THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES HABITAT EVALUATION

Storm Drainage Improvements Project Tomball, Harris County, Texas

RKI GLO Contract: 19-076-029-B386

Prepared for:

Mr. Rich Gallegos, P.E. Costello Engineering & Surveying, Inc. 2107 CityWest Boulevard, 3rd Floor Houston, Texas 77042

Prepared by:

12821 West Golden Lane San Antonio, Texas 78249

March 9, 2020

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 2 1.1 Purpose ...... 2 1.2 Project Location ...... 2 2.0 DESKTOP REVIEW AND FIELD OBSERVATIONS ...... 3 2.1 Topography and Drainage ...... 3 2.2 Aerial Photography ...... 3 2.3 Ecological Setting ...... 3 2.3.1 Climate ...... 3 2.3.2 Vegetation ...... 4 2.3.3 Riparian Buffers ...... 4 2.4 Wetlands ...... 5 2.5 TPWD Annotated List of Rare Species ...... 5 2.6 Texas Natural Diversity Database (TXNDD) ...... 10 2.7 USFWS Critical Habitat ...... 10 2.8 USFWS IPaC ...... 11 2.8.1 IPaC Threatened and Endangered Species ...... 11 2.8.2 Migratory Birds ...... 12 2.8.3 Refuges ...... 13 3.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 14 3.1 Conclusions ...... 14 3.2 Recommendations ...... 14 3.2.1 Timber Rattlesnake ...... 14 3.2.2 Wood Stork and Migratory Birds ...... 14 4.0 REFERENCES ...... 15 5.0 ACRONYMS ...... 17

Figures

Figure 1 Project Location Map Figure 2 USGS Topographic Map Figure 3 National Wetlands Inventory Map Figure 4 TPWD NDD Map Occurrences

Appendices

Appendix A Photographs Appendix B Historical Aerial Photographs Appendix C Annotated List of Rare Species for Harris County (TPWD) Appendix D Texas Natural Diversity Database Element of Occurrences within Two Miles Appendix E IPaC Report (USFWS)

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On behalf of Costello Engineering & Surveying, Inc. (CLIENT), Raba Kistner, Inc. (RKI) conducted a state and federal listed species habitat evaluation for a 4,000 linear foot area (Review Area), located in Tomball, Harris County, Texas. The proposed project will consist of a right-of-way acquisition and storm drainage improvements within the Review Area. The Review Area is shown in Figure 1.

RKI staff conducted field reconnaissance and habitat assessment activities within the Review Area on January 7, 2020. The habitat evaluation included a visual inspection of the habitat within the Review Area to determine the potential presence of federal and/or state threatened/endangered, protected flora/fauna, or critical habitats. Field assessment activities were accomplished by characterizing the environment (ground surface, vegetation communities, water features, etc.) to identify conditions that may be consistent with known habitat parameters of threatened and endangered species listed for the county.

The Review Area is a transportation right-of-way with a storm water drainage channel in a rural, mainly industrial area just east of the City of Tomball in Harris County, Texas. The surrounding properties are undeveloped land and industrial properties with a single-family mobile home park west adjacent to the Review Area.

Based on the information reviewed:

 No designated critical habitat occurs in the Review Area.  No effect on federally-listed species is anticipated.  Potential habitat exists for two state-threatened species, the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) and the wood stork (Mycteria americana). Best Management Practices (BMPs) outlined in Section 3.0 may be considered in order to avoid impacting these species.  There is the potential to encounter up to 12 species of migratory birds. Section 3.0 also includes recommendations related to migratory birds.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

Species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and therefore a “take” of threatened or endangered species is illegal. A “take” is defined as “harm, harass, pursue, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or engage in any such conduct.” Thus the removal of species habitat would be considered a take, violating the ESA. Threats considered to be potentially endangering to listed species include the following: (i) destruction and/or deterioration of habitat by commercial, residential, and road construction; (ii) filling of caves, (iii) loss of permeable cover; (iv) contamination from anthropogenic sources such as septic effluent, sewage leaks, stormwater runoff, and pesticides; (v) predation by and competition with non-native fire ants; and (vi) vandalism (TPWD 2019a).

In addition, Chapter 68 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code protects species considered to be threatened with extinction within Texas. Any take of state-listed species is prohibited by state law. State-listed species may only be handled (including relocation) by persons with a scientific collecting permit obtained through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

The purpose of this report is to document a desktop and field evaluation conducted by Raba Kistner, Inc. (RKI) with the goal of identifying potential impact-causing activities related to the proposed residential development.

1.2 Project Location

As shown in Figure 1, the Review Area consists of approximately 4,000 linear feet of right-of-way and storm drainage located along South Persimmon Street and Lizzie Lane, approximately 0.43 miles south of East Main Street in Tomball, Harris County, Texas. The Review is adjacent to a power station, rural residential properties, farmland, and vacant land.

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2.0 DESKTOP REVIEW AND FIELD OBSERVATIONS

Prior to initiating the field survey, RKI reviewed available topographic maps, aerial photography, TPWD, and USFWS published species lists, the Texas Natural Diversity Database (TXNDD), the USFWS Critical Habitat Portal, and other desktop resources. These published resources were reviewed to gather information regarding the ecological setting and potential habitats that could support threatened or endangered species in the Review Area.

RKI staff conducted field reconnaissance and habitat assessment activities within the Review Area on January 7, 2020. The habitat evaluation included a visual inspection of the Review Area to determine the potential presence of federal and/or state threatened/endangered, protected flora/fauna, and critical habitats. Field assessment activities were accomplished by characterizing the environment (ground surface, vegetation communities, water features, etc.) to identify conditions that may be consistent with known habitat parameters of threatened and endangered species listed for the county. Photographs taken during the field assessment are included as Appendix A.

2.1 Topography and Drainage

Topographic maps are helpful in examining historic natural drainage patterns and landscape features such as vegetative cover. The USGS 7.5-Minute Series, Rose Hill and Tomball, Texas Quadrangle (Figure 2) depict the Review Area as undeveloped land. The majority of the Review Area is approximately 175 feet above mean sea level (amsl). All historical images are included as Appendix B.

2.2 Aerial Photography

Aerial photographs provide a historical record of site use and development, and help track natural and man-made changes to the landscape over time. RKI reviewed aerial photography dated 1944, 1952, 1957, 1969, 1978, 1983, 1989, 1995, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016.

1944 through 1952: In the early imagery, the site is depicted as primarily undeveloped land within an oil field. There is little vegetation other than field grasses visible.

1957 through 1969: An industrial area is present southeast of the Review Area and the western end of the proposed detention pond appears to be a large wetland area.

1978 through 1989: There is a visible increase in vegetation and tree cover in the central and northern portion of the Review Area that could provide habitat for migratory birds.

1995 through 2016: imagery of the Review Area appears the same as it does today with some residential development in 1995 and an industrial area on the north end in 2004.

2.3 Ecological Setting

2.3.1 Climate

Climate data from the Southern Regional Climate Center (SRCC) was reviewed for the weather station at Houston Hooks Memorial airport, approximately 3 miles southeast of the Review Area. The average

3 temperature last year was approximately 68.1° (F), with an average high of 82.6° and an average low of 51.5°. Total rainfall amounted to around 50.5 inches.

2.3.2 Vegetation

According to the TPWD map publication titled Natural Regions of Texas (TPWD 2011), the Review Area is located in the far northern section of the Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes. According to Texas A&M Forest Service, this ecoregion is characterized by sandy soils and live oak trees (TAMU 2019). Grasses such as big blue stem (Andropogon gerardi), eastern gammagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), and sugarcane plumegrass (Saccharum giganteum) can be found throughout the region. Trees and shrubs including mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana), and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) can be found throughout, with larger hardwoods such as pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and Texas sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) in low lying areas near rivers and creeks (TAMU 2019).

RKI reviewed data from the TPWD’s Ecological Mapping System of Texas (EMST) (TPWD 2014), which classifies existing vegetation and models the ecological systems by overlaying data such as land position, slope, aspect, and soil type. Based on this review, the following vegetation types are mapped.

Mapped EMST Data within Review Area

Gulf Coast: Coastal Prairie 3.33 Urban Low Intensity 5.08 Pine Plantation > 3 meters tall 4.65 Native Invasive: Deciduous Woodland 1.39 Grass Farm 0.04 Native Invasive: Huisache Woodland or Shrubland 0.03

0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 Acres

Data Source: TPWD EMST https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/land/programs/landscape-ecology/ems/ (Downloaded December 30, 2019).

The above data is generally consistent with field observations. The majority of the Review Area is low intensity urban development surrounded by lightly vegetated areas. The areas considered Gulf Coast: Coastal Prairie however; are better described as disturbed prairie. No remnant coastal prairie habitat was observed in the project vicinity.

2.3.3 Riparian Buffers

Riparian buffers are those areas located along streams and rivers, where vegetation is strongly influenced by the presence of water. Although they comprise a relatively small proportion of the total habitat in Texas, these areas are some of the most productive for wildlife. Their value is especially important in agricultural settings where wildlife habitat is limited or non-existent. TPWD therefore considers conservation of riparian buffers to be critical for the success of flora and fauna species. Riparian buffers were observed along the northern and western boundary of the Review Area. Certain species observed within these buffers indicate the regular presence of water in this area. Some of these species include

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Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera) and Black Willow (Salix nigra). The Review Area does not contain any evidence of riparian buffers.

2.4 Wetlands

Since the 1970s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have defined ‘wetlands’ as:

"…areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas (EPA, USACE 2017).”

In addition to flood water absorption and excess nutrient and pollutant absorption, wetlands play important roles in watershed ecology by providing habitat for plants and animals.

The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) (Figure 3), published by the USFWS, was reviewed for information on possible wetlands and other surface water features in the Review Area. These maps were created using stereoscopic analysis of high-altitude photographs. NWI maps assign wetland classification codes to prominent surface water features. The codes are based on the 1979 USFWS publication titled Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States, and are a series of letter and number codes that adapted the national wetland classification system to map form. Although NWI maps provide a good screening method for identifying potential features, a detailed on-the-ground and historical analysis of a site is required.

RKI reviewed NWI data for the Review Area and adjacent areas (USFWS 2018). Several NWI features are mapped within and adjacent to the Review Area. They appear to include natural wetlands and man-made features. RKI conducted a Waters of the U.S. Delineation, which is documented in a report dated January, 2020 The report indicates that two isolated wetlands exist on the east side of the existing roadway, approximately 1,300 feet south of Lizzie Lane. These two isolated wetlands are not associated with a natural stream and do not appear to provide substantial/quality habitat.

2.5 TPWD Annotated List of Rare Species

RKI reviewed the TPWD Annotated List of Rare Species for Harris County (last revision July 17, 2019) (TPWD 2019b). This list describes state and federal listed species that have the potential to occur in Harris County, Texas along with their listing status. Pertinent data for each listed species, including reference to Best Management Practices (BMPs) that may be considered1 to minimize species impacts, are included in the table below. The Annotated List of Rare Species for Harris County is included as Appendix C.

1 These BMPs are used by the Texas Department of Transportation and, although they are not required, they may be considered to avoid/minimize potential impacts to state and federal listed species. 5

Table 1. State and Federal Threatened or Endangered Species, General Habitat Information and Information Pertaining to Review Area Habitat

Impact / Scientific Name Description Pertinent Information Effect? AMPHIBIANS Houston Toad Endemic; sandy substrate, water in pools, ephemeral No Effect The Review Area consists of Anaxyrus houstonensis pools, stock tanks; breeds in spring especially after fallow farmland with sandy LE, E rains; burrows in soil of adjacent uplands when loam soils that are not inactive; breeds February-June; associated with soils associated with the geologic of the Sparta, Carrizo, Goliad, Queen City, Recklaw, formations known for this Weches, and Willis geologic formations. species. There is no suitable habitat for this species. BIRDS White-faced Ibis Prefers freshwater marshes, sloughs, and irrigated No Impact The narrow ditches along all Plegadis chihi rice fields, but will attend brackish and saltwater sides of the Review Area T habitats; nests in marshes, in low trees, on the would not provide sufficient ground in bulrushes or reeds, or on floating mats. nesting/roosting habitat for this species. It may fly over during migration but no impact is expected. Wood Stork Forages in prairie ponds, flooded pastures or fields, Potential Wetland areas in the central Mycteria americana ditches, and other shallow standing water, including portion of the Review Area, T salt-water; usually roosts communally in tall snags, and portions of the drainage sometimes in association with other wading birds channel may provide forage (i.e., active heronries); breeds in Mexico and birds for this species after heavy move into Gulf States in search of mud flats and rains. Recommended Best other wetlands, even those associated with forested Management Practices for areas; formerly nested in Texas, but no breeding avoiding impacts to this records since 1960. species are discussed in Section 3.0. Bald Eagle Found primarily near rivers and large lakes; nests in No Impact There are no cliffs or tall trees Haliaeetus leucocephalus tall trees or on cliffs near water; communally roosts, adjacent to or in the Review T especially in winter; hunts live prey, scavenges, and Area. It may fly over during pirates food from other birds. migration but no impact is expected. White-tailed Hawk Near coast on prairies, cordgrass flats, and scrub-live No Impact Review Area is in an Buteo albicaudatus oak; further inland on prairies, mesquite and oak undeveloped area with no T savannas, and mixed savanna-chaparral; breeding prairies or scrub oak areas. March-May. There is no suitable habitat for this species. May fly over during migration but no impact is expected. American Peregrine Year-round resident and local breeder in west Texas, No Impact This species is mainly Falcon nests in tall cliff eyries; also, migrant across state migratory in this part of Texas. Falco peregrinus anatum from more northern breeding areas in US and May migrate over the site, but DL, T Canada, winters along coast and farther south; is not expected to inhabit the occupies wide range of habitats during migration, Review Area. No impact is including urban, concentrations along coast and expected. barrier islands; low-altitude migrant, stopovers at leading landscape edges such as lake shores, coastlines, and barrier islands.

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Impact / Scientific Name Description Pertinent Information Effect? Piping Plover Beaches, sandflats, and dunes along Gulf Coast No Effect No suitable habitat for this Charadrius melodus beaches and adjacent offshore islands. Also spoil species within the Review LT, T islands in the Intracoastal Waterway. Sand flats often Area. Area is primarily appear to be preferred over algal flats when both are agricultural land and does not available, but large portions of sand flats along the contain beaches or flats. No Texas coast are available only during low-very low impact is expected. tides and are often completely unavailable during extreme high tides or strong north winds. Beaches appear to serve as a secondary habitat to the flats associated with the primary bays, lagoons, and inter- island passes. Beaches are rarely used on the southern Texas coast, where bayside habitat is always available, and are abandoned as bayside habitats become available on the central and northern coast. However, beaches are probably a vital habitat along the central and northern coast (i.e., north of Padre Island) during periods of extreme high tides that cover the flats. Optimal site characteristics appear to be large in area, sparsely vegetated, continuously available or in close proximity to secondary habitat, and with limited human disturbance. Black Rail Salt, brackish, and freshwater marshes, pond No Effect There are no marshes or Laterallus jamaicensis borders, wet meadows, grassy swamps; nests in or swamps with marsh grass or PT along edge of marsh, sometimes on damp ground, Salicornia within the Review but usually on mat of previous years dead grass; nest Area. No impact is expected. usually hidden in marsh grass or at base of Salicornia. Peregrine Falcon Both subspecies migrate across the state from more No Impact This species is migratory in this Falco peregrinus northern breeding areas in US and Canada to winter part of Texas. May migrate DL, T along coast and farther south; subspecies (F. p. over the site, but is not anatum) is also a resident breeder in west Texas; the expected to inhabit the two subspecies’ listing statuses differ, F.p. tundrius is Review Area. No impact is no longer listed in Texas; but because the subspecies expected. are not easily distinguishable at a distance, reference is generally made only to the species level; see subspecies for habitat. Red-cockaded Cavity nests in older pine (60+ years); forages in No Effect There are no pine stands old Woodpecker younger pine (30+ years); prefers longleaf, shortleaf, enough to support this species Picoides borealis and loblolly. in the Review Area or adjacent LE, E properties. No impact is expected. Whooping Crane Potential migrant via plains throughout most of state No Effect This species does not inhabit Grus americana to coast; winters in coastal marshes of Aransas, areas outside Aransas, LE, E Calhoun, and Refugio counties. Calhoun, and Refugio counties. May migrate over the site, but is not expected to inhabit the Review Area. Red Knot Breeds in drier tundra areas, such as sparsely No Effect Review Area is primarily Calidris canutus rufa vegetated hillsides. Outside of breeding season, it is transportation right-of-way LT found primarily in intertidal, marine habitats, with some rural residential especially near coastal inlets, estuaries, and bays. property and industrial (Cornell 2019a) property adjacent. There is no marine/tidal habitat. Species may migrate over site, but no impact is expected.

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Impact / Scientific Name Description Pertinent Information Effect? Sprague's Pipit Only in Texas during migration and winter, mid- No Impact Review Area is primarily Anthus spragueii September to early April; short to medium distance, transportation right-of-way C diurnal migrant; strongly tied to native upland with some rural residential prairie, can be locally common in coastal grasslands, property and industrial uncommon to rare further west; sensitive to patch property adjacent. There is no size and avoids edges. suitable prairie or coastal grassland habitat for this species. May migrate over site, but no impact is expected. Reddish Egret Resident of the Texas Gulf Coast; brackish marshes No Impact Review area is inland and Egretta rufescens and shallow salt ponds and tidal flats; nests on primarily transportation right- T ground or in trees or bushes, on dry coastal islands in of-way with some rural brushy thickets of yucca and prickly pear. residential property and industrial property adjacent. There is no suitable marsh, pond or flat habitat for this species. No impact is expected. Swallow-tailed Kite Lowland forested regions, especially swampy areas, No Impact There are no swampy areas Elanoides forficatus ranging into open woodland; marshes, along rivers, present in the Review Area T lakes, and ponds; nests high in tall tree in clearing or and the wooded areas are on forest woodland edge, usually in pine, cypress, or generally overgrown and various deciduous trees. closed off in the understory. No Impact is expected. FISHES Western Creek Eastern Texas streams from the Red River to the San No Impact No flowing tributaries or Chubsucker Erimyzon Jacinto drainage. Habitat includes silt-, sand-, and preferred headwater systems claviformis gravel-bottomed pools of clear headwaters, creeks, occur in the Review Area. T and small rivers; often near vegetation; occasionally There will be no impact to this in lakes. Spawning occurs in river mouths or pools, species. riffles, lake outlets, or upstream creeks. Prefers headwaters, but seldom occurs in springs. MAMMALS Louisiana black bear Bottomland hardwoods, floodplain forests, upland No Effect There is no heavily forested Ursus americanus hardwoods with mixed pine; marsh. Possible as land in or adjacent to the luteolus transient; bottomland hardwoods and large tracts of Review Area. There will be no T inaccessible forested areas. impact on this species. Humpback Whale Open ocean and coastal waters, sometimes including No Effect The Review Area is inland and Megaptera novaeangliae inshore areas such as bays; summer distribution is in does not have the marine LE, E temperate and subpolar waters; in winter, most are habitat this species requires. in tropical/subtropical waters near islands or coasts. Rafinesque’s Big-eared Lowland pine and hardwood forests with large No Impact There are no abandoned Bat hollow trees. Roosts in cavity trees of bottomland structures within the Review Corynorhinus rafinesquii hardwoods, concrete culverts, and abandoned man- Area and no large hollow trees T made structures. that would provide habitat. Additionally, no bridges or concrete culverts are present in the Review Area. There would be no impact to this species.

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Impact / Scientific Name Description Pertinent Information Effect? MOLLUSKS Louisiana pigtoe Streams and moderate-size rivers, usually flowing No Impact No suitable habitat (e.g., Pleurobema riddellii water on substrates of mud, sand, and gravel; not perennial streams) for this T generally known from impoundments; Sabine, species exists within the Neches, and Trinity (historic) River basins. Review Area. Sandbank pocketbook Small to large rivers with moderate flows and swift No Impact No suitable habitat (e.g., Lampsilis satura current on gravel, gravel-sand, and sand bottoms; perennial streams) for this T east Texas, Sulfur south through San Jacinto River species exists within the basins; Neches River Review Area. REPTILES Alligator snapping turtle Perennial water bodies; deep water of rivers, canals, No Impact No suitable habitat for this Macrochelys temminckii lakes, and oxbows; also swamps, bayous, and ponds species exists within the T near deep running water; sometimes enters brackish Review Area. coastal waters; usually in water with mud bottom and abundant aquatic vegetation; may migrate several miles along rivers; active March-October; breeds April-October. Loggerhead sea turtle Gulf and bay system primarily for juveniles, adults No Effect The project does not contain Caretta are most pelagic of the sea turtles; omnivorous, marine waters; therefore, LT, T shows a preference for mollusks, crustaceans, and there will be no impact to this coral; nests from April through November. species. Texas horned lizard Open, arid and semi-arid regions with sparse No Impact The Review Area does not Phrynosoma cornutum vegetation, including grass, cactus, scattered brush consist of open/sparsely T or scrubby trees; soil may vary in texture from sandy vegetated space. There will be to rocky; burrows into soil, enters rodent burrows, or no impact on this species. hides under rock when inactive; breeds March- September Texas tortoise Open brush with a grass understory is preferred; No Impact There are no areas of grass Gopherus berlandieri open grass and bare ground are avoided. Seasonally understory within the Review T flooded tidal flats are not utilized. When inactive Area. These areas tend to be occupies shallow depressions at base of bush or overgrown with yaupon holly cactus, sometimes in underground burrows or under and similar species. No Impact objects; longevity greater than 50 years; active is expected. March-November; breeds April-November. Timber rattlesnake Swamps, floodplains, upland pine and deciduous Potential According to the TPWD, Crotalus horridus woodlands, riparian zones, abandoned farmland; Impact “Timber rattlesnakes prefer T limestone bluffs, sandy soil or black clay; prefers moist lowland forests and hilly dense ground cover, i.e., grapevines or palmetto. woodlands or thickets near permanent water sources and swamps (TPWD 2019c).”

Review Area is primarily transportation right-of-way with some rural residential property and industrial property adjacent. There is no permanent water source other than rainfall, but the drainage channel portion may provide habitat for this species. BMPs for avoiding impacts to this species are included in Section 3.0.

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Impact / Scientific Name Description Pertinent Information Effect? PLANTS Texas prairie dawn Texas endemic; in poorly drained, sparsely vegetated No Effect The Review Area does not Hymenoxys texana areas at the base of mima mounds in open grassland consist of barren areas and LE, E or almost barren areas on slightly saline soils that are does not have the salinity that sticky when wet and powdery when dry; flowering the species prefers. There will late February-early April. be no effect on this species. Status Key: LE, LT - Federally Listed Endangered/Threatened E, T - State Listed Endangered/Threatened C - Candidate for Endangered Status DL – Federal De-Listed

2.6 Texas Natural Diversity Database (TXNDD)

RKI reviewed data from the TXNDD on December 30. 2019 (TPWD 2019d) to identify known occurrences of listed species occurring near the Review Area. The TXNDD provides Element of Occurrence (EO) records, which includes known occurrences of species that are tracked by TPWD and maintained in a database. The Tomball, Texas and adjacent U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 minute quadrangles were searched. Information from the TXNDD cannot be used to determine the presence/absence of species, but it can provide valuable information about potential use of the surrounding environment by species.

The TPWD provides TXNDD data in Geographic Information System (GIS) shapefile (.shp) format for analysis by the end user. Individual species occurrences are generally provided as circular shapes, centered on the species’ reported location. The circular shapes are generally sized based on the degree of location accuracy, where smaller circles indicate higher degree of location certainty (e.g., collected using GPS devices) and larger circles indicate less accurate location data.

The TXNDD indicates two occurrences within a 2-mile radius of the Review Area (Figure 4) and are identified as follows.

 Water Oak – Willow Oak series (Quercus nigra – Quercus phellos series) (EO ID No. 6962) was first observed in 1983 and last observed in 1984. The location was reported to be three miles east of Tomball, Texas on Farm-to-Market (FM) 2920. The observed area was described as 300 acres on the Willow Creek floodplain.  The Houston Daisy (Rayjacksonia aurea) (EO ID No. 4803) was last observed November 9, 1980. The reported occurrence was located 0.25 miles north of Grand Parkway in a roadside ditch.

Neither occurrence relates to a listed federal or state threatened or endangered species. No impact to these species is expected. EO records within two miles are included as Appendix D.

2.7 USFWS Critical Habitat

When a species is proposed for listing as Endangered or Threatened under the ESA, the USFWS must consider whether there are areas of habitat believed to be essential to the species' conservation. Those areas may be proposed for designation as "critical habitat." Federal agencies and project developers proposing activities that would require a federal permit (e.g., USACE 404 permit), must make special efforts to protect the important characteristics of these areas. Based on a review of the USFWS

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Information, Planning, and Conservation (IPaC) report (below) (USFWS, 2019), and the USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper tool (http://ecos.fws.gov/crithab/flex/crithabMapper.jsp?), there is no designated critical habitat within the Review Area.

2.8 USFWS IPaC

RKI reviewed information from the USFWS IPaC decision support system dated December 5, 2019 to identify whether endangered species, migratory birds, critical habitat, wildlife refuges, or wetlands could be affected by the proposed project.

2.8.1 IPaC Threatened and Endangered Species

According to the IPaC, two endangered and three threatened species were listed as potentially occurring in the Review Area; however, see the table below for effect determinations based on field observations. No critical habitat or wildlife refuge areas were identified for the Review Area. The IPaC also reports 12 species of migratory birds with the potential to occur in the Review Area (See Section 2.8.2). The complete IPaC report is included as Appendix E.

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Table 2. USFWS IPaC Trust Resource Report and Effect Determination

Species Name Status Condition Info Effect? Pertinent Information BIRDS Piping Plover Threatened Open sandy beaches, especially above tideline, No No suitable habitat for Charadrius melodus and alkali flats. (Cornell 2017b) this species within the Review Area. Area is primarily agricultural land and does not contain beaches or flats. No impact is expected. Red Knot Threatened Breeds in drier tundra areas, such as sparsely No The Review Area and Calidris canutus rufa vegetated hillsides. Outside of breeding season, surrounding land is it is found primarily in intertidal, marine primarily in an habitats, especially near coastal inlets, undeveloped area. estuaries, and bays. (Cornell 2019a) There is no marine/tidal habitat. Species may migrate over site, but no impact is expected. Least tern Endangered Prefers sandy beaches for nesting, but it will use No Review Area does not Sterna antillarum a flat gravel roof of a building. On sunny days contain beach habitat the hot tar showing through the gravel can burn for species. May the feet of chicks or become stuck in their migrate over the site, down. (Cornell 2019c) but is not expected to inhabit the Review Area. MAMMALS West Indian Manatee Threatened Found in marine, estuarine, and freshwater No There is no suitable Trichechus manatus environments. Prefers slow-moving waters of habitat for this species rivers, estuaries, salt-water bays, canals, and this far inland. coastal areas (National Wildlife Federation [NWF] 2019) FLOWERING PLANTS Texas prairie dawn Endangered Texas endemic; in poorly drained, sparsely No The Review Area does Hymenoxys texana vegetated areas (slick spots) at the base of not consist of barren mima mounds in open grassland or almost areas and is made up barren areas on slightly saline soils that are of Wockley urban land sticky when wet and powdery when dry; soils (United States flowering late February-early April. Department of Agriculture [USDA] 2020). These soils are non-saline to very slightly saline and are not what this species prefers. There will be no effect on this species.

2.8.2 Migratory Birds

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 (16 USC § 703 – 705) prohibits the take, possession, import, export, transport, selling, purchase, barter or offering for sale, purchase, or barter, of migratory birds, their eggs, parts, and nest except as authorized under a valid permit. It prohibits the "taking" any native

12 birds; "taking" can mean killing a wild bird or possessing parts of a wild bird, including feathers, nests, or eggs.

The USFWS identified 12 bird species of concern with a potential to occur within the Review Area. A complete species list and their seasonal occurrence can be seen in Appendix E. No active or inactive nests were observed within the Review Area.

See Section 3.0 for recommendations for federally-protected migratory birds.

2.8.3 Refuges

The proposed project does not occur on National Wildlife Refuge lands; therefore, it is not subject to the “Compatibility Determination” process by any refuges.

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3.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 Conclusions

The Review Area is a transportation right-of-way with a storm water drainage channel in a rural, mainly industrial area just southwest of the City of Tomball in Harris County, Texas. The surrounding properties are undeveloped land and industrial properties with a single-family mobile home park west adjacent to the Review Area.

 No designated critical habitat occurs in the Review Area.  No effect on federally-listed species is anticipated.  Potential habitat exists for two state-threatened species, the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) and the wood stork (Mycteria americana).  There is the potential to encounter up to 12 species of migratory birds.

3.2 Recommendations

3.2.1 Timber Rattlesnake

Contractors should be advised of the potential to encounter the Timber Rattlesnake in the Review Area. They should also be advised to avoid harming the species if encountered.

3.2.2 Wood Stork and Migratory Birds

The USFWS typically recommends that activities requiring vegetation removal or disturbance avoid the peak nesting period (March through August) to avoid destruction of individuals, nests, or eggs. If project activities must be conducted during this time, the USFWS recommends surveying for nests prior to commencing work. If a nest is found, and if possible, the USFWS recommends that specific vegetation buffers (>50m for songbirds; >180m for birds of prey) remain around the nest until young have fledged or the nest is abandoned.

14

4.0 REFERENCES

Cornell University. 2019a. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: All About Birds. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/red_knot/lifehistory (Accessed December 31, 2019).

- 2017b. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: All About Birds. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/piping_plover/lifehistory (December 31, 2019).

- 2017c. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: All About Birds. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/least_tern/lifehistory (December 31, 2019).

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2017. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act: How Wetlands are Defined and Identified. http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/outreach/fact11.cfm (Accessed December 30, 2019).

GeoSearch. Historical Aerial Photographs. 1944, 1952, 1957, 1969, 1978, 1983, 1989, 1995, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016.

National Wildlife Federation (NWF). 2019. West Indian Manatee. https://www.nwf.org/Educational- Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/West-Indian-Manatee (Accessed December 30, 2019)

Southern Regional Climate Center (SRCC). 2019. Houston Hooks Memorial Airport, Texas: Monthly Normals for Temperature and Rainfall. https://www.srcc.lsu.edu/station_search. (Accessed December 30, 2019).

Texas A&M Forest Service. 2019. Texas Ecoregions: Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes Ecoregion. http://texastreeid.tamu.edu/content/texasecoregions/WesternGulfCoastalPlain (Accessed December 30, 2019).

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). 2011. Map Publication: Natural Regions of Texas. https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_mp_e0100_1070t_08.pdf. (Accessed December 30, 2019).

- 2014. Western Gulf Coastal Plain; Ecological Mapping Systems of Texas. https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/land/programs/landscape-ecology/ems/. (Downloaded January 2, 2020).

- 2019a. Species Protection Basics. https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/nongame/listed-species/species- protection.phtml. (Accessed December 30, 2019)

- 2019b. Annotated County Lists of Rare Species: Harris County. Last Revision July 17, 2019.

- 2019c. Timber Rattlesnake. https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/timberrattlesnake/. (Accessed December 30, 2019).

- 2018d. Natural Diversity Database Data: Tomball, Texas and Surrounding USGS Quads.

15

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2020. Web Soil Survey. http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx (Accessed January 22, 2020).

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2019. Critical Habitat Portal. http://ecos.fws.gov/crithab/ (Accessed December 30, 2019).

- 2019. Information, Planning, and Conservation (IPaC) Report. (Submitted December 5, 2019).

United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2014. Pocket Texas Geology. http:// txpub.usgs.gov/txgeology/ (Accessed December 30, 2019).

16

5.0 ACRONYMS

.shp shapefile EMST Ecological Mapping System of Texas EO Element of Occurrence EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FM Farm-to-Market GIS Geographic Information System IPaC Information, Planning, and Conservation MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act NWF National Wildlife Federation NWI National Wetlands Inventory SRCC Southern Regional Climate Center TPWD Texas Parks and Wildlife Department TXNDD Texas Natural Diversity Database USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USGS U.S. Geological Survey USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

17

FIGURES

TIMKIN

HOLIDAY ASH BLACKSHEAR TODD TIMKIN

WALNUT

LIZZIE RYE WEIRICH

BELMONT SOUTHMORE JUNIPER MAHAFFEY

PARKING LOT ANNA PARKING LOT

PERSIMMON

PITCHFORD

CHERRY

SUTTON

MULBERRY FM 2978

ASHLEY

JOSEPH JUSTIN ADAM AGG

Review Area 0 500 1,000 Feet ´ PERSIMMON Montgomery Montgomery

^_ Liberty

¨¦§45 Waller Review Area Tomball ¤£59 Tomball Harris Harris 290 Chambers 249 ¨¦§10 ¤£ UV

Review Area Harris County Fort Bend Brazoria Galveston Houston SOURCE: Aerial photograph obtained from Google Earth Pro - 2019 PROJECT LOCATION MAP CITY OF TOMBALL STORM DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FIGURE Tomball, Harris County, Texas 1 Review Area 0 500 1,000 2,000 ft. ´ SOURCE: USGS Topographic 7.5 Minute Quadrangles Rose Hill and Tomball, Texas obtained from the Perry -Casteneda Map Collection, University of Texas at Austin - 2013 USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP CITY OF TOMBALL STORM DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FIGURE Tomball, Harris County, Texas 2 PSS1A PSS1A PFO1C

PFO1A

PUBHx PEM1C PSS1C

PSS1Cx

PSS1Cx PEM1C PSS1Cx

PEM1C PSS1Fh PSS1A PSS1A PEM1C PUBHx PUBHx PEM1C PFO1F PUBHx PEM1C PFO1A PSS1C PEM1C PUBHx PUBHx PUBHx

PSS1C PEM1C PUBHx PEM1A PEM1C PUBHx

PFO1A PEM1Fx PEM1C PEM1Fx PEM1Fx

PEM1Fx

PEM1A

PSS1A PSS1C PSS1A PEM1F

PUBHx PUBHx

PSS1A Review Area NWI_data PSS1A 0 125 250 500 ft. ´ PEM1F PFO1C PEM1C SOURCE: 1) USGS Topographic 7.5 Minute Quadrangle Tomball, Texas obtained from the Perry -Casteneda Map Collection, University of Texas at Austin - 2013 2) National Wetland Inventory data obtained from the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) - 2005 NATIONAL WETLANDS INVENTORY MAP CITY OF TOMBALL STORM DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FIGURE Tomball, Harris County, Texas 3 Water Oak-willow Oak Series Quercus nigra-Quercus phellos forest EO ID 6962 Last Observed 1980

Houston daisy Rayjacksonia aurea EO ID 4803 Last Observed 1984 Review Area 2-Mile Buffer NDD Occurence 0 0.5 1 Miles ´

SOURCE: Aerial photograph obtained from Google Earth Pro - 2019; NDD Data Recieved from TPWD December 12, 2019 TPWD NDD OCCURENCES CITY OF TOMBALL STORM DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FIGURE Tomball, Harris County, Texas 4

APPENDIX A

PHOTOGRAPHS

Photo 1: View of the southern portion of the Review Area facing south.

Photo 2: View of the northern portion of the Review Area facing north.

Photo 3: The drainage channel in the northern portion of the Review Area could provide habitat for the timber rattlesnake and forage for the wood stork following heavy rains.

Photo 4: The understory of the wooded areas is generally overgrown with yaupon holly in the southern portion of the Review Area.

APPENDIX B

HISTORICAL AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS

City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project USDA 2016

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project USDA 2014

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project USDA 2012

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project USDA 2010

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project USDA 2006

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project USDA 2005

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project USDA 2004

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project USGS 01/23/1995

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project TXDOT 10/10/1989

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project USGS 02/17/1983

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project TXDOT 12/12/1978

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project WALLACE 02/21/1969

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project USGS 12/01/1957

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project AMS 12/11/1952

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019 City of Tomball Storm Drainage Improvements Project ASCS 04/24/1944

JOB #: 329258 - 12/18/2019

APPENDIX C

ANNOTATED LIST OF RARE SPECIES FOR HARRIS COUNTY (TPWD)

Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 1 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species

Last Update: 7/17/2019 HARRIS COUNTY

AMPHIBIANS cajun chorus frog Pseudacris fouquettei Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: SU

Houston toad Anaxyrus houstonensis Primary habitat is sandy soil which supports populations of Pinus taeda, water in pools, ephemeral pools, stock tanks; breeds in spring especially after rains; burrows in soil of adjacent uplands when inactive; breeds February-June; associated with soils of the Sparta, Carrizo, Goliad, Queen City, Recklaw, Weches, and Willis geologic formations. Federal Status: LE State Status: E SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G1 State Rank: S1 southern crawfish frog Lithobates areolatus areolatus The Southern Crawfish Frog can be found in abandoned crawfish holes and small mammal burrows. This species inhabits moist meadows, pasturelands, pine scrub, and river flood plains. This species spends nearly all of its time in burrows and only leaves the burrow area to breed. Although this species can be difficult to detect due to its reclusive nature, the call of breeding males can be heard over great distances. Eggs are laid and larvae develop in temporary water such as flooded fields, ditches, farm ponds and small lakes. Habitat: Shallow water, Herbaceous Wetland, Riparian, Temporary Pool, Cropland/hedgerow, Grassland/herbaceous, Suburban/orchard, Woodland– Conifer. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4T4 State Rank: S3 southern dusky salamander Desmognathus conanti Details unknown. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: N Endemic: Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S1

Strecker's chorus frog Pseudacris streckeri Wooded floodplains and flats, prairies, cultivated fields and marshes. Likes sandy substrates. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S3

Woodhouse's toad Anaxyrus woodhousii Extremely catholic up to 5000 feet, does very well (except for traffic) in association with man. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: SU

BIRDS bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 2 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

BIRDS 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 Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S3B,S3N black rail Laterallus jamaicensis Salt, brackish, and freshwater marshes, pond borders, wet meadows, and grassy swamps; nests in or along edge of marsh, sometimes on damp ground, but usually on mat of previous years dead grasses; nest usually hidden in marsh grass or at base of Salicornia Federal Status: PT State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3G4 State Rank: S2

Franklin's gull Leucophaeus pipixcan Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4G5 State Rank: S2N 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 Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3 State Rank: S2 piping plover Charadrius melodus Beaches, sandflats, and dunes along Gulf Coast beaches and adjacent offshore islands. Also spoil islands in the Intracoastal Waterway. Based on the November 30, 1992 Section 6 Job No. 9.1, Piping Plover and Snowy Plover Winter Habitat Status Survey, algal flats appear to be the highest quality habitat. Some of the most important aspects of algal flats are their relative inaccessibility and their continuous availability throughout all tidal conditions. Sand flats often appear to be preferred over algal flats when both are available, but large portions of sand flats along the Texas coast are available only during low-very low tides and are often completely unavailable during extreme high tides or strong north winds. Beaches appear to serve as a secondary habitat to the flats associated with the primary bays, lagoons, and inter-island passes. Beaches are rarely used on the southern Texas coast, where bayside habitat is always available, and are abandoned as bayside habitats become available on the central and northern coast. However, beaches are probably a vital habitat along the central and northern coast (i.e. north of Padre Island) during periods of extreme high tides that cover the flats. Optimal site characteristics appear to be large in area, sparsely vegetated, continuously available or in close proximity to secondary habitat, and with limited human disturbance. Federal Status: LT State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3 State Rank: S2N red knot Calidris canutus rufa

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 3 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

BIRDS Red knots migrate long distances in flocks northward through the contiguous United States mainly April-June, southward July-October. A small plump-bodied, short-necked shorebird that in breeding plumage, typically held from May through August, is a distinctive and unique pottery orange color. Its bill is dark, straight and, relative to other shorebirds, short-to-medium in length. After molting in late summer, this species is in a drab gray-and-white non-breeding plumage, typically held from September through April. In the non-breeding plumage, the knot might be confused with the omnipresent Sanderling. During this plumage, look for the knot’s prominent pale eyebrow and whitish flanks with dark barring. The Red Knot prefers the shoreline of coast and bays and also uses mudflats during rare inland encounters. Primary prey items include coquina clam (Donax spp.) on beaches and dwarf surf clam (Mulinia lateralis) in bays, at least in the Laguna Madre. Wintering Range includes- Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kennedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, San Patricio, and Willacy. Habitat: Primarily seacoasts on tidal flats and beaches, herbaceous wetland, and Tidal flat/shore. Federal Status: LT State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4T2 State Rank: SNRN red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis Cavity nests in older pine (60+ years); forages in younger pine (30+ years); prefers longleaf, shortleaf, and loblolly Federal Status: LE State Status: E SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3 State Rank: S2B reddish egret Egretta rufescens Resident of the Texas Gulf Coast; brackish marshes and shallow salt ponds and tidal flats; nests on ground or in trees or bushes, on dry coastal islands in brushy thickets of yucca and prickly pear Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4 State Rank: S3B swallow-tailed kite Elanoides forficatus Lowland forested regions, especially swampy areas, ranging into open woodland; marshes, along rivers, lakes, and ponds; nests high in tall tree in clearing or on forest woodland edge, usually in pine, cypress, or various deciduous trees Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S2B 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 Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4T4 State Rank: S2 white-faced ibis Plegadis chihi Prefers freshwater marshes, sloughs, and irrigated rice fields, but will attend brackish and saltwater habitats; currently confined to near-coastal rookeries in so-called hog-wallow prairies. Nests in marshes, in low trees, on the ground in bulrushes or reeds, or on floating mats. Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S4B white-tailed hawk Buteo albicaudatus

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 4 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

BIRDS Near coast on prairies, cordgrass flats, and scrub-live oak; further inland on prairies, mesquite and oak savannas, and mixed savanna-chaparral; breeding March-May Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4G5 State Rank: S4B whooping crane Grus americana Small ponds, marshes, and flooded grain fields for both roosting and foraging. Potential migrant via plains throughout most of state to coast; winters in coastal marshes of Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio counties. Federal Status: LE State Status: E SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G1 State Rank: S1N wood stork Mycteria americana Prefers to nest in large tracts of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) or red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle); forages in prairie ponds, flooded pastures or fields, ditches, and other shallow standing water, including salt-water; usually roosts communally in tall snags, sometimes in association with other wading birds (i.e. active heronries); breeds in Mexico and birds move into Gulf States in search of mud flats and other wetlands, even those associated with forested areas; formerly nested in Texas, but no breeding records since 1960 Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4 State Rank: SHB,S2N

CRUSTACEANS Houston burrowing crayfish Fallicambarus houstonensis Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Global Rank: G2 State Rank: S3

FISH alligator gar Atractosteus spatula From the Red River to the Rio Grande (Hubbs et al. 2008); occurs in the Trinity River upstream of Lake Livingston. Found in rivers, streams, lakes, swamps, bayous, bays and estuaries typically in pools and backwater habitats. Floodplains inundated with flood waters provide spawning and nursery habitats. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3G4 State Rank: S4

Sabine shiner Notropis sabinae Inhabits small streams and large rivers of eastern Texas from San Jacinto drainage northward along the Gulf Coast to the Sabine River Basin; Habitat generalist with affinities for shallow, moving water and rarely found in pools and backwater areas;
closely restricted to substrate of fine, silt free sand in small creeks and rivers having slight to moderate current. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4 State Rank: S3

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 5 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

FISH saltmarsh topminnow Fundulus jenkinsi Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3 State Rank: S1 silverband shiner Notropis shumardi In Texas, found from Red River to Lavaca River; Main channel with moderate to swift current velocities and moderate to deep depths; associated with turbid water over silt, sand, and gravel. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S4 southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S5 western creek chubsucker Erimyzon claviformis Eastern Texas streams from the Red River to the San Jacinto drainage. Habitat includes silt-, sand-, and gravel-bottomed pools of clear headwaters, creeks, and small rivers; often near vegetation; occasionally in lakes. Spawning occurs in river mouths or pools, riffles, lake outlets, or upstream creeks. Prefers headwaters, but seldom occurs in springs. Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S2S3

INSECTS American bumblebee Bombus pensylvanicus Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Global Rank: G3G4 State Rank: SNR bay skipper Euphyes bayensis Apparently tidal sawgrass marsh only, probably covers same range of salinity as saw grass, nectarivore (butterfly), herbivore (caterpillar), larval foodplant is so far unconfirmed but is probably sawgrass, diurnal; two well separated broods apparently peaking in late May and in September which suggests the larvae may well aestivate in summer and the next brood hibernate Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G2G3 State Rank: S1

MAMMALS American badger Taxidea taxus Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 6 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

MAMMALS Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S5 big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Any wooded areas or woodlands except south Texas. Riparian areas in west Texas. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S5 big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis Habitat data sparse but records indicate that species prefers to roost in crevices and cracks in high canyon walls, but will use buildings, as well; reproduction data sparse, gives birth to single offspring late June-early July; females gather in nursery colonies; winter habits undetermined, but may hibernate in the Trans-Pecos; opportunistic insectivore Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S3 eastern red bat Lasiurus borealis Found in a variety of habitats in Texas. Usually associated with wooded areas. Found in towns especially during migration. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3G4 State Rank: S4 eastern spotted skunk Spilogale putorius Catholic; open fields prairies, croplands, fence rows, farmyards, forest edges & woodlands. Prefer wooded, brushy areas & tallgrass prairies. S.p. ssp. interrupta found in wooded areas and tallgrass prairies, preferring rocky canyons and outcrops when such sites are available. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4 State Rank: S1S3 hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus Known from montane and riparian woodland in Trans-Pecos, forests and woods in east and central Texas. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3G4 State Rank: S4 humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae Open ocean and coastal waters, sometimes including inshore areas such as bays; summer distribution is in temperate and subpolar waters; in winter, most are in tropical/subtropical waters near islands or coasts Federal Status: LE State Status: E SGCN: N Endemic: N Global Rank: G4 State Rank: SNR

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 7 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

MAMMALS long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata Includes brushlands, fence rows, upland woods and bottomland hardwoods, forest edges & rocky desert scrub. Usually live close to water. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S5

Louisiana black bear Ursus americanus luteolus Bottomland hardwoods, floodplain forests, upland hardwoods with mixed pine; marsh. Possible as transient; bottomland hardwoods and large tracts of inaccessible forested areas. Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5T2 State Rank: SNA

Mexican free-tailed bat Tadarida brasiliensis Roosts in buildings in east Texas. Largest maternity roosts are in limestone caves on the Edwards Plateau. Found in all habitats, forest to desert. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S5 mink Neovison vison Intimately associated with water; coastal swamps & marshes, wooded riparian zones, edges of lakes. Prefer floodplains. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S4 mountain lion Puma concolor Rugged mountains & riparian zones. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S2S3 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 Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: N Endemic: N Global Rank: G4T4 State Rank: S1S3

Rafinesque's big-eared bat Corynorhinus rafinesquii Historically, lowland pine and hardwood forests with large hollow trees. roosts in cavity trees of bottomland hardwoods, concrete culverts, and abandoned man-made structures Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3G4 State Rank: S2

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 8 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

MAMMALS southeastern myotis bat Myotis austroriparius Caves are rare in Texas portion of range; buildings, hollow trees are probably important. Historically, lowland pine and hardwood forests with large hollow trees; associated with ecological communities near water. Roosts in cavity trees of bottomland hardwoods, concrete culverts, and abandoned man-made structures. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4 State Rank: S3 southern short-tailed shrew Blarina carolinensis Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S4 swamp rabbit Sylvilagus aquaticus Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S5 thirteen-lined ground squirrel Ictidomys tridecemlineatus Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S5 tricolored bat Perimyotis subflavus Forest, woodland and riparian areas are important. Caves are very important to this species. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G2G3 State Rank: S3S4 western hog-nosed skunk Conepatus leuconotus Habitats include woodlands, grasslands & deserts, to 7200 feet, most common in rugged, rocky canyon country; little is known about the habitat of the ssp. telmalestes Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4 State Rank: S4

MOLLUSKS Louisiana pigtoe Pleurobema riddellii Streams and moderate-size rivers, usually flowing water on substrates of mud, sand, and gravel; not generally known from impoundments; Sabine, Neches, and Trinity (historic) River basins Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G1G2 State Rank: S1

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 9 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

MOLLUSKS sandbank pocketbook Lampsilis satura Small to large rivers with moderate flows and swift current on gravel, gravel-sand, and sand bottoms; east Texas, Sulfur south through San Jacinto River basins; Neches River Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: Global Rank: G2 State Rank: S1

REPTILES alligator snapping turtle Macrochelys temminckii Perennial water bodies; deep water of rivers, canals, lakes, and oxbows; also swamps, bayous, and ponds near deep running water; sometimes enters brackish coastal waters; usually in water with mud bottom and abundant aquatic vegetation; may migrate several miles along rivers; active March-October; breeds April-October Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3G4 State Rank: S2

American alligator Alligator mississippiensis Coastal marshes; inland natural rivers, swamps and marshes; manmade impoundments. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: N Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S4 common garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis Irrigation canals and riparian-corridor farmlands in west; marshy, flooded pastureland, grassy or brushy borders of permanent bodies of water; coastal salt marshes. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: N Endemic: Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S2 eastern box turtle Terrapene carolina Eastern box turtles inhabit forests, fields, forest-brush, and forest-field ecotones. In some areas they move seasonally from fields in spring to forest in summer. They commonly enters pools of shallow water in summer. For shelter, they burrow into loose soil, debris, mud, old stump holes, or under leaf litter. They can successfully hibernate in sites that may experience subfreezing temperatures. In Maryland bottomland forest, some hibernated in pits or depressions in forest floor (usually about 30 cm deep) usually within summer range; individuals tended to hibernate in same area in different years (Stickel 1989). Also attracted to farms, old fields and cut-over woodlands, as well as creek bottoms and dense woodlands. Egg laying sites often are sandy or loamy soils in open areas; females may move from bottomlands to warmer and drier sites to nest. In Maryland, females used the same nesting area in different years (Stickel 1989). Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S3 loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta Gulf and bay system primarily for juveniles, adults are most pelagic of the sea turtles; omnivorous, shows a preference for mollusks, crustaceans, and coral; nests from April through November Federal Status: LT State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: Global Rank: G3 State Rank: S4

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 10 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

REPTILES slender glass lizard Ophisaurus attenuatus Prefers relatively dry microhabitats, usually associated with grassy areas. Habitats include open grassland, prairie, woodland edge, open woodland, oak savannas, longleaf pine flatwoods, scrubby areas, fallow fields, and areas near streams and ponds, often in habitats with sandy soil. This species often appears on roads in spring. During inactivity, it occurs in underground burrows. In Kansas, slender glass lizards were scarce in heavily grazed pastures, increased as grass increased with removal of grazing, and declined as brush and trees replaced grass (Fitch 1989). Eggs are laid underground, under cover, or under grass clumps (Ashton and Ashton 1985); in cavities beneath flat rocks or in abandoned tunnels of small mammals (Scalopus, Microtus) (Fitch 1989). Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S3 smooth softshell Apalone mutica Any permanent body of water.Large rivers and streams; in some areas also found in lakes, impoundments, and shallow bogs (Ernst and Barbour 1972). Usually in water with sandy or mud bottom and few aquatic plants. Often basks on sand bars and mudflats at edge of water. Eggs are laid in nests dug in high open sandbars and banks close to water, usually within 90 m of water (Fitch and Plummer 1975). Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S3

Texas diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin littoralis Coastal marshes, tidal flats, coves, estuaries, and lagoons behind barrier beaches; brackish and salt water; burrows into mud when inactive; may venture into lowlands at high tide Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G4T3Q State Rank: S2

Texas horned lizard Phrynosoma cornutum Occurs to 6000 feet, but largely limited below the pinyon-juniper zone on mountains in the Big Bend area. 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. Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4G5 State Rank: S3

Texas tortoise Gopherus berlandieri Open brush with a grass understory is preferred; open grass and bare ground are avoided. Seasonally flooded tidal flats are not utilized. When inactive occupies shallow depressions at base of bush or cactus, sometimes in underground burrows or under objects; longevity greater than 50 years; active March-November; breeds April-November Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4 State Rank: S2 timber (canebrake) rattlesnake Crotalus horridus Swamps, floodplains, upland pine and deciduous woodland, riparian zones, abandoned farmland. Limestone bluffs, sandy soil or black clay. Prefers dense ground cover, i.e. grapevines, palmetto. Federal Status: State Status: T SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4 State Rank: S4

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 11 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

REPTILES western box turtle Terrapene ornata Ornate or western box trutles inhabit prairie grassland, pasture, fields, sandhills, and open woodland. They are essentially terrestrial but sometimes enter slow, shallow streams and creek pools. For shelter, they burrow into soil (e.g., under plants such as yucca) (Converse et al. 2002) or enter burrows made by other species; winter burrow depth was 0.5-1.8 meters in Wisconsin (Doroff and Keith 1990), 7-120 cm (average depth 54 cm) in Nebraska (Converse et al. 2002). Eggs are laid in nests dug in soft well-drained soil in open area (Legler 1960, Converse et al. 2002). Very partial to sandy soil. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S3 western hognose snake Heterodon nasicus Habitat consists of areas with sandy or gravelly soils, including prairies, sandhills, wide valleys, river floodplains, bajadas, semiagricultural areas (but not intensively cultivated land), and margins of irrigation ditches (Degenhardt et al. 1996, Hammerson 1999, Werler and Dixon 2000, Stebbins 2003). Also thornscrub woodlands and chaparral thickets. Seems to prefer sandy and loamy soils, not necessarily flat. Periods of inactivity are spent burrowed in the soil or in existing burrows. Eggs are laid in nests a few inches below the ground surface (Platt 1969). Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5 State Rank: S4

PLANTS awnless bluestem Bothriochloa exaristata Coastal prairies on black clay; Perennial; Flowering April-Dec; Fruiting April- Dec Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G4 State Rank: S3 coastal gay-feather Liatris bracteata Coastal prairie grasslands of various types, from salty prairie on low- lying somewhat saline clay loams to upland prairie on nonsaline clayey to sandy loams; flowering in fall Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G2G3 State Rank: S2S3 corkwood Leitneria pilosa ssp. pilosa Wet or saturated silty soils along brackish or freshwater swamps and ponds and other low, poorly drained sites; flowers in early spring, fruiting as early as May Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3T2 State Rank: S2

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 Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G2 State Rank: S2

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 12 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

PLANTS giant sharpstem umbrella-sedge Cyperus cephalanthus In Texas on saturated, fine sandy loam soils, along nearly level fringes of deep prairie depressions; also in depressional area within coastal prairie remnant on heavy black clay; in Louisiana, most sites are coastal prairie on poorly drained sites, some on slightly elevated areas surrounded by standing shallow water, and on moderately drained sites; soils include very strongly acid to moderately alkaline silt loams and silty clay loams; flowering/fruiting May-June, August-September, and possibly other times in response to rainfall Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3?Q State Rank: S1 goldenwave tickseed Coreopsis intermedia In deep sandy soils of sandhills in openings in or along margins of post oak woodlands and pine-oak forests of east Texas; Perennial; Flowering/Fruiting May-Aug Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3 State Rank: S3

Houston daisy Rayjacksonia aurea On and around naturally barren or sparsely vegetated saline slick spots or pimple mounds on coastal prairies, usually on sandy to sandy loam soils, occasionally in pastures and on roadsides in similar soil types where mowing may mimic natural prairie disturbance regimes; flowering late September-November (-December) Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G2 State Rank: S2

Indianola beakrush Rhynchospora indianolensis Locally abundant in cattle pastures in some areas (at least during wet years), possibly becoming a management problem in such sites; Perennial; Flowering/Fruiting April-Nov Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G3Q State Rank: S3

Oklahoma grass pink Calopogon oklahomensis Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3 State Rank: S1S2 panicled indigobush Amorpha paniculata A stout shrub, 3 m (9 ft) tall that grows in acid seep forests, peat bogs, wet floodplain forests, and seasonal wetlands on the edge of Saline Prairies in East Texas. It is distinguished from other Amorpha species by its fuzzy leaflets with prominent raised veins underneath, and the flower panicles, which are 8 to 16 inches long and slender, held above the foliage. Perennial; Flowering summer Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G2G3 State Rank: S2

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 13 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

PLANTS Shinner's sunflower Helianthus occidentalis ssp. plantagineus Mostly in prairies on the Coastal Plain, with several slightly disjunct populations in the Pineywoods and South Texas Brush Country. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G5T2T3 State Rank: S4

South Texas false cudweed Pseudognaphalium austrotexanum Habitat description is not available at this time. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G3 State Rank: S3

Texas ladies'-tresses Spiranthes brevilabris var. brevilabris Sandy soils in moist prairies, incl. blackland/Fleming prairies, calcareous prairie pockets surrounded by pines, pine-hardwood forest, open pinelands, wetland pine savannahs/flatwoods, and dry to moist fields, meadows, and roadsides. Delicate, nearly ephemeral orchid, producing winter rosettes, flowers Feb-Apr. Historically endemic to SE coastal plain. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: N Global Rank: G1G2 State Rank: S1

Texas meadow-rue Thalictrum texanum Mostly found in woodlands and woodland margins on soils with a surface layer of sandy loam, but it also occurs on prairie pimple mounds; both on uplands and creek terraces, but perhaps most common on claypan savannas; soils are very moist during its active growing season; flowering/fruiting (January-)February-May, withering by midsummer, foliage reappears in late fall(November) and may persist through the winter Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G2Q State Rank: S2

Texas prairie dawn Hymenoxys texana In poorly drained, sparsely vegtated areas (slick spots) at the base of mima mounds in open grassland or almost barren areas on slightly saline soils that are sticky when wet and powdery when dry; flowering late February-early April Federal Status: LE State Status: E SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G2 State Rank: S2

Texas tauschia Tauschia texana Occurs in loamy soils in deciduous forests or woodlands on river and stream terraces; Perennial; Flowering/Fruiting Feb-April Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G3 State Rank: S3

Texas willkommia Willkommia texana var. texana Mostly in sparsely vegetated shortgrass patches within taller prairies on alkaline or saline soils on the Coastal Plain (Carr 2015). Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G3G4T3 State Rank: S3

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Page 14 of 14 Annotated County Lists of Rare Species HARRIS COUNTY

PLANTS Texas windmill grass Chloris texensis Sandy to sandy loam soils in relatively bare areas in coastal prairie grassland remnants, often on roadsides where regular mowing may mimic natural prairie fire regimes; flowering in fall Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G2 State Rank: S2

Tharp's dropseed Sporobolus tharpii Occurs on barrier islands, shores of lagoons and bays protected by the barrier islands, and on shores of a few near-coastal ponds. Plants occur at the bases of dunes, in interdune swales and sandflats, and on upper beaches. The substrate is of Holocene age. Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G3 State Rank: S3 threeflower broomweed Thurovia triflora Near coast in sparse, low vegetation on a veneer of light colored silt or fine sand over saline clay along drier upper margins of ecotone between between salty prairies and tidal flats; further inland associated with vegetated slick spots on prairie mima mounds; flowering September- November Federal Status: State Status: SGCN: Y Endemic: Y Global Rank: G2G3 State Rank: S2S3

DISCLAIMER The information on this web application is provided “as is” without warranty as to the currentness, completeness, or accuracy of any specific data. The data provided are for planning, assessment, and informational purposes. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the application website for further information.

APPENDIX D

TEXAS NATURAL DIVERSITY DATABASE ELEMENT OF OCCURRENCES WITHIN TWO MILES

Element Occurrence Record

Scientific Name: Quercus nigra-quercus phellos series Occurrence #: 2 Eo Id: 6962 Common Name: Water Oak-willow Oak Series Track Status: Track all extant and selected historical EOs Identification Confirmed: Y - Yes TX Protection Status: Global Rank: G4 State Rank: S3 Federal Status:

Location Information:

Directions GO 3 MILES EAST FROM TOMBALL, TX, ON FM 2920. JUST AFTER CROSSING WILLOW CREEK YOU WILL SEE "HOOKSWOOD" SIGN ON RIGHT OR SOUTH SIDE OF ROAD.

Survey Information:

First Observation: 1983 Survey Date: 1984-06-18 Last Observation: 1984-07-10

Eo Type: Eo Rank: B Eo Rank Date:

Observed Area: 300.00

Comments:

General 300 ACRE SITE DOMINATED BY OLD-GROWTH FLOODPLAIN HARDWOODS FOREST ON WILLOW CREEK Description: FLOODPLAIN.

Comments: 75 FEET ON EITHER SIDE OF CENTER LINE OF WILLOW CREEK WAS CLEARED BY DRAINAGE DISTRICT IN 1951. GOOD RECOVERY. Protection DRAINAGE DISTRICT MAY BE A PROBLEM Comments:

Management ONLY NEEDS BENIGN NEGLECT Comments:

Data:

EO Data: GOOD-EXCELLENT QUALITY WITH GAP-PHASE SUCCESSION & LAYERING. LOBLOLLY PINE IS CO-DOMINANT IN OVERSTORY.

Community Information:

Scientific Name: Stratum: Dominant: Lifeform: Composition Note:

Reference:

Citation:

BROWN, B.A. 1984. FIELD SURVEY TO HOOKSWOOD OF JUNE 18, 1984.

Specimen:

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Scientific Name: Rayjacksonia aurea Occurrence #: 8 Eo Id: 4803 Common Name: Houston daisy Track Status: Track all extant and selected historical EOs Identification Confirmed: Y - Yes TX Protection Status: Global Rank: G2 State Rank: S1 Federal Status:

Location Information:

Directions NORTH SIDE OF BOUDREAUX ROAD, 0.3 MILE WEST OF HUFFSMITH- KOHRVILLE ROAD

Survey Information:

First Observation: 1980-11-09 Survey Date: Last Observation: 1980-11-09

Eo Type: Eo Rank: Eo Rank Date:

Observed Area:

Comments:

General ROADSIDE DITCH; SANDY SOIL (GESSNER LOAM); IN 1997, ROADSIDE SURVEY, FIELD MOSTLY Description: OVERGROWN IN KING RANCH BLUESTEM, VASEYGRASS AND YOUNG PINE, BUT A SINGLE BARREN NEAR A DITCH HAD SOME YELLOW COMPOSITES PRESENT

Comments:

Protection Comments:

Management Comments:

Data:

EO Data: IN FLOWER IN 1980; 1998-2002 NOT SURVEYED

Community Information:

Scientific Name: Stratum: Dominant: Lifeform: Composition Note:

Reference:

Citation:

LINAM, LEE ANN. NO DATE. WILDLIFE DIVERSITY BRANCH, TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT, 200 HOOTS HOLLER, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676; PHONE (512) 847-9480; [email protected] Linam, L. A. 2002. Final Report. Project WER 09(72): Implementation of candidate species monitoring. Grant No. E-9 Endangered and Threatened Species Conservation. Submitted to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX. 1 November 2002.

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Specimen:

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY HERBARIUM. 1980. J.W. KESSLER #3949, SPECIMEN # NONE SMU. 9 NOVEMBER 1980.

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APPENDIX E

IPaC REPORT (USFWS)

ATTACHMENT 10b CRITICAL HABITAT MAP Chestnut Timkin

Parking Lot There is No Critical Habitat in the Project Area

Holiday

Ash Blackshear

Todd

Timkin

Lizzie Weirich

Belmont

Southmore

Mahaffey

Parking Lot

Anna Parking Lot

Persimmon

Cherry

Sutton

FM 2978

Pitchford

Mulberry

Ashley Justin Joseph

Adam Agg

Project Area Critical Habitat

Keno Moon

Mulberry 0250 500 1,000 Feet Persimmon Theis ´ SOURCE: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Accessed December 5, 2019. CRITICAL HABITAT CITY OF TOMBALL DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS Harris County, Texas