Appendix D Biological Survey Reports EMPSi 2016; WRC 2013; ESRS 2013
This page intentionally left blank.
Biological Survey Report
ORNI 32, LLC DIXIE MEADOWS GEOTHERMAL UTILIZATION PROJECT PERSHING AND CHURCHILL COUNTIES, NEVADA
July 2016
Environmental Management and Planning Solutions, Inc. 4741 Caughlin Parkway, Suite 4 Reno, Nevada 89519 This page intentionally left blank. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page
1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1-1 1.1 Project Background ...... 1-1 1.2 Regional and Geographic Overview ...... 1-2 1.3 Methods ...... 1-2 1.3.1 Ground Survey ...... 1-2 1.3.2 Golden Eagle Aerial Survey ...... 1-5 2. VEGETATION ...... 2-1 2.1 Vegetation Types within the Project Area ...... 2-1 2.1.1 Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub ...... 2-1 2.1.2 Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat ...... 2-2 2.1.3 Invasive Shrubland, Forbland, and Grassland ...... 2-2 2.1.4 Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland ...... 2-2 2.1.5 North American Arid West Emergent Marsh ...... 2-5 2.1.6 Inter-Mountain Basins Playa ...... 2-5 2.2 Noxious, Invasive, and Nonnative Species ...... 2-6 3. WILDLIFE ...... 3-1 3.1 Regional Overview ...... 3-1 3.2 Migratory Birds ...... 3-2 3.2.1 Regulatory Background ...... 3-2 3.2.2 Migratory Birds in the Survey Area ...... 3-2 3.3 Game Species ...... 3-5 3.4 Other Wildlife Species ...... 3-5 4. SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES ...... 4-1 4.1 Regulatory Background ...... 4-1 4.2 Special Status Species ...... 4-3 5. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 5-1 5.1 Summary ...... 5-1 5.2 Recommendations ...... 5-2 6. REFERENCES ...... 6-1
FIGURES Page
1 Project Area ...... 1-3 2 Southwest Regional GAP Analysis Landcover Types within Survey Area ...... 2-3 3 Noxious Weeds ...... 2-7 4 Special Status Species Observations ...... 4-13
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report i TABLES Page
Table 2-1 SWReGAP Landcover Types within the Survey Area ...... 2-5 Table 2-2 Noxious Weeds ...... 2-9 Table 3-1 Typical Wildlife Species Associated with Habitats within the Survey Area ...... 3-1 Table 3-2 Birds of Conservation Concern Potentially Occurring within the Survey Area ...... 3-3 Table 3-3 Game Birds Below Desired Condition Potentially Occurring within the Survey Area ...... 3-4 Table 4-1 Special Status Species ...... 4-3
APPENDICES
A Agency Correspondence B Photo Log C List of Species Observed
ii Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS Full Phrase
BLM United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
ESA Endangered Species Act
GPS global positioning system
IM Instruction Memorandum kV kilovolt
MW megawatt
NDOW Nevada Department of Wildlife NNHP Nevada Natural Heritage Program
Orni 32 Orni 32 LLC
SWReGAP Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project
USC United States Code USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report iii Table of Contents
This page intentionally left blank.
iv Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
This report summarizes observations made during biological field surveys for the proposed Ormat Nevada Inc. (Ormat) Dixie Meadows Geothermal Utilization Project (Project). The proposed site is in Churchill and Pershing Counties, Nevada (Figure 1, Project Area). The biological field surveys were conducted to identify vegetation communities; evaluate project area habitat suitability for special status plant and wildlife species; locate important habitat features, such as nest sites and riparian and wetland areas; identify invasive, nonnative species; and document wildlife use of the area.
The results of the biological surveys will be used to evaluate potential impacts of the proposed Project on biological resources in the environmental document prepared by the United States (US) Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Stillwater Field Office in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND Orni 32, LLC, a subsidiary of Ormat, is proposing the Dixie Meadows Geothermal Utilization Project in Dixie Valley, approximately 43 miles northeast of Fallon in Churchill County, Nevada (see Figure 1). Orni 32, LLC, proposes to construct up to two 30 megawatt (MW) geothermal power plants; to drill, test, and operate up to 15 geothermal production and injection well sites and 8 core hole sites; and to construct and operate pipelines to carry geothermal fluid between well fields and the power plants.
Once commercial operations begin, power would be delivered to NV Energy by constructing a new 120-kilovolt (kV) interconnection line between the power plant and the Jersey Valley 120-kV transmission line. The new interconnection line would be 48 miles in length.
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 1-1 1. Introduction
In 2009, a biological survey was conducted within the original Dixie Meadows lease area, which is located east and southeast of the current survey area. It covered 4,936 acres (CH2M HILL 2009).
In 2011, EMPSi conducted a biological survey in the project area and northern gen-tie alignment. In 2013, WRC conducted additional biological surveys in portions of the project area and in an alternate, southern gen-tie alignment, which is not covered in this report (WRC 2013; ESRS 2013).
The biological surveys from 2016, detailed in this report, encompassed approximately 400 acres in the project area that have not been previously surveyed. In addition, the 2016 biological surveys covered portions of the current northern gen-tie alignment that are outside the 500-foot-wide buffer originally surveyed in 2011 (see Figure 1).
1.2 REGIONAL AND GEOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW The survey area is located on the east side of the Stillwater Range and west side of the Fish Creek Mountains. It spans from the Dixie Valley in the south up to the Jersey Valley in the north (Figure 1).
The project area is located within the Great Basin ecoregion, which is a cold desert characterized by a series of uplifted mountain ranges and their associated intervening valleys. Elevations range from approximately 3,300 feet to 3,600 feet, and the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately 35 miles to the southwest from the southern portion of the survey area.
1.3 METHODS Existing GIS landcover data from the Southwest Regional GAP Analysis Project (SWReGAP; USGS National Gap Analysis Program 2004) were used for preliminary project area habitat mapping. Vegetation types and acreages of each type were calculated for the survey area.
EMPSi reviewed the potentially occurring BLM sensitive species and their habitat requirements, as listed in the Coyote Canyon and Dixie Meadows Geothermal Facilities Final Biological Survey Report (CH2M HILL 2009). EMPSi coordinated with the BLM Stillwater Field Office wildlife biologist to determine sensitive species concerns for the area and to obtain the most recent list of BLM sensitive species. In addition, EMPSi requested lists of threatened, endangered, and sensitive species from the Nevada Natural Heritage Program (NNHP), Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS; Appendix A, Agency Correspondence).
1.3.1 Ground Survey A field survey of the project area was conducted by two EMPSi biologists on May 28 through 30, 2011. The survey area included the proposed power plant sites and encompassed a buffer of 250 feet on either side of the proposed
1-2 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 PERSHING COUNTY
n
L CHURCHILL COUNTY
y
e
s
p
m e D
Dixie Valley Rd
0 1 LANDER COUNTY Miles
CHURCHILL COUNTY
2016 Survey Area 2013 Survey Area 2011 Survey Area 2009 Survey Area Current Gen-Tie Route
June 30, 2016 NEVADA DM_Bio_Surveys_V01.pdf ¨¦§80 BLM Carson City District Office Project No warranty is made by the BLM ! Location as to the accuracy, reliability, or Reno completeness of these data for NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PUBLIC LANDS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR individual use or aggregate use BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT with other data. Las Vegas ! ¨¦§15 Source: Ormat GIS 2016, BLM GIS 2016
0 5 Dixie Meadow Biological Surveys Miles Pershing and Churchilll Counties, NV Figure 1 June 2016 This page intentionally left blank. 1. Introduction
transmission line. Two EMPSi biologists conducted additional field surveys of the project area on June 14 and 15, 2016. The survey covered approximately 400 acres of previously unsurveyed portions of the project area, as well as portions of the current northern gen-tie alignment that are outside the 500-foot-wide buffer originally surveyed in 2011.
The SWReGAP data were used as a basis for field verification of vegetation communities, and EMPSi recorded information about vegetation types and habitat conditions while walking meandering transects. The survey area was accessed via car and foot. Biologists recorded a complete list of vegetation observed, including the dominant shrub, grass, and forb species in each habitat type within the survey area. Elevation was recorded based on global positioning system (GPS) locations and US Geological Survey (USGS) topographical maps of the area. Notable habitat features, such as rock outcroppings, burrows, and wetland and riparian areas were recorded and investigated, as were incidental wildlife observations and wildlife signs.
For special status plants, potentially suitable plant communities were examined during the bloom period.
Ground burrows were examined for evidence of burrowing owls (e.g. feathers, pellets with insect exoskeletons, scat), although a protocol-level burrowing owl survey was not conducted.
1.3.2 Golden Eagle Aerial Survey During initial correspondence, the USFWS recommended an aerial survey for nesting golden eagles within 4 miles of the transmission line route due to the potential for effects to golden eagles nesting within and near the project area.
Golden eagle aerial surveys were conducted using the protocols outlined in the Interim Golden Eagle technical guidance (Pagel et al. 2010) and were conducted via a Bell 206L-4 helicopter. The surveys included a 4-mile buffer on either side of the proposed transmission lines and were conducted over three days: June 27 and 28, 2011.
Flights for the surveys commenced at 7:00 a.m. each day, and surveys began once the helicopter entered the buffer as noted and mapped by the on-board AGNav GPS system. Rocky outcrops, areas of suitable raptor nest trees, and structures (e.g., transmission lines) were flown and examined for nest structures. Most of the rock outcrops were flown contouring along the cliff or outcrop faces. However, occasionally high wind conditions or exceedingly steep terrain precluded conducting contouring transects. In these instances, the pilot was only able to fly with the slope of the landforms.
Nests were discerned as inactive, active, or occupied. Inactive nests are those nests that are without whitewash (or had very little), or other evidence of
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 1-5 1. Introduction
attendance (e.g., greenery). Active nests are those that had whitewash. Occupied nests were those that contained young golden eagles.
Nest locations were documented with a GPS waypoint, at least one photograph, and a description of the nest, occupants and/or other relevant information. GPS waypoints were not taken for species other than golden eagle; however, they were recorded in the field notebook. Incidental species noted within or near the project boundaries were recorded.
Aerial surveys were not conducted in 2016; however, ground surveys for golden eagles and other raptor species within 1 mile of the survey area were conducted in 2016.
1-6 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016
CHAPTER 2 VEGETATION
In general, the transmission line route spans several habitat types including salt desert shrub, greasewood flat, invasive grassland and forbland, sagebrush shrubland, playa, and marsh. Salt desert shrub, greasewood flat, and invasive shrubland and forbland are the three main vegetation types along the transmission line route, although the plant community composition varies slightly across the landscape. Within the proposed power plant sites, the main vegetation communities are salt desert shrub and greasewood flat. Biotic crusts occur in many locations, indicating a lack of prior soil disturbance. However, invasive species such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and red brome (B. rubus) are widespread throughout the survey area and are the dominant species in some areas. The topography within the survey area is generally flat, except in the northern portion of the transmission line route, which has alluvial fans and drainages.
2.1 VEGETATION TYPES WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA Table 2-1, SWReGAP Landcover Types within the Survey Area, at the end of the chapter, presents the SWReGAP landcover types, landcover description, and associated acreages along the transmission line route and within the proposed power plant sites (Figure 2, Southwest Regional GAP Analysis Landcover Types within Survey Area). Appendix B, Photo Log, is a photo log showing SWReGAP landcover types observed within the survey area. A complete list of plant species observed during the field survey is included as Appendix C, List of Species Observed.
2.1.1 Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub The mixed salt desert shrub community occurs along most of the transmission line route and covers most of the proposed power plant sites. Along the transmission line, the community is interspersed with the greasewood flat and playa communities.
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 2-1 2. Vegetation
The mixed salt desert shrub community is composed of fairly equal amounts of Bailey’s greasewood (Sarcobatus baileyi), rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus and C. viscidiflorus), and budsage (Artemisia spinescens). Horsebrush (Tetradymia spinosa and T. glabrata), Nevada ephedra (Ephedra nevadensis), and spiny hopsage (Grayia spinosa) were occasionally observed. Some areas mapped as mixed salt desert scrub, such as Township 24 N, Range 37 E, Section 11, are dominated by invasive species such as cheatgrass, red brome (Bromus rubens), flixweed (Descurainia sophia), and clasping pepperweed (Lepidium perfoliatum). Other forbs and grasses observed include steppe bluegrass (Poa secunda), pincushion (Chaenactis sp.), prince’s plume (Stanleya pinnata), desert dandelion (Malacothrix sp.), globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata), redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium), desert trumpet buckwheat (Eriogonum inflatum), halogeton, and Great Basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus).
2.1.2 Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat Greasewood flat occurs in a large patch in the middle of transmission line route (Township 24 N, Range 37 E, Sections 15, 16, 17, and 18) and is interspersed with mixed salt desert shrub and playa vegetation towards the southern end of the line. Within the proposed power plant sites, it co-occurs with mixed salt desert shrub. Greasewood flat is dominated by robust, usually 3 to 4 feet tall Bailey’s greasewood, with a few rabbitbrush, budsage, and shadscale shrubs associated. In certain locations, tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) occurs in this community. The forb and grass component was similar to the mixed salt desert scrub community.
2.1.3 Invasive Shrubland, Forbland, and Grassland Invasive shrubland, forbland, and grassland is mapped in a large patch towards the northern end of the transmission line route. However, some areas mapped as mixed salt desert shrub along the transmission line are dominated by invasive species. There is no invasive shrubland, forbland, or grassland within the proposed power plant sites. This vegetation community is generally dominated by invasive forbs and grasses, such as cheatgrass, flixweed, clasping pepperweed, and red brome. A few native shrubs occur, such as budsage and shadscale.
2.1.4 Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland Big sagebrush shrubland occurs mainly in the northern end of the transmission line route. It does not occur within the proposed power plant locations. It is the most diverse vegetation community in the survey area and supports the fewest invasive species. In contrast to much of the survey area, the topography of the big sagebrush shrubland community was characterized by alluvial fans and drainages, as this area is closer to the Fish Creek Mountains to the east. This vegetation community is dominated by big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), approximately 3 to 4 feet tall. Other species observed within this habitat type include shrubs such as budsage, green rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), and gray rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa). Forb composition includes
2-2 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 PERSHING COUNTY
0 1 LANDER COUNTY Miles
SWReGAP Vegetation Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub Inter-Mountain Basins Playa Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat Great Basin Pinyon-Juniper Woodland Recently Burned or Quarried Great Basin Xeric Mixed Sagebrush Shrubland Invasive Shrubland, Forbland or Grassland CHURCHILL COUNTY Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland Agriculture Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Shrub Steppe Other 2016 Survey Area Current Gen-Tie Route
June 30, 2016 NEVADA DM_Bio_SWReGAP_V01.pdf ¨¦§80 BLM Carson City District Office Project No warranty is made by the BLM ! Location as to the accuracy, reliability, or Reno completeness of these data for NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PUBLIC LANDS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR individual use or aggregate use BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT with other data. Las Vegas ! Sources: Esri, USGS, NOAA ¨¦§15 Source: Ormat GIS 2016, BLM GIS 2016, SWReGAP GIS 2004
0 4 Southwest Regional GAP Analysis Landcover Types within Survey Area Miles Pershing and Churchilll Counties, NV Figure 2 June 2016 This page intentionally left blank. 2. Vegetation
pincushion, squirreltail (Elymus elymoides), globemallow, bur buttercup (Ceratocephala testiculata), and some cheatgrass and clasping pepperweed.
2.1.5 North American Arid West Emergent Marsh Part of the southern portion of the survey area in the Dixie Meadows is characterized as North American Arid West Emergent Marsh. Within the project area, this community is composed of bulrush (Scirpus sp.), sedges (Carex spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.),, spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.), and canary reedgrass (Phragmites australis), with some salt grass in the areas with shorter vegetation. Springs are the likely the source of water for this wetland. A few nonnative, invasive plant species occur in this area, including Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare).
2.1.6 Inter-Mountain Basins Playa A small acreage of playa is mapped along the transmission line route, and is interspersed with mixed salt desert shrub and greasewood flat. It is largely unvegetated with some salt grass (Distichlis spicata) growing and salt crusts visible.
Table 2-1 SWReGAP Landcover Types within the Survey Area Approximate Acres SWReGAP Proposed Landcover Description Transmission Landcover Type Power Plant Line1 Sites Inter-Mountain Basins Open-canopied shrublands of typically saline 638 283 Mixed Salt Desert basins, alluvial slopes, and plains; substrates Scrub are often saline and calcareous, medium- to fine-textured, alkaline soils; vegetation characterized as typically open to moderately dense shrubland composed of one or more saltbush (Atriplex) species; herbaceous layer varies from sparse to moderately dense. Inter-Mountain Basins Typically occurs near drainages on stream 305 247 Greasewood Flat terraces and flats or may form rings around more sparsely vegetated playas; typically have saline soils, a shallow water table and flood intermittently, but remain dry for most growing seasons; usually occurs as a mosaic of multiple communities, with open to moderately dense shrublands dominated or co-dominated by greasewood (Sarcobatus spp.); often surrounded by mixed salt desert scrub. Invasive Shrubland, Areas dominated by introduced shrubs 110 0 Forbland, or and/or annual, biennial, and/or perennial Grassland forbs and grasses.
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 2-5 2. Vegetation
Table 2-1 SWReGAP Landcover Types within the Survey Area Approximate Acres SWReGAP Proposed Landcover Description Transmission Landcover Type Power Plant Line1 Sites Inter-Mountain Basins Occurs in broad basins between mountain 83 0 Big Sagebrush ranges, plains, and foothills. Soils are typically Shrubland deep, well-drained, and non-saline. These shrublands are dominated by big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata or A. t. ssp. wyomingensis). Perennial herbaceous components usually contribute less than 25% vegetative cover. North American Arid Frequently or continually inundated, with 12 5 West Emergent water depths up to 2 meters. Water levels Marsh may be stable or may fluctuate 1 meter or more over the course of the growing season. Vegetation is characterized by herbaceous plants that are adapted to saturated soil conditions, such as bulrush (Scirpus sp.), sedges (Carex spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.), and cattails (Typha spp.) Inter-Mountain Basins Composed of barren and sparsely vegetated 18 0 Playa playas (generally less than 10% plant cover); salt crusts are common, with small salt grass (Distichlis sp.) beds in depressions and sparse shrubs around the margins; intermittently flooded. Source: USGS National Gap Analysis Program 2005
1 Acreage is calculated within a 100-foot buffer of the proposed transmission line route.
2.2 NOXIOUS, INVASIVE, AND NONNATIVE SPECIES The state of Nevada lists 47 noxious weed species that require control (Nevada Administrative Code 555.10; Nevada Department of Agriculture 2016). Noxious weeds observed in the survey area are summarized in Table 2-2, and shown in Figure 3. In addition to noxious species, several nonnative, invasive plant species were observed throughout the survey area: cheatgrass, bur buttercup, and clasping pepperweed.
2-6 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 !(!(!(!( !( !(!(!(!(
!( !( !(!(!(
PERSHING COUNTY
!(!(!(
0 1 LANDER COUNTY Miles !(
!( Hoary Cress CHURCHILL COUNTY !( Russian Knapweed !( Russian Olive !( Tall Whitetop !( Tamarisk 2016 Survey Area Current Gen-Tie Route
!(!( June 30, 2016 !( NEVADA DM_Bio_Weeds_V01.pdf !( ¨¦§80 BLM Carson City District Office Project No warranty is made by the BLM ! Location as to the accuracy, reliability, or Reno completeness of these data for NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PUBLIC LANDS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR individual use or aggregate use BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT with other data. Las Vegas ! ¨¦§15 Source: Ormat GIS 2016, BLM GIS 2016
0 4 Noxious Weeds Miles Pershing and Churchilll Counties, NV Figure 3 June 2016 This page intentionally left blank. 2. Vegetation
Table 2-2 Noxious Weeds Noxious Weed Species Name Common Name Typical Location Category1 Acroptilon repens Russian knapweed B Patchy to dense in the northern portion of the transmission line in Jersey Valley Cardaria draba Hoary cress C One population in the Jersey Valley Lepidium latifolium Tall whitetop C Widespread but diffuse or in localized dense patches throughout the survey area Tamarix spp. Tamarix, salt cedar C Widespread but isolated and localized throughout the survey area Source: NDA 2016
1 Noxious weed categories: Category A: Noxious weeds that are generally not found or that are limited in distribution throughout the state; no Category A weeds were observed. Category B: Listed noxious weeds that are generally established in scattered populations in some counties of the state. Category C: Listed noxious weeds that are generally established and generally widespread in many counties of the state.
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 2-9 2. Vegetation
This page intentionally left blank.
2-10 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016
CHAPTER 3 WILDLIFE
3.1 REGIONAL OVERVIEW Table 3-1, Typical Wildlife Species Associated with Habitats within the Survey Area, presents the habitat types within the survey area and typical associated wildlife species within the Great Basin. Species documented during surveys were typical for the habitat types found within the survey area. A complete list of wildlife species observed during the field survey is included as Appendix C. All wildlife species directly observed or detected by sign (e.g., tracks, burrows, and scat) in the survey area or within 1 mile were recorded.
Table 3-1 Typical Wildlife Species Associated with Habitats within the Survey Area Habitat Type1 Associated Species Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Pronghorn antelope; coyote; pocket mouse; loggerhead Salt Desert Scrub shrike; common raven; side-blotched lizard Inter-Mountain Basins Black-tailed jackrabbit; white-tailed antelope squirrel; Greasewood Flat black-throated sparrow; horned lark; desert horned lizard Invasive Shrubland, Forbland, Common raven; red-tailed hawk; burrowing owl; horned or Grassland lark; pronghorn antelope, collared lizard Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sage sparrow; Great Basin fence lizard; western kingbird; Sagebrush Shrubland Brewer’s sparrow North American Arid West Yellow-headed blackbird; marsh wren; spotted Emergent Marsh sandpiper; bullfrog Inter-Mountain Basins Playa Pocket gopher; killdeer; American avocet; black-necked stilt 1 Based on SWReGAP landcover types
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 3-1 3. Wildlife
3.2 MIGRATORY BIRDS
3.2.1 Regulatory Background
Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act implements a series of international treaties that provide for migratory bird protection. The Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to regulate the taking of migratory birds; the act provides that it shall be unlawful, except as permitted by regulations, “to pursue, take, or kill any migratory bird, or any part, nest or egg of any such bird” (16 US Code [USC] 703) but does not regulate habitat. The list of species protected by the Act was revised in March 2010 and includes almost all bird species (1,007 species) that are native to the US.
Executive Order 13186, Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds Signed on January 11, 2001, this Executive Order directs each federal agency taking actions that are likely to have a measureable effect on migratory bird populations to develop and implement a Memorandum of Understanding with the USFWS that promotes the conservation of migratory bird populations.
Instruction Memorandum 2008-050, Migratory Bird Treaty Act–Interim Management Guidance This Instruction Memorandum (IM) establishes a consistent approach for addressing migratory bird populations and habitats when adopting, revising, or amending land use plans and when making project-level implementation decisions until a national Memorandum of Understanding with the USFWS is established. It provides guidance for conservation planning, land use planning, and management of habitat for USFWS Bird Species of Conservation Concern and Game Birds Below Desired Condition.
3.2.2 Migratory Birds in the Survey Area Based on the habitats observed, numerous migratory bird species have the potential to occur within the survey area. Thirty-one bird species were observed within and near the survey area during field surveys, including passerines such as western wood pewee (Contopus sordidulus), black-throated sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata), horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), and raptors such as red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), and burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia; Appendix C).
Birds of Conservation Concern that could potentially occur within the survey area are presented in Table 3-2, Birds of Conservation Concern Potentially Occurring within the Survey Area. The following Birds of Conservation Concern are considered unlikely to occur based on lack of suitable habitat within the project area: tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), olive-sided
3-2 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 3. Wildlife
Table 3-2 Birds of Conservation Concern Potentially Occurring within the Survey Area Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence American avocet Shallow marsh with sparse emergent Potential to occur. Detected Recurvirostra americana vegetation; large mudflats; dry islands; playa within 1 mile of survey area. margins. Long-billed curlew Grasslands and irrigated agricultural fields. Potential to occur. Detected Numenius americanus within 1 mile of survey area. Golden eagle Variety of open and semi-open landscapes Confirmed (see Section 4.2). Aquila chrysaetos with sufficient mammalian prey base and cliff sites for nesting. Prairie falcon Nests on cliffs; forages over a variety of shrub Potential to occur. Ample cliffs Falco mexicanus habitats, agricultural crops, and native for nesting and shrublands for perennial grasses. Avoids dense cheatgrass. foraging. Detected within 1 mile of survey area. Greater sage-grouse Foothills, plains, and mountain slopes where See discussion in Section 4.2. Centrocercus urophasianus sagebrush is present, often with a mixture of sagebrush and meadows close by. Northern harrier Marshes, meadows, grasslands, and cultivated Observed foraging in Jersey Circus cyaneus fields; nests on ground, usually in dense cover. Valley. Swainson’s hawk Usually occurs close to riparian or other wet Potential to occur. Buteo swainsoni habitats; forages over agricultural fields, wet meadows, or open shrublands. Ferruginous hawk Grasslands and semi-desert shrublands; nest Potential to occur. Buteo regalis in isolated trees, on rock outcrops, or ground. Costa’s hummingbird Desert, shrubland, chaparral. Potential to occur. Calypte costae Burrowing owl Treeless areas with low vegetation and Potential to occur. Active Athene cunicularia burrows. burrows detected within 1 mile of survey area in 2011. Several inactive burrow complexes observed in the survey area in 2016. Short-eared owl Wet meadow or grassland bordered by open Potential to occur. Detected Asio flammeus shrublands or other dry habitat. within 1 mile of survey area. Wilson’s phalarope Variety of large and small marshes with Potential to occur. Observed Phalaropus tricolor sufficient shoreline vegetation; ephemeral within Dixie Meadows during wetlands and playas for migration. 2009 surveys. Snowy plover Alkali flat, mudflat, or flat beach adjacent to Potential to occur. Observed Charadrius alexandrinus permanent or seasonal surface water. within Dixie Meadows during 2009 surveys. Loggerhead shrike Open country with scattered trees and Observed in salt desert scrub Lanius ludovicianus shrubs, desert scrub; nests in shrubs or small habitat. trees. Brewer’s sparrow Sagebrush, greasewood, perennial upland Potential to occur. Spizella breweri grasslands. Sage sparrow Treeless sagebrush or salt desert shrubland Observed in salt desert scrub Amphispiza belli with little or no cheatgrass invasion. habitat near Dixie Springs. Gray vireo Hot, semi-arid, shrubby habitats. Potential to occur. Vireo vicinior
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 3-3 3. Wildlife
Table 3-2 Birds of Conservation Concern Potentially Occurring within the Survey Area Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence Willet Marshes, tidal mudflats, beaches, lake margins, Potential to occur. Observed Tringa semipalmata less frequently open grassland. within Dixie Meadows during 2009 surveys. American bittern Primarily freshwater and brackish marshes Potential to occur. Observed Botaurus lentiginosus where cattails, sedges, or bulrushes are within Dixie Meadows during plentiful. 2009 surveys. Sources: GBBO 2010; NatureServe 2016; Wildlife Action Plan Team 2013; CH2M HILL 2009
flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), pygmy nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea), flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus), spotted owl (Strix occidentalis), red-naped sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis), Williamson’s sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus), black swift (Cypseloides niger), black-throated gray warbler (Dendroica nigrescens), Virginia’s warbler (Vermivora virginiae), Lewis’s woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis), and white-headed woodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus).
Two active common raven (Corvus corax) nests were observed in the northern Dixie Valley. One nest was built in a small utility structure within the gen-tie survey buffer. A second nest was in a salt cedar shrub outside of the survey buffer, along Dixie Valley Road. Both nests contained several young that were approaching fledging age.
Game Birds Below Desired Condition Game Birds Below Desired Condition that could potentially occur within the survey area are presented in Table 3-3, Game Birds Below Desired Condition Potentially Occurring within the Survey Area. There are six species that could occur within the project area. Band-tailed pigeon (Columba fasciata) is considered unlikely to occur based on lack of suitable habitat.
Table 3-3 Game Birds Below Desired Condition Potentially Occurring within the Survey Area Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence Canvasback Marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, and bays. Potential to occur. Observed within Aythya valisineria Dixie Meadows during 2009 surveys. Ring-necked duck Marshes, lakes, rivers, swamps, especially in Potential to occur. Observed within Aythya collaris wooded areas. Dixie Meadows during 2009 surveys. Wood duck Quiet inland waters near woodland, such as Potential to occur. Observed within Aix sponsa wooded swamps, ponds, marshes, and along Dixie Meadows during 2009 surveys. streams. Northern pintail Lakes, rivers, marshes, and ponds in grasslands, Potential to occur. Observed within Anas acuta barrens, dry tundra, or cultivated fields. Dixie Meadows during 2009 surveys. Mallard Primarily shallow waters. Potential to occur. Observed within Anas platyrhynchos Dixie Meadows during 2009 surveys.
3-4 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 3. Wildlife
Table 3-3 Game Birds Below Desired Condition Potentially Occurring within the Survey Area Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence Mourning dove Found in a variety of habitats except playas. Confirmed. Observed within project Zenaida macroura area during surveys. Sources: GBBO 2010; NatureServe 2016; CH2M HILL 2009
3.3 GAME SPECIES The BLM manages habitat for game species. The Stillwater Range in the vicinity of the Project is year-round mule deer and pronghorn antelope range, potential elk habitat, and occupied bighorn sheep habitat (BLM 2010). EMPSi coordinated with NDOW before the 2016 field survey (Appendix A). NDOW indicated that there are occupied bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope distributions in portions of the survey area and within a 4-mile buffer of the survey area. NDOW also reported occupied mule deer distribution within the 4-mile buffer area. No known occupied elk distribution exists in the vicinity (Appendix A).
Pronghorn antelope was the only big game species that was observed within the survey area during field surveys. Antelope were observed in both Dixie Valley and Jersey Valley during the 2011 and 2016 surveys. A total of three antelope were observed in Jersey Valley in mixed salt desert scrub and invasive grassland habitats in 2011; in 2016, a small herd of antelope, including several juveniles, was observed foraging on irrigated alfalfa. A few additional antelopes were observed in mixed salt desert scrub in 2016. Antelope scat and tracks were also noted throughout the survey area.
3.4 OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES An active kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) burrow complex was recorded in the transmission line buffer area in the northern Dixie Valley. If, at some point, the kit fox vacate this burrow complex, it would be suitable for burrowing owl colonization and use. Burrowing owls have been detected in the vicinity (see Section 4.2).
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 3-5 3. Wildlife
This page intentionally left blank.
3-6 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016
CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES
Special status species in this document include those species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as threatened or endangered and their designated critical habitat, species proposed or candidates for ESA listing, BLM sensitive species, and species protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. These species and the regulations protecting them are described below.
4.1 REGULATORY BACKGROUND
Endangered Species Act The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC, Section 1531 et seq.), as amended, provides for the conservation of federally listed plant and animal species and their habitats. The ESA directs federal agencies to conserve listed species and imposes an affirmative duty on these agencies to ensure that their actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or adversely modify its designated critical habitat.
Critical habitat is defined in the ESA as follows:
the specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the species … on which are found those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation of the species and (II) which may require special management considerations or protection; and … specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species … upon a determination by the Secretary [of the Interior] that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species [16 USC 1532(5)(A)].
BLM Manual 6840 – Special Status Species Management BLM Manual 6840 provides management policy for federally listed species and BLM sensitive species. Species classified as BLM sensitive must be native species found on BLM-administered lands for which the BLM has the capability to
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 4-1 4. Special Status Species
significantly affect the conservation status of the species through management, and either:
1. There is information that a species has recently undergone, is undergoing, or is predicted to undergo a downward trend such that the viability of the species or a distinct population segment of the species is at risk across all or a significant portion of the species range; or 2. The species depends on ecological refugia or specialized or unique habitats on BLM-administered lands, and there is evidence that such areas are threatened with alteration such that the continued viability of the species in that area would be at risk.
BLM protects and manages habitat for the enhancement and protection of the species future existence.
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (1940 as amended 1959, 1962, 1972, 1978) prohibits the take or possession of bald and golden eagles with limited exceptions. Take, as defined in the Act, includes “to pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb”. “Disturb” means,
to agitate or bother a bald or golden eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause, based on the best scientific information available, 1) injury to an eagle, 2) a decrease in its productivity, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding or sheltering behavior, or 3) nest abandonment, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding or sheltering behavior.
An important eagle-use area is defined in the Act as an eagle nest, foraging area, or communal roost site that eagles rely on for breeding, sheltering, or feeding, and the landscape features surrounding such nest, foraging area, or roost site that are essential for the continued viability of the site for breeding, feeding, or sheltering eagles.
BLM requires consideration and National Environmental Policy Act analysis of golden eagles and their habitat for all renewable energy projects (BLM IM No. 2010-156). The BLM IM on Golden Eagles provides direction for complying with the Act, including its implementing regulations (i.e., Eagle Rule, 50 Code of Federal Regulations parts 13 and 22) for golden eagles, and identifying steps that may be necessary within the habitat of golden eagles to ensure environmentally responsible authorization and development of renewable energy resources. The IM primarily addresses golden eagles because a process to acquire take permits for bald eagles already exists. The IM is applicable until the USFWS establishes criteria for programmatic golden eagle permits.
4-2 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 4. Special Status Species
4.2 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES Special status species with the potential to occur in the survey area are presented in Table 4-1, below. No federally listed endangered or threatened species have the potential to occur in the project area. In addition, no designated or proposed critical habitat for any federally endangered or threatened species has been designated there.
Table 4-1 Special Status Species Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence Plants Eastwood milkweed Open areas, wide variety of basic soils (pH No suitable habitat present Asclepias eastwoodiana usually 8 or higher), including calcareous clay knolls, sand, carbonate or basaltic gravels, or shale outcrops, generally barren and lacking competition, frequently in small washes or other moisture-accumulating microsites Margaret rushy milkvetch Rocky slopes and flats among sagebrush in the No suitable habitat present Astragalus convallarius var. pinyon-juniper and sagebrush zones margaretiae Sodaville milkvetch Moist, open, alkaline hummocks and drainages Potential habitat present; not A. lentiginosus var. near cool springs observed during surveys sesquimetralis Lavin eggvetch Open, dry, relatively barren, gravelly clay slopes, No suitable habitat present A. oophorus var. lavinii knolls, badlands, or outcrops, derived from volcanic ash or carbonate, usually on northeast to southeast aspects, in openings in the pinyon- juniper or sagebrush zones Tonopah milkvetch Deep loose sandy soils of stabilized and active Potential habitat present; not A. pseudiodanthus dune margins, old beaches, valley floors, or observed during surveys drainages, in salt desert shrub Ames milkvetch Sandy or rocky soils (frequently granitic), often No suitable habitat present A. pulsiferae var. pulsiferae occurring with pines or sagebrush Bodie Hills rockcress Dry, open, rocky, high or north-facing slopes or No suitable habitat present Boechera bodiensis exposed summits of granitic or rhyolitic material, on moisture-accumulating microsites in sagebrush associations in the pinyon-juniper and mountain sagebrush zones Bodie Hills draba Rocky flats and windswept slopes and ridges; No suitable habitat present Cusickiella quadricostata generally in rocky soils, sometimes in clay soils in sagebrush and pinyon-juniper woodland Windloving buckwheat At high elevations on dry, exposed, relatively No suitable habitat present Eriogonum anemophilum barren and undisturbed, gravelly, limestone or volcanic ridges and ridgeline knolls, on outcrops or shallow rocky soils over bedrock. Also at low elevations on dry, relatively barren, and undisturbed knolls and slopes of light-colored, platy, volcanic tuff, weathered to form stiff clay soils on all aspects.
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 4-3 4. Special Status Species
Table 4-1 Special Status Species Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence Beatley buckwheat Dry, open to exposed, barren, basic, clay or No suitable habitat present E. beatleyae rocky clay soils or crumbling outcrops on slopes and knolls of weathering rhyolitic or andesitic volcanic deposits, mostly on southerly to westerly aspects Churchill Narrows Dry, relatively barren and undisturbed, white to No suitable habitat present buckwheat yellowish tan, often gypsiferous, clay to silty E. diatomaceum diatomaceous deposits of the Coal Valley Formation, with a variable volcanic cobble overburden, on rounded knolls, low ridges, slopes, and especially small drainages on all aspects Steamboat buckwheat Young, shallow, poorly developed, dry soils, No suitable habitat present E. ovalifolium var. williamsiae derived from siliceous opaline sinter precipitated by past thermal spring flows, but not currently near surface water; sometimes found on adjacent deeper or disturbed soils when competitive vegetation is lacking Altered andesite buckwheat Dry, shallow, highly acidic (pH 3.3-5.5) gravelly No suitable habitat present E. robustum clay soils, mainly of the Smallcone Series, derived from weathering of hydrothermal sulfide deposits, formed in andesite or sometimes in rhyolitic or granitoid rocks, forming mostly barren yellowish to orange- brown patches on ridges, knolls, and steep slopes on all aspects Smooth dwarf greasebush Crevices of carbonate cliffs and outcrops, No suitable habitat present Glossopetalon pungens var. generally avoiding southerly exposures, in the glabrum pinyon-juniper, mountain mahogany, and montane conifer zones Rough dwarf greasebush Crevices of carbonate cliffs and outcrops, No suitable habitat present G. p. var. pungens generally avoiding southerly exposures, mainly in the lower pinyon-juniper and montane conifer zones Sand cholla Sand of dunes, dry-lake borders, river bottoms, One observed in mixed salt Grusonia pulchella washes, valleys, and plains on sandy soils desert scrub habitat Dune sunflower Dry, open, deep, loose sandy soils of aeolian Potential habitat present; not Helianthus deserticola deposits, vegetated dunes, and dune skirt areas, observed during surveys on flats and gentle slopes of all aspects, generally in alkaline areas, often thriving on road berms and other stabilized disturbances Pine Nut Mountains Seasonally or periodically wet, otherwise moist No suitable habitat present mousetails to dry decomposed granite soils or sod of Ivesia pityocharis meadow margins, with shallow underlying water table or bedrock; associated with springs, moist drainages, or ephemeral ponds, typically on flats or gentle northwest to northeast exposures, but found on all aspects with slopes of up to about 20 degrees
4-4 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 4. Special Status Species
Table 4-1 Special Status Species Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence Webber ivesia Shallow shrink-swell clay soils, with a gravelly No suitable habitat present I. webberi surface layer over volcanic, generally andesitic bedrock, on mid-elevation benches and flats Sagebrush pygmyleaf Fine, deep, often granitic, sandy soils of valley Potential habitat present; not Leoflingia squarrosa ssp. flats and dunes in the sagebrush and possibly observed during surveys aretemisiarum mixed-shrub zones, usually in openings among sagebrush Candelaria blazingstar1 Barren areas on washes, road banks, or other Potential habitat present; not Mentzelia candelariae recovering disturbances, in the shadscale, mixed observed during surveys shrub, and sagebrush zones Tiehm blazingstar White, alkaline, clay badlands and flats Potential habitat present; not M. tiehmii observed during surveys Shevock bristlemoss Habitat is arid pinyon pine woodland to very No suitable habitat present. Orthotrichum shevockii open ponderosa pine forests Oryctes Deep, loose sand of stabilized dunes, washes, Potential habitat present; not Orcytes nevadensis and valley flats, on various slopes and aspects; observed during surveys appears only in years with optimal rainfall and temperature patterns Nevada dune beardtongue Deep, volcanic, sandy soils; common associates Potential habitat present; not Penstemon arenarius include fourwing saltbush, littleleaf horsebrush, observed during surveys. and greasewood Lahontan beardtongue Along washes, roadsides, and canyon floors, Potential habitat present; not P. palmeri var. macranthus particularly on carbonate-containing substrates, observed during surveys usually where subsurface moisture is available throughout most of the summer Wassuk beardtongue Open, rocky to gravelly soils on perched tufa No suitable habitat present P. rubicondus shores, steep, decomposed granite slopes, rocky drainage bottoms, and roadsides or other recovering disturbances with enhanced runoff; locally abundant on recent burns Reese River phacelia1 Open, steep slopes of low hills, bluffs, and Potential habitat present; not Phacelia glaberrima badlands in the shadscale-greasewood, observed during surveys sagebrush, and lower pinyon-juniper zones Playa phacelia Grows in alkali playas and seasonally inundated Potential habitat present; not P. inundata areas with clay soils observed during surveys Mono County Phacelia Alkaline, barren, or sparsely vegetated grayish, Potential habitat present; not P. monoensis brownish, or reddish shrink-swell clays of observed during surveys mostly andesitic origin, on various slopes and aspects, mostly on stabilized or low-intensity artificial or natural disturbances Altered andesite Dry, shallow, mostly acidic (pH 3.3-5.5) gravelly No suitable habitat present popcornflower clay soils, mainly of the Smallcone Series, Plagiobothrys glomeratus derived from weathering of hydrothermal sulfide deposits, formed in andesite or sometimes in rhyolitic or granitoid rocks, forming mostly barren yellowish to orange- brown patches on ridges, knolls, and steep slopes on all aspects Williams combleaf Relatively barren sandy to sandy-clay or mud No suitable habitat present Polyctenium williamsiae margins and bottoms of nonalkaline seasonal lakes, perched over volcanic bedrock
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 4-5 4. Special Status Species
Table 4-1 Special Status Species Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence Tiehm peppercress Dry, open, very rocky clay soils or soil pockets, No suitable habitat present Stroganowia tiehmii in or near scree, talus, or boulder fields derived from basalt, other volcanic rocks, or fluviolacustrine sediments, on gentle to steep slopes of all aspects and topographic positions Invertebrates Hardy’s aegialian scarab Active dune habitats No suitable habitat present Aegialiea hardyi Bee Solitary bee. Nests in soil in sand dunes and No suitable habitat present Anthophora sp. nov. 1 badlands Sand Mountain aphodius Known only from dune habitats at Sand No suitable habitat present scarab Mountain, Nevada Aphodius sp. 3 Click beetle Sand dunes and badlands No suitable habitat present Cardiophorus ssp. nov. Carson valley wood nymph Wet meadows Potential to occur Cercyonis pegala carsonensis Pallid wood nymph Alkaline flats Potential to occur C. oetus pallescens Sand Mountain pygmy Known only from Sand Mountain and Blow No suitable dune habitat is scarab beetle Sand Mountains, Nevada present Coenonycha pygmaea Early blue Known only from lower mountain canyons in No suitable habitat present Euphilotes enoptes primavera Mineral and Esmeralda Counties of west-central Nevada Sand Mountain blue Known only from dune habitats at Sand No suitable habitat present E. pallescens arenamontana Mountain, Nevada. Bee Solitary bee; nests in soil in sand dunes and No suitable habitat present Hesperapsis sp. nov. 2 badlands Mono Basin skipper Believed to be restricted to the Adobe Hills in No suitable habitat present Hesperia uncas giulianii Mono County, California; gently rolling hills with pinyon woodlands and sagebrush flats Bee Solitary bee; nests in soil in sand dunes and No suitable habitat present Perdita haigi badlands Bee Solitary bee; nests in soil in sand dunes and No suitable habitat present Perdita sp. nov. 3 badlands Great Basin small blue Known from Middle Carson watershed in Lyon No suitable habitat present Philotiella speciosa County; deserts, edges of dry desert lakes, septentrionalis stream edges in foothills, with adequate supply of larval host plants in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae) Carson wandering skipper Alkaline desert seeps, dominated by salt grass Suitable habitat present; Pseudocopaeodes eunus with a freshwater source, such as hot springs, potential to occur in Dixie obscurus sufficient to support summer nectar flowers Meadows Dixie Valley pyrg Spring habitats in the Dixie Valley Documented in the Dixie Pyrgulopsis dixensis Meadows springs Carson Valley silverspot Permanent spring-fed meadows, seeps, marshes, No violet species observed in Speyeria nokomis carsonensis and boggy, streamside meadows associated with the study area; suitable habitat flowing water; with adequate supply of the may be present in Dixie larval food plant (bog violet [Viola nephrophylla]). Meadows
4-6 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 4. Special Status Species
Table 4-1 Special Status Species Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence Reptiles Shasta alligator lizard Woodland, forests, grassland, coastal chaparral; No suitable habitat present Elgaria coerulea shastaensis commonly found hiding under rocks, logs, bark, boards, trash, or other surface cover Amphibians Dixie Meadows toad2 Isolated springs Confirmed; known only from Anaxyrus boreas Dixie Meadows Northern leopard frog Rana Springs, slow streams, marshes, bogs, ponds, Potential to occur; observed in pipiens floodplains, and lakes; usually permanent water Dixie Meadows during 2009 with rooted aquatic vegetation surveys Birds Northern goshawk Nests in a wide variety of forest types, including No suitable nesting or foraging Accipiter gentilis deciduous, coniferous, and mixed habitat present forests; forages in both heavily forested and relatively open habitats Burrowing owl Treeless areas with low vegetation and burrows Potential to occur; detected Athene cunicularia within 1 mile of survey area Golden eagle Variety of open and semi-open landscapes, with Confirmed; several nests Aquila chrysaetos sufficient mammalian prey base and cliff sites for observed in the surrounding nesting mountains Ferruginous hawk Grasslands and semi-desert shrublands; nests in Potential to occur Buteo regalis isolated trees, on rock outcrops, or the ground Swainson’s hawk Usually occurs close to riparian or other wet Potential to occur B. swainsoni habitats; forages over agricultural fields, wet meadows, or open shrublands Greater sage-grouse Foothills, plains, and mountain slopes where Mapped habitat (OHMA) Centrocercus urophasianus sagebrush is present, often with a mixture of present in northern gen-tie sagebrush and meadows close by alignment; one pending lek is present over 5 miles from the project area, on the east side of the Fish Creek Mountains Snowy plover Alkali flat, mudflat, or flat beach next to Potential to occur Charadrius alexandrinus permanent or seasonal surface water nivosus Black tern Marshes, along sloughs, or in wet meadows, Potential to occur as a migrant; Chlidonias niger typically in sites with a mixture of emergent observed in Dixie Meadows vegetation and open water during 2009 surveys Prairie falcon Nests on cliffs; forages over a variety of shrub Potential to occur; detected Falco mexicanus habitats, agricultural crops, and native perennial within 1 mile of survey area grasses; avoids dense cheatgrass Peregrine falcon Nests on ledge or hole on face of rocky cliff or Potential to occur; suitable F. peregrinus crag; forages over various open habitats foraging habitat present; suitable nesting habitat present in adjacent mountain ranges Sandhill crane Open grasslands, marshes, marshy edges of Potential to occur as a migrant; Grus Canadensis lakes and ponds, river banks observed in Dixie Meadows during 2009 surveys Pinyon jay Pinyon-juniper woodland No suitable habitat present Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 4-7 4. Special Status Species
Table 4-1 Special Status Species Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence Bald eagle Nests in tall trees near bodies of water that No suitable habitat present Haliaeetus leucocephalus support primary food sources: fish, waterfowl, and seabirds Least bittern Tall, emergent vegetation in marshes, primarily Potential to occur; observed in Ixobrychus exilis freshwater, less commonly in brackish areas Dixie Meadows during 2009 surveys Loggerhead shrike Open country, with scattered trees and shrubs, Several observed in the study Lanius ludovicianus desert scrub; nests in shrubs or small trees area Lewis woodpecker Open forest and woodlands No suitable habitat present Melanerpes lewis Long-billed curlew Grasslands and irrigated agricultural fields Potential to occur; detected Numenius americanus within 1 mile of survey area Sage thrasher Breeds in arid or semiarid sagebrush plains; in Potential to occur Oreoscoptes montanus winter, uses arid and semiarid scrub, brush, and thickets Vesper sparrow Plains, prairie, dry shrublands, savanna, weedy Potential to occur; detected Pooecetes gramineus pastures, fields, sagebrush, arid scrub, and within 1 mile of survey area woodland clearings Sage sparrow In the northern Great Basin, associated with One observed in mixed salt Amphispiza belli low and tall sagebrush/bunchgrass, desert scrub in the study area, juniper/sagebrush, mountain mahogany/shrub, near Dixie Springs and aspen/sagebrush/bunchgrass communities for breeding and foraging Brewer’s sparrow Strongly associated with sagebrush, in areas Potential to occur Spizella breweri with scattered shrubs and short grass; in migration and winter, uses low, arid vegetation, desert scrub, sagebrush, and creosote bush Gray vireo Hot, semiarid, shrubby habitats Potential to occur Vireo vicinior Fish Cui-ui Inshore lake areas at Pyramid Lake, with No suitable habitat present Chasmistes cujus extensive shoals and shallow bars; spawns on gravel substrates in the Truckee River Wall Canyon Sucker Known only from one stream in Wall Canyon, No suitable habitat present Catostomus sp. 1 Washoe County, northwestern Nevada Hiko White River springfish Endemic to Crystal and Hiko Springs in No potential to occur Crenichthys bailey grandis Pahranagat Valley, Lincoln County, Nevada; a refugium population exists in Blue Link Spring Railroad Valley springfish Endemic to springs in Railroad Valley, Nye No potential to occur C. nevadae County, Nevada; introduced populations exist in several springs outside native range Lahontan cutthroat trout Historically found in a wide variety of cold- No suitable habitat present Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi water habitats, including large, terminal, alkaline lakes (e.g., Pyramid Lake and Walker Lake); alpine lakes (e.g., Lake Tahoe and Independence Lake); slow, meandering rivers (e.g., Humboldt River); mountain rivers (e.g., Carson, Truckee, Walker, and Marys Rivers); and small headwater tributary streams
4-8 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 4. Special Status Species
Table 4-1 Special Status Species Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence Mammals Pallid bat Arid deserts and grasslands, often near rocky Potential foraging habitat; Antrozous pallidus outcrops and water maternity and hibernation roosts documented by NDOW in project vicinity Townsend’s big-eared bat Maternity and hibernation colonies typically in Potential foraging habitat; Corynorhinus townsendii caves and mine tunnels documented by NDOW in project vicinity Big brown bat Various wooded and semi-open habitats, Potential foraging habitat Eptesicus fuscus including in cities Spotted bat Various habitats, from desert to montane, Potential foraging habitat Euderma maculatum including canyon bottoms, and open pastures Silver-haired bat Prefers forested areas next to lakes, ponds, and Potential foraging habitat Lasionycteris noctivagans streams Western red bat Riparian habitats in forests and woodlands, from Potential foraging habitat Lasiurus blossevillii lowlands up through mixed conifer forests of mountains; foraging habitat includes grasslands, shrublands, open woodlands and forests, and croplands Hoary bat Prefers deciduous and coniferous forests and Potential foraging habitat L. cinereus woodlands Small-footed myotis Desert, badland, and semiarid habitats Potential foraging habitat; Myotis ciliolabrum documented by NDOW in project vicinity California myotis Western lowlands; canyons, riparian woodlands, Potential foraging habitat M. californicus desert scrub, and grasslands Long-eared myotis Mostly forested areas; also shrubland, along Potential foraging habitat; M. evotis wooded streams, over reservoirs documented by NDOW in project vicinity Little brown myotis Adapted to using human-made structures; also Potential foraging habitat M. lucifugus uses caves and hollow trees Fringed myotis Desert, grassland, and wooded habitats Potential foraging habitat M. thysanodes Long-legged myotis Primarily in montane coniferous forests; also in Potential foraging habitat M. volans riparian and desert habitats Yuma myotis Wide variety of upland and lowland habitats, Potential foraging habitat; M. yumanensis including riparian, desert scrub, moist documented by NDOW in woodlands, and forests, usually near open water project vicinity Brazilian free-tailed bat Roosts primarily in caves Potential foraging habitat Tadarida brasiliensis Western pipistrelle bat Deserts and lowlands, desert mountain ranges, Potential foraging habitat; Pipistrellus hesperus desert scrub flats, and rocky canyons documented by NDOW in project vicinity Pygmy rabbit Occurs in dense stands of big sagebrush No suitable habitat present Brachylagus idahoensis growing in deep loose soils Dark kangaroo mouse In loose sands and gravel; found in shadscale Potential to occur Microdipodops megacephalus scrub, sagebrush scrub, and alkali sink plant communities
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 4-9 4. Special Status Species
Table 4-1 Special Status Species Species Habitat Potential for Occurrence Pale kangaroo mouse Restricted to fine sands in alkali sink and desert No suitable habitat present M. pallidus scrub dominated by shadscale or big sagebrush; often burrows in areas of soft, windblown sand, piled at the bases of shrubs Pika Restricted to rocky talus slopes, primarily the No suitable habitat present Ochotona princeps talus-meadow interface Desert bighorn sheep Steep slopes on or near mountains, with a clear Suitable habitat in the Stillwater Ovis canadensis nelsoni view of surrounding area Range, next to project area; no suitable habitat in the project area Sources: USFWS 2016; NNHP 2016, 2001; NDOW 2016
1 Not a BLM sensitive species; considered at-risk by the NNHP 2 Not a BLM sensitive species; identified by the USFWS as endemic to Dixie Meadows
The NDOW reported that a portion of the northern transmission line in the Jersey Valley passes through general greater sage-grouse habitat (Appendix A). The BLM delineated this habitat during the habitat mapping process for the 2015 Greater Sage-Grouse Management Plan Amendment (BLM 2015). The mapping process classified a portion of the project area traversed by the northern gen- tie route as Other Habitat Management Area (OHMA). Approximately 14,000 linear feet of the northern gen-tie route traverses this habitat designation.
NDOW also identified one pending lek in the vicinity of the project area: the Fish Creek Basin 5 lek. It is in the Fish Creek Basin, on the east side of the Fish Creek Mountains. The lek is approximately 5 miles from the northern gen-tie alignment in Jersey Valley.
The NNHP reported that Candelaria blazingstar (Mentzelia candelariae), Lahontan beardtongue (Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus), Reese River phacelia (Phacelia glaberrima), and the Dixie Valley pyrg (Pyrgulopsis dixensis) have been recorded within a 5-kilometer radius around the project area (NNHP 2016).
Plants One BLM sensitive plant species was observed in the survey area, a sand cholla (Grusonia pulchella) growing in mixed salt desert scrub, along the proposed transmission alignment in the northern Dixie Valley. Soils at the site are somewhat alkaline sandy silts, with a moderately high biological crust cover, indicating marginal habitat for this species. The plant was not blooming, despite surveys being conducted during the blooming period, as indicated by the NNHP. No withered flowers or fruit were observed on the plant, indicating that it may not have bloomed in 2016.
Lahontan beardtongue (Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus) is a BLM sensitive species that occurs in washes, along roadsides, and on canyon floors, particularly on carbonate-containing substrates, usually where subsurface moisture is
4-10 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 4. Special Status Species
available throughout most of the summer. It has been documented in the vicinity of the project area, in Dixie Valley on the lower slopes of the Stillwater Mountains (Appendix A). During the biological survey, potentially suitable habitats for this species were searched on foot; however, this species was not observed.
The NNHP indicated that potential habitat exists for Candelaria blazingstar (Mentzelia candelariae) and Reese River phacelia (Phacelia glaberrima), which are not BLM sensitive species but are considered at-risk by the NNHP. Candelaria blazingstar inhabits barren areas on washes, road banks, or other recovering disturbances, in the shadscale, mixed shrub, and sagebrush zones. Reese River phacelia inhabits open, steep slopes of low hills, bluffs, and badlands in the shadscale-greasewood, sagebrush, and lower pinyon-juniper zones. Several observations of these species have been recorded in the vicinity of the project area in Dixie Valley, on the lower slopes of the Stillwater Mountains (Appendix A). However, these species were not observed during surveys.
Invertebrates Dixie Valley pyrg (Pyrgulopsis dixensis) is a BLM sensitive springsnail that is known to occur in spring habitats in the Dixie Valley. Additional BLM sensitive invertebrate species could potentially occur within the project area based on literature reviews and habitat assessment. Little published literature is available regarding the ecology of some of these species, which makes the likelihood of occurrence determination uncertain. Additionally, some of the species are known only from specific locations, such as isolated springs or dune habitats, lessening the likelihood of their occurrence in the project area.
Amphibians Northern leopard frog could occur in the emergent marsh habitat in the Dixie Meadows. The species was not observed during the surveys in 2011 or 2016, but it was observed during the 2009 survey in Dixie Meadows. In 2011, USFWS noted that a currently undescribed species of western toad occurs within or near the proposed project area and may be impacted. The Dixie Meadows toad, as the species is presently known, occurs on both Department of Defense and BLM lands. It is known only from the isolated Dixie Meadows’ springs and is genetically distinct from other populations of western toad (USFWS 2011).
Raptors
Golden Eagle Nine active confirmed golden eagle nests (five of which were occupied at the time of the survey) and sixteen inactive nests were recorded within four miles of the geothermal lease area and northern gen-tie line route. All nests were in rock outcrops and on cliff faces in the ranges adjacent to Dixie Valley and Jersey Valley. In addition, five adult golden eagles, five young-in-nest eagles, and one fledgling were observed during the aerial golden eagle survey. Several other
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 4-11 4. Special Status Species
raptors were also incidentally observed. These include prairie falcon, turkey vulture, red-tailed hawk, ferruginous hawk (probable), and American kestrel. Surveyors noted that one observed inactive nest could have been a prairie falcon nest.
Following recommendations from USFWS in 2013, ground surveys for golden eagle were conducted within the geothermal lease areas and the southern gen- tie line route and within a one-mile buffer of this route, between June and August, 2013 (WRC 2013). Per consultation with NDOW, eight golden eagle nests occur within ten miles of the southern gen-tie route (WRC 2013). The NDOW provided an excel table of utm coordinates for these nest locations; coordinates were plotted and all nests within the one-mile buffer were assessed for active or inactive status during the field surveys. One active nest was observed within the one-mile buffer in the Louderback Mountains, and an additional active nest is located approximately 500 feet outside of the one-mile buffer in the Stillwater Range (this nest was also active in 2011).
Although NDOW identified an additional golden eagle nest within the one-mile buffer, this nest could not be located and suitable nesting habitat at the provided location is not present (WRC 2013). In addition, one adult golden eagle was observed perched on an existing wooden power line pole in the southern portion of the southern gen-tie alignment.
Ground surveys for golden eagle were also conducted within the geothermal lease areas and portions of the northern gen-tie line route and within a one-mile buffer of these areas in June 2016 (EMPSi 2016). No golden eagles or nests were observed during the 2016 ground survey.
The Dixie and Jersey Valleys provide habitat for golden eagle prey, such as rabbits, hares (e.g. jack rabbits), and ground squirrels. In addition, golden eagles have been reported at the existing TGP Dixie Valley power plant about 1 mile north of the proposed transmission line.
Burrowing owl Burrowing owls and their active burrows were observed in three locations during the 2011 surveys; no burrowing owls were observed in 2016 (Figure 4, Special Status Species Observations). In 2011, the entrance to burrow 1 had scat and a few pellets. An owl was perched at the burrow, and a second owl flew east from this location. As such, it is likely there is a pair nesting at this site. Burrow 2 is lined with cow scat and had no pellets, scat, white-wash, or
4-12 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 !( !( !(!( !(
!( !( !(!(
!(
!( 0 1 Miles
PERSHING COUNTY !( !( !( !( 0 1 !(!( Miles
!( !( LANDER COUNTY
!(
!( !( !( Nesting Long-Billed Curlew !( Burrowing Owl Burrow !( Burrowing Owl Burrow Complex - Inactive CHURCHILL COUNTY !( Active Kit Fox Burrow Complex !( Active Raven's Nest !( Loggerhead Shrike !( Sand Cholla 2016 Survey Area Current Gen-Tie Route !(
June 30, 2016 NEVADA DM_Bio_SSS2_V01.pdf !( ¨¦§80 BLM Carson City District Office Project No warranty is made by the BLM ! Location as to the accuracy, reliability, or !( Reno completeness of these data for NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PUBLIC LANDS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR individual use or aggregate use 0 1.1 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT with other data. Las Vegas ! Miles ¨¦§15 Source: Ormat GIS 2016, BLM GIS 2016
0 4 Special Status Species Observations Miles Pershing and Churchilll Counties, NV Figure 4 June 2016 This page intentionally left blank. 4. Special Status Species
feathers. It is adjacent to the main dirt road and is east of burrow 1. A single owl was observed perched on the dirt mound at burrow 3. Fresh pellets, scat, and white-wash were noted at the burrow entrance.
Burrowing owls can form loose nesting colonies, and it is possible there is a colony of burrowing owls in this area. Colonies often form where colonial ground squirrels are present due to the abundance of holes. However, the three burrows observed during the field survey were likely dug by badgers based on their shape, dimensions, and old nail marks on the side walls.
Inactive burrowing owl burrows were observed during surveys in 2016, but no owls were observed. Inactive burrows exhibited signs of past use by burrowing owls, including old pellets. No feathers or whitewash were observed at the burrows, and cobwebs and vegetation were partially covering burrow entrances. The inactive burrows are shown on Figure 4.
Loggerhead shrike Several foraging loggerhead shrikes were observed during the 2016 surveys. No active or inactive nests were observed in the vicinity of the observations (see Figure 4).
Sage sparrow One sage sparrow was observed foraging in mixed salt desert scrub in the survey area, near Dixie Springs. It did not exhibit any breeding behavior.
Prairie Falcon An adult prairie falcon was perched on a wooden power pole near the isolated hill in the northeast quarter of Section 21, Township 26 N, Range 39 E. The bird flew southeast across Jersey Valley before it was lost from sight. Potentially suitable nesting habitat for the species is present on the rock outcrops within the Stillwater and Fish Creek Ranges. The survey area provides potential foraging habitat for prairie falcon.
Ferruginous Hawk Ferruginous hawks nest in trees above broad valleys. The ecotone between the salt desert scrub and juniper trees in the northernmost vicinity of the survey area could provide potentially suitable nesting habitat for this species. Specifically, potential nesting habitat is located approximately 1 mile east of the proposed transmission line on the west-facing slopes of the Fish Creek Mountains. No ferruginous hawks, nests, or stick piles below clumps of sticks within trees (which could indicate an old inactive nest) were observed.
Swainson’s Hawk Swainson’s hawk nests in riparian areas as well as scattered or isolated trees such as cottonwoods. No suitable nesting habitat is located within the survey area. However, cottonwood trees are located on private ranches near the
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 4-15 4. Special Status Species
survey area and foraging habitat is present throughout the survey area. The species was not observed during surveys.
Other Avian Species A pair of long-billed curlews observed in 2011 were likely nesting near the proposed transmission line (Figure 4). This assessment is based on the observation of the birds and their behavior, which included distress calls and overhead flights. Vesper sparrow was observed within the survey area and vicinity in mixed salt desert scrub habitat. In addition, gray vireo has the potential to occur in the scrub habitats. Several BLM sensitive species could occur in the emergent marsh and playa habitats near the proposed power plant location. These include sandhill crane, snowy plover, black tern, and least bittern. None of these species was observed during the 2011 or 2016 surveys, but several were observed during surveys in 2009.
Mammals
Bats Potential foraging habitat exists throughout the project area for the BLM sensitive bat species listed in Table 4-1. No bats were observed during the field survey, and no structural roosting habitat (e.g., trees, rock outcrops, cliffs, abandoned mine workings, old buildings) were observed within the survey area.
NDOW indicated that pallid bat maternity and hibernation roosts are present in abandoned mine lands near Ormat’s Jersey Valley Geothermal Power Plant.1 Entrances to the main roosts have been gated to prevent human entry while allowing for bat use.
The following additional locations provide potential roosting habitat for bats within 1 mile of the survey area:
1. The trees and buildings at the Bar A-3 Ranch, Boyer Ranch, and Home Station Ranch; 2. Vegetation (e.g., tamarisk) around the geothermal well in the northeast quarter of Section 14, Township 23 North, Range 35 East; 3. The vegetation and possible adit at the spring location in the northeast quarter of Section 36, Township 24 North, range 36 East; 4. The abandoned mine workings in the west half of Section 14, Township 23 North, Range 35 East. Although the shafts at the Dixie Comstock Mine were not checked to see whether they were open, the mine shaft south of these workings and closest to the ROW is open and is framed in wood;
1 Phone call between Jenni Jeffers, NDOW, and Morgan Trieger, EMPSi, on October 7, 2016 regarding biological resources.
4-16 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 4. Special Status Species
5. The abandoned brick building at Township 26 North, Range 39 East, Section 10; and 6. All rock outcrops within 1 mile of the project area (i.e., Stillwater Range) and Sections 16 and 21, Township 26 North, Range 39 East.
Bighorn sheep Bighorn sheep have been recorded within the Stillwater Range (BLM 2010) and thus could utilize the project area for foraging on grass, forbs, and shrubs and connection to the Tobin Range, which is also occupied habitat. Bighorn sheep was use the water that is available at Dixie Meadows. Bighorn sheep or their sign were not observed during the field survey.
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 4-17 4. Special Status Species
This page intentionally left blank.
4-18 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016
CHAPTER 5 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 SUMMARY Vegetation and wildlife within the Dixie Meadows survey area are typical of habitats found within the Great Basin. The most common vegetation communities are Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub and Inter- Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat.
A number of migratory bird species, including USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern, could occur within the survey area based on field observations and habitat assessment. Eight Birds of Conservation Concern species were observed within and in the vicinity of the survey area. Six Game Birds Below Desired Condition that could occur, although mourning dove was the only observed species. Four big game species could occur along the gen-tie line routes; the only big game species observed during the surveys was pronghorn antelope.
Seven BLM sensitive species were observed within or in the vicinity of the survey area during the field survey: sand cholla, prairie falcon, burrowing owl, loggerhead shrike, sage sparrow, long-billed curlew, and vesper sparrow. Burrowing owls and long-billed curlews were likely nesting in the vicinity of the survey area in 2011, and inactive burrowing owl burrows were observed in the survey area in 2016; no active burrowing owl burrows were observed in 2016.
The northern portion of the gen-tie alignment traverses mapped OHMA for greater sage-grouse, but no greater sage-grouse or their sign have been observed or detected during field surveys. The nearest lek is in pending status, and is over 5 miles from the transmission line alignment, on the opposite (east) side of the Fish Creek Mountains crest.
During the 2011 aerial golden eagle survey, nine active nests (5 of which were occupied) and 16 inactive golden eagle nests were recorded within a 4-mile radius of the survey area. No golden eagles were observed during the ground surveys in 2011 and 2016.
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 5-1 5. Summary and Recommendations
Four species of Nevada noxious weeds were observed during the surveys: Russian knapweed, hoary cress, tall whitetop, and tamarisk.
Sensitive aquatic species known from the Dixie Meadows are the Dixie Valley toad and Dixie Valley pyrg. These species may occur in wetland habitat in the survey area.
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Loggerhead shrike, sage sparrow, burrowing owl, and migratory birds Pre-construction migratory bird surveys should be conducted whenever the surface would be disturbed or vegetation would be removed during the breeding season (generally early March to late July). If nesting migratory birds are found during surveys, nests should be avoided until young have fledged. A wildlife biologist should determine nest buffers, which depend on the species observed. Alternatively, construction could proceed outside of the nesting season without pre-construction surveys.
Golden eagle The gen-tie line should be constructed to follow all mitigation guidelines laid out by the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee to prevent bird fatalities from electrocution. The guidelines call for designing adequate spacing between conductors, grounding shield wire at regular intervals, and using insulated hardware and conductors (APLIC 2012).
Greater sage-grouse All power poles in greater sage-grouse habitat should be outfitted with approved raptor deterrents to reduce avian predation opportunities.
Dixie Valley toad, Dixie Valley pyrg Construction near the Dixie Meadows or other wetland habitat should include erosion control measures and distance buffers to avoid impacts on Dixie Valley toad and its habitat.
Sand cholla The sand cholla individual observed along the gen-tie alignment should be avoided by a 50-foot buffer during construction and maintenance of the line. If avoidance is not possible, potential mitigation could include transplanting the individual into suitable habitat, followed by monitoring of transplantation success.
Noxious weeds To reduce or prevent noxious weed spread during construction, an invasive plant management plan should be developed and implemented. The plan should include, at a minimum, best practices to prevent weed introduction and spread, weed treatment and monitoring guidelines, and procedures to follow should additional noxious weeds be observed during construction.
5-2 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCES
Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC). 2012. Reducing Avian Collisions with Power Lines: The State of the Art in 2012. Edison Electric Institute and APLIC. Washington, DC.
BLM (Bureau of Land Management). 2010. Winnemucca District Office Draft Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. Winnemucca, Nevada. May 2010.
_____. 2015. Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendments for the Great Basin Region, Including the Greater Sage-Grouse Sub-Regions of Idaho and Southwestern Montana Nevada and Northeastern California Oregon Utah. BLM, Washington, DC.
Broadhead, W. 2011. Golden Eagle Survey Report for Ormat Technologies Dixie-Hope Proposed Transmission Line. Pondera Ecological Consulting, Reno, Nevada.
CH2M HILL. 2009. Final biological survey report for the Coyote Canyon and Dixie Meadows geothermal facilities. Prepared for TGP Dixie Development Company, LLC. October 30, 2009.
ESRS (EcoSynthesis Scientific & Regulatory Services, Inc.). 2013. New Dixie Hope Project Botanical Survey. Truckee, California. September 2013.
GBBO (Great Basin Bird Observatory). 2010. Draft Comprehensive Bird Conservation Plan for Nevada. Internet website: http://www.gbbo.org/projects_bcp.html.
Morefield, J. D. (editor). 2001. Nevada Rare Plant Atlas. Compiled by the Nevada Natural Heritage Program (NNHP). NNHP, Carson City, Nevada. Internet website: http://heritage.nv.gov/atlas.
NatureServe. 2016. NatureServe Explorer species accounts. Internet website: http://explorer .natureserve.org/.
NDA (Nevada Department of Agriculture). 2016. Noxious weed list. Nevada Department of Agriculture, Sparks, Nevada. Internet website: http://agri.nv.gov/Plant/Noxious_Weeds/ Noxious_Weed_List/.
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report 6-1 6. References
NDOW (Nevada Department of Wildlife). 2016. Request for Information – Dixie Meadows Geothermal. NDOW, Reno, Nevada.
NNHP (Nevada Natural Heritage Program). 2011. Data query for Coyote Canyon Extension Project. NNHP, Carson City, Nevada. June 14, 2011.
_____. 2016. Data query for Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project. NNHP, Carson City, Nevada. May 9, 2016.
Pagel, J. E., D. M. Whittington, and G. T. Allen. 2010. Interim Golden Eagle Technical Guidance: Inventory and Monitoring Protocols and Other Recommendations in Support of Eagle Management and Permit Issuance. Division of Migratory Bird Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia.
USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service). 2011. Letter of potentially occurring listed species. Reno Fish and Wildlife Office, Reno, Nevada. July 7, 2011.
_____. 2016. List of threatened and endangered species for the Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project. Reno Fish and Wildlife Office, Reno, Nevada. May 4, 2016.
USGS National Gap Analysis Program. 2004. Provisional Digital Land Cover Map for the Southwestern United States. Version 1.0. RS/GIS Laboratory, College of Natural Resources, Utah State University, Logan.
_____. 2005. Southwest Regional GAP Analysis Project—Land Cover Descriptions. RS/GIS Laboratory, College of Natural Resources, Utah State University, Logan.
Wildlife Action Plan Team. 2013. Nevada Wildlife Action Plan. Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, Nevada.
WRC (Wildlife Resource Consultants). 2013. Ormat Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Surveys. Cedarville, California. August 2013.
6-2 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016
Appendix A Agency Correspondence
This page intentionally left blank.
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Reno Fish and Wildlife Office 1340 FINANCIAL BOULEVARD, SUITE 234 RENO, NV 89502 PHONE: (775)861-6300 FAX: (775)861-6301 URL: www.fws.gov/nevada/
Consultation Code: 08ENVD00-2016-SLI-0332 May 04, 2016 Event Code: 08ENVD00-2016-E-00363 Project Name: Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:
The attached species list indicates threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species and designated or proposed critical habitat that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq .), for projects that are authorized, funded, or carried out by a Federal agency. Candidate species have no protection under the ESA but are included for consideration because they could be listed prior to the completion of your project. Consideration of these species during project planning may assist species conservation efforts and may prevent the need for future listing actions. For additional information regarding species that may be found in the proposed project area, visit http://www.fws.gov/nevada/es/ipac.html.
The purpose of the ESA is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the ESA and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq .), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or designated critical habitat.
A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Guidelines for preparing a Biological Assessment can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/section7/ba_guide.html.
If a Federal action agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed species, and proposed critical habitat be addressed within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF.
New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this species list. Please feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally listed, proposed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the ESA, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally, as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation, for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the attached list.
The Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office (NFWO) no longer provides species of concern lists. Most of these species for which we have concern are also on the Animal and Plant At-Risk Tracking List for Nevada (At-Risk list) maintained by the State of Nevada's Natural Heritage Program (Heritage). Instead of maintaining our own list, we adopted Heritage's At-Risk list and are partnering with them to provide distribution data and information on the conservation needs for at-risk species to agencies or project proponents. The mission of Heritage is to continually evaluate the conservation priorities of native plants, animals, and their habitats, particularly those most vulnerable to extinction or in serious decline. In addition, in order to avoid future conflicts, we ask that you consider these at-risk species early in your project planning and explore management alternatives that provide for their long-term conservation.
For a list of at-risk species by county, visit Heritage's website (http://heritage.nv.gov). For a specific list of at-risk species that may occur in the project area, you can obtain a data request form from the website (http://heritage.nv.gov/get_data) or by contacting the Administrator of Heritage at 901 South Stewart Street, Suite 5002, Carson City, Nevada 89701-5245, (775) 684-2900. Please indicate on the form that your request is being obtained as part of your coordination with the Service under the ESA. During your project analysis, if you obtain new information or data for any Nevada sensitive species, we request that you provide the information to Heritage at the above address.
Furthermore, certain species of fish and wildlife are classified as protected by the State of Nevada (http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-503.html). You must first obtain the appropriate license, permit, or written authorization from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) to
2 take, or possess any parts of protected fish and wildlife species. Please visit http://www.ndow.org or contact NDOW in northern Nevada (775) 688-1500, in southern Nevada (702) 486-5127, or in eastern Nevada (775) 777-2300.
Please be aware that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq .), and projects affecting these species may require development of an eagle conservation plan ( http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/eagle_guidance.html). Additionally, wind energy projects should follow the Service's wind energy guidelines (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizing impacts to migratory birds and bats.
The Service's Pacific Southwest Region developed the Interim Guidelines for the Development of a Project Specific Avian and Bat Protection Plan for Wind Energy Facilities (Interim Guidelines). This document provides energy facility developers with a tool for assessing the risk of potential impacts to wildlife resources and delineates how best to design and operate a bird- and bat-friendly wind facility. These Interim Guidelines are available upon request from the NFWO. The intent of a Bird and Bat Conservation Strategy is to conserve wildlife resources while supporting project developers through: (1) establishing project development in an adaptive management framework; (2) identifying proper siting and project design strategies; (3) designing and implementing pre-construction surveys; (4) implementing appropriate conservation measures for each development phase; (5) designing and implementing appropriate post-construction monitoring strategies; (6) using post-construction studies to better understand the dynamics of mortality reduction (e.g. , changes in blade cut-in speed, assessments of blade “feathering” success, and studies on the effects of visual and acoustic deterrents) including efforts tied into Before-After/Control-Impact analysis; and (7) conducting a thorough risk assessment and validation leading to adjustments in management and mitigation actions.
The template and recommendations set forth in the Interim Guidelines were based upon the Avian Powerline Interaction Committee's Avian Protection Plan template (http://www.aplic.org/ ) developed for electric utilities and modified accordingly to address the unique concerns of wind energy facilities. These recommendations are also consistent with the Service's wind energy guidelines. We recommend contacting us as early as possible in the planning process to discuss the need and process for developing a site-specific Bird and Bat Conservation Strategy.
The Service has also developed guidance regarding wind power development in relation to prairie grouse leks (sage-grouse are included in this). This document can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Oklahoma/documents/te_species/wind%20power/prairie%20grouse%20lek%205%20mile%20public.pdf .
Migratory Birds are a Service Trust Resource. Based on the Service's conservation responsibilities and management authority for migratory birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (MBTA; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq .), we recommend that any land clearing or other surface disturbance associated with proposed actions within the project area be timed to avoid potential destruction of bird nests or young, or birds that breed in the area. Such destruction may be in violation of the MBTA. Under the MBTA, nests with eggs or young of migratory birds may not be harmed, nor may migratory birds be killed. Therefore, we recommend land clearing be conducted outside the avian breeding season. If this is not feasible,
3 we recommend a qualified biologist survey the area prior to land clearing. If nests are located, or if other evidence of nesting (i.e. , mated pairs, territorial defense, carrying nesting material, transporting food) is observed, a protective buffer (the size depending on the habitat requirements of the species) should be delineated and the entire area avoided to prevent destruction or disturbance to nests until they are no longer active.
Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects involving communications towers (e.g. , cellular, digital television, radio, and emergency broadcast) can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm; http://www.towerkill.com; and http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/comtow.html.
If wetlands, springs, or streams are are known to occur in the project area or are present in the vicinity of the project area, we ask that you be aware of potential impacts project activities may have on these habitats. Discharge of fill material into wetlands or waters of the United States is regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) pursuant to section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended. We recommend you contact the ACOE's Regulatory Section regarding the possible need for a permit. For projects located in northern Nevada (Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe Counties) contact the Reno Regulatory Office at 300 Booth Street, Room 3060, Reno, Nevada 89509, (775) 784-5304; in southern Nevada (Clark, Lincoln, Nye, and White Pine Counties) contact the St. George Regulatory Office at 321 North Mall Drive, Suite L-101, St. George, Utah 84790-7314, (435) 986-3979; or in California along the eastern Sierra contact the Sacramento Regulatory Office at 650 Capitol Mall, Suite 5-200, Sacramento, California 95814, (916) 557-5250.
We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office.
The table below outlines lead FWS field offices by county and land ownership/project type. Please refer to this table when you are ready to coordinate (including requests for section 7 consultation) with the field office corresponding to your project, and send any documentation regarding your project to that corresponding office. Therefore, the lead FWS field office may not be the office listed above in the letterhead.
Lead FWS offices by County and Ownership/Program
County Ownership/Program Species Office Lead*
Salt marsh Tidal wetlands/marsh adjacent to Alameda species, delta BDFWO Bays smelt
Alameda All ownerships but tidal/estuarine All SFWO
4 Alpine Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest All RFWO
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Alpine All RFWO Unit
Alpine Stanislaus National Forest All SFWO
Alpine El Dorado National Forest All SFWO
Colusa Mendocino National Forest All AFWO
By jurisdiction (see Colusa Other All map)
Contra Costa Legal Delta (Excluding ECCHCP) All BDFWO
Contra Costa Antioch Dunes NWR All BDFWO
Salt marsh Tidal wetlands/marsh adjacent to Contra Costa species, delta BDFWO Bays smelt
Contra Costa All ownerships but tidal/estuarine All SFWO
Del Norte All All AFWO
El Dorado El Dorado National Forest All SFWO
El Dorado LakeTahoe Basin Management Unit RFWO
Glenn Mendocino National Forest All AFWO
5 By jurisdiction (see Glenn Other All map)
All except Shasta Trinity National Humboldt All AFWO Forest
Humboldt Shasta Trinity National Forest All YFWO
Lake Mendocino National Forest All AFWO
By jurisdiction (see Lake Other All map)
Lassen Modoc National Forest All KFWO
Lassen Lassen National Forest All SFWO
Lassen Toiyabe National Forest All RFWO
BLM Surprise and Eagle Lake Lassen All RFWO Resource Areas
Lassen BLM Alturas Resource Area All KFWO
All (includes Eagle Lake Lassen Lassen Volcanic National Park SFWO trout on all ownerships)
By jurisdiction (see Lassen All other ownerships All map)
Salt marsh Tidal wetlands/marsh adjacent to Marin species, delta BDFWO
6 Bays smelt
Marin All ownerships but tidal/estuarine All SFWO
Mendocino Russian River watershed All SFWO
Mendocino All except Russian River watershed All AFWO
Modoc Modoc National Forest All KFWO
Modoc BLM Alturas Resource Area All KFWO
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Modoc All KFWO Refuge Complex
BLM Surprise and Eagle Lake Modoc All RFWO Resource Areas
By jurisdiction (See Modoc All other ownerships All map)
Mono Inyo National Forest All RFWO
Mono Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest All RFWO
Napa All ownerships but tidal/estuarine All SFWO
Salt marsh Tidal wetlands/marsh adjacent to Napa species, delta BDFWO San Pablo Bay smelt
Nevada Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest All RFWO
7 By jurisdiction (See Nevada All other ownerships All map)
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Placer All RFWO Unit
Placer All other ownerships All SFWO
Sacramento Legal Delta Delta Smelt BDFWO
By jurisdiction (see Sacramento Other All map)
Salt marsh Tidal wetlands/marsh adjacent to San Francisco species, delta BDFWO San Francisco Bay smelt
San Francisco All ownerships but tidal/estuarine All SFWO
Salt marsh Tidal wetlands/marsh adjacent to San Mateo species, delta BDFWO San Francisco Bay smelt
San Mateo All ownerships but tidal/estuarine All SFWO
Legal Delta excluding San Joaquin San Joaquin All BDFWO HCP
San Joaquin Other All SFWO
Salt marsh Tidal wetlands/marsh adjacent to Santa Clara species, delta BDFWO San Francisco Bay smelt
Santa Clara All ownerships but tidal/estuarine All SFWO
8 Shasta Trinity National Forest except Hat Creek Ranger District Shasta All YFWO (administered by Lassen National Forest)
Shasta Hat Creek Ranger District All SFWO
Bureau of Reclamation (Central Shasta All BDFWO Valley Project)
Whiskeytown National Recreation Shasta All YFWO Area
Shasta BLM Alturas Resource Area All KFWO
Shasta Caltrans By jurisdiction SFWO/AFWO
Shasta Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park Shasta crayfish SFWO
By jurisdiction (see Shasta All other ownerships All map)
Natural Resource Damage Shasta All SFWO/BDFWO Assessment, all lands
Sierra Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest All RFWO
Sierra All other ownerships All SFWO
Klamath National Forest (except Siskiyou All YFWO Ukonom District)
Six Rivers National Forest and
9 Siskiyou Ukonom District All AFWO
Siskiyou Shasta Trinity National Forest All YFWO
Siskiyou Lassen National Forest All SFWO
Siskiyou Modoc National Forest All KFWO
Lava Beds National Volcanic Siskiyou All KFWO Monument
Siskiyou BLM Alturas Resource Area All KFWO
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Siskiyou All KFWO Refuge Complex
By jurisdiction (see Siskiyou All other ownerships All map)
Solano Suisun Marsh All BDFWO
Salt marsh Tidal wetlands/marsh adjacent to Solano species, delta BDFWO San Pablo Bay smelt
Solano All ownerships but tidal/estuarine All SFWO
By jurisdiction (see Solano Other All map)
Salt marsh Tidal wetlands/marsh adjacent to Sonoma species, delta BDFWO San Pablo Bay smelt
10 Sonoma All ownerships but tidal/estuarine All SFWO
Tehama Mendocino National Forest All AFWO
Shasta Trinity National Forest except Hat Creek Ranger District Tehama All YFWO (administered by Lassen National Forest)
By jurisdiction (see Tehama All other ownerships All map)
Trinity BLM All AFWO
Trinity Six Rivers National Forest All AFWO
Trinity Shasta Trinity National Forest All YFWO
Trinity Mendocino National Forest All AFWO
Trinity BIA (Tribal Trust Lands) All AFWO
Trinity County Government All AFWO
By jurisdiction (See Trinity All other ownerships All map)
Yolo Yolo Bypass All BDFWO
By jurisdiction (see Yolo Other All map)
By jurisdiction (see All FERC-ESA All map)
11 All FERC-ESA Shasta crayfish SFWO
All FERC-Relicensing (non-ESA) All BDFWO
*Office Leads:
AFWO=Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office
BDFWO=Bay Delta Fish and Wildlife Office
KFWO=Klamath Falls Fish and Wildlife Office
RFWO=Reno Fish and Wildlife Office
YFWO=Yreka Fish and Wildlife Office
Attachment
12 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project
Official Species List
Provided by: Reno Fish and Wildlife Office 1340 FINANCIAL BOULEVARD, SUITE 234 RENO, NV 89502 (775) 861-6300 http://www.fws.gov/nevada/
Consultation Code: 08ENVD00-2016-SLI-0332 Event Code: 08ENVD00-2016-E-00363
Project Type: POWER GENERATION
Project Name: Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project Project Description: Official species list requested to support updated biological baseline surveys for the project. Ormat proposes to construct and operate a geothermal power plant, a supporting production/injection well-field, and an approximately 35-mile 230-kV transmission line with a substation on federal lands administered by the Carson City District Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the US Navy in Churchill and Pershing County, Nevada.
Please Note: The FWS office may have modified the Project Name and/or Project Description, so it may be different from what was submitted in your previous request. If the Consultation Code matches, the FWS considers this to be the same project. Contact the office in the 'Provided by' section of your previous Official Species list if you have any questions or concerns.
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 05/04/2016 04:14 PM 1 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project
Project Location Map:
Project Coordinates: The coordinates are too numerous to display here.
Project Counties: Churchill, NV | Pershing, NV
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 05/04/2016 04:14 PM 2 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project
Endangered Species Act Species List
There are a total of 1 threatened or endangered species on your species list. Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. Critical habitats listed under the Has Critical Habitat column may or may not lie within your project area. See the Critical habitats within your project area section further below for critical habitat that lies within your project. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions.
Fishes Status Has Critical Habitat Condition(s)
Lahontan cutthroat trout Threatened (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) Population: Entire
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 05/04/2016 04:14 PM 3 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project
Critical habitats that lie within your project area There are no critical habitats within your project area.
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 05/04/2016 04:14 PM 4 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project
Appendix A: FWS National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries
There are no refuges or fish hatcheries within your project area.
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 05/04/2016 04:14 PM - Appendix A 1 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project
Appendix B: FWS Migratory Birds
The protection of birds is regulated by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA). Any activity, intentional or unintentional, resulting in take of migratory birds, including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). The MBTA has no otherwise lawful activities. For more information regarding these Acts see: http://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php http://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/bald-and-golden-eagle-protection-act.php
All project proponents are responsible for complying with the appropriate regulations protecting birds when planning and developing a project. To meet these conservation obligations, proponents should identify potential or existing project-related impacts to migratory birds and their habitat and develop and implement conservation measures that avoid, minimize, or compensate for these impacts. The Service's Birds of Conservation Concern (2008) report identifies species, subspecies, and populations of all migratory nongame birds that, without additional conservation actions, are likely to become listed under the Endangered Species Act as amended (16 U.S.C 1531 et seq.).
For information about Birds of Conservation Concern, go to: http://www.fws.gov/birds/management/managed-species/birds-of-conservation-concern.php
For information about conservation measures that help avoid or minimize impacts to birds, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/birds/management/project-assessment-tools-and-guidance/conservation-measures.php
To search and view summaries of year-round bird occurrence data within your project area, go to the Avian Knowledge Network Histogram Tools at: http://www.fws.gov/birds/management/project-assessment-tools-and-guidance/akn-histogram-tools.php
Migratory birds of concern that may be affected by your project: There are 18 birds on your Migratory birds of concern list.
Species Name Bird of Conservation Seasonal Occurrence in Concern (BCC) Project Area
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus Yes Wintering leucocephalus)
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 05/04/2016 04:14 PM - Appendix B 1 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project
Black Rosy-Finch Yes Year-round (Leucosticte atrata)
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella Yes Breeding breweri)
Burrowing Owl (Athene Yes Breeding cunicularia)
Calliope Hummingbird Yes Breeding (Stellula calliope)
Eared Grebe (Podiceps Yes Breeding nigricollis)
Fox Sparrow (Passerella Yes Breeding liaca)
Greater sage-grouse Yes Year-round (Centrocercus urophasianus)
Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo Yes Breeding chlorurus)
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius Yes Year-round ludovicianus)
Long-Billed curlew Yes Breeding (Numenius americanus)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco Yes Year-round peregrinus)
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus Yes Year-round cyanocephalus)
Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes Yes Breeding montanus)
Short-eared Owl (Asio Yes Year-round
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 05/04/2016 04:14 PM - Appendix B 2 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project
flammeus)
Swainson's hawk (Buteo Yes Breeding swainsoni)
Virginia's Warbler Yes Breeding (Vermivora virginiae)
Western grebe Yes Breeding (aechmophorus occidentalis)
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 05/04/2016 04:14 PM - Appendix B 3 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Dixie Valley Geothermal Utilization Project
Appendix C: NWI Wetlands
There are no wetlands within your project area.
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 05/04/2016 04:14 PM - Appendix C 1 STATE OF NEVADA TONY WASLEY DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE Director
6980 Sierra Center Parkway, Suite 120 JACK ROBB Deputy Director Reno, Nevada 89511 ELIZABETH O’BRIEN BRIAN SANDOVAL (775) 688-1500 • Fax (775) 688-1595 Deputy Director Governor
Morgan Trieger May 4, 2016 Lead Biologist EMPSi 4741 Caughlin Pkwy, Suite 4 Reno, Nevada 89519
Re: Dixie Meadows Geothermal
Dear Morgan Trieger:
I am responding to your request for information from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) on the known or potential occurrence of wildlife resources in the vicinity of Dixie Meadows Geothermal located in Churchill and Pershing Counties, Nevada. In order to fulfill your request an analysis was performed using the best available data from the NDOW’s wildlife occurrences, raptor nest sites and ranges, greater sage- grouse leks and habitat, and big game distributions databases. No warranty is made by the NDOW as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data for individual use or aggregate use with other data. These data should be considered sensitive and may contain information regarding the location of sensitive wildlife species or resources. All appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that the use of this data is strictly limited to serve the needs of the project described on your GIS Data Request Form. Abuse of this information has the potential to adversely affect the existing ecological status of Nevada’s wildlife resources and could be cause for the denial of future data requests.
To adequately provide wildlife resource information in the vicinity of the proposed project the NDOW delineated an area of interest that included a four-mile buffer around the project area provided by you on 05/04/2016. Wildlife resource data was queried from the NDOW databases based on this area of interest. The results of this analysis are summarized below.
Big Game – Occupied bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope distributions exist within portions of the project area and four-mile buffer area. Occupied mule deer distribution exists outside of the project area within portions of the four-mile buffer area. No known occupied elk distribution exists in the vicinity of the project area. Please refer to the attached maps for details regarding big game distributions relative to the proposed project area.
Greater Sage-Grouse – Greater sage-grouse habitat in the vicinity of the project area has primarily been classified as General habitat by the Nevada Sagebrush Ecosystem Program (http://sagebrusheco.nv.gov). Core and Priority habitat also exist in the vicinity of the project area. Please refer to the attached maps for details regarding greater sage-grouse habitat relative to the proposed project area. Greater sage-grouse activity in the vicinity of the project area has been documented by 90 tracking locations generated by at least 11 radio-marked birds in the vicinity of the project area. There is one known greater sage-grouse lek site in the vicinity of the project area:
Lek Name Township/Range/Section Last Survey Status Fish Creek Basin 5 21 0270N 0410E 030 2012 Pending
Raptors – Various species of raptors, which use diverse habitat types, may reside in the vicinity of the project area. American kestrel, bald eagle, barn owl, burrowing owl, Cooper's hawk, ferruginous hawk, flammulated owl, golden eagle, great horned owl, long-eared owl, merlin, northern goshawk, northern harrier, northern saw-whet owl, osprey, peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk, rough-legged hawk, sharp- shinned hawk, short-eared owl, Swainson's hawk, turkey vulture, and western screech owl have distribution ranges that include the project area and four-mile buffer area. Furthermore, American kestrel, golden eagle, and prairie falcon have been directly observed in the vicinity of the project area.
Raptor species are protected by State and Federal laws. In addition, bald eagle, burrowing owl, California spotted owl, ferruginous hawk, flammulated owl, golden eagle, northern goshawk, peregrine falcon, prairie falcon, and short-eared owl are NDOW species of special concern and are target species for conservation as outlined by the Nevada Wildlife Action Plan. Per the Interim Golden Eagle Technical Guidance: Inventory and Monitoring Protocols; and Other Recommendations in Support of Golden Eagle Management and Permit Issuance (United States Fish and Wildlife Service 2010) we have queried our raptor nest database to include raptor nest sites within ten miles of the proposed project area. There are 74 known raptor nest sites within ten miles of the project area. Please refer to the appendix for details regarding these raptor nest sites.
Other Wildlife Resources
The following species have also been observed in the vicinity of the project area:
Common Name ESA State SWAP SoCP bullfrog California myotis California quail California toad Yes coachwhip common kingsnake common side-blotched lizard desert horned lizard Yes gophersnake Great Basin collared lizard Yes Great Basin fence lizard Great Basin gophersnake Great Basin rattlesnake long-eared myotis Yes long-nosed leopard lizard Yes Mojave patch-nosed snake Nevada side-blotched lizard northern desert horned lizard Yes pallid bat Protected red racer scud (freshwater shrimp) striped whipsnake tiger whiptail Townsend's big-eared bat Sensitive Yes western fence lizard western patch-nosed snake western pipistrelle western small-footed myotis Yes western toad Yes yellow-backed spiny lizard
2
Yuma myotis zebra-tailed lizard
ESA: Endangered Species Act Status State: State of Nevada Special Status SWAP SoCP: Nevada State Wildlife Action Plan (2012) Species of Conservation Priority
The proposed project area may also be in the vicinity of abandoned mine workings, which often provide habitat for state and federally protected wildlife, especially bat species, many of which are protected under NAC 503.030. To request data regarding known abandoned mine workings in the vicinity of the project area please contact the Nevada Division of Minerals (http://minerals.state.nv.us/).
The above information is based on data stored at our Reno Headquarters Office, and does not necessarily incorporate the most up to date wildlife resource information collected in the field. Please contact the Habitat Division Supervising Biologist at our Western Region Reno Office (775.688.1500) to discuss the current environmental conditions for your project area and the interpretation of our analysis. Furthermore, it should be noted that the information detailed above is preliminary in nature and not necessarily an identification of every wildlife resource concern associated with the proposed project. Consultation with the Supervising Habitat biologist will facilitate the development of appropriate survey protocols and avoidance or mitigation measures that may be required to address potential impacts to wildlife resources.
Mark Freese - Western Region Supervising Habitat Biologist (775.688.1145)
Federally listed Threatened and Endangered species are also under the jurisdiction of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Please contact them for more information regarding these species.
If you have any questions regarding the results or methodology of this analysis please do not hesitate to contact our GIS office at (775) 688-1439.
Sincerely,
3
Appendix: Raptor Nest Sites Table
Probable Use Last Check Last Active Township/Range/Section Buteo 5/14/2003 5/14/2003 Buteo 5/12/2014 5/12/2014 Buteo 5/24/2014 5/24/2014 Buteo 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/12/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/12/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/12/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/12/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/12/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/12/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/12/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/12/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/12/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Buteo/Corvid 5/24/2014 Corvid 5/12/2014 5/12/2014 Corvid 5/12/2014 5/12/2014 Corvid 5/12/2014 5/12/2014 Corvid 5/12/2014 Corvid 5/12/2014 Corvid 5/12/2014 Corvid 5/12/2014 Corvid 5/12/2014 Corvid 5/12/2014 Corvid 5/12/2014 Corvid 5/24/2014 Corvid 5/24/2014 Eagle 1/1/1977 21 0230N 0340E 011 Eagle 1/1/1977 21 0230N 0340E 019 Eagle 5/12/2014 6/7/2007 21 0260N 0400E 008 Eagle 5/12/2014 5/12/2014 Eagle 5/12/2014 Eagle 5/12/2014
Eagle 5/12/2014 Eagle 5/12/2014 Eagle 5/12/2014 Eagle 5/12/2014 Eagle 5/12/2014 Eagle 5/12/2014 Eagle 5/24/2014 5/24/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/12/2014 5/12/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/12/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/12/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/12/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/12/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/12/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/12/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/12/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/12/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/12/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/24/2014 Eagle/Buteo 5/24/2014 Falcon - Confirmed 6/2/2000 6/2/2000 21 0280N 0410E 016 Falcon - Confirmed 6/7/2007 6/7/2007 21 0250N 0400E 018 Falcon - Confirmed 6/7/2007 6/7/2007 21 0260N 0400E 017 Falcon - Probable 5/3/1972 21 0280N 0410E 022 Falcon - Probable 5/12/2014 5/12/2014 Falcon - Probable 5/12/2014 5/12/2014 Ferruginous Hawk 6/16/1992 21 0250N 0400E 028 Ferruginous Hawk 6/16/1992 21 0260N 0410E 032 Ferruginous Hawk 6/16/1992 21 0270N 0420E 019 Unknown 5/12/2014 5/12/2014
5
Pers hin g
Lan de r
Churc hi ll
Miles F 0 2 4 6 8 10
Project Area Dixie Meadows Geothermal Four Mile Buffer Area Boundary Bighorn Sheep Distribution Bighorn Sheep Distribution May 04, 2016 Projection: UTM Zone 11 North, NAD83 No warranty is made by the Nevada Department of Wildlife as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data for individual use or aggregate use with other data.
V:\ActiveProjects\DataRequests\Template\Data Request - Response Template.mxd Pers hin g
Lan de r
Churc hi ll
MilesMiles Miles 0 0 5 510 1015 1520 2025 F 0 2 4 6 8 10
Project Area Dixie Meadows Geothermal Four Mile Buffer Area Boundary Pronghorn Antelope Distribution Pronghorn Antelope Distribution May 04, 2016 Projection: UTM Zone 11 North, NAD83 No warranty is made by the Nevada Department of Wildlife as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data for individual use or aggregate use with other data.
V:\ActiveProjects\DataRequests\Template\Data Request - Response Template.mxd Pers hin g
Lan de r
Churc hi ll
MilesMiles Miles 0 0 5 5 10 10 15 15 20 20 25 F 0 2 4 6 8 10
Project Area Dixie Meadows Geothermal Four Mile Buffer Area Boundary Mule Deer Distribution Mule Deer Distribution May 04, 2016 Projection: UTM Zone 11 North, NAD83 No warranty is made by the Nevada Department of Wildlife as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data for individual use or aggregate use with other data.
V:\ActiveProjects\DataRequests\Template\Data Request - Response Template.mxd Pers hin g
Lan de r
Churc hi ll
MilesMiles Miles 0 0 5 5 10 10 15 15 20 20 25 F 0 2 4 6 8 10
Project Area Dixie Meadows Geothermal Four Mile Buffer Area Boundary Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Management Core Habitat May 04, 2016 Priority Habitat Projection: UTM Zone 11 North, NAD83 No warranty is made by the Nevada Department of Wildlife General Habitat as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data for individual use or aggregate use with other data.
V:\ActiveProjects\DataRequests\Template\Data Request - Response Template.mxd 5/9/2016 RE: Data Request Form Morgan Trieger RE: Data Request Form
eric Miskow
Mon 5/9/2016 3:14 PM
To:Morgan Trieger
﴿ 2 attachments ﴾106 KB
EMPS_Dixie_V_2016.zip; EMP2016mt01.ltr.docx;
Hi Morgan,
Please find the data request for the Dixie Valley Geothermal U뛕 liza뛕 on Project a ached. I placed a signed hard copy of the cover le er and invoice in the terrestrial mail. Let me know if you have any ques뛕 ons.
Best Regards,
Eric
Eric Miskow Biologist/Data Manager Nevada Natural Heritage Program Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 901 S. Stewart Street, Suite 5002 Carson City, NV 89701-5245 (775) 684-2905 (voice) (775) 684-2909 (fax) [email protected]
From : Morgan Trieger [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2016 2:39 PM To: eric Miskow Subject: Data Request Form
Dear Mr. Miskow, Please find attached an NNHP Data Request Form for the Dixie Meadows Geothermal Utilization Project, in the Dixie Valley, Churchill County, Nevada. I have also attached shapefiles for the spatial extent of the project.
Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Thank You, Morgan Trieger
Morgan Trieger EMPSi Environmental Management and Planning Solutions, Inc. https://outlook.office.com/owa/?viewmodel=ReadMessageItem&ItemID=AAMkADgxNmNhY2UyLTQ0M2UtNDFkMi1iOTIxLWNhZmU3ODU4N2JlYgBGAAA… 1/2 5/9/2016 RE: Data Request Form Morgan Trieger
4741 Caughlin Parkway, Suite 4 Reno, NV 89519 tel: 775-323-1433 www.EMPSi.com Twitter: EMPSInc Facebook: EMPSi
Bringing clarity to the complex ™
GSA Contract GS10F-0412S
Asheville Denver Portland Reno San Francisco Santa Fe Washington, DC
PLEASE NOTE: This message, including any attachments, may include privileged, confidential and/or inside information. Any distribution or use of this communication by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by replying to this message and then delete it from your system.
https://outlook.office.com/owa/?viewmodel=ReadMessageItem&ItemID=AAMkADgxNmNhY2UyLTQ0M2UtNDFkMi1iOTIxLWNhZmU3ODU4N2JlYgBGAAA… 2/2
Brian Sandoval Governor
Leo Drozdoff STATE OF NEVADA Director DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Kristin Szabo Nevada Natural Heritage Program Administrator
09 May 2016
Morgan Trieger Environmental Management and Planning Solutions, Inc. 4741 Caughlin Parkway, Suite 4 Reno, NV 89519
Dear Mr. Trieger:
Please find shape files containing the recorded endangered, threatened, candidate, and At Risk plant and animal elements (taxa) within the Dixie Meadows Geothermal Utilization Project recorded in Nevada (assumed to be extant, unless mentioned otherwise). This data set is packaged in GIS ArcMap10 Format (projected, UTM Zone 11, NAD 1983). The files contain shape file sets with the recorded element source feature occurrence records within the project footprint provided and their associated attributes. The files are labeled, EMPS_Dixie_V_poly.xxx. Please refer to the Biotics Metadata (in the xml files included) for explanations and interpretations of each data set along with its respective attributes.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) manages, protects, and restores Nevada’s wildlife resources and associated habitat. Please contact Bonnie Weller, NDOW GIS Biologist (775) 688-1439 to obtain further information regarding wildlife resources within and near your area of interest. Removal or destruction of state protected flora species (NAC 527.010) requires a special permit from Nevada Division of Forestry (NRS 527.270).
Please note that your use of these data is contingent upon your acknowledgment of the enclosed DATA LIMITATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS (revised 25 June 2015). In particular, please be aware that we furnish data with the understanding that these data are privileged and are not to be provided to a third party without our consent. Products derived from our data should cite the Nevada Natural Heritage Program as a source, along with the month and year in which we provided the data.
Many of our documents, including species lists and keys to our symbols, can be found on our website http://heritage.nv.gov Please visit our website to learn more about our program and the sensitive species of Nevada.
Sincerely,
Eric S. Miskow Biologist/Data Manager
901 S. Stewart Street, Suite 5002 Carson City, NV 89701-5245 Tel: 775-684-2900 Fax: 775-684-2909 http://heritage.nv.gov
SNAME SCOMNAME SF_ID_CONF MAJORGROUP MINORGROUP S_RANK G_RANK ENDEMISM Pyrgulopsis dixensis Dixie Valley pyrg 2.00000000000 I M S1 G1 Y Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus Lahontan beardtongue 0.00000000000 P D S2? G4G5T2? Y Mentzelia candelariae Candelaria blazingstar 0.00000000000 P D S3? G3?Q Y Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus Lahontan beardtongue 0.00000000000 P D S2? G4G5T2? Y Mentzelia candelariae Candelaria blazingstar 0.00000000000 P D S3? G3?Q Y Phacelia glaberrima Reese River phacelia 0.00000000000 P D S3? G3? Y Mentzelia candelariae Candelaria blazingstar 0.00000000000 P D S3? G3?Q Y
Appendix B Photo Log
This page intentionally left blank.
Mixed salt desert scrub habitat.
Greasewood flat habitat.
Invasive forbland and grassland.
Mixed salt desert scrub habitat with high cheatgrass cover.
Big sagebrush shrubland habitat.
Emergent marsh habitat.
Playa habitat.
Burrowing owl burrow with scat.
Long-billed curlew.
Appendix C List of Species Observed
This page intentionally left blank.
APPENDIX C LIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED
Table C-1, below, displays the species observed and detected in the survey area during the field surveys in 2011 and 2016.
Table C-1 Species Observed within and in the Vicinity of the Project Area1 Common Name Scientific Name Birds American avocet2 Recurvirostra americana American kestrel Falco sparverius Black-billed magpie Pica hudsonia Black-necked stilt Himantopus mexicanus Black-throated sparrow Amphispiza bilineata Brewer’s blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater Bullock’s oriole Icterus bullockii Burrowing owl2 Athene cunicularia Common raven Corvus corax European starling Sturnus vulgaris Golden eagle2 Aquila chrysaetos Horned lark Eremophila alpestris Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Lark sparrow Chondestes grammacus Loggerhead shrike2 Lanius ludovicianus Long-billed curlew2 Numenius americanus Northern harrier2 Circus cyaneus Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Prairie falcon2 Falco mexicanus Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Rock wren Salpinctes obsoletus Sage sparrow2 Artemisiospiza nevadensis
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report C-1 C. List of Species Observed
Table C-1 Species Observed within and in the Vicinity of the Project Area1 Common Name Scientific Name Short-eared owl2 Asio flammeus Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Vesper sparrow2 Pooecetes gramineus Violet-green swallow Tachycineta thalassina Western kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta Western wood-pewee Contopus sordidulus Yellow-headed blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia Mammals Badger Taxidea taxus Black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus californicus Coyote Canis latrans Desert cottontail rabbit Sylvilagus audubonii Gopher Thomomys sp. Least chipmunk Tamias minimus Pronghorn antelope Antilocapra americana Vole Microtus sp. White-tailed antelope squirrel Ammospermophilus leucurus Woodrat Neotoma sp. Kit fox (detected by sign) Vulpes macrotis Reptiles Great Basin whiptail Cnemidophorus tigris tigris Long-nosed leopard lizard Gambelia wislizenii Side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana Northern desert horned lizard Phrynosoma platyrhinos platyrhinos Western fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis Plants Indian ricegrass Achnatherum hymenoides Russian knapweed Acroptilon repens Iodinebush Allenrolfea occidentalis Fiddleneck Amsinckia tessellata Rock cress Arabis sp. Sagebrush, basin big Artemesia tridentata var. veseyana Narrowleaf milkweed Asclepias fascicularis Milkvetch Astragalus sp. Silver saltweed Atriplex argentea Four-wing saltbush A. canescens Shadscale A. confertifolia Allscale A. polycarpa Red brome Bromus rubens Cheatgrass B. tectorum Hoary cress Cardaria draba Bur buttercup Ceratocephala testiculata Xantus pincushion Chaenactis xantiana
C-2 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016 C. List of Species Observed
Table C-1 Species Observed within and in the Vicinity of the Project Area1 Common Name Scientific Name Pigweed, lamb’s quarters Chenopodium sp. Green rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Bull thistle Cirsium vulgare Yellow bee plant Cleome lutea Meadow hawksbeard Crepis runcinata var. imbricata Dodder Cuscuta salina Flixweed Descurainia sophia Inland salt grass Distichlis spicata Russian olive Elaeagnus angustifolia Squirreltail Elymus elymoides Nevada ephedra Ephedra nevadensis Great Basin woolystar Eriastrum sparsiflorum Rubber rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseous Desert trumpet Eriogonum inflatum Birdnest buckwheat E. nidularium Stork’s bill Erodium cicutarium Gilia Gilia sp. Spiny hopsage Grayia spinosa Sand cholla2 Grusonia pulchella Snakeweed Gutierrezia sarothrae Halogeton Halogeton glomeratus Foxtail barley Hordeum jubatum Povertyweed Iva axillaris Baltic rush Juncus balticus Yellow peppergrass Lepidium flavum var. flavum Tall whitetop L. latifolium Clasping pepperweed L. perfoliatum White sweetclover Melilotus albus Western wheatgrass Pascopyrum smithii Budsage Picrothamnus desertorum (Artemisia spinescens) Rabbit's foot grass Polypogon monspeliensis Russian thistle Salsola tragus Bailey greasewood Sarcobatus baileyi Big greasewood S. vermiculatus Globemallow Sphaeralcea ambigua Prince's plume Stanleya pinnata Wire lettuce Stephanomeria pauciflora Bush seepweed Suaeda nigra Tamarisk, Salt cedar Tamarix ramosissima Cotton catclaw horsebrush Tetradymia axillaris Littleleaf horsebrush T. glabrata Short-spine horsebrush T. spinosa Intermediate wheatgrass Thinopyrum intermedium 1 Includes species that were detected by tracks, scat, carcass, prey remains, feathers, and burrows 2 BLM sensitive species or USFWS species of conservation concern
July 2016 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report C-3 C. List of Species Observed
This page intentionally left blank.
C-4 Dixie Meadows Biological Survey Report July 2016
Ormat Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Surveys
August 2013
Prepared for: Environmental Management and Planning Solutions, Inc. 3775 Iris Ave Suite 1A Boulder Colorado 80301
Prepared by:
Wildlife Resource Consultants P. O. Box 68 Cedarville, CA 96104 530.708.0691 [email protected]
NOTE: This report contains detailed information on sensitive wildlife species. It is intended for internal planning purposes only. The report, or detailed information on wildlife occurrences contained within it, should not be distributed publicly. Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION ...... 1 1.2 PROJECT AREA ...... 1 1.3 SETTING ...... 2 2. Methods...... 5 2.1 AGENCY COORDINATION ...... 5 2.2 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES HABITAT EVALUATION ...... 5 2.3 GENERAL WILDLIFE METHODS...... 6 2.4 RAPTORS ...... 7 2.5 GOLDEN EAGLE ...... 7 2.6 BURROWING OWL ...... 7 2.7 BATS ...... 8 3. Results and Discussion ...... 9 3.1 AGENCY COORDINATION ...... 9 3.2 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES HABITAT EVALUATION ...... 9 3.3 GENERAL WILDLIFE ...... 10 3.4 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES ...... 12 4. Summary ...... 20 5. Recommendations ...... 21 6. References and Literature Cited ...... 22 Figure 1: Project Location Figure 2: Soils Figure 3: SWReGAP Land Cover Types Figure 4: Burrowing Owl Call Points Figure 5: Bat Detector Locations Appendix A: Description of SWReGAP Land Cover Types Appendix B: Agency Correspondence Appendix C: Special Status Species Habitat Evaluation Appendix D: List of Species Observed Appendix E: Photos
ORMAT Wildlife Resource Consultants Dixie Valley Project Wildlife Baseline Report Page i August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 1
1. INTRODUCTION
Environmental Management and Planning Solutions, Inc. (EMPSi) contracted with Wildlife Resource Consultants (WRC) to conduct a wildlife baseline survey of Ormat Technologies, Inc. (Ormat) Dixie Hope Geothermal and Transmission Project (hereafter referred to as the Dixie Hope Project). The purpose of the study is to collect wildlife baseline data for the project area, determine habitat suitability for special-status species, and identify potential wildlife-related issues that could affect future permitting of the project.
Field surveys for general wildlife species and special status wildlife species were performed in June, July, and August 2013 at optimum times for wildlife identification. The surveys included an inventory of all vertebrate species encountered as well as focused ground surveys for raptors.
1.1 Project Description and Location
Ormat proposes to construct and operate a geothermal power plant, a supporting production/injection well-field, and an approximately 35-mile 230-kV transmission line with a substation on federal lands administered by the Carson City District Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the US Navy in Churchill County, Nevada (Figure 1 shows the general project location). These lands are addressed under the Carson City Consolidated Resource Management Plan (RMP) (2001) and the BLM and Navy RMP for Certain Federal Lands in Churchill County, Nevada (2001). A notice of revision to the RMP was posted February 2012, but the revised RMP is not yet available.
The power plant would be constructed immediately to the west of the boundary of Lease N- 60686, which is part of the Dixie Hope Lease Area, and immediately to the east of Dixie Valley Road (State Route 121) in T22N R35E Section 18. The power plant would be sited on lands currently not leased but intended for nomination and for lease by Ormat through the BLM’s scheduled November 2013 lease sale (see Figure 1; the power plant would be developed in the new nominated lease site area).
The proposed action would include a 47-mile 230-kV transmission line that would extend north to the 120-kV Jersey Valley transmission line. The project alternative would include an Table 1. Land sections that contain project components1. approximately 31-mile 230-kV transmission line that would extend south to US Highway 50, paralleling Township Range Sections the existing Oxbow wooden pole 22N 35E 5,7,8,18,19 transmission line. Specific sections of land that are part of the 22N 34E 24,25,26,27 proposed project are listed in Table 21N 34E 2,3,10,11,15,22,27,34 1. 20N 34E 3,4,9,10,15,16,21,22,27,28,33,34 1.2 Project Area 19N 34E 3,4,9,10,15,16,21,22,27,28,33,34 18N 34E 3,4,9,10,15,16,21,22,27,28,33,34 EMPSi provided Wildlife Resource Consultants GIS shapefiles of the 17N 34E 3,4,9 project in a May 29, 2013 email 1 Project components include the nominated area, transmission line right-of- (Figure 1). The project area consists way (500 feet for northern end, and 1,000 ft for southern end), and transmission line access roads.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 2 of the following four components: a 50-foot wide corridor for each access road; a 500-foot right- of-way (ROW) for the northern end of the transmission line and a 1,000 foot ROW for the southern end of the transmission line; the substation; and the new nominated lease site (where the power plant will be located). Within the project area, project construction would directly affect wildlife or habitat. Intensive general wildlife baseline surveys were therefore conducted everywhere within the project area.
We also created a one-mile buffer around the project area to survey for special species or habitats which could feasibly be indirectly affected by project development (Figure 1). Raptor nest surveys were conducted throughout this area, and some surveys conducted within specialized habitats like Dixie Meadows. The project area covers approximately 3,628 acres. The one-mile buffer encompasses 49,433 acres.
1.3 Setting
Dixie Valley is bordered on the east by the Stillwater Range and on the west by the Clan Alpine Mountains. The project spans most of the southern half of Dixie Valley, terminating on the northern end just west of Dixie Meadows. At its closest point, the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately 16 miles west of the project.
The elevation in the project area ranges from approximately 3,800 feet above mean sea level near the playas of Dixie Valley to approximately 4,280 feet in the southern end in the lower elevations of the Louderback Mountains. Near Dixie Meadows at the northern end of the project area, project components are on or near the valley bottom playa. For approximately 20 miles south of here, the transmission line is mostly on either the valley bottom or the toe of bajada landforms on the west side of the valley. These landforms are composed of a series of coalescing alluvial fans constructed by currently ephemeral streams draining the Stillwater Mountains. Aspects are generally east to southeast and slopes are relatively gentle.
About 10 miles from the southern end of the project area, the transmission line right-of-way crosses the valley bottom. From here south, it is found near the valley bottom or distal ends of bajadas at the foot of the Louderback Mountains, a small outcropping of the Clan Alpine range. As in the northern portion of the project area, the right-of-way is typically near the toes of bajadas in areas of relatively low slope, but the aspect is mostly west.
Features attractive to wildlife such as rock outcrops, cliffs, or trees are not present in the project area. However, the one-mile buffer includes an outcropping of the Louderback Mountains in the southeastern part of the project area, and a small portion of the foothills of the Stillwater Mountains in the northern part of the project area. Both of these areas contain rock outcrops, cliffs, and scattered small junipers.
No mapped springs or perennial water are located in the project area. However, Dixie Meadows, with its associated marshes, hot and cold springs, and open water is located immediately east and adjacent to the project’s northern terminus, within the one-mile buffer.
Additional rare or sensitive wildlife habitats are found in the abandoned settlement area on Settlement road, east of the project area. Abandoned homesteads are clustered around springs
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 3 and ponds. These areas include old buildings, trees, landscaping, livestock sheds, and fencing. Wetland and aquatic habitats are common, but these areas are located outside the project area one mile buffer and were not surveyed.
1.3.1 Soils Soils characteristics are reflective of the highly depositional, alluvial setting of the Dixie Valley bottom and adjacent bajadas. Where project components are on or near the valley floors in areas of lower slope, soils tend to be fine-textured, with significant silt and clay components. Soil texture ranges from silty clays to loams (Figure 2). On the steeper sloped bajadas, coarser sands and gravels dominate.
1.3.2 Land Cover Nevada land cover was mapped for the Southwest Region GAP (SWReGAP) analysis project in 2004, using satellite data from 1999-2001 (Lowry, et al. 2005). Land cover units were drawn from NatureServe’s ecological system concept (Comer et al. 2003). Ecological systems are groups of vegetation alliances-associations. The SWReGAP land cover map for the project area
Table 2. Areas of SWReGAP land cover types occurring in the project area and in the one-mile buffer.
Approximate Area (acres) Transmission New Transmission One Mile Line and Nominated Line Access Land Cover Type Buffer Substation Site Roads Inter-Mountain Basins Cliff and Canyon 214 Inter-Mountain Basins Active and 45 3 Stabilized Dune Inter-Mountain Basins Playa 1,281 8 Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush 24 Shrubland Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt 38,573 2,516 301 29 Desert Scrub Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert 20 Shrub Steppe Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert 2 Grassland Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood 6,788 473 94 4 Flat North American Arid West Emergent 277 Marsh Invasive Annual Grassland 280 6 Invasive Annual and Biennial Forbland 1,929 192 3 Total Area 49,433 3,198 395 35
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 4 and the one-mile buffer is shown on Figure 3, providing an overview of available habitats and therefore of the potential for species occurrence. The amount of each ecological system within the project area and the one-mile buffer is summarized in Table 2. A brief summary of the ecological system is provided in Appendix A.
Most of the project area is characterized by a mixed desert shrub plant community, which is dominated by shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), Bailey’s black greasewood (Sarcobates vermiculatus var. baileyi), budsage (Artemisia spinescens), hopsage (Grayia spinosa), Nevada ephedra (Ephedra nevadensis), winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata), and occasional Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia).
A four-wing saltbrush (Atriplex canescens)/mixed desert shrub vegetation community is located in drainages encountered in portions of the project area. This saltbush/mixed shrub plant community type included a variety of shrub overstory species such as glandular indigo bush (Psorothamnus polydenius), white burro-bush (Hymenoclea salsola), Wyoming sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate ssp. wyomingensis), and rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus). The black sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula)/green rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) community is dominated by an overstory of these species.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 5
2. METHODS
2.1 Agency Coordination
An official species list of federally listed threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species for the Dixie Hope Project was obtained from the Reno office of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) via the following website: http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. This list fulfills the requirements of the USFWS to provide a current species list pursuant to section 7 of the ESA. Database queries were conducted with the NDOW and the Nevada Natural Heritage Program (NNHP) for special status wildlife species known to occur in or with the potential to occur in the project area. Copies of all agency correspondence are in Appendix B.
State NDOW biologists familiar with the area were also consulted by phone for information on current and historic wildlife species that could occur in the project area. Contacts include: Western Region Supervising Habitat Biologist Mark Freese (Reno, Nevada) July 18, 2013; non- game wildlife biologist, Jenni Jeffers (Fallon, Nevada) July 26, 2013; and fisheries biologist Kris Urquhart (Fallon,Nevada).
The biologist with the BLM, Chris Kula, was also consulted by phone (July 3 and 18, 2013) for current and historic wildlife species that could occur in the project area and to incorporate any agency concerns into the planned surveys. The BLM Carson Stillwater District wildlife biologist position was vacant and not filled until the middle of July.
2.2 Special Status Species Habitat Evaluation
Using available data, augmented by site reviews, habitat suitability for special status species was evaluated. Special status species as defined here include federally listed, proposed, or candidate species under the Endangered Species Act; Nevada state-protected species; and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sensitive species.
As defined by the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, a threatened species is any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. An endangered species is any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Proposed species are those that are proposed in the Federal Register by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to be listed as threatened or endangered. Candidate species could be listed as threatened or endangered and are actively under review by the USFWS. Species of Concern are taxa for which existing information indicated may warrant listing, but for which substantial biological information to support a proposed rule is lacking.
Section 7 of the ESA directs federal departments and agencies to ensure that actions authorized, funded, or carried out by them are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any threatened or endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. The ESA requires federal agencies to ensure that all actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any threatened or endangered (or proposed or candidate) species. As noted above, a list of federal threatened, endangered proposed or candidate species that may occur in the project area was obtained from the USFWS (Appendix B).
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 6
In addition, the BLM maintains a list of species considered sensitive. Sensitive species are taxa that are not already included as BLM Special Status Species under (1) Federally listed, proposed, or candidate species; or (2) State of Nevada listed species. BLM policy is to provide these species with the same level of protection as is provided for candidate species in BLM Manual 6840.06 C, that is to “ensure that actions authorized, funded, or carried out do not contribute to the need for the species to become listed”. The most recent lists for both statewide sensitive species and the Carson District were obtained.
Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 501 defines categories of protected wildlife. These include threatened, endangered or sensitive species. The most current state list of these species was evaluated as well.
For all special status vertebrate species that are found in the region, habitat requirements were evaluated to determine whether potential habitat for each species is present in the Dixie Valley project area or one mile buffer. Information on the species’ habitat requirements was obtained from NatureServe Explorer (www.natureserve.org/explorer), the NDOW Wildlife Action Plan (2013), and the United States Geological Survey Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter.
2.3 General Wildlife Methods
Systematic wildlife surveys were conducted within the project area on foot and by vehicle on June 7, 8, 25, 26, July 7 through 9, and August 12, 2013. The GIS shapefiles of the project survey area were translated into files that were downloaded into a hand-held GPS unit (Garmin 60 CSX) for accuracy in the field.
The surveys were conducted at the appropriate time of year and day or night to be able to maximize detection of wildlife species in the project area. The surveys began approximately 30 minutes before sunrise and typically ceased when visible light was absent following sunset. On July 8, an evening spotlight survey was performed from 2100 from 2300 hours.
The foot survey focused on features attractive to wildlife, including ecotones, drainages, rock outcrops, and isolated rocks and boulders, which were intensively searched for wildlife and their sign (e.g., scat, feathers, tracks). All woodrat nests encountered were examined for evidence of other vertebrate species (e.g., bones, scat). Roads from which vehicle surveys were performed include those depicted on the United States Geographical Survey (USGS) 7.5 minute series topographic maps as well as informal roads not shown on the map.
Survey conditions including temperature and wind speed were documented with a Kestrel 3500. Observations were aided by 10x40 powered binoculars and a 40x60 powered spotting scope. The hand-held GPS unit (NAD 83, Zone 11) was used to record the locations of special status wildlife species and/or their sign (e.g., scat, burrows). A list of all wildlife species directly observed, detected by vocalizations, and/or sign (e.g., tracks, scat, burrows, pellets) was compiled.
Because wildlife are mobile and could be indirectly affected by the project, unique habitat features (e.g., trees, ponds, flowing water, drainages, cliffs, rock outcrops, etc.) within a one- mile buffer of the project area were included in surveys. These habitat features are attractive to wildlife and were intensively searched on foot for wildlife and their sign.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 7
Species-specific survey methods are described below.
2.4 Raptors
The project area and one-mile buffer were surveyed to determine the location of active and inactive raptor nests and to assess habitat use by raptors. Both binoculars and a spotting scope were used to search for raptors and their nests. Rock outcrops were scanned for visual evidence of any nesting activity such as white wash and stick nests. Any sites with sign suggestive of nesting activity (e.g., perched raptors, white wash) were examined more closely on foot to look for pellets, feathers, prey remains, or other evidence suggestive of nesting activity.
Data collected at each nest site included the following: location (NAD 83, utm coordinate); species of bird, if present; signs of successful fledging (e.g., addition of fresh greens, chicks present); the type of feature the nest on which the nest was located (e.g., cliff, tree); and the approximate height of the feature and nest.
A nest was classified as active if one or more birds was present; eggs were in the nest; young were present in or near the nest; and/or the abundance of sign (e.g., pellets, feathers, prey remains, white wash-particularly around the perimeter of the nest bowl) indicated nest occupancy. Nests that did not have signs of activity and/or were in deteriorated condition were recorded as inactive. No follow-up surveys to assess nest productivity were conducted because the nests that were located had already fledged young.
2.5 Golden Eagle
The USFWS released (February 2010) interim guidelines for inventorying golden eagle habitat, which recommend a minimum four mile survey radius around areas slated for increased development or authorizations for increased human activity.
Via email communication from EMPSI (Drew Vankat, June 5 and 6, 2013), WRC was notified that ORMAT wanted to identify golden eagle nests only from within the one-mile buffer around the project survey area. Therefore, surveys for golden eagle nests were performed only in the project area and the one-mile raptor buffer. Agency coordinates for known nests were plotted and all nests within a one mile radius of the project survey area were assessed for status.
2.6 Burrowing Owl
Surveys focused on burrowing owls and their sign, e.g., dirt mounds in front of burrows with white wash, pellets, prey remains, feathers. Meandering transects were walked throughout the project area; transects, however, did not include the one-mile buffer. Binoculars and/or a spotting scope were used to scan available habitat in the project area and search for perched burrowing owls (e.g., on shrubs, rocks, dirt mound before burrows) and/or obvious burrows (i.e., dirt aprons/mounds in front). The biologists also watched for flushed or perched owls when driving roads in and near the project survey area and the one-mile buffer.
Burrowing owl point count surveys using broadcast calls were performed July 7 and 8. The broadcast survey tiered off Conway and Simon (2003) and was conducted along and near the
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 8 project transmission line ROW. Sixty-two survey points separated by ½ mile were called in the project area (Figure 4). The surveys were conducted for an approximate 2 ½ hour period starting about ½ hour before sunrise (i.e., about 05:00 to 07:30 hours) and for a 2 ½ hour period before sunset to a ½ hour after sunset (i.e., about 18:30 to 21:00 hours).
Each survey point was surveyed for six minutes following Conway and Simon (2003): an initial three minute passive (silent) period where the biologist scanned the surrounding area for burrowing owls using binoculars; followed by three minutes of alternating 30 seconds of the male primary call, 30 seconds of silence, and 30 seconds of the alarm call. One replicate was performed per call point.
2.7 Bats
Acoustic surveys were conducted for bat species using Pettersson ultrasonic detectors (Model D240X). Bat detectors were turned on between approximately 1900 to 2000 hours and operated throughout the night to sample the temporal activity of bats. Six detectors were placed on July 7 and three were placed on July 8 (Table 3, Figure 5).
Echolocation calls were downloaded and analyzed using SonoBat software (DNDesign, Arcata, CA). Recorded calls were compared to reference calls available within the SonoBat software. Characteristics of echolocation calls can be used to distinguish between even closely related species. While intraspecific variation in call characteristics is large relative to interspecific variation, separation of some species can be problematic, especially when only a few call samples are available.
Good call sequences contained >1 and usually many (>10) calls in which the signal was clearly distinguishable from noise, appeared fully formed (i.e., no missing call components), and might display harmonics that indicated that calls were well recorded. Poor quality recordings had poor signal-to-noise ratios and were of short duration (<2.5ms), reduced bandwidth, or oversimplified shapes. Poor quality recordings are reported in the results as possible identifications and/or are provided as a percent confidence on identification.
Table 3. Bat acoustic survey detector locations. Location No. Date Easting Northing Description 1 July 7 408332 4405230 Above bulrushes and marsh 2 July 7 407875 4403392 Pool at cold spring in Dixie Meadow 3 Oriented above marsh, standing dead July 7 408509 4405672 tamarisk 4 Oriented above marsh, standing dead July 7 408616 4405607 tamarisk 5 Intermountain cold desert scrub, no July 7 408073 4405357 roosting habitat 6 Intermountain cold desert scrub, no July 7 408230 4404994 roosting habitat 7 July 8 401103 4364794 Draw, sparse shrubs 8 Playa, sparse shrubs, no roosting July 8 401081 4363968 habitat, near powerpole 9 July 8 401046 4362325 Draw, sparse shrubs, near powerpole
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 9
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1 Agency Coordination
3.1.1 USFWS According to the USFWS response dated July 08, 2013 (Consultation Tracking Number: 08ENVD00-2013-SLI-0275), one federally listed candidate species, the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), and one federally listed threatened species, the Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi), may be affected by the Dixie Hope Project.
3.1.2 NDOW According to the NDOW letter dated May 29, 2013, there are no known greater sage-grouse lek sites in the vicinity of the project area. Greater sage-grouse habitat in the project area is primarily categorized as Unsuitable Habitat.
Occupied pronghorn antelope distribution exists throughout the entire project area and most portions of the one-mile buffer area. Occupied bighorn sheep and mule deer distributions exist outside the project area within the one-mile buffer area. No known occupied elk (Cervus elaphus) distribution exists in the vicinity of the project area.
Twenty-one species of raptors have distribution ranges that include the project area and four- mile buffer area. Two species, the burrowing owl and great horned owl, have been directly observed in the vicinity of the project area.
Per the Interim Golden Eagle Technical Guidance: Inventory and Monitoring Protocols, and Other Recommendations in Support of Golden Eagle Management and Permit Issuance (USFWS 2010), NDOW also analyzed their raptor nest database for bald and golden eagle nest site locations within ten miles of the project area. No known bald eagle nests are documented within ten miles of the project area.
Eight golden eagle nests occur within ten miles of the project area. Five of the nests were recorded in July 2011 while the other three were documented in 1975 and 1977. The NDOW provided an excel table of utm coordinates for these nest locations in a July 18, 2013 email.
3.1.3 NNHP According to the NNHP letter dated May 21, 2013, there are two special status wildlife species that could occur in the Dixie Hope Project area. There is a June 28, 1950 record for the pale kangaroo mouse (Microdipodops pallidus) approximately 4.05 miles south-southwest of the project area. The record is located in the U.S. Naval Electronic Warfare Training Area. There is an April 2, 2008 record for the tui chub (Gila bicolor ssp. 9) located approximately 2.9 miles east of the project area on federal lands administered by the U.S. Navy.
3.2 Special Status Species Habitat Evaluation
The habitat requirements of all special status species that could potentially occur in the region were evaluated and compared to habitat found in the project area and the one-mile buffer, as described by land cover maps and field surveys. The results of this analysis are shown in
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 10
Appendix C, which presents a determination of which species could potentially occur in the project area.
Potential occurrence was separated into two categories; use of the area for foraging, and use of the area for breeding or, in the case of bats, roosting. This was done because breeding and roosting habitats tend to be specialized areas; they are less abundant, and more likely to be critical for species viability. Management and regulation of these habitats is therefore generally more restrictive than of foraging habitat. Occurrence was also noted separately for the project area and for the one-mile buffer.
The following six special status wildlife species could potentially use the project area for breeding or roosting, based on agency lists, known habitat requirements, and available habitat in the project area: dark kangaroo mouse, pale kangaroo mouse, western burrowing owl, loggerhead shrike, sage thrasher, and Brewer’s sparrow. A number of species could use the project area for foraging, but are unlikely to use it for breeding or roosting.
All of the species listed above could also use the project one-mile buffer for breeding or roosting. The following additional special status species could also potentially use the project’s one mile buffer for breeding or roosting: many of the bats, with the exception of the silver- haired bat, western red bat, and hoary bat, Dixie Valley toad, western snowy plover, and golden eagle. The buffer could also be used as foraging habitat for a number of species.
3.3 General Wildlife
A total of 28 bird, nine mammal, seven reptile, and one amphibian species were directly observed or detected by sign (e.g., tracks, burrows, scat) in the project survey area and one mile buffer (Appendix D). Seventeen of the bird species were only recorded at Dixie Meadows.
3.3.1 Big Game No pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) or their sign (e.g., scat, tracks, sheds) were observed in the project area or one-mile buffer area.
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) were not detected while surveying the one-mile buffer for golden eagles and other raptors. Suitable habitat for bighorn sheep is not present in the project area.
No mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were observed in the project area. However, while surveying in the one mile buffer, an old friable three-point shed was found at the following utm coordinate: 401953, 4367894.
3.3.2 Small Game and Non-Game Coyotes were observed and heard calling in the vicinity of Dixie Meadows. Little sign (e.g., scat) was observed in the project survey area.
No kit fox (Vulpes macroitis), bobcats (Lynx rufus) or their sign (e.g., scat, tracks, burrows) were observed in the project area, nor were individuals seen during the spotlight survey. Suitable habitat is present for kit fox in the project area; suitable habitat for bobcats is present in the one mile buffer.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 11
One adult badger was observed at approximately 0635 on July 8 in the southern portion of the project area’s one mile buffer. No badger sign (e.g., burrows, scat) was found in the project area.
The two most commonly observed small animal species were black-tailed hares and whitetail antelope ground squirrels. About one black-tailed hare per mile was recorded while conducting the night spotlighting survey. Except for the playa habitat with no shrubs, whitetail antelope ground squirrels were detected throughout the project survey area. The squirrels and their burrows were dispersed and did not occur in close proximity to one another.
Burrows typical of kangaroo rats (Dipodomys ssp) were noted throughout portions of the project area. Only one Heteromyidae rodent (an unidentified species of kangaroo rat) was observed during the survey.
No woodrat (Neotoma spp) middens were found in the project area. A few middens were noted in the one mile buffer in rock outcrops in the Louderback Mountains.
3.3.3 Upland Game Birds No game birds were observed in the project area. Within the one mile buffer area, mourning doves were recorded at Dixie Meadow and a few old chukar scats were noted in the rock outcrops near Pirouette Mountain.
3.3.4 Non-Game Birds Neotropical and resident bird species were recorded throughout the project area. Most of the species recorded in the project area are common in the habitat types, such as the horned lark and black-throated sparrow. Overall species diversity is low with a total of 3 species recorded. This is likely due to the time of year the survey was conducted, the uniformity of the habitat, and lack of structural diversity and water.
Single individuals, as well as pairs of loggerhead shrikes were observed at the low and middle elevations throughout the project area. The loggerhead shrike is a BLM sensitive species.
An active common raven nest with young was recorded June 26 on a wooden power pole in the northern portion of the project area (utm coordinate: 401213, 4375017).
3.3.5 Waterfowl, Shorebirds, and Colony nesting birds No waterfowl, shorebirds, or colony nesting birds were observed in the project area, and suitable aquatic habitat is not present. However, nine species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and colony nesting birds were observed at the open water habitat of Dixie Meadows (see Appendix D). A black tern was seen foraging in the early evening over one pond on July 8. The NDOW does not know if there is any nesting by this species on the Naval Air Station (NAS) lands (Jeffers, NDOW personal communication, July 18) in Dixie Valley and no records of its nesting were found in NAS documents. Species that were observed with broods include American coot, mallard, and northern pintail. It is possible the white-faced ibis nests in or near Dixie Meadows as flocks of this species foraging in the meadow contained obviously small individuals.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 12
3.3.6 Reptiles A total of seven reptile species was observed in the project area (Appendix D). The zebra-tailed lizard was the most commonly observed species. One NDOW Species of Conservation Priority, the long-nosed leopard lizard, was observed. The collared lizard was recorded in the one mile buffer in rocky outcrops of the Louderback Mountains. Suitable habitat for this species is not present in the project survey area. One species of snake was observed, the Great Basin gopher snake. Although project area roads were driven in the early evening following hot days, no other species of snakes were detected.
3.4 Special Status Species
3.4.1 Raptors Three raptor species were observed in the project area: prairie falcon, red-tailed hawk, and golden eagle. All three species were observed perched on the wooden power poles in the existing transmission ROW (Table 4). The prairie falcon and red-tailed hawk were also seen soaring over the project area. While foraging habitat is present for all three species, nesting habitat of rock outcrops, cliffs, and trees (the latter for red-tailed hawk only) is not present within the project area.
Nesting habitat for raptors in the one-mile buffer consists primarily of cliffs and rock outcrops in the Stillwater Mountains to the north and the Louderback Mountains to the south. Small Russian olive and tamarisks are the only trees found in the one mile buffer, occurring in Dixie Meadows. Red-tailed hawk could potentially nest in these relatively small trees, although it is marginal habitat, but prairie falcon and golden eagle would not.
Extensive tree nesting habitat is located approximately ½ mile east of the one mile buffer at the Dixie Valley Settlement Area Ponds as mature trees (e.g., cottonwoods) and snags are present, in addition to Russian olives, tamarisk, and willows. Raptors nesting in these trees are likely to use the project area and buffer for foraging. Potential tree-nesting habitat (same species as cited above) is also located west and just outside the one mile buffer at a spring located between Willow Canyon and Little Box Canyon (utm coordinate: 398898, 4387455).
A pair of northern harriers was observed in early June and July foraging in Dixie Meadows and likely nested in the meadow.
Table 4. Observations of raptors within the Dixie Hope Project. Species Date Observed Easting Northing Notes Adult prairie June 8 falcon 404666 4400042 Perched on wooden powerpole Adult red-tailed June 8 hawk 401181 4371615 Perched on wooden powerpole Adult prairie June 26 falcon 401222 4375332 Perched on wooden powerpole Adult red-tailed June 26 hawk 401243 4377065 Perched on wooden powerpole Adult red-tailed July 7 hawk 408328 4405538 Perched on wooden powerpole
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 13
Species Date Observed Easting Northing Notes Adult red-tailed July 7 hawk 406436 4402866 Perched on wooden powerpole Adult prairie July 7 falcon 401585 4390787 Perched on wooden powerpole Adult red-tailed July 7 hawk 401215 4374492 Perched on wooden powerpole Adult golden July 7 eagle 400972 4362999 Perched on wooden powerpole
Three inactive stick nests were recorded (Table 5) in the project area. Two nests were located on the wooden transmission line poles and one was in a tamarisk tree. No sign (e.g., pellets, feathers) was present below the nests that could help identify the species that use or constructed the nest. Nonetheless, based on nest size, the nests are likely from common ravens. A designation of inactive does not represent a nest’s status throughout the entire nesting season as early nesting attempts could have failed, with the birds leaving no or scant sign (e.g., white wash, pellets, prey remains, feathers). Inactive nests may become active again in future years with various species of raptors using the nests (e.g., red-tailed hawk). Outside of the project area, but within the one-mile buffer, one active raptor nest was observed.
Table 5. Observations of inactive stick nests in the project area. Species Easting Northing Notes Likely common raven 401020 4363050 Small stick nest on wooden powerpole Likely common raven 401816 4391649 Small stick nest on wooden powerpole Likely common Small- to medium-sized stick nest in raven 401222 4375332 tamarisk, approximately 15 feet high
Table 6. Locations and status of active and potential raptor nests recorded in the one-mile buffer area. Species Easting Northing Status Notes One fledged juvenile present on outcrop across from nest, flushed the Prairie falcon 402509 4371741 Active two adults
3.4.2 Golden Eagle No potential nesting habitat of rock outcrops, cliffs, or large trees is located within the project area, although suitable foraging habitat is present. The golden eagle observed perched on the wood power pole in the southern portion of the project area could have been hunting.
Within the one-mile buffer area, locations with potentially suitable golden eagle nesting habitat are located in a small portion of the Stillwater Range at the northernmost end of the project and in the west-facing aspect of the lower elevations of the Louderback Mountains in the southeastern end of the project.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 14
One active golden eagle nest was located in the Louderback Mountains on June 26, 2013. This nest is in a draw on a north-facing rock outcrop. The nest aspect is north northwest and is located approximately 20 feet above the ground. The nest itself is approximately three feet in height. This nest was located after any young would have fledged. While no adult or fledged golden eagles were observed, the nest status was designated active based on white wash on the rock face around the nest bowl, abundant white wash on the outcrop below and near the nest, pellets, prey remains, and molted feathers (Appendix E, Photo 1).
The NDOW did not provide information on any of the golden eagle nests detected during the June 22 and 23, 2011 aerial surveys conducted for the Dixie Hope Geothermal Development and Interconnection Project. Two nests reported for Dixie Valley were plotted and found to be within approximately 500 feet of the one mile buffer. This nest territory was checked from approximately ½ mile away with a spotting scope on August 12, 2013. Based on the presence of abundant white wash, the territory was likely active in 2013.
The NDOW has a record for one golden eagle nest in the one-mile raptor buffer area at the following utm coordinate: [sensitive data]. The NDOW excel table with associated data states this nest is located in the Stillwater Range in low scrub habitat on a cliff. However, this location was checked in the field and does not have any cliff for more than a half mile radius and no golden eagle nest was located. This is proably an incorrectly reported/recorded utm coordinate.
Table 7. Locations and status of golden eagle nests recorded in the one-mile buffer. Species Easting Northing Status Notes Nest on rock outcrop, located approximately 20 feet above ground, north northwest aspect, stick nest is approximately three feet high, Golden eagle Sensitive Sensitive Active abundant sign. This nest was documented June 22, 2011; active 2013 status was deduced from presence of abundant white- wash, no golden eagles were Golden eagle Sensitive Sensitive Active observed.
3.4.3 Burrowing Owl Burrowing owls roost and nest in the abandoned burrows of ground dwelling animals such as kit fox, badgers, coyotes, and ground squirrels. Even if this diurnal owl is not directly observed, evidence of its nesting activity, including scats, pellets, feathers, insect prey remains, tracks, and burrows lined with other animals’ scat, is readily detected. All burrows encountered during the field surveys were searched for burrowing owls and signs of burrowing owl presence. However, no burrowing owls or their sign (e.g., burrows, pellets, feathers, tracks, white-wash, insect parts on dirt mounds) were observed in the project area; no burrowing owls were detected during the broadcast surveys.
Potentially suitable foraging and nesting habitat is present throughout the project area, although the northernmost portions of the transmission ROW that are densely vegetated with greasewood are less likely to be occupied by burrowing owls. Borrowing owls were observed during surveys for the NAS in the nearby settlement area. The NDOW has a 1987 record for
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 15 burrowing owls approximately 2.3 miles southwest of the southwest portion of the project survey area. This location is characterized as grasslands with sparse shrubs.
3.4.4 Greater Sage-Grouse No sage-grouse or sage-grouse sign (e.g., scat, feathers, egg shells, tracks) were found in the project area. Suitable habitat for greater sage-grouse is not present in the project area or one mile buffer.
3.4.5 Pale and Dark Kangaroo Mouse Both the pale and dark kangaroo mice are State of Nevada protected mammals (NAC 503.030) and BLM sensitive species. They are considered conservation priority species in the Nevada Wildlife Action Plan, with the management objective of maintaining populations at detectable levels in suitable habitat through 2022.
At a large spatial scale, the habitat in the project area is of a type known to be used by both the pale and dark kangaroo mice. These animals are associated with intermountain (cold desert) scrub habitat (NWAP 2013), which is the most common habitat type within the project area. Within this habitat type, both species are found in shadscale, sagebrush, and alkali sink plant communities, which are found in the area.
Both species of Microdipodops are strongly associated with sandy soils. They are restricted to xeric, sandy habitats, often bordering alkaline dry lakes and sinks (Hafner et. al 1998). Hafner and Upham (2011) refer to them both as sand-obligates. However, there are distinct differences in habitat utilization between the two species and they are sympatric over only a small portion of their range. The pale kangaroo mouse is typically found in the lower part of the Upper Sonoran life zone, most frequently in deep, fine sandy soils, and in floral communities where greasewood and saltbrush dominate (Hafner and Upham 2011). The dark kangaroo mouse, on the other hand, is most frequently found in the upper portion of the Upper Sonoran life zone, in sandy soils with a variable gravel overlay, and in floral communities dominated by sagebrush.
The pale kangaroo mouse appears to be more specialized ecologically than the dark kangaroo mouse (Hafner et al 2008). It is typically restricted to deep, sandy soils with little or no gravel overlay, usually below the sagebrush zone. The dark kangaroo mouse, on the other hand, is tolerant of a wide range of sandy substrates and floral associations.
Although soil texture is an important predictor of habitat suitability for Microdipodops, available soils data do not appear to be suitable for predicting presence/absence, probably because soil mapping units are typically delineated at a much larger spatial scale than the sandy deposits often used by kangaroo mice. As noted by the SWReGAP model description for the pale kangaroo mouse (Boykin 2007), soil texture classifications in the STATSGO soil database are inadequate for identifying suitable habitat for either species.
Sandy soils are certainly present in the vicinity of the project area and one-mile buffer. In Figure 2, soils with a predominantly sandy soil texture in the upper horizon are shown with lighter colors, and are widespread in the northern portion of the project area and one-mile buffer. In addition, dunes are mapped as land cover in limited portions of the project area (Figure 3).
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 16
Field surveys suggested that small-scale surface deposits of sand, indicative of pale kangaroo mouse habitat, were common in the southern third of the project area and one-mile buffer (Photo 2, Appendix E). Also, there is an older record of the pale kangaroo mouse from the NAS southwest of the project area. Thus, the pale kangaroo mouse has the potential to occur in the project area and one-mile buffer. The dark kangaroo mouse, with more general habitat preferences, also has the potential to occur in the project area and one-mile buffers also. Small mammal trapping was not conducted as part of these surveys.
3.4.6 Bats All bat species occurring in the state of Nevada are considered BLM sensitive species. Almost all bat species are considered Nevada Special Status Species protected by NRS 501.
The following four species of bats were recorded during the two nights of surveys conducted July 7-8, 2013: Brazilian free-tailed bat, California myotis, small-footed myotis, and western pipistrelle (Table 8). These species were detected at several locations in Dixie Meadows (Figure 5). The detectors were placed along the periphery of the meadow near trees such as tamarisk and Russian olive, and near open water in channels and small ponds.
No bats were recorded during the one night of surveys in the new nominated area (July 7) or in the ROW (July 8). The lack of detections in these locations is likely due to the absence of roosting habitat and features such as open water or flowering plants that would attract foraging bats. Even if a bat foraged in these areas, the chances of a detector’s microphone being oriented to record the pass are not high (i.e., the microphone might have been too far away from where the bats were flying and foraging).
Eight species of bats were recorded at Dixie Meadows during acoustic surveys performed in April and May 2007, according to the Ecological Inventory Update Naval Air Station Fallon Nevada August 2008. Besides the four species recorded during the two nights of WRC surveys in July 2013, the pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans), hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), and Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) were also recorded.
In addition, the Final Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan and Environmental Assessment Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada (March 2006) cites a 1997 ecological inventory that found long-legged myotis (Myotis evotis) in old buildings in the Settlement Pond Area.
No bat day roosting habitat, such as abandoned buildings, mine workings (e.g., shafts, adits, inclines), trees, rock outcrops, or cliffs, is present in the project survey area. The primary structural habitat in the project survey area is the wooden power poles associated with the existing transmission line. Bats could potentially roost in these power poles if woodpecker holes are present. While not all power poles were surveyed, those that were scanned did not have any cavities. Northern flickers are a primary cavity excavator that could potentially excavate holes in the power poles. However, the project survey area is not located in preferred suitable habitat (e.g., woodland, forest) for this species or other woodpeckers, thus it is unlikely that any woodpecker nest cavities would be present.
Moreover, no evidence of decay or rotting in the power poles, which could produce flaking or locations where bats could roost, was noted. It is likely that these poles are carefully maintained and if they began to decay, they would be replaced. Thus, although bats could forage over the
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 17 shrubs found in the mixed salt desert scrub and greasewood habitats, the plants in this habitat type do not provide suitable long-term night and day roosting sites.
The following locations provide potential roosting habitat for bats within the one mile buffer of the project area:
The live and dead Russian olive trees and live and dead tamarisk in Dixie Meadows (tree-roosting species could roost in rot holes, cracks, beneath flaking bark, etc.); and Rock outcrops in the portion of the Stillwater Range at the northernmost end of the project and in the west-facing aspect of the lower elevations of the Louderback Mountains in the southeastern end of the project.
More extensive potential roost sites are present approximately ½ mile east of the one-mile buffer at the Dixie Valley Settlement Area Ponds as mature trees (e.g., cottonwoods) and snags are present, in addition to Russian olives, tamarisk, and old buildings. Potential tree-roosting habitat (same species as above) is also located west and just outside the one mile buffer at a spring located between Willow Canyon and Little Box Canyon (utm coordinate: 398898, 4387455).
Table 8. Bat species recorded in Dixie Hope Project survey area and one-mile buffer area July 7- 8, 2013. % of tape Location with Number of files, Number recordings Date Species Detected identification confidence 1 Western pipistrelle - 1 file (95%) (Parastrellus hesperus) A few files July 7 Brazilian free-tailed bat - 2 files (visual) (Tadarida brasiliensis) 2 Western pipistrelle - 4 files (95%) (Parastrellus hesperus)
Small-footed myotis 25% July 7 (Myotis ciliolabrum) - 2 files (visual)
California myotis - 4 files (87%) (Myotis californicus) Bats present but no identification 3 A few files July 7 possible - No bats – equipment working 4 0 July 7 properly - No bats – equipment working 5 0 July 7 properly - No bats – equipment working 6 0 July 7 properly - No bats – equipment working 7 0 July 8 properly - No bats – equipment working 8 0 July 8 properly -
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 18
% of tape Location with Number of files, Number recordings Date Species Detected identification confidence No bats – equipment working 9 0 July 8 properly -
3.4.7 Swainson’s Hawk Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) nests in scattered or isolated trees such as cottonwoods. No suitable nesting habitat is located within the project survey area. However, cottonwood trees are located on the NAS Settlement Area, just outside the project’s one-mile buffer. Foraging habitat is present throughout the project ROW and one-mile survey radius.
3.4.8 Pygmy Rabbit No pygmy rabbits or pygmy rabbit sign (e.g., burrows, scat, tracks, dust baths, runways) were observed in the project area. Suitable habitat is not present in the project survey area or in the one mile buffer.
3.4.9 Fish No perennial water or aquatic habitat is located in the project survey area. However, the new nominated area is adjacent to Dixie Meadows, which does have perennial water. According to NDOW fisheries biologist Kris Urquhart (phone consultation, August 5, 2013, Fallon, Nevada), the agency has electro-shocked for fish in the meadows and the only species present is carp (Cyprinus carpio).
The NNHP record (April 2, 2008) for the known population of tui chub is located approximately 2.7 miles east of the project survey area in the Settlement Ponds.
Lahontan cutthroat trout do not occur in Dixie Valley (Urquhart, phone consultation, August 5, 2013, Fallon, Nevada).
3.4.10 Amphibians No perennial water or aquatic habitat is located in the project survey area. However, the new nominated site is adjacent to Dixie Meadows, which does have perennial water. Three species of amphibians have been documented in Dixie Meadows: Dixie Valley toad, bullfrog, and northern leopard frog (NDOW fisheries biologist, Kris Urquhart, phone consultation, August 5, 2013, Fallon, Nevada). While NDOW has not recorded the northern leopard frog, contract biologists working for the Fallon Naval Air Station are thought to have documented this species in Dixie Meadow (Urquhart, NDOW, personal communication). However, according to the Ecological Inventory Update Naval Air Station Fallon Nevada August 2008, leopard frogs were not documented in Dixie Meadows during the 2007 surveys.
Only the bullfrog was recorded during the baseline surveys for the Dixie Hope Project. This species was observed at a small pond associated with the mapped cold spring south of Dixie Meadow and was heard calling in the vicinity of this location.
The baseline survey was performed too late in the season to assess amphibian presence via chorusing. No search of the open water habitat for amphibian adults, larvae, or eggs was
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 19 conducted because there were numerous broods of waterfowl present during all survey sessions and the biologist did not want to disturb them. Moreover, the NDOW performs annual surveys for the Dixie Valley toad in April. According to Urquhart (NDOW), the Dixie Valley toad begins breeding relatively early in spring. The western toad is believed by some researchers to be a distinct subspecies of the western toad, but its status has not yet been officially established.
According to the NDOW fisheries biologist, spadefoot toads (Spea intermontana) have been documented several miles north of the project survey area and west of it at Horse Creek in the Clan Alpine Mountains. This species could potentially breed in ephemeral ponds that might form in the project survey area during very wet years.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 20
4. SUMMARY
The following is a summary of the agency data responses and the wildlife survey conducted in the project survey area by WRC:
. A total of 28 migratory bird species was detected in the project survey area and one mile buffer. . Seventeen of the bird species were only observed in Dixie Meadows, within the one- mile buffer. . Six BLM sensitive species, small-footed myotis, California myotis, Brazilian free-tailed bat, western pipistrelle, loggerhead shrike, and Brewer’s sparrow were observed in the project area or one-mile buffer. . While these species were not detected during the surveys, suitable habitat is present for the following BLM sensitive species: pale kangaroo mouse, dark kangaroo mouse, and burrowing owl. . A total of three species of raptors were observed in the project area. . Suitable raptor nesting habitat is found in the project area for only the red-tailed hawk, which might nest on wood power poles. . An active golden eagle nest is located within the one mile buffer area in the Louderback Mountains. . An active golden eagle nest is located approximately 500 feet west of the one mile buffer in the north end of the project survey area in the Stillwater Range. . The NDOW identified one golden eagle nest within the one mile buffer but this nest could not be located and suitable nesting habitat of cliffs or rock outcrops is not present. . No day-roosting habitat for bats is present in the project area, although it is found in the one-mile buffer.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 21
5. RECOMMENDATIONS
. The migratory bird breeding season is from March 1 through August 31. Peak nesting occurs from April 15 through July 15. If any surface disturbance occurs between March 1 and August 31, a survey for nesting migratory birds would need to be conducted by a qualified biologist. Surveys for nesting migratory birds would be performed no less than three days and no more than ten days prior to initiation of surface disturbance. If a nest is located, or if other evidence of nesting is observed (e.g., carrying nesting material, transporting food, mated pairs), the BLM biologist would be consulted and a protective buffer delineated until the young have fledged or the nest has failed.
. Highly suitable habitat for the pale kangaroo mouse is located in the southern half of the project survey area. Suitable habitat for the dark kangaroo mouse is present throughout most of the project survey area. The BLM and/or NDOW might require small mammal trapping to assess species presence. According to Wilson and Ruff (1999) and email correspondence with University Nevada Reno professor Dr. Marjorie Matocq, early spring (March-April) is an optimal time to sample for kangaroo mice. During this time, these species readily enter live traps and can be easily captured. Later in the season, however, other rodents become more active and captures of kangaroo mice become less frequent.
. To avoid impacts to nesting western burrowing owls, it is possible the BLM will require a clearance level survey if any surface-disturbing activities occur between March 1 and July 31. The 2013 surveys for western burrowing owl were conducted at a baseline level and not clearance level due to the size and scale of the project. In addition, burrowing owls could move into a location subsequent to a survey performed in 2013.
. The BLM and USFWS should be consulted further to determine whether they will require a survey for nesting golden eagles within a minimum four mile buffer rather than one mile buffer. Existing data (e.g., NDOW, 2011 aerial survey) might not adequately cover the middle and southern ends of the project survey area.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 22
6. REFERENCES AND LITERATURE CITED
Baicich, P.J. and C.J. Harrison. 1997. A Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds. Second Edition. Academic Press.
Boykin, K.G. 2007. Ecoregional animal-habitat models for the southwestern United States. New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 1997. Tonopah Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Record of Decision October 1997.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 2008. Revised 6840 Special Status Species Manual. 6840.06
Burt, W. H and R.P. Grossenheider. 1976. A Field Guide to the Mammals. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, Massachusetts.
Comer, P., D. Faber-Langendoen, R. Evans, S. Gawler, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, S. Pyne, M. Reid, K. Schulz, K. Snowand, J. Teague, 2003. Ecological systems of the United States: A working classification of U.S. terrestrial systems. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. http://www.natureserve.org/library/usEcologicalsystems.pdf
Conway, C. J. and J.C. Simon. 2003. Comparison of detection probability associated with burrowing owl survey methods. J. Wildl. Manage. 67(3):501-511.
Elbroch, M. and E. Marks. 2001. Bird Tracks & Sign A Guide to North American Species. Stackpole Books, PA.
Elbroch, M. 2003. Mammal Tracks & Sign A Guide to North American Species. Stackpole Books, PA. www.epa.gov/esd/land-sci/gap.htm
Hafner, J. C., D. J. Hafner and M. S. Hafner. 1996. Habitat selection and coexistence of species of kangaroo mice (Microdipodops). Pp. 249-259, Contributions in Mammology: A memorial volume honoring Dr. J. Knox Jones, Jr. Museum of Texas Tech University, 1996, il + 315 pp.
Hafner J. C., N. S. Upham, E. Reddington andC. W. Torres. 2008. Phylogeography of the pallid kangaroo mouse, Microdipodops pallidus: a sand-obligate endemic of the Great Basin, western North America. J. Biogeogr. (2008) 35, 2102–2118.
Hafner, J. C. and N. S. Upham. 2011. Phylogeography of the dark kangaroo mouse, Microdipodops megacephalus: cryptic lineages and dispersal routes in North America’s Great Basin. J. Biogeogr. (2011) 38, 1077–1097.
Herron, G.B., C.A. Mortimore, and M.S. Rawlings. 1985. Nevada Raptors, Their Biology and Management. Nevada Division of Wildlife. Carson City, Nevada.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Page 23
Leonard, M.L. and M.B. Fenton. 1983. Habitat use by spotted bats (Euderma maculatum, Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae): roosting and foraging behavior. Can. J. Zool. 61:1487-1491.
Lowry, J. H, Jr., R. D. Ramsey, K. Boykin, D. Bradford, P. Comer, S. Falzarano, W. Kepner, J. Kirby, L. Langs, J. Prior-Magee, G. Manis, L. O’Brien, T. Sajwaj, K. A. Thomas, W. Rieth, S. Schrader, D. Schrupp, K. Schulz, B. Thompson, C. Velasquez, C. Wallace, E. Waller and B. Wolk. 2005. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project: Final Report on Land Cover Mapping Methods, RS/GIS Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. www.natureserve.org/explorer
Naval Air Station Fallon. Ecological Inventory Update. Fallon, Nevada. August 2008
Naval Air Station Fallon. Final Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. Fallon, Nevada. (March 2006)
Nevada Department of Wildlife. 2013. Wildlife Action Plan.
O’Farrel, M.J. and E.H. Studier. 1980. Myotis thysanodes. Mammalian Species, No. 137. pp 1-5.
Pierson, E.D. 1988. The status of Townsend’s big-eared bat (Plecotus townsendiii) in California, Preliminary Results: Plecotus townsendiii in coastal California, 1987-1988. California Department of Fish and Game.
Ryser, F.A. 1985. Birds of the Great Basin, A Natural History. University of Nevada Press. Reno, Nevada.
Sibley, D.A. 2001. National Audubon Society The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf, New York.
Sigler, W.F. and Sigler, J.W. 1987. Fishes of the Great Basin A Natural History. Reno: University of Nevada Press.
Snyder, N. and H. Snyder. 1991. Birds of Prey. Voyager Press, Inc. Stillwater, Minnesota. 224 pp.
Warner, R.M. and Czaplewiski. 1984. Myotis volans. Mammalian Species, No. 224, pp 1-4.
Watkins, L.C. 1977. Euderma maculatum. Mammalian Species, No. 77, pp 1-4.
Whitaker, J.O. 1980. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals. Knopf, New York.
Wilson, D.E. and S. Ruff. 1999. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. Smithsonian Institution Press. 750pp.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013 ²
Legend Transmission Line 500 ft Right-of-Way New Nominated Lease Site Transmission Line Access Roads, 25 ft Buffer Project Components One Mile Buffer
Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed
0 2.5 5 10 Miles 1:360,000 EMPSi Wildlife Resource Ormat Dixie Hope Project Consultants Base data ESRI and National Geographic Society. Other data provided by EMPSi and Ormat. Projection UTM NAD 83. P. O. Box 68 Figure 1 Cedarville, CA 96104 This map contains confidential information. [email protected] Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited. Project Location Legend
Transmission Line Right-of-Way New Nominated Lease Site Transmission Line Access Roads, 25 ft Buffer Surface Texture gravelly fine sandy loam gravelly loamy sand loam loamy sand sand sandy loam silt loam silty clay silty clay loam ² stony loam very cobbly loam very gravelly clay very gravelly loam very gravelly loamy sand very gravelly sandy loam very gravelly very fine sandy loam
Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed
0 2.5 5 10 Miles 1:250,000 EMPSi Wildlife Resource Base data ESRI and National Geographic Society. Ormat Dixie Hope Project Consultants Project data provided by EMPSi and Ormat. Soil data NRCS. Projection UTM NAD 83. P. O. Box 68 Figure 2 Cedarville, CA 96104 This map contains confidential information. [email protected] Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited. Soil Surface Texture Legend Transmission Line Right-of-Way New Nominated Lease Site Transmission Line Access Roads, 25 ft Buffer Project Components One Mile Buffer SWReGAP Land Cover Type Inter-Mountain Basins Active and Stabilized Dune Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland Inter-Mountain Basins Cliff and Canyon Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat ² Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub Inter-Mountain Basins Playa Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Grassland Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Shrub Steppe Invasive Annual and Biennial Forbland Invasive Annual Grassland North American Arid West Emergent Marsh
Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed
0 2.5 5 10 1:250,000 EMPSi Miles Wildlife Resource Ormat Dixie Hope Project Consultants Base data ESRI and National Geographic Society. Other data provided by EMPSi and Ormat. Projection UTM NAD 83. P. O. Box 68 Figure 3 Cedarville, CA 96104 This map contains confidential information. [email protected] Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited. SWReGAP Land Cover Types ² Legend
Burrowing Owl Call Points Transmission Line Right-of-Way New Nominated Lease Site Transmission Line Access Roads, 25 ft Buffer Project Components One Mile Buffer
Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed
0 2.5 5 10 1:250,000 EMPSi Miles Wildlife Resource Ormat Dixie Hope Project Consultants Base data ESRI and National Geographic Society. Other data provided by EMPSi and Ormat. Projection UTM NAD 83. P. O. Box 68 Figure 4 Cedarville, CA 96104 This map contains confidential information. [email protected] Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited. Burrowing Owl Call Points 5 4 1 6 !A!A!! AAA! 3 A! 2
3 ! 4 AA! 5 ! A 1 A! 6 A!
2 A! Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed
Legend 7 ! ! 8 A Bat Detector Locations A! A 9 Transmission Line Right-of-Way A! New Nominated Lease Site Transmission Line Access Roads, 25 ft Buffer Project Components One Mile Buffer ²
Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed
0 2.5 5 10 1:250,000 EMPSi Miles Wildlife Resource Ormat Dixie Hope Project Consultants Base data ESRI and National Geographic Society. Other data provided by EMPSi and Ormat. Projection UTM NAD 83. P. O. Box 68 Figure 5 Cedarville, CA 96104 This map contains confidential information. [email protected] Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited. Bat Detector Locations ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Appendix A, Land Cover Type Descriptions: Page 1
Land Cover Type (Ecological System) Summary (NatureServe Website) Inter-Mountain Basins This ecological system occurs in the Intermountain western U.S. on basins, valleys and plains. Often it is composed of a mosaic of migrating, bare dunes; anchored dunes with Active and Stabilized sparse to moderately dense vegetation (<10-30% canopy cover); and stabilized dunes. The Dune system is defined by the presence of migrating dunes or, where the dunes are entirely anchored or stabilized, evidence that the substrate is eolian and not residual, that the vegetation is early- or mid-seral, and that the substrate is likely to become actively migrating again with disturbance or increased aridity. Substrates are usually eolian sand. Species occupying these environments are often adapted to shifting, coarse-textured substrates (usually quartz sand) and form patchy or open grasslands, shrublands or steppe, and occasionally woodlands. Vegetation varies and may be composed of Achnatherum hymenoides, Artemisia filifolia, Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, Atriplex canescens, Ephedra spp., Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Coleogyne ramosissima, Ericameria nauseosa, Hesperostipa comata, Leymus flavescens, Muhlenbergia pungens, Psoralidium lanceolatum, Purshia tridentata, Redfieldia flexuosa, Sporobolus airoides, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Tetradymia tetrameres, or Tiquilia spp. Herbaceous species such as Achnatherum hymenoides, Redfieldia flexuosa, and Psoralidium lanceolatum are characteristic of early-seral vegetation through much of this system's range. Shrubs are commonly dominant on mid- to late-seral stands, and Ericameria nauseosa can be found at any stage. Inter-Mountain Basins This ecological system is composed of barren and sparsely vegetated playas (generally <10% Playa plant cover) found in the intermountain western U.S. Salt crusts are common throughout, with small saltgrass beds in depressions and sparse shrubs around the margins. These systems are intermittently flooded. The water is prevented from percolating through the soil by an impermeable soil subhorizon and is left to evaporate. Soil salinity varies greatly with soil moisture and greatly affects species composition. Characteristic species may include Allenrolfea occidentalis, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Grayia spinosa, Puccinellia lemmonii, Leymus cinereus, Distichlis spicata, and/or Atriplex spp. Inter-Mountain Basins This ecological system occurs throughout much of the western U.S., typically in broad basins between mountain ranges, plains and foothills between 1500 and 2300 m elevation. Big Sagebrush Soils are typically deep, well-drained and non-saline. These shrublands are dominated by Shrubland Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata (not as common in Wyoming or Montana but possibly on stabilized part of Killpecker Dunes in Wyoming) and/or Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (predominant in Wyoming and Montana). Scattered Juniperus spp., Sarcobatus vermiculatus, and Atriplex spp. may be present in some stands. Ericameria nauseosa, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Purshia tridentata (not commonly in Montana or Wyoming), or Symphoricarpos oreophilus may codominate disturbed stands (e.g., in burned stands, these may become more predominant). Perennial herbaceous components typically contribute less than 25% vegetative cover. Common graminoid species can include Achnatherum hymenoides, Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus lanceolatus, Festuca idahoensis (not in Montana or Wyoming), Hesperostipa comata, Leymus cinereus, Pleuraphis jamesii (not present in northeastern portions of the range), Pascopyrum smithii, Poa secunda, or Pseudoroegneria spicata (not in Wyoming). Some semi-natural communities are included that often originate on abandoned agricultural land or on other disturbed sites. In these locations, Bromus tectorum or other annual bromes and invasive weeds can be abundant.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013
ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Appendix A, Land Cover Type Descriptions: Page 2
Land Cover Type (Ecological System) Summary (NatureServe Website) Inter-Mountain Basins This extensive ecological system includes open-canopied shrublands of typically saline Mixed Salt Desert Scrub basins, alluvial slopes and plains across the Intermountain western U.S. This type also extends in limited distribution into the southern Great Plains. Substrates are often saline and calcareous, medium- to fine-textured, alkaline soils, but include some coarser-textured soils. The vegetation is characterized by a typically open to moderately dense shrubland composed of one or more Atriplex species, such as Atriplex confertifolia, Atriplex canescens, Atriplex polycarpa, or Atriplex spinifera. Grayia spinosa tends to occur on coppice dunes that may have a silty component to them. Northern occurrences lack Atriplex species and are typically dominated by Grayia spinosa, Krascheninnikovia lanata, and/or Artemisia tridentata. Other shrubs present to codominant may include Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ericameria nauseosa, Ephedra nevadensis, Grayia spinosa, Krascheninnikovia lanata, Lycium spp., Picrothamnus desertorum, or Tetradymia spp. In Wyoming, occurrences are typically a mix of Atriplex confertifolia, Grayia spinosa, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Krascheninnikovia lanata, and various Ericameria or Chrysothamnus species. Some places are a mix of Atriplex confertifolia and Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis. In the Great Basin, Sarcobatus vermiculatus is generally absent but, if present, does not codominate. The herbaceous layer varies from sparse to moderately dense and is dominated by perennial graminoids such as Achnatherum hymenoides, Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus, Pascopyrum smithii, Pleuraphis jamesii, Pleuraphis rigida, Poa secunda, or Sporobolus airoides. Various forbs are also present Inter-Mountain Basins This ecological system occurs throughout the intermountain western U.S., typically at Semi-Desert Shrub lower elevations on alluvial fans and flats with moderate to deep soils. This semi-arid Steppe shrub-steppe is typically dominated by graminoids (>25% cover) with an open shrub layer. The woody layer is often a mixture of shrubs and dwarf-shrubs. The general aspect of occurrences may be either open shrubland with patchy grasses or patchy open herbaceous layer. Disturbance may be important in maintaining the woody component. Microphytic crust is very important in some stands Inter-Mountain Basins This widespread ecological system includes the driest grasslands throughout the intermountain western U.S. It occurs on xeric sites over an elevation range of approximately Semi-Desert Grassland 1450 to 2320 m (4750-7610 feet) on a variety of landforms, including swales, playas, mesas, alluvial flats, and plains. This system may constitute the matrix over large areas of intermountain basins, and also may occur as large patches in mosaics with shrubland systems dominated by Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Atriplex spp., Coleogyne spp., Ephedra spp., Gutierrezia sarothrae, or Krascheninnikovia lanata. Grasslands in areas of higher precipitation, at higher elevation, typically belong to other systems. Substrates are often well-drained sandy or loam soils derived from sedimentary parent materials but are quite variable and may include fine- textured soils derived from igneous and metamorphic rocks. The dominant perennial bunch grasses and shrubs within this system are all drought-resistant plants. Dominant or codominant species are Achnatherum hymenoides, Aristida spp., Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata, Muhlenbergia spp., or Pleuraphis jamesii. Scattered shrubs and dwarf- shrubs often are present, especially Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Atriplex spp., Coleogyne spp., Ephedra spp., Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Krascheninnikovia lanata. Grasslands in the basins of south-central and southwestern Wyoming, dominated by Pseudoroegneria spicata and Poa secunda and containing cushion- form forbs and other species typical of dry basins, are included in this system.
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013
ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Baseline Wildlife Report Appendix A, Land Cover Type Descriptions: Page 3
Land Cover Type (Ecological System) Summary (NatureServe Website) Inter-Mountain Basins This ecological system occurs throughout much of the western U.S. in Intermountain basins Greasewood Flat and extends onto the western Great Plains and into central Montana. It typically occurs near drainages on stream terraces and flats or may form rings around more sparsely vegetated playas. Sites typically have saline soils, a shallow water table and flood intermittently, but remain dry for most growing seasons. The water table remains high enough to maintain vegetation, despite salt accumulations. This system usually occurs as a mosaic of multiple communities, with open to moderately dense shrublands dominated or codominated by Sarcobatus vermiculatus. Other shrubs that may be present to codominant in some occurrences include Atriplex canescens, Atriplex confertifolia, Atriplex gardneri, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, Artemisia cana ssp. cana, or Krascheninnikovia lanata. Occurrences are often surrounded by mixed salt desert scrub or big sagebrush shrublands. The herbaceous layer, if present, is usually dominated by graminoids. There may be inclusions of Sporobolus airoides, Pascopyrum smithii, Distichlis spicata (where water remains ponded the longest), Calamovilfa longifolia, Poa pratensis, Puccinellia nuttalliana, or Eleocharis palustris herbaceous types. North American Arid This widespread ecological system occurs throughout much of the arid and semi-arid West Emergent Marsh regions of western North America, typically surrounded by savanna, shrub-steppe, steppe, or desert vegetation. Natural marshes may occur in depressions in the landscape (ponds, kettle ponds), as fringes around lakes, and along slow-flowing streams and rivers (such riparian marshes are also referred to as sloughs). Marshes are frequently or continually inundated, with water depths up to 2 m. Water levels may be stable, or may fluctuate 1 m or more over the course of the growing season. Water chemistry may include some alkaline or semi-alkaline situations, but the alkalinity is highly variable even within the same complex of wetlands. Marshes have distinctive soils that are typically mineral, but can also accumulate organic material. Soils have characteristics that result from long periods of anaerobic conditions in the soils (e.g., gleyed soils, high organic content, redoximorphic features). The vegetation is characterized by herbaceous plants that are adapted to saturated soil conditions. Common emergent and floating vegetation includes species of Scirpus and/or Schoenoplectus, Typha, Juncus, Potamogeton, Polygonum, Nuphar, and Phalaris. This system may also include areas of relatively deep water with floating-leaved plants (Lemna, Potamogeton, and Brasenia) and submerged and floating plants (Myriophyllum, Ceratophyllum, and Elodea). Invasive Annual n/a Grassland Invasive Annual and n/a Biennial Forbland
Wildlife Resource Consultants August 2013
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE NEVADA FISH AND WILDLIFE OFFICE 1340 FINANCIAL BOULEVARD, SUITE 234 RENO, NV 89502 PHONE: (775)861-6300 FAX: (775)861-6301 URL: www.fws.gov/nevada/
Consultation Tracking Number: 08ENVD00-2013-SLI-0275 July 08, 2013 Project Name: Ormat Dixie Valley Geothermal Project
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project.
To Whom It May Concern:
The attached species list indicates threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species and designated or proposed critical habitat that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq .), for projects that are authorized, funded, or carried out by a Federal agency. Candidate species have no protection under the ESA but are included for consideration because they could be listed prior to the completion of your project. Consideration of these species during project planning may assist species conservation efforts and may prevent the need for future listing actions. For additional information regarding species that may be found in the proposed project area, visit http://www.fws.gov/nevada/es/ipac.html.
The purpose of the ESA is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the ESA and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq .), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or designated critical habitat.
A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Guidelines for preparing a Biological Assessment can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/section7/ba_guide.html. If a Federal action agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed species, and proposed critical habitat be addressed within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF.
New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this species list. Please feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally listed, proposed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the ESA, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally, as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation, for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the attached list.
The Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office (NFWO) no longer provides species of concern lists. Most of these species for which we have concern are also on the Animal and Plant At-Risk Tracking List for Nevada (At-Risk list) maintained by the State of Nevada’s Natural Heritage Program (Heritage). Instead of maintaining our own list, we adopted Heritage's At-Risk list and are partnering with them to provide distribution data and information on the conservation needs for at-risk species to agencies or project proponents. The mission of Heritage is to continually evaluate the conservation priorities of native plants, animals, and their habitats, particularly those most vulnerable to extinction or in serious decline. In addition, in order to avoid future conflicts, we ask that you consider these at-risk species early in your project planning and explore management alternatives that provide for their long-term conservation.
For a list of at-risk species by county, visit Heritage's website (http://heritage.nv.gov). For a specific list of at-risk species that may occur in the project area, you can obtain a data request form from the website (http://heritage.nv.gov/get_data) or by contacting the Administrator of Heritage at 901 South Stewart Street, Suite 5002, Carson City, Nevada 89701-5245, (775) 684-2900. Please indicate on the form that your request is being obtained as part of your coordination with the Service under the ESA. During your project analysis, if you obtain new information or data for any Nevada sensitive species, we request that you provide the information to Heritage at the above address.
Furthermore, certain species of fish and wildlife are classified as protected by the State of Nevada (http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-503.html). You must first obtain the appropriate license, permit, or written authorization from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) to take, or possess any parts of protected fish and wildlife species. Please visit http://www.ndow.org or contact NDOW in northern Nevada (775) 688-1500, in southern Nevada (702) 486-5127, or in eastern Nevada (775) 777-2300.
2 Please be aware that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq .), and projects affecting these species may require development of an eagle conservation plan ( http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/eagle_guidance.html). Additionally, wind energy projects should follow the Service's wind energy guidelines (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizing impacts to migratory birds and bats.
The Service’s Pacific Southwest Region developed the Interim Guidelines for the Development of a Project Specific Avian and Bat Protection Plan for Wind Energy Facilities (Interim Guidelines). This document provides energy facility developers with a tool for assessing the risk of potential impacts to wildlife resources and delineates how best to design and operate a bird- and bat-friendly wind facility. These Interim Guidelines are available upon request from the NFWO. The intent of a Bird and Bat Conservation Strategy is to conserve wildlife resources while supporting project developers through: (1) establishing project development in an adaptive management framework; (2) identifying proper siting and project design strategies; (3) designing and implementing pre-construction surveys; (4) implementing appropriate conservation measures for each development phase; (5) designing and implementing appropriate post-construction monitoring strategies; (6) using post-construction studies to better understand the dynamics of mortality reduction (e.g. , changes in blade cut-in speed, assessments of blade “feathering” success, and studies on the effects of visual and acoustic deterrents) including efforts tied into Before-After/Control-Impact analysis; and (7) conducting a thorough risk assessment and validation leading to adjustments in management and mitigation actions.
The template and recommendations set forth in the Interim Guidelines were based upon the Avian Powerline Interaction Committee’s Avian Protection Plan template ( http://www.aplic.org/) developed for electric utilities and modified accordingly to address the unique concerns of wind energy facilities. These recommendations are also consistent with the Service’s wind energy guidelines. We recommend contacting us as early as possible in the planning process to discuss the need and process for developing a site-specific Bird and Bat Conservation Strategy.
The Service has also developed guidance regarding wind power development in relation to prairie grouse leks (sage-grouse are included in this). This document can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Oklahoma/documents/te_species/wind%20power/prairie%20grouse%20lek%205%20mile%20public.pdf .
Migratory Birds are a Service Trust Resource. Based on the Service's conservation responsibilities and management authority for migratory birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (MBTA; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq .), we recommend that any land clearing or other surface disturbance associated with proposed actions within the project area be timed to avoid potential destruction of bird nests or young, or birds that breed in the area. Such destruction may be in violation of the MBTA. Under the MBTA, nests with eggs or young of migratory birds may not be harmed, nor may migratory birds be killed. Therefore, we recommend land clearing be conducted outside the avian breeding season. If this is not feasible, we recommend a qualified biologist survey the area prior to land clearing. If nests are located, or if other evidence of nesting (i.e. , mated pairs, territorial defense, carrying nesting material, transporting food) is observed, a protective buffer (the size depending on the habitat
3 requirements of the species) should be delineated and the entire area avoided to prevent destruction or disturbance to nests until they are no longer active.
Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects involving communications towers (e.g. , cellular, digital television, radio, and emergency broadcast) can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm; http://www.towerkill.com; and http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/comtow.html.
If wetlands, springs, or streams are are known to occur in the project area or are present in the vicinity of the project area, we ask that you be aware of potential impacts project activities may have on these habitats. Discharge of fill material into wetlands or waters of the United States is regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) pursuant to section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended. We recommend you contact the ACOE’s Regulatory Section regarding the possible need for a permit. For projects located in northern Nevada (Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe Counties) contact the Reno Regulatory Office at 300 Booth Street, Room 3060, Reno, Nevada 89509, (775) 784-5304; in southern Nevada (Clark, Lincoln, Nye, and White Pine Counties) contact the St. George Regulatory Office at 321 North Mall Drive, Suite L-101, St. George, Utah 84790-7314, (435) 986-3979; or in California along the eastern Sierra contact the Sacramento Regulatory Office at 650 Capitol Mall, Suite 5-200, Sacramento, California 95814, (916) 557-5250.
We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office.
Attachment
4 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Ormat Dixie Valley Geothermal Project
Official Species List
Provided by: NEVADA FISH AND WILDLIFE OFFICE 1340 FINANCIAL BOULEVARD, SUITE 234 RENO, NV 89502 (775) 861-6300 http://www.fws.gov/nevada/
Consultation Tracking Number: 08ENVD00-2013-SLI-0275 Project Type: Power Generation Project Description: Ormat proposes to construct and operate a geothermal power plant, a supporting production/injection well-field, and an approximately 35-mile 230-kV transmission line on federal lands administered by the Carson City District Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the US Navy
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 07/08/2013 06:52 PM 1 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Ormat Dixie Valley Geothermal Project
Project Location Map:
Project Coordinates: MULTIPOLYGON (((-118.1601612 39.3417888, -118.1613819 39.3417455, -118.1626036 39.3417644, -118.1638211 39.3418452, -118.1650292 39.3419877, - 118.1662227 39.3421912, -118.1673965 39.3424549, -118.1685456 39.3427777, -118.1696651 39.343158, -118.1707501 39.3435944, -118.1717961 39.344085, -118.1727986 39.3446276, - 118.1737532 39.34522, -118.1746559 39.3458596, -118.1755028 39.3465436, -118.1762902 39.3472691, -118.178598 39.3496053, -118.1791658 39.3502125, -118.1798247 39.3510116, - 118.1804148 39.3518425, -118.1809337 39.3527016, -118.1813791 39.3535851, -118.1817491 39.3544894, -118.1820422 39.3554106, -118.1822571 39.3563446, -118.1823928 39.3572876, - 118.1824487 39.3582354, -118.1824247 39.3591841, -118.1823209 39.3601295, -118.1821376 39.3610676, -118.1818756 39.3619944, -118.1815361 39.3629059, -118.1811206 39.3637982, - 118.1806307 39.3646675, -118.1800686 39.3655101, -118.1794367 39.3663223, -118.1787378 39.3671007, -118.1779747 39.3678419, -118.1771508 39.3685428, -118.1762695 39.3692004, - 118.1753348 39.3698118, -118.1711076 39.3723203, -118.1709565 39.3774237, -118.1721054 39.3777461, -118.173148 39.378098, -118.174325 39.3785679, -118.1753715 39.3790585, -
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 07/08/2013 06:52 PM 2 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Ormat Dixie Valley Geothermal Project
118.1763871 39.3796079, -118.1773422 39.3802003, -118.1784845 39.3810239, -118.1791036 39.3815323, -118.1798915 39.3822578, -118.1805675 39.3829666, -118.1812846 39.3838307, - 118.181875 39.3846616, -118.1824006 39.3855315, -118.1828463 39.3864151, -118.1833049 39.3875711, -118.1835137 39.388252, -118.1837287 39.3891861, -118.1838657 39.390141, - 118.1839218 39.3910888, -118.1838978 39.3920374, -118.1838456 39.3926009, -118.1836091 39.3939329, -118.1833471 39.3948596, -118.1830034 39.3957827, -118.1825877 39.396675, - 118.1820911 39.3975551, -118.1815287 39.3983977, -118.1809687 39.3991476, -118.1800837 39.4002154, -118.1790236 39.4012737, -118.1777161 39.4023693, -118.17683 39.4030442, - 118.1751735 39.4042012, -118.1737135 39.4051506, -118.1727287 39.4057133, -118.1716882 39.4062299, -118.170084 39.4068874, -118.1699467 39.4115235, -118.1708122 39.4122207, - 118.1716004 39.4129463, -118.172335 39.4137199, -118.1729944 39.414519, -118.1735735 39.4153324, -118.1741113 39.4162197, -118.1745571 39.4171032, -118.174805 39.4176853, - 118.1752252 39.4189401, -118.175493 39.4201801, -118.1755778 39.420829, -118.1756338 39.4217769, -118.1756089 39.4227374, -118.1755048 39.4236828, -118.1753213 39.4246209, - 118.1750556 39.4255593, -118.1747157 39.4264708, -118.1741483 39.4276485, -118.1738033 39.4282434, -118.1732407 39.4290859, -118.1725998 39.4299082, -118.1719001 39.4306865, - 118.1711363 39.4314277, -118.1706103 39.4318853, -118.1695716 39.4326811, -118.1695999 39.4532983, -118.1706158 39.4541024, -118.1714045 39.4548279, -118.1721302 39.4555919, - 118.1727983 39.4564011, -118.1733893 39.457232, -118.1739944 39.4582479, -118.1743609 39.4589857, -118.1747314 39.45989, -118.1750283 39.4608228, -118.1752434 39.4617569, - 118.1754172 39.4631735, -118.1754118 39.4646083, -118.1752807 39.4657225, -118.1751221 39.4665036, -118.1748597 39.4674303, -118.174515 39.4683532, -118.1740988 39.4692455, - 118.173242 39.4708128, -118.1729431 39.4713236, -118.1723801 39.4721662, -118.1717399 39.4729873, -118.1710398 39.4737657, -118.1702755 39.4745069, -118.16963 39.475057, - 118.1696509 39.4901485, -118.1701833 39.4905828, -118.1709724 39.4913084, -118.1717075 39.4920821, -118.1723676 39.4928813, -118.1729589 39.4937122, -118.1734853 39.4945821, - 118.1739316 39.4954656, -118.1743023 39.4963699, -118.1745999 39.4973026, -118.1748152 39.4982366, -118.1749342 39.4990234, -118.1750085 39.5001393, -118.1749844 39.5010879, - 118.1749413 39.5015709, -118.174879 39.5020452, -118.1746952 39.5029833, -118.1743794 39.5040688, -118.1740885 39.504833, -118.1736721 39.5057253, -118.1731747 39.5066054, - 118.1726114 39.5074479, -118.1719782 39.5082601, -118.1712689 39.5090483, -118.1705043 39.5097895, -118.1696796 39.5104895, -118.1696899 39.5175101, -118.1705733 39.5184184, - 118.171242 39.5192269, -118.1718335 39.5200578, -118.1721234 39.5205185, -118.1728062 39.5218107, -118.1731771 39.522715, -118.1734747 39.523647, -118.17369 39.5245811, - 118.1737802 39.5251391, -118.1738836 39.5264831, -118.1738594 39.5274317, -118.1737544
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 07/08/2013 06:52 PM 3 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Ormat Dixie Valley Geothermal Project
39.5283884, -118.1735706 39.5293265, -118.1733047 39.5302643, -118.1729643 39.5311757, - 118.1724686 39.532219, -118.172051 39.5329477, -118.1713446 39.5339777, -118.1716981 39.5350464, -118.1719134 39.5359805, -118.1720508 39.5369353, -118.1721068 39.5378831, - 118.1720827 39.5388317, -118.1719771 39.539789, -118.1717932 39.5407271, -118.1715305 39.5416538, -118.1711861 39.5425768, -118.1707694 39.5434691, -118.1703503 39.5442199, - 118.1697305 39.5451582, -118.1697679 39.5704629, -118.170032 39.5708336, -118.1705589 39.5717035, -118.1710057 39.5725871, -118.1713768 39.5734914, -118.1716748 39.574424, - 118.1718902 39.5753581, -118.1720276 39.5763129, -118.1720837 39.5772607, -118.1720596 39.5782093, -118.171954 39.5791666, -118.17177 39.5801047, -118.1715072 39.5810314, - 118.1711626 39.5819544, -118.1707456 39.5828467, -118.1705027 39.583282, -118.1709198 39.5839702, -118.1712692 39.5846458, -118.1717432 39.5857693, -118.1720372 39.5866904, - 118.1722555 39.5876362, -118.1723916 39.5885791, -118.172449 39.589634, -118.1724237 39.5904875, -118.1723194 39.5914329, -118.1721232 39.5924227, -118.1723086 39.5932448, - 118.1724526 39.5942676, -118.1724778 39.5960955, -118.1723721 39.5970521, -118.1721882 39.5979902, -118.1719253 39.5989169, -118.1715808 39.5998393, -118.1711638 39.6007316, - 118.1708399 39.6013214, -118.1701022 39.6024537, -118.169816 39.6028202, -118.1698738 39.632371, -118.1701178 39.6331349, -118.1703589 39.6342098, -118.1704716 39.6350231, - 118.1705277 39.6359709, -118.1705206 39.6366011, -118.1703988 39.6378762, -118.1702147 39.6388142, -118.1699487 39.6397521, -118.169454 39.6410023, -118.1686405 39.6504772, - 118.168512 39.6514515, -118.1683436 39.6523652, -118.1680908 39.65334, -118.1676269 39.6548573, -118.1620319 39.6728314, -118.1620851 39.6737313, -118.1620442 39.6748938, - 118.1619553 39.6756372, -118.161771 39.6765752, -118.1615434 39.6773914, -118.1611628 39.6784249, -118.1607452 39.6793172, -118.1601304 39.6803708, -118.1548156 39.7050614, - 118.1549911 39.7056108, -118.1552068 39.7065448, -118.1553446 39.7074997, -118.1554006 39.7084475, -118.1553572 39.7096372, -118.1552705 39.7103533, -118.155086 39.7112913, - 118.1548188 39.7122297, -118.1544773 39.7131411, -118.1540594 39.7140332, -118.1535606 39.7149134, -118.1529955 39.7157558, -118.1523299 39.7166033, -118.1493402 39.7303932, - 118.1490396 39.731331, -118.1486588 39.7322512, -118.1481995 39.7331498, -118.1476637 39.7340227, -118.1470537 39.7348662, -118.1466073 39.7354103, -118.14588 39.7361964, - 118.1453581 39.7366989, -118.1178935 39.7619615, -118.1097754 39.7729432, -118.1100307 39.7740028, -118.1101664 39.7749458, -118.1102219 39.7758936, -118.1102736 39.7848418, - 118.1102473 39.7856745, -118.110142 39.7866198, -118.1099567 39.7875577, -118.1096923 39.7884843, -118.1093499 39.7893956, -118.108931 39.7902876, -118.1084373 39.7911566, - 118.1078711 39.7919988, -118.1072346 39.7928107, -118.1065306 39.7935887, -118.1057621 39.7943295, -118.1049325 39.7950299, -118.1040452 39.795687, -118.1031042 39.7962979, -
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 07/08/2013 06:52 PM 4 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Ormat Dixie Valley Geothermal Project
118.1021133 39.79686, -118.1010768 39.7973708, -118.0999993 39.7978284, -118.0988853 39.7982305, -118.0977395 39.7985756, -118.0965622 39.7988631, -118.0949065 39.8011563, - 118.0942697 39.8019681, -118.0935655 39.802746, -118.0927968 39.8034867, -118.091967 39.804187, -118.0910795 39.804844, -118.0901381 39.8054548, -118.089147 39.8060168, - 118.0881104 39.8065276, -118.0872528 39.8068932, -118.0865813 39.8079196, -118.0859444 39.8087313, -118.08524 39.8095092, -118.0844712 39.8102498, -118.0836411 39.8109501, - 118.0827535 39.811607, -118.081812 39.8122178, -118.0808207 39.8127797, -118.0797839 39.8132904, -118.0787059 39.8137477, -118.0775915 39.8141497, -118.0764454 39.8144945, - 118.0752724 39.8147808, -118.0740777 39.8150074, -118.0728663 39.8151731, -118.0716434 39.8152774, -118.070499 39.8153189, -118.0646949 39.8153925, -118.0633801 39.8153736, - 118.0621544 39.8152919, -118.0609382 39.8151484, -118.0597368 39.8149439, -118.0585553 39.8146793, -118.0573988 39.8143556, -118.0562723 39.8139743, -118.0551805 39.8135369, - 118.0541281 39.8130454, -118.0531198 39.8125019, -118.0521596 39.8119087, -118.0512519 39.8112683, -118.0504004 39.8105835, -118.0496089 39.8098572, -118.0488806 39.8090925, - 118.0482188 39.8082927, -118.0476262 39.8074612, -118.0471054 39.8066017, -118.0466587 39.8057177, -118.0462878 39.804813, -118.0459945 39.8038916, -118.04578 39.8029573, - 118.0456451 39.8020143, -118.0455905 39.8010664, -118.0456164 39.8001179, -118.0457226 39.7991726, -118.0459088 39.7982348, -118.0461741 39.7973083, -118.0465174 39.7963972, - 118.0469371 39.7955054, -118.0474316 39.7946367, -118.0479987 39.7937947, -118.0486359 39.7929832, -118.0493405 39.7922056, -118.0501095 39.7914651, -118.0509397 39.7907651, - 118.051616 39.7902648, -118.0516693 39.7889919, -118.0517754 39.7880467, -118.0519615 39.7871088, -118.0522266 39.7861824, -118.0525698 39.7852713, -118.0529894 39.7843794, - 118.0534837 39.7835107, -118.0540506 39.7826687, -118.0546877 39.7818571, -118.0553921 39.7810795, -118.056161 39.780339, -118.0569909 39.7796389, -118.0578784 39.7789822, - 118.0588197 39.7783716, -118.0603793 39.7775207, -118.061483 39.7764838, -118.0617969 39.7753466, -118.0621398 39.7744355, -118.0625593 39.7735436, -118.0630534 39.7726748, - 118.0636201 39.7718328, -118.0642569 39.7710212, -118.0649611 39.7702435, -118.0657298 39.7695029, -118.0665595 39.7688028, -118.0674468 39.768146, -118.0685089 39.7674667, - 118.084639 39.7456649, -118.0852266 39.744923, -118.0858707 39.7442096, -118.086569 39.7435273, -118.1116217 39.7204945, -118.122597 39.6697014, -118.1288507 39.6496056, - 118.1287332 39.5503199, -118.1283478 39.5499655, -118.127716 39.5493068, -118.1269525 39.5483921, -118.1263613 39.547561, -118.1260709 39.5470992, -118.125389 39.5458071, - 118.1250186 39.5449027, -118.1247214 39.5439699, -118.1245067 39.5430358, -118.1243859 39.5422286, -118.1243146 39.541133, -118.1243394 39.5401844, -118.1243853 39.53968, - 118.1246301 39.5382891, -118.1248934 39.5373625, -118.1252384 39.5364396, -118.1256557
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 07/08/2013 06:52 PM 5 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Ormat Dixie Valley Geothermal Project
39.5355475, -118.126068 39.5348088, -118.126718 39.5338253, -118.1277027 39.5326105, - 118.1287167 39.5315916, -118.1287155 39.5302287, -118.1279 39.529311, -118.1270945 39.5282073, -118.1264428 39.5271035, -118.1261233 39.5264535, -118.125753 39.525549, - 118.1254566 39.5246164, -118.125242 39.5236822, -118.1251067 39.5227392, -118.1250506 39.5217797, -118.1250754 39.5208311, -118.1251934 39.5198016, -118.1253665 39.5189361, - 118.1256297 39.5180095, -118.125975 39.517087, -118.1263922 39.5161949, -118.1270432 39.5150735, -118.1274544 39.514473, -118.1280881 39.5136611, -118.1287004 39.5129761, - 118.1286293 39.4243801, -118.1300703 39.376485, -118.129211 39.3758094, -118.1284107 39.3750914, -118.127673 39.3743341, -118.1270011 39.3735409, -118.1263979 39.372715, - 118.1258659 39.3718601, -118.1254076 39.37098, -118.1251439 39.370381, -118.1247192 39.3691591, -118.1244922 39.3682262, -118.1238896 39.3641451, -118.1237795 39.3628662, - 118.1237928 39.3619049, -118.1238472 39.3612653, -118.123938 39.3606282, -118.1241419 39.3596799, -118.1243227 39.3590544, -118.1246601 39.3581294, -118.1249286 39.3575232, - 118.1253954 39.3566327, -118.1259371 39.3557682, -118.1263388 39.3552082, -118.1267719 39.3546625, -118.1274788 39.3538731, -118.1279868 39.3533678, -118.1288015 39.3526437, - 118.1293782 39.352185, -118.1302908 39.3515352, -118.1309291 39.3511286, -118.1319284 39.3505608, -118.1329739 39.3500457, -118.1340611 39.3495855, -118.1355672 39.3490608, - 118.1367327 39.3487362, -118.1379234 39.3484722, -118.139134 39.3482701, -118.1437566 39.3476998, -118.1491225 39.3452359, -118.1501722 39.3447886, -118.1510484 39.3442921, - 118.1520778 39.3437808, -118.1531481 39.3433229, -118.1542546 39.3429203, -118.1553927 39.3425747, -118.1565574 39.3422877, -118.1577438 39.3420604, -118.1589468 39.3418939, - 118.1601612 39.3417888)))
Project Counties: Churchill, NV
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 07/08/2013 06:52 PM 6 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: Ormat Dixie Valley Geothermal Project
Endangered Species Act Species List
Species lists are not entirely based upon the current range of a species but may also take into consideration actions that affect a species that exists in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions.
Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Population: entire Listing Status: Candidate
Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) Population: Entire Listing Status: Threatened
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 07/08/2013 06:52 PM 7 STATE OF NEVADA TONY WASLEY DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE Director
1100 Valley Road RICHARD L. HASKINS, II Deputy Director Reno, Nevada 89512 (775) 688-1500 • Fax (775) 688-1595 PATRICK O. CATES BRIAN SANDOVAL Deputy Director Governor
Drew Vankat May 29, 2013 Environmental Planner EMPSi 3775 Iris Ave Suite 1A Boulder, Colorado 80301
Re: Dixie Hope Geothermal and Transmission Project
Dear Mr. Vankat:
I am responding to your request for information from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) on the known or potential occurrence of wildlife resources in the vicinity of the Dixie Hope Project located in Churchill County, Nevada. In order to fulfill your request an analysis was performed using the best available data from the NDOW’s wildlife occurrences, raptor nest sites and ranges, greater sage-grouse leks and habitat, and big game distributions databases. No warranty is made by the NDOW as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data for individual use or aggregate use with other data. These data should be considered sensitive and may contain information regarding the location of sensitive wildlife species or resources. All appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that the use of this data is strictly limited to serve the needs of the project described on your GIS Data Request Form. Abuse of this information has the potential to adversely affect the existing ecological status of Nevada’s wildlife resources and could be cause for the denial of future data requests.
To adequately provide wildlife resource information in the vicinity of the proposed project the NDOW delineated an area of interest that included a four-mile buffer around the project area provided by you via email (May 20, 2013). Wildlife resource data was queried from the NDOW databases based on this area of interest. The results of this analysis are summarized below.
Big Game – Occupied pronghorn antelope distribution exists throughout the entire project area and portions of the four-mile buffer area. Occupied bighorn sheep and mule deer distributions exist outside of the project area within the four-mile buffer area. No known occupied elk distribution exists in the vicinity of the project area. Please refer to the attached maps for details regarding big game species distributions relative to the proposed project area.
Greater Sage-Grouse – Greater sage-grouse habitat in the vicinity of the project area is primarily categorized as Unsuitable Habitat. Essential/Irreplaceable Habitat, Important Habitat, Habitat of Moderate Importance, and Low Value Habitat/Transitional Range also exist in the vicinity of the project area. There are no known lek sites in the vicinity of the project area.
Raptors – Various species of raptors, which use diverse habitat types, are known to reside in the vicinity of the project area. American kestrel, barn owl, burrowing owl, Cooper's hawk, golden eagle, great horned owl, long-eared owl, merlin, northern goshawk, northern harrier, northern saw-whet owl, osprey, peregrine falcon, prairie falcon, red-tailed hawk, rough-legged hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, short-eared owl, Swainson's hawk, turkey vulture, and western screech owl have distribution ranges that include the project area and four-mile buffer area. Furthermore, burrowing owl and great horned owl have been directly observed in the vicinity of the project area.
Raptor species are protected by State and Federal laws. In addition, bald eagle, burrowing owl, California spotted owl, ferruginous hawk, flammulated owl, golden eagle, northern goshawk, peregrine falcon, prairie falcon, and short-eared owl are NDOW species of special concern and are target species for conservation as outlined by the Nevada Wildlife Action Plan. Per the Interim Golden Eagle Technical Guidance: Inventory and Monitoring Protocols; and Other Recommendations in Support of Golden Eagle Management and Permit Issuance (United States Fish and Wildlife Service 2010) we have queried our raptor nest database to include raptor nest sites within ten miles of the proposed project area. There are nine raptor nest sites known to exist within ten miles of the project area:
Probable Use Last Active Last Check Township/Range/Section Eagle None 5/15/1975 21 0210N 0330E 016 Eagle None 1/1/1977 21 0230N 0340E 011 Eagle None 1/1/1977 21 0230N 0340E 019 Eagle None 7/19/2011 21 0170N 0340E 023 Eagle None 7/19/2011 21 0180N 0350E 029 Eagle None 7/19/2011 21 0190N 0340E 008 Eagle None 7/19/2011 21 0200N 0350E 034 Eagle None 7/19/2011 21 0240N 0360E 019 Owl None 4/29/1987 21 0170N 0340E 018
Other Wildlife Resources
The following species have also been observed in the vicinity of the project area:
bass (unknown) Great Basin fence lizard physa (unknown) bat (unknown) Great Basin gophersnake Railroad Valley tui chub bluegill Great Basin rattlesnake red racer bullfrog Great Basin spadefoot scud (freshwater shrimp) California myotis Great Basin whiptail Sierra gartersnake California toad green sunfish tiger whiptail canyon bat long-eared myotis Townsend's big-eared bat chisel-toothed kangaroo rat long-legged myotis western fence lizard coachwhip long-nosed leopard lizard western harvest mouse common kingsnake long-nosed snake western mosquitofish common sagebrush lizard Merriam's kangaroo rat western patch-nosed snake common side-blotched lizard Mojave patch-nosed snake western rattlesnake desert banded gecko myotis (unknown) western small-footed myotis desert horned lizard Nevada side-blotched lizard western toad desert woodrat North American deermouse yellow-backed spiny lizard Dixie Valley tui chub northern desert horned lizard Yuma myotis gophersnake northern sagebrush lizard zebra-tailed lizard Great Basin collared lizard pallid bat
The above information is based on data stored at our Reno Headquarters Office, and does not necessarily incorporate the most up to date wildlife resource information collected in the field. Please contact the Habitat Division Supervising Biologist at our Western Region Reno Office (775.688.1500) to discuss the current environmental conditions for your project area and the interpretation of our analysis. Furthermore, it should be noted that the information detailed above is preliminary in nature and not necessarily an identification of every wildlife resource concern associated with the proposed project. Consultation with the Supervising Habitat biologist will facilitate the development of appropriate survey protocols and avoidance or mitigation measures that may be required to address potential impacts to wildlife resources.
Mark Freese – Western Region Supervising Habitat Biologist (775.688.1145)
Federally listed Threatened and Endangered species are also under the jurisdiction of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Please contact them for more information regarding these species.
2
If you have any questions regarding the results or methodology of this analysis please do not hesitate to contact our GIS office at (775) 688-1565.
Sincerely,
Timothy Herrick Conservation Aide III
3
Miles 0 1 2 3
Project Area Boundary Dixie Hope Project Pronghorn Antelope Distribution Four-mile Buffer Area Boundary May 29, 2013 Pronghorn Antelope Distribution Projection: UTM Zone 11 North, NAD83 No warranty is made by the Nevada Department of Wildlife as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data for individual use or aggregate use with other data.
V:\ActiveProjects\DataRequests\Consultants\EMPSi\DixieHope\Data Request - DixieHope_new.mxd Miles 0 1 2 3
Project Area Boundary Dixie Hope Project Bighorn Sheep Distribution Four-mile Buffer Area Boundary May 29, 2013 Bighorn Sheep Distribution Projection: UTM Zone 11 North, NAD83 No warranty is made by the Nevada Department of Wildlife as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data for individual use or aggregate use with other data.
V:\ActiveProjects\DataRequests\Consultants\EMPSi\DixieHope\Data Request - DixieHope_new.mxd Miles 0 1 2 3
Project Area Boundary Dixie Hope Project Mule Deer Distribution Four-mile Buffer Area Boundary May 29, 2013 Mule Deer Distribution Projection: UTM Zone 11 North, NAD83 No warranty is made by the Nevada Department of Wildlife as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data for individual use or aggregate use with other data.
V:\ActiveProjects\DataRequests\Consultants\EMPSi\DixieHope\Data Request - DixieHope_new.mxd Miles 0 1 2 3
Project Area Boundary Dixie Hope Project Four-mile Area Buffer Boundary Pronghorn Antelope Distribution Greater Sage Grouse Habitat 1 - Essential/Irreplaceable Habitat 5 - Unsuitable Habitat May 29, 2013 Projection: UTM Zone 11 North, NAD83 2 - Important Habitat Pending Completion No warranty is made by the Nevada Department of Wildlife 3 - Habitat of Moderate Importance N/A - Non-Habitat as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data 4 - Low Value Habitat/Transitional Range for individual use or aggregate use with other data.
V:\ActiveProjects\DataRequests\Consultants\EMPSi\DixieHope\Data Request - DixieHope_new.mxd At Risk Taxa Recorded Near the Dixie Hope Project Area Compiled by the Nevada Natural Heritage Program for Wildlife Resource Consultants 21 May 2013
Scientific name Common name Usfws Blm Usfs State Srank Grank UTM E UTM N Prec Last observed P lants Helianthus deserticola dune sunflower S3 G2G3Q 400315.81 4354659.58 S 1980-06 -23 Helianthus deserticola dune sunflower S3 G2G3Q 388102.39 4361208.24 G 1984-08-18 Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus Lahontan beardtongue N S2? G4G5T2? 408750.39 4405708.20 M 1979-06 Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus Lahontan beardtongue N S2? G4G5T2? 397063.00 4390870.29 M 1902-06-15 Phacelia glaberrima Reese River phacelia S3? G3? 402811.40 4402543.63 M 1980-05-21
Fishes Gila bicolor ssp. 9 tui chub in Dixie Valley S1 G4T1Q 406940.36 4392348.30 S 2008-04 -02
Mammals Microdipodops pallidus pale kangaroo mouse YES S2 G3 397702.00 4350875.00 M 1950-06 -28
Bureau of Land Management (Blm) Species Classification: Nevada Natural Heritage Program Global (Grank) and State (Srank) Ranks for Threats and/or Vulnerability: N Nevada Special Status Species - designated Sensitive by State Office G Global rank indicator, based on worldwide distribution at the species level Nevada State Protected (State) Species Classification: T Global trinomial rank indicator, based on worldwide distribution at the infraspecific level Fauna: S State rank indicator, based on distribution within Nevada at the lowest taxonomic YES Species protected under NRS 501. level l Critically imperiled and especially vulnerable to extinction or extirpation due to Precision (Prec) of Mapped Occurrence: extreme rarity, imminent threats, or other factors 2 Imperiled due to rarity or other demonstrable factors Precision, or radius of uncertainty around latitude/longitude coordinates: 3 Vulnerable to decline because rare and local throughout its range, or with very restricted range S Seconds: within a three-second radius 4 Long-term concern, though now apparently secure; usually rare in parts of its M Minutes: within a one-minute radius, approximately 2 km or 1.5 miles range, especially at its periphery G General: within about 8 km or 5 miles, or to map quadrangle or place name 5 Demonstrably secure, widespread, and abundant A Accidental within Nevada B Breeding status within Nevada (excludes resident taxa) H Historical; could be rediscovered N Non-breeding status within Nevada (excludes resident taxa) Q Taxonomic status uncertain U Unrankable Z Enduring occurrences cannot be defined (usually given to migrant or accidental birds) ? Assigned rank uncertain
Appendix C. Special status species (BLM sensitive species lists, statewide and Carson District) habitat evaluation (habitat data from NatureServe, NDOW Wildlife Action Plan, and USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter).
Potential for Potential for Breeding, Roosting Foraging (pa=project area, (pa=project area, buffer=one-mile buffer=one-mile Documented in Species Status Habitat Requirements Nevada Range buiffer) buiffer) Discussion Surveys? MAMMALS
Low desert shrubland, juniper woodlands, and grasslands; most common in low Suitable roosting habitat in rock outcrops, northern and southern end of Pallid bat State protected elevation dry regions with rock outcrops, often near water, roosts in rock crevices, pa: yes buffer: buffer. Roosting also available in nearby settlement area. Species recorded Antrozous pallidus BLM Sensitive rock piles, caves, abandoned mines, and buildings Statewide pa: no buffer: yes yes during ecological surveys for NAS at Dixie Meadows and settlement area. no Pygmy rabbit Brachylagus Dense sagebrush or mixed sagebrush habitats in areaas with deep soils for Northern and central Suitable breeding and foraging habitat of dense sagebrush and friable soils is idahoensis BLM Sensitive constructing burrows Nevada pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no not present no Townsend’s big- Suitable roosting habitat in rock outcrops, northern and southern end of eared bat Variety of habitats including from deserts, prairies, coniferous forests, pinyon-juniper buffer. Roosting also available in nearby settlement area. Species recorded Corynorhinus State protected woodland, agricultural areas, in Nevada from low to high elevations, roosts in pa: yes buffer: during ecological surveys for NAS at nearby settlement area but not at Dixie townsendii BLM Sensitive abandoned mine workings and caves Statewide pa: no buffer: yes yes Meadows. no Suitable roosting habitat in rock outcrops, northern and southern end of buffer. Roosting also available in nearby settlement area. Species recorded Big brown bat State protected Variety of wooded and semi-open habitats, roosts in buildings, bridges, mines, caves, pa: yes buffer: during ecological surveys for NAS at nearby settlement area but not at Dixie Eptesicus fuscus BLM Sensitive rock crevices, and hollow trees Statewide pa: no buffer: yes yes Meadows. no
Variety of habitats from desert to montane coniferous forests, including desert scrub, Suitable roosting habitat in rock outcrops, northern and southern end of Spotted bat State protected pinyon-juniper woodland, mixed conifer forest, canyon bottoms, riparian areas, fields, pa: yes buffer: buffer. Roosting also available in nearby settlement area. Species not recorded Euderma maculatum BLM Sensitive and open pasture; roosts in caves and in cracks and crevices in cliffs and canyons Statewide pa: no buffer: yes yes during ecological surveys for NAS. no
Silver-haired bat Suitable tree roosting habitat rare in project area or buffer. Roosting habitat Lasionycteris State protected Forested habitat, often coniferous forest, adjacent to lakes, ponds, and streams, pa: no buffer: pa: yes buffer: widespread in nearby settlement area. Species recorded during ecological noctivagans BLM Sensitive primarily roosts in trees but will also use abandoned mines and caves Statewide low probability yes surveys for NAS at Dixie Meadows and settlement area. no Suitable tree roosting habitat rare in project area or buffer. Potential roosting habitat widespread in nearby settlement area. Species not recorded during Western red bat State protected Western, southern, pa: no buffer: pa: yes buffer: ecological surveys for NAS at Dixie Meadows or settlement area but recorded Lasiurus blossevillii BLM Sensitive Associated with riparian and wooded habitats; roosts in trees and central Nevada low probability yes near Fallon. no
Suitable tree roosting habitat rare in project area or buffer. Roosting habitat Hoary bat State protected pa: no buffer: pa: yes buffer: widespread in nearby settlement area. Species recorded during ecological Lasiurus cinereus BLM Sensitive Forested habitats, roosts in coniferous and deciduous trees and caves Statewide low probability yes surveys for NAS at Dixie Meadows and settlement area. no Dark kangaroo mouse Microdipodops In loose sands and gravel. Found in shadscale scrub, sagebrush scrub, and alkali sink pa: yes buffer: pa: yes buffer: no, trapping was megacephalus State protected plant communities. May occur in sand dunes near margins of range. Central Nevada yes yes Suitable habitat common in corridor and buffer. not conducted
Pale kangaroo mouse Central and Microdipodops State protected Fine sand in alkali sink and desert scrub dominated by shadscale and big sagebrush; southeastern pa: yes buffer: pa: yes buffer: no, trapping was pallidus BLM Sensitive often burrows in areas of soft windblown sand piled at base of shrubs Nevada yes yes Southern third of ROW corridor contains abundant wind-blown sand deposits. not conducted
Variety of habitats from sea level to desert mountains, oak-juniper woodlands, canyons , riparian woodlands, desert scrub, and grasslands; often uses man-made Suitable roosting habitat in rock outcrops, northern and southern end of California myotis State protected structures for night roosts; day roosts include rock crevices, under tree bark, eaves of pa: yes buffer: buffer. Roosting also available in nearby settlement area. Species recorded Myotis californicus BLM Sensitive buildiings, caves, buildings, and abandoned mines Statewide pa: no buffer: yes yes during ecological surveys for NAS at Dixie Meadows and settlement area. yes
Western small-footed Desert, badland, and semiarid habitats; summer roosts include rock crevices, caves, Suitable roosting habitat in rock outcrops, northern and southern end of myotis State protected tunnels, under boulders, beneath loose bark, and buildings; hibernates in caves and pa: yes buffer: buffer. Roosting also available in nearby settlement area. Species recorded Myotis ciliolabrum BLM Sensitive abandoned mines. Statewide pa: no buffer: yes yes during ecological surveys for NAS at Dixie Meadows and settlement area. yes
ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Wildlife Resource Consultants Baseline Wildlife Surveys Appendix C, Page 1 August 2013 Appendix C. Special status species (BLM sensitive species lists, statewide and Carson District) habitat evaluation (habitat data from NatureServe, NDOW Wildlife Action Plan, and USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter).
Potential for Potential for Breeding, Roosting Foraging (pa=project area, (pa=project area, buffer=one-mile buffer=one-mile Documented in Species Status Habitat Requirements Nevada Range buiffer) buiffer) Discussion Surveys?
Primarily forest, especially with rock outcrops, shrublands, meadows with forests Suitable tree roosting habitat rare in project area or buffer. Roosting habitat Long-eared myotis State protected along wooded streams, and reservoirs; roosts in hollow trees, caves, abandoned pa: no buffer: pa: yes buffer: widespread in nearby settlement area. Species recorded during ecological Myotis evotis BLM Sensitive mines, cliff crevices, and rock outcrops Statewide low probability yes surveys for NAS at settlement area, but not at Dixie Meadows. no Suitable roosting habitat in rock outcrops, northern and southern end of Among most widespread species of bats, found in a variety of habitats often along buffer. Roosting also available in nearby settlement area. Species recorded Little brown myotis State protected streams and lakes; common roost sites include tree cavities, caves, abandoned mines, pa: yes buffer: during ecological surveys for NAS at settlement area, but not in Dixie Myotis lucifugus BLM Sensitive and buildings Statewide pa: no buffer: yes yes Meadows. no Suitable roosting habitat in rock outcrops, northern and southern end of Fringed myotis State protected Occurs primarily at middle elevations (3,940-7,050 feet) in desert, grassland, and pa: yes buffer: buffer. Roosting also available in nearby settlement area. Species not recorded Myotis thysanodes BLM Sensitive woodland habitats; roosts in caves, abandoned mines, rock crevices, and buildings Statewide pa: no buffer: yes yes during ecological surveys for NAS. no
Cave myotis State protected Variety of habitats in deserts and grasslands, often near water; summer roosts are in Southern-most Myotis velifer BLM Sensitive caves, abandoned mines, and sometimes buildings; winter roosts are caves portion of state pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Project area is outside known range of species. n/a Suitable roosting habitat in rock outcrops, northern and southern end of Long-legged myotis State protected Rocky talus slopes usually at talus-meadow interface often above treeline up to limit Northern half of pa: yes buffer: buffer. Species recorded during ecological surveys for NAS at settlement area, Myotis volans BLM Sensitive of vegetation; at lower elevations in rocky areas within forests or near lakes state pa: no buffer: yes yes but not at Dixie Meadows. no Big free-tailed bat Rocky areas in rugged country, including riparian areas, shrub desert, and woodland Extreme southern- Nyctinomops State protected habitats; roosts in rocky cliffs in crevices or under rock slabs, sometimes caves, most portion of macrotis BLM Sensitive buildings, or tree holes state pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Project area is outside known range of species. n/a Northwest and western borders, Pika Rocky talus slopes usually at talus-meadow interface often above treeline up to limit and central portions Ochotona princeps BLM Sensitive of vegetation; at lower elevations in rocky areas within forests or near lakes of state pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Project area is below known elevational range. n/a
Variety of vegetation communities depending on the season from alpine to desert Southern and central Buffer contains only small areas of rock outcrop and steeper slopes; species Bighorn sheep grasslands and shrub-steppe in mountains, foothills, or river canyons; escape terrain Nevada, including pa: no buffer: likely uses higher elevation habitat for breeding, but this area might see Ovis canadensis BLM Sensitive such as cliffs, talus, and slopes is important habitat feature introductions low probability pa: no buffer: yes occasional foraging use. No records in area. no
Variety of habitats from deserts, desert mountain ranges, desert scrub flats, and Suitable roosting habitat in rock outcrops, northern and southern end of Western pipistrelle rocky canyons; roosts in abandoned mines and caves, rock crevices, under rocks and pa: yes buffer: buffer. Roosting also available in nearby settlement area. Species recorded Pipistrellus hesperus BLM Sensitive sometimes buildings Statewide pa: no buffer: yes yes during ecological surveys for NAS at both Dixie Meadows and settlement area. yes Found in variety of upland and lowland habitats, including riparian, desert scrub, Western and Small quantities of roosting habitat in buffer, but available in settlement area. Yuma myotis State protected moist woodlands, and forests, usually found near open water, maternity colonies in northwestern pa: no buffer: pa: yes buffer: Species recorded during ecological surveys for NAS at Dixie Meadows and Myotis yumanensis BLM Sensitive buildings, caves, mines, and under bridges portions of State low probability yes settlement area. no Suitable roosting habitat in rock outcrops, northern and southern end of Brazilian free-tailed Variety of habitats including deserts, canyons, and farmlands; primarily roosts in Western and buffer. Roosting also available in nearby settlement area. Species recorded bat State protected caves, rock crevices, bridges, culverts, and bridges; highly colonial and forms large southern portions of pa: yes buffer: during ecological surveys for NAS at Dixie Meadows, but not in settlement Tadarida brasiliensis BLM Sensitive maternity roosts in caves, rock crevices, and abandoned mines State pa: no buffer: yes yes area. yes BIRDS BLM Sensitive, NDOW species of Prefers forests with taller mature stands with high canopy cover; in Nevada area Statewide in higher Northern goshawk Conservation often found nesting in aspen stringers near mountain streams and ephemeral elevation mountain Accipiter gentilis Priority drainages ranges pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Suitable habitat of mature conifer forests or aspen stringers is not present. no
Golden Eagle Variety of habitats including mountains, deserts, plains; preferably nests on rocky pa: yes buffer: Foraging habitat is present in both the project area and buffer and nesting Aquila chrysaetos BLM Sensitive outcrops and cliffs Statewide pa: no buffer: yes yes habitat is present in one mile buffer. yes
ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Wildlife Resource Consultants Baseline Wildlife Surveys Appendix C, Page 2 August 2013 Appendix C. Special status species (BLM sensitive species lists, statewide and Carson District) habitat evaluation (habitat data from NatureServe, NDOW Wildlife Action Plan, and USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter).
Potential for Potential for Breeding, Roosting Foraging (pa=project area, (pa=project area, buffer=one-mile buffer=one-mile Documented in Species Status Habitat Requirements Nevada Range buiffer) buiffer) Discussion Surveys? BLM Sensitive, Western burrowing NDOW species of owl Athene Conservation Open shrub, agricultural lands, desert washes, alkali scrub, desert riparian/riverine pa: yes buffer: pa: yes buffer: Suitable habitat is present. Recorded during ecological surveys for NAS at cunicularia Priority habitats, fields, grazing lands, and cut banks along roads and washes Statewide yes yes settlement area. no
BLM Sensitive, Nests primarily in NDOW species of central and eastern pa: infrequent Ferruginous hawk Conservation Open county including grasslands and shrublands, typically nest in juniper trees along Nevada, western migrant buffer: Buteo regalis Priority the forest shrubland edge; avoid forests, steep terrain, and high elevations Nevada in winter pa: no buffer: no infrequent migrant Suitable habitat of shrublands with nesting prefence of junipers is not present. no BLM Sensitive, NDOW species of Swainson's hawk Conservation Grasslands, shrublands, and agricultural areas; typically nests in trees bordering Northern portion of Nesting habitat is found approximately 1.5 miles east of transmission line ROW Buteo swainsoni Priority agricultural areas, wetlands, and abandoned farms state pa: no buffer: no pa: yes buffer: yes in settlement area. Nesting birds could forage in both pa and buffer. no
Federal Candidate Species, BLM Sensitive, NDOW Greater sage-grouse species of Associated with sagebrush steppe habitats that include bunchgrass and forbs; Centrocercus Conservation requires sparsely vegetated sites within sagebrush matrix for lek sites, for brood Northern and central Suitable sagebrush steppe habitat is not present, and NDOW does not consider urophasiansus Priority rearing requires riparian areas, wet meadows, springs, and seeps Nevada pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no project area or buffer suitable habitat. no
BLM Sensitive, Western snowy NDOW species of plover Charadrius Conservation In Nevada, usually found on hypersaline playas with sparse vegetation, nests on Western and central alexandrinus nivosus Priority ground on broad open beaches or salt or dry mud flats Nevada pa: no buffer: yes pa: no buffer: yes Has been previously recorded in Dixie Meadows. no Southwestern willow BLM Sensitive, flycatcher NDOW species of Thickets, scrubby and brushy areas, open second growth, swamps, and open Empidonax trailii Conservation woodland; primarily nests in swampy thickets, especially willow, sometimes Southernmost extimus Priority buttonbrush, tamarisk, vines or other plants 4-7 meters in height portion of State pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Suitable habitat of swampy thickets is not present. no BLM Sensitive, NDOW species of Peregrine Falcon Conservation Variety of habitats; need vertical cliffs with ledges for nesting, will nest on man-made Primarily migrant Falco peregrinus Priority structures; often associated with water with high densities of avian prey across state pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Suitable habitat with steep vertical cliffs is not present. no BLM Sensitive, Pinyon jay NDOW species of Nests and forages in pinyon-juniper woodlands with diverse age class distribution; Gymnorhinus Conservation may forage in other habitats such as sagebrush shrublands; feeds mostly on pinyon cyanocephalus Priority pine seeds Statewide pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Suitable habitat of pinyon-juniper woodlands is not present. no BLM Sensitive, Bald eagle NDOW species of Haliaeetus Conservation leucocephalus Priority Forests near large bodies of water Statewide pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Suitable habitat of forests near large bodies of water is not present. no BLM Sensitive, NDOW species of Loggerhead shrike Conservation Nests in arid, open country, dense, low, shrubby sagebrush and grassland vegetation pa: yes buffer: pa: yes buffer: Lanius ludovicianus Priority types with scattered trees; uses power poles, powerlines, and fences for perching Statewide yes yes Suitable breeding and foraging habitat is present. yes BLM Sensitive, NDOW species of Lewis woodpecker Conservation Open forest and woodland, uses logged or burned forests, including oak, coniferous, Northern portion of Melanerpes lewis Priority riparian woodland, pinyon-juniper woodland, and orchards state pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Suitable habitat of forests is not present. no
ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Wildlife Resource Consultants Baseline Wildlife Surveys Appendix C, Page 3 August 2013 Appendix C. Special status species (BLM sensitive species lists, statewide and Carson District) habitat evaluation (habitat data from NatureServe, NDOW Wildlife Action Plan, and USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter).
Potential for Potential for Breeding, Roosting Foraging (pa=project area, (pa=project area, buffer=one-mile buffer=one-mile Documented in Species Status Habitat Requirements Nevada Range buiffer) buiffer) Discussion Surveys? BLM Sensitive, NDOW species of Black rosy-finch Conservation Barren, rocky, or grassy areas and cliffs in alpine tundra on high mountains; in winter Leucosticte atrata Priority use low elevation open fields and cultivated lands Northern Nevada pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Suitable habitat of alpine tundra is not present. no Sage thrasher Oreoscoptes Sagebrush scrub and sagebrush steppe habitat, associated with intact, dense stands pa: yes buffer: pa: yes buffer: montanus BLM Sensitive of sagebrush Statewide yes yes Scattered suitable habitat is present. no BLM Sensitive, NDOW species of Brewer’s sparrow Conservation pa: yes buffer: pa: yes buffer: Spizella breweri Priority Sagebrush communities Statewide yes yes Habitat is suitable. Yes AMPHIBIANS BLM Sensitive, NDOW species of Dixie Valley toad Conservation Bufo boreas spp Priority Dixie Valley pa: no buffer: yes pa: no buffer: yes Species is known to occur in Dixie Meadows. no
Mountain yellow- legged frog (Sierra NV population) Preferred habitat is illuminated sloping banks of meadow streams, riverbanks, Sierra Nevada Rana pipiens BLM Sensitive isolated pools and lakes bordered by vegetation that is continuous to water's edge. mountain Range pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Project area is outside known range of species. n/a
Highly aquatic; rarely found far from permanent quiet water; usually occurs at the grassy/sedgy margins of streams, lakes, ponds, springs, and marshes. May disperse BLM Sensitive, into forest, grassland, and brushland during wet weather, and may traverse uplands Northern leopard NDOW species of to reach wintering sites. Uses stream-side small mammal burrows as shelter. frog Rana Conservation Overwintering sites in the Great Basin include undercut stream banks and spring Northern and central Species has reportedly been recorded in Dixie Meadow, see text, suitable lutteiventris Priority heads. Breeds usually in shallow water in ponds or other quiet waters. portions of the state pa: no buffer: yes pa: no buffer: yes habitat of grassy/sedgy margins of permanent water is present. no
ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Wildlife Resource Consultants Baseline Wildlife Surveys Appendix C, Page 4 August 2013 Appendix C. Special status species (BLM sensitive species lists, statewide and Carson District) habitat evaluation (habitat data from NatureServe, NDOW Wildlife Action Plan, and USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter).
Potential for Potential for Breeding, Roosting Foraging (pa=project area, (pa=project area, buffer=one-mile buffer=one-mile Documented in Species Status Habitat Requirements Nevada Range buiffer) buiffer) Discussion Surveys? FISH Federal Threatened, BLM Railroad Valley, Nye Sensitive, NDOW County; introduced Railroad Valley species of Warm springs with soft easily disturbed mud, sparse aquatic vegetation and sparse into springs at springfish Conservation outflow, some occupied springs are more marshlike; temperatures range from 77-102 Sodaville, Mineral Crenichthys nevadae Priority degrees F County pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Project area is outside known distribution range. n/a Federal Endangered, BLM Historically several Sensitive, NDOW locations in Fish species of Lake Valley, Cui-cui Conservation Esmeralda County, Chasmistes cujus Priority Variety of aquatic habitats from small streams to lakes currently one spring pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Project area is outside known distribution range. n/a
Wall Canyon sucker Hot Creek Valley, Catostomus sp 1 BLM Sensitive Variety of aquatic habitats from small streams to lakes Nye County pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Project area is outside known distribution range n/a Federal Endangered, BLM Hiko White River Sensitive, NDOW Springfish species of Railroad and Hot Crenichthys baileyi Conservation Creek Valleys, Nye grandis Priority Variety of aquatic habitats from small streams to lakes County pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no Project area is outside known distribution range n/a Federal Threatened, BLM Lahontan cutthroat Sensitive, NDOW trout species of Oncorhynchus clarki Conservation Variety of habitats, from swift cold riffles of mountain streams to quiet waters of Northern portions of henshawi Priority isolated cool or warm springs, uncommon in water deeper than three feet the state pa: no buffer: no pa: no buffer: no No, project area is outside known distribution range n/a
ORMAT Dixie Hope Project Wildlife Resource Consultants Baseline Wildlife Surveys Appendix C, Page 5 August 2013 Ormat Dixie Hope Project Appendix D. List of Species Observed Page 1
Birds Mammals Reptiles and Amphibians American avocet 1 Badger Bullfrog (Recurvirostra americana ) (Taxidea taxus ) (Rana catesbiena )
American coot 1 Black-tailed jackrabbit Desert horned lizard (Fulica americana ) (Lepus californicus ) (Phrynosoma platyrhinos )
Black-necked stilt1 Coyote Collared lizard (Himantopus mexicanus ) (Canis latrans ) (Crotaphytus collaris )
Black tern 1 Desert cottontail Long-nosed leopard lizard (Chlidonias niger ) (Sylvilagus audubonii ) (Gambelia wislizenii )
Black-throated sparrow Gopher 1 Great Basin gopher snake (Amphispiza bilineata ) (Thomomys spp) (Pituophis melanoleucus )
Brewer’s blackbird 1 Mule deer * Side-blotched lizard (Euphagus cyanocephalus ) (Odocoileus hemionus ) (Uta stansburiana )
Cinnamon teal 1 White-tailed antelope ground squirrel Western fence lizard
(Anas cyanoptera ) (Ammospermophilus leucurus ) (Sceloporus occidentalis )
Common raven Woodrat * Zebra-tailed lizard
(Corvus corax ) (Neotoma spp. ) (Callisaurus draconoides )
Golden eagle Vole 1 (Aquila chrysaetos ) (Microtus spp)
Horned lark
(Eremophila alpestris )
Killdeer 1 (Charadrius vociferus )
Lark sparrow
(Chondestes grammacus )
Loggerhead shrike2 (Lanius ludovicianus )
Northern harrier 1 (Circus cyaneus )
Mourning dove1 (Zenaida macroura )
Prairie falcon
(Falco mexicanus )
Wildife Resource Consultants August 2013 Ormat Dixie Hope Project Appendix D. List of Species Observed Page 2
Birds Mammals Reptiles and Amphibians Red-tailed hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis )
Red-winged blackbird 1 (Agelaius phoeniceus )
Rock wren
(Salpinctes obsoletus )
Vesper sparrow 1 (Pooecetes gramineus )
Violet-green swallow 1 (Tachycineta thalassina )
Western kingbird
(Tyrannus verticalis )
Western meadowlark
(Sturnella neglecta )
Western wood-pewee 1 (Contopus sordidulus )
Yellow-headed blackbird 1 (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus )
White-faced ibis 1 (Plegadus chihi )
Willet 1 (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus )
Wilson’s phalarope 1 (Phalaropus tricolor )
*Detected by tracks, scat, carcass, prey remains, feathers, burrow, etc. 1 Documented only in Dixie Meadows in the project’s one mile buffer 2 BLM Sensitive Species
Wildife Resource Consultants August 2013 Appendix E. Photographs.
Photo 1. Active golden eagle nest, Louderback mountains.
Photo 2. Pale kangaroo mouse habitat in the southern end of the project area and one-mile buffer, near Pirouette Mountain.
EMPSi Wildlife Resource Consultants Dixie Hope Project Appendix E, Page 1 August 2013
New Dixie Hope Project Botanical Survey 2013
Prepared for Environmental Management and Planning Solutions Inc. 3775 Iris Avenue, Suite 1A Boulder, CO 80301
Prepared by Adrian Juncosa EcoSynthesis Scientific & Regulatory Services, Inc. 16173 Lancaster Place Truckee, CA 96161
September 26, 2013 Contents
Summary ...... iii
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Site Information ...... 1 2 METHODS ...... 3 2.1 Background Information ...... 3 2.2 Field Methods ...... 3 3 RESULTS ...... 4 3.1 Vegetation ...... 4 3.2 Soils ...... 9 3.3 Special-status Species ...... 15 3.4 Invasive Species ...... 22 4 REFERENCES ...... 23
Figures 1. Project location...... 2 2A-C. Existing vegetation cover (LANDFIRE) ...... 5 3A-C. Soils ...... 11 4A-C. Botanical survey tracks, NNHP occurrences, and suitable habitat ...... 17 5. Overview of NNHP and noxious weed locations ...... 20
Tables 1. LANDFIRE vegetation types ...... 4 2. Common plant species of the study area ...... 8 3. Soil associations present within the New Dixie Hope study area boundary ...... 10 4. Soil series of the mapped associations ...... 14
Appendices A. List of plant species observed within study area
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey ii Summary
This report describes background research and field surveys undertaken to determine whether any sensitive or listed plant species occur within the defined study area for the proposed New Dixie Hope project. Background information provided herein includes existing vegetation cover mapping from the USGS LANDFIRE on-line data base and Natural Resources Conservation Service soil survey mapping for the study area. No sensitive plant species were observed within the study area. The vicinities of the five NNHP- recorded occurrences (of three species) were visited and examined to provide habitat context. The project site provides potentially suitable habitat for one of these species (a NNHP “at-risk list” species, but not regarded as sensitive by BLM). It does not provide suitable habitat for the other two species. Two noxious weed species were detected: tamarisk and tall whitetop. Only one plant of tamarisk was seen, at the Dixie Meadows wetland. The population of whitetop within the study area is probably about 40-50 individuals (in 2013). Existing vegetation cover includes plant associations dominated by greasewood, seepweed, shadscale, and bud sage in various proportions. The herbaceous stratum, where it exists at all, is dominated variously by Indian rice-grass, or, in what appear to be more heavily grazed areas, by one or more non-native weeds (Russian thistle, halogeton, and/or cheat grass). A large spring-fed wetland occurs just off site at the northern end of the project, extending a few feet within the northeasterly limit of the study area. Soils of the study area include mixed alluvium and valley floor sediments left behind by ancient drainage and lake systems. Portions of the project alignment are covered by wind-blown fine to medium sands.
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey iii 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Site Information Location This report describes botanical and related studies of the New Dixie Hope project site (“study area”), an area of approximately 3,559 acres in Dixie Valley, Churchill County, Nevada (Figure 1). The facilities area at the northern terminus of the site is on the western edge of Dixie Meadows, which is a system of seeps, springs, and associated wetlands and wet meadows adjacent to the Humboldt Salt Marsh. The power line alignment then extends southwards to the corner of a U.S. Navy Training Area at the south, where it connects to existing east-west utility lines.
General Description The site is located near the center of the Dixie Valley floor, crossing lower fan piedmont, fan skirt, and valley bottom landforms. Soil surfaces vary from very gravelly, sometimes cemented soils, to wind-blown sands, to silty flats. Vegetation is overwhelmingly dominated by saline-alkaline adapted species such as greasewood (Sarcobatus spp.), bud sage (Artermisia spinescens), shadscale (Atriplex confetrifolia), and seepweed (Suaeda nigra). Some playa-like areas are found in the Dixie Wash portion of the valley floor, but these were entirely dry throughout the field studies, and no distinctive playa vegetation was observed. The term “playa-like” is used because it is not clear how often or for what duration these areas might be covered by standing water. A soil type called “Playa” is mapped in the general region, but not within the project site. A few acres of apparent wetland occur within the northern facilities area, on its eastern edge.
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 1 ´
New Dixie Hope Project Figure 1. Project Location Physical base map provided by ESRI.
Scale 1:500,000 (1 in = 41,667 ft) Study area boundary supplied by EMPSi.
Map created by www.digitalmappingsolutions.com on 9/13/2013. 2 METHODS
2.1 Background Information Shapefiles of the study area boundary were provided by Environmental Management and Planning Solutions, Inc. (EMPSi). Field maps and report figures were created by Digital Mapping Solutions (DMS) using ESRI Bing aerial photographic imagery and ESRI topographic base mapping. Soils information was downloaded from Web Soil Survey (Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2013), and existing vegetation cover types were downloaded from the LANDFIRE web site (USGS, 2013). Extensive experience, both that of EcoSynthesis and of other scientists working in Nevada, has shown that, at present, the LANDFIRE mapping is generally much more accurate than the currently available mapping data from another commonly mentioned on-line data source, the Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project (SWReGAP). We are not aware of the methodological reasons that the two systems differ in their output, but have merely found empirically that, in central Nevada at least, the LANDFIRE mapping generally corresponds better to what is actually observed on the ground. The Nevada Natural Heritage Program (NNHP) data base was queried by Wildlife Resource Consultants for occurrences of watch list and other sensitive species that are recorded from the project region (township and range within which the project is located, plus a radius of six miles). Background information on plant taxonomy and habitats was obtained from Cronquist et al. (1972- 2005, referred to in this report as Intermountain Flora or IF), Flora North America (FNA, 1993-2012), the NNHP rare plant atlas (on-line; not currently accessible), and from study of herbarium species in the University of Nevada, Reno, herbarium.
2.2 Field Methods Field work was carried out on various dates from mid-June through late July 2013, by Dr. Adrian Juncosa. A total of approximately 54 miles of plant survey transects were walked throughout the study area, and plant species were identified to the taxonomic level necessary to ascertain whether sensitive or listed species were present. Most species were identified on sight, but fragments of some were collected and identified by means of the dichotomous keys provided in the botanical references cited in Section 2.1 above. The scope of the field study did not include development of detailed site-specific vegetation mapping, but notes were kept of the dominant and distinctive associated species in various areas so that a general evaluation of the accuracy of the LANDFIRE existing vegetation mapping would be possible. The locations of all but one of the NNHP-recorded plant occurrences were visited to compare the ecological conditions at those sites with those observed within the study area. The occurrence that was not visited is recorded in the interior of the Dixie Meadows wetlands and would have necessitated significant travel through water to visit. Also, these exact coordinates are a highly unlikely location for the species in question (Penstemon palmeri) to be found. This is discussed further in Section 3.3.
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 3 3 RESULTS Results are presented beginning with the general site characterization (vegetation and soils), followed by the specific results of the botanical survey.
3.1 Vegetation Table 1 provides a list of the USGS LANDFIRE ecological system names and their acreage within the study area, and Table 2 lists the most common plants species that are mentioned in the text. Mapping of existing vegetation types, according to the LANDFIRE data base, is provided in Figures 2A, B, and C. Presentation and use of the LANDFIRE data is subject to three main limitations. Firstly, the mapping was developed from biophysical models and satellite imagery that is based on coarse scale (30 m pixels) and spectral discrimination, consequently the program sometimes misidentifies the vegetation composition, particularly where very similar vegetation types occur in close proximity (for example, where annual grassland and annual grassland-forbland types are juxtaposed). Field verification sites are not densely distributed in most geographic areas. Nevertheless, it is generally more accurate than SWReGAP. Secondly, the ecological systems which are the mapping units occur over very wide geographic ranges, within which considerable compositional variation occurs. Therefore, the descriptions of vegetation types (NatureServe, 2011) are necessarily highly generalized and do not provide enough detail to evaluate mapping accuracy or to describe existing conditions for the purposes of environmental review. Finally, due to the enormous coverage area of the LANDFIRE analysis and the challenges of providing downloadable data at a fine resolution, the best available mapping level is ecological systems, not plant associations (which identify the dominant and other common species by the three main vegetation strata). During the field work for the present project, notes on the most commonly observed plant associations were recorded and are provided below.
Table 1. Land cover types found within the site, from LANDFIRE mapping. Ecological System (Vegetation) Type Area Within Site (acres)
Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat 2,249
Introduced Upland Vegetation-Annual and Biennial Forbland 794
Introduced Upland Vegetation-Annual Grassland 220
Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub 97
Inter-Mountain Basins Sparsely Vegetated Systems 94
Barren 88
Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland 16
Herbaceous Wetlands 1
Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Grassland <0.5
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 4 Panel 1 New Dixie Hope Project Panel 2 Botanical Survey Panel 3 Figure 2A. Vegetation, Northern Portion
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Scale 1:30,000 (1 in = 2,500 ft) ´
Legend Combined Study Boudnary Barren Herbaceous Wetlands Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Grassland Inter-Mountain Basins Sparsely Vegetated Systems Introduced Upland Vegetation-Annual Grassland Introduced Upland Vegetation-Annual and Biennial Forbland
Notes Base map provided by National Geographic USGS Merged Topographic base via ESRI map service.
Existing vegetation (EVEG) data downloaded from LANDFIRE on 08/28/13.
Map created by www.digitalmappingsolutions.com on 9/11/2013. New Dixie Hope Project Botanical Survey
Figure 2B. Vegetation, Central Portion Panel 1
Panel 2
Panel 3
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Scale 1:30,000 (1 in = 2,500 ft) ´
Legend Combined Study Boudnary Barren Herbaceous Wetlands Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Grassland Inter-Mountain Basins Sparsely Vegetated Systems Introduced Upland Vegetation-Annual Grassland Introduced Upland Vegetation-Annual and Biennial Forbland
Notes Base map provided by National Geographic USGS Merged Topographic base via ESRI map service.
Existing vegetation (EVEG) data downloaded from LANDFIRE on 08/28/13.
Map created by www.digitalmappingsolutions.com on 9/11/2013. New Dixie Hope Project Botanical Survey
Figure 2C. Vegetation, Southern Portion
Panel 1
Panel 2
Panel 3
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Scale 1:30,000 (1 in = 2,500 ft) ´
Legend Combined Study Boudnary Barren Herbaceous Wetlands Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Grassland Inter-Mountain Basins Sparsely Vegetated Systems Introduced Upland Vegetation-Annual Grassland Introduced Upland Vegetation-Annual and Biennial Forbland
Notes Base map provided by National Geographic USGS Merged Topographic base via ESRI map service.
Existing vegetation (EVEG) data downloaded from LANDFIRE on 08/28/13.
Map created by www.digitalmappingsolutions.com on 9/11/2013. Table 2. Plant species that are common within the study area and are mentioned in the text below. Species are listed in alphabetical order by scientific name.
Species Common Name
Achnatherum hymenoides Indian rice-grass Artemisia spinescens budsage Atriplex canescens four-wing saltbush Atriplex confertifolia shadscale Bromus tectorum cheat grass Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (two subspecies) yellow rabbitbrush Halogeton glomeratus halogeton Krascheninnikovia lanata winterfat Salsola tragus Russian thistle, tumbleweed Sarcobatus baileyi/vermiculatus greasewood Suaeda nigra seepweed
3.1.1 INTER-MOUNTAIN BASINS GREASEWOOD FLAT This ecological system covers more than two-thirds of the study area. The area mapped as this system includes a variety of plant associations occurring on flat terrain, on fan skirts, and on lower fan remnants. The dominant species is generally greasewood, but there may be codominance by shadscale and budsage. Vegetative cover varies greatly. Herbaceous vegetation is usually minimal, but portions of this map unit include significant amounts of Indian rice-grass.
3.1.2 INTRODUCED UPLAND VEGETATION-ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL FORBLAND Nearly 800 acres of this system occur within the study area. Field examination shows that, although non-native cheat grass, halogeton, and Russian thistle may dominate in terms of absolute foliar cover at the time of maximum growth, the vegetation of most of this map unit also includes a sparse shrub stratum dominated by greasewood; thus, it appears to be degraded greasewood flat.
3.1.3 INTRODUCED UPLAND VEGETATION-ANNUAL GRASSLAND The text above for Annual and Biennial Forbland also applies to the 220 acres of this mapped ecological system.
3.1.4 INTER-MOUNTAIN BASINS MIXED SALT DESERT SCRUB This vegetation type is mapped in 97 acres of the study area. Based upon the vegetation composition observed in the field, a considerable portion of the Greasewood Flat would properly be reassigned to this ecological system. The vegetation is generally slightly dominated by greasewood or by budsage, with a significant component of shadscale.
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 8 3.1.5 INTER-MOUNTAIN BASINS SPARSELY VEGETATED SYSTEMS The 94 acres of Sparsely Vegetation Systems includes some areas of grazing disturbance (corrals), other former construction disturbance, and playa-like silty flats.
3.1.6 BARREN The mapping of this system includes two main conditions. The majority of the Barren area is a very sparse greasewood-seepweed shrubland growing on on saline-alkaline valley floor soils. The presence of patches of iodine weed (Allenrolfea occidentalis) in portions of this system is also indicative of particularly saline-alkaline soil conditions, with higher seasonal soil moisture than occurs elsewhere. Barren areas are also mapped in areas that are very similar to Sparsely Vegetated Systems (disturbed areas and playa-like situations), but with even less vegetation cover.
3.1.7 INTER-MOUNTAIN BASINS BIG SAGEBRUSH SHRUBLAND This ecological system appears in the LANDFIRE mapping as one large and several smaller patches, but, in reality, Wyoming big sagebrush occurs only as stringers of shrubs along ephemeral tributaries.
3.1.8 HERBACEOUS WETLANDS According to LANDFIRE, one acre of herbaceous wetland occurs within the site boundary. The relatively sharp ecotone between upland vegetation and the (off-site) interior of the wetland rapidly passes from saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides) through Baltic rush (Juncus balticus) into three-square sedge (Schoenoplectus americanus).
3.1.9 INTER-MOUNTAIN BASINS SEMI-DESERT GRASSLAND This ecological system occurs in about 0.34 acre adjacent to the herbaceous wetland and presumably represents small fringes of non-wetland grassland. We were not able to confirm its presence and species composition.
3.2 Soils Complete description of the soils of the project site is beyond the scope of the present botanical survey. However, habitat suitability for special-status plant species is determined primarily (albeit not exclusively) by soils and moisture regime. Specifically, in valley floor geomorphic landforms such as the present study area, sandy soils provide habitat for many of the sensitive plant species that are known from west-central Nevada. Accordingly, prior to conducting field surveys, the NRCS mapping of soil types was reviewed, with special emphasis on occurrence of sandy soil series. Soil mapping downloaded from Web Soil Survey is presented in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C. Fifteen soil map units occur within the study area (Table 3), all of which are associations of up to five map unit components (soil series and their sub-types based upon surface slope). Map unit number 960 is identified as Pelic-Turupah complex by Web Soil Survey/SSURGO, but as Kolda-
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 9 Umberland association by the original printed soil survey (Dahl, 1994) and by Soil Web (an application that runs in Google Earth). Examination of the map unit component descriptions in light of actual field circumstances suggests that Kolda-Umberland is correct.
Table 3. Soil map units present within the New Dixie Hope study area boundary, listed in order of decreasing acreage within the site. Map Map Unit Name Area General Location Unit (acres) Number 460 Juva-Wholan-Stumble association 603 Southern segment of power line alignment 184 Bluewing-Pineval association 499 Northern end of site, facilities area 340 Slaw-Juva-Wholan association 368 Dixie Valley Wash 1232 Genegraf-Rednik-Trocken association 347 Southern segment of power line alignment 310 Rednik-Trocken-Bluewing association 346 Between two portions of Dixie Valley Wash 343 Slaw-Trocken-Chuckles association 312 West side fan piedmont 401 Chuckles-Bango association 291 North of Dixie Valley Wash 262 Appian-Juva-Bango association 229 Between two portions of Dixie Valley Wash 220 Bango-Stumble association 200 East side fan piedmont 180 Bluewing-Inmo association 162 Immediately north of Dixie Valley Wash 311 Rednik-Trocken-Genegraf association 84 East side fan piedmont at power line connection area 283 Trocken-Bluewing association 83 Northern segment, alternating with Slaw-Trocken-Chuckles 316 Rednik association 19 West side fan piedmont, connection area 330 Settlement-Louderback-Rustigate 13 Dixie Meadows wetland area association 960 Kolda-Umberland association 3 Dixie Meadows wetland area
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 10 Panel 1 New Dixie Hope Project Panel 2 Botanical Survey Panel 3 Figure 3A. Soils, Northern Portion
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Scale 1:30,000 (1 in = 2,500 ft) ´
Legend Combined Study Boudnary Bluewing-Pineval association Trocken-Bluewing association Settlement-Louderback-Rustigate association Slaw-Chuckles association Slaw-Trocken-Chuckles association Chuckles-Bango association Chuckles-Playas-Slaw association Pelic-Turupah complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes
Notes Base map provided by National Geographic USGS Merged Topographic base via ESRI map service.
Soils SURGGO data downloaded from the NRCS website on 08/28/13.
Map created by www.digitalmappingsolutions.com on 9/11/2013. New Dixie Hope Project Botanical Survey
Figure 3B. Soils, Central Portion Panel 1
Panel 2
Panel 3
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Scale 1:30,000 (1 in = 2,500 ft) ´
Legend Combined Study Boudnary Bluewing-Inmo association Bango-Stumble association Appian-Juva-Bango association Rednik-Trocken-Bluewing association Slaw-Juva-Wholan association Slaw-Chuckles association Chuckles-Bango association
Notes Base map provided by National Geographic USGS Merged Topographic base via ESRI map service.
Soils SURGGO data downloaded from the NRCS website on 08/28/13.
Map created by www.digitalmappingsolutions.com on 9/11/2013. New Dixie Hope Project Botanical Survey
Figure 3C. Soils, Southern Portion
Panel 1
Panel 2
Panel 3
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Scale 1:30,000 (1 in = 2,500 ft) ´
Legend Combined Study Boudnary Hawsley loamy sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes Buckaroo-Rednik-Bluewing association Theon-Singatse-Rock outcrop association Bango-Stumble association Rednik-Trocken-Bluewing association Rednik-Trocken-Genegraf association Rednik association Slaw-Juva-Wholan association Juva-Wholan-Stumble association Genegraf-Rednik-Trocken association
Notes Base map provided by National Geographic USGS Merged Topographic base via ESRI map service.
Soils SURGGO data downloaded from the NRCS website on 08/28/13.
Map created by www.digitalmappingsolutions.com on 9/11/2013. This report focuses primarily upon the map units and components that either cover significant portions of the site or potentially support sensitive plant species or habitats, and provides only a capsule summary of the complete soils report. The soil series that make up the associations that are present in the study area are summarized below in Table 3-4 according to the predominant textural composition of the upper soil stratum, which is most pertinent to habitat suitability for individual plant species. These listed series may or may not be present in the portion of the association that occurs within the project boundary, and 30+ minor map unit components are not included, but the table nevertheless provides a useful overview of the regional soils.
Table 4. Soil map unit components of the New Dixie Hope site soil associations.
Soil Series Dominant Texture of Upper Strata Setting Appian Sandy loam over clay loam Valley floor landforms Bango Sandy loam over loam Valley floor alluvium Bluewing Gravelly to very gravelly sandy loam Fan remnants, inset fans Chuckles Loam, silt loam Lake plains and terraces Genegraf Gravelly sandy loam over clay loam Fan remnants Inmo Gravelly sandy loam and coarse sand Fans, drainages Juva Sandy loam and loam Mixed alluvium Kolda Silt loam over clay; aquic Lake plains, basin floors Louderback Sand and sandy loam Lake plains, beaches, terraces Pineval (Very) gravelly loam and clay loam, Fan remnants and aprons with cemented layers Rednik Very gravelly sandy loam with Fan remnants cemented and clay layer Rustigate Silt loam over loam Lake plains, terraces, flats; stream terraces Settlement Silty clay loam over clay; seasonally Lake plains, terraces saturated Slaw Loam and silt loam Valley floor landforms, drainageway terraces Stumble Loamy sand Lowest fan pediments, skirts, aprons, alluvial flats Trocken (Very) gravelly sandy loam Wide variety of settings Umberland Silty clay and clay loam; aquic Lake plains, terraces, alluvial flats Wholan Silt loam Fans and lake plains
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 14 3.2.1 SOILS OVERVIEW For the purposes of the present report, the soil series that comprise the associations found within the project site can be grouped in three categories: generally gravelly alluvial soils of lower fan piedmonts; finer-textured soils of fan skirts and valley floor settings; and lake bed/beach/terrace soils, which are silty to clayey. This is only a very generalized overview, because soils of different groups (as summarized here) sometimes occur together in the same association. Nevertheless, this overview is somewhat relevant to this report’s findings related to occurrence of habitat that is potentially suitable for sensitive plant species. The Bluewing, Genegraf, Inmo, Pineval, Rednik, and Trocken soils are generally gravelly and coarse gravelly loams of lower fan piedmont landforms. Together, the associations that are comprised primarily of these six soil series cover about 1,540 acres, roughly 43 percent of the study area. The Appian, Bango, Juva, Louderback, and Stumble series are sandy to loamy soils of the lowermost alluvial and valley floor landforms. Their associations cover about 1,030 acres (29 percent of the study area). The remaining soil series are loamy, silt-loamy, and clayey soils generally found only on the valley floor and in the Dixie Valley Wash system (Chuckles, Kolda, Rustigate, Settlement, Slaw, Umberland, and Wholan). They tend to be very strongly alkaline (even more so than the rest of the site’s soils). Associations dominated by these soils cover about 990 acre, or 28 percent of the site.
3.3 Special-status Species The appropriate starting point for botanical studies directed at the possible occurrence of sensitive, candidate, or listed plant species is always a query of the state data base of recorded occurrences of such species in the project region. Lack of records is not evidence of absence of any occurrences, so a subsequent level of analysis is also appropriate, to consider whether suitable habitat may be present for species that are not yet recorded from any locality near the study area.
3.3.1 DATA BASE RESULTS Results of the NNHP data base query, which were provided to Wildlife Resource Consultants for use on the New Dixie Hope project, were reviewed. No plant species that are listed as endangered or threatened, or that are candidates for listing, are recorded as occurring in the project region. The data base records occurrences of three plant species: Helianthus deserticola (NNHP at-risk list; not federally listed or BLM sensitive) Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus (NNHP at-risk list; BLM sensitive) Phacelia glaberrima (NNHP watch list; not federally listed or BLM sensitive) Helianthus deserticola (dune sunflower) is a species of dunes and other very sandy soils. It may be associated with other arenophytes (sand-adapted species), or with typical valley floor species such as shadscale and winterfat. Sandy soils, some of them aeolian on the surface (possibly secondarily so, resulting from destabilization of the soil surface by human activity or livestock), are present over substantial acreages within the project study area. Thus, suitable habitat may be present not only for this NNHP at-risk list species, but also for several BLM sensitive species that are not
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 15 recorded in the data base query area, but whose geographic ranges include the site. Examples of such species include Oryctes nevadensis, Grusonia pulchella. Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus is the only one of the three NNHP-recorded species that is designated sensitive by BLM, and thus would be considered in the NEPA analysis if it might be affected by project development or operation. It is a species of alluvial and colluvial hillsides, generally on steep or moderately steep slopes. The NNHP rare plant atlas expresses uncertainty whether the taxon is restricted to alkaline substrates or not. Phacelia glaberrima is on the NNHP watch list, but is not recognized as sensitive or of concern by any federal agency. It is a species that occurs almost exclusively (20 out of 21 specimens in the UNR herbarium) on barren or nearly barren clay hillsides, often steep ones. These may be of various colors from pale to dark brown. This type of soil and landform does not occur within the New Dixie Hope project area. Finally, all cactus species are protected by Nevada statute, whether listed in the NNHP rare plant atlas or not.
3.3.2 FIELD SURVEY RESULTS The field survey had as its primary objectives the identification and generalized mapping of habitat that is potentially suitable for sensitive plant species whose geographic range includes the study site, and the mapping of exact localities of any sensitive plant occurrences that were encountered. A total of about 54 miles of survey transects were studied. The survey transects and NNHP plant occurrences are shown in Figures 4A, B, and C, and the plant list is provided in Appendix A. Secondarily, the survey was intended to provide as complete a floristic plant list as was feasible in the months of June and July. Finally, the localities of sensitive or at-risk plant species that are recorded by the NNHP near the project site were visited to obtain notes on the geomorphic setting, soils, and associated species at those sites. Figure 5 shows the locations of those sites along with the occurrences of noxious weeds within the site (see Section 3.4). Although the cumulative amount of precipitation in 2013 had been relatively low during the months preceding the survey, and the nature of the study area meant that only a narrow range of valley floor and lower piedmont habitats were surveyed, over 60 plant species were found and identified within the study area. No listed, candidate, sensitive, at-risk, or watch list species were encountered. At two sites, fragmentary dried remains of Plains beavertail cactus (Opuntia polyacantha) were found: one plant site was evidenced by a small pile of long spines; the other, by a fragment of the distinctive perforated wood that is formed by species in the genus Opuntia. Based on the appearance of dead plants of beavertail observed elsewhere, I estimate that these fragments are from plants that died at least two years ago, and probably much longer. In addition to the survey transects within the site, visits were made to each of the NNHP occurrence localities except one. All NNHP occurrences are coded for the precision of the location information. One of the Helianthus deserticola occurrences in the data base output for New Dixie Hope, located just south of the site, has a precision of about 100 meters (330 feet); the other, a radius of about 8 km (5 miles). The other three occurrences have radii of uncertainty of 2 km (1.25 miles). These radii are shown in Figures 3-3A, B, C. Thus, it is generally not surprising not to locate plants of the target species, since the actual collection location might be anywhere in an area of 3,000 to 50,000 acres.
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 16 XY
XY
XY
XY
XYPEPAM3 Panel 1 New Dixie Hope Project Panel 2 TARA Botanical Survey XY Panel 3 Figure 4A. Survey Results & NNHP Records, Northern Portion
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Scale 1:30,000 (1 in = 2,500 ft) ´
Legend XY Sensitive Plant Locations (PEPAM3: Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus) XY Noxious Weed Locations (TARA: Tamarix ramosissima) Survey Lines Combined Study Boundary Within 3-second radius (approx. 100 m) Within 1-minute radius (approx. 2 km) Within approx 8km
Notes
Base map provided by National Geographic USGS Merged Topographic base via ESRI map service.
Survey conducted by EcoSynthesis during the 2013 field season.
XY Map created by www.digitalmappingsolutions.com on 9/13/2013.
XY
XY
XY
XY
XY
XY
XY
XY
XY XY
XY
XY
XY
XY
XY XY
XY
XY
New Dixie Hope Project Botanical Survey
Figure 4B. Survey Results & Panel 1 NNHP Records, Central Portion
Panel 2
Panel 3
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Scale 1:30,000 (1 in = 2,500 ft) ´
Legend
XY Noxious Weed Locations (LELA2: Lepidium latifolium) Survey Lines Combined Study Boundary
Notes
LELA2 Base map provided by National Geographic USGS Merged XY Topographic base via ESRI map service. LELA2 XY Survey conducted by EcoSynthesis during the 2013 field season.
Map created by www.digitalmappingsolutions.com on 9/13/2013.
XY
XY
XY
XY
XY
XY XYLELA2 XYLELA2
New Dixie Hope Project Botanical Survey
Figure 4C. Survey Results & NNHP Records, Southern Portion
Panel 1
Panel 2
Panel 3
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Scale 1:30,000 (1 in = 2,500 ft) ´
Legend
XY Noxious Weed Locations (LELA2: Lepidium latifolium) Survey Lines Combined Study Boundary
Potentially suitable sensitive plant habitat
Notes
Base map provided by National Geographic USGS Merged Topographic base via ESRI map service.
Survey conducted by EcoSynthesis during the 2013 field season.
Map created by www.digitalmappingsolutions.com on 9/13/2013. XY Legend Sensitive Plant Locations XY HEAN4: Helianthus deserticola PEPAM3: Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus XYPEPAM3 ´ PHGL12: Phacelia glaberrima XY TARA XY Noxious Weed Locations LELA2: Lepidium latifolium PHGL12XY TARA: Tamarix ramosissima Survey Lines Combined Study Boundary Within 3-second radius (approx. 100 m) Within 1-minute radius (approx. 2 km) Within approx 8km
XYPEPAM3
LELA2 LELA2XY
XYHEAN4
XYHEAN4
New Dixie Hope Project Figure 5. Survey Results & NNHP Records Physical base map provided by ESRI.
Scale 1:500,000 (1 in = 41,667 ft) Study area boundary supplied by EMPSi.
Map created by www.digitalmappingsolutions.com on 9/13/2013. The occurrence of Helianthus deserticola just south of the project site (see Figure 3-3A) exhibited sandy soils similar to ones seen within the site, with the dominant vegetation being greasewood and shadscale, with very low canopy cover (9 percent greasewood plus 1 percent bud-sage). No plants of H. deserticola were observed within an area of about 100 m of the occurrence coordinates. The NNHP occurrence that is located eight miles to the west is also in sandy soils, with total shrub cover of 17 percent dominated by greasewood but also including four other species. No plants of H. deserticola were observed at this location either. The occurrence of Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus that was visited is located on a steep colluvial hillside, in sagebrush vegetation. Soils at the occurrence coordinates from NNHP are granitic. Thus, the conditions at the mapped location do not correspond closely with those described by the NNHP atlas habitat notes. One dead plant of Penstemon was observed; its species could not be determined. The remaining occurrence shows as being located in the middle of the DIxie Meadows wetland, which would not be suitable habitat for P. palmeri; however, the actual occurrence site might be anywhere within about 1.25 miles of this spot. Although Phacelia glaberrima is only a NNHP watch list species, which do not normally merit consideration in NEPA findings of potential project impacts, information on it is included here for completeness. Nearly all known occurrences of the species are in barren or nearly barren pale or brown clay hills, not in alluvial or lacustrine soil settings. The NNHP occurrence location in the hills west of the northern part of the project site was visited, and it is indeed in barren clay hills. No plants were found at the occurrence coordinates. Suitable habitat for this species does not occur within the project site.
3.3.3 NOTES ON OTHER CHURCHILL COUNTY SPECIES The following species are known from one or more occurrences in Churchill County and are listed by NNHP. Some are also designated by BLM as sensitive within the state of Nevada. Brief notes on habitat are provided for each. Review of available scientific sources indicates that the areas within the project site that are suitable for the species listed below are the same as for Helianthus deserticola. Astragalus pseudoiodanthus grows in sandy flats and semi-stabilized dunes, so potentially suitable habitat may occur within the study area. No species of Astragalus was observed during the field survey. Eriogonum beatleyi (now E. rosense var. beatleyi) is recorded from much higher elevations (above 5,600 feet) than the project site, growing in volcanic tuffaceous soils in plant communities that do not occur at the site. There is no suitable habitat for this species. Eriogonum rubricaule is described by the NNHP atlas as growing on similar paleo-lacustrine clayey or silty hillsides as for Phacelia glaberrima. This type of habitat does not occur within the project site. FNA, on the other hand, provides a much more expansive description of the species habitat. Based upon the scanty selection of herbarium specimens available for study, it would appear the the NNHP atlas description is correct. Grusonia pulchella grows in sandy soils, but not in alkaline habitats, so the project site probably does not provide suitable habitat for this species. No live cacti were observed during the field surveys.
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 21 Mentzelia candelariae occupies habitat similar to that of Eriogonum rubricaule and Phacelia glaberrima: barren clay to gravelly hill slopes in the lower part of mountains rising from the ancient Lake Lahontan region. Such habitat does not occur within the study area. Mentzelia inyoensis is known from open clayey, gravelly, or rocky slopes, but so far as can be told from available references, not on strongly alkaline soils. Except for very small areas in the southwest part of the study area, these habitats do not occur. Oryctes nevadensis grows in sandy soils, which occur in the study area. The species was not observed during field surveys. Penstemon arenarius is a species of loose, drifting sands (basically, dunes), with a very narrow geographic distribution not including the present study area. Marginally suitable habitat for this species is present, but only P. acuminatus was observed. Plagiobothrys salsus is a species of alkaline wetlands, growing where minimal or no taller vegetation is present. This exact kind of habitat does not occur within the study area. Psorothamnus kingii is a highly unusual plant for the genus and is restricted to mobile dunes within a very narrow geographic range not including Dixie Valley. It is a low, rhizomatous herbaceous plant that is easily differentiated from P. polydenius (an upright shrub that is found within the site). In brief, available scientific information suggests that the only species of the group discussed above for which suitable habitat might plausibly be considered to occur within the project study area are Astragalus pseudiodanthus and Oryctes nevadensis. Most likely, the site is too alkaline for either of these species (greasewood, seepweed, and bud sage are not noted as associated species in the species accounts in taxonomic references), but the possibility could not be ruled out entirely.
3.4 Invasive Species Several non-native species were found within the study area (species denoted with asterisks in Appendix A). Cheat grass was found at greater or lesser density more or less throughout the study area. Russian thistle and halogeton were most abundant near the Dixie Valley Wash portion of the site. Two noxious weed species were found within the study area (Figure 5, page 20). A single plant of tamarisk (salt cedar; Tamarix ramosissima) was found in the Dixie Meadows wetland area, and several patches of tall whitetop (Lepidium latifolium) were found in the central part of the site, near several corrals (see Figure 4B). The largest patch of whitetop was about 30 individuals; others consisted of only one to several individuals.
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 22 4 REFERENCES Flora North America Editorial Committee (FNA). 1993-2010. Flora of North America North of Mexico, volumes 2-5, 7-8, 19-26. Oxford University Press, New York. (volumes 1 and 27 not used in preparation of the present report). Cronquist, A., A.H. Holmgren, N.H. Holmgren, J.L. Reveal, and P.K. Holmgren (with vol. 3B by R.C. Barneby). 1972-2005. Intermountain Flora: Vascular Plants of the Intermountain West, U.S.A., volumes 1, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, and 6. (volume 2A yet to be published). Dahl, R.S. 1994. Soil Survey of Churchill County Area, Nevada, Parts of Churchill and Lyon Counties. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, in cooperation with U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Indian Affairs, and University of Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2009. Web Soil Survey. On-line application accessed at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov on March 6, 2013, and subsequent dates. U.S. Geological Survey. 2013. LANDFIRE data base. Accessed at http://www.landfire.gov on various dates in 2013, most recently August 23, 2013.
New Dixie Hope Botanical Survey 23
Appendix ". New Dixie Hope 2013 Plant Species List
Appendix A. Plant species observed during New Dixie Hope botanical surveys in June and July 2013. Nomenclature generally follows Flora North America (FNA) with generic equivalents in IF provided in parentheses. Non-native species are denoted with an asterisk (*).
Scientific Name Notes GYMNOSPERMS Ephedraceae Ephedra nevadensis
MONOCOTYLEDONS Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus (Scirpus) americanus/pungens Species not confirmed; neither is sensitive.
Juncaceae Juncus balticus (arcticus)
Poaceae Achnatherum hymenoides By far the most common native grass. *Bromus tectorum Common in grazed or disturbed areas of the site. Distichlis spicata Hesperostipa comata ssp. intermedia Leymus (Elymus) cinereus Poa secunda var. secunda Sporobolus airoides Sporobolus cryptandrus
DICOTYLEDONS Asteraceae Artemisia spinescens Artemisia tridentata var. wyomingensis Chaenactis xantiana Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. puberulus Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. viscidiflorus Ericameria nauseosa var. hololeuca Ericameria nauseosa var. oreophila Gutierrezia sarothrae Helianthus annuus Iva axillaris Iva nevadensis *Sonchus asper Found only in one disturbed area. Stephanomeria pauciflora Tetradymia glabrata Tetradymia spinosa var. spinosa Tetradymia tetrameres
New Dixie Hope Botanical Report B-1
Scientific Name Notes
Boraginaceae Amsinckia tesselata Cryptantha nevadensis
Brassicaceae *Descurainia sophia *Lepidium latifolium NOXIOUS WEED. About 30-50 plants were observed in the playa area (roughly where “Dixie Wash” crosses the study area), but more certainly exist. *Lepidium perfoliatum Stanleya pinnata *Streptanthella longirostris
Cactaceae Opuntia polyacantha No live plants were found; only dead, fragmentary remains.
Chenopodiaceae Allenrolfea occidentalis Atriplex argentea Atriplex canescens Atriplex confertifolia Grayia spinosa *Halogeton glomeratus Krascheninnikovia lanata *Salsola paulsenii/tragus One or both species may be present. Material available at the time of the field studies was not adequate for definitive determination. Sarcobatus baileyi Formerly a variety of S. vermiculatus. Both species are present at New Dixie Hope, with S. baileyi probably the predominant one at this site. Sarcobatus vermiculatus Suaeda nigra Formerly (incorrectly) known as S. moquinii.
Cuscutaceae Cuscuta salina
Fabaceae Psorothamnus polydenius
Geraniaceae *Erodium cicutarium
New Dixie Hope Botanical Report B-2
Scientific Name Notes
Hydrophyllaceae Nama aretioides var. multiflora Phacelia bicolor
Onagraceae Oenothera deltoides ssp. piperi
Polemoniaceae Eriastrum sparsiflorum var. sparsiflorum
Polygonaceae Eriogonum inflatum Eriogonum pusillum Eriogonum vimineum
Scrophulariaceae Penstemon acuminatus var. latebracteatus
Tamaricaceae *Tamarix ramosissima NOXIOUS WEED; only one plant, near wetland in northern part of site.
New Dixie Hope Botanical Report B-3