Start approx. 1 mi north of RM 620/SH 45
345 feet West of Deerbrook Trail n so am lli is Wi av Tr
RD GS RIN 620 SP ³ ± D O O W £183 E ¤ IC SP
2222 ³ ±
UV1
2222 ³ ± ¤£183 End @ RM 2222
Project Location
Project Location Miles County Boundary ¯ 0 2.5 5 Basemap Source: ESRI Topo, ESRI Streets 620 ³ ±
¤£183
UV360
UV1 ¨¦§35
2222 ³ ±
Aerial Map US 183N Existing ROW: 715.99 acres Proposed ROW (for Retention Ponds): 41.61 acres Miles Proposed Easements: 2.37 acres 0 0.5 1 1.5 ¯ Basemap Source: ESRI: Microsoft, 2011 US 183 Photo Log Photos Taken in January, October and December 2014
Photo 1: Typical view of US 183 in the project area, facing south.
Photo 2: Typical view of Mopac in the project area, facing north.
Page 1 US 183 Photo Log Photos Taken in January, October and December 2014
Photo 3: Lake Creek is intermittent and has been highly disturbed in the project area. Facing west at US 183.
Photo 4: Shoal Creek and its riparian area, facing west from the Mopac ROW.
Page 2 US 183 Photo Log Photos Taken in January, October and December 2014
Photo 5: Riparian area surrounding Shoal Creek within the US 183 ROW, facing east.
Photo 6: Potential wetland located in proposed water retention pond, facing north.
Page 3 Occurrence List for Quads Surrounding Request Area
Occurrence State Federal Scientific Name: Common Name: Number: Status: Status: Eo Id:
Argythamnia aphoroides Hill Country wild-mercury 14 1107
Bat Roost 7 3394
Bat Roost 44 3195
Batrisodes texanus Coffin Cave Mold Beetle 2 LE 2441
Batrisodes texanus Coffin Cave Mold Beetle 5 LE 8759
Berberis swaseyi Texas Barberry 6 8715
Berberis swaseyi Texas Barberry 11 11296
Berberis swaseyi Texas Barberry 18 11306
Berberis swaseyi Texas Barberry 24 11304
Berberis swaseyi Texas Barberry 29 11352
Brickellia dentata Leafy Brickellbush 7 8712
Brickellia eupatorioides var. gracillima Narrow-leaf Brickellbush 7 10984
Charadrius montanus Mountain Plover 3 2878
Charadrius montanus Mountain Plover 17 8753
Croton alabamensis var. texensis Texabama croton 3 2804
Croton alabamensis var. texensis Texabama croton 12 8108
Croton alabamensis var. texensis Texabama croton 13 4923
Croton alabamensis var. texensis Texabama croton 15 5103
Croton alabamensis var. texensis Texabama croton 16 1610
Cuscuta exaltata Tall Dodder 14 11206
Desmanthus reticulatus Net-leaf Bundle-flower 13 10159
Etheostoma fonticola Fountain Darter 2 E LE 5258
2014-10-08 1 Occurrence State Federal Scientific Name: Common Name: Number: Status: Status: Eo Id:
Eurycea nana San Marcos Salamander 1 T LT 7322
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 1 C 6647
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 2 C 4120
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 3 C 2257
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 4 C 4446
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 5 C 1754
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 6 C 7727
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 7 C 3759
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 10 C 9286
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 11 C 9287
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 12 C 9361
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 13 C 9362
Eurycea naufragia Georgetown Salamander 14 C 9363
Eurycea pterophila Blanco River Springs Salamander 6 2410
Eurycea pterophila Blanco River Springs Salamander 25 9343
Eurycea pterophila Blanco River Springs Salamander 26 9344
Eurycea pterophila Blanco River Springs Salamander 27 9345
Eurycea pterophila Blanco River Springs Salamander 28 9346
Eurycea rathbuni Texas Blind Salamander 1 E LE 1969
Eurycea rathbuni Texas Blind Salamander 3 E LE 3620
Eurycea rathbuni Texas Blind Salamander 4 E LE 7330
Eurycea rathbuni Texas Blind Salamander 5 E LE 5199
Eurycea robusta Blanco Blind Salamander 1 T 3289
2014-10-08 2 Occurrence State Federal Scientific Name: Common Name: Number: Status: Status: Eo Id:
Eurycea sosorum Barton Springs Salamander 3 E LE 12351
Festuca versuta Texas Fescue 1 8713
Festuca versuta Texas Fescue 23 11008
Festuca versuta Texas Fescue 24 11119
Graptemys caglei Cagle's Map Turtle 5 T 7833
Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle 1 T 7363
Heterelmis comalensis Comal Springs Riffle Beetle 2 E LE 10935
Holbrookia lacerata Spot-tailed Earless Lizard 29 9481
Holbrookia lacerata Spot-tailed Earless Lizard 31 9483
Holbrookia lacerata Spot-tailed Earless Lizard 93 9576
Holbrookia lacerata Spot-tailed Earless Lizard 94 9597
Holbrookia lacerata Spot-tailed Earless Lizard 129 9733
Holbrookia lacerata Spot-tailed Earless Lizard 135 9739
Invertebrate cave 13 5144
Invertebrate cave 14 778
Invertebrate cave 15 6893
Invertebrate cave 16 3977
Invertebrate cave 17 2202
Invertebrate cave 18 5095
Invertebrate cave 19 1040
Invertebrate cave 20 1039
Invertebrate cave 21 6398
Invertebrate cave 32 8758
2014-10-08 3 Occurrence State Federal Scientific Name: Common Name: Number: Status: Status: Eo Id:
Juniperus ashei-quercus spp. series Ashe Juniper-oak Series 32 7010
Juniperus ashei-quercus spp. series Ashe Juniper-oak Series 33 413
Lampsilis bracteata Texas Fatmucket 21 T C 9769
Lythrum ovalifolium Oval-leaved Loosestrife 41 10571
Lythrum ovalifolium Oval-leaved Loosestrife 50 10580
Lythrum ovalifolium Oval-leaved Loosestrife 52 10582
Lythrum ovalifolium Oval-leaved Loosestrife 59 10736
Lythrum ovalifolium Oval-leaved Loosestrife 61 10738
Matelea edwardsensis Plateau Milkvine 28 10494
Micropterus treculi Guadalupe Bass 19 7074
Micropterus treculi Guadalupe Bass 20 7073
Micropterus treculi Guadalupe Bass 23 5108
Micropterus treculi Guadalupe Bass 50 5159
Myotis velifer Cave Myotis Bat 15 1959
Onosmodium helleri Heller's False-gromwell 11 5946
Onosmodium helleri Heller's False-gromwell 20 601
Palaemonetes texanus 2 10504
Philadelphus ernestii canyon mock-orange 15 3465
Quercus buckleyi series Texas Oak Series 25 1144
Quercus buckleyi series Texas Oak Series 31 1873
Quercus fusiformis / Schizachyrium scoparium Plateau Live Oak / Little Bluestem Woodland 2 11399 Woodland
Quercus fusiformis / Schizachyrium scoparium Plateau Live Oak / Little Bluestem Woodland 4 11401 Woodland
Quercus fusiformis / Schizachyrium scoparium Plateau Live Oak / Little Bluestem Woodland 5 11489 Woodland
2014-10-08 4 Occurrence State Federal Scientific Name: Common Name: Number: Status: Status: Eo Id:
Quercus fusiformis / Schizachyrium scoparium Plateau Live Oak / Little Bluestem Woodland 7 11491 Woodland
Quercus fusiformis / Schizachyrium scoparium Plateau Live Oak / Little Bluestem Woodland 8 11492 Woodland
Quercus fusiformis / Schizachyrium scoparium Plateau Live Oak / Little Bluestem Woodland 9 11493 Woodland
Quercus fusiformis / Schizachyrium scoparium Plateau Live Oak / Little Bluestem Woodland 10 11494 Woodland
Quercus fusiformis/schizachyrium scoparium Plateau Live Oak/little Bluestem Series 12 5486 series
Quercus fusiformis/schizachyrium scoparium Plateau Live Oak/little Bluestem Series 14 6114 series
Quercus fusiformis/schizachyrium scoparium Plateau Live Oak/little Bluestem Series 17 5826 series
Quercus stellata-quercus marilandica series Post Oak-blackjack Oak Series 26 4024
Quercus stellata-quercus marilandica series Post Oak-blackjack Oak Series 27 2135
Quercus stellata-quercus marilandica series Post Oak-blackjack Oak Series 28 4275
Rookery 239 7670
Rookery 527 1589
Rookery 528 4273
Rookery 576 6689
Schizachyrium scoparium - Paspalum plicatulum Alfisol Coastal Prairie 7 11677 - Sorghastrum nutans - Dichanthelium oligosanthes - Paspalum setaceum - Symphyotrichum pratense Alfisol Herbaceous Vegetation
Schizachyrium scoparium - Paspalum plicatulum Alfisol Coastal Prairie 8 11678 - Sorghastrum nutans - Dichanthelium oligosanthes - Paspalum setaceum - Symphyotrichum pratense Alfisol Herbaceous Vegetation
Schizachyrium scoparium - Paspalum plicatulum Alfisol Coastal Prairie 9 11679 - Sorghastrum nutans - Dichanthelium oligosanthes - Paspalum setaceum - Symphyotrichum pratense Alfisol Herbaceous Vegetation
Schizachyrium scoparium - Paspalum plicatulum Alfisol Coastal Prairie 10 11680 - Sorghastrum nutans - Dichanthelium oligosanthes - Paspalum setaceum - Symphyotrichum pratense Alfisol Herbaceous Vegetation
2014-10-08 5 Occurrence State Federal Scientific Name: Common Name: Number: Status: Status: Eo Id:
Schizachyrium scoparium - Sorghastrum nutans - Vertisol Blackland Prairie 97 11987 Andropogon gerardii - Bifora americana Vertisol Herbaceous Vegetation
Schizachyrium scoparium - Sorghastrum nutans - Vertisol Blackland Prairie 98 11988 Andropogon gerardii - Bifora americana Vertisol Herbaceous Vegetation
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 33 E LE 5447
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 45 E LE 1990
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 50 E LE 5061
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 85 E LE 796
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 86 E LE 7446
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 87 E LE 5620
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 88 E LE 2734
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 89 E LE 5618
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 90 E LE 5616
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 91 E LE 638
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 92 E LE 7988
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 93 E LE 2236
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 94 E LE 908
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 170 E LE 5166
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 171 E LE 740
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 172 E LE 7821
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 173 E LE 2467
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 184 E LE 1730
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 185 E LE 6634
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 188 E LE 4934
2014-10-08 6 Occurrence State Federal Scientific Name: Common Name: Number: Status: Status: Eo Id:
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 190 E LE 112
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 199 E LE 6106
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 222 E LE 4007
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 236 E LE 5529
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 240 E LE 83
Setophaga chrysoparia Golden-cheeked Warbler 243 E LE 2561
Stygobromus balconis Balcones Cave Amphipod 1 12350
Stygobromus russelli An Amphipod 1 4981
Styrax platanifolius ssp. platanifolius Sycamore-leaved Snowbell 9 11240
Styrax platanifolius ssp. platanifolius Sycamore-leaved Snowbell 11 11140
Styrax platanifolius ssp. platanifolius Sycamore-leaved Snowbell 21 11181
Styrax platanifolius ssp. platanifolius Sycamore-leaved Snowbell 23 11244
Texella reyesi Bone Cave harvestman 1 LE 955
Texella reyesi Bone Cave harvestman 49 LE 1769
Texella reyesi Bone Cave harvestman 50 LE 1768
Texella reyesi Bone Cave harvestman 51 LE 5729
Texella reyesi Bone Cave harvestman 52 LE 2599
Texella reyesi Bone Cave harvestman 54 LE 617
Texella reyesi Bone Cave harvestman 55 LE 300
Texella reyesi Bone Cave harvestman 56 LE 6115
Texella reyesi Bone Cave harvestman 57 LE 3080
Texella reyesi Bone Cave harvestman 59 LE 1079
Texella reyesi Bone Cave harvestman 61 LE 8760
2014-10-08 7 Occurrence State Federal Scientific Name: Common Name: Number: Status: Status: Eo Id:
Thamnophis sirtalis annectens Texas Garter Snake 12 3457
Thamnophis sirtalis annectens Texas Garter Snake 13 5791
Vireo atricapilla Black-capped Vireo 53 E LE 7457
Vireo atricapilla Black-capped Vireo 110 E LE 5080
Vireo atricapilla Black-capped Vireo 266 E LE 648
Vireo atricapilla Black-capped Vireo 267 E LE 6045
Vireo atricapilla Black-capped Vireo 289 E LE 1704
Vireo atricapilla Black-capped Vireo 290 E LE 1703
Vireo atricapilla Black-capped Vireo 291 E LE 174
Vireo atricapilla Black-capped Vireo 292 E LE 6358
Vireo atricapilla Black-capped Vireo 293 E LE 2881
Zizania texana Texas wild-rice 1 E LE 1332
2014-10-08 8 Federally- and State-Listed Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) of Potential Occurrence in Travis and Williamson Counties, and Potential Effects/Impacts as a Result of the US 183 Project Fed. State Habitat Species Species Description of Suitable Habitat Justification Status Status Present Effect/Impact Restricted to subterranean cavities of the Edwards Aquifer; only Project is out of the range Austin blind definitively known from the of this species. No habitat salamander E SGCN outlets of Barton Springs; No No effect occurs in the project area (Eurycea potentially occurs in other spring for the Austin blind waterlooensis) outlets or subterranean aquatic salamander. habitat. Known from the outlets of Barton Project is out of the range Barton Springs Springs and subterranean water- of this species. No habitat salamander EE filled caverns; found under rocks, No No effect occurs in the project area (Eurycea in gravel, or among vascular for the Barton Springs sosorum) plants and algae. salamander. Project is out of the range Georgetown of this species. No habitat salamander Known from the springs and T SGCN No No effect occurs in the project area (Eurycea waters in and around Georgetown for the Georgetown naufragia) salamander. Water quality maintenance measures to remove at least 85% of TSS in the drainage Jollyville Plateau Known from springs and waters area that drains near the salamander of some caves north of the T SGCN No No effect Jollyville Plateau (Eurycea Colorado River in the area of the salamander critical habitat tonkawae) Jollyville Plateau. will be implemented into the design in order to avoid affecting this species. Project is out of the range Pedernales River of this species. No habitat springs Endemic, known only from -- -- No No impact occurs in the project area salamander springs for the Pedernales River (Eurycea sp. 6) springs salamander. Known from springs and waters near Salado in Bell County. In total, the Salado salamander is Salado Springs currently known from seven Project is out of the range salamander springs. A groundwater divide of this species. No habitat T -- No No effect (Eurycea between Salado Creek and Berry occurs in the project area chisholmensis) Creek to the south likely creates a for the Salado salamander. division between the ranges of the Georgetown and Salado salamander. Federally- and State-Listed Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) of Potential Occurrence in Travis and Williamson Counties, and Potential Effects/Impacts as a Result of the US 183 Project Fed. State Habitat Species Species Description of Suitable Habitat Justification Status Status Present Effect/Impact Survey protocols from the Section 10(a) USFWS permit were used in the karst feature survey, which Bandit Cave Very small, subterrestrial, found that no karst features spider (Cicurina -- SGCN No No effect subterranean obligate exist within the project bandida) area. Please refer to the Karst Invertebrate Technical Report for more information. Survey protocols from the Section 10(a) USFWS permit were used in the karst feature survey, which Bee Creek Cave Endemic to a few caves in Travis found that no karst features harvestman E SGCN No No effect and Williamson Counties. exist within the project (Texella reddelli) area. Please refer to the Karst Invertebrate Technical Report for more information. Survey protocols from the Section 10(a) USFWS permit were used in the karst feature survey, which Bone Cave Endemic to a few caves in Travis found that no karst features harvestman E SGCN No No effect and Williamson Counties. exist within the project (Texella reyesi) area. Please refer to the Karst Invertebrate Technical Report for more information. Survey protocols from the Section 10(a) USFWS permit were used in the Tooth Cave karst feature survey, which spider Very small, cave adapted, found that no karst features E SGCN No No effect (Tayshaneta sedentary spider exist within the project myopica) area. Please refer to the Karst Invertebrate Technical Report for more information. Tooth Cave Habitat for this species is pseudoscorpion Known from small limestone E SGCN No No effect out of the range of this (Tartarocreagris caves of the Edwards Plateau project. texana) Federally- and State-Listed Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) of Potential Occurrence in Travis and Williamson Counties, and Potential Effects/Impacts as a Result of the US 183 Project Fed. State Habitat Species Species Description of Suitable Habitat Justification Status Status Present Effect/Impact Survey protocols from the Section 10(a) USFWS permit were used in the Warton’s cave karst feature survey, which meshweaver found that no karst features -- SGCN Very small, cave-adapted spider No No effect (Cicurina exist within the project wartoni) area. Please refer to the Karst Invertebrate Technical Report for more information. Survey protocols from the Section 10(a) USFWS permit were used in the Subterranean waters, usually in karst feature survey, which An amphipod caves and limestone aquifers; found that no karst features (Stygobromus -- SGCN No No effect resident of numerous caves in ca. exist within the project russelli) 10 counties of the Edwards area. Please refer to the Plateau Karst Invertebrate Technical Report for more information. Survey protocols from the Section 10(a) USFWS permit were used in the Balcones Cave karst feature survey, which amphipod found that no karst features -- SGCN Subaquatic, subterranean obligate No No effect (Stygobromus amphipod exist within the project balconis) area. Please refer to the Karst Invertebrate Technical Report for more information. Survey protocols from the Section 10(a) USFWS permit were used in the Bifurcated cave karst feature survey, which amphipod found that no karst features -- -- No No effect (Stygobromus Found in cave pools exist within the project bifurcates) area. Please refer to the Karst Invertebrate Technical Report for more information. Federally- and State-Listed Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) of Potential Occurrence in Travis and Williamson Counties, and Potential Effects/Impacts as a Result of the US 183 Project Fed. State Habitat Species Species Description of Suitable Habitat Justification Status Status Present Effect/Impact Survey protocols from the Section 10(a) USFWS permit were used in the Ezell's cave karst feature survey, which amphipod found that no karst features -- SGCN No No effect (Stygobromus Known only from artesian wells exist within the project flagellates) area. Please refer to the Karst Invertebrate Technical Report for more information. Nests in tall cliff eyries; migrant American across state; winters along coast Peregrine Falcon and farther south; occupies wide No habitat for this species -- T No No impact (Falco peregrines range of habitats, including urban exists in the project area. anatum) areas; stopovers at lake shores, coastlines, and barrier islands. Bald Eagle Found primarily near rivers and No habitat for this species (Haliaeetus -- T large lakes; nests in tall trees or No No impact exists in the project area. leucocephalus) on cliffs near water. Requires oak-juniper woodlands with distinctive patchy, two- Black-capped layered aspect; shrub and tree No habitat for this species Vireo (Vireo EE No No effect layer with open, grassy spaces; exists in the project area. atricapilla) requires foliage reaching to ground for nest cover. Required juniper-oak woodlands; dependent on Ashe juniper (aka Golden-cheeked cedar) for long, fine bark strips Warbler only available from mature trees, No habitat for this species EE No No effect (Setophaga used in nest construction; nests in exists in the project area. chrysoparia) a variety of trees and only requires a few mature junipers for nesting materials. Nests along sand and gravel bars Interior Least within braided streams and rivers; Tern (Sterna No habitat for this species -- E also known to nest on manmade No No impact antillarum exists in the project area. structures (inland beaches, athalassos) wastewater treatment plants, etc). Breeding: nests on high plains or Mountain Plover shortgrass prairie, on ground in No habitat for this species (Charadrius -- -- shallow depression; nonbreeding: No No impact exists in the project area. montanus) shortgrass plains and bare, dirt (plowed) fields Federally- and State-Listed Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) of Potential Occurrence in Travis and Williamson Counties, and Potential Effects/Impacts as a Result of the US 183 Project Fed. State Habitat Species Species Description of Suitable Habitat Justification Status Status Present Effect/Impact Both subspecies migrate across the state from more northern breeding areas in US and Canada to winter along coast and farther south; subspecies (F. p. anatum) Peregrine Falcon is also a resident breeder in west No habitat for this species (Falco -- T Texas; the two subspecies’ listing No No impact exists in the project area. peregrinus) statuses differ, F.p. tundrius is no longer listed in Texas; but because the subspecies are not easily distinguishable at a distance, reference is generally made only to the species level Potential migrant through Red Knot Potential migrant through Central project area, but no suitable (Calidris canutus PT -- No No effect Texas, nests on the coast. stopover habitat exists in rufa) the project area. Only in Texas during migration and winter, mid-September to early April; short to medium Sprague's Pipit distance, diurnal migrant; No habitat for this species (Anthus -- SGCN strongly tied to native upland No No impact exists in the project area. spragueii) prairie, can be locally common in coastal grasslands, uncommon to rare further west; sensitive to patch size and avoids edges. Open grasslands, especially Western prairie, plains, and savanna, Burrowing Owl sometimes in open areas such as No habitat for this species (Athene -- -- No No impact vacant lots near human habitation exists in the project area. cunicularia or airports; nests and roosts in hypugaea) abandoned burrows Potential migrant via plains throughout most of the state to the Potential migrant through coast; stopover habitat includes Whooping Crane project area, but no suitable EE lakes, ponds, and marshes away No No effect (Grus americana) stopover habitat exists in from human disturbance; winters the project area. in coastal marshes of Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio Counties. There is potential habitat A mayfly Mayflies distinguished by aquatic for this species along Lake (Procloeon -- SGCN larval stage; adult stage generally Possible May impact and Shoal Creek, and in distinctum) found in shoreline vegetation ponded drainage areas in the project area.
There is potential habitat A mayfly Mayflies distinguished by aquatic for this species along Lake (Pseudocentroptil -- -- larval stage; adult stage generally Possible May impact and Shoal Creek, and in oides morihari) found in shoreline vegetation ponded drainage areas in the project area. Federally- and State-Listed Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) of Potential Occurrence in Travis and Williamson Counties, and Potential Effects/Impacts as a Result of the US 183 Project Fed. State Habitat Species Species Description of Suitable Habitat Justification Status Status Present Effect/Impact Found in two caves in Williamson Project is out of the range Coffin Cave County. Its habitat requirements of these species. No habitat mold beetle include limestone caves, E SGCN No No effect occurs in the project area (Batrisodes sinkholes, and subterranean voids for the Coffin Cave mold texanus) where the temperature and beetle. humidity is always constant. Occurs in very small, isolated Project is out of the range Kretschmarr caves within in the Edwards of these species. No habitat Cave mold beetle Limestone Formation on the E SGCN No No effect occurs in the project area (Texamaurops Jollyville Plateau; only found for the Kretschmarr Cave reddelli) under rocks lightly buried in silt mold beetle. in total darkness. There is potential habitat Leonora’s dancer for this species along Lake South central and western Texas; damselfly (Argia -- -- Possible May impact and Shoal Creek, and in small streams and seepages. leonorae) ponded drainage areas in the project area. Rawson’s Moist areas of shaded limestone metalmark outcrops in central Texas; desert No habitat for this species -- -- No No impact (Calephelis scrub or oak woodland in foothills exists in the project area. rawsoni) or along rivers and elsewhere. Moist areas in shaded limestone Tooth Cave blind outcrops in central Texas; desert rove beetle No habitat for this species -- -- scrub and oak woodland in No No impact (Cylindropsis sp exists in the project area. foothills, or along rivers 1) elsewhere. Survey protocols from the Section 10(a) USFWS permit were used in the Tooth Cave Known only from small isolated karst feature survey, which ground beetle karst caves within the Edwards found that no karst features E SGCN No No effect (Rhadine Limestone Formation; prefers exist within the project persephone) areas with deep compacted silt. area. Please refer to the Karst Invertebrate Technical Report for more information. Cave dwelling; also roosts in rock Habitat for the cave myotis crevices, old buildings, carports, bat exists in the project area under bridges, and in abandoned under the bridges and in Cave myotis bat -- SGCN cliff swallow (Hirundo No No impact abandoned swallows’ nests. (Myotis velifer) pyrrhonota) nets; hibernates in However, no signs of bats limestone caves of Edwards were observed during the Plateau and gypsum caves of field survey in October Texas panhandle during winter. 2014. Open fields, prairies, croplands, Plains spotted No habitat for this species fence rows, farmyards, forest skunk (Spilogale exists in the project area, -- SGCN edges, and woodlands; prefers No No impact putorius which is completely wooded, brushy areas and interrupta) urbanized. tallgrass prairies. Federally- and State-Listed Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) of Potential Occurrence in Travis and Williamson Counties, and Potential Effects/Impacts as a Result of the US 183 Project Fed. State Habitat Species Species Description of Suitable Habitat Justification Status Status Present Effect/Impact
Extirpated from the wild in No habitat for the red wolf Texas; formerly known exists in the project area, Red wolf (Canis -- E throughout the eastern half of No No impact which is completely rufus) Texas in brushy and forested surrounded by areas as well as coastal prairies. development. Small to large streams, prefers Creeper gravel or gravel and mud in (Squawfoot) flowing water; Colorado, -- -- (Strophitus Guadalupe, San Antonio, Neches undulates) (historic), and Trinity (historic) River basins Possibly extirpated in Texas; medium to large rivers; substrates False spike varying from mud through mussel -- T mixtures of sand, gravel, and (Quadrula cobble; Rio Grande, Brazos, mitchelli) Colorado, and Guadalupe (historic) River Basins. A mixture of mud, sand, and gravel on the bottoms of streams Golden orb C SGCN and rivers. This species requires (Quadrula aurea) good water quality, stable stream channels, and flowing water. None of the creeks or Found in small to moderate tributaries that cross the stream and rivers as well as project area provide Smooth moderate size reservoirs; mixed suitable habitat for these pimpleback mud, sand, and fine gravel No CT No clam species. Lake Creek, (Quadrula substrates; tolerates very slow to impact/effect Shoal Creek, and their houstonensis) moderate flow rates; lower tributaries are intermittent Trinity (questionable), Brazos, and do not have and Colorado River Basins. consistently flowing water. Colorado and Guadalupe River Basins; streams and rivers on Texas fatmucket sand, mud, and gravel substrates; (Lampsilis CT intolerant of impoundment; bracteata) broken bedrock and coarse gravel or sand in moderately flowing water. Little known; possible rivers and larger streams; likely tolerant of Texas fawnsfoot impoundments; broken bedrock (Truncilla CT and coarse gravel or sand in macrodon) moderately flowing water; Colorado and Guadalupe River Basins. Texas Colorado and Guadalupe River pimpleback Basins; mud, gravel, and sand CT (Quadrula substrates; generally in areas with petrina) slow flow rates. Federally- and State-Listed Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) of Potential Occurrence in Travis and Williamson Counties, and Potential Effects/Impacts as a Result of the US 183 Project Fed. State Habitat Species Species Description of Suitable Habitat Justification Status Status Present Effect/Impact
Central and southern Texas; Spot-tailed moderately open to prairie- earless lizard No habitat for this species -- SGCN brushland; fairly flat areas free of No No impact (Holbrookia exists in the project area. vegetation and other obstructions, lacerate) including disturbed areas. Habitat for this species may exist along Lake and Shoal Texas garter Wet or moist microhabitats are Creeks and around the snake conducive to species occurrence wetlands in the project area. (Thamnophis -- SGCN but it is not restricted to these; Possible May impact There is an NDD sirtalis hibernates underground or in or occurrence site in the annectens) under surface cover. southern portion of the project area. Open, arid, and semi-arid regions No suitable habitat for the with sparse vegetation, including Texas horned lizard exists Texas horned grass, cactus, scattered brush or in the project area. No lizard scrubby trees; soil may vary in -- T No No impact harvester ants, a primary (Phrynosoma texture from sandy to rocky; food source for this species, cornutum) burrows in soil, enters rodent were observed in the burrows, or hides under rocks project area. when inactive. The project area is highly Swamps, floodplains, upland pine urbanized and does not and deciduous woodlands, Timber contain suitable habitat for riparian zones, abandoned rattlesnake the timber rattlesnake. -- T farmland; limestone bluffs, sandy No No impact (Crotalus Additionally, this species is soil or black clay; prefers dense horridus) not known to occur in the ground cover, i.e. grapevines or vicinity of the project palmetto (TXNDD, 2014). Texas endemic; among scattered vegetation on loose gravel, gravelly sand, and rock outcrops Basin bellflower on open slopes with exposures of No habitat for this species (Campanula -- SGCN No No impact igneous and metamorphic rocks; exists in the project area. reverchonii) may also occur on sandbars and other alluvial deposits along major rivers; flowering May-July This species is found in a number Bracted of varied habitats on thin clay No habitat for the bracted twistflower soils in the semi-arid to mesic C SGCN No No effect twistflower exists in the (Streptanthus woodland habitat of the Balcones project area. bracteatus) Canyonlands region of the Edwards Plateau Narrowly endemic to rocky canyons in eastern and southern Boerne bean Edwards Plateau; occurring on No habitat for this species (Phaseolus -- SGCN No No impact limestone soils in mixed exists in the project area. texensis) woodlands, on limestone cliffs and outcrops. Federally- and State-Listed Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) of Potential Occurrence in Travis and Williamson Counties, and Potential Effects/Impacts as a Result of the US 183 Project Fed. State Habitat Species Species Description of Suitable Habitat Justification Status Status Present Effect/Impact
Wet, silty clay loams on streamsides, in creek beds, Species is not known to Correll’s false irrigation channels, roadside occur in the project area. dragonhead -- SGCN drainage ditches; underlain by No No impact The NDD indicates that this (Physostegia Austin Chalk limestone along species has not been correllii) gently flowing spring-fed creeks recorded within 10 miles of in central Texas. Only known the project area. from two sites in Travis County. Texas endemic; grassland openings in oak woodlands on deep, loose, well-drained sands; in Coastal Bend, on Pleistocene barrier island ridges and Holocene Sand Sheet that support Elmendorf's live oak woodlands; to the north it No habitat for this species onion (Allium -- -- No No impact occurs in post oak-black hickory- exists in the project area. elmendorfii) live oak woodlands over Queen City and similar Eocene formations; one anomalous specimen found on Llano Uplift in wet pockets of granitic loam; flowering March-April, May Texas endemic; in duff-covered loamy clay soils on rocky slopes in forested, mesic limestone canyons; locally abundant on deeper soils on small terraces in canyon bottoms, often forming large colonies and dominating the Texabama croton shrub layer; scattered individuals (Croton No habitat for this species -- SGCN are occasionally on sunny No No impact alabamensis var exists in the project area. margins of such forests; also texensis) found in contrasting habitat of deep, friable soils of limestone uplands, mostly in the shade of evergreen woodland mottes; flowering late February-March; fruit maturing and dehiscing by early June Leaf litter and humus in oak- Warnock’s coral- juniper woodlands on shaded No habitat for this species root (Hexalectris -- SGCN slopes and intermittent, rocky No No impact exists in the project area. warnockii) creek beds in canyons; primarily on igneous substrates. Guadalupe bass Endemic to perennial streams of There are no perennial (Micropterus -- SGCN the Edwards Plateau; introduced No No impact streams in the project area. treculii) to Nueces River system. Federally- and State-Listed Species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) of Potential Occurrence in Travis and Williamson Counties, and Potential Effects/Impacts as a Result of the US 183 Project Fed. State Habitat Species Species Description of Suitable Habitat Justification Status Status Present Effect/Impact
Endemic to Brazos River No such habitat exists in drainage; also, apparently Sharpnose shiner the project area. The only introduced into adjacent Colorado (Notropis -- -- No No impact creeks in the project area River drainage; large turbid river, oxyrhynchus) (Lake Creek and Shoal with bottom a combination of Creek) are intermittent. sand, gravel, and clay- Endemic to upper Brazos River system and its tributaries (Clear Fork and Bosque); apparently Smalleye shiner introduced into adjacent Colorado There are no medium to (Notropis -- -- River drainage; medium to large No No impact large prairie streams in the buccula) prairie streams with sandy project area. substrate and turbid to clear warm water; presumably eats small aquatic invertebrates Status: E – Endangered; T – Threatened; PT – Proposed Threatened, C – Candidate, SGCN – Species of Greatest Conservation Need, State status: -- – Rare, but with no regulatory listing status, Federal status: -- – Not listed Source: USFWS, 2014; TPWD, 2011; TPWD, 2014a; TPWD, 2014b. United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Austin Ecological Services Field Office 10711 BURNET ROAD, SUITE 200 AUSTIN, TX 78758 PHONE: (512)490-0057 FAX: (512)490-0974 URL: www.fws.gov/southwest/es/AustinTexas/; www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/
Consultation Tracking Number: 02ETAU00-2015-SLI-0017 October 13, 2014 Project Name: US 183
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project.
To Whom It May Concern:
The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the county of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Please note that new information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat. Also note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of federally listed as threatened or endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect these species and/or designated critical habitat. A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.
While a Federal agency may designate a non-Federal representative to conduct informal consultation or prepare a biological assessment, the Federal Agency must notify the Service in writing of any such designation. The Federal agency shall also independently review and evaluate the scope and content of a biological assessment prepared by their designated non-Federal representative before that document is submitted to the Service.
If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by a federally funded, permitted or authorized activity, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. The following definitions are provided to assist you in reaching a determination:
No effect – the proposed action will not affect federally listed species or critical habitat. A “no effect” determination does not require section 7 consultation and no coordination or contact with the Service is necessary. However, if the project changes or additional information on the distribution of listed or proposed species becomes available, the project should be reanalyzed for effects not previously considered. May affect, but is not likely to adversely affect – the project may affect listed species and/or critical habitat; however, the effects are expected to be discountable, insignificant, or completely beneficial. Certain avoidance and minimization measures may need to be implemented in order to reach this level of effect. The Federal agency or the designated non-Federal representative should consult with the Service to seek written concurrence that adverse effects are not likely. Be sure to include all of the information and documentation used to reach your decision with your request for concurrence. The Service must have this documentation before issuing a concurrence. Is likely to adversely affect – adverse effects to listed species may occur as a direct or indirect result of the proposed action. For this determination, the effect of the action is neither discountable nor insignificant. If the overall effect of the proposed action is beneficial to the listed species but the action is also likely to cause some adverse effects to individuals of that species, then the proposed action “is likely to adversely affect” the listed species. The analysis should consider all interrelated and interdependent actions. An “is likely to adversely affect” determination requires the Federal action agency to initiate formal section 7 consultation with our office.
Regardless of the determination, the Service recommends that the Federal agency maintain a complete record of the evaluation, including steps leading to the determination of effect, the qualified personnel conducting the evaluation, habitat conditions, site photographs, and any other related information. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF.
2 Migratory Birds
For projects that may affect migratory birds, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) implements various treaties and conventions for the protection of these species. Under the MBTA, taking, killing, or possessing migratory birds is unlawful. Migratory birds may nest in trees, brushy areas, or other areas of suitable habitat. The Service recommends activities requiring vegetation removal or disturbance avoid the peak nesting period of March through August to avoid destruction of individuals, nests, or eggs. If project activities must be conducted during this time, we recommend surveying for nests prior to conducting work. If a nest is found, and if possible, the Service recommends a buffer of vegetation remain around the nest until the young have fledged or the nest is abandoned.
For additional information concerning the MBTA and recommendations to reduce impacts to migratory birds please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Birds Office, 500 Gold Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. A list of migratory birds may be viewed at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/RegulationsPolicies/mbta/mbtintro.html. Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects including communications towers can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm; and http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/comtow.html. Additionally, wind energy projects should follow the wind energy guidelines ( http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizing impacts to migratory birds and bats.
Finally, please be aware that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.), and projects affecting these species may require development of an eagle conservation plan ( http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/eagle_guidance.html).
We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office.
Attachment
3 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: US 183
Official Species List
Provided by: Austin Ecological Services Field Office 10711 BURNET ROAD, SUITE 200 AUSTIN, TX 78758 (512) 490-0057 http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/AustinTexas/ http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/
Consultation Tracking Number: 02ETAU00-2015-SLI-0017 Project Type: Transportation Project Description: Improvement project
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 10/13/2014 03:50 PM 1 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: US 183
Project Location Map:
Project Coordinates: MULTIPOLYGON (((-97.8270133 30.478289, -97.7865355 30.4883485, - 97.7700561 30.4569831, -97.7316039 30.428568, -97.7233642 30.3894837, -97.7185576 30.3811911, -97.7439635 30.3314206, -97.7446502 30.3171958, -97.772116 30.3237157, - 97.7686828 30.3426804, -97.7556365 30.3764521, -97.7618163 30.394222, -97.7618163 30.4125809, -97.805075 30.4362646, -97.8270133 30.478289)))
Project Counties: Travis, TX | Williamson, TX
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 10/13/2014 03:50 PM 2 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: US 183
Endangered Species Act Species List
There are a total of 24 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on your species list. Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. Note that 3 of these species should be considered only under certain conditions. Critical habitats listed under the Has Critical Habitat column may or may not lie within your project area. See the Critical habitats within your project area section further below for critical habitat that lies within your project. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions.
Amphibians Status Has Critical Habitat Condition(s)
Austin Blind Salamander (Eurycea Endangered Final designated waterlooensis)
Barton Springs salamander (Eurycea Endangered sosorum) Population: Entire
Georgetown Salamander (Eurycea Threatened Proposed naufragia)
Jollyville Plateau Salamander Threatened Final designated (Eurycea tonkawae)
Salado Salamander (Eurycea Threatened Proposed chisholmensis)
Arachnids
Bee Creek Cave harvestman (Texella Endangered reddelli) Population: Entire
Bone Cave harvestman (Texella Endangered reyesi)
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 10/13/2014 03:50 PM 3 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: US 183
Population: Entire
Tooth Cave Spider (Leptoneta Endangered myopica) Population: Entire
Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion Endangered (Tartarocreagris texana) Population: Entire
Birds
Black-Capped Vireo (Vireo Endangered atricapilla) Population: Entire golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica Endangered chrysoparia) Population: Entire
Least tern (Sterna antillarum) Endangered Wind Energy Projects Population: interior pop.
Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) Threatened Final designated Wind Energy Projects Population: except Great Lakes watershed
Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa) Proposed Wind Energy Projects Threatened
Whooping crane (Grus americana) Endangered Final designated Population: except where EXPN
Clams golden orb (Quadrula aurea) Candidate
Smooth Pimpleback (Quadrula Candidate houstonensis)
Texas Fatmucket (Lampsilis Candidate
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 10/13/2014 03:50 PM 4 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: US 183
bracteata)
Texas Fawnsfoot (Truncilla Candidate macrodon)
Texas Pimpleback (Quadrula petrina) Candidate
Flowering Plants
Bracted twistflower (Streptanthus Candidate bracteatus)
Insects
Coffin Cave Mold beetle (Batrisodes Endangered texanus) Population: Entire
Kretschmarr Cave Mold beetle Endangered (Texamaurops reddelli) Population: Entire
Tooth Cave Ground beetle (Rhadine Endangered persephone) Population: Entire
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 10/13/2014 03:50 PM 5 United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
Project name: US 183
Critical habitats that lie within your project area
The following critical habitats lie fully or partially within your project area.
Amphibians Critical Habitat Type
Jollyville Plateau Salamander (Eurycea Final designated tonkawae)
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac, 10/13/2014 03:50 PM 6 Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 1 of 5 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species
Last Revision: 9/4/2014 1:40:00 PM
TRAVIS COUNTY AMPHIBIANS Federal Status State Status Austin blind salamander Eurycea waterlooensis C mostly restricted to subterranean cavities of the Edwards Aquifer; dependent upon water flow/quality from the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer; only known from the outlets of Barton Springs (Sunken Gardens (Old Mill) Spring, Eliza Spring, and Parthenia (Main) Spring which forms Barton Springs Pool); feeds on amphipods, ostracods, copepods, plant material, and (in captivity) a wide variety of small aquatic invertebrates Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum LE E dependent upon water flow/quality from the Barton Springs pool of the Edwards Aquifer; known from the outlets of Barton Springs and subterranean water-filled caverns; found under rocks, in gravel, or among aquatic vascular plants and algae, as available; feeds primarily on amphipods Jollyville Plateau salamander Eurycea tonkawae T known from springs and waters of some caves north of the Colorado River Pedernales River springs Eurycea sp 6 salamander endemic; known only from springs
ARACHNIDS Federal Status State Status Bandit Cave spider Cicurina bandida very small, subterrestrial, subterranean obligate Bee Creek Cave harvestman Texella reddelli LE small, blind, cave-adapted harvestman endemic to a few caves in Travis and Williamson counties Bone Cave harvestman Texella reyesi LE small, blind, cave-adapted harvestman endemic to a few caves in Travis and Williamson counties; weakly differentiated from Texella reddelli Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion Tartarocreagris texana LE small, cave-adapted pseudoscorpion known from small limestone caves of the Edwards Plateau Tooth Cave spider Neoleptoneta myopica LE very small, cave-adapted, sedentary spider Warton's cave meshweaver Cicurina wartoni C very small, cave-adapted spider
BIRDS Federal Status State Status American Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus anatum DL T year-round resident and local breeder in west Texas, nests in tall cliff eyries; also, migrant across state from more northern breeding areas in US and Canada, winters along coast and farther south; occupies wide range Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 2 of 5 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species of habitats during migration, including urban, concentrations along coast and barrier islands; low-altitude migrant, stopovers at leading landscape edges such as lake shores, coastlines, and barrier islands. Arctic Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus tundrius DL migrant throughout state from subspecies’ far northern breeding range, winters along coast and farther south; occupies wide range of habitats during migration, including urban, concentrations along coast and barrier islands; low-altitude migrant, stopovers at leading landscape edges such as lake shores, coastlines, and barrier islands. Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus DL T found primarily near rivers and large lakes; nests in tall trees or on cliffs near water; communally roosts, especially in winter; hunts live prey, scavenges, and pirates food from other birds Black-capped Vireo Vireo atricapilla LE E oak-juniper woodlands with distinctive patchy, two-layered aspect; shrub and tree layer with open, grassy spaces; requires foliage reaching to ground level for nesting cover; return to same territory, or one nearby, year after year; deciduous and broad-leaved shrubs and trees provide insects for feeding; species composition less important than presence of adequate broad-leaved shrubs, foliage to ground level, and required structure; nesting season March-late summer Golden-cheeked Warbler Setophaga chrysoparia LE E juniper-oak woodlands; dependent on Ashe juniper (also known as cedar) for long fine bark strips, only available from mature trees, used in nest construction; nests are placed in various trees other than Ashe juniper; only a few mature junipers or nearby cedar brakes can provide the necessary nest material; forage for insects in broad-leaved trees and shrubs; nesting late March-early summer Interior Least Tern Sterna antillarum athalassos LE E subspecies is listed only when inland (more than 50 miles from a coastline); nests along sand and gravel bars within braided streams, rivers; also know to nest on man-made structures (inland beaches, wastewater treatment plants, gravel mines, etc); eats small fish and crustaceans, when breeding forages within a few hundred feet of colony Mountain Plover Charadrius montanus breeding: nests on high plains or shortgrass prairie, on ground in shallow depression; nonbreeding: shortgrass plains and bare, dirt (plowed) fields; primarily insectivorous Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus DL T both subspecies migrate across the state from more northern breeding areas in US and Canada to winter along coast and farther south; subspecies (F. p. anatum) is also a resident breeder in west Texas; the two subspecies’ listing statuses differ, F.p. tundrius is no longer listed in Texas; but because the subspecies are not easily distinguishable at a distance, reference is generally made only to the species level; see subspecies for habitat. Sprague's Pipit Anthus spragueii C only in Texas during migration and winter, mid September to early April; short to medium distance, diurnal migrant; strongly tied to native upland prairie, can be locally common in coastal grasslands, uncommon to rare further west; sensitive to patch size and avoids edges. Western Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia hypugaea open grasslands, especially prairie, plains, and savanna, sometimes in open areas such as vacant lots near human habitation or airports; nests and roosts in abandoned burrows Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 3 of 5 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species
Whooping Crane Grus americana LE E potential migrant via plains throughout most of state to coast; winters in coastal marshes of Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio counties
CRUSTACEANS Federal Status State Status An amphipod Stygobromus russelli subterranean waters, usually in caves and limestone aquifers; resident of numerous caves in ca. 10 counties of the Edwards Plateau Balcones Cave amphipod Stygobromus balconis subaquatic, subterranean obligate amphipod Bifurcated cave amphipod Stygobromus bifurcatus found in cave pools
FISHES Federal Status State Status Guadalupe bass Micropterus treculii endemic to perennial streams of the Edward's Plateau region; introduced in Nueces River system Smalleye shiner Notropis buccula E endemic to upper Brazos River system and its tributaries (Clear Fork and Bosque); apparently introduced into adjacent Colorado River drainage; medium to large prairie streams with sandy substrate and turbid to clear warm water; presumably eats small aquatic invertebrates
INSECTS Federal Status State Status Kretschmarr Cave mold Texamaurops reddelli LE beetle small, cave-adapted beetle found under rocks buried in silt; small, Edwards Limestone caves in of the Jollyville Plateau, a division of the Edwards Plateau Leonora's dancer damselfly Argia leonorae south central and western Texas; small streams and seepages Rawson's metalmark Calephelis rawsoni moist areas in shaded limestone outcrops in central Texas, desert scrub or oak woodland in foothills, or along rivers elsehwere; larval hosts are Eupatorium havanense, E. greggii. Tooth Cave blind rove beetle Cylindropsis sp 1 one specimen collected from Tooth Cave; only known North American collection of this genus Tooth Cave ground beetle Rhadine persephone LE resident, small, cave-adapted beetle found in small Edwards Limestone caves in Travis and Williamson counties
MAMMALS Federal Status State Status Cave myotis bat Myotis velifer Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 4 of 5 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species colonial and cave-dwelling; also roosts in rock crevices, old buildings, carports, under bridges, and even in abandoned Cliff Swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota) nests; roosts in clusters of up to thousands of individuals; hibernates in limestone caves of Edwards Plateau and gypsum cave of Panhandle during winter; opportunistic insectivore Plains spotted skunk Spilogale putorius interrupta catholic; open fields, prairies, croplands, fence rows, farmyards, forest edges, and woodlands; prefers wooded, brushy areas and tallgrass prairie Red wolf Canis rufus LE E extirpated; formerly known throughout eastern half of Texas in brushy and forested areas, as well as coastal prairies
MOLLUSKS Federal Status State Status Creeper (squawfoot) Strophitus undulatus small to large streams, prefers gravel or gravel and mud in flowing water; Colorado, Guadalupe, San Antonio, Neches (historic), and Trinity (historic) River basins False spike mussel Quadrula mitchelli T possibly extirpated in Texas; probably medium to large rivers; substrates varying from mud through mixtures of sand, gravel and cobble; one study indicated water lilies were present at the site; Rio Grande, Brazos, Colorado, and Guadalupe (historic) river basins Smooth pimpleback Quadrula houstonensis C T small to moderate streams and rivers as well as moderate size reservoirs; mixed mud, sand, and fine gravel, tolerates very slow to moderate flow rates, appears not to tolerate dramatic water level fluctuations, scoured bedrock substrates, or shifting sand bottoms, lower Trinity (questionable), Brazos, and Colorado River basins Texas fatmucket Lampsilis bracteata C T streams and rivers on sand, mud, and gravel substrates; intolerant of impoundment; broken bedrock and course gravel or sand in moderately flowing water; Colorado and Guadalupe River basins Texas fawnsfoot Truncilla macrodon C T little known; possibly rivers and larger streams, and intolerant of impoundment; flowing rice irrigation canals, possibly sand, gravel, and perhaps sandy-mud bottoms in moderate flows; Brazos and Colorado River basins Texas pimpleback Quadrula petrina C T mud, gravel and sand substrates, generally in areas with slow flow rates; Colorado and Guadalupe river basins
REPTILES Federal Status State Status Spot-tailed earless lizard Holbrookia lacerata central and southern Texas and adjacent Mexico; moderately open prairie-brushland; fairly flat areas free of vegetation or other obstructions, including disturbed areas; eats small invertebrates; eggs laid underground Texas garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis annectens Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 5 of 5 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species wet or moist microhabitats are conducive to the species occurrence, but is not necessarily restricted to them; hibernates underground or in or under surface cover; breeds March-August Texas horned lizard Phrynosoma cornutum T open, arid and semi-arid regions with sparse vegetation, including grass, cactus, scattered brush or scrubby trees; soil may vary in texture from sandy to rocky; burrows into soil, enters rodent burrows, or hides under rock when inactive; breeds March-September
PLANTS Federal Status State Status Basin bellflower Campanula reverchonii Texas endemic; among scattered vegetation on loose gravel, gravelly sand, and rock outcrops on open slopes with exposures of igneous and metamorphic rocks; may also occur on sandbars and other alluvial deposits along major rivers; flowering May-July Boerne bean Phaseolus texensis Narrowly endemic to rocky canyons in eastern and southern Edwards Plateau occurring on limestone soils in mixed woodlands, on limestone cliffs and outcrops, frequently along creeks. Bracted twistflower Streptanthus bracteatus C Texas endemic; shallow, well-drained gravelly clays and clay loams over limestone in oak juniper woodlands and associated openings, on steep to moderate slopes and in canyon bottoms; several known soils include Tarrant, Brackett, or Speck over Edwards, Glen Rose, and Walnut geologic formations; populations fluctuate widely from year to year, depending on winter rainfall; flowering mid April-late May, fruit matures and foliage withers by early summer Correll's false dragon-head Physostegia correllii wet, silty clay loams on streamsides, in creek beds, irrigation channels and roadside drainage ditches; or seepy, mucky, sometimes gravelly soils along riverbanks or small islands in the Rio Grande; or underlain by Austin Chalk limestone along gently flowing spring-fed creek in central Texas; flowering May-September Texabama croton Croton alabamensis var texensis Texas endemic; in duff-covered loamy clay soils on rocky slopes in forested, mesic limestone canyons; locally abundant on deeper soils on small terraces in canyon bottoms, often forming large colonies and dominating the shrub layer; scattered individuals are occasionally on sunny margins of such forests; also found in contrasting habitat of deep, friable soils of limestone uplands, mostly in the shade of evergreen woodland mottes; flowering late February-March; fruit maturing and dehiscing by early June Warnock's coral-root Hexalectris warnockii in leaf litter and humus in oak-juniper woodlands on shaded slopes and intermittent, rocky creekbeds in canyons; in the Trans Pecos in oak-pinyon-juniper woodlands in higher mesic canyons (to 2000 m [6550 ft]), primarily on igneous substrates; in Terrell County under Quercus fusiformis mottes on terrraces of spring-fed perennial streams, draining an otherwise rather xeric limestone landscape; on the Callahan Divide (Taylor County), the White Rock Escarpment (Dallas County), and the Edwards Plateau in oak-juniper woodlands on limestone slopes; in Gillespie County on igneous substrates of the Llano Uplift; flowering June-September; individual plants do not usually bloom in successive years Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 1 of 4 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species
Last Revision: 9/4/2014 1:40:00 PM
WILLIAMSON COUNTY AMPHIBIANS Federal Status State Status Georgetown salamander Eurycea naufragia T endemic; known from springs and waters in and around town of Georgetown in Williamson County Jollyville Plateau salamander Eurycea tonkawae T known from springs and waters of some caves north of the Colorado River Salado Springs salamander Eurycea chisholmensis T endemic; surface springs and subterranean waters of the Salado Springs system along Salado Creek
ARACHNIDS Federal Status State Status Bandit Cave spider Cicurina bandida very small, subterrestrial, subterranean obligate Bone Cave harvestman Texella reyesi LE small, blind, cave-adapted harvestman endemic to a few caves in Travis and Williamson counties; weakly differentiated from Texella reddelli
BIRDS Federal Status State Status American Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus anatum DL T year-round resident and local breeder in west Texas, nests in tall cliff eyries; also, migrant across state from more northern breeding areas in US and Canada, winters along coast and farther south; occupies wide range of habitats during migration, including urban, concentrations along coast and barrier islands; low-altitude migrant, stopovers at leading landscape edges such as lake shores, coastlines, and barrier islands. Arctic Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus tundrius DL migrant throughout state from subspecies’ far northern breeding range, winters along coast and farther south; occupies wide range of habitats during migration, including urban, concentrations along coast and barrier islands; low-altitude migrant, stopovers at leading landscape edges such as lake shores, coastlines, and barrier islands. Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus DL T found primarily near rivers and large lakes; nests in tall trees or on cliffs near water; communally roosts, especially in winter; hunts live prey, scavenges, and pirates food from other birds Black-capped Vireo Vireo atricapilla LE E oak-juniper woodlands with distinctive patchy, two-layered aspect; shrub and tree layer with open, grassy spaces; requires foliage reaching to ground level for nesting cover; return to same territory, or one nearby, year after year; deciduous and broad-leaved shrubs and trees provide insects for feeding; species composition less important than presence of adequate broad-leaved shrubs, foliage to ground level, and required structure; nesting season March-late summer Golden-cheeked Warbler Setophaga chrysoparia LE E juniper-oak woodlands; dependent on Ashe juniper (also known as cedar) for long fine bark strips, only Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 2 of 4 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species available from mature trees, used in nest construction; nests are placed in various trees other than Ashe juniper; only a few mature junipers or nearby cedar brakes can provide the necessary nest material; forage for insects in broad-leaved trees and shrubs; nesting late March-early summer Mountain Plover Charadrius montanus breeding: nests on high plains or shortgrass prairie, on ground in shallow depression; nonbreeding: shortgrass plains and bare, dirt (plowed) fields; primarily insectivorous Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus DL T both subspecies migrate across the state from more northern breeding areas in US and Canada to winter along coast and farther south; subspecies (F. p. anatum) is also a resident breeder in west Texas; the two subspecies’ listing statuses differ, F.p. tundrius is no longer listed in Texas; but because the subspecies are not easily distinguishable at a distance, reference is generally made only to the species level; see subspecies for habitat. Sprague's Pipit Anthus spragueii C only in Texas during migration and winter, mid September to early April; short to medium distance, diurnal migrant; strongly tied to native upland prairie, can be locally common in coastal grasslands, uncommon to rare further west; sensitive to patch size and avoids edges. Western Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia hypugaea open grasslands, especially prairie, plains, and savanna, sometimes in open areas such as vacant lots near human habitation or airports; nests and roosts in abandoned burrows Whooping Crane Grus americana LE E potential migrant via plains throughout most of state to coast; winters in coastal marshes of Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio counties
CRUSTACEANS Federal Status State Status An amphipod Stygobromus russelli subterranean waters, usually in caves and limestone aquifers; resident of numerous caves in ca. 10 counties of the Edwards Plateau Bifurcated cave amphipod Stygobromus bifurcatus found in cave pools Ezell's cave amphipod Stygobromus flagellatus known only from artesian wells
FISHES Federal Status State Status Guadalupe bass Micropterus treculii endemic to perennial streams of the Edward's Plateau region; introduced in Nueces River system Sharpnose shiner Notropis oxyrhynchus E endemic to Brazos River drainage; also, apparently introduced into adjacent Colorado River drainage; large turbid river, with bottom a combination of sand, gravel, and clay-mud Smalleye shiner Notropis buccula E endemic to upper Brazos River system and its tributaries (Clear Fork and Bosque); apparently introduced Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 3 of 4 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species into adjacent Colorado River drainage; medium to large prairie streams with sandy substrate and turbid to clear warm water; presumably eats small aquatic invertebrates
INSECTS Federal Status State Status A mayfly Procloeon distinctum mayflies distinguished by aquatic larval stage; adult stage generally found in shoreline vegetation A mayfly Pseudocentroptiloides morihari mayflies distinguished by aquatic larval stage; adult stage generally found in shoreline vegetation Coffin Cave mold beetle Batrisodes texanus LE resident, small, cave-adapted beetle found in small Edwards Limestone caves in Travis and Williamson counties Leonora's dancer damselfly Argia leonorae south central and western Texas; small streams and seepages Tooth Cave ground beetle Rhadine persephone LE resident, small, cave-adapted beetle found in small Edwards Limestone caves in Travis and Williamson counties
MAMMALS Federal Status State Status Cave myotis bat Myotis velifer colonial and cave-dwelling; also roosts in rock crevices, old buildings, carports, under bridges, and even in abandoned Cliff Swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota) nests; roosts in clusters of up to thousands of individuals; hibernates in limestone caves of Edwards Plateau and gypsum cave of Panhandle during winter; opportunistic insectivore Plains spotted skunk Spilogale putorius interrupta catholic; open fields, prairies, croplands, fence rows, farmyards, forest edges, and woodlands; prefers wooded, brushy areas and tallgrass prairie Red wolf Canis rufus LE E extirpated; formerly known throughout eastern half of Texas in brushy and forested areas, as well as coastal prairies
MOLLUSKS Federal Status State Status Creeper (squawfoot) Strophitus undulatus small to large streams, prefers gravel or gravel and mud in flowing water; Colorado, Guadalupe, San Antonio, Neches (historic), and Trinity (historic) River basins False spike mussel Quadrula mitchelli T possibly extirpated in Texas; probably medium to large rivers; substrates varying from mud through mixtures of sand, gravel and cobble; one study indicated water lilies were present at the site; Rio Grande, Brazos, Colorado, and Guadalupe (historic) river basins Smooth pimpleback Quadrula houstonensis C T Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 4 of 4 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species small to moderate streams and rivers as well as moderate size reservoirs; mixed mud, sand, and fine gravel, tolerates very slow to moderate flow rates, appears not to tolerate dramatic water level fluctuations, scoured bedrock substrates, or shifting sand bottoms, lower Trinity (questionable), Brazos, and Colorado River basins Texas fawnsfoot Truncilla macrodon C T little known; possibly rivers and larger streams, and intolerant of impoundment; flowing rice irrigation canals, possibly sand, gravel, and perhaps sandy-mud bottoms in moderate flows; Brazos and Colorado River basins
REPTILES Federal Status State Status Spot-tailed earless lizard Holbrookia lacerata central and southern Texas and adjacent Mexico; moderately open prairie-brushland; fairly flat areas free of vegetation or other obstructions, including disturbed areas; eats small invertebrates; eggs laid underground Texas garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis annectens wet or moist microhabitats are conducive to the species occurrence, but is not necessarily restricted to them; hibernates underground or in or under surface cover; breeds March-August Texas horned lizard Phrynosoma cornutum T open, arid and semi-arid regions with sparse vegetation, including grass, cactus, scattered brush or scrubby trees; soil may vary in texture from sandy to rocky; burrows into soil, enters rodent burrows, or hides under rock when inactive; breeds March-September Timber rattlesnake Crotalus horridus T swamps, floodplains, upland pine and deciduous woodlands, riparian zones, abandoned farmland; limestone bluffs, sandy soil or black clay; prefers dense ground cover, i.e. grapevines or palmetto
PLANTS Federal Status State Status Elmendorf's onion Allium elmendorfii Texas endemic; grassland openings in oak woodlands on deep, loose, well-drained sands; in Coastal Bend, on Pleistocene barrier island ridges and Holocene Sand Sheet that support live oak woodlands; to the north it occurs in post oak-black hickory-live oak woodlands over Queen City and similar Eocene formations; one anomalous specimen found on Llano Uplift in wet pockets of granitic loam; flowering March-April, May
EMST Data - US 183 North Project
Field Verified Acreage in EMST Mapped Acreage in FINAL Acreage per Common Name MOU Type Ecoregion Project Area (before design Project Area FINAL MOU Type change)
Barren Agriculture Edwards Plateau 9.04 9.04 9.04 9.04 Edwards Plateau: Ashe Juniper/Live Oak Shrubland Edwards Plateau Savannah, Woodland, and Shrubland Edwards Plateau 0.44 0.44 0.44 Edwards Plateau: Deciduous Oak/Evergreen Motte and Woodland Edwards Plateau Savannah, Woodland, and Shrubland Edwards Plateau 6.29 6.30 6.29 Edwards Plateau: Oak/Hardwood Motte and Woodland Edwards Plateau Savannah, Woodland, and Shrubland Edwards Plateau 0.33 0.41 0.33 8.60 Edwards Plateau: Post Oak Motte and Woodland Edwards Plateau Savannah, Woodland, and Shrubland Edwards Plateau 0.25 0.27 0.25 Edwards Plateau: Savanna Grassland Edwards Plateau Savannah, Woodland, and Shrubland Edwards Plateau 0.04 0.04 0.04 Edwards Plateau: Shin Oak Shrubland Edwards Plateau Savannah, Woodland, and Shrubland Edwards Plateau 1.25 1.25 1.25 Native Invasive: Deciduous Woodland Disturbed Prairie Edwards Plateau 3.32 2.92 3.32 3.46 Native Invasive: Mesquite Shrubland Disturbed Prairie Edwards Plateau 0.14 0.14 0.14 Edwards Plateau: Riparian Hardwood Forest Riparian Edwards Plateau 1.32 1.32 1.32 6.42 Open Water Riparian Edwards Plateau 5.10 5.10 5.10 Urban High Intensity Urban Edwards Plateau 450.84 443.20 450.84 732.448 Urban Low Intensity Urban Edwards Plateau 281.61 289.54 281.61
TOTAL 759.97 759.97 759.97