parametrix, 2010) does show high (>16 dS/m) soil salinity levels in the top 12 inches, but these levels decrease considerably with depth. Given the upper salinity threshold for mesquite is approximately 8 dS/m, it may be worth experimenting by planting a few mesquites and hand watering them through the summer to gain confidence before implementing a full revegetation with drip irrigation.

 Even though the tamarisk mulch was mostly incorporated into the top soil in these locations, seeding the 50-acre area is currently not recommended because it may be difficult to obtain adequate seed-soil contact. This is another reason why drip irrigation could be more appropriate, since water would not be wasted on non-revegetated areas between the potted mesquite trees.

 Regardless of the irrigation system used, be sure to apply water with the strategy of promoting downward root growth towards the water table. This involves periodic deep watering rather than frequent, light watering.

 Drip irrigation systems are not necessarily “lower maintenance” than the solid set system. Rodents will chew the lines and constant labor is required to check and periodically patch/replace lines and emitters.

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REFERENCES

FWS. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2008. Sacramento Wash fire burned area rehabilitation plan. Prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2, Albuquerque, NM. December 2008.

Parametrix. 2010. Sacramento Wash fire revegetation plan, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Needles, CA. Prepared by Parametrix, Albuquerque, New Mexico. March 2010.

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