ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 2018 WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION SUPPLEMENTAL TUNGSTEN MOUNTAIN SOLAR PROJECT BASELINE SURVEY AND HABITAT ASSESSMENT
ORMAT Technologies Inc.
Tungsten Mountain Solar Project
Churchill County, Nevada
2018 Supplemental Baseline Wildlife and Vegetation Survey
and Habitat Assessment
June 28, 2018
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ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 2018 WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION SUPPLEMENTAL TUNGSTEN MOUNTAIN SOLAR PROJECT BASELINE SURVEY AND HABITAT ASSESSMENT
ORMAT Technologies Inc.
Tungsten Mountain Solar Project
Churchill County, Nevada
2018 Supplemental Baseline Wildlife and Vegetation Survey
and Habitat Assessment
June 28, 2018
Prepared for
ORMAT Technologies, Inc. 6225 Neil Rd, Reno, NV 89511
Submitted to
Bureau of Land Management Stillwater Field Office 5665 Morgan Mill Road Carson City, NV 89701 Fax: 775-885-6147 Phone: 775-885-6000
Prepared by
Robison Wildlife Consulting, LLC 5890 Mitra Way Reno, Nevada 89523 Phone: (775) 225-5548
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ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 2018 WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION SUPPLEMENTAL TUNGSTEN MOUNTAIN SOLAR PROJECT BASELINE SURVEY AND HABITAT ASSESSMENT
2018 Supplemental Baseline Wildlife and Vegetation Survey and Habitat Assessment June 28, 2018
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ...... 5 1.1 Purpose of the Desktop Habitat Assessment ...... 5 1.2 Environmental Setting ...... 5 2 Desktop Survey Analysis ...... 6 2.1 Data Review ...... 6 2.2 Desktop Habitat Assessment for the BSA ...... 7 2.2.1 Sensitive Plant Species...... 7 2.2.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species ...... 7 2.3 Pre-Field Habitat Assessment for the SBSA ...... 7 2.3.1 Sensitive Plant Species...... 7 2.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species ...... 8 3 Survey Protocols...... 8 3.1 Vegetation Community Mapping ...... 8 3.2 Noxious Weed Surveys ...... 8 3.3 Special Status Plant Surveys ...... 9 3.4 Wildlife Surveys...... 9 3.5 Migratory Bird Surveys ...... 9 3.6 Western Burrowing Owl Surveys ...... 9 4 Survey Results ...... 10 4.1 Vegetation Community Mapping ...... 10 4.1.1 Intermountain Basins Greasewood Flat ...... 10 4.2 Noxious Weed Survey ...... 11 4.3 Special Status Plant Surveys ...... 11 4.4 Wildlife Survey ...... 11
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4.4.1 Ungulates ...... 12 4.4.2 Greater Sage-Grouse ...... 12 4.4.3 Reptiles ...... 12 4.5 Migratory Bird Surveys ...... 12 4.6 Western Burrowing Owl Survey ...... 13 5 Summary and Conclusions ...... 13 6 References ...... 14
Appendices
Appendix A: Figures Appendix B: 2017 Bureau of Land Management Nevada Sensitive Species List for the Carson City District Appendix C: Custom Soil Resource Report for Churchill County Area, Nevada Appendix D: Noxious Weed List
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1 Introduction
Robison Wildlife Consulting, LLC (RWC) was retained by Ormat Technologies Inc. (Ormat) to complete a supplemental baseline biological survey for wildlife and vegetation for 10.5 acres as well as a desktop habitat assessment (DHA) for the entire 130 acres of the solar project (Biological Survey Area [BSA]), necessary to document biological conditions for the Tungsten Mountain Solar Project (Project) located in Churchill County, Nevada. The Project is located in Sections 22, 23, 26, and 27, Township 21 North, Range 38 East (T21N, R38E), Mount Diablo Base and Meridian. The Supplemental Biological Survey Area (SBSA), covers approximately 10.5 acres of public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management, Carson City District, Stillwater Field Office (BLM). The Project can be accessed from the town of Fallon, Nevada by traveling East on United States (U.S.) Highway 50 for approximately 60 miles from the junction of Highway 50 and SR 116, then turning North onto Alpine Road and continuing for approximately 17.2 miles. The location, access, and land status of the BSA is shown in Figure 1. All figures are located in Appendix A. Appendix B contains the updated 2017 BLM Sensitive Species list. Appendix C contains the Custom Soil Report for the Project area Located in Churchill County, NV. Appendix D contains the Noxious Weed List for the State of Nevada.
1.1 Purpose of the Desktop Habitat Assessment
The purpose of this desktop habitat assessment is to supplement baseline biological information previously collected and used in support of planning, by identifying sensitive resources for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis. The DHA looked specifically at new BLM sensitive species that may have potential to occur within the entire 130 acre BSA and the specific ecological site description of the BSA. Information gathered for the DHA was used in conducting the field surveys of the SBSA. The 2014 Baseline Biological Survey Report prepared by Stantec Inc. provides all of the data on prior listed sensitive species found in the BSA.
1.2 Environmental Setting
The Project is located on the northwestern side of the Edwards Creek Valley, which hosts a large lake bed, or playa. The valley has a northeast-southwest orientation and is bordered by the Clan Alpine Mountains on the northwest, the Desatoya Mountains to the southeast, and the New Pass Mountains to the east. The Project is located in the foothills of the Clan Alpine Mountains, on the fan piedmont, below the old Tungsten Mountain mining district, and above the playa surface, at elevations ranging from approximately 5,150 feet to 5,220 feet above mean sea level. The Project is located approximately 36 miles west of the town of Austin, NV (see Figure 1). Climate in the BSA is semi-arid. Climate data from Middlegate (29 aerial miles west of the Project) indicates that
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the average annual precipitation is 5.6 inches, with average temperatures ranging from 16.2 degrees Fahrenheit (˚F) in January to 92.0 ˚F in July (WRCC 2018).
The BSA is located within the Intermountain Region, Great Basin Division floristic zone (Cronquist et al. 1972). According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) data, the dominant soil type (99.7%) that occurs within the BSA is Mazuma-Bluewing association (NRCS 2018). The Mazuma-Bluewing association consists of Sodic Flat (R027XY025NV) and Course Gravelly Loam (R027XY050NV). These are both well drained to excessively well drained, very fine sandy loam and very gravelly sandy loam. The Custom Soil Resource Report for Churchill County Area, Nevada is located in Appendix C.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Southwest Gap Analysis Program (SWReGAP) identified four vegetation communities within the BSA: 1) Intermountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub; 2) Intermountain Basins Greasewood Flat; 3) Intermountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland; and 4) Invasive Annual and Biennial Forbland. The entire SBSA is identified as Intermountain Basins Greasewood Flat (USGS 2004).
One drainage, Willow Canyon Creek, is identified by the USGS National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) (USGS 2011) but was not observed in the survey area during field surveys. It is likely that Willow Canyon Creek is located southwest of the Project. No perennial drainages, intermittent drainages, or springs were observed in the BSA or SBSA. Surface water runoff from the BSA and SBSA generally flows southeast onto the playa.
Existing and previous land uses within the BSA based on site visits includes a power line.
There have been no recorded wildfires in the BSA in the last 15 years (GeoMac 2017).
2 Desktop Survey Analysis
2.1 Data Review
RWC has reviewed literature and corresponded with the BLM and other resource agencies to identify biological resources and special status species that have the potential to occur within the BSA and SBSA. The following pre-field activities were completed to characterize potential habitat for special status species and identify potential water resources:
1. Reviewed the 2017 BLM Nevada Sensitive Species List for the Carson City District for plant species (Appendix B, Table 1);
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2. Reviewed and evaluated additional sources of information including the USGS National SWReGAP, NRCS soils data (Appendix C), aerial imagery (Google Earth), USGS topographic maps, and species accounts in the 2014 Biological Baseline Survey Report.
2.2 Desktop Habitat Assessment for the BSA
2.2.1 Sensitive Plant Species
The desktop habitat assessment identified the following four new BLM sensitive plant species with the potential to occur in the BSA (Appendix B; Table 2):
• Lahontan milkvetch (Astragalus porrectus) • Nevada suncup (Camissionia nevadaensis) • Lemmon buckwheat (Eriognum lemmonii) • Sand cholla (Grusonia pulchella)
2.2.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species
The desktop habitat assessment identified the following new BLM sensitive species with the potential to occur in the BSA (Appendix B; Table 3):
Reptiles
• Great Basin collared lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) • Long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) • Desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos)
2.3 Pre-Field Habitat Assessment for the SBSA
2.3.1 Sensitive Plant Species
The SBSA is identified as Intermountain Basins Greasewood Flat with silty and sandy soils. The pre-field habitat assessment identified four BLM sensitive plant species with the potential to occur in the SBSA (Appendix B; Table 2):
• Lahontan milkvetch (Astragalus porrectus) • Nevada suncup (Camissionia nevadaensis) • Lemmon buckwheat (Eriognum lemmonii) • Sand cholla (Grusonia pulchella)
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The four species identified have normal bloom periods ranging from March to August, with all species blooming in June.
2.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species
The pre-field habitat assessment identified the following new BLM sensitive species with the potential to occur in the SBSA (Appendix B; Table 3):
Reptiles
• Great Basin collared lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) • Long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) • Desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos)
3 Survey Protocols
RWC conducted all surveys during the appropriate seasons. The biologist kept a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking log during all surveys in order to ensure proper coverage of the SBSA, emphasizing areas of potential habitat for special status species. They recorded all surveys and waypoints using a Garmin eTrex 30 GPS unit, recorded in North American Datum 1983 Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates. Survey tracks are shown on Figure 2.
3.1 Vegetation Community Mapping
RWC mapped the vegetation community, based on Geographic Information System (GIS) land cover data from the SWReGAP in the SBSA.
A biologist field checked vegetation on representative mapped community types in the SBSA. Vegetation types identified during the field survey that differed from mapped vegetation types were documented and delineated using the GPS unit.
During the field visit, the botanist collected general information about vegetation types and habitat conditions. Such habitat characteristics as dominant plant species, elevation, soil type, and other notable information were recorded.
3.2 Noxious Weed Surveys
Noxious weed surveys were conducted to locate and identify noxious weed species that are managed under the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 555 and included on the 2012 Nevada Noxious Weed List (Appendix D). The noxious weed survey focused on invasive and nonnative
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plant species Noxious weed populations observed were recorded as either a point for populations with a diameter of less than 25 feet or a polygon for any larger populations.
3.3 Special Status Plant Surveys
A special status plant survey was conducted on June 11, 2018, during the appropriate bloom period for all special status plants identified as having the potential to occur in the SBSA. Transects were spaced according to the topography, vegetation cover, and difficulty seeing the target species, ranging from 30 feet apart to 60 feet apart, with the distance generally close to 40 feet apart. All occurrences of special status plants observed were recorded and photographed. Population information was recorded including the estimated number of individuals, the estimated percent cover, the estimated percent bloom, and associated species. The botanist identified all species to a taxonomic level sufficient to determine if they were a special status species.
3.4 Wildlife Surveys
A systematic wildlife survey of the SBSA was conducted on foot and by vehicle. Intuitive controlled wildlife surveys followed the established protocols and were conducted on June 11, 2018 from 6:50 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The surveys took place during daylight hours which are the times of greatest wildlife activity.
All wildlife species that the biologist observed were recorded. Using a hand-held GPS unit, any United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and BLM special status wildlife species observed were recorded.
3.5 Migratory Bird Surveys
Specific migratory bird surveys were not conducted due to no additional BLM sensitive species being listed with potential to occur in the SBSA. Biologists recorded all observed migratory bird species and breeding behavior within the SBSA during wildlife surveys.
3.6 Western Burrowing Owl Surveys
Systematic western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) surveys were conducted within the SBSA on foot during daylight hours. Transects were spaced approximately 75 to 150 feet apart depending on the habitat conditions. Biologists documented habitat conditions and took representative photographs. All western burrowing owl and their sign were recorded.
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4 Survey Results
Supplemental baseline biological surveys within the SBSA were conducted on June 11, 2018, by Michael Robison for Robison Wildlife Consulting. A GPS track log was taken during all surveys in order to ensure proper coverage of the SBSA with emphasis on areas of potential habitat for special status species.
4.1 Vegetation Community Mapping
Vegetation community mapping, and a species inventory of the SBSA were performed according to protocol. The DHA identified the SBSA as Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland and Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat. Field surveys identified the entire SBSA as the Inter- Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat community and the Loamy 4-8 P.Z. and Coarse Gravelly Loam 4-8 P.Z (Rangeland R029XY017NV) ecological site.
Table 1 Field Verified Vegetation Communities within the BSA
Community Name Area (acres) Percent of BSA Intermountain Basins Greasewood Flat 10.5 100 Total 10.5 100
4.1.1 Intermountain Basins Greasewood Flat
The Intermountain Basins Greasewood Flat ecological system occurs throughout the Intermountain West and extends onto the western Great Plains and central Montana. Greasewood flats are a large patch system confined to specific environments defined by hydrologic regime, soil salinity and soil texture. These cold, semi-desert shrublands are typical of arid, continental environments with hot summers, cold winters and low annual average precipitation. This system 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 of the growing season. However, the water table remains high enough to maintain vegetation, despite salt accumulations. This system usually occurs as a mosaic of multiple communities of open to moderately dense shrublands dominated or codominated by black greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus).
Other shrubs that may be present or codominant include four-winged saltbush (Atriplex canescens), shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), Gardner’s saltbush (Atriplex gardneri), Wyoming sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata), plains silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana ssp. cana), or winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata). Occurrences are often surrounded by mixed salt desert scrub or big
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sagebrush shrublands. The herbaceous layer, if present, is usually dominated by graminoids. There may be inclusions of alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), sand reedgrass (Calamovilfa longifolia), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), Nuttall’s alkali grass (Puccinellia nuttalliana), or creeping spikerush (Eleocharis palustris) herbaceous types.
Plants observed in the SBSA included; shadscale, cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), saltlover (Halogeton glomeratus), winterfat, clasping pepperweed (Lepidium perfoliatum), bud sagebrush (Picrothamnus desertorum), and greasewood.
4.2 Noxious Weed Survey
Noxious weed surveys followed the established protocol. No noxious weed species listed on the 2012 Noxious Weed List (Appendix D) were observed within the SBSA.
4.3 Special Status Plant Surveys
Special status plant surveys followed the established protocol. The timing of the June 2018 survey coincided with the blooming periods for all of the special status plant species that were identified as having potential habitat within the SBSA.
The Nevada Natural Heritage Program (NNHP) reported that no known special status plant species occur within the vicinity of the SBSA. No special status plant species or populations were observed during field surveys. The field survey results support the NNHP’s determination.
4.4 Wildlife Survey
While western burrowing owl, Great Basin collared lizard, long-nosed leopard lizard, and desert horned lizard were the only species specifically surveyed for during this wildlife survey, all other wildlife sightings and signs were recorded. A total of four bird, three mammal and four reptile species were directly observed or detected by tracks, scat, feathers, calls, prey remains, or burrows in the SBSA.
Mammals observed in the SBSA included the black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), kit fox (Vulpes macrotis), and pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana). An old kit fox den was observed with old scat near the entrance to the burrow. A pair of kit fox were observed approximately a mile south of the SBSA along the county road. Reptiles observed during surveys and included the bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi), desert whiptail (Aspidoscelis uniparens), long-nosed leopard lizard, and rattlesnake (Crotalus sp.). The general wildlife species detected in the SBSA are common throughout the Great Basin region. Kit fox were not directly observed
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within the SBSA but were seen in the vicinity with an old kit fox burrow within the survey area. The kit fox burrow was at UTM 0441751E 4390553N (Figure 3) and did not show any signs of recent activity.
4.4.1 Ungulates
One big game species, pronghorn, was detected by scat in the SBSA. No other big game was detected within the SBSA. Pronghorn antelope were observed outside of the SBSA in the valley to the east.
4.4.2 Greater Sage-Grouse
No specific greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) surveys were conducted but sign was looked for as an incidental part of the survey. No greater sage-grouse, scat or other sign was observed within the SBSA or surrounding area.
4.4.3 Reptiles
There was one sensitive species observed within the SBSA, the long-nosed leopard lizard. One individual was observed at the south end of the survey area in silty sand and greasewood habitat. The entire survey area is suitable habitat for this species. Great Basin collared lizard and desert horned lizard were not observed during surveys, but the entire SBSA provides suitable habitat for both species.
4.5 Migratory Bird Surveys
Avian species detected in the SBSA include the black-throated sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata), the common raven (Corvus corax), the horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), and sagebrush sparrow (Artemisiospiza nevadensis). While specific migratory bird surveys were not conducted all species observed during the survey were recorded. All four of the avian species observed or detected within the SBSA are classified as migratory bird species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (USFWS 2013). Of the four species observed none are considered sensitive or species of conservation concern. One common raven was observed flying over the SBSA, but never landed within the survey area. Horned larks were observed several times throughout the SBSA. Black- throated sparrows were the most commonly observed birds in the SBSA and will most likely nest in the SBSA, though no migratory bird nests were observed during the survey.
The SBSA also provides potential habitat for the following Conservation Priority Species for Nevada: Brewer’s sparrow (Spizella breweri); ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis); loggerhead
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shrike (Lanius ludovicianus); prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus); and western burrowing owl (GBBO 2004).
USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern for Bird Conservation Region 9 with the potential to occur in the SBSA include Brewer’s sparrow, golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), ferruginous hawk, and loggerhead shrike (USFWS 2008).
4.6 Western Burrowing Owl Survey
The western burrowing owl habitat assessment was conducted in all potential areas in the SBSA. The Loamy 4-8 P.Z. and Course Gravelly Loam 4-8 P.Z. ecological sites, which includes the entire SBSA, was determined to provide suitable habitat for burrowing owls. The surveyed area contains frequent rodent burrows that could provide potential burrow sites for western burrowing owls. Each of these rodent burrows was searched for sign but none was detected. No burrowing owls or sign were detected during field surveys. Three burrows were observed that could potentially be used by burrowing owls in the future and are shown on Figure 3. These burrows are located at UTM 0441642E 4390371N, 0441706E 4390538N, and 0441786E 4390559N and were in good condition, but did not have any sign of burrowing owl use.
5 Summary and Conclusions
The following is a summary of the results of the agency data responses and the baseline biological survey conducted by RWC:
• The SWReGAP vegetation communities within the SBSA were field-verified and reclassified as a single vegetation community: Intermountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub;
• Two ecological sites were field-verified within the SBSA: Loamy 4-8 P.Z. and Course Gravelly Loam 4-8 P.Z.;
• No noxious weed species were located within the SBSA;
• No BLM special status plant species were observed within the SBSA;
• One BLM special status wildlife species was observed within the SBSA (long-nosed leopard lizard); and,
• Four migratory bird species were observed during baseline wildlife surveys.
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6 References
Cronquist, A., A.H. Holmgren, N.H. Holmgren, and J.L. Reveal. 1972. Intermountain Flora: Vascular Plants of the Intermountain West, U.S.A. Seven Volumes. The New York Botanical Garden. Bronx, New York.
GeoMac. 2017. GeoMac Wildland Fire Support. Historic fire data. https://www.geomac.gov/viewer/viewer.shtml. Accessed May 2017.
Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO). 2004. Summary of Conservation Priority Bird Species in Nevada. Draft of November 30, 2004.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2018. Web Soil Survey. Soil Survey Staff, United States Department of Agriculture. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. Accessed May 2016.
USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service). 2008. Birds of Conservation Concern 2008. United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Arlington, Virginia. 85 pp. Internet website: http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/.
_____. 2013. Birds Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. http://fws.gov/migratorybirds/regulationspolicies/mbta/mbtandx.html. Accessed September 2013.
United States Geological Survey National Gap Analysis Program (USGS). 2004. Provisional Digital Land Cover Map for the Southwestern United States. Version 1.0. RS/GIS Laboratory, College of Natural Resources, Utah State University.
_____. 2011. National Hydrography Dataset. Partners include U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the U.S. Department of Interior's National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management. http://nhd.usgs.gov/data.html.
Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC). 2018. Historical Climate Information for Middlegate Lowery, Nevada from May 1, 1988 to July 31, 2013. Desert Research Institute. Reno, Nevada. https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?nv5132. Accessed June 2018.
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Appendix A
Figures
Ü 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Legend ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Tungsten Mountain Solar Project Tungsten BSA Supplemental Baseline Biological Survey Project Area Figure 1 Tungsten Supplemental BSA
Date: June 20, 2018 Drawn By: DR Project Number: 1052
Filename: Fig_1_Project Area.pdf Ü 0 0.02 0.04 0.08 Miles Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Legend ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Tungsten Mountain Solar Project Tungsten BSA Supplemental Baseline Biological Survey Survey Tracks Figure 2 Tungsten Supplemental BSA
Date: June 20, 2018 Drawn By: DR Survey Tracks Project Number: 1052 Filename: Fig_2_Survey Tracks.pdf (! (! (!
(!
Ü 0 0.02 0.04 0.08 Miles Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Legend ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Tungsten BSA Tungsten Mountain Solar Project Supplemental Baseline Biological Survey Tungsten Supplemental BSA Survey Results Figure 3
(! Burrowing Owl - Potential Burrow Date: June 20, 2018 Drawn By: DR Project Number: 1052 (! Kit Fox - Old Burrow Filename: Fig_3_Survey Results.pdf
Appendix B
2017 Bureau of Land Management Nevada Sensitive Species List for the Carson City District
Additonal species information may be required depending upon the circumstances of the proposed project.
Potential to Occur in Common Name Scientific Name Status Preferred Habitat (include elevation and soil type for plants) Reasoning for Occurrence Determination. Project Area? Y/N
PLANTS In open areas on a wide variety of basic (pH usually eight or higher) soils, 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, in the shadscale saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia), mixed-shrub, sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), and lower Asclepias uncialis ssp. Ruthiae piñon-juniper (Pinus spp. - Juniperus spp.) zones (Morefield 2001). The Location outside of known distribution and elevation Eastwood milkweed No (Formerly Asclepias eastwoodiana) known range is Esmeralda, Lander, Lincoln, and Nye counties, Nevada. At range. elevations between 4,680 to 7,080 feet above mean sea level (amsl) (Cronquist et al. 1984; Morefield 2001). Clay soils on low hills and along gulches in valley- bottoms, sometimes in shallow gullies of gravelly clay slopes (Cronquist et al. 1984). Flowers in May through June (Cronquist et al. 1984; Morefield 2001).
Callaway milkvetch (Astragalus callithrix; Fabaceae) is a perennial herb in the pea family that is known from seven occurrences in Mineral and Nye counties, Callaway milkvetch Astragalus callithrix Nevada; it also occurs in Utah. It is typically found in deep, sandy soils on the No Location is outside known distribution. valley floor or on dunes in barren openings with Atriplex, Grayia, Chrysothamnus, and Artemisia, from 4,880 to 5,900 feet.
Endemic to the Pine Nut and Virginia Mountain Ranges in Carson City, Astragalus convallarius var. Douglas, Lyon, and Storey Counties, Nevada. It typically grows at an elevation Margaret rushy milkvetch NS No Rocky slopes in the sagebrush zone are not present. margaretiae of 4,700 to 7,800 feet in rocky soils on slopes and flats in mixed pinyon- juniper and sagebrush landscapes.
Perennial herb in the buckwheat family that is known from five occurrences in Mineral County, Nevada, and also from California. It grows on sandy rhyolitic Location is outside of known distribution and eleveation Long Valley milkvetch Astragalus johannis-howellii No soils on flats and gentle slopes with mountain sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata range. var. vaseyana), from 7,080 to 8,430 feet.
Perennial herb in the pea family, and may be found in moist, alkaline, aquatic/wetland areas like drainages near cool springs co-existing with saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), and Location is outside of know distribution. No aquatic or Sodaville milkvetch Astragalus lentiginosus var. lavinii No alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides). The Sodaville milkvetch has been wetland habitat are present. reported in Mineral and Nye Counties, Nevada at elevations of 4,150 to 4,705 feet
Perennial herb in the pea family that has been found in Douglas, Lyon, and Mineral Counties, Nevada at elevations of 5,700 to 7,467 feet. Lavin’s eggvetch Location outside of known distribution. Gravel, with clay is Lavin eggvetch Astragalus oophorus var. lavinii grows in soil typically on northeast to southeast facing slopes, badlands, small No not present. hills, or slopes that are dry, open, and barren containing gravel with clay originating from volcanic ash or carbonate.
Perennial herb in the pea family. It is a Nevada endemic, and is known from occurrences in Churchill, Humboldt, Lyon, Pershing, and Washoe counties, Nevada. Over 15,000 individuals have been estimated from surveys, though all Lahontan milkvetch Astragalus porrectus suitable habitat has not been systematically surveyed. This species grows in Yes There are sandy soils and salt desert scrub. open, calcareous or alkaline, sandy to gravelly washes, alluvium, or gullies on clay badlands, knolls, or playa edges in the shadscale zone, from 4,020 to 5,200 feet.
Deep loose sandy soils of stabilized and active dune margins, old beaches, valley floors, or drainages, with Sarcobatus vermiculatus and other salt desert Fine sandy soil in the Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Tonopah milkvetch Astragalus pseudiodanthus NS No shrub taxa. Dependent on sand dunes or deep sand in Nevada. Elevation: Desert Scrub community are present. 1350-1850 meters. Perennial herb in the pea family found in Washoe County, Nevada, close to the California-Nevada state border at an elevation between 4,625 and 5,200 feet. Location outside of known distribution. Granetic soil is not Ames milkvetch Astragalus pulsiferae var. pulsifere Ames milkvetch grows in granitic and sandy soil on small hillsides in No present. sagebrush scrub plant communities. Threats include OHV activity and trampling by hikers and animals.
Bodie Hills rockcress (Boechera bodiensis; Brassicaceae) is a perennial herb in the mustard family that is restricted to the Bodie Hills area of Mono County, California and the Wassuk Range in Mineral County, Nevada. Bodie Hills Location outside of known distribution and elevation Bodie Hills rockcress Boechera bodiensis rockcress is typically found in dry, open, rocky soil, as well as exposed No range. Rocky soils are not present. surfaces or crevices of granite or rhyolitic (volcanic) mountain summits at an elevation range of 6,720-9,970 feet. According to the State of Nevada, it is threatened by mining operations and/or road construction and maintenance.
Annual herb in the evening primrose family known from seven occurrences in Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe counties, Location is outside known distributaion. Sandy soils and Nevada suncup Camissionia nevadaensis Nevada. It is a Nevada endemic. It grows on open, sandy, gravelly, or clay Yes salt desert scrub zone present and should be considered slopes and flats in the salt-desert, shadscale, and lower sagebrush zones, from potential habitat. 4,050 to 5,250 feet.
Annual herb in the lopseed family that is known from four occurrences in Storey and Washoe counties, Nevada. Historical occurreces are also known from Douglas and Carson City counties. It is a Nevada endemic. It grows in dry to somewhat moist, often barren, loose, sandy to gravelly slopes derived from Steamboat monkeyflower Diplacus (Mimulus) ovatus siliceous sinter deposited by hot springs in the sagebrush zone, or from highly No Location outside of known distribution. acidic hydrothermally altered andesite or rhyolite deposits supporting sparse yellow pine woodlands within the pinyon-juniper zone, or possibly on sandy alkaline valley floor deposits in the sagebrush zone, sometimes on adjacent roadsides or washes, from 4,580 to 6,200 feet.
Perennial herb in the mustard family that has been documented in Douglas, Lyon, and Mineral Counties, Nevada within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest plus Mono County, California in the Bodie Hills area at elevations of Location outside of known distribution and elevealtion Bodie Hills draba Cusickiella quadricostata 6,200 to 8,500 feet. The typical habitat is shrub steppe (low sagebrush No range. Shrub steppe zone is not present. habitats) or occasionally pinyon and juniper forests, but excessive tree cover can inhibit its growth. Bodie Hills draba grows in soils that are typically rocky (tertiary volcanic) or have moderate clay content.
Perennial herb in the buckwheat family found in Douglas, Lyon, and Mineral Location outside of known distribution and there are no counties, Nevada. It is also known from a single occurrence in Mono County, Alexander's buckwheat Eriogonum alexanderae No clay outcrops, hillsides or badlands in the shadscale, California. It occurs on light colored clay outcrops, hillsides, and badlands in sagebrush or pinyon-juniper zones. the shadcale, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper zones.
At high elevations on dry, exposed, relatively barren and undisturbed, gravelly, limestone or volcanic ridges and ridgeline knolls, on outcrops or shallow rocky soils over bedrock, with Artemisia arbuscula , Ericameria viscidiflora , Poa secund a, Elymus elymoides , Arenaria kingii , etc. At low Dry, relatively barren and undisturbed knolls and slopes Windloving buckwheat Eriogonum anemophilum NS elevations on dry, relatively barren and undisturbed knolls and slopes of light- No of light-colored, platy volcanic tuff weathered to form stiff colored, platy volcanic tuff weathered to form stiff clay soils, on all aspects, clay soils are not present within the project area. with Tetradymia canescens , Ericameria nauseosa , E. viscidiflora , Atriplex confertifolia , Elymus elymoides , Elymus cinereus , Astragalus calycosus , etc. Elevation: 1400-3000 meters. Perennial herb in the buckwheat family, has only been documented in the Churchill Narrows portion of the Pine Nut Mountain Range within Lyon County, Nevada, specifically Clifton Flat, Fort Churchill and Adriance Valley. A possible population may be present at the Truckee River Canyon near the Celetom Mine in the Clark District, Storey County, Nevada, but this has yet to be verified. Churchill Narrows buckwheat grows in diatomaceous soil (soft and off-white soil created from fossilized remains of diatoms), at an elevation of 4,300 to 4,600 feet, with neighboring plant species including shadscale Location outside of known distribution. No diatomaceous Churchill Narrows buckwheat Eriogonum diatomaceum saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia), ephedra (Ephedra nevadensis), spineless No soil is present. horsebrush (Tetradymia glabrata), burrobrush (Hymenoclea salsola), desert prince’s plume (Stanleya pinnata), whitestem blazingstar (Mentzelia albicaulis), volcanic buckwheat (Eriogonum lemmonii), flatbrown buckwheat (Eriogonum deflexum), and squirreltail (Elymus elymoides). The Churchill Narrows buckwheat population is isolated but considered at risk due to mining and some presence of grazing livestock. It is listed as Critically Endangered by Nevada’s Division of Forestry, and is protected by Nevada Revised Statues 527.050, 527.260-527.300, and 472.043 as of 2005.
Annual herb in the buckwheat family that is a Nevada endemic, known from 18 or 19 occurrences in Churchill, Lyon, Pershing, Storey, and Washoe counties, Nevada. It grows on open, light-colored, sometimes silty or sandy, Location outside known distribution. Sandy soils are Lemmon buckwheat Eriogonum lemmonii Yes sometimes gypsiferous shrink-swell clay soils on bluffs and badlands derived present and should be considered potential habitat. from fluviolacustrine silt and volcanic ash deposits in the shadscale zone, from 4,200 to 5,400 feet.
Found in Lassen and Plumas County, CA; and Washoe County Nevada on Seven Lakes Mountain. Associated with Juniperus and Artemisia on a north- Eriogonum microthecum var. The project is outside of the geographic and elevation Schoolcraft buckwheat NS facing slope at 5675 ft elevation. Generally found in sagebrush communities No schoolcraftii range for this species. of Artemisia tridentata, Tetradymia canescens, Ericameria nauseosa, Ribes velutinum, Ephedra viridis, and Quercus kelloggii .
Altered andesite buckwheat (Eriogonum robustum; Polygonaceae) is a perennial herb in the buckwheat family that occurs in the mountains and foothills surrounding Reno-Sparks and Virginia City in southern Washoe and western Storey Counties. Nearly all known populations occur on dry, shallow, highly acidic gravelly clay soils. These areas support sparse vegetation, mostly Location outside of known distribution. No highly acidic Altered andesite buckwheat Eriogonum robustum consisting of stunted woodlands of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and/or No gravely soils present. Jeffrey pine (P. jeffreyi). While native fauna seem to have minor impacts, this plant is negatively affected by substrate disturbance from cattle and horses. Additionally, open soils or ridgelines and the close proximity to human populations make their habitat attractive for road development. Currently, roads and OHV use impact about half of the known sites.
Beatley buckwheat (Eriogonum beatleyae; Polygonaceae) is a low, matted perennial in the buckwheat family that is endemic to Nevada. It occurs in Churchill, Esmeralda, Eureka, Mineral, and Nye Counties. Beatley buckwheat may be found in low elevations around 5,600 feet in Great Basin scrub Beatley buckwheat Eriogonum rosense var. beatleyae habitats, and also at higher elevations around 8,745 feet only in the Humboldt- No No volcanic ash deposits are in the project area. Toiyabe Mountains. The soil that Beatley buckwheat can be found in is volcanic ash deposited with high concentrations of tuff. There are no recorded threats, but possible threats may still include trampling and grazing by animals plus possible mining exploration and development.
Perennial herb in the buckwheat family that is endemic to Nevada. It is known from occurrences in Churchill, Esmeralda, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, and Pershing counties, Nevada. It grows on dry, open, light-colored, No strongly alkaline shrink-swell clay soils, diatomite or Lahontan Basin buckwheat Eriognum rubricaule strongly alkaline shrink-swell clay soils on bluffs and badlands derived from No basaltic slopes within the project area. fluviolacustrine silt, volcanic ash, or diatomite deposits, sometimes perched on dark basaltic slopes, in the shadscale, mixed-shrub, and lower sagebrush zones, from 4,100 to 4,900 feet. Carson Valley monkeyflower (Erythranthe carsonensis; Phrymaceae) is an annual herb in the lopseed family that is known from Carson City, Douglas, and Washoe counties, Nevada. It grows in open areas of Great Basin sagebrush and bitterbrush scrub in coarse granite soils on gentle to moderate slopes, No granite soils, sagebrush or bitterbrush within the Carson Valley monkeyflower Erythanthe carsensis usually on north aspects but also occasionally on south to southwest aspects, No project area. from 4,600 to 5,200 feet. Common associated species are big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), green ephedra (Ephedra viridis), spiny hopsage (Grayia spinosa) and bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata).
Sand of dunes, dry-lake borders, river bottoms, washes, valleys, and plains in Sand cholla Grusonia pulchella SP, NS the desert. Dependent on sand dunes or deep sand in Nevada. Elevation: Yes Deep sandy soils are present in the area of project. 1200-1950 meters.
Perennial herb in the rose family found in the Sierra Valley in California and the Carson and Virginia ranges in Nevada on flats and benches between 4,870 and 7,300 feet in elevation. It is restricted to shallow, rocky to sandy soils derived from volcanic rock or alluvium. These soils have shallow clayey sub- soils that result in slow drainage and/or vernal saturation; thus, the depth of the local perched water table and spring dry-down rate may be crucial to the distribution of this species. This species is dependent upon Nevada wetland Sierra Valley mousetails Ivesia apert var. aperta No Location outside of known distribution. margins in the yellow pine, mountain sagebrush, and mountain mahogany zones. Changes to natural hydrology and drainage of wetlands are threats to this species. Most of the populations occur near dirt roads; as a result, further road development, off-road vehicle use, and fire suppression activities on flats represent significant threats to this species. Additionally, the wet habitat preferred by the Sierra Valley mousetails indicates that the highly invasive perennial pepperweed/tall whitetop may pose a threat in the future.
Perennial herb in the rose family known from Nye County, Nevada, as well as Location outside of known distribution. No mesic, clay Alkali ivesia Ivesia kingii var. Kingii Inyo and Mono counties in California. It grows on mesic, alkaline, clay soils in No soils within the project area. Great Basin scrub, meadows and seeps, and playas.
Perennial herb in the rose family that is listed as endemic on the Nevada Natural Heritage’s Douglas County Rare Species List. A known population exists on the upper north and east slopes of Mount Siegel in the Pine Nut Mountains at elevations between 6,990 and 8,550 feet, most often on northwest to northeast facing slopes between 0 and 5 degrees. It is wetland- Location outside of known distribution and eleveation Pine Nut Mountains mousetails Ivesia pityocharis dependent, restricted to periodically wet areas or where the water table No range. and/or bedrock are close to the surface in decomposed granite or sod of meadow margins. This species is associated with features such as springs, riparian corridors, and ephemeral ponds. Accompanying vegetation includes dry rush/forb meadow, adjacent surrounding sagebrush scrub, and occasionally surrounding pinyon/juniper/mountain mahogany woodlands.
Annual herb, branched at the base with green flowers, in the pink family. This species grows in sandy soils and gravel of exposed areas on dunes, flats, and Loeflingiasquarrosa ssp. disturbed areas, in sagebrush scrub and Mojave Desert scrub 2,300 to 7,000 Sagebrush pygmyleaf No Location outside of known distribution. Artemisiarum feet in elevation. In Nevada, it is present in Washoe County though not well documented; this subspecies is less understood than ssp. squarrosa (California loeflingia).
Perennial herb in the stickleaf family that is known from 19 occurrences in Churchill, Esmeralda, Mineral, Nye, and Pershing counties, Nevada. It is a No calcareous, gravelly or clay soils on weathered volcanic Nevada endemic. It grows on barren, often calcareous, low-competition Candelaria blazingstar Mentzelia candelariae No ash deposits, scree, slopes, hot springs mounds, washes in gravelly or clay soils on weathered volcanic ash deposits, scree, slopes, hot the project area. spring mounds, washes, or road banks or other recovering disturbances, in the shadscale, mixed-shrub, and sagebrush zones, from 3,800 to 6,700 feet. Perennial herb in the stickleaf family known from four occurrences in Churchill and Esmeralda counties, Nevada, and also in Inyo and Mono counties, California. It has been documented on a variety of substrates No carbonate rocks, calcareous pumice sand, white ash Inyo blazingstar Mentzelia inyoensis including carbonate rocks/gravel, calcareous pumice sand, whitish ash No deposits or clay soils present. deposits, and clay soils of hillsides, where it occurs in habitats that include sagebrush scrub, shadscale scrub, and pinyon-juniper woodlands, from 3,800 to 6,500 feet in elevation. It is considered sensitive by the USFS Region 5.
Subshrub in the stickleaf family with only seven known populations in Nye and Lincoln Counties. It grows in areas of sparse vegetation, co-occurring with Tiehm blazingstar Mentzelia tiehmii No Location outside of known distribution. Frasera gypsicola on gypsum spring mounds, the tops of hills of white soil, and rock outcrops in the white river valley. A rare moss with small, dark green to blackish tufts to 1.5 cm high. Shevock bristlemoss grows in the driest habitats of North America on dry granitic boulders or ceilings of recesses in boulder piles in very dry areas. This species Shevock bristlemoss Orthotrichum shevockii No No granetic boulders within the project area. is found between 2,460 and 6,890 feet in pinyon-juniper woodland mostly in California and in Nevada near Lake Tahoe and in Voltaire Canyon near Carson City.
Deep loose sand of stabilized dunes, washes, and valley flats, on various slopes Some fine sand is present but no sand dunes. Species is Oryctes Oryctes nevadensis NS and aspects. Dependent on sand dunes or deep sand in Nevada. Elevation: No known to occur in Pershing County. 3,775 to 6,069 feet.
Annual herb in the buckwheat family that is known from 10 occurrences in Eureka Lander, Mineral, and Nye counties in Nevada, it also occurs in Watson spinecup Oxytheca watsonii California. It grows in dry, open, loose and/or lightly disturbed, often No Location outside of known distribution. calcareous, sandy soils of washes, roadsides, alluvial fans, and valley bottoms, in salt desert shrub communities, from 4,200 to 6,530 feet.
Deep loose sandy soils of valley bottoms, aeolian deposits, and dune skirts, often in alkaline areas, sometimes on road banks and other recovering Fine sands are present on the valley floor but no sand Nevada dune beardtongue Penstemon arenarius NS No disturbances crossing such soils. Dependent on sand dunes or deep sand. dunes. Elevation: 1150-1850 meters.
Perennial herb in the figwort family and Nevada endemic found in four occurrences in Churchill, Lander, Nye, Humboldt, and Pershing Counties. The Lahontan beardtongue grows in washes, roadsides, and canyon floors, particularly on carbonate containing substrates. It is generally found where subsurface moisture is available throughout most of summer and it may be restricted to calcareous substrates. The primary threat is a loss of this endemic variety through hybridization with the widely planted P. palmeri var. There are no washes, roadsides, and canyon floors in the Lahontan beardtongue Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus NS No palmeri, a species found in seed mixes used in revegetation and erosion project area that could be considered potential habitat. control. Other threats may include grazing since it is desirable forage for wildlife, but little cattle grazing occurs within this species’ range. Along washes, roadsides and canyon floors, particularly on carbonate-containing substrates, usually where subsurface moisture is available throughout most of the summer. Unknown if restricted to calcareous substrates. Elevation: 1000- 1400 meters.
Perennial herb in the figwort family with 12 reported occurrences in Douglas, Mineral, and Esmeralda Counties. It generally grows in areas with mild disturbance including steep decomposed granite slopes, rocky drainage Wassuk beardtongue Penstemon rubicundus bottoms, roadsides or other recovery disturbances with enhanced runoff in No Location outside of known distribution. open, rocky to gravelly soils on perched tufa shores. The Wassuk beardtongue is locally abundant on recent burns in the pinyon-juniper, sagebrush, and upper mixed-shrub shadscale zones.
Annual herb in the waterleaf family that is known from 16 occurrences in Churchill, Lincoln, Lander, Mineral, and Pershing counties, Nevada. It is a Nevada endemic. It grows on open, dry to moist, alkaline, nearly barren, No clay, volcanic ash soils or steep slopes in the project Reese River phacelia Phacelia glaberrima sometimes scree-covered, whitish to brownish shrink-swell clay soils derived No area. from fluviolacustrine volcanic ash and tuff deposits, generally on the steeper slopes of low hills, bluffs, and badlands in the shadscale-greasewood, sagebrush, and lower pinyon-juniper zones, from 4.000 to 6.000 feet. Annual herb in the waterleaf family found in parts of California, Oregon, and Nevada. In Nevada, it is only found in Washoe and Humboldt Counties. Playa Location outside Known distribution. No plya with clay Playa phacelia Phacelia inundata No phacelia grows in alkali playas and seasonally inundated areas with clay soils. inundated areas within the project. In Nevada, P. inundata is dependent upon wetlands for habitat.
A small annual plant in the waterleaf family found in Esmeralda, Lyon, and Mineral Counties in Nevada as well as locations in California. It grows in alkaline, barren or sparsely vegetated grayish, brownish, or reddish shrink- swell clays of mostly andesitic origin in pinyon-juniper and mountain sagebrush zones. Mono County Phacelia grows in low intensity artificial or Location outside of known distribution. No clay soils Mono County Phacelia Phacelia monoensis No natural disturbances including road berms that cross its soil type and, less within project area. frequently, naturally eroding badlands or apparently undisturbed soil. Although it grows in low intensity disturbances including road cuts, due to its rarity, it is threatened by intense disturbances to these areas that could cause permanent impacts.
Grows in dry, windy, and cold sites characterized by rocky, poorly developed Suitable habitat is not present, as described under Whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis FC, NS soils and snowy, wind-swept exposures, it pioneers many harsh subalpine and No Preferred Habitat. Elevation at project site is not alpine, it alpine sites. Elevation: 1300-3700 meters. is salt desert scrub and big sagebrush shrubland.
This long-lived seral species is important to wildlife, houses birds unique to the area, and is found in small stands on the eastern slope of Mt. Rose in Washoe pine Pinus ponderosa ssp. Washoensis No Location outside of known distribution. Washoe County. It is found in white fir communities growing in dry montane forest areas and volcanic ridges at elevations of 5,500 to 8,500 feet.
Annual herb in the forget-me-not family found in Washoe County, Storey County, and Carson City, Nevada. Altered andesite popcornflower grows in dry, shallow, mostly acidic, gravelly, clay soils of the smallcone series, derived Location outside of known distribution. No steep slopes in Altered andesite popcornflower Plagiobothrys glomeratus from weathering of hydrothermal sulfide deposits formed in andesite, or No project area. sometimes in rhyolitic or granitoid rocks; mostly in barren yellowish to orange brown patches on ridges, knolls, and steep slopes. Threats to the popcornflower are urbanization impacts in the Reno area.
Perennial aquatic or aquatic dependent herb in the mustard family that occurs in Washoe, Lyon, Douglas, Mineral and Nye Counties as well as California and Oregon. It grows in relatively barren sandy to clay or mud margins and at No aquatic resources are present and the area is outside Williams Combleaf Polyctenium williamsiae bottoms of nonalkaline seasonal lakes perched over volcanic bedrock in No the species range. sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, and mountain sagebrush zones. Williams combleaf is fully protected by the State of Nevada and is protected in an ACEC in the planning area.
Rhizomatous perennial herb in the mustard family that is only known from four occurrences in Nevada, from the shores of Lake Tahoe. It also occurs in California. It grows in coarse sand and sandy soils of active beaches, stream Location outside of known distribution. No lake shore Tahoe yellowcress Rorippa subumbellata No inlets, beach dunes, and backshore depressions, generally within a few feet of habitat. the local water table, endemic to the shore zone of Lake Tahoe, from 6,220 to 6,230 feet.
Found in both California and Nevada in Mineral, Lyon, Esmeralda, and Mono Counties, including the Sweetwater Mountains, Masonic Hills, Aurora Canyon, White Mountains, Inyo Mountains, and Sierra Nevada East bioregion. It grows Location outside of known distribution and elevation Masonic Mountain jewelflower Strptanthus oliganthus in volcanic or granitic rocky slopes or andesite soil in Pinyon-Juniper No range. No rocky slopes, Pinyon-juniper woodlands or woodland, high elevation sagebrush-grass zones, and Jeffrey pine-white fir sagebrush zones in the project area. (Abies concolor) forests and in elevations of 6,500 to 8,500 feet with more than 1,508 estimated individuals in nine mapped occurrences.
Perennial herb in the mustard family that occurs in the foothill and low mountain regions of the Virginia and Pine Nut ranges including Table Mountain in Lyon County, Nevada. Populations occur in both high and low Location outside of known distribution. No rocky slopes or Tiehm peppercress Stroganowia tiehmii elevation in basaltic or sedimentary rocks and at the fringes of rocky scree or No outcrops in the project area. talus piles, clay soil, and the base of rock outcrops. It grows in association with shadscale, bitterbrush, sagebrush, and rarely, Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma). AMPHIBIANS Is found in a wide variety of habitats ranging from desert springs to mountain wetlands, and it ranges into various uplands habitats around ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers and streams. It digs its own burrow in loose soil or uses those of small mammals, or shelters under logs or Western toad Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas rocks. The eggs and larvae develop in shallow areas of ponds, lakes, or reservoirs, or in No No springs or other water sources in project area. pools of slow-moving streams. Although this species is common throughout the Great Basin, there are potentially distinct and isolated endemic species cryptically found within the taxon (NDOW 2013).
Springs and springbrooks, marshes, plyas and ephemeral pools. Only found in Location outside of known distribution. No aquatic Dixie Valley toad Bufo (Anaxyrus) williamsi No vicinity of Dixie Valley hot springs. Trend unknown. resources present in the project area.
Lakes and streams; requires cool, well-oxygenated water. Adapted to highly mineralized waters. In streams, uses rocky areas, riffles, deep pools, and areas No aquatic resources are present and the area is outside Northern leopard frog Rana pipiens SP, NS No under logs and overhanging banks; optimally, cover should be available in at the species range. least 25% of the stream.
BIRDS
Nests in various forest types with a preference for taller, mature stands with significant canopy cover. In Nevada, they commonly nest in aspen "stringers" Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis SS, NS No Preferred forest habitat not present. that trace mountain streams and ephemeral drainages. Also occur in shrub- dominated habitats likely used for foraging.
Habitats include: grasslands and meadows, wet meadows, marches, intermountian riparian and agricultural lands. Breeds in planning area, also Grasslands and Meadows, Wet Meadows, Marshes, Sandhill crane (greater and lesser) Antigone canadensis No uses planning area during migration. Trend is stable to increasing in Nevada, Intermountain Riparian, Agricultural Lands. although low recruitment has occurred in some years.
Nests in rugged crags, canyons, cliffs, and mountains. Forages in areas surrounding nest sites and can be found in any habitat type. Most common Desert provides foraging habitat. Suitible cliff nesting Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos SP, NS Yes habitat use reported for foraging in Nevada are sagebrush scrub and habitat present within four miles of the project area. sagebrush steppe.
Intermountain Cold Desert Scrub, Sagebrush, Marshes, Grasslands and Intermountain Cold Desert Scrub, Sagebrush, Marshes, Short-eared owl Asio flammeus Yes Meadows, Agricultural Land Grasslands and Meadows, Agricultural Land
Uses a variety of habitats that are open, arid, and treeless with low vegetation. Most common where mammal burrows are available for nesting. Will often Western burrowing owl Athene cunicularia hypugaea SP, NS Yes The open desert provides potential nesting habitat. breed near agricultural lands, golf courses, and roadsides, but will not tolerate highly disturbed areas. Inhabits open country including grasslands and shrublands, while avoiding forests, steep terrain, and high elevations. Most likely to be found in Ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis SP, NS Yes Desert provides foraging habitat. sagebrush scrub, but may also occur in salt desert scrub and sagebrush steppe. May also be associated with pinyon-juniper blocks.
Uses open grasslands and shrublands, and is well adapted to agricultural Grasslands and shrublands for foraging are not present. Swainson's hawk Buteo swainsoni SP, NS areas. Typically nests in scattered trees near open areas for foraging. Usually No No trees are present within two miles of the project area nests in junipers in the Great Basin. for nesting.
Associated with sagebrush steppe habitats that include bunchgrass and forb components. Also requires sparsely vegetated sites within the sagebrush Sagebrush communities are not present within the project Greater sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus FC, GS, NS matrix for lekking, as well as riparian areas, wet meadows, springs, and seeps No area. Habitat within 4 miles of the project area is classified for brood foraging. Will move substantial distances to use seasonally as Other Habitat Management Area. appropriate microhabitats.
Nests on the ground on broad open beaches or salt or dry mud flats, where Preferred habitat of beaches in hypersaline areas is not Western snowy plover Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus SP, NS vegetation is sparse or absent. In Nevada, they generally require hypersaline No present. playas with minimum vegetation.
Year-round resident in the planning area; breeds in northern Nye and eastern Intermountain Riparian habitat is not present in the Great Basin willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii adastus No Churchill counties. Trend is declining. project area.
May be found in a variety of habitat types. Known nest sites in Nevada have Desert provides potential foraging habitat for migrating Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus SE, NS occurred on cliff ledges or high buildings. Nests in Nevada generally occur No birds. No large cliffs near project area. Large water body near lakes, wetlands, or river systems. to north of area.
Nests and forages in pinyon-juniper woodland and may forage in other Preferred nesting and foraging pinyon/juniper forest Pinyon jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus SP, NS habitats such as sagebrush shrublands. Strongly associated with occurrence No habitat is not present. of pinyon pine.
Preferred tall trees for nesting and roosting, near large Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus SE, NS Usually nests in forests or tall trees near large water bodies. No water body, not present.
Historical evidence of breeding at Carson Lake. May be present year-round or Least bittern (includes western least bittern) Ixobrychus exilis (hesperis) in migration. Trend in Nevada is unknown, but historical declines are probable No No marshes located at the project area. and recent declines are possible.
Nests in arid, open country with just a few perches or lookouts. Found Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus SS, NS throughout most habitat types in Nevada with lower probability of occurrence Yes Open arid desert provides nesting and foraging habitat. in forests, higher mountains, barren zones, and urban areas. Barren, rocky or grassy areas and cliffs in alpine tundra atop high mountains. Black rosy-finch Leucosticte atrata SP, NS No Preferred alpine habitat is not present. Usually nests in rock crevices or holes in cliffs about snow fields.
Lower Montane Woodlands and Chaparral, Grasslands Winter resident throughout Nevada (except the Mojave Desert). Status and Gray-crowned rosy-finch Leucosticte tephrocotis No and Meadows, Cliffs and Canyons, Alpine and Tundra not trend in Nevada is unknown. present in the project area.
Nests in open forest and woodland, often logged or burned, including oak, coniferous forest, riparian woodland, orchards, and pinyon-juniper. Primary Preferred habitat of open forest or woodland is not Lewis' woodpecker Melanerpes lewis SP, NS No habitat consists of burned coniferous woodlands and open riparian present. woodlands with a relatively intact grass or shrub understory.
Lower Montane Woodlands and Chaparral, Intermountain Mountain quail Oreortyx pictus Year-round resident in the planning area. Trend in Nevada is declining. No Coniferous Forests and Woodlands, Sierra Coniferous Forests and Woodlands, Aspen, Sagebrush not present.
Associated with intact, dense stands of sagebrush. Primarily uses sagebrush Preferred sagebrush/sagebrush steppe habitat is not Sage Thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus SS, NS scrub and sagebrush steppe habitat, but may also occur in other Great Basin No present. shrublands.
Breeds in scattered ranges across the state, including in the planning area. Intermountain Coniferous Forests and Woodlands, Sierra Flammulated owl Psiloscops (Otus) flammeolus No Nevada status and trend are unknown. Coniferous Forests and Woodlands, Aspen not present.
Strongly associated with sagebrush habitat including sagebrush scrub and Preferred sagebrush habitat is not present. Salt desert Brewer's sparrow Spizella breweri SS, NS sagebrush steppe. Also commonly found in salt desert scrub. May occur in Yes habitat present. most habitat types in Nevada.
FISH
Intermountain riparian zone. Known from larger Sierra Front streams, Mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni including the Truckee, Carson, and Walker rivers. Also in several other Nevada No No aquatic habitat present. streams. Declining trend likely.
MAMMALS
Arid deserts and grasslands, often near rocky outcrops and water. Less abundant in evergreen and mixed conifer woodland. Usually roosts in rock Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices is not present in Pallid bat Antrozous pallidus SP, NS No crevice or building, less often in cave, tree hollow, mine, etc. Prefers narrow the vicinity of the project area. crevices in caves as hibernation sites. Generally use burrows found in the taller and denser big sagebrush in an area. May be found in broad valley floors, drainage bottoms, alluvial fans, and other Pygmy rabbit Brachylagus idahoensis GS, NS No Big sagebrush habitat with sandy loam soil is not present. areas with friable soils. May also occur in areas of large dense rabbitbrush and greasewood. Understory can vary from none to dense grasses and forbs.
Maternity and hibernation colonies typically are in caves and mine tunnels. Prefers relatively cold places for hibernation, often near entrances and in well ventilated areas. Uses caves, buildings, and tree cavities for night roosts. Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices is not present in Townsend's big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii SS, NS No Throughout much of the known range, commonly occurs in mesic habitats the vicinity of the project area. characterized by coniferous and deciduous forests, but occupies a broad range of habitats.
Various wooded and semi-open habitats, including cities. Much more abundant in regions dominated by deciduous forest than in coniferous forest Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices, trees, buildings, areas. Summer roosts generally are in buildings; also hollow trees, rock or abandoned mine workings are not present within 0.25 Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus NS crevices, tunnels, and cliff swallow nests; prefers sites that do not get hot. Yes mile of the project area. Suitable foraging habitat is Typically roosts in twilight part of cave. Maternity colonies form in attics, present. barns and occasionally tree cavities. Caves, mines, and especially buildings and manmade structures are used for hibernation.
Found in various habitats from desert to montane coniferous stands, including Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices or abandoned open ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper woodland, canyon bottoms, open Spotted bat Euderma maculatum ST, NS No mine workings are not present within 0.25 mile of the pasture, and hayfields. Roosts in caves and in cracks and crevices in cliffs and project area. canyons. Winter habits poorly known.
Prefers forested (frequently coniferous) areas adjacent to lakes, ponds, and Suitable roosting habitat of tree foliage, cavities, or streams. During migration, sometimes occurs in xeric areas. Summer roosts Silver-haired bat Lasionycteris noctivagans NS No buildings are not present within 0.25 mile of the project and nursery sites are in tree foliage, cavities, or under loose bark, sometimes area. in buildings.
Distribution largely unknown but thought to just be a migrant. Very rare in Western red bat Lasiurus blossevillii No Various wooded habitats not present. Nevada.
Prefers deciduous and coniferous forests and woodlands. Roosts usually in tree foliage 3-5 m above ground, with dense foliage above and open flying room below, often at the edge of a clearing and commonly in hedgerow trees. Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices, tree foliage, or Hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus NS Sometimes roosts in rock crevices, rarely uses caves in most of range. No abandoned mine workings are not present within 0.25 Hibernating individuals have been found on tree trunks, in a tree cavity, in a mile of the project area. squirrel's nest, and in a clump of Spanish-moss. Solitary females with young roost among tree foliage.
Currently only known from Humboldt River system in northern Nevada, but No Intermountain Riparian or other aqauatic Northern river otter Lontra canadensis pacifica No historically known from western Nevada. Trend is unknown. environments present.
In loose sands and gravel. Found in shadscale scrub, sagebrush scrub, and Preferred habitat of loose sand and gravel in shadscale Dark kangaroo mouse Microdipodops megacephalus SP, NS alkali sink plant communities. May occur in sand dunes near margins of Yes scrub, sagebrush scrub and alkali sink plant communities range. Underground when inactive. are present.
Habitat is nearly restricted to fine sands in alkali sink and desert scrub dominated by Atriplex confertifolia (shadscale) or Artemisia tridentata (big Areas of fine sands in desert scrub are present in the Pale kangaroo mouse Microdipodops pallidus SP, NS Yes sagebrush). This mouse often burrows in areas of soft, windblown sand piled project area. at the bases of shrubs. Primarily found in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Rare and secretive; trend is Sierra Coniferous Forests and Woodlands, Aspen not American (Pacific) marten Martes americana (M. caurina) No unknown. present.
Western lowlands; sea coast to desert, oak-juniper, canyons, riparian woodlands, desert scrub, and grasslands. Often uses man-made structures for Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices and small desert night roosts. Uses crevices of various kinds, including those in buildings, for California myotis Myotis californicus NS Yes shrubs is not present in the vicinity of the project area. summer day roosts. May roost also on small desert shrubs or on the ground. Foraging habitat is present. Hibernates in caves, mines, tunnels, or buildings. May form small maternity colonies in rock crevices, under bark, or under eaves of buildings.
Generally inhabits desert, badland, and semiarid habitats; more mesic habitats in southern part of range. Roosts in summer in rock crevices, caves, tunnels, Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices is not present in Western small-footed myotis Myotis ciliolabrum NS under boulders, beneath loose bark, or in buildings. Hibernates in caves and Yes the vicinity of the project area. Foraging habitat is present. mines. Maternity colonies often are in abandoned houses, barns, or similar structures.
Mostly forested areas, especially those with broken rock outcrops; also Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices, hollow trees, shrubland, over meadows near tall timber, along wooded streams, over buildings, or abandoned mine workings are not present Long-eared myotis Myotis evotis NS No reservoirs. Often roosts in buildings, also in hollow trees, mines, caves, within 0.25 mile of the project area. Suitable wooded fissures, etc. habitat is not present near the project area.
Has adapted to using human-made structures for resting and maternity sites; also uses caves and hollow trees. Foraging habitat requirements are generalized; usually forages in woodlands near water. In winter, a relatively Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices, hollow trees, constant temperature of about 40 F and 80% relative humidity is required; buildings, or abandoned mine workings are not present Little brown myotis Myotis lucifugus NS uses caves, tunnels, abandoned mines, and similar sites. Maternity colonies No within 0.25 mile of the project area. Suitable wooded commonly are in warm sites in buildings and other structures; also habitat near water is not present near the project area. infrequently in hollow trees. Narrow microclimate is suitable for raising young, and availability of suitable maternity sites may limit abundance and distribution.
Primarily at middle elevations of 1,200-2,150 m in desert, grassland, and Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices is not present in woodland habitats. Roosts in caves, mines, rock crevices, buildings, and other Fringed myotis Myotis thysanodes SP, NS Yes the vicinity of the project area. There is foraging habitat protected sites. Nursery colonies occur in caves, mines, and sometimes present. buildings.
Primarily in montane coniferous forests, in the south most often at 2000-3000 m; also riparian and desert habitats. May change habitats seasonally. Uses Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices, trees, buildings, caves and mines as hibernacula, but winter habits are poorly known. Roosts in Long-legged myotis Myotis volans NS No or abandoned are not present in the vicinity of the project abandoned buildings, rock crevices, under bark, etc. In summer, apparently area. does not use caves as daytime roost site. In some areas hollow trees are the most common nursery sites, but buildings and rock crevices are also used.
More closely associated with water than most other North American bats. Suitable roosting habitat of bridges, buildings, or Found in a wide variety of upland and lowland habitats, including riparian, abandoned mine workings are not present within 0.25 Yuma myotis Myotis yumanensis NS desert scrub, moist woodlands and forests, but usually found near open water. No mile of the project area. Open water is not present within Flies low. Nursery colonies usually are in buildings, caves and mines, and the project area. under bridges.
Range in Nevada is restricted to a portion of the Sierra Nevada in the Carson Lower Montane Woodlands and Chaparral, Sierra Allen’s chipmunk Neotamias senex No Range, east of Lake Tahoe, and north of Reno. Trend is unknown. Coniferous Forests and Woodland are not present. Restricted to rocky talus slopes, primarily the talus-meadow interface. Often above treeline up to limit of vegetation. Also found at lower elevations in Preferred habitat of talus-meadow interface is not American pika Ochotona princeps SP, NS rocky areas within forests or near lakes. Occasionally on mine tailings, or piles No present. Project area is located on the valley bottom. of lumber or scrap metal. Does not dig burrows but may enlarge den or nest site under rock.
Occur in mesic to xeric, alpine to desert grasslands or shrub-steppe in mountains, foothills, or river canyons. Many of these grasslands are fire- Preferred habitat, as descried is not present. Suitable Desert Bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis nelsoni GS, NS No maintained . Suitable escape terrain (cliffs, talus slopes, etc.) is an important escape terrain not present. feature of the habitat.
Year-round resident but mostly hibernates in winter. Considered secure in Cliffs and Canyons are not present but this species was Canyon bat Parastrellus hesperus Nevada but listed as special status species because of high concern over the Yes identified as posibly being in the area by the NNHP. unknown potential of white-nose syndrome moving to the western states.
Widespread but uncommon in Nevada. In the planning area, year-round Sagebrush, Lower Montane Woodlands and Chaparral not Merriam’s shrew Sorex merriami resident in western portions of Douglas, Carson City, and Washoe counties. No present. Trend unknown.
Intermountain Riparian, Sierra Coniferous Forest and American water shrew Sorex palustris Year-round resident in extreme western Nevada. Trend is unknown. No Woodland not present.
Sagebrush, Intermountain Riparian, Aspen, Lower Year-round resident in southwestern Nevada, including Douglas, Lyon, and Montane Woodlands and Chaparral, Intermountain Inyo shrew Sorex tenellus No Mineral counties in the planning area. Trend is unknown. Coniferous Forests and Woodlands, Sierra Coniferous Forest and Woodlands, Cliffs and Canyons not present.
Roosts primarily in caves in the southwestern U.S. May use rock crevice, bridge, sign, or cliff swallow nest as roost during migration. Generally roosts Suitable roosting habitat of rock crevices, bridges, Brazilian free-tailed bat Tadarida brasiliensis SP, NS high (at least 3 m) above ground to allow free fall required to attain flight. No buildings, or abandoned mine workings are not present Large maternity colonies inhabitat buildings and caves; also uses culverts and within 0.25 mile of the project area. bridges.
Year-round resident in Nevada, including most of the planning area. Trend is Intermountain Riparian, Wet Meadow, Grasslands and Botta’s pocket gopher Thomomys botae unknown, particularly for isolated and potentially taxonomically distinct No Meadows not present. populations.
Year-round resident in the Sierra Nevada, including in extreme west-central Intermountain Riparian, Sierra Coniferous Forests and Mountain pocket gopher Thomomys monticola No Nevada. Trend is unknown. Woodlands, Grasslands and Meadows not present. REPTILES
Western pond turtle Actinemys marmorata Intermountain Riparian, Lakes and Reservoirs, Developed Landscapes. No No aquatic habitat present.
Sagebrush, Intermountain Riparian, Aspen, Lower Montane Woodlands and Chaparral, Intermountain Coniferous Forests and Woodlands, Sierra Northern rubber boa Charina bottae No No woodlands or riparian zones present. Coniferous Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Meadows, Cliffs and Canyon
Intermountain Cold Desert Scrub, Sagebrush, Mojave Warm Desert and Mixed Desert Scrub, Warm Desert Riparian, Lower Montane Woodlands and Sand dunes and gravelly sandy loam present within the Great Basin collared lizard Crotaphytus bicinctores Yes Chaparral, Sand Dunes and Badlands, Cliffs and Canyons, Exotic Grasslands project area. and Forblands
Sierra alligator lizard Elgaria coerulea palmeri Conifer Forests and Woodlands No No conifer forests or woodlands present.
Intermountain Cold Desert Scrub, Sagebrush, Mojave Warm Desert and Mixed Desert Scrub, Warm Desert Riparian, Grasslands and Meadows, Sand Dunes Long-nosed leopard lizard Gambelia wislizenii Yes Sand dunes present. and Badlands, Exotic Grasslands and Forblands, Developed Landscapes, Agricultural Land
Desert Horned Lizards are found in arid regions that have at least some loose soil available for burrowing. Areas with sandy soils and limited vegetation Desert horned lizard Phrynosoma platyrhinos Yes Sand dunes present. such as sagebrush or shadscale. However, they can also be found in areas with hardpan and gravelly soils as well.
INSECTS
Hardy’s Aegialian scarab Aegialia hardyi Sand Dunes and Badlands. Known only from Sand Mountain. No Location outside of known distribution.
Sand Dunes and Badlands. Distributioni restricted to Sand Mountain dune Sand Mountain Aphodius scarab Aphodius sp. 3 No Location outside of known distribution. area. Grassland and meadow. Known from Douglas, Carson City, and Washoe counties, and in the Carson River drainage in Alpine County, California. Carson Valley wood nymph Cercyonis pegala carsonensis No Location outside of known distribution. Considered critically imperiled in Nevada. Trend is apparently declining; Washoe County population may be extirpated.
Sand Mountain Pygmy scarab Beetle Coenonycha pygmaea Sand Dunes and Badlands. Found only at Sand Mountain dune. No Location outside of known distribution.
Monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus plexippus Multiple key habitats; requires presence of larval host plants. No Host plants unlikely to occur.
Records only exist from Mineral County in the Wassuk Range. Trend Early blue or Dotted blue butterfly Euphilotes enoptes primavera No Location outside of known distribution. unknown, considered critically imperiled in Nevada.
Sand Dunes and Badlands supporting Kearney buckwheat. Only found at Sand Sand Mountain blue butterfly Euphilotes pallescens arenamontana No Location outside of known distribution. Mountain.
Open, sparse, sagebrush flats. Known from the Adobe Hills in Mono County, Mono basin skipper Hesperia uncas giulianii No Location outside of known distribution. California. Considered at risk by NNHP and critically imperiled in Nevada
Grasslands and Meadows, Desert Playas and Ephemeral Pools. Alkaline, Reese River Railroad Valley skipper Hesperia uncas reeseorum saltgrass habitat in Mason Valley, Lyon County, Nevada. Critically imperiled in No Location outside of known distribution. Nevada.
Distribution unknown but type locality is from Fort Churchill Road in Lyon Great Basin small blue butterfly Philotiella speciosa septentrionalis No Location outside of known distribution. County. Trend unknown, considered critically imperiled in Nevada.
Grasslands and Meadows, Desert Playas and Ephemeral Pools. Known from No grasslands, meadows, desert plyas or ephemeral pools Nevada alkali skipperling Pseudocopaeodes eunus flavus No Churchill, Lyon, Mineral and Nye Counties. present.
Sand Dunes and Badlands. Found only at Sand Mountain and Blow Sand Sand Mountain serican scarab Serica psammobunus No Location outside of known distribution. Mountain, in Churchill County, Nevada. Critically imperiled in Nevada.
Grasslands and meadows. Current distribution unknown. Historic records Carson Valley silverspot Speyeria nokomis carsonensis from Alpine, Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, and Washoe Counties. Considered No No grasslands or meadows present. critically imperiled in Nevada.
MOLLUSKS Lakes and reservoirs, intermountain riparian zones. Historically found in the California floater Anodonta californiensis Humboldt, Truckee, Carson, and Walker river basins. Trend is unclear but No No aquatic habitat present. almost certainly declining. Lakes and reservoirs, intermountain riparian zones. Known from several sites Pyramid Lake pebblesnail Fluminicola dalli at the north end of Pyramid Lake, in Washoe County, Nevada. Critically No No aquatic habitat present. imperiled in Nevada. Short term trend is relatively stable. Springs and sprinbrooks. Found in a single spring in the Pyramid Lake Basin, Virginia Mountains pebblesnail Fluminicola virginius Washoe County, Nevada. Critically imperiled in Nevada. Trend information is No No aquatic habitat present. not known. Springs and springbrooks. Records for Douglas and Mineral Counties. Trend Wongs pyrg P. wongi No No aquatic habitat present. unknown. Dixie Valley pyrg Pyrgulopsis dixensis Only found in spring habitats in the Dixie Valley No No aquatic habitat present. Springs and springbrooks. Scattered in the western Lahontan Basin. Critically Western Lahontan pyrg Pyrgulopsis longiglans No No aquatic habitat present. imperiled in Nevada. Trend information not known.
Last Updated: 10/21/2011 **Habitat Use: List type of use (i.e. year 'round, breeding, migration, foraging, etc.) and dates species would most likely be present for that activity. Breeding activities include dates of arrival through post-fledging dependency for birds. Denote probable nesting/parturition dates in parenthesis for all animals. For plants, list dates of emergence Status Codes FE = Federally listed endangered FT = Federally listed threatened *Supply full citations in an attached bibliography. FC = Federally listed candidate Data Sources: SE = State listed endangered Nevada Natural Heritage database, 2014 ST = State listed threatened USDA Plants database, 2014 SP = State protected NatureServe, 2014 SS = State sensitive Nevada Atlas of Breeding Birds, 2007 GS = Game species Nevada Natural Heritage Rare Plant Atlas, 2001 butterfliesofamerica.com, 2014 NS = Nevada BLM sensitive species NDOW Diversity database, 2014
Gray Highlight indicates: Species From Previous Baseline With Potential to Occure within the Solar Project Area Purple Highlight Indicates: New Species from the BLM 2017 Sensitive Species List with Potential to Occure within the Solar Project Area
Appendix C
Custom Soil Resource Report for the Churchill County Area, Nevada
United States A product of the National Custom Soil Resource Department of Cooperative Soil Survey, Agriculture a joint effort of the United Report for States Department of Agriculture and other Churchill County Area, Federal agencies, State Natural agencies including the Nevada, Parts of Churchill Resources Agricultural Experiment Conservation Stations, and local and Lyon Counties Service participants
June 14, 2018 Preface
Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas. They highlight soil limitations that affect various land uses and provide information about the properties of the soils in the survey areas. Soil surveys are designed for many different users, including farmers, ranchers, foresters, agronomists, urban planners, community officials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers. Also, conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the surveys to help them understand, protect, or enhance the environment. Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may impose special restrictions on land use or land treatment. Soil surveys identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or land treatment decisions. The information is intended to help the land users identify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner or user is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations. Although soil survey information can be used for general farm, local, and wider area planning, onsite investigation is needed to supplement this information in some cases. Examples include soil quality assessments (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/ portal/nrcs/main/soils/health/) and certain conservation and engineering applications. For more detailed information, contact your local USDA Service Center (https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs) or your NRCS State Soil Scientist (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/contactus/? cid=nrcs142p2_053951). Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are too unstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to basements or underground installations. The National Cooperative Soil Survey is a joint effort of the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State agencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has leadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey. Information about soils is updated periodically. Updated information is available through the NRCS Web Soil Survey, the site for official soil survey information. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
2 alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
3 Contents
Preface...... 2 How Soil Surveys Are Made...... 5 Soil Map...... 8 Soil Map (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)...... 9 Legend...... 10 Map Unit Legend (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)...... 12 Map Unit Descriptions (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)...... 12 Churchill County Area, Nevada, Parts of Churchill and Lyon Counties...... 14 422—Trocken-Hessing-Pineval association...... 14 643—Mazuma-Bluewing association...... 16 Soil Information for All Uses...... 19 Soil Properties and Qualities...... 19 Soil Physical Properties...... 19 Surface Texture (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)...... 19 Ecological Site Assessment...... 24 All Ecological Sites — Rangeland (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)...... 24 Map—Dominant Ecological Site (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)...... 25 Legend—Dominant Ecological Site (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)..... 26 Table—Ecological Sites by Map Unit Component (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)...... 28 References...... 29
4 How Soil Surveys Are Made
Soil surveys are made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous areas in a specific area. They include a description of the soils and miscellaneous areas and their location on the landscape and tables that show soil properties and limitations affecting various uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length, and shape of the slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops and native plants; and the kinds of bedrock. They observed and described many soil profiles. A soil profile is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The profile extends from the surface down into the unconsolidated material in which the soil formed or from the surface down to bedrock. The unconsolidated material is devoid of roots and other living organisms and has not been changed by other biological activity. Currently, soils are mapped according to the boundaries of major land resource areas (MLRAs). MLRAs are geographically associated land resource units that share common characteristics related to physiography, geology, climate, water resources, soils, biological resources, and land uses (USDA, 2006). Soil survey areas typically consist of parts of one or more MLRA. The soils and miscellaneous areas in a survey area occur in an orderly pattern that is related to the geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the area. Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind of landform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area and relating their position to specific segments of the landform, a soil scientist develops a concept, or model, of how they were formed. Thus, during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict with a considerable degree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific location on the landscape. Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as their characteristics gradually change. To construct an accurate soil map, however, soil scientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only a limited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented by an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to verify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries. Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied. They noted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of rock fragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enable them to identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determining their properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units). Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soil characteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis for comparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic classification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character of soil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soil
5 Custom Soil Resource Report scientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared the individual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so that they could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience and research. The objective of soil mapping is not to delineate pure map unit components; the objective is to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. Each map unit is defined by a unique combination of soil components and/or miscellaneous areas in predictable proportions. Some components may be highly contrasting to the other components of the map unit. The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The delineation of such landforms and landform segments on the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas. Soil scientists make many field observations in the process of producing a soil map. The frequency of observation is dependent upon several factors, including scale of mapping, intensity of mapping, design of map units, complexity of the landscape, and experience of the soil scientist. Observations are made to test and refine the soil-landscape model and predictions and to verify the classification of the soils at specific locations. Once the soil-landscape model is refined, a significantly smaller number of measurements of individual soil properties are made and recorded. These measurements may include field measurements, such as those for color, depth to bedrock, and texture, and laboratory measurements, such as those for content of sand, silt, clay, salt, and other components. Properties of each soil typically vary from one point to another across the landscape. Observations for map unit components are aggregated to develop ranges of characteristics for the components. The aggregated values are presented. Direct measurements do not exist for every property presented for every map unit component. Values for some properties are estimated from combinations of other properties. While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the area generally are collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil scientists interpret the data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed characteristics and the soil properties to determine the expected behavior of the soils under different uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field tested through observation of the soils in different uses and under different levels of management. Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions, and some new interpretations are developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled from other sources, such as research information, production records, and field experience of specialists. For example, data on crop yields under defined levels of management are assembled from farm records and from field or plot experiments on the same kinds of soil. Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also on such variables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable over long periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example, soil scientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will have a high water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict that a high water table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date. After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in the survey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs and
6 Custom Soil Resource Report identified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields, roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries accurately.
7 Soil Map
The soil map section includes the soil map for the defined area of interest, a list of soil map units on the map and extent of each map unit, and cartographic symbols displayed on the map. Also presented are various metadata about data used to produce the map, and a description of each soil map unit.
8 Custom Soil Resource Report Soil Map (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project) 117° 41' 21'' W 117° 40' 29'' W
440900 441000 441100 441200 441300 441400 441500 441600 441700 441800 441900 442000 442100 39° 40' 9'' N 39° 40' 9'' N 4391200 4391200 4391100 4391100 4391000 4391000 4390900 4390900 4390800 4390800 4390700 4390700 4390600 4390600
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale. 4390500 4390500 39° 39' 43'' N 39° 39' 43'' N 440900 441000 441100 441200 441300 441400 441500 441600 441700 441800 441900 442000 442100
Map Scale: 1:5,650 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet. Meters N 0 50 100 200 300 117° 41' 21'' W 117° 40' 29'' W Feet 0 250 500 1000 1500 Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 11N WGS84 9 Custom Soil Resource Report
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI) Spoil Area The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at Area of Interest (AOI) 1:24,000. Stony Spot Soils Very Stony Spot Soil Map Unit Polygons Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale. Wet Spot Soil Map Unit Lines Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause Other Soil Map Unit Points misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil Special Line Features line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of Special Point Features contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed Blowout Water Features scale. Streams and Canals Borrow Pit Transportation Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map Clay Spot Rails measurements. Closed Depression Interstate Highways Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service Gravel Pit US Routes Web Soil Survey URL: Gravelly Spot Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857) Major Roads Landfill Local Roads Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator Lava Flow projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts Background distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Marsh or swamp Aerial Photography Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more Mine or Quarry accurate calculations of distance or area are required.
Miscellaneous Water This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as Perennial Water of the version date(s) listed below.
Rock Outcrop Soil Survey Area: Churchill County Area, Nevada, Parts of Saline Spot Churchill and Lyon Counties Survey Area Data: Version 12, Oct 9, 2017 Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000 or larger. Sinkhole
Slide or Slip Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Jul 19, 2010—Oct 5, 2016 Sodic Spot The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
10 Custom Soil Resource Report
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.
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Map Unit Legend (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
422 Trocken-Hessing-Pineval 0.3 0.3% association 643 Mazuma-Bluewing association 110.6 99.7% Totals for Area of Interest 110.9 100.0%
Map Unit Descriptions (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)
The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in a soil survey represent the soils or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions, along with the maps, can be used to determine the composition and properties of a unit. A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one or more major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and named according to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomic class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the landscape, however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have the characteristic variability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some observed properties may extend beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of a single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without including areas of other taxonomic classes. Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils or miscellaneous areas for which it is named and some minor components that belong to taxonomic classes other than those of the major soils. Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in the map unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are called noncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in a particular map unit description. Other minor components, however, have properties and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require different management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They generally are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the scale used. Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identified by a special symbol on the maps. If included in the database for a given area, the contrasting minor components are identified in the map unit descriptions along with some characteristics of each. A few areas of minor components may not have been observed, and consequently they are not mentioned in the descriptions, especially where the pattern was so complex that it was impractical to make enough observations to identify all the soils and miscellaneous areas on the landscape. The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure taxonomic classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or
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landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. The delineation of such segments on the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, however, onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas. An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions. Each description includes general facts about the unit and gives important soil properties and qualities. Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except for differences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement. Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity, degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis of such differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown on the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase commonly indicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Alpha silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpha series. Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas. These map units are complexes, associations, or undifferentiated groups. A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps. The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all areas. Alpha-Beta complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, is an example. An association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils or miscellaneous areas that are shown as one unit on the maps. Because of present or anticipated uses of the map units in the survey area, it was not considered practical or necessary to map the soils or miscellaneous areas separately. The pattern and relative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar. Alpha-Beta association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example. An undifferentiated group is made up of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas that could be mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similar interpretations can be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform. An area can be made up of only one of the major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made up of all of them. Alpha and Beta soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example. Some surveys include miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil material and support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example.
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Churchill County Area, Nevada, Parts of Churchill and Lyon Counties
422—Trocken-Hessing-Pineval association
Map Unit Setting National map unit symbol: hzxl Elevation: 5,100 to 5,400 feet Mean annual precipitation: 6 to 10 inches Mean annual air temperature: 48 to 51 degrees F Frost-free period: 100 to 130 days Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition Trocken and similar soils: 50 percent Hessing and similar soils: 20 percent Pineval and similar soils: 15 percent Minor components: 15 percent Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Trocken Setting Landform: Fan skirts Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Alluvium derived from mixed Typical profile H1 - 0 to 3 inches: gravelly very fine sandy loam H2 - 3 to 60 inches: stratified extremely gravelly loamy coarse sand to very cobbly loam Properties and qualities Slope: 2 to 4 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Natural drainage class: Well drained Runoff class: Low Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.57 to 1.98 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Calcium carbonate, maximum in profile: 5 percent Salinity, maximum in profile: Very slightly saline to slightly saline (2.0 to 4.0 mmhos/cm) Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum in profile: 45.0 Available water storage in profile: Low (about 4.3 inches) Interpretive groups Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 7s Hydrologic Soil Group: B Ecological site: LOAMY 4-8 P.Z. (R027XY013NV) Hydric soil rating: No
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Description of Hessing Setting Landform: Inset fans Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Parent material: Alluvium derived from mixed Typical profile H1 - 0 to 7 inches: silt loam H2 - 7 to 13 inches: silt loam H3 - 13 to 20 inches: very fine sandy loam H4 - 20 to 27 inches: gravelly loam H5 - 27 to 60 inches: stratified extremely gravelly sand to very gravelly loamy coarse sand Properties and qualities Slope: 2 to 4 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Natural drainage class: Well drained Runoff class: Medium Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high (0.20 to 0.57 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Calcium carbonate, maximum in profile: 10 percent Salinity, maximum in profile: Strongly saline (16.0 to 32.0 mmhos/cm) Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum in profile: 12.0 Available water storage in profile: Moderate (about 6.7 inches) Interpretive groups Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 7s Hydrologic Soil Group: C Ecological site: LOAMY 4-8 P.Z. (R027XY013NV) Hydric soil rating: No
Description of Pineval Setting Landform: Fan remnants Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Alluvium derived from mixed Typical profile H1 - 0 to 5 inches: gravelly loam H2 - 5 to 17 inches: very gravelly sandy clay loam H3 - 17 to 60 inches: stratified extremely gravelly sand to very gravelly sandy loam Properties and qualities Slope: 4 to 8 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Natural drainage class: Well drained Runoff class: High
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Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high (0.20 to 0.57 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Calcium carbonate, maximum in profile: 5 percent Salinity, maximum in profile: Nonsaline to very slightly saline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm) Available water storage in profile: Low (about 4.2 inches) Interpretive groups Land capability classification (irrigated): 4e Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 6s Hydrologic Soil Group: C Ecological site: DROUGHTY LOAM 8-10 P.Z. (R027XY008NV) Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components Chuckles Percent of map unit: 6 percent Landform: Lake terraces Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Convex Ecological site: SODIC FLAT (R027XY025NV) Hydric soil rating: No Xeric torriorthents Percent of map unit: 5 percent Landform: Channels Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Concave Ecological site: GRAVELLY FAN 8-10 P.Z. (R027XY029NV) Other vegetative classification: GRAVELLY FAN 8-10 P.Z. (027XY029NV_1) Hydric soil rating: No Wholan Percent of map unit: 4 percent Landform: Inset fans Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Linear Ecological site: COARSE SILTY 4-8 P.Z. (R027XY014NV) Hydric soil rating: No
643—Mazuma-Bluewing association
Map Unit Setting National map unit symbol: hzzd
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Elevation: 3,800 to 4,500 feet Mean annual precipitation: 5 to 7 inches Mean annual air temperature: 50 to 52 degrees F Frost-free period: 110 to 130 days Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition Mazuma and similar soils: 45 percent Bluewing and similar soils: 40 percent Minor components: 15 percent Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Mazuma Setting Landform: Barrier beaches Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Alluvium derived from mixed Typical profile H1 - 0 to 5 inches: fine sandy loam H2 - 5 to 25 inches: fine sandy loam H3 - 25 to 60 inches: stratified gravelly coarse sand to silt loam Properties and qualities Slope: 0 to 2 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Natural drainage class: Well drained Runoff class: Very low Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): High (1.98 to 5.95 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Calcium carbonate, maximum in profile: 10 percent Gypsum, maximum in profile: 1 percent Salinity, maximum in profile: Moderately saline to strongly saline (8.0 to 32.0 mmhos/cm) Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum in profile: 30.0 Available water storage in profile: Low (about 5.4 inches) Interpretive groups Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 7s Hydrologic Soil Group: A Ecological site: SODIC FLAT (R027XY025NV) Hydric soil rating: No
Description of Bluewing Setting Landform: Barrier beaches Down-slope shape: Convex Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Alluvium
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Typical profile H1 - 0 to 5 inches: very gravelly sandy loam H2 - 5 to 60 inches: stratified very gravelly sand to extremely gravelly loamy coarse sand Properties and qualities Slope: 2 to 8 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Natural drainage class: Excessively drained Runoff class: Low Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): High (1.98 to 5.95 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Calcium carbonate, maximum in profile: 15 percent Gypsum, maximum in profile: 1 percent Salinity, maximum in profile: Nonsaline to slightly saline (0.0 to 4.0 mmhos/cm) Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum in profile: 12.0 Available water storage in profile: Very low (about 2.5 inches) Interpretive groups Land capability classification (irrigated): 4s Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 7s Hydrologic Soil Group: A Ecological site: COARSE GRAVELLY LOAM 4-8 P.Z. (R027XY050NV) Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components Mazuma Percent of map unit: 8 percent Landform: Lake terraces Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Convex Ecological site: GRAVELLY LOAM 4-8 P.Z. (R027XY018NV) Hydric soil rating: No Bluewing Percent of map unit: 7 percent Landform: Drainageways Down-slope shape: Linear Across-slope shape: Concave Ecological site: VALLEY WASH (R027XY022NV) Hydric soil rating: No
18 Soil Information for All Uses
Soil Properties and Qualities
The Soil Properties and Qualities section includes various soil properties and qualities displayed as thematic maps with a summary table for the soil map units in the selected area of interest. A single value or rating for each map unit is generated by aggregating the interpretive ratings of individual map unit components. This aggregation process is defined for each property or quality.
Soil Physical Properties
Soil Physical Properties are measured or inferred from direct observations in the field or laboratory. Examples of soil physical properties include percent clay, organic matter, saturated hydraulic conductivity, available water capacity, and bulk density.
Surface Texture (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)
This displays the representative texture class and modifier of the surface horizon.
Texture is given in the standard terms used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These terms are defined according to percentages of sand, silt, and clay in the fraction of the soil that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter. "Loam," for example, is soil that is 7 to 27 percent clay, 28 to 50 percent silt, and less than 52 percent sand. If the content of particles coarser than sand is 15 percent or more, an appropriate modifier is added, for example, "gravelly."
19 Custom Soil Resource Report Map—Surface Texture (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project) 117° 41' 21'' W 117° 40' 29'' W
440900 441000 441100 441200 441300 441400 441500 441600 441700 441800 441900 442000 442100 39° 40' 9'' N 39° 40' 9'' N 4391200 4391200 4391100 4391100 4391000 4391000 4390900 4390900 4390800 4390800 4390700 4390700 4390600 4390600
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale. 4390500 4390500 39° 39' 43'' N 39° 39' 43'' N 440900 441000 441100 441200 441300 441400 441500 441600 441700 441800 441900 442000 442100
Map Scale: 1:5,650 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet. Meters N 0 50 100 200 300 117° 41' 21'' W 117° 40' 29'' W Feet 0 250 500 1000 1500 Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 11N WGS84 20 Custom Soil Resource Report
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI) Background The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at Area of Interest (AOI) Aerial Photography 1:24,000.
Soils Soil Rating Polygons Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale. Fine sandy loam Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause Gravelly very fine sandy misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil loam line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of Not rated or not available contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale. Soil Rating Lines Fine sandy loam Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map Gravelly very fine sandy measurements. loam Not rated or not available Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Rating Points Web Soil Survey URL: Fine sandy loam Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Gravelly very fine sandy loam Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts Not rated or not available distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Water Features Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more Streams and Canals accurate calculations of distance or area are required.
Transportation This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as Rails of the version date(s) listed below. Interstate Highways Soil Survey Area: Churchill County Area, Nevada, Parts of US Routes Churchill and Lyon Counties Survey Area Data: Version 12, Oct 9, 2017 Major Roads
Local Roads Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000 or larger.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Jul 19, 2010—Oct 5, 2016
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
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MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.
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Table—Surface Texture (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)
Map unit symbol Map unit name Rating Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
422 Trocken-Hessing-Pineval Gravelly very fine sandy 0.3 0.3% association loam 643 Mazuma-Bluewing Fine sandy loam 110.6 99.7% association Totals for Area of Interest 110.9 100.0%
Rating Options—Surface Texture (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)
Aggregation Method: Dominant Condition Component Percent Cutoff: None Specified Tie-break Rule: Lower Layer Options (Horizon Aggregation Method): Surface Layer (Not applicable)
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Ecological Site Assessment
Individual soil map unit components can be correlated to a particular ecological site. The Ecological Site Assessment section includes ecological site descriptions, plant growth curves, state and transition models, and selected National Plants database information.
All Ecological Sites — Rangeland (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)
An "ecological site" is the product of all the environmental factors responsible for its development. It has characteristic soils that have developed over time; a characteristic hydrology, particularly infiltration and runoff, that has developed over time; and a characteristic plant community (kind and amount of vegetation). The vegetation, soils, and hydrology are all interrelated. Each is influenced by the others and influences the development of the others. For example, the hydrology of the site is influenced by development of the soil and plant community. The plant community on an ecological site is typified by an association of species that differs from that of other ecological sites in the kind and/or proportion of species or in total production. An ecological site name provides a general description of a particular ecological site. For example, "Loamy Upland" is the name of a rangeland ecological site. An "ecological site ID" is the symbol assigned to a particular ecological site. The map identifies the dominant ecological site for each map unit, aggregated by dominant condition. Other ecological sites may occur within each map unit. Each map unit typically consists of one or more components (soils and/or miscellaneous areas). Each soil component is associated with an ecological site. Miscellaneous areas, such as rock outcrop, sand dunes, and badlands, have little or no soil material and support little or no vegetation and therefore are not linked to an ecological site. The table below the map lists all of the ecological sites for each map unit component in your area of interest.
24 Custom Soil Resource Report Map—Dominant Ecological Site (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project) 117° 41' 21'' W 117° 40' 29'' W
440900 441000 441100 441200 441300 441400 441500 441600 441700 441800 441900 442000 442100 39° 40' 9'' N 39° 40' 9'' N 4391200 4391200 4391100 4391100 4391000 4391000 4390900 4390900 4390800 4390800 4390700 4390700 4390600 4390600
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale. 4390500 4390500 39° 39' 43'' N 39° 39' 43'' N 440900 441000 441100 441200 441300 441400 441500 441600 441700 441800 441900 442000 442100
Map Scale: 1:5,650 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet. Meters N 0 50 100 200 300 117° 41' 21'' W 117° 40' 29'' W Feet 0 250 500 1000 1500 Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 11N WGS84 25 Custom Soil Resource Report
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI) The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at Area of Interest (AOI) 1:24,000.
Soils Soil Rating Polygons Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale. R027XY013NV Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause R027XY025NV misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of Not rated or not available contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed Soil Rating Lines scale. R027XY013NV
R027XY025NV Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map measurements. Not rated or not available
Soil Rating Points Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service R027XY013NV Web Soil Survey URL: Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857) R027XY025NV
Not rated or not available Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts Water Features distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Streams and Canals Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate calculations of distance or area are required. Transportation Rails This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as Interstate Highways of the version date(s) listed below.
US Routes Soil Survey Area: Churchill County Area, Nevada, Parts of Major Roads Churchill and Lyon Counties Survey Area Data: Version 12, Oct 9, 2017 Local Roads
Background Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales Aerial Photography 1:50,000 or larger.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Jul 19, 2010—Oct 5, 2016
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
26 Custom Soil Resource Report
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.
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Table—Ecological Sites by Map Unit Component (Tungsten Mountain Solar Project)
Map unit symbol Map unit name Component name Ecological site Acres in AOI Percent of AOI (percent)
422 Trocken-Hessing- Trocken (50%) R027XY013NV — 0.3 0.3% Pineval LOAMY 4-8 P.Z. association Hessing (20%) R027XY013NV — LOAMY 4-8 P.Z. Pineval (15%) R027XY008NV — DROUGHTY LOAM 8-10 P.Z. Chuckles (6%) R027XY025NV — SODIC FLAT Xeric Torriorthents R027XY029NV — (5%) GRAVELLY FAN 8-10 P.Z. Wholan (4%) R027XY014NV — COARSE SILTY 4-8 P.Z. 643 Mazuma-Bluewing Mazuma (45%) R027XY025NV — 110.6 99.7% association SODIC FLAT Bluewing (40%) R027XY050NV — COARSE GRAVELLY LOAM 4-8 P.Z. Mazuma (8%) R027XY018NV — GRAVELLY LOAM 4-8 P.Z. Bluewing (7%) R027XY022NV — VALLEY WASH Totals for Area of Interest 110.9 100.0%
28 References
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). 2004. Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods of sampling and testing. 24th edition. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2005. Standard classification of soils for engineering purposes. ASTM Standard D2487-00. Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS-79/31. Federal Register. July 13, 1994. Changes in hydric soils of the United States. Federal Register. September 18, 2002. Hydric soils of the United States. Hurt, G.W., and L.M. Vasilas, editors. Version 6.0, 2006. Field indicators of hydric soils in the United States. National Research Council. 1995. Wetlands: Characteristics and boundaries. Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 18. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_054262 Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436. http:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053577 Soil Survey Staff. 2010. Keys to soil taxonomy. 11th edition. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. http:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053580 Tiner, R.W., Jr. 1985. Wetlands of Delaware. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Wetlands Section. United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Waterways Experiment Station Technical Report Y-87-1. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National forestry manual. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053374 United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National range and pasture handbook. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ detail/national/landuse/rangepasture/?cid=stelprdb1043084
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United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/detail/soils/scientists/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242 United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/? cid=nrcs142p2_053624 United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1961. Land capability classification. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 210. http:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_052290.pdf
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Appendix D
Noxious Weed List
NEVADA NOXIOUS WEED LIST BY CATEGORY (NAC 555.010) Category A Weeds: Category A noxious weeds are weeds that are generally not found or that are limited in distribution throughout the State. African rue (Peganum harmala ) Austrian fieldcress (Rorippa austriaca ) Swainsonpea (Sphaerophysa salsula ) Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger ) Camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum) Common crupina (Crupina vulgaris ) Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica ) Dyer’s woad (Isatis tinctoria ) Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum ) Giant reed (Arundo donax ) Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta ) Goatsrue (Galega officinalis ) Crimson fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ) Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale ) Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata ) Iberian starthistle (Centaurea iberica ) Common St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum ) Malta starthistle (Centaurea melitensis ) Mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula ) Mediterranean sage (Salvia aethiopis ) Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria, L. virgatum & cultivars) Purple starthistle (Centaurea calcitrapa ) Rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea ) Sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis ) Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa ) Squarrose knapweed (Centaurea virgata ) Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta ) Syrian bean caper (Zygophyllum fabago ) Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis ) Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris )
Category B Weeds: Category B listed noxious weeds are weeds that are generally established in scattered populations in some counties of the State. Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense ) Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa ) Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula ) Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae ) Musk thistle (Carduus nutans ) Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens ) African mustard (Brassica tournefortii ) Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium ) Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium )
Category C Weeds: Category C listed noxious weeds are weeds that are generally established and generally widespread in many counties of the State. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense ) Hoary cress (Cardaria draba ) Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense ) Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium ) Poison-hemlock (Conium maculatum ) Puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris ) Salt cedar (tamarisk) (Tamarix spp.) Spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata )