Biological Constraints Analysis

Tahoe Donner 5-Year Trail Implementation Plan

Truckee, Nevada County, CA Nevada County File Number ___

Prepared for:

Tahoe Donner Association Forrest Huisman, Director of Capital Projects 11509 Northwoods Boulevard Truckee, California 96161 530-587-9487

Prepared by:

Micki Kelly Kelly Biological Consulting PO Box 1625 Truckee, CA 96160 530-582-9713

June 2015, Revised December 2015

Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Table of Contents

1.0 INFORMATION SUMMARY ...... 1 2.0 PROJECT AND PROPERTY DESCRIPTION ...... 4

2.1 SITE OVERVIEW ...... 4 2.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ...... 4 2.2.1 Special-Status Species ...... 5 2.2.2 Wetlands and Waters of the U.S...... 6 2.2.3 Waters of the State ...... 6 2.2.4 California Department of Fish and Wildlife ...... 6 3.0 METHODS ...... 7

3.1 BACKGROUND REVIEW ...... 7 3.2 FIELD ASSESSMENTS ...... 8 4.0 RESULTS ...... 8

4.1 BOTANICAL RESOURCES...... 10 4.1.1 Plant Community Characterization ...... 10 4.1.2 Sensitive Plant Species ...... 11 4.1.3 Sensitive Plant Communities ...... 12 4.1.4 Noxious or Invasive Plant Species ...... 12 4.2 WATERS OF THE US (INCLUDING WETLANDS) AND WATERS OF THE STATE ...... 13 4.3 CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE ...... 14 4.4 FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES ...... 15 4.4.1 Fish and Wildlife Overview ...... 15 4.4.2 Special-Status Fish and Wildlife ...... 17 5.0 PROTECTION MEASURES FOR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...... 18 6.0 CONCLUSION ...... 24 FIGURES AND TABLES ...... 25

FIGURE 1. OVERVIEW MAP OF TRAILS SHOWING STUDY AREA BOUNDARY (SAME AS TAHOE DONNER BOUNDARY) ...... 26 FIGURE 2. SOILS OCCURRING IN THE VICINITY OF THE STUDY AREA ...... 27 TABLE 1. SOILS OCCURRING IN THE VICINITY OF THE STUDY AREA ...... 28 FIGURE 3. SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES OCCURRING WITHIN THE VICINITY OF THE STUDY AREA ...... 29 TABLE 2. BIO RESOURCES POTENTIALLY PRESENT IN THE VICINITY OF INDIVIDUAL TRAILS ...... 30 TABLE 3. PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE OF POTENTIAL WETLANDS AND “OTHER WATERS” IMPACTS ...... 31 TABLE 4. SPECIAL STATUS PLANT SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN OR NEAR THE STUDY AREA ...... 35 TABLE 5. SPECIAL-STATUS ANIMAL SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN OR NEAR THE STUDY AREA ...... 40 REFERENCES ...... 46 APPENDIX A. PLANT TAXA OBSERVED DURING FIELD ASSESSMENTS ...... 48 APPENDIX B. WILDLIFE TAXA OBSERVED DURING FIELD ASSESSMENTS ...... 53 APPENDIX C. REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOS ...... 54 ATTACHMENT. CNDDB OCCURRENCE REPORT ...... 58

Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

1.0 Information Summary

The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of biological resource issues to guide the trail planning and implementation as discussed in the Tahoe Donner Trails Five-Year Implementation Plan (5YIPlan) (Ball 2015) and the 22 individual projects it contains. As part of that effort, Biological Resource Protection Measures have been developed and included in Section 5 of this report to avoid potential impacts to biological resources on each of the proposed projects, where-ever possible. If avoidance is not possible, then to minimize and mitigate. To facilitate the 5YIPlan review process, this report has been prepared in a format similar to the Nevada County Biological Inventory Guidelines. It also utilizes the Nevada County Resource Standards and Management Plan criteria to guide the report format and content.

Project Site Location: The site is located in the northwest part of the Town of Truckee and within the eastern most portion of Nevada County, CA. It is on the Norden, Truckee, Independence Lake, and Hobart Mills, California USGS Quads. It is at roughly 39.21.10N latitude and 120.14.37W longitude, though it extends in in all directions beyond that point.

Assessor's Parcel Number(s) (APN): Various

Owner/Applicant: Tahoe Donner Association 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161 Contact: Forrest Huisman [email protected]

Principal Investigator: Kelly Biological Consulting P.O. Box 1625, Truckee, CA 96160 Contact: Micki Kelly, PWS (530) 582-9713 [email protected]

Name of Person Preparing Report: Micki Kelly, PWS

Report Summary

The Study Area consists of the Tahoe Donner Association lands including portions of the Euer Valley (Figure 1). The proposed trail improvements include activities related to new trail installation, decommissioning and realignment of existing trails, and the repair and improvement of existing trails and dirt roadways.

Botanical Resources

The Study Area contains a mosaic of upland and wetland habitats. Upland habitats include Ruderal Disturbed/Developed areas that are comprised of gravel/bare places, dirt roads, and other areas

1 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015 that have been heavily disturbed and Sierran Mixed Conifer, which is similar to the Jeffery Pine Forest (Pinus jeffreyi Forest Alliance) discussed in the Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer, et. al. 2009) with some Red Fir-White Fir Forest (Abies magnifica-Abies concolor Forest Alliance) patches. The major tree species found in this habitat are Jeffrey pine, red fir (Abies magnifica), white fir (Abies concolor), and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). Red fir dominated areas can be found at the higher elevations of the property, predominately on the north-facing slopes. Montane Chaparral, similar to Tobacco Brush or Snow Bush Chaparral (Ceanothus velutinus Shrubland Alliance) occurs in areas burned by the Donner Ridge Fire and in other in small sunny patches generally on east, west, and south facing slopes.

The mesic habitats include Montane Riparian similar to a blend of Aspen (Populus tremuloides Forest Alliance), various Willow (Salix spp.) Shrubland Alliances, and Black Cottonwood Forest (Populus trichocarpa Forest Alliance). Montane Riparian is found along Trout, South Fork of Prosser and Alder Creeks. Aspen Grove (Aspen Forest Alliance) is made up of a stand of quaking aspen, which occurs in an area of concentrated springs that feed Alder Creek. Montane Wet Meadow can be found along Trout, Alder and the South Fork of Prosser Creeks in low lying areas adjacent to the creeks, as well as flat and gently sloped areas with a shallow groundwater table.

No plants protected by state or federal plant protection laws have been documented as present in the Study Area. However, two California Native Plant Society (CNPS) listed species (one 1B and one 2B) have been observed; and eight state federal, and/or CNPS listed species have a medium or higher potential to occur within it.

Waters of the US, Wetlands, Waters of the State

Portions of the mesic habitats may be federal and/or state jurisdictional. The wetlands, creeks, and small drainages are typically considered Waters of the US within the US Army Corps of Engineers and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board jurisdiction in accordance the Clean Water Act. These areas are also potential Waters of the State (pursuant to the Porter Cologne Act). In addition, a substantial change to the bed, channel, or bank of a river, stream, or lake or substantial diversion or obstruction of the natural flow of those features, is within the Californian Department of Fish and Wildlife jurisdiction pursuant to the California Fish and Game Code Sections 1600 et seq.

Based on a preliminary reconnaissance level estimate, a total of approximately 0.02 acres of potential wetlands and 0.02 acres of potential “other waters” would be impacted by the construction of all of the trail work discussed in the 5YIPlan. The breakdown of approximate potential impacts by trail is provided below (Table 3). They will be refined during the preconstruction phase. The estimated impacts are small due to the avoidance and minimization measures discussed in this report and the other documents included in the 5YIP. It should be noted that the majority of possible impacts occur along existing trails as part correcting current problems. Once implemented the trail work is expected to improve the overall quality of wetlands and “other waters” in the vicinity of the work.

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Wildlife

Common resident and migratory wildlife species utilize the mosaic of habitats found in the Study Area for foraging, breeding, and shelter. Wildlife species, particularly birds, are likely to breed in the trees and shrubs within all of the habitats. Snags and standing trees that are diseased or partially dead provide important habitat features for many species, especially birds. These features provide foraging habitat for woodpeckers and nesting and roosting habitat for cavity nesters, including owls, woodpeckers, and bats.

The upland habitats differ in the quality of habitat they offer. Ruderal Disturbed/ Developed areas are of limited importance. The Sierran Mixed Conifer provides pine seeds and vital nesting cover. Montane Chaparral supports numerous rodents, deer and other herbivores, as well as birds. Bitterbrush, prevalent in the region, common in this habitat and in openings within other upland habitats is an important deer browse species. This habitat also provides summer-range foraging areas, escape cover, and fawning habitat.

The wetter habitats are typically of high value to wildlife. Montane Riparian habitat is important due to the complexity of the plant community, its structure, and presence of water. These areas provide thermal cover, migration corridors, and diverse nesting and feeding opportunities. The linear pattern of streams and riparian zones, maximizes the edge zones providing highly productive habitat. A wide range of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals utilize Montane Riparian habitat for food, cover, and reproduction. Few wildlife species are dependent on Aspen Grove habitat; however, the ecotone between this mesic habitat and adjacent uplands can be frequented by some species. Montane Wet Meadow provides forage and water for a diverse range of wildlife species.

North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is known for building dams along streams and the resulting ponds, which are formed when upstream areas are inundated. They are present in Trout Creek near the Nature Loop (Trails 19 and20) as well along Alder and Prosser Creek in various locations.

Three blue-line streams are present within the Study Area, Trout Creek, Alder Creek, and South Fork Prosser Creek. Streams and wetlands (such as Montane Wet Meadow) provide foraging habitat and a water source for a wide variety of wildlife including invertebrates, amphibians, birds, mammals, and fish.

South Fork Prosser Creek drains the Euer Valley, then joins the North Fork Prosser Creek before flowing into Prosser Creek Reservoir. The flood of 1997 is believed to have displaced many of the fish in the Euer Valley portion of the creek downstream (Houdyschell W.H. pers. com. May 26, 2015), however, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) still inhabit the creek. The CNDDB has mapped the lower portion of South Fork Prosser Creek within the Study Area as habitat for the federally threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi). Additionally CDFW maintains a stocking program for this species at Prosser Reservoir; and is known to have stocked it in 2014. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reportedly also inhabit Prosser Creek. Trout Creek is known to contain brook trout and rainbow trout. Alder Creek contains brook, rainbow, and brown trout (Salmo trutta).

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Twenty-six special status wildlife species have been recorded within the vicinity or have geographic ranges that overlap with the Study Area. Of those 26 species, two are considered present and extant, four have a high potential to occur and four have a moderate potential to occur.

Biological Resource Protection Measures

Biological Resource Protection Measures are included in this report to avoid potential impacts to biological resources on each of the proposed projects, where-ever possible (Section 5). If avoidance is not possible, then to minimize and mitigate. They are intended to provide guidelines to protect key biological resources. Once final detailed designs for an individual trail are developed, the next step will be to determine exact impact quantities and mitigation as part of the construction design, development, and agency permitting effort for that trail. The Biological Resource Protection Measures address the following issues:

 Protecting Waters of the US (including wetlands) and Waters of the State from direct and indirect impacts  Protecting California Department of Fish and Wildlife jurisdictional areas  Protecting special-status species  Providing post-construction revegetation  Avoiding the spread of noxious/invasive weeds  Protecting terrestrial mammals, including bats  Protecting nesting birds  Protecting common and special status aquatic wildlife/fisheries

Implementation of the 22 individual trail projects contained within the 5YIPlan will necessitate a pre-design site visit by a qualified biologist, to confirm potential presence/absence of biological resources in the vicinity of the proposed work, and to determine the appropriate, impact quantification and mitigation for that specific trail project.

2.0 Project and Property Description

2.1 Site Overview

The Study Area includes Tahoe Donner Association’s lands as shown on Figure 1. The primary focus of this report is on the 22 proposed trail projects of the 5YIPlan and their relationship with the larger existing trail system shown on Figure 1. The adjacent land uses include residential, commercial, and undeveloped areas owned by various public and private entities. Topography, soil types, vegetation, wildlife, wetlands, and drainages are discussed below (Section 4).

2.2 Regulatory Framework

The proposed 5YIPlan will be reviewed by both Nevada County and the Town of Truckee. One purpose of this review is to determine if the proposed trail projects would adversely affect protected biological resources, including special-status species and sensitive habitats that may

4 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015 support these species. Final implementation of this Plan at the individual trail construction design and development phase of that trail may also require review by various state and federal agencies where there may be potential for impacts to biological resources. This section provides an overview of the regulatory framework.

2.2.1 Special-Status Species

Special-status plants and animals are species that are legally protected under the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts, and other regulations, and species that are considered rare by the scientific community. They are defined as:

• Plants and animals that are listed or proposed for listing as Threatened or Endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (Fish and Game Code 1995 §2050 et seq., 14 CCR §670.1 et seq.) and/or the Federal Endangered Species Act (50 CFR 17.12 for plants, 50 CFR 17.11 for animals; and various notices in the Federal Register for proposed species). • Plants and animals that are Candidates for possible future listing as Threatened or Endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act (50 CFR 17.12 for plants, 59 FR 58982 November 15, 1994 for animals). • Plants and animals that are considered Federal Species of Concern (formerly C2 candidate species). • Plants and animals that meet the definition of rare or endangered under CEQA (14 CCR §15380), which includes species not found on State or Federal Endangered Species lists. • Animals that are designated as "Species of Special Concern" by CDFW (1999). • Animal species that are "fully protected" in California (Fish and Game Code, §3511, §4700, §5050 and §5515).

Special-status plant species also include species on CNPS Inventory List 1A (presumed extinct in California), List 1B (plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere), or List 2 (plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere). These species fall within state regulatory authority under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. CNPS Inventory List 3 (plants about which more information is needed, a review list) and List 4 (plants of limited distribution, a watch list) are considered to be of lower sensitivity, and generally do not fall under specific state or federal regulatory authority. Specific mitigation considerations are generally required for species with federal or state protection or that are in List 1 and 2 categories.

Sensitive plant communities include habitats that fulfill special functions or have special values. Natural communities considered sensitive are those identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW ranks sensitive communities as ‘threatened’ or ‘very threatened’ and keeps records of their occurrences in its Natural Diversity Database. Also, CNDDB vegetation alliances are ranked 1 through 5. Alliances ranked globally (G) or statewide (S) as 1 through 3 are considered sensitive (Sawyer, et.al. 2009). Impacts to sensitive natural communities identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by CDFW or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) must be considered and evaluated under CEQA.

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Sensitive habitats include areas that fulfill special functions or have special values, such as wetlands, streams, and riparian habitat. These habitats are regulated under federal regulations (i.e. the Clean Water Act), state regulations (such as the Porter-Cologne Act, California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Streambed Alteration Program), and local ordinances or policies.

2.2.2 Wetlands and Waters of the U.S.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) regulates “Waters of the United States” pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). “Waters of the US” are defined broadly as waters potentially used in commerce, including interstate waters and wetlands, all other waters (intrastate waterbodies, including wetlands), and their tributaries (33 CFR 328.3). Potential wetland areas are determined by the three criteria stated in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987) and the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Regional Supplement (2010). Those criteria are hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. Areas that are inundated for sufficient duration and depth to exclude growth of upland and hydrophytic vegetation are subject to Section 404 of the CWA jurisdiction as “other waters” and are often characterized by an ordinary high water line. “Other waters” generally include lakes, rivers, streams, and their tributaries. The placement of fill material into Waters of the US (including wetlands) generally requires authorization from the Corps under Section 404.

2.2.3 Waters of the State

Waters of the State are regulated by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) pursuant to the State Water Quality Certification Program, which regulates discharges of fill and dredged material under Section 401 of the CWA and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. “Waters of the State” are defined by the Porter-Cologne Act as “any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state”. RWQCB protects all waters in its regulatory scope, but has special responsibility for wetlands, riparian areas, and headwaters. These waterbodies have high resource value, are vulnerable to filling, and are not systematically protected by other programs. RWQCB jurisdiction includes wetlands and waters that may not be regulated by the Corps pursuant to Section 404.

Projects that require a Corps permit, or fall under other federal jurisdiction, and have the potential to impact Waters of the State, are required to comply with the terms of the Water Quality Certification determination. If a proposed project does not require a federal permit, but does involve dredge or fill activities that may result in a discharge to Waters of the State, the RWQCB has the option to regulate the dredge and fill activities under its state authority in the form of Waste Discharge Requirements.

2.2.4 California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Streams and lakes, as habitat for fish and wildlife species, are subject to jurisdiction CDFW’s under Sections 1600-1607 of the State Fish and Game Code. Substantial alterations to the bed, bank, or channel of a stream, river, or lake generally require a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement. The term stream, which includes creeks and rivers, is defined in the California Code of Regulations (CCR) as follows: “a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed

6 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015 or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life. This includes watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports or has supported riparian vegetation” (14 CCR 1.72). In addition, the term stream can include ephemeral drainages, dry washes, watercourses with subsurface flows, canals, aqueducts, irrigation ditches, and other means of water conveyance, if they support aquatic life, riparian vegetation, or stream-dependent terrestrial wildlife. Riparian is described as, “on, or pertaining to, the banks of a stream”; therefore, riparian vegetation is defined as, “vegetation which occurs in or adjacent to a stream, is dependent on, and occurs because of, the stream itself”. Alterations to a drainage with a bed and bank may require a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement from CDFW.

3.0 Methods

3.1 Background Review

Potential occurrence of special status species in the Study Area was evaluated by first determining which special status plant and wildlife species have been documented to occur in the vicinity of the Study Area through a literature and database search. The following sources were reviewed:

• Aerial base map and topo maps documenting the existing conditions (Google Earth 2014-5, Earth Point Topo 2015) • Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx) • California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) (CDFW 2015) which lists recorded occurrences of special-status species for the Independence Lake, Granite Chief, Hobart Mills, Norden, Truckee, Royal Gorge, Soda Springs, Tahoe City, Webber, and nearby USGS quadrangles • CDFW publication “California’s Wildlife, Volumes I-III” (Zeiner et al. 1990), • CDFW publication “Amphibians and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California” (Jennings and Hayes 1994) • Local and regional floras

The information was used to determine the potential occurrence of sensitive plant communities and habitats on or within the vicinity of the Study Area. Sensitive habitats include riparian corridors, wetlands, habitats for legally protected species and CDFW Species of Special Concern, areas that have high biological diversity or provide important wildlife habitat, and unusual or regionally restricted habitat types. Also, CNDDB vegetation alliances are ranked 1 through 5. Alliances ranked globally (G) or statewide (S) as 1 through 3 are considered sensitive (Sawyer, et.al. 2009). Impacts to sensitive natural communities identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or those identified by the CDFW or USFWS must be considered and evaluated under CEQA (CCR Title 14, Div. 6, Chap. 3, Appendix G). From the above sources, a target list of special- status species, plant communities, and habitats with potential to occur on or in the vicinity of the Study Area was developed. Potential for special status species to occur in the Study Area was evaluated according to the following criteria:

(1) Not Present. Habitat on and adjacent to the site is clearly unsuitable for the species requirements (based on foraging, breeding, cover, substrate, elevation, hydrology, plant community, site history, or disturbance regime).

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(2) Low Potential. Few of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present, and/or the majority of habitat on and adjacent to the site is unsuitable or of very poor quality. The species is not likely to be found on the site.

(3) Moderate Potential. Some of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present, and/or only some of the habitat on or adjacent to the site is unsuitable. The species has a moderate probability of being found on the site.

(4) High Potential. All of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present and/or most of the habitat on or adjacent to the site is highly suitable. The species has a high probability of being found on the site.

(5) Present. Species has been observed on the site or recorded (i.e. CNDDB, other reports) on the site recently.

Figure 3 shows special status species occurrences in the vicinity of the Study Area. Appendix A & B provide additional information about the species and their potential occurrence in the Study Area. The CNDDB Occurrence Report is included as Attachment A.

3.2 Field Assessments

Reconnaissance-level evaluations, traversing portions of the trails and nearby areas on foot were conducted between May and November 2014. Rob Schell, wildlife biologist conducted site visits in May and October 2014. Micki Kelly, PWS, plant ecologist conducted site visits on various dates in 2013 and 2014. In addition, she walked several of the trails with the project team members on October 29, 30 and November 3, 2014. The purpose of the site visits was to characterize the nature of sensitive habitats in the Study Area and to evaluate the site’s potential to provide habitat for special-status plant and wildlife species. The primary effort was focused on several of the areas that may be affected by the trail work. A wetland delineation and focused or protocol level special-status species surveys were not conducted. The wildlife and plant taxa observed during the site visits are listed in Appendix C and D. Representative photos can be found in Appendix E.

4.0 Results

This section provides an overview of existing conditions. Overall, the site consists of developed and disturbed areas (residential housing, recreational and commercial facilities, various roads, etc.), surrounded by less developed areas that are, in many cases, laced with trails. The property lies on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Slopes range from flat to 60 percent, with the majority of the slopes being less than 35 percent. The aspect varies by location; however, lands primarily slope towards the east. The elevation ranges from approximately 6,200 to 7,800 feet above sea level. Tahoe Donner Association’s Forestry Department manages the vegetation within a large portion of the Study Area.

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Hydrology Overview

The Study Area’s hydrologic sources are direct precipitation, typically in the form of snowfall, snowmelt run-off from adjacent areas, and rainfall and groundwater daylighting (seeps). There are three blue line perennial drainages (Trout Creek, Alder Creek, and the South Fork of Prosser Creek) and numerous intermittent and ephemeral drainages. In addition, there are seeps and areas of shallow ground water. A report discussing the Study Area’s hydrologic patterns in depth has been prepared by Balance Hydrologics, Inc.

Soils Summary

Most of the soils on the property originated from volcanic parent material, though, some developed from glacial-alluvial substrate. Figure 2 provides a general map of the soils in the vicinity of the Study Area as shown on the Web Soil Survey (USDA 2015). Table 1 identifies the soils shown in the figure. The soil survey shows the primary soil series in the Study Area as Fugawee with sizable areas of Jorge and Meiss. There are smaller amounts of Lorack, Sierraville, and Waca series. Aquolls and Borolls can be found in the wetter areas.

Fugawee series is identified by a dark-brown, sandy loam surface layer and a reddish-brown gravelly clay loam subsoil. The soil depth is 20 to 40 inches or more and formed from volcanic parent material. These soils are well drained, with permeability rated moderate to moderately slow, and are found on slopes of 2 to 50 percent within an elevation range of 6,500 to 8,000 feet. The effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches.

Jorge series is identified by a brown sandy loam surface layer and a yellowish-brown, cobbly sandy loam subsoil. The soil depth is 40 inches or more and formed from volcanic parent material. These soils are well drained, with permeability rated moderate, and are found on slopes of 30 to 50 percent within an elevation range of 6,000 to 8,000 feet. The effective rooting depth is 40 to 60 inches.

Meiss series is identified by a brown, sandy loam surface layer. The soil depth is 0 to 20 inches and formed from volcanic parent material. These soils are well drained, with permeability rated moderately rapid, and are found on slopes of 2 to 60 percent within an elevation range of 6,000 to 9,000 feet. The effective rooting depth is 12 to 20 inches.

Lorack series is identified by a brown, gravelly loam surface layer and dark-brown, gravelly clay loam subsoil. The soil depth is greater than 40 inches and formed from glacial-alluvial parent material. These soils are moderately well drained, with permeability rated moderately slow, and are found on slopes of 2 to 30 percent within an elevation range of 5,500 to 6,500 feet. The effective rooting depth is 33 to 40 inches.

Sierraville series is identified by a grayish-brown, stony sandy loam surface layer and a light brownish-grey, stony sandy clay loam subsoil. The soil depth is 40 inches or more and formed from volcanic parent material. These soils are well drained, with permeability rated moderately slow, and are found on slopes of 2 to 30 percent within an elevation range of 5,500 to 6,400 feet. The effective rooting depth is 40 to 80 inches.

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Waca series is identified by a grayish-brown, gravelly sandy loam surface layer and a yellowish- brown, very gravelly sandy loam subsoil. The soil depth is 20 to 40 inches or more and formed from volcanic parent material. These soils are well drained, with permeability rated moderately rapid, and are found on slopes of 2 to 50 percent within an elevation range of 6,000 to 8,000 feet. The effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches.

Aquolls and Borolls are made up of alluvium derived from igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock. They are typically associated with wet areas (wetlands, swales, etc.). The depth to restrictive feature is more than 80 inches; and they are poorly drained. They can be found in elevations ranging from 5,000 to 8,500 feet.

4.1 Botanical Resources

General habitat types occurring on the site were characterized, and information on dominant and characteristic species, and in some cases topographic position, slope, aspect, substrate conditions, hydrologic regime, and level of disturbance for each habitat type was noted. Modified forms of the plant community classification discussed in the California Manual of Vegetation (Sawyer, et.al. 2009) were used when classifying the habitat types. Final characterization of the habitat types of the Study Area was based on field observations.

4.1.1 Plant Community Characterization

This section provides a general overview of the primary plant communities and habitats that occur in the Study Area. The habitats are adapted from those identified in Tahoe Donner Association’s California Cooperative Forest Management Plan (Houdyschell, W. H. 2006) with a discussion of similar forest or shrub alliances listed in the Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer, et. al. 2009). The alliance’s level of rarity is noted in parenthesis after the alliance. A list of vascular plant species observed in portions of the Study Area is presented in Appendix C.

Ruderal Disturbed/Developed. This habitat consists of gravel/bare places, dirt roads, areas that have been heavily disturbed, and developed zones (landscape plantings, lawns, etc.). With the exception of the developed zones, these areas are sparsely vegetated with scattered native and non-native species.

Sierran Mixed Conifer. This habitat includes areas that are similar to the Jeffrey Pine Forest (Pinus jeffreyi Forest Alliance) (G4 S4) with some Red Fir-White Fir Forest (Abies magnifica-Abies concolor Forest Alliance) (G5 S4) in the higher elevations. It is found along potions of most of the trails. The major tree species include Jeffrey pine, red fir (Abies magnifica), white fir (Abies concolor), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and occasional sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) or western white pine (Pinus monticola). Most of these mixed conifer stands have been thinned in the past twenty years. Large portions of this habitat were heavily logged in the early 1920s or burned over during the Donner Ridge Fire of 1960. The understory is made up of snow brush (Ceanothus velutinus), green-leaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula), bitter cherry (Prunus emarginata), mountain whitethorn (Ceanothus cordulatus), gooseberry (Ribes roezlii), and wax current (Ribes cereum).

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Within this habitat, red fir dominated areas can be found at the higher elevations of the property, generally on the north-facing slopes. In these red fir areas, associated trees include mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), western white pine and white fir. The understory is typically sparse due to the lack of sunlight; however, where there are openings in the canopy, snow brush and pinemat manzanita (Arctostaphylos nevadensis) are the major understory species.

Also within the Sierran Mixed Conifer habitat, lodgepole (Pinus contorta) zones are found at the edge of the riparian areas discussed below. Fir species and occasional Jeffrey pine are interspersed with the lodge pole in the drier places.

Montane Chaparral similar to Tobacco Brush or Snow Bush Chaparral Shrubland Alliance (G5 S4) type occurs in areas burned by the Donner Ridge Fire. This habitat is found along potions of Trails 6, 7, 13, 14, and 16, as well as occurring in scattered locations on some of the other trails. In some portions of the property, red and white fir are growing through the thick brush, mostly on north- facing slopes. However, on south-facing slopes, few trees exist within the chaparral. Here snow brush dominates the landscape with mountain whitethorn (Ceanothus cordulatus), green-leaf manzanita, bitter cherry, pinemat manzanita (Arctostaphylos nevadensis), huckleberry oak (Quercus vaccinifolia), and Sierra chinquapin (Castanopsis sempervirens) mixed throughout.

Montane Riparian similar to a blend of Aspen (Populus tremuloides Forest Alliance) (G4 S3.2) and various Willow (Salix spp.) Shrubland Alliances (G4 S3-4), with a small amount of Black Cottonwood Forest (Populus trichocarpa Forest Alliance) (G5 S3) found along Trout, South Fork of Prosser and Alder Creeks. Some areas where this habitat can be found are along potions of Trails 1, 2, 17, and 19-22.The dominate tree species consist of aspen and lodgepole pine. The shrub species include red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea), various willow species, and mountain alder (Alnus tenuifolia). Herbaceous species here are generally tolerant of the mesic conditions with a variable hydrologic regime.

Aspen Grove similar to Populus tremuloides Forest Alliance (G4 S3.2) is found in an area of concentrated springs that feed Alder Creek. The understory includes creeping snowberry and western serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) as well as grass and forb species that are tolerant of the mesic or variable hydrologic conditions. This habitat is primarily found along potions of Trails 9 and 12.

Montane Wet Meadow can be found in large areas along Trout, Alder, and the South Fork of Prosser Creeks in low lying flat areas adjacent to the creeks. This habitat is found near potions of Trails 1, 2, 17, and 19-22, as well as occurring in scattered locations on some of the other trails. A great variety of plant species occur here making it a complex mosaic of alliances. To distill it down to one or two would be inaccurate. The dominants are sedges (Carex spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.) and various grasses and forbs. The wetter portions of these wet meadows are federal and state jurisdictional (see Section 4.2 below). The upper edges transition into adjacent upland habitats.

4.1.2 Sensitive Plant Species

Sensitive plants with the potential to occur in the Study Area are listed in Table 4. Two species have been observed in the Study Area; eight have a medium or higher potential to occur in it; and

11 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015 six species have a low-medium potential. During surveys conducted in 2009 for Tahoe Donner’s Forestry Department, Davy’s sedge (Carex davyi) (CNPS 1B.3) was found in the Euer Valley on the edge of a meadow, under lodgepole pines. Threetipped sagebrush, (Artemisia tripartita) (CNPS 2B.3) was found near Davy’s sedge, in an opening between the meadow and the lodgepole forest (C.S. Ecological Surveys and Assessments 2009). Trail 2 is close to these occurrences, though they may occur along other trails in the Study Area.

The plants with a medium to high potential to be found in the Study Area include alder buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia) (CNPS 2B.2), which typically occurs in riparian areas and Robbin’s pondweed (Potamogeton robbinsii) (CNPS 2B.3), which is found in open water habitats. Four species are associated with wetlands the three moonworts (Botrychium crenulatum, B. lunaria, and B. minganense) (CNPS 2B.3, CNPS 2B.2, CNPS 2B.2 respectively), and broad-nerved hump moss (Meesia uliginosa) (CNPS 2B.2). Two species typically occur in rocky substrates, Donner Pass buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum var. torreyanum) (CNPS 1B.2) and starved daisy (Erigeron miser) (CNPS 1B.3). Donner Pass buckwheat occurs on the east slope of Crabtree Canyon, somewhat near Trail 4.

4.1.3 Sensitive Plant Communities

The only sensitive or “high priority” habitats noted in the vicinity of the Study Area by the CNDDB was a fen at the UC Field campus at Sagehen approximately 5 miles north of Tahoe Donner. As discussed in Plant community characterization and ranking of fens in the Lake Tahoe Basin, California and Nevada (Sikes, K. Evans, J. 2014.): “Fens are peat-forming wetlands, supported by nearly constant groundwater inflow. …Perennial saturation creates oxygen-deprived soils with very low rates of decomposition that allow the accumulation of organic matter produced by wetland plants.” A fen typically has at least 40 cm of organic soil in the upper 80 cm of the soil profile; and the soil is saturated for most of the year or has a high water table (within 20 cm of the soil surface during July and August of a normal precipitation year). The wet meadow within the Euer Valley and the other large wet meadows discussed below were not evaluated to determine if they met these criteria. However the trail system generally avoids the portions of these meadows that have the potential to be fens.

None of the alliances in the Study Area have a Global Rank of G3 or lower (Sawyer, et.al. 2009). The alliances that listed above with a State Rank of S3 (estimated to have 21-100 viable occurrences statewide) are Populus tremuloides Forest Alliance (G4 S3.2) similar to the Aspen Grove habitat and portions of the Montane Riparian habitat and various Willow (Salix spp.) Shrubland Alliances (G4 S3-4), with a small amount of Black Cottonwood Forest (Populus trichocarpa Forest Alliance) (G5 S3) included in the Montane Riparian habitat. No alliances have a rank lower than S3. One goal of the trail work is to reduce potential for damage to these habitats.

4.1.4 Noxious or Invasive Plant Species

In California, there are two commonly used references for the status of weed species in the state.

1. California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) Inventory categorizes non-native invasive plants that threaten the state's wildlands.

12 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

2. California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) maintains lists of plants that are considered threats to the well-being of the state with a primary focus on agricultural land.

Cal-IPC Inventory’s categorization is based on an assessment of the ecological impacts of each plant. As their Inventory states “Invasive non-native plants that threaten wildlands are plants that 1) are not native to, yet can spread into, wildland ecosystems, and that also 2) displace native species, hybridize with native species, alter biological communities, or alter ecosystem processes.” (Cal-IPC 2006). It identifies species as Limited, Moderate, or High risk. Cal-IPC does not have regulatory authority.

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) maintains lists of plants that are considered threats to the well-being of the state. A plant is listed if it is found to probably be "troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate". Noxious weeds within the State of California are assigned a rating defined below as: A - An organism of known economic importance subject to state enforced action involving: eradication, quarantine, containment, rejection, or other holding action. B - An organism of known economic importance subject to: eradication, containment, control or other holding action at the discretion of the individual county agricultural commissioner. An organism of known economic importance subject to state endorsed holding action and eradication only when found in a nursery. C - An organism subject to no state enforced action outside of nurseries except to retard spread. At the discretion of the commissioner.

During 2009 forestry area surveys, three CDFA A-rated noxious weeds [musk thistle (Carduus nutans) (Cal-IPC Moderate), Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium)(Cal-IPC High), spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) (Cal-IPC High)] and three B-rated noxious weeds [Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)(Cal-IPC Moderate), heart podded hoarycress (Cardaria draba) (Cal-IPC Moderate) and globe podded hoarycress (Cardaria pubescens) (Cal-IPC Limited)] were found within the Study Area (C.S. Ecological Surveys and Assessments, 2009.). Three C-rated noxious weeds were also found, field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) (Cal-IPC not listed), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) (Cal-IPC Limited), and Klamath weed (Hypericum perforatum) (Cal-IPC Moderate). One noxious weed in the Study Area, bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) (Cal-IPC Moderate) has not been assigned a rating by CDFA.

To reduce the spread of weeds by equestrian trail users, the Equestrian Center currently uses weed free feed. As an additional note, some weed management in the region is implemented by the Truckee River Watershed Council, which has a group of volunteers (the Weed Warriors) who coordinate activities for the prevention and control of invasive weeds in the Truckee River watershed. Their activities focus on the exclusion, detection, containment and eradication of invasive weeds. They periodically have weed walks and other events in Tahoe Donner.

4.2 Waters of the US (Including Wetlands) and Waters of the State

Waters of the United States (including wetlands) and Waters of the State provide habitat for many species and are protected by the Clean Water Act and California Porter Cologne Act. Trout, Alder

13 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015 and the South Fork of Prosser Creeks and their primary tributaries flow through portions of the Study Area. Each of the creeks begin in the western part of their respective watershed and generally flow to the east. They typically consist of an open water drainage channel with fringe freshwater emergent wetlands and occasional willow, alder, or aspen dominated wetlands adjacent to the drainage. The creeks, their tributaries, and the adjacent wetlands would fall within the Corps and the RWQCB jurisdiction in accordance the CWA. They would also be considered Waters of the State.

In addition to the creeks, there are many small secondary and tertiary drainages that feed the creeks, their tributaries, and/or the wetlands. All of the small drainages that have a defined bed and bank and/or ordinary high water mark, would likely fall within the Corps and RWQCB jurisdiction.

Within the Study Area, there are several large wet meadow wetlands. The South Fork of Prosser Creek supports one in the Euer Valley. This area is dominated by sedges, with willows strung along the creek. Another is west of the Donner Adventure Center. It is fed by a seep that eventually flows into a tributary to Alder Creek. Trout Creek and a shallow groundwater table support large wet meadow wetland in Bennett Flat near the Northwoods Clubhouse. Trout Creek also supports a reticulate mosaic of wetlands and open water areas by the Nature Loop (Trail 19 and 20). Species found in these wetland areas vary by micro-habit. However, they often include wetland grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), sedges [water sedge (Carex aquatilis), Nebraska sedge (Carex nebrascensis), etc.], and various hydrophytic forbs.

Also, any areas within the Montane Riparian and Aspen Grove habitat that meet the three parameters (hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology) would potentially be jurisdictional wetlands. In these areas the trees and shrubs typically include willows, alders, and/or quaking aspen. Lastly, there are small areas throughout the Study Area that may meet the definition of “other waters” (Waters of the US) or Waters of the State.

Based on a preliminary estimate, a total of approximately 0.02 acres of potential wetlands and 0.02 acres of potential “other waters” would be impacted by the construction of all of the trail work discussed in the 5YIPlan. The breakdown of potential impacts by trail is provided below (Table 3). This estimate is based on reconnaissance fieldwork, the drainage map, individual project descriptions and maps, and the typical details. They will be refined during the preconstruction phase. The estimated impacts are small due to the avoidance and minimization measures discussed in this report and the other documents included in the 5YIP. It should be noted that the majority of impacts occur along existing trails as part correcting current problems. Once implemented, the trail work is expected to improve the overall quality of wetlands and “other waters” in the vicinity of the work.

4.3 California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The creeks, tributaries, and any of the small ephemeral drainages that feed into them, which have a defined bed and bank, would fall within the CDFW jurisdiction. As discussed above, CDFW also

14 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015 regulates the bed, channel, or bank of river, streams, or lakes, such as the ponds near the Nature Loop trails (Trails 19 and 20).

4.4 Fish and Wildlife Resources

4.4.1 Fish and Wildlife Overview

Resident and migratory wildlife species utilize the mosaic of habitats found in the Study Area for foraging, breeding, and shelter. Common wildlife species, particularly birds, are likely to breed in the trees and shrubs within the all of the habitats. Species typical of the Truckee area, such as Douglas squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasi), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), western fence lizard (Sceloporous occidentalis), and various avian species were observed during the fieldwork. Appendix B provides a list of all wildlife taxa noted in or adjacent to the Study Area during the site visit.

Upland Habitats

The upland areas differ in the quality of habitat they offer. Ruderal Disturbed/ Developed areas are of limited importance to wildlife. The Sierran Mixed Conifer provides pine seeds, a part of the diet of many wildlife species. The bark and foliage of herbaceous and shrub species can be a food source for squirrels (Ammospermophilus spp.) and black-tail deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Conifers provide vital nesting cover for several species such as white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), brown creeper (Certhia americana), and northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus). Montane Chaparral supports numerous rodents, deer and other herbivores, as well as birds. Bitterbrush, prevalent in the region, common in this habitat and in openings within other upland habitats is an important deer browse species. This habitat also provides summer-range foraging areas, escape cover, and fawning habitat.

Snags and standing trees that are diseased or partially dead provide important habitat features for many species, especially birds. These microhabitats provide foraging areas for woodpeckers and nesting and roosting habitat for cavity nesters, including owls, woodpeckers, and bats. Within the Study Area, the Tahoe Donner Forestry Department aggressively manages the forests for fire suppression, and to protect against insects, and disease. This means that trees are thinned, and some snags, live snags and diseased trees are removed. Therefore the availability of these habitat resources is relatively sparse within portions of the Study Area, especially in the vicinity of the residential and recreational areas. More remote parts of the Study Area, such as the Euer Valley, are less aggressively managed. The Euer Valley is considered higher quality habitat for species that rely on such structures.

Wet Habitats

The wetter habitats are typically of high value to wildlife. Montane Riparian habitat is important to many species due to the complexity of the plant community, its structure, and presence of water. These areas provide thermal cover, migration corridors, and diverse nesting and feeding opportunities. The linear pattern of streams and riparian zones, maximizes the edge zones providing highly productive wildlife areas. A wide range of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and

15 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015 mammals utilize Montane Riparian habitat for food, cover, and reproduction. Few wildlife species are dependent on Aspen Grove habitat; however, the ecotone between this mesic habitat and adjacent uplands can be frequented by some species. Montane Wet Meadow provides forage and water for a diverse range of wildlife species.

As mentioned above, three perennial blue-line streams are present within the Study Area, Trout Creek, Alder Creek, and South Fork Prosser Creek. Streams and wetlands (such as in the Montane Wet Meadow areas) provide foraging habitat and a water source for a wide variety of wildlife including invertebrates, amphibians, birds, and mammals. They are generally fed by snow-melt and revert to low base-flow conditions by July as run-off declines.

North American Beaver

North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is known for building dams along streams, resulting in ponds that are formed when upstream areas are inundated. North American beaver are present in Trout Creek near the Nature Loop (Trails 19 and 20) as well along Alder and Prosser Creek in various locations. Beaver create dams as a protection against predators, such as coyotes, and to facilitate foraging during winter. They are prolific builders, constructing dams primarily at night. Because of this, it can be difficult to remove dams without relocating the beavers, especially if the dam is downstream of an active beaver lodge. Beavers can repair primary dams in one night, and are challenging to manage long-term.

While dam building can flood the adjacent uplands, including trails, the beaver ponds can be beneficial in maintaining the water levels needed to support wetlands and open water habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife. Other benefits of beaver dams include flood control, greater biodiversity, and improved water quality through lentic processes and the deposition of fine sediments upstream of the dam.

Several beaver studies have been conducted in the region. Beier (1987) wrote that beavers had resulted in the extirpation of quaking aspen and black cottonwood along 4-5% of the stream reaches on the lower Truckee River; though he noted, willows were vigorous in many reaches despite heavy beaver use. The study concluded that without controlling beaver populations, aspen and cottonwood could disappear from the Truckee River. In spite of these concerns, aspens and cottonwoods have persisted while beaver populations have expanded. A recent study of ten Tahoe streams concluded that deciduous, herbaceous vegetation is more abundant near beaver dams, whereas densities of coniferous trees have decreased (Ayers 1997). There has been concern that beaver dams impair fish passage of salmonid species, including trout. However, it has been shown that salmonids are able to successfully negotiate beaver dams during spawning runs (Pollock, Michael M.; Heim, Morgan; Werner, Danielle 2003). In a study of brook, rainbow and brown trout in Sagehen Creek (approximately 5 miles to the north of the Study Area) the presence of beaver dams was shown to either increase population density, the body size of the fish, or both (Guard 1961).

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Fish

South Fork Prosser Creek drains the Euer Valley, then joins the North Fork Prosser Creek before flowing into Prosser Creek Reservoir. Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were observed in the South Fork Prosser Creek near the upstream portion of the Study Area during the October 2014 fieldwork. The flood of 1997 is believed to have displaced many of the fish in the Euer Valley portion of the creek, pushing them to downstream areas, however, brook trout still inhabit the creek (Houdyschell W.H. pers. com., May 26, 2015). The adjacent landowner (Donner Euer Valley Corporation, locally known as 7Cs) stocks their pond, which is west of the Study Area, in the headwaters of the South Fork Prosser Creek. It’s possible that those stocked fish are the source for the brook trout found within the Study Area. The CNDDB has mapped the lower portion of South Fork Prosser Creek within the Study Area as habitat for the federally threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi). Additionally CDFW maintains a stocking program for this species at Prosser Reservoir; and stocked it in 2014. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reportedly also inhabit Prosser Creek.

Trout Creek is known to contain brook trout and rainbow trout. Alder Creek contains brook, rainbow, and brown trout (Salmo trutta). CDFW biologists checked both Trout Creek and Alder Creek in 1998. They reported both streams to be “functioning well”.

4.4.2 Special-Status Fish and Wildlife

Twenty-six special status wildlife species have been recorded within the vicinity or have geographic ranges that overlap with the Study Area (CNDDB 2015). Of those 26 species, two are considered present and extant, four have a high potential and four have a moderate potential to occur in the Study Area. Those that have been mapped in the CNDDB are shown in Figure 3.

Several special-status wildlife species such as the Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator, State Threatened) and Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae, Federal Endangered, State Threatened) have historically occurred in the Study Area, but have since been extirpated. Conversely, California wolverine (Gulo gulo) has been absent from the northern Sierra Nevada for more than 100 years, but has recently been observed at Fordyce Lake, approximately ten miles to the west of the Study Area.

Although no federal or state listed wildlife species were observed during the fieldwork, several occurrences in the Study Area were noted by the CNDDB. As previously mentioned Sierra Nevada red fox is documented to occur within the Euer Valley, but this mapped occurrence is based on portions of a carcass discovered in 1941 and no subsequent occurrences have been documented. Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog was previously documented in Alder Creek, but has not been seen in the area since 1961. Based on the declines that this species has experienced across its range and the lack of recent observations, it is likely that it has also been extirpated.

Willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii, State Endangered) and yellow warbler (Setophaga petechia, SSC) have the potential to nest along Trout, Prosser, and Alder creeks and their tributaries where suitable willow-riparian habitat is present. Willow flycatcher is documented to nest along the North Fork of Prosser Creek, outside of the Study Area and sightings have been reported along

17 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Trout Creek during the traditional nesting season for this species. Multiple sightings of willow flycatcher and yellow warbler have been documented in the vicinity of Trails 19 and 20 (eBird 2015). Potential habitat also exists for this species to occur near Trails 1 and 2. Riparian habitat occurs also near portions of Trails 1, 2, 17 and 19-22.

Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii, State Candidate) has the potential to forage throughout the Study Area, but roosting habitat occurs in one isolated location in the Euer Valley. Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus tahoensis CDFW SSC), has the potential to occur along Prosser and Trout creeks within the Study Area. Suitable riparian habitat for the snowshoe hare is present along proposed Trail Projects 2, 19 and 20.

Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica, CDFW SSC) has the potential to occur along Prosser and Trout creeks within the Study Area. Though, the creeks are at a lower gradient than this species prefers. It should be noted that Sierra Nevada mountain beaver is not closely related to the common North American beaver discussed above. Sierra Nevada mountain beaver does not build dams.

Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), rufus hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), white-headed woodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus), and olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) are all upland nesting birds with potential to nest within the Study Area. Northern goshawk are most likely to nest on the south side of Prosser Creek in the Euer Valley. Trail 1 and 2 traverse through potentially suitable habitat. The other three species, as well as other species who’s active nests are protected by the California Fish and Game Code, have the potential to nest throughout the entirety of the Study Area.

Finally, Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi, Federal Threatened) is considered to be present in Prosser Creek upstream of the Prosser Creek Reservoir. Although only a portion of Prosser Creek is mapped as occupied habitat within the Study Area (CNDDB 2015), no fish passage barriers have been noted that could restrict Prosser or Alder Creeks from being accessed by Lahontan cutthroat trout. There is a possibility that this species could be in these streams.

5.0 Protection Measures for Biological Resources

The following measures have been developed to provide guidelines to protect biological resources during the trail planning and implementation effort. The primary goal of these measures is to avoid impacts to sensitive biological resources. If avoidance is not possible, the next step will be to minimize the impacts. Only then, will mitigation be considered.

These are intended to provide guidelines for protecting the resources. Once specific design details are developed for each individual trail, the next step will be to quantify impacts and determine mitigation (if needed) as part of the implementation and permitting effort for that trail.

Given that the plan will be carried out over time, the implementation approach will be to use the most current guidance and scientific methods available at the time these measures are applied.

18 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Biological Resource Protection Measure 1. Waters of the United States (Including Wetlands) and Waters of the State - Direct Affect. Wetlands occur on and adjacent to many of the trails, for example portions of Trails 19-21 are in or near large wetlands areas. Also, wetlands can be found along 1, 2, 9-12, 17, and other areas. Many of the trails also cross small ephemeral drainages with a bed and bank that are connected to downstream Waters of the United States. Prior to soil, hydrology, or plant altering activities in any area containing aquatic resources or potential wetlands or drainages on or immediately adjacent to a trail, a qualified biologist will conduct a delineation of waters of the United States according to methods established in the Corps wetlands delineation manual (Environmental Laboratories 1987) and Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region Supplement (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2010) (or the most current federal guidelines, if these have been updated). The delineation will map and quantify the acreage of all aquatic habitats in the work area, as well as document aquatic habitat immediately adjacent to the area, so that it can be avoided. If work has the potential to impact the Waters of the United States (including wetlands) and/or Waters of the State, the delineation will be submitted to Corps for verification. If the area is not within federal jurisdiction, though potentially a Water of State, the RWQCB will be consulted as to their jurisdiction.

Waters of the United States and Waters of the State will be avoided to the maximum extent practicable. If avoidance is not feasible, then impacts will be minimized and work will comply with the CWA and Porter Cologne Act, including obtaining Corps and RWQCB authorization, if applicable. As part of that permit process, a quantitative mitigation and monitoring plan conforming to the requirements of those agencies will be developed and implemented. Compensatory mitigation for wetlands typically involves one or more of the following, wetland enhancement, restoration, creation, or preservation. Mitigation ratios will be at least 1:1. Mitigation will first seek to be in-kind and in-place for temporary impacts or adjacent to permanent impacts. At a minimum the goal mitigation will be to implement within the same watershed. If that is not feasible off-site and/or fee-based mitigation will be considered. Work will comply with all agency permit requirements. Implementation of Protection Measure 1 will ensure that any potential direct impacts to Waters of the United States (Including wetlands) and Waters of the State will be less than significant.

Biological Resource Protection Measure 2. Waters of the United States (Including Wetlands) and Waters of the State - Indirect Affect. To protect these resources from indirect affects (such as siltation or altered hydrology), appropriate BMPS will be included in trail project design. Construction will be done during the dry season, to the extent feasible to prevent stormwater run- off. During construction, work will include sufficient temporary BMPs, such as placing orange exclusion fencing, staked fiber rolls, and keyed-in silt fencing as needed to protect water quality. If construction activities are proposed adjacent to jurisdiction areas (such as wetlands, creeks, and any of their tributaries) a qualified biologist or erosion control specialist will review the proposed measures and inspect the BMPs prior to construction. All temporary construction BMPs and permanent BMPs will provide adequate measures to avoid erosion, sedimentation, or adverse longterm impacts to water quality, creeks, and wetlands. Work will comply with all stormwater permit requirements, including discharge specifications, BMP installation and maintenance, general regulatory requirements, prohibitions, monitoring, and reporting. Implementation of

19 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Protection Measure 2 will ensure that any potential indirect impact to Waters of the United States (Including wetlands) and Waters of the State will be less than significant. Biological Resource Protection Measure 3. California Department of Fish and Wildlife Jurisdictional Areas. The bed, channel, or bank of rivers, streams, or lakes will be protected from substantial changes or substantial diversion/obstruction by the biological resource protections measures discussed above. If construction would substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow or substantially change a bed, channel, or bank, then in accordance with Sections 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code, CDFW will be contacted to determine if a Lake and Stream Alteration Agreement (SAA) is needed. If so, authorization from CDFW will be obtained; and all work will comply with the required measures identified in the SAA. Implementation of Protection Measure 3 will ensure that this is a less than significant impact.

Biological Resource Protection Measure 4. Post Construction Restoration. This measure applies to all trails, if necessary to mitigate the construction soil disturbance and related impacts to water quality or biological resources impact to a less than significant impact. Prior to construction in an area, a restoration approach that addresses final clean-up, stabilization, and revegetation procedures for land temporarily disturbed by the work will be developed. The restoration approach will address loosening of any compacted soil, restoration of surface duff, erosion control, and reseeding (if needed). Areas temporarily disturbed by cut and fill activities will be regraded to blend with the natural topography and adjacent areas. Implementation of Protection Measure 4 will ensure that construction soil disturbance and related impacts to water quality or biological resources are a less than significant impact.

Biological Resource Protection Measure 5. Special-Status Plant Species. Prior to soils or vegetation clearing activities in an area where special status plant species could occur (such as the wetland areas mentioned above, or previously undisturbed areas including trail reroutes or new trails), Tahoe Donner Association shall retain a qualified biologist/botanist to consult with the appropriate regulatory agencies (such as CDFW and USFWS) to determine if plants surveys are required. If the regulatory agencies determine plant surveys are required, the following shall be implemented:

• Tahoe Donner Association shall retain a qualified botanist to conduct preconstruction special-status plant surveys for potentially occurring species in all project areas. If special- status plants are not found during preconstruction surveys, that botanist shall document the findings in a letter report to CDFW (as well as USFWS, if federally listed) and Tahoe Donner Association, and no further mitigation shall be required. • If special-status plant populations are found, the project applicant shall consult with CDFW and USFWS, as appropriate depending on species status, to determine the appropriate mitigation measures for direct and indirect impacts on any special-status plant population that could occur as a result of project implementation. Mitigation measures may include avoiding special-status plants to the maximum extent practicable, preserving and enhancing existing populations, creation of off-site populations on project mitigation sites through seed collection or transplantation, and/or restoring or creating suitable habitat in sufficient quantities to achieve no net loss of occupied habitat or individuals. • If potential impacts to special-status plant species are likely, a mitigation and monitoring plan shall be developed before the approval of grading plans or any ground-breaking

20 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

activity within 250 feet of a special status plant population. The mitigation plan shall be submitted to the Tahoe Donner Association for review and approval. It shall be submitted concurrently to CDFW or USFWS, as appropriate, depending on the species status, for review and comment. The plan shall require maintaining viable plant populations on-site, where feasible, and shall identify avoidance measures for existing population(s) to be retained. Possible avoidance measures include fencing populations before construction and exclusion of project activities from the fenced-off areas, and construction monitoring by a qualified botanist to keep constructions crews away from the populations. The mitigation plan shall also include monitoring and reporting requirements for populations to be preserved on site or protected or enhanced off-site.

Implementation of Protection Measure 5 will ensure that any potential impacts to special-status plant species will be less than significant.

Biological Resource Protection Measure 6. Noxious/Invasive Weeds. This measure applies to all trails. Prior to construction on a trail, the current Cal-IPC and CDFA lists will be reviewed. Then, the access route and work area will be surveyed for noxious/invasive weed infestations. Appropriate management methods will be used to control the infestation and reduce the potential for spreading the noxious/invasive species. These methods include washing equipment, shoes, and clothing that was used near an existing or recently controlled infestation in a manner that removes weed seeds and propagules, before entering another area. Erosion control material such as straw bales or wattles will be certified weed free. Native pine needle mulch and/or native woodchip material may be used as a mulch or ground cover to minimize spread of infestations. Pine needle wattles may be used instead of straw wattles for erosion control. Implementation of Protection Measure 6 will ensure that any potential impacts of noxious/invasive weeds will be less than significant.

Biological Resource Protection Measure 7. Riparian Nesting Birds Including Willow Flycatcher and Yellow Warbler. In addition to willow flycatcher and yellow warbler, bird nests and eggs are protected by CFGC §3503. Take or needless destruction of bird nests or eggs would be a violation of the CFGC. Additionally, willow flycatcher is a State Endangered species. Direct or indirect disturbance that would result in “Take”, defined under Section 86 of the California Fish and Game Code as “hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill”, would be a violation of the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

If any ground-disturbing activities and/or vegetation removal must occur during the avian breeding season (March 15 through August 31) along riparian areas or within 500 feet of willow riparian habitat (i.e. as portions of Trails 1, 2, and 19-20), protocol-level surveys for willow flycatcher will be conducted by a qualified biologist. Specifically, protocol-level surveys will be performed in accordance with A Willow Flycatcher Survey Protocol for California (Bombay et al. 2003) (or the most current agency approved guidance). Protocol-level surveys will detect the active nests of special-status as well as non-special-status birds, protected under the CFGC. An exclusion buffer will be established around any active nests that have the potential to be directly or indirectly impacted by the proposed project. The size of the buffer will be determined by the qualified biologist, in consultation with the CDFW. The exclusion buffer would be maintained until the qualified biologist has determined that all young have fledged. In addition, all work will also

21 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015 comply with the Migratory Bird Act. Implementation of Protection Measure 7 will ensure that any potential direct impacts to riparian nesting birds Including Willow Flycatcher and Yellow Warbler will be less than significant.

Biological Resource Protection Measure 8. Upland Nesting Birds. This measure applies to all trails. In addition to northern goshawk, rufus hummingbird, white-headed woodpecker and olive- sided flycatcher which have the potential to nest throughout the Study Area, nests and eggs of birds in California are protected by the CFGC. As mentioned above take or needless destruction of bird nests or eggs may result in a violation of CFGC §3503. To protect active nests, eggs, and/or young of nesting birds from project-related construction activities, such as earthwork or vegetation trimming, the following will be implemented. To the extent possible, ground-disturbing activities and/or removal of vegetation should occur during the non-nesting season (defined as September 1 through March 14) to avoid impacts to active nests. No surveys or other avoidance measures for upland nesting breeding bird species would be necessary for construction activities conducted during the period of September 1 through March 14.

If any ground-disturbing activities or vegetation removal must occur during the avian breeding season (March 15 through August 31) breeding bird surveys will be conducted by a qualified biologist. Specifically, pre-construction breeding bird surveys will be conducted within 14 days of ground disturbance. Surveys will detect the nests of special-status as well as non-special-status birds, which are protected under the CFGC. An exclusion buffer will be established around any active nests that have the potential to be directly or indirectly impacted by the proposed project. The size of the buffer will be determined by the qualified biologist. The exclusion buffer would be maintained until the qualified biologist has determined that all young have fledged. In addition, all work will also comply with the Migratory Bird Act. Implementation of Protection Measure 8 will ensure that any potential direct impacts to upland nesting birds will be less than significant.

Biological Resource Protection Measure 9. Roosting Bats Including Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat. Townsend’s big-eared bat was recently listed as a State Candidate for Threatened status and has the potential to roost in the historic buildings within the Euer Valley adjacent to Trail 3. Although the potential Trail 3 work is not expected to directly impact these structures, indirect disturbance associated with the trail construction or increased human disturbance associated with hiking, biking, or vandalism could increase as a result of the trail work.

These structures could potentially provide either hibernation or maternity roosting habitat and therefore Townsend’s big-eared bat maybe present at any time of year. If work is to occur within 250 feet of the structures, an internal roost survey will be performed by a qualified biologist prior to construction. If roosting bats or evidence of roosting bats is absent, no further protection measures are required. If roosting bats or evidence of roosting bats are found, the trail should be realigned to greater than 250 feet from the roost. If that is not feasible, depending on the nature of the work and type of the roost (hibernation or maternity), a qualified biologist will determine if work could be completed during seasonal work windows (September 1 to October 31). Depending on the timing of the work, an additional protection measure for Townsend’s big-eared bat roosting habitat, may also include biological monitoring. If there is a potential for “take”, as a candidate species, Townsend’s big-eared bat receives all the protections of a listed species, including the formal consultation process under Section 2081 of CESA. Therefore if after the survey is

22 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015 conducted, it is determined that there will be a “take” of the Townsend’s big-eared bat, a 2081 Incidental Take Permit will be obtained prior to beginning Trail 3.

The other proposed trail projects are not anticipated to impact bat species that are tree-roosting or crevice-roosting (found in rock-outcrops); and no impacts to foraging resources are expected. Therefore no additional protection measures are recommended for tree-roosting or crevice- roosting bat species. Implementation of Protection Measure 9 will ensure that any potential direct impacts to roosting bats Including Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat will be less than significant.

Biological Resource Protection Measure 10. Terrestrial Mammal Species. To the extent possible, proposed trail work should occur between August 1 and March 31 to avoid the reproductive season of most of the special-status mammals in the vicinity of the Study Area. Generally, April 1 through July 31 is the period when most mammals are denning and fawning in the region, and are the most vulnerable. If any ground-disturbing activities or vegetation removal must occur between April 1 and July 31, pre-construction surveys are recommended to identify active den or fawning locations with 500 feet of proposed disturbance. If any active denning or fawning locations are identified during the surveys, exclusion buffers would be established by the qualified biologist. If no active dens or fawning locations are identified during the survey, no further protection measures are required. Implementation of Protection Measure 10 will ensure that any potential impacts to terrestrial mammal species will be less than significant.

Biological Resource Protection Measure 11. Common Aquatic Wildlife/Fisheries Species. To the extent possible all proposed trail work will be designed and scheduled to avoid work within streams or wetlands when water is present. To protect common aquatic species, it is best to implement trail work in these areas when they are dry. To prevent the spread of invasive aquatics, equipment, boots, waders should be cleaned using the current protocol for avoiding the spread of invasive species before entering water in streams or ponds. Implementation of Protection Measure 11 will ensure that any potential impacts to common aquatic species will be less than significant.

Biological Resource Protection Measure 12. Special Status Aquatic Wildlife/Fisheries Species. Due to the potential presence of Lahontan cutthroat trout, a Federal Threatened species along South Fork Prosser Creek or Alder Creek, in-water channel work will be avoided where possible. If avoidance is not feasible, consultation with USFWS may be required. Typically this is initiated by the Corps as a Section 7 (Federal Endangered Species Act) consultation as part of the CWA 404 permit process. Whether the work would require formal or informal consultation would be dependent on the extent of impacts of the proposed project and the likelihood for “take” of Lahontan cutthroat trout. If a “take” is unlikely, the Corps usually requests informal consultation. The USFWS responds with a list of species protection measures. Those measures are then included in the Corps permit. If there is a chance for “take”, a Biological Assessment is typically required by USFWS, to evaluate the extent of impacts. Then, USFWS issues a Biological Opinion with prescribed conservation measures and compensatory mitigation, if required.

Alternatively a survey could be performed within and downstream of the Study Area to determine if any natural or man-made barriers to fish passage are present. Currently, no barriers are documented along Prosser or Alder Creeks (CalFish 2015), however the presence of unmapped

23 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015 barriers could preclude presence of Lahontan cutthroat trout depending on the location and extent of the barrier. Implementation of Protection Measure 12 will ensure that any potential direct impacts to special status aquatic wildlife/fisheries will be less than significant.

6.0 Conclusion

Protecting the environment and sensitive resources has been a guiding factor in the development of the 5YIPlan. This report discusses the biological resources that potentially occur in the Study Area. When the specific procedures (biological protection measures) identified above are followed, implementation of the 5YIPlan and the 22 individual projects it contains should not have a detrimental impact to biological resources.

24 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Figures and Tables

25 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Figure 1. Overview Map of Trails Showing Study Area Boundary (Same as Tahoe Donner Boundary)

26 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Figure 2. Soils Occurring in the Vicinity of the Study Area (See Table 1 for soils symbols) (Source: USDA Web Soil Survey 2015)

27 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Table 1. Soils Occurring in the Vicinity of the Study Area Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name AQB Aquolls and Borolls, 0 to 5 percent slopes BCG Bucking-Bucking variant complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes CIF Cinder land-Sierraville-Kyburz complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes EUB Euer-Martis variant complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes EXE Lorack variant gravelly loam, 2 to 30 percent slopes FME Fugawee sandy loam, 2 to 30 percent slopes FME5 Fugawee sandy loam, 2 to 30 percent slopes, altered FRE Fugawee-Rock outcrop-Tahoma complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes FRE5 Fugawee-Rock outcrop-Tahoma complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes, altered FRF Fugawee-Rock outcrop-Tahoma complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes FRF6 Fugawee-Rock outcrop-Tahoma complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, terraces FTE Fugawee-Tahoma complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes FTF Fugawee-Tahoma complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes FUC Kyburz-Trojan-Sierraville complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes FUE Kyburz-Trojan complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes FUF Kyburz-Trojan complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes FVE Fugawee-Tahoma-Aquolls complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes JTF Jorge very stony sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes JWF Jorge-Waca-Tahoma complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes JXF Jorge-Waca-Cryumbrepts, wet complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes KME Kyburz-Aldi complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes MEB Martis-Euer variant complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes MHG Meiss-Gullied land-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes MIG Meiss-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes MIG3 Meiss-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes, severely eroded MKE Meiss-Waca complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes MKF Meiss-Waca complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes MKF3 Meiss-Waca-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, severely eroded MLE Meiss-Waca-Cryumbrepts, wet complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes MLG Meiss-Waca-Cryumbrepts, wet complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes SIE Sierraville-Trojan-Kyburz complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes TAE Tallac very gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 30 percent slopes TAF Tallac very gravelly sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes TBE Tallac-Cryumbrepts, wet complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes TBF Tallac-Cryumbrepts, wet complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes THF Tallac-Gullied land-Cryumbrepts, wet complex, 30 to 60 percent s lopes WAE Waca-Windy complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes WAF Waca-Windy complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes WBE Waca-Cryumbrepts, wet-Windy complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes WBF Waca-Cryumbrepts, wet-Windy complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes WDF Waca-Meiss complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes WEE Waca-Meiss-Cryumbrepts, wet complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes WEF Waca-Meiss-Cryumbrepts, wet complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes

28 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Figure 3. Special Status Species Occurring within the Vicinity of the Study Area (Source: CNDDB April 2015)

29 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Table 2. Bio Resources Potentially Present in the Vicinity of Individual Trails (*Please note- In many cases, the trail projects will avoid sensitive resources. If a resource is confirmed to be present on an individual trail, it will be avoided if possible. If avoidance is not feasible, the protection measures have been developed to provide a safeguard. See Tables 3 &4 for additional details about special status species.) Waters of the US or Special Spec. Status Riparian or Bio Protection Measure Trail # Waters of the State (incl. Status Wildlife Comments Aspen Applicable to trail wetlands & drainages) Plants &/or CDFG At some 1. S. Euer Valley Road x x x 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,&11 Existing road crossings 2. Wild West x x x x 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, 8,10,&11 New trail 3. Sidewinder x x x - 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,&11 New trail 4. East Mustang Sally - x x - 4,5,6,8,&10 New trail & rehab existing road 5. West Mustang Sally x x x - 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,&10 Reroute & rehab existing trail 6. Upper Mother Lode - x x - 4,5,6,8,&10 New trail 7. Upper True Grit - x x - 4,5,6,8,&10 New trail 8. Lower True Grit - x x - 4,5,6,8,&10 New trail 9. Whoop It Up x x x x (Willow) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,&11 Reroute & rehab existing trail 10. Sundance / Crazy x x x - 1,2,3,4,5,6,8, & 10 Rehab existing road Horse 11. Home Range Road x x x - 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,10,&11 Rehab existing road 12. Rust Never Sleeps x x x x (Aspen) 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,10,&11 Rehab existing road 13. Eagle Rock Trail - x x - 4,5,6,8&10 New trail 14. Sunrise Trail x x x - 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,10,&11 New trail 15. Glacier Way - - x - 4,6,8,&10 Trailhead expansion Trailhead 16. Broken Chain - x x - 4,5,6,8,&10 New trail 17. Hillside Trail x x x x 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11&12 Existing trail 18. Berngarten Trailhead - - x - 4,6,8,&10 New trailhead 19. Nature Loop North x x x x 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,&11 Rehab existing trail 20. Nature Loop South x x x x 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,&11 Rehab existing trail Rehab existing trail and new 21. Clubhouse Trail x x x x 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 trail (extension) 22 A-C. East. Perimeter - - x - 4,6,8,&10 Rehab existing trail 22 D. Eastern Perimeter x x x x 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,&11 Rehab existing trail

30 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Table 3. Preliminary Estimate of Potential Wetlands and “other waters” Impacts (These preliminary estimates are based on reconnaissance fieldwork, the drainage map, individual project descriptions and maps, and the typical details. They will be refined during the final preconstruction phase. The estimates assume that the avoidance and minimization measures discussed in this report and the 5YIPlan are implemented. It should be noted that the majority of impacts occur along existing trails as part correcting existing problems.)

Estimated Estimated “Other Activity That May Impact Comment Trail Wetland Impacts Waters” (WUS) Wetlands or “Other Waters” (WUS) (Impact assumptions) (sq.ft.) Impacts (sq.ft.) 22 rock lined rolling dips (w/ dissipaters Assumes 15 WUS (2’x5’ impact at each) Trail 1 50 150 as warranted per typical details) and 5 wetland (1’x10’ at each) Assumes 2- 1’x2’ wetlands & 2’x10’ 2 culverts (1 replacement of existing) 6 20 WUS impacts, includes some downstream impacts 1500 linear feet of drainage lense (2 Assumes 5’x10’. wetland & 2’x4’ WUS 50 8 locations) impacts 7 rolling dips (2 rock lined at drainages >5 Assume 1-2’x4’ wetland & 4-2’x4’ WUS Trail 2 8 32 cfs) impacts 18 rolling dips w/ dissipaters as Assumes 3-2’x4’ wetland 9-1’x3’ & WUS Trail 3 warranted per detail (6 rock lined at >2 24 27 impacts cfs) 1 bridge span (>5 cfs and perennial Assumes 2’x4’ wetland & 1’x4’ WUS 8 4 stream) impacts 1 rolling dip and multiple switchbacks for Trail 4 0 0 Assumes all areas are not jurisdictional new trail; new rolling dips w/ dissipaters 8 rolling dips (4 rock lined at lower Assumes 4- 1’x4’ WUS impacts, plus Trail 5 0 25 reaches) some dissipater impacts Trail 6 4 rolling dips 0 0 Assumes all areas are not jurisdictional Trail 7 1 dip (no dissipaters) 0 0 Assumes all areas are not jurisdictional Trail 8 1 dip (no dissipaters) 0 0 Assumes all areas are not jurisdictional Assumes total of 1- 3’x3’ wetland & 2- Trail 9 7 rolling dips (3 rock lined w/ dissipaters) 9 30 3’x5’ WUS impacts

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Estimated Estimated “Other Activity That May Impact Comment Trail Wetland Impacts Waters” (WUS) Wetlands or “Other Waters” (WUS) (Impact assumptions) (sq.ft.) Impacts (sq.ft.) 700’of trail decommissioning including This will improve habitat. Assumes no 0 0 rehabilitation riparian area impact Rehabilitation of existing and addition of Assume 6- 4’x4’ wetland, 10- 4’x6’ WUS Trail 10 numerous rock lined rolling dips and 96 360 impacts many w/ rock dissipaters 9+ rock lined rolling dips w/ dissipaters per detail. Largest (>5 cfs) drainage at northerly end of project is located at the Assume no wetlands & 7- 3’x5’ WUS Trail 11 0 105 base of a large and wide draw requiring impacts multiple rolling dips to adequately disperse runoff. 4 rock lined rolling dips w/ rock Assumes a maximum of 10 sq.ft. Trail 12 10 10 dissipators wetland and 10 sq.ft. WUS Assumes runoff repair work is not part Trail 13 1 rolling dip (1 with rock dissipater), 0 0 of a WUS Assumes most areas non-jurisdictional because the trail bisects the upper part Trail 14 19 rolling dips (2 rock lined) 0 35 of the watershed, includes 35 sq.ft. WUS impacts for dips and dissipators Trailhead 15. No impacts to wetlands or WUS 0 0 Assumes all areas are not jurisdictional (Glacier) 14 rolling dips (2 rock lined and 1 Trail 16 associated with rock steps at Skislope 0 0 Assumes all areas are not jurisdictional Way) Trail 17 1 rock lined rolling dip 0 10 Assumes 1 WUS Assumes 40 linear ft. with 1 ft. width of 2 puncheons, realignment and 40 10 wetland impact and 10 linear ft. with decommissioning of eroded trail segment 1ft. width of WUS Rock steps installation 0 0

32 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Estimated Estimated “Other Activity That May Impact Comment Trail Wetland Impacts Waters” (WUS) Wetlands or “Other Waters” (WUS) (Impact assumptions) (sq.ft.) Impacts (sq.ft.) Trailhead 18. (Berngarten- 0 0 Assumes all areas are not jurisdictional McGlashan Springs) Trail 19 Assumes 10 sq.ft. of wetland impacts (Nature 1 bridge replacement 10 10 for abutment and 10 sq.ft. of WUS loop) impacts. Assumes 10 sq.ft of wetland impact and 10 sq.ft. of WUS impacts where 1 boardwalk replacement 10 10 boardwalk meets the land. Per ACOE helical screws not fill. Assumes 335 linear ft. with 1 ft. width 335 linear feet of new and rehabilitation 335 10 of wetland impact and 10 linear ft. of of existing turnpike WUS with 1 ft. width. 1 rock wall retention and tread 0 0 Assumes area not jurisdictional stabilization improvement 1 trail reroute and 225’ of trail This will protect wetlands and WUS, no 0 0 decommissioning impacts Assumes 10 sq.ft of wetland impact and 4 rolling dips (1 with rock dissipater) 10 10 10 sq.ft. of WUS impacts Trail 20 1 armored swale 0 10 Assumes 10 sq.ft. of WUS impacts new and improved turnpike 280 0 Assumes 280’ x1’ wetland impacts 1800 linear feet of rolling dips with rock Nonjurisdictional roadbed, assumes no 0 0 dissipators on existing roadbed segment impacts 3 rolling dips w/ dissipaters on existing Trail 21 0 0 Assumes all areas are not jurisdictional trail 150ft. of drainage lense 50 0 Assumes 50’ x1’ of wetland impacts

33 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Estimated Estimated “Other Activity That May Impact Comment Trail Wetland Impacts Waters” (WUS) Wetlands or “Other Waters” (WUS) (Impact assumptions) (sq.ft.) Impacts (sq.ft.) trail decommission, rehabilitation and extension of existing turnpike (at 0 20 Assumes 20 sq.ft. of WUS impacts Lausanne Way) and 2 rolling dips on new trail segment (1 rock lined) Trail 22 A 6 rolling dips 0 0 Assumes all areas are not jurisdictional new rock steps (north side of Trail 22 B&C Brookstone), numerous switchback and 0 0 Assumes all areas are not jurisdictional trail realignment and decommissioning Rehabilitation of 3 existing rolling dips (and addition of rock dissipaters) and the Assumes work avoids all the wetlands Trail 22 D 0 0 addition of up to 6 spaced rolling dips and WUS in the vicinity with rock dissipaters 996 sq.ft. (0.02 Total 896 (0.02 acres) acres)

34 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Table 4. Special Status Plant Species Potentially Occurring in or Near the Study Area

Federal State CNPS Potential Occurrence in Study Species Listing Listing Listing Habitat Associations and Taxa Ecology Area Status1 Status1 Status1 Arabis rigidissima Low-Medium Potential. Habitat Brassicaceae. Perennial herb. Broadleafed upland forest, var. demota present, though closest FSS - 1B.2 upper montane coniferous forest; rocky. 2255 - 2560m. (Galena Creek occurrences approx. 10 miles to S Flowers August. rockcress) & SE.

Artemisia tripartita Present. Observed in the Euer Asteraceae. Perennial shrub. Upper montane coniferous ssp. tripartita - - 2B.3 Valley during 2009 TDA forestry forest; rocky, volcanic. 2200 – 2600m. Flowers August. (threetip sagebrush) surveys.

Fabaceae. Perennial herb. Alpine boulder and rock field, Astragalus austiniae Low Potential. Limited habitat - - 1B.3 subalpine coniferous forest; rocky. 2440 – 2965m. Flowers (Austin's astragalus) present. July -September.

Botrychium Ophioglossaceae. Perennial herb, rhizomatous. Lower and Medium Potential. Habitat crenulatum upper montane coniferous forest, marshes and swamps; FSS - 2.B2 present, may occur in wet (scalloped mesic areas. Elevation range 1265-3280 m. Best identified meadows and wetlands. moonwort) June-September. Ophioglossaceae. Perennial herb, rhizomatous. Subalpine Botrychium lunaria Medium Potential. Habitat and upper montane coniferous forest, meadows and seeps; (common FSS - 2B.3 present, may occur in wet mesic areas. Elevation range 2280-3400 m. Best identified moonwort) meadows and wetlands. August. Ophioglossaceae. Perennial herb, rhizomatous. Bogs and Botrychium Medium Potential. Habitat fens, lower montane coniferous forest, edges of meadows minganense FSS - 2B.2 present, may occur in wet and seeps; mesic areas. Elevation range 1455-2180m. Best (Mingan moonwort) meadows and wetlands. identified July-Sept. Cyperaceae. Subalpine coniferous forest, upper montane Carex davyi (C. Present. Observed in the Euer coniferous forest. Known from fewer than 20 extant constanceana) - - 1B.3 Valley during 2009 TDA forestry occurrences. Similar to C. petasata. Elevation 1500-3200m. (Davy's sedge) surveys May to August.

35 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Federal State CNPS Potential Occurrence in Study Species Listing Listing Listing Habitat Associations and Taxa Ecology Area Status1 Status1 Status1 Cyperaceae. Perennial rhizomatous herb. Bogs and fens, Low Potential. No bogs or fens Carex limosa lower and upper montane coniferous forest, soggy present, limited habitat in the - - 2B.2 (mud sedge) meadows and seeps, marshes and swamps, edges of lakes. portions of wetlands with a long 1200-2700m. Jun-Aug. hydroperiod. Portulacaceae. Perennial herb. Alpine boulder and rock Low Potential. No subalpine Claytonia megarhiza field, subalpine, lower, and upper montane coniferous - - 2B.3 areas, limited upper elevation (fell fields claytonia) forest; talus crevices, rocky or gravelly sites. Elevation rocky areas. range 2600-3300m. Flowers July-August. Unlikely-Low Potential. No bogs Droseraceae. Perennial herb. Bogs and fens, meadows and Drosera anglica or fens present, limited habitat in - - 2B.3 seeps, mesic sites. Elevation range 1300-2000m. Flowers (English sundew) the portions of wetlands with a June-August. long hydroperiod.

Erigeron eatonii var. Asteraceae. Perennial herb. Great Basin scrub, lower Low Potential. Limited habitat nevadincola - - 2B.3 montane coniferous forest, pinyon and juniper woodland; present. (Nevada daisy) rocky substrates. 1400-2900m. Flowers May-July.

Asteraceae. Perennial herb. Upper montane coniferous Erigeron miser forest; rocky substrates. Occurs along Hole in the Ground Medium Potential. Habitat FSS - 1B.3 (starved daisy) and Warren Lake trails to the west. Elevation range 1840- present in rocky areas. 2620m. Flowers June-October. Polygonaceae. Perennial herb. Upper montane coniferous Eriogonum forest, meadows and seep volcanic rocky substrates, High Potential. Habitat present, umbellatum var. usually in bare or sparse areas. Known from fewer than 10 Many populations to the west & torreyanum FSS - 1B.2 occurrences. Many populations to the west. Also observed found on east slope of Red (Donner Pass on east slope of Red Mountain above Crabtree Canyon. Mountain above Crabtree Canyon. buckwheat) Elevation range 1855-2620m. Flowers July-September.

36 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Federal State CNPS Potential Occurrence in Study Species Listing Listing Listing Habitat Associations and Taxa Ecology Area Status1 Status1 Status1 Low-Medium Potential. Limited Poaceae. Perennial rhizomatous grass. Bogs and fens, habitat present, may occur in Glyceria grandis meadows and seeps, marshes and swamps; streambank wetter wet meadows & edge of (American manna - - 2B.3 and lake margins. Elevation range 15-1980m. Flowers June- open water. Closest occurrence grass) August. on the Truckee River, near Squaw, approx. 13 miles away. Rosaceae. Perennial herb. Great Basin scrub, lower Low-Medium Potential. Typically Ivesia sericoleuca montane coniferous forest, meadows and seeps, vernal found in flat slightly mesic areas FSS - 1B.2 (Plumas ivesia) pools, vernally mesic. Elevation range 1400-2200m. Flowers on volcanics. Occurs approx. 3 May-September. miles to the east near Hwy 89. Juncus luciensis Juncaceae. Annual herb. Chaparral. Great Basin scrub, Low-Medium Potential. Limited (Santa Lucia dwarf FSS - 1B.2 lower montane coniferous forest, meadows and seeps, habitat in the wetland areas. rush) vernal pools. Elevation range 300 - 2040m. Flowers Apr-Jul. Montiaceae. Perennial herb. Known from fewer than Lewisia longipetala twenty occurrences. Alpine boulder and rock fields, Low Potential. Limited habitat (long-petaled FSS - 1B.3 subalpine coniferous forest, mesic, rocky, and granitic. present. lewisia) Elevation range 2500-2925m. Flowers July-August. Meesiaceae. Moss. Bogs and fens, meadows and seeps, Medium Potential. Habitat Meesia uliginosa subalpine coniferous forest, upper montane coniferous present, may occur in openings in (broad-nerved FSS - 2B.2 forest, damp soil. Multiple occurrences several miles to the wet meadows and wet areas hump moss) north. 1210- 2805m. adjacent to creeks. Mertensia oblongifolia var. Boraginaceae. Perennial herb. Great basin scrub, lower Low Potential. Limited habitat oblongifolia - - 2B.2 montane coniferous forest, meadows and seeps, subalpine present. (sagebrush coniferous forest. 1000-3000m. Flowers April – July. bluebells) Nardia hiroshii Liverwort. Damp soil with granitic bedrock, meadows and Low Potential. Limited habitat - - 2B.3 (Hiroshi's flapwort) seeps. 2195m. present.

37 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Federal State CNPS Potential Occurrence in Study Species Listing Listing Listing Habitat Associations and Taxa Ecology Area Status1 Status1 Status1 Packera indecora Asteraceae. Perennial herb. Meadows and seeps, mesic. (Senecio indecorus) Unlikely-Low Potential. Limited - - 2B.2 Last observed in Tahoe National Forest in 1912.Elevation (rayless mountain habitat present. range 1600-2000m. Flowers July-August. ragwort) Boraginaceae. Annual herb. Cismontane woodland, lower Phacelia stebbinsii Low-Medium Potential. FSS - 1B.2 montane coniferous forest, meadows, and seeps. Elevation (Stebbins' phacelia) Limited habitat present. range 610-2010m. Flowers June-July. Potamogeton Potamogetonaceae. Perennial rhizomatous herb aquatic. Low Potential. Limited open epihydrus Marshes and swamps (shallow water, ponds, lakes, water habitat present. Has not - - 2B.2 (Nuttall’s ribbon- irrigation districts). Last observed near Tahoe Tavern in been observed in the region in 83 leaved pondweed) 1932. 370 - 217m. Flowers July-August. years. Potamogeton Potamogetonaceae. Perennial rhizomatous herb aquatic. Low Potential. Limited open praelongus Marshes and swamps (deep water, lakes). Last observed water habitat present. Has not - - 2B.2 (white stemmed near the Webber Peak Quad in 1894. 1800 - 3000m. been observed in the region in pondweed) Flowers July-August. 120 years. Potamogeton Potamogetonaceae. Perennial rhizomatous herb aquatic. Medium Potential. Observed in robbinsii Marshes and swamps; deep water, lakes. Occurs in shallow shallow water in Donner Lake. - - 2B.3 (Robbins' water in Donner Lake. Elevation range 1585-3300m. Shallow open water habitat pondweed) Flowers July-August. present. Rhamnaceae. Perennial deciduous shrub. Lower and upper Rhamnus alnifolia Medium Potential. Habitat - - 2B.2 montane coniferous forest, meadows and seeps, riparian (alder buckthorn) present scrub. 1370-2130m. Flowers May-Jul. Brassicaceae. Perennial herb. Known in CA only from Lake Rorippa Not Present. Occurs in the vicinity Tahoe. Lower montane coniferous forest, meadows, and subumbellata FC/FSS CE 1B.1 of Lake Tahoe on decomposed seeps; decomposed granitic beaches. Elevation range 1895- (Tahoe yellow cress) granite. 1900m. Flowers May-September. Lamiaceae. Perennial rhizomatous herb. Lower montane Scutellaria Low-Medium Potential. Limited coniferous forest, meadows and seeps, marshes and galericulata - - 2B.2 habitat present, may occur in swamps. Elevation range 0-2100m. Flowers June- (marsh skullcap) wetter wet meadows. September.

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Federal State CNPS Potential Occurrence in Study Species Listing Listing Listing Habitat Associations and Taxa Ecology Area Status1 Status1 Status1 Sphaeralcea Malvaceae. Perennial herb. Great Basin scrub. Known in CA munroana Not Present. No Great Basin scrub - - 2B.2 only from Squaw Creek in 1922. Elevation range 2000m. (Munroe's desert present. Flowers May-June. mallow)

* Key to status codes: FE Federal Endangered FT Federal Threatened FC Federal Candidate FSS US Forest Service Sensitive CE State Endangered CT State Threatened SCE State Candidate Endangered SSC CDFG Species of Special Concern California Native Plant Society (“CNPS”) List 1B.1 Rare, threatened or endangered in California and elsewhere. Fairly endangered in California. 1B.2 Rare, threatened or endangered in California and elsewhere. Moderately threatened in California. 1B.3 Rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. Not very endangered in California. 2.1 Rare, threatened or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere. Fairly endangered in California. 2.2 Rare, threatened or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere. Moderately threatened in California. 2.3 Rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere. Not very endangered in California.

39 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Table 5. Special-Status Animal Species Potentially Occurring in or Near the Study Area

SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL FOR OCCURRENCE Mammals This species is associated with a wide variety of habitats from deserts to mid-elevation mixed Medium Potential. Trail Project 3 in the Euer Corynorhinus townsendii coniferous-deciduous forest. Females form maternity Valley is proposed within approximately 100 SC, SSC, (Townsend’s big-eared colonies in buildings, caves and mines and males roost feet of two unoccupied historic buildings that WBWG bat) singly or in small groups. Foraging occurs in open and could potentially support roosting Townsend’s wooded habitats where they specialize on moths as big-eared bats, prey. Occupies a wide variety of habitats from arid deserts Low Potential. No suitable roosting habitat is Euderma maculatum SSC, and grasslands through mixed conifer forests. Feeds present within the Study Area, however this (spotted bat) WBWG over water and along washes. Needs rock crevices in species may occasionally forage within the cliffs or caves for roosting. Study Area. This species is typically solitary, roosting primarily in Low Potential. The Study Area generally lacks the foliage of trees or shrubs. Day roosts are the broad-leaved deciduous riparian forests of commonly in edge habitats adjacent to streams or sycamore, maple and cottonwood species that Lasiurus blossevillii SSC, open fields, in orchards, and sometimes in urban this species typically prefers as roosting (western red bat) WBWG areas. There may be an association with intact habitat. Additionally, the Study Area is located riparian habitat (particularly willows, cottonwoods, at higher elevation than this species typically and sycamores). inhabits. Medium Potential. The Study Area is within the range of this species and potentially Lepus americanus suitable riparian habitat is present along Trail Occurs in boreal zones of riparian communities. They tahoensis Projects 2, 19 and 20. This species was not SSC typically occupy altitudes between 5000 and 8000 (Sierra Nevada snowshoe observed during the site assessment. No feet. hare) recent occurrences have been documented within five miles of the Study Area (CNDDB 2015).

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SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL FOR OCCURRENCE Sagebrush, subalpine conifer, juniper, alpine dwarf Low Potential. This species is typically found Lepus townsendii shrub and perennial grassland. Open areas with associated with sagebrush east of the Sierra townsendii SSC scattered shrubs and exposed flat-topped hills with crest or areas above 8,500 feet. Neither of the (western white-tailed open stands of trees, brush and herbaceous preferred habitats of this species are present jackrabbit) understory. within the Study Area. Low Potential. The Study Area is within the range of this species and potentially suitable Occurs in areas with dense growth of small deciduous riparian habitat is present, although Prosser, trees and shrubs, wet soil, and abundant forbs. Needs Aplodontia rufa californica Alder and Trout Creeks are all lower gradient dense understory for food and cover and an abundant (Sierra Nevada mountain SSC than this species prefers. This species was not supply of water. Burrows into soft soil. This species is beaver) observed during the site assessment. No strongly associated with high elevations (>7,000 ft.) recent occurrences have been documented and steep gradient (>13.6%) streams (Beier 1989). within five miles of the Study Area (CNDDB 2015). Low Potential. The Study Area is located within the historic range of this species Dense vegetation and rocky areas are used for cover including a documented occurrence from 1941 Vulpes vulpes necator ST and den sites. Prefers forests interspersed with (CNDDB 2015). However, this species is (Sierra Nevada red fox) meadows or alpine fields. believed extirpated from the vicinity of Truckee and only remains near Lassen and Sonora. Low Potential. Currently no known occurrences of wolverines within ten miles of the Study Area. However, this species is increasing its population in the vicinity of the Uses caves, logs, and burrows for den sites. Requires Gulo gulo Study Area and have been observed recently ST, CFP water source. Hunts in areas that are more open. (California wolverine) near Fordyce Lake approximately ten miles Disperses long distances. west of the Study Area and could eventually range near the Study Area. No significant barriers to dispersal exist between the Study Area and these recent sightings.

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SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL FOR OCCURRENCE Low Potential. Aggressive fire management practices by Tahoe Donner have reduced Primarily inhabits mixed conifer forests composed of Martes pennanti FC, SC conifer stand density in the vicinity of the Douglas fir and associated conifers. They prefer heavy (Pacific fisher) SSC Study Area. Most of the proposed trails are stands of mixed species of mature timber. within fragmented habitat and adjacent to residential developments. Most abundant in drier open stages of most shrub, Low Potential. The thin, rocky soils and forest, and herbaceous habitats, with friable soils. Taxidea taxus general absence of broad open areas within SSC Needs sufficient food, friable soils & open, (American badger) the Study Area likely preclude American uncultivated ground. Preys on burrowing rodents. badger from the Study Area. Digs burrows.

Birds** Medium Potential. Aggressive fire management practices by Tahoe Donner have Prefers dense, mature conifer and deciduous forest reduced conifer stand density and much of the Accipter gentilis SSC usually near open space. Usually nests on north facing Study Area includes low-density residential (northern goshawk) slopes near water. development. However, Trail 1 and 2 traverse through potentially suitable habitat for goshawks. Low Potential. The Study Area does not contain any cliff habitat or any large isolated trees in open areas that this species typically Aquila chrysaetos Nests in isolated large trees and cliffs. Forages in more CFP, BCC prefers. Additionally, the prey base is (golden eagle) open country on small to medium-sized mammals. suppressed by snow cover during much of the early nesting season which would likely preclude nesting in this area. Low Potential. Suitably large bodies of water Requires large bodies of water, or free-flowing rivers are not present within the Study Area. Higher Haliaeetus leucocephalus SE, CFP, with abundant fish adjacent snags or other perches. quality habitats are present in the vicinity of (bald eagle) BCC Nests in large, old-growth, or dominant live tree with the Study Area and this species may open branches. occasionally be observed flying over the Study Area, but is unlikely to nest there.

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SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL FOR OCCURRENCE Falco peregrinus anatum Requires protected cliffs and ledges for cover. Feeds Not Present. Study Area does not provide (American peregrine CFP, BCC on a variety of birds, and some mammals. suitable nesting habitat. falcon) Low Potential. The Study Area does not Requires a combination of grassland or other open support the broad open areas that this species Asio otus country for foraging, and dense tall shrubs or trees for typically inhabits. No known occurrences or SSC (long-eared owl) nesting and roosting. Pine stands and windbreaks or sightings of this species are documented shelterbelts are favored winter roost habitat. within five miles of the Study Area (CNDDB 2015, eBird 2015) Low Potential. Aggressive fire management practices by Tahoe Donner have reduced conifer stand density and much of the Study Area includes low-density residential Psiloscops flammeolus Prefers mature stands of ponderosa pines and Jeffrey BCC development. Suitable snags and trees with (flammulated owl) pines with Douglas fir understory. suitable cavities are limited in the Study Area. No known occurrences or sightings of this species are documented within five miles of the Study Area (CNDDB 2015, eBird 2015). Low Potential. Aggressive fire management practices by Tahoe Donner have reduced conifer stand density and much of the Study Largest owl in North America. Extremely rare, prefers Area includes low-density residential Strix nebulosa SE dense mature forest at edges of meadows. Known development. Suitable snags and trees with (great gray owl) from Plumas County south to Yosemite Park. suitable cavities are limited in the Study Area. No known occurrences or sightings of this species are documented within five miles of the Study Area (CNDDB 2015, eBird 2015). Not Present. The Study Area lacks the Mixed conifer forest, often with an understory of deciduous hardwood and canyon habitat that Strix occidentalis black oaks and other deciduous hardwoods. Canopy this species prefers. No known occurrences or occidentalis SSC, BCC closure >40%. Most often found in deep-shaded sightings of this species are documented (California spotted owl) canyons, on north facing slopes, and within 300 within five miles of the Study Area (CNDDB meters of water. 2015, eBird 2015).

43 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL FOR OCCURRENCE Requires steep cliffs or ocean bluffs with ledges, Not Present. The Study Area is outside the Cypseloides niger SSC, BCC cavities, or cracks for nest sites. Nests are almost current breeding range of this species and (black swift) always behind waterfalls. typical nesting habitat is not present. High Potential. Suitable nesting and foraging Found in a wide variety of habitats that provide habitat is present in the Study Area and Selasphorus rufus BCC nectar-producing flowers. A common migrant and multiple occurrences of this species have been (rufous hummingbird) uncommon summer resident of California. documented from Tahoe-Donner region (eBird 2015). Present. This species was documented Picoides albolarvatus Strongly associated with pine forests of the Transition nesting near the Tahoe Donner Adventure (white-headed BCC and lower Canadian life zones. Breed primarily Center in 2014. Suitable nesting habitat occurs woodpecker) between 4000 to 7500 feet in elevation. throughout the Study Area. Nesting habitats are mixed conifer, montane High Potential. Suitable nesting and foraging hardwood-conifer, Douglas fir, redwood, red fir, and habitat is present in the Study Area and Contopus cooperi SSC, BCC lodgepole pine. Most numerous in montane conifer multiple occurrences of this species have been (olive-sided flycatcher) forests where tall trees overlook canyons, meadows, documented from Tahoe-Donner region (eBird lakes or other open terrain. 2015). High Potential. Suitable nesting and foraging habitat is present in the Study Area and Inhabits extensive thickets of low, dense willows on multiple sightings of this species have been edge of wet meadows, ponds, or backwaters; Empidonax traillii documented in the vicinity of Trails 19 and 20 SE, BCC 2000-8000 elev. Requires dense willow thickets for (willow flycatcher) (eBird 2015). Potential also exists for this nesting/roosting. Low, exposed branches are used for species to occur near Trails 1 and 2 and willow singing posts/hunting perches. flycatcher is documented to occur along North Fork Prosser Creek. High Potential. Suitable nesting and foraging habitat is present in the Study Area and Associated with riparian habitat, particularly willow Setophaga petechia multiple sightings of this species have been SSC, BCC and alder thickets in montane areas, and willow- (yellow warbler) documented in the vicinity of Trails 19 and 20 cottonwood riparian at lower elevations. (eBird 2015). Potential also exists for this species to occur near Trails 1 and 2.

44 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Reptiles and Amphibians Medium Potential. Historic occurrences of this species are documented from Prosser and Alder Creeks in the vicinity of the Study Area. No documented occurrences have been Found in sunny riverbanks, meadow streams, and recorded in the vicinity of the Study Area since Rana sierrae isolated ponds of the High Sierra usually higher than 1961 (Brown et al. 2014). It is unknown Sierra Nevada yellow- FE, ST 4500 feet in elevation. Always encountered within a whether this species still occurs there in light legged frog few feet of water. Tadpoles may require up to two of documented declines since these years to completely development. occurrences were recorded. No yellow-legged frogs were observed during the site assessment; however focused surveys were not performed.

Fish Historically in all accessible cold waters of the Present. Lahontan cutthroat trout are stocked Oncorhynchus clarkii Lahontan Basin in a wide variety of water in Prosser Reservoir and are documented to henshawi FT temperatures and conditions. Cannot tolerate inhabit Prosser Creek above the reservoir (Lahontan cutthroat trout) presence of other salmonids. Requires gravel riffles in (CNDDB 2015). Alder Creek is also considered streams for spawning. to be within the extant range of this species. * Key to status codes: FE Federal Endangered FT Federal Threatened FC Federal Candidate BCC U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bird of Conservation Concern SE State Endangered ST State Threatened SC State Candidate CFP CDFW Fully Protected SSC CDFW Species of Special Concern WBWG Western Bat Working Group Medium or High Priority Species

**All migratory birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (50 CFR 10), which makes it unlawful to take, possess, buy, sell, purchase or barter any migratory bird, including feathers or other parts, nests, eggs or products, except as allowed by implementing regulations (50 CFR 21). In addition, Section 2080 of the California Fish and Game Code prohibits the killing of a listed species, and Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3800 of the Fish and Game Code prohibit the take, possession, or destruction of birds, their nests, or eggs.

45 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

References

Altman, B., and R. Sallabanks. 2000. Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi). In The Birds of North America, No. 502 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Ayers, Michael Benson (October 1997). Aerial Multispectral Videography for Vegetation Mapping and Assessment of Beaver Distribution within Selected Riparian Areas of the Lake Tahoe Basin (Thesis). University of Nevada at Reno. p. 71. Retrieved2010-08-26

Balance Hydrologics Inc. 2015. Hydrology report for the Tahoe Donner 5Year Implementation Plan.

Baldwin, B., D. Goldman, D. Keil, R. Patterson, T. Rosatti, and D. Wilken. 2011. The Jepson Manual, Vascular Plants of California, Second Edition. University of California Press.

Ball, Gavin Planning Consultant. 2015. Tahoe Donner Trails Five-Year Implementation Plan

Beier, Paul; Barrett, Reginald H. (October 1987). "Beaver Habitat Use and Impact in Truckee River Basin, California". Journal of Wildlife Management 51 (4): 794–799. doi: 10.2307/3801743. JSTOR 3801743.

Brown, C., M. P. Hayes, G. A. Green, D. C. Macfarlane. 2014. Mountain Yellow Legged Frog Conservation Assessment for the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, USA – A collaborative Inter-Agency Report. USDA R5-TP-038. July 2014.

CalFish. 2014. Fish Passage Database. Available online at: http://www.calfish.org . Site Accessed May 2015.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2009. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2015. California Natural Diversity Database (https://map.dfg.ca.gov/rarefind/) Site Accessed January, March, and April 2015.

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Cal-IPC. 2006. California Invasive Plant Inventory. Cal-IPC Publication 2006-02. California Invasive Plant Council: Berkeley, CA. Available at: www.cal-ipc.org.

CNPS, Rare Plant Program. 2015. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition, v8-02). California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed January and April 2015].

Cronquist, A., A.H. Holmgren, N.H. Holmgren, J.L. Reveal, and P.K. Holmgren. 1972-2005. Intermountain Flora. Volumes 1, 2b, 3-6. New York Botanical Garden. New York City.

C.S. Ecological Surveys and Assessments. 2009. Botanical Survey for TESC Plants and Noxious/Invasive Weeds on Forest Management Areas of Tahoe Donner.

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Gard, R (1961). "Effects of beaver on trout in Sagehen Creek, California". Journal of Wildlife Management 25 (3): 221– 242.doi: 10.2307/3797848. JSTOR 3797848.

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Graf, M. 1999. Plants of the Tahoe Basin. University of California Press. 46 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Houdyschell, W. H. 2006. Tahoe Donner Association’s California Cooperative Forest Management Plan.

Houdyschell, W. H pers. com. To S. Connelly May 26, 2015.

Jennings, M.R. and M.P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. Report prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, CA.

Lowther, P. E., C. Celada, N. K. Klein, C. C. Rimmer and D. A. Spector. 1999. Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia), The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America Online: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/454

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47 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Appendix A. Plant Taxa Observed During Field Assessments Within a Portion of the Study Area (2013-4)

Typical Cal-IPC, CDFA Family Scientific Name Common Name Habitat1 Weed Lists2 Other Equisetaceae Equisetum arvense branched horsetail RD,MWM Pinaceae Abies concolor white fir SMC Pinaceae Abies magnifica red fir SMC Pinaceae Pinus contorta var. murrayana lodgepole pine MR Pinaceae Pinus jeffreyi Jeffrey pine SMC Eudicots Apiaceae Ligusticum grayi Gray’s lovage MR,MWM SMC, Apiaceae Perideridia lemmonii Lemmon’s yampah MWM Apiaceae Perideridia parishii Parish’s yampah MWM Asteraceae Achillea millefolium yarrow MWM Asteraceae Arnica dealbata mock leopard bane SMC Artemisia tridentata ssp. Asteraceae mountain sagebrush MC vaseyana Asteraceae Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus yellow rabbitbrush RD,MC Asteraceae Cirsium arvense Canada thistle RD A, Moderate MWM, RD Asteraceae Cirsium scariosum elk thistle (dry areas) Asteraceae Erigeron coulteri Coulter’s fleabane MWM Asteraceae Madia glomerata tarweed MWM Asteraceae Matricaria discoidea*3 pineapple weed RD lamb’s tongue Asteraceae Senecio integerrimus SMC ragwort Asteraceae Senecio scorzonella Sierra ragwort SMC,WM Symphyotrichum spathulatum var. spathulatum Asteraceae aster WM (was Aster occidentalis ssp. occidentalis) Asteraceae Taraxacum officinale* dandelion RD Asteraceae Tragopogon pratense* salsify RD Opening in Asteraceae Wyethia mollis woolly mules ear various Betulaceae Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia Mountain alder MR Hydrophyllum capitatum var. Boraginaceae woolen breeches SMC alpinum

1 Habitat symbols: RD (Ruderal Disturbed/ developed), SMC (Sierran Mixed Conifer), MC (Montane Chaparral), MR (Montane Riparian), AG (Aspen Grove), MWM (Montane Wet Meadow). Some species will occur in a variety of habitats. 2 Cal-IPC overall rating for the species (High, Moderate, or Limited). CDFA rating A, B, C (with A the highest priority). 3 *Denotes Non-Native

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Typical Cal-IPC, CDFA Family Scientific Name Common Name Habitat1 Weed Lists2 Boraginaceae Nemophila (pedunculata?) baby blue-eyes WM Boraginaceae Nemophila heterophylla baby blue-eyes WM Boraginaceae Nemophila spatulata baby blue-eyes WM Boraginaceae Phacelia hastata var. hastata silver-leaf phacelia Various Boraginaceae Phacelia humilis low phacelia SMC Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. Boraginaceae popcorn flower WM micranthus 4 Brassicaceae Arabis holboellii Holboell's rock-cress SMC Brassicaceae Barbarea orthoceras winter cress WM Brassicaceae Descurainia sp.* tansy mustard RD Brassicaceae Lepidium campestre* pepperweed RD,WM Brassicaceae Rorippa curvisiliqua western yellowcress WM Lonicera involucrata var. Caprifoliaceae honeysuckle SMC, MC involucrata Caprifoliaceae Symphoricarpos mollis creeping snowberry SMC Caryophyllaceae Stellaria longipes var. longipes long stalked sandwort RD, Various Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium album* pigweed RD Nuttall’s poverty Chenopodiaceae Monolepis nuttalliana RD weed Ericaceae Arctostaphylos nevadensis pinemat manzanita MC Ericaceae Arctostaphylos patula manzanita MC Ericaceae Pterospora andromedea pinedrops SMC Lotus purshianus var. Fabaceae Spanish-clover RD purshianus* Lupinus argenteus var. Fabaceae lupine Openings meionanthus Fabaceae Lupinus polyphyllus spp. burkei blue pod lupine WM Trifolium longipes ssp. Fabaceae long stalked clover WM autrorubens Fabaceae Trifolium pratense* red clover RD Fabaceae Trifolium productum Shasta clover RD,WM Grossulariaceae Ribes cereum var. cereum wax current SMC,MC Grossulariaceae Ribes viscosissimum sticky current SMC Monardella odoratissima ssp. Lamiaceae coyote mint SMC pallida Lamiaceae Prunella vulgaris self-heal WM Malvaceae Sidalcea oregana Oregon checkerbloom WM RD, Montiaceae Calyptridium umbellatum pussy paws Openings Montiaceae Claytonia perfoliata miner’s lettuce RD

4 Nutlets too young to tell

49 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Typical Cal-IPC, CDFA Family Scientific Name Common Name Habitat1 Weed Lists2 Montiaceae Montia chamissoi Chamisso’s montia WM Montiaceae Montia fontana water chickweed WM Chamerion angustifolium ssp. Onagraceae fireweed WM circumvagum (was Epilobium) Onagraceae Epilobium brachycarpum willow-herb Various Onagraceae Epilobium ciliatum fringed willow-herb WM Onagraceae Epilobium glaberrimum glabrous willow-herb WM black footed prairie Onagraceae Gayophytum racemosum SMC smoke Onagraceae Taraxia subacaulis northern sun cup WMs Orobanchaceae Castilleja miniata var. miniata scarlet paintbrush MC, WM slender paintbrush Orobanchaceae Castilleja tenuis Various (owl’s clover) Orobanchaceae Pedicularis semibarbata pinewoods lousewort SMC Orobanchaceae Triphysaria eriantha butter and eggs Openings primrose Phrymaceae Mimulus primuloides WM monkeyflower Plantaginaceae Collinsia parviflora blue-eyed Mary SMC Penstemon rydbergii var. Rydberg’s Plantaginaceae WM oreocharis beardtongue Veronica peregrina ssp. Plantaginaceae purslane speedwell WM xalapensis Veronica serpyllifolia ssp. thyme-leaved Plantaginaceae WM humifusa speedwell large flowered Polemoniaceae Collomia grandiflora SMC collomia Polemoniaceae Collomia heterophylla variable-leaf collomia SMC Polemoniaceae Collomia tinctoria staining collomia SMC Polemoniaceae Eriastrum sparsiflorum eriastrum RD Leptosiphon harknessii (was Polemoniaceae Harkness' flax flower Openings Linanthus h.) Polemoniaceae Microsteris gracilis graceful phlox SMC Navarretia intertexta ssp. needle-leaved Polemoniaceae WM propinqua navarretia Polemoniaceae Navarretia leptalea gilia Openings Polemoniaceae Polemonium californicum Jacob’s ladder WM western Jacob’s Polemoniaceae Polemonium occidentale WM ladder Polygonaceae Bistorta bistortoides western bistort WM Various Polygonaceae Eriogonum nudum nude buckwheat Uplands Polygonaceae Polygonum aviculare* common knotweed RD Polygonaceae Polygonum douglasii Douglas’ knotweed RD, Various

50 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Typical Cal-IPC, CDFA Family Scientific Name Common Name Habitat1 Weed Lists2 Polygonaceae Polygonum polygaloides polygonum RD, WM Polygonaceae Rumex salicifolius willow dock WM Ranunculaceae Delphinium nuttallianum Nuttall’s larkspur WM Ranunculaceae Myosurus apetalus mousetail WM Ranunculaceae Ranunculus alismifolius buttercup WM Ranunculaceae Ranunculus occidentalis western buttercup WM Rhamnaceae Ceanothus cordulatus mountain whitethorn MC Rhamnaceae Ceanothus prostratus Mahala mat SMC, MC Rhamnaceae Ceanothus velutinus tobacco bush MC Roseaceae Amelanchier utahensis serviceberry MR SMC, Roseaceae Geum macrophyllum big leaved avens Openings Roseaceae Potentilla gracilis var. elmeri graceful cinquefoil WM Roseaceae Potentilla gracilis var. fastigiata graceful cinquefoil WM Roseaceae Potentilla lactea var. lactea Sierran cinquefoil WM Roseaceae Prunus emarginata bitter cherry Various Rubiaceae Kelloggia galioides kelloggia SMC Salicaceae Salix exigua var. exigua narrow-leaved willow MR Salicaceae Salix geyeriana Geyer’s willow MR Salicaceae Salix lasiolepis (?) arroyo willow MR Salicaceae Salix lemmonii Lemmon's willow MR Salicaceae Salix orestera gray-leaved willow MR Salicaceae Salix scouleriana Scouler’s willow Various Scrophulariaceae Verbascum thapsus* mullein RD Limited Monocots Agavaceae Camassia quamash camas lily WM Alliaceae Allium campanulatum Sierra onion Openings Cyperaceae Carex aquatilis water sedge WM Cyperaceae Carex leporinella Sierra hare sedge WM Cyperaceae Carex microptera small winged sedge WM Cyperaceae Carex nebrascensis Nebraska sedge WM Cyperaceae Carex pellita wooly sedge WM Cyperaceae Carex subfusca pale broom sedge WM Cyperaceae Eleocharis acicularis needle spikerush WM Juncaceae Juncus balticus Baltic rush WM Juncus bufonius var. Juncaceae toad rush WM occidentalis Juncaceae Juncus nevadensis Sierran rush WM Juncaceae Juncus saximontanus rush WM Liliaceae Veratrum californicum corn lily WM

51 Biological Constraints Report, Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan December 2015

Typical Cal-IPC, CDFA Family Scientific Name Common Name Habitat1 Weed Lists2 SMC, Poaceae Agrostis humilis mountain bentgrass Openings Poaceae Agrostis scabra rough bentgrass WM Poaceae Alopecurus aequalis foxtail WM field or meadow Poaceae Alopecurus pratensis* WM foxtail RD, Poaceae Arrhenatherum elatius* big oat grass Openings Bromus carinatus var. Poaceae mountain brome Various marginatus Poaceae Dactylis glomerata* orchard grass RD, WM Limited Poaceae Deschampsia caespitosa tufted hairgrass WM Poaceae Elymus elymoides squirreltail Various Poaceae Elymus glaucus ssp. glaucus blue wild rye RD, Various

Poaceae Elymus trachycaulus slender wheatgrass RD, Various Poaceae Elymus triticoides beardless wildrye RD, Various Poaceae Festuca idahoensis Idaho fescue Various Poaceae Glyceria elata fowl manna grass WM Poaceae Hordeum brachyantherum meadow barley WM Poaceae Muhlenbergia filiformis pull-up muhly WM Poaceae Phleum pratense timothy WM Poaceae Poa bulbosa* bulbous bluegrass RD, Various Poaceae Poa leptocoma ssp. leptocoma bog bluegrass WM Poaceae Poa palustris* fowl bluegrass WM Poaceae Poa pratensis* Kentucky bluegrass WM Limited pinewoods Poaceae Stipa (pinetorum?) Openings needlegrass Themidaceae Tritelia hyacinthina hyacinth brodiaea Openings

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Appendix B. Wildlife Taxa Observed During Field Assessments (Conducted in 2014)

Scientific Name Common Name Buteo jamaicensis red-tailed hawk Buteo lineatus red-shouldered hawk Callipepla californica California quail Callospermophilus lateralis golden-mantled ground squirrel Certhia americana brown creeper Coccothraustes vespertinus evening grosbeak Colaptes auratus northern flicker Corvus corax common raven Cyanocitta stelleri Steller’s jay Euphagus cyanocephalus Brewer’s blackbird Ixoreus naevius varied thrush Junco hyemalis dark-eyed junco Melospiza melodia song sparrow Nucifraga columbiana Clark’s nutcracker Odocoileus hemionus hemionus mule deer Petrochelidon pyrrhonota cliff swallow Picoides albolarvatus white-headed woodpecker Poecile gambeli mountain chickadee Salvelinus fontinalis brook trout Sceloporous occidentalis western fence lizard Sialia currucoides mountain bluebird Sitta canadensis red-breasted nuthatch Sitta pusilla pygmy nuthatch Spinus pinus pine siskin Tamiasciurus douglasii Douglas squirrel Turdus migratorius American robin Zonotrichia atricapilla Golden-crowned sparrow

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Appendix C. Representative Photos Additional Photos Can be Found in the Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan

Ruderal Disturbed/Developed (Near Trail 21, by the Northwoods Clubhouse)

Sierran Mixed Conifer (near Trail 1 and 6).

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Montane Chaparral (Near Trail 14)

Montane Riparian (Trout Creek, Trail 19)

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Aspen Grove (below Trail 9)

Montane Wet Meadow (Nature Loop, Trails 19 and 20)

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Typical Corps, RWQCB, and CDFW jurisdiction (Trout Creek crossing on Trail 19)

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Attachment. CNDDB Occurrence Report

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