Section 3 Covered Activities and their Impacts

3.0 covered ACTIVITIES This chapter also describes how the Covered Activities may affect the Covered Species. The estimation of take that could AND THEIR IMPACTS occur after implementation of the take avoidance and minimi- zation measures is provided in Section 5.3 of the HCP. As part of the HCP, Stanford is seeking a Section 10(a) inci- dental take permit from the Service and NOAA Fisheries. An incidental take permit can be issued for one-time site-specific 3.1 “LAKE” WATER SYSTEM activities or projects, or for a broader program of multiple ongoing or annual maintenance activities. Stanford is seeking Stanford University operates a dual water supply system that the latter type of incidental take permits that will allow it to provides both potable and non-potable water to the campus. operate and develop the University, and perform the Covered The dual water system provides operational flexibility, reliabil- Activities described below. ity, and cost efficiency for the University. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Water Department (SFPUC) This section describes the Covered Activities that Stanford rou- supplies Stanford with potable water. The potable water sup- tinely performs, including the construction of new facilities. All ply is chloraminated for disinfection by the SFPUC. Stanford of the activities described below are Covered Activities, unless also maintains groundwater wells that are routinely monitored the HCP specifically excludes them from coverage. The Covered and are of potable-water quality. The non-potable water supply Activities include activities related to water management, aca- currently is used mainly for irrigation and as a backup to po- demic uses, maintenance and construction of urban infrastruc- table water for fire protection. The non-potable water system ture, recreational and athletic uses, general campus management is referred to as the Lake water system, and is made up of water and maintenance, activities that are carried out by Stanford’s diversions from Los Trancos Creek, San Francisquito Creek, tenants, and future development. All of these activities are neces- and Searsville Reservoir, and occasionally supplemented by sary to keep the University operating, and most of these activities the wells. Lake water is stored in Felt Reservoir and Searsville have been ongoing for many years. These activities represent Reservoir (Fig. 3-1 and 3-2). Although non-potable, Lake wa- the type of University operations that could affect the Covered ter could be treated and made available for human use in case Species, and allow the University to analyze the potential effect of an emergency. of its operations on the Covered Species. But, because of the size and diversity of operations, and the changes in technology that The Stanford Utilities Division, which is part of the University are continually occurring, it is not possible to describe all of the Facilities Operations Department, is responsible for the plan- University’s actions in complete detail. Section 4.0 of the HCP ning, operation, and maintenance of the domestic water supply, describes the Conservation Program that will avoid or minimize Lake water, chilled water/steam system, and the sanitary sewer the take of Covered Species caused by the Covered Activities. and storm drainage systems. These systems include many components, such as water diversion facilities, creek monitoring This section describes many activities that individually pres- devices, dams, reservoirs, deep wells, over 200 miles of water, ent a very low chance of causing either direct or indirect take of sewer and drainage piping, open channels, fire hydrants, man- Covered Species. When viewed cumulatively, however, these holes, and meters. All of these water management facilities and common activities likely do result in take, and if this take is not activities are needed to support academic research and a daily minimized or mitigated for, it could, over time, have a potentially population of about 30,000-35,000 people. significant effect on the Covered Species. The HCP is designed to benefit the Covered Species and increase the likelihood of 3.1.1 Water Diversions their persistence at Stanford. If the HCP is successful, the Covered Species populations at Stanford will increase, and, as Stanford University holds riparian and pre- and post-1914 ap- the Covered Species become more abundant, they will inhabit propriative water rights and licenses that entitle the University more areas at Stanford. Although this will provide a significant to divert water from Los Trancos Creek, San Francisquito benefit to the Covered Species, the number of individuals of the Creek, and Searsville Reservoir. Stanford currently exercises Covered Species that are taken, particularly while conducting these water rights by operating the following water diversion routine activities could increase when the Covered Species start facilities: 1) the Los Trancos diversion located on Los Trancos inhabiting areas that are currently uninhabited. The percentage Creek; 2) a pump station on San Francisquito Creek at the of the local populations impacted, however, will remain the same Stanford golf course; and 3) the Searsville Dam diversion or will decrease as the overall population of Covered Species con- (Fig. 3-2). Felt Reservoir is the largest storage reservoir in the tinues to increase. Stanford Lake water system.

Therefore, while any one of the Covered Activities, at any given Water from Los Trancos Creek is diverted by an in-stream time, may not result in the take of Covered Species, they are all structure located on Los Trancos Creek just downstream from

considered Covered Activities because on a cumulative basis they  There are two sets of pumps on San Francisquito Creek; these are re- could result in take. ferred to as the Felt pumps and the Lagunita pumps, and are combined into one facility.

Section 3 page 45 the Stanford property boundary near Arastradero Road. The soon enough to complete the physical modifications to the di- Los Trancos Creek diversion facility includes a small diversion version structures by the fall of 2008, which will allow Stanford dam, a by-pass channel, fish ladder, screen, and a concrete-lined to begin implementing the new operational protocols during conveyance channel (flume). From this structure, the water is the winter of 2008-2009. The physical presence of the cur- contained in the flume and flows by gravity to Felt Reservoir rent facilities, ongoing operation of the current facilities, and (Fig. 3-2). To facilitate fish passage the structure was modified the maintenance associated with the current facilities, will be in the mid-1990s, using a design provided by the California Covered Activities under this HCP, until the modified facilities Department of Fish and Game. The modified structure im- are built and the modified operating and maintenance protocols proved fish passage and helped prevent the diversion of fish are implemented. The HCP therefore describes the current into the conveyance flume. However, the current fish ladder water diversion facilities, maintenance, and operations, and the and screen are highly labor intensive, negatively affect diver- modified diversion facilities, maintenance, and operations. sion operations, and have resulted in a reduction in the amount of water that can be diverted from Los Trancos Creek to Felt 3.1.1.1 potential Effects of the Current Water Reservoir, particularly during high flows. Diversions on the Covered Species

Stanford, in consultation with NOAA Fisheries and the Stanford’s diversion facilities were modernized during the California Department of Fish and Game, studied ways to 1990s to protect steelhead. Physical and operational changes enhance conditions for steelhead through improvements to the were made at this time. The physical changes to the facilities water diversion facilities. The proposed structural modifica- included the installation of fish screens and ladders. These tions and operational changes to the diversions, and accom- physical changes and changes in the operation of Stanford’s panying maintenance to restore storage capacity at the Felt water diversions have significantly reduced the effects of the Reservoir, are known as the Steelhead Habitat Enhancement water diversions on the Covered Species. However, the opera- Project (SHEP). The design for the proposed modifications tion of the current diversions may still result in the incidental and operating protocols for the SHEP have been finalized by take of steelhead. Stanford, in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Game, and NOAA Fisheries. NOAA Fisheries is C urrent Los Trancos Diversion from Los Trancos Creek currently preparing a biological opinion for the project; a sum- The Los Trancos diversion, as constructed and currently oper- mary of the SHEP is attached as Appendix A. ated, could affect steelhead by impeding migration, manipulat- ing water levels, and impingement (having individuals getting Construction of the modified diversion facilities and activities stuck on the intake screen). The existing facility with its fish related to the accompanying maintenance to restore storage screen and ladder was designed by the California Department capacity at the Felt Reservoir are not Covered Activities under of Fish and Game. Stanford’s diversion operations were devel- this HCP, and will be permitted by NOAA Fisheries and vari- oped to diminish these potential effects and reduce the inci- ous federal and state agencies separately. The physical presence dental take of steelhead and to facilitate their migration, and of the modified facilities, ongoing operation of the modified steelhead are regularly observed upstream of the diversion. facilities as approved under the SHEP, and the maintenance associated with the modified facilities are Covered Activities Operation of the Los Trancos diversion does not affect under this HCP. California tiger salamanders. California red-legged frogs and western pond turtles could be impacted through the manipu- Stanford does not know when the agencies will finish permit- lation of water levels. However, these species do not occupy ting the SHEP, and therefore when the modified facilities will the Stanford portion of Los Trancos Creek, and the potential be operable. Stanford anticipates having the necessary permits minor effects that the diversion might have on California red- legged frogs or western pond turtles are, therefore, limited to portions of San Francisquito Creek, downstream from the con- fluence with Los Trancos Creek. California red-legged frogs have not been recorded for more than a decade in this location, and western pond turtles are found in very low abundance.

C urrent San Francisquito Creek Pumping Station Stanford has operated a water diversion in San Francisquito Creek near the Stanford golf course for more than 100 years. Although the diversion is located adjacent to the golf course, it is unrelated to the operation of the golf course. In February 1986, the diversion was moved from the currently non-operat- ing in-stream Lagunita diversion downstream to its present location because of extensive collapsing of the flume. It was page 46 Section 3

configured with an in-stream weir and pumping facilities with perforated pipe intakes that are essentially at-grade. In 1998, under permits from Santa Clara Valley Water District, California Department of Fish and Game, and Santa Clara County, the station was completely reconstructed and now consists of an infiltration gallery and two sets of subsurface pumps: the Lagunita pumps, which convey water to Lagunita through a flume, and the Felt pumps, which convey water to the pipeline that extends from Felt Reservoir to campus (Fig. 3-2). Both sets of pumps are located in a single pump station facility. One purpose of the Felt pumps is to pick up the Los Trancos Creek water bypassed at the fish ladder facility. The losses at Los Trancos have not been consistently made up by the San Francisquito Creek pump station for various reasons, including limited pump capacity.

Water diversion via the operation of the pumping station on San Francisquito Creek will not impact California tiger sala- manders, and its operation is very unlikely to adversely affect California red-legged frogs, because red-legged frogs have not and steelhead. However, such impacts are likely very limited. been observed at this location, or reaches of San Francisquito The theoretical maximum diversion rate of the facility is 4.5 cfs, Creek downstream of the diversion for many decades. Western which can only be achieved when the reservoir is completely pond turtles are found scattered throughout the system and full and the lower intakes are clear; this diversion rate being some individuals are expected to inhabit reaches near the limited by the diameter of the pipe. The functional maximum pumping station and areas downstream. These turtles could be diversion rate is 1.8 cfs, llimited by the capacity of an in-line slightly impacted by the manipulation of water levels. booster pump. With or without diversion, water typically over- tops Searsville Dam only during the rainy season, and generally While unlikely, the operation of the pumping facilities may stops flowing over the dam in late spring or early summer. In adversely affect steelhead. Steelhead have historically spawned years with much higher than average rainfall the overflow can in locations both upstream and downstream of the pumping continue until mid-summer. Due to its multiple block con- facilities, but recent observations indicate that most, if not all, struction, water seeps through the body of the dam year-round. of the spawning occurs upstream of this diversion. In addition, Potential downstream impacts due to diversion occurring dur- juvenile steelhead occupy San Francisquito Creek at the diver- ing the period when there is overflow are muted due to the large sion structures and reaches immediately upstream and down- amount of water flowing in the creeks (mean cfs per month for stream of the pumping facilities, and adult steelhead and smolts San Francisquito Creek as measured at the USGS gage station migrate past the diversion. The overall effect of the pumping located near the intersection of Junipero Serra Boulevard and station is likely minor because it is not a barrier to dispersing Alpine Road during the rainy season of December through individuals (either adults or juveniles), and it is not operated April ranges from 27 cfs to 78 cfs). During the period when during periods of relatively low flow due to physical constraints there is no overflow, the amount of water flowing through the of the structure. However, even a limited manipulation of wa- dam is fairly independent of the amount being diverted. ter level could adversely affect steelhead. Impingement is not a concern at this facility. M aintenance of the Current Diversions The maintenance activities associated with all of the current Searsville Diversion diversion facilities could have short-term adverse effects on the The Searsville Dam was built in 1892 and is located down- Covered Species, particularly steelhead. Maintenance of the di- stream from the confluence of Corte Madera and Sausal version structures involves work in the creeks, though this work creeks. Searsville Reservoir is described in more detail in typically occurs during the summer or fall, when the creeks are Section 3.1.3. An intake structure, dam, and piping system low or dry. Maintenance occasionally requires isolating a short comprise the diversion. portion of the creek affected by the work with coffer dams and temporarily confining flows to a short length of pipe. Stanford is not proposing to modify this diversion as part of the SHEP. Maintenance of the Los Trancos Creek diversion facility con- sists of activities both during the diversion season and the Operation of the Searsville diversion does not impact California off-season. Diversion season maintenance includes occasional tiger salamanders. Manipulation of downstream water levels repair of the fish screen brush mechanism, frequent clearing of could impact California red-legged frogs, western pond turtles accumulated gravel and debris from all of the flow paths (radial

Section 3 page 51 gate, ladder, bypass channel and flume), and occasional repair intake piping is typically done at the beginning of the rainy of the gate mechanism. Generally, high creek flows trigger the season each year and occasionally during it. Pipe flushing is need for this maintenance work. For safety reasons, all of this accomplished by opening blow-off valves on tees from the work is done after high creek flows (when problems typically mains, and results in discharges of sediment-laden water into occur) have subsided, and there is minimum disturbance to either the creek or land just above it, depending on location. creek flow. These activities usually take a few hours, and usu- However, flushing is done when creek flows are high and natu- ally occur several times each diversion season. When necessary rally sediment-laden to avoid, or at least minimize, the disrup- to facilitate maintenance activities in the ladder and bypass tion of water and quality and habitat. Maintenance of pipes channel, the creek flow is temporarily rerouted through the through the Searsville Dam is similar to maintenance of other opened redial gate; no coffer dams or piping of creek flow is pipelines, which is described further in Section 3.1.4. necessary for this routine maintenance. Maintenance of the Searsville diversion does not impact Maintenance of the Los Trancos Creek diversion facility does California tiger salamanders or California red-legged frogs. not impact California tiger salamanders or western pond turtles. Maintenance of the Searsville diversion could adversely affect California red-legged frogs have not been observed in the vicin- western pond turtles, which were found in the pool downstream ity of the Los Trancos Creek diversion since the mid-1990’s and of the dam through disturbance of the pool by workers or main- maintenance of the facility is not expected to impact California tenance activities. However, western pond turtles have not been red-legged frogs. Maintenance activities associated with the fa- in that location since the late-1990s. The few steelhead present cility could have short-term adverse effects on steelhead. in the pool immediately downstream of the dam could also be adversely affected by diversion maintenance activities. However, Maintenance of the San Francisquito Creek pump station the number of steelhead present in the pool and creek immedi- involves much less invasive activity than maintenance of Los ately downstream of the dam is low (surveys typically find fewer Trancos Creek diversion facility because of the pump station’s than 15 steelhead in that reach of the creek) and the maintenance configuration. Pump station maintenance activities consist work is limited in scope. primarily of backwashing of the infiltration gallery and piping with lake water, and pump repairs. Backwashing of the gallery 3.1.1.2 potential Effects of the Modified Water involves periodic (up to daily, depending on operations and Diversions on the Covered Species creek sediment conditions) valve exercising (opening and clos- ing) in the piping near the top of bank, and agitation of accu- As discussed above, Stanford is proposing to improve steelhead mulated sediments above the gallery in the creek. habitat in Los Trancos and San Francisquito creeks by modify- ing the Los Trancos and San Francisquito diversion facilities Maintenance of the pumps is typically performed in the summer and implementing new operating protocols (Appendix A). The low-flow periods; however, in rare emergencies, the pumps in operating protocols proposed by Stanford as part of the SHEP the vaults may need to be accessed for repair/removal during the will increase the minimum bypass flows in Los Trancos Creek and diversion season. During pump removal or if extensive mainte- San Francisquito Creek. The increased bypass flows will enhance nance is required, the adjacent creek is blocked off from the vault steelhead habitat and downstream passage. Although the SHEP area by seines and cleared of fishes before workers enter the vault will further reduce the potential effects of these water diversions area. This is rarely needed and is done on average once every 5 on steelhead, operation of the modified diversions may result in years, it affects an area approximately 50 feet in length. the incidental take of steelhead. Thus, the presence, operation, and maintenance of the modified facilities are covered under this HCP. Maintenance of the San Francisquito Creek pump station does Stanford is not proposing to modify the Searsville diversion. not impact California tiger salamanders or California red- legged frogs. Western pond turtles have not been observed in M odified LosT rancos Diversion the vicinity of the pump station, and maintenance of the facility The SHEP includes modifications to the design of the fish lad- is expected to produce only minor, if any, short-term impacts der and fish screen that will allow Stanford to more efficiently to western pond turtles. Maintenance activities associated with divert water during periods of high flows. The new fishway has the facility could produce short-term impacts to steelhead been designed to comply with current California Department of when steelhead were excluded or moved from the area of the Fish and Game and NOAA Fisheries criteria for anadromous station, or with a change in water quality as sediments were fish passage. By increasing diversions during high flow periods, stirred up during maintenance activities. Stanford will have greater flexibility to increase bypass flows dur- ing low-flow periods. This flexibility, along with an improved The Searsville diversion facility also requires maintenance ac- fishway, will enhance creek conditions for steelhead during both tivity. Every few years, the intake system needs repairs or the low and high flow periods. screened intake openings and valves in the reservoir just above the dame need to be adjusted. The work is usually performed As part of the SHEP, Stanford also will modify the operation of by divers, without dewatering or coffer dams. Flushing of the the Los Trancos diversion (Appendix A). The new protocols for page 52 Section 3 operating the modified diversion will substantially increase flows of the spawning occurs upstream of this diversion. In addition, through the fish ladder, which will further enhance conditions juvenile steelhead occupy San Francisquito Creek at the diver- for steelhead migration and spawning. These enhancements also sion structures and reaches immediately upstream and down- will accommodate the upstream and downstream movement of stream of the pumping facilities, and adult steelhead and smolts juvenile steelhead. migrate past the diversion. The overall effect of the pumping station is likely minor because it is not a barrier to dispersing Operation of the modified Los Trancos diversion will enhance individuals (either adults or juveniles), and it is not operated conditions and habitat for steelhead. However, the existence and during periods of relatively low flow due to physical con- operation of the modified diversion facilities could still adversely straints of the structure. However, even a limited manipula- affect steelhead by impeding migration, manipulating water lev- tion of water level could conceivably adversely affect steelhead. els, entrainment, and impingement. Impingement is not an issue at this facility.

Operation of the modified Los Trancos diversion does not af- fect California tiger salamanders. California red-legged frogs and western pond turtles could be impacted through the ma- nipulation of water levels. However, these two species do not occupy the Stanford portion of Los Trancos Creek, and the potential minor effects that the modified diversion might have on California red-legged frogs or western pond turtles are, therefore, limited to portions of San Francisquito Creek, down- stream from the confluence with Los Trancos Creek, where California red-legged frogs have not been recorded for more than a decade, and western pond turtles are found in very low abundance.

M odified San Francisquito Creek Pumping Station Maintenance of the Modified Diversions The San Francisquito Creek pump station will be modified to The maintenance activities associated with the modified diver- divert the additional bypass flows at the modified Los Trancos sion facilities is very similar to the maintenance activities of diversion. As part of the SHEP, the Felt pumps will be modi- the Current Diversion structure described above and may have fied so that they can accommodate up to 8 cfs, an increase of short-term adverse effects on the Covered Species, particularly 4 cfs over the current 4 cfs rate (Appendix A). The Lagunita steelhead. Maintenance of the modified diversion structures pumps will not be changed. The SHEP includes modifica- would involve work in the creeks, though this work will typical- tions to the protocols for operating the modified pump sta- ly occur during the summer or fall, when the creeks are low or tion. The modified protocols will improve creek conditions dry. In addition, the top of the vault will be raised to above the for steelhead passage (Appendix A). Water diversion via the low water level so most maintenance can occur without touch- operation of the modified pumping station on San Francisquito ing the creek. Maintenance will still require the use of coffer Creek will have similar or fewer impacts than the current San dams to de-water a short portion of the creek that is affected Francisquito Creek pumping station facilities. by the maintenance, and flows would be temporarily confined to a short length of pipe. Thus, maintenance of the existing or Water diversion via the operation of the pumping station modified diversions could affect the Covered Species. on San Francisquito Creek will not impact California tiger salamanders, and its operation is very unlikely to adversely 3.1.2 creek Monitoring Facilities affect California red-legged frogs because they have not been observed at this location or reaches of San Francisquito Creek Two semi-automated water quality and sediment monitoring downstream of the diversion. Western pond turtles are found devices were installed by the City of Palo Alto in 2002 in the scattered throughout the system, and some individuals are ex- San Francisquito watershed on: (1) Los Trancos Creek (at pected to inhabit reaches near the pumping station and areas Piers Lane), and (2) San Francisquito Creek (at Piers Lane) downstream. These turtles could be impacted by the manipu- (Fig. 3-1). The equipment was installed by, and continues to be lation of water levels. With a maximum diversion rate of 4 cfs, owned by, the City of Palo Alto. The stations are operated by the alterations in stream flow caused by the station likely will Stanford as part of the San Francisquito Watershed Council’s not affect turtles. Long Term Monitoring and Assessment Program (LTMAP).

While unlikely, the operation of the pumping facilities may Equipment at each of the stations is mounted on a 4.5’ x 4.5’ adversely affect steelhead. Steelhead have historically spawned concrete pad located near the top of bank. Cables extend from in locations both upstream and downstream of the pumping the automated equipment into the creek for the purpose of facilities, and recent observations indicated that most, if not all, continuous monitoring of factors such as measuring ph levels

Section 3 page 53 and temperature. Flexible Teflon tubing extends from the currently used to irrigate the campus and leased lands, and for equipment into the stream and draws water quality samples at fire protection. At the present time, sedimentation has partially a frequency of six times per year. These samples are collected filled Searsville Reservoir; Searsville Reservoir is now divided and transported to local laboratories for more thorough wa- into three parts called Upper Searsville, Middle Searsville, and ter quality analysis and testing. Strainers are installed on the Searsville (Fig. 3-1). tubing to prevent vegetation, fish, or invertebrates from being trapped in the tubing. Samples are drawn at varying flow rates San Francisquito Creek contains one of the few remaining throughout the rainy season. steelhead runs in the San Francisco Bay drainage. Steelhead spawn throughout the San Francisquito Creek system, includ- The tubing, cables, and probes that extend into the stream are ing those portions that flow through Stanford land. Searsville occasionally damaged by high-flows. These are replaced during Dam is a barrier to fish migration in the system, and isolates low-flow periods as needed, which is generally once per year. some 6 to 8 kilometers of suitable spawning habitat from mi- grating adults. The Searsville Dam also creates a warm-water A third monitoring device, which is operated by the City of lacustrine environment that was not found in the system his- Palo Alto and therefore not covered by the HCP, is located on torically, and the Searsville Reservoir acts as a sediment sink lower San Francisquito Creek at Newell Road. In 2004, as part that reduces seasonal sediment transport that previously moved of the LTMAP and to provide additional data from the San through the San Francisquito Creek watershed. There are also Francisquito Creek watershed, Stanford installed an additional extensive wetlands associated with the reservoir, and new wet- monitoring station on Bear Creek, downstream from Sand Hill lands are continuing to form upstream. Road in Stanford’s Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve. Stanford also maintains a stream flow and sediment transport gauge on When Stanford acquired the dam, water rights, and sur- Corte Madera Creek at Westridge Drive. This site is not on rounding lands, the capacity of the reservoir was 355 mil- Stanford’s property, but is operated by the University. lion gallons (approximately 1,090 acre feet). As of 2000, the reservoir capacity has been diminished to approximately 33 3.1.2.1 potential Effects of the Creek Monitoring million gallons (103 acre feet), due to naturally occurring and Facilities on the Covered Species anthropogenic erosion in the upper watershed (upgradient of Stanford lands), resulting in silting of the Searsville Reservoir The water quality and sediment monitoring devices will have a basin. Sediments transported by Corte Madera Creek are the negligible effect on the Covered Species. These facilities extend primary source of infilling of the Searsville basin. If the cur- minimally into the creeks (only probes to collect water quality rent siltation rate continues or increases, and sediments are samples and data are located in the channels) and will not trap not removed by dredging or flushing, Searsville will be com- individuals of the Covered Species during water sampling, or pletely filled with sediment within the 50-year life of this HCP. inhibit the dispersal of the Covered Species. Predictions of exactly when this will happen vary, depending upon assumptions about future weather patterns. Stanford Although unlikely, workers repairing these facilities could ad- University has commissioned several studies to better under- versely affect the Covered Species by inadvertently disturbing stand the likely consequences of this ongoing process, including an individual of the Covered Species. Steelhead are most likely streamflow and sediment transport monitoring on tributar- to be disturbed as they frequently hide under in-stream objects, ies to Searsville Reservoir, surveys of biotic resources in San including pipes and tubes. However, such impacts would not Francisquito Creek, and analyses of flooding and sedimentation have any long-term effects on any of the Covered Species. problems above Searsville Reservoir.

3.1.3 open-Water Reservoirs It is important to emphasize that Searsville Reservoir is chang- ing rapidly. The effects of Searsville naturally filling is beyond the Stanford maintains three open-water reservoirs: Searsville scope of this HCP. Likewise, any major modifications of Searsville Reservoir, Felt Reservoir, and Lagunita (Fig. 3-1). to address the filling also are beyond the scope of this HCP.

Searsville Reservoir Operation and Maintenance of Searsville Reservoir. The (DWR # 614-000; National ID # CA00669) Searsville Dam needs to be operated and maintained in order In 1892, the Spring Valley Water Company built the Searsville to keep it in good operating condition, and to comply with Dam on Corte Madera Creek to provide a stable water supply State Division of Safety of Dams regulations. These opera- to the local communities. Approximately 15 square miles of tions involve the following activities: the San Francisquito watershed is upstream of the Searsville Dam. The dam is 68 feet tall, 260 feet in length, and is con-  Despite this siltation, Stanford has been able to continue diversions at structed from interlocking cement blocks. In 1914, Stanford Searsville Dam at volumes well in excess of the reduced storage capac- University acquired the dam and water rights from the Spring ity, by adjusting the operation of the water diversion to more efficiently Valley Water Company. Water from the Searsville Reservoir is divert water into the conveyance and distribution system during higher flow periods in winter and spring. page 54 Section 3 • Activate, maintain, and periodically (i.e., every 5 to of work on the joints (tightening and resealing). The work is 10 years) replace intake valves or tower (see Section performed in the summer when creek flow is low and below the 3.1.1.1), pipes, so no creek disruption occurs. Replacement of the pipes once over the next 50 years is anticipated, and this work, too, • Maintain flashboard system, which consists of re- will occur just above the creek summer low-water level. movable timber boards that fit into slots along the top of the dam, raising the effective height of the Felt Reservoir (DWR # 614-002; National ID# CA00670) dam when installed, The storage capacity at Felt Reservoir is approximately 1,050 • Annually, physically clean cement dam face to re- acre-feet (341,250,000 gallons), and the current dam was com- move accumulated debris and plant growth and trim pleted in 1930. The earthen berm is 67 feet tall and 590 feet or remove vegetation that is encroaching at the ends in length. Felt Reservoir is an off-channel reservoir located in of the dam structure, the lower foothills between Highway 280 and Alpine Road, in • Annually, activate valves and perform blow-off test- Santa Clara County (Fig. 3-1). The surrounding land is rolling ing (see Section 3.1.1.1), grasslands that are used for livestock grazing. Felt Reservoir is filled almost entirely from the Los Trancos Creek diversion, • Repairs of the dam structure appurtenances (e.g., but recent system upgrades allow for water from the pumping railings, valve towers/hardware). station on San Francisquito Creek (located at the Stanford golf course) and Searsville Reservoir to be moved to Felt Reservoir Searsville Reservoir, like other reservoirs, requires periodic for storage and distribution (Fig. 3-2). In addition, the Felt dredging in order to maintain its capacity. An average of Reservoir capacity will be restored by the SHEP (Appendix 15,000 cubic yards of sediment is deposited in the reservoir A). Stanford is required by the California Division of Safety of each year. During the life of the HCP, it is expected that an an- Dams to control rodent activity on the dam to preserve struc- nual dredging will be done to remove the 15,000 cubic yards of tural integrity. Rodent abatement takes place as needed, using sediment from the reservoir. This will maintain the reservoir’s County, State, and federally approved control methods. The current capacity. Sediment will be removed from the reservoir reservoir and dam are annually cleaned to remove accumulated bottom using a floating suction dredge and slurried through a debris and function-impacting plant growth. The valves and pipeline to agricultural lands downstream for drying and pro- pipes are subject to annual blow-off testing. Minor repairs to cessing. Some of the dried sediments would be reused for agri- the dam structure are conducted as needed. cultural purposes on Stanford lands, and the remainder would be used elsewhere at Stanford or hauled away to a landfill. Any Lagunita (DWR #614-003; National ID# CA00671) amount of permanent land conversion associated with process- Lagunita is an off-channel seasonal reservoir that was created ing of periodic dredging would be mitigated in accordance with in the late 1870s as a stock pond and water-holding facility for Section 4.3.1.3 of the HCP. Leland Stanford’s Palo Alto Stock Farm and vineyard. The earthen berm is 16 feet tall and 2,500 feet in length. It is lo- In addition, two parallel above-ground stretches of pipelines cated in the developed portion of the campus, just to the north approximately 100 feet long are located above the low creek of Junipero Serra Boulevard. The University’s main campus water level immediately below the dam structure. Stanford borders Lagunita on three sides, and Junipero Serra Boulevard occasionally (once every few years) repairs those pipelines and separates Lagunita from the lower foothills. will eventually need to replace them. Pipeline repairs consist In most years, Lagunita partially fills with rainwater runoff during the winter. The runoff amount varies widely with the amount and intensity of rainfall. The Lagunita lakebed and berm are permeable (losing an estimated 500 gallons a min- ute to percolation), and in order for Lagunita to hold water for more than a few weeks at a time, and provide suitable California tiger salamanders breeding habitat, water needs to be added. Historically, in most years of above average winter rainfall, Stanford added water to Lagunita, usually between mid-March and mid-June. In those wet years that Stanford added supplemental water to Lagunita, the reservoir was filled to the desired water level by late March and water levels were typically maintained through University commencement (mid-June). Managed water levels have varied considerably over the last 100 years, depending on water availability in San Francisquito Creek, projected use of Lagunita, and function- ing of the diversion system and storage facility. In years that Section 3 page 55 Lagunita is supplemented with creek water, the reservoir will Lagunita will be assessed, and Stanford will exercise typically retain water for approximately one month after the professional judgment whether to continue, reduce, addition of water ceases and will be dry by late July. Even in or cease diversions to Lagunita. If California tiger years with exceptionally high rainfall, Lagunita dries by late salamanders are present and creek water is available spring or early summer without supplemental water, and in (relative to the operating parameters of the diversion most years it would be dry by May without the addition of system and potentially competing environmental supplemental water. During years with below average rainfall concerns), the diversion rate will not be reduced (or during years when the timing of storms resulted in a lower from what is necessary to maintain the 124+/- than average creek flow), Lagunita is often dry in late January. 1-foot level unless it is deemed appropriate for California tiger salamander management. A con- Stanford will continue to manage Lagunita diversions and wa- stant inflow of relatively cool creek water can act to ter levels with the operation of its upstream diversion facilities, retard California tiger salamanders larval develop- as described in the following operations plan: ment. It is likely that in some years it will be desir- able for the salamanders to lower the water level in 1. During years where rains have allowed the accumu- mid-spring to 122 ft +/- 1 ft above MSL. This low- lated storm water runoff in Lagunita of 3 feet on er level would result in a slightly warmer Lagunita, the staff plate, elevation 122’ above Mean Sea Level which would still cover approximately 8 acres with (MSL) on January 15), Stanford will operate the several feet of water. This controlled lowering mim- Lagunita diversion at San Francisquito Creek, or ics the drying of natural bodies of water occupied by otherwise convey water (i.e., well water or reclaimed California tiger salamanders. While not expected, water, but Stanford will not use treated domestic, overriding public safety and health concerns raised potable water for this use) to Lagunita, at a rate ad- by governmental agencies associated with water in equate to maintain the water level in Lagunita at an Lagunita could require the cessation of diversion. elevation of 124 +/- 1 foot, which places the water surface near the toe of the berm on the northeast 3. In the late spring/early summer, Stanford will side. (Note that late season storm events may cause cease diversions from San Francisquito Creek to the reservoir level to temporarily rise above the man- Lagunita, and the water level at Lagunita will be aged level of 124 feet.) At the managed elevation of allowed to drop naturally through percolation, 124 feet, the water covers a surface area of approxi- evaporation, and transpiration. The diversions may mately 16 acres, 8 acres of which are at a depth of 0 be extended if California tiger salamanders develop- to 2 feet and another 8 acres are at a depth between ment is not sufficiently advanced, and there is ad- 2 and 4 feet; a few hundred square feet near the equate water in San Francisquito Creek. drain will have a depth greater than 4 feet. In years where there is normal or above rain fall, the water level in Lagunita will generally stabilize at 126 foot above MSL. At this level the reservoir covers ap- proximately 20 acres, of which 4 acres are 0 to 2 feet deep, 8 acres are 2 to 4 feet deep, and approximately 8 acres are more than 4 feet deep. The diversion of creek water to Lagunita will be implemented only if: 1) the Lagunita diversion facilities are safe and operational, 2) there is sufficient water available in San Francisquito Creek at the point of diversion and water diversions to Lagunita are not in significant conflict with other environmental considerations, 3) there are not overriding public safety and health concerns raised by governmental agencies associated with water in Lagunita, and 4) Lagunita is consid- ered critically important to the local persistence of The berm that surrounds Lagunita is maintained with a the California tiger salamander. The diversion of Bermuda grass cover that is irrigated, fertilized, and mowed so creek water to Lagunita will continue only as long as that it maintains a pleasant visual quality throughout the year. these conditions remain met, or until the following In addition, Stanford is required by the California Division of two conditions are triggered. Safety of Dams to control ground squirrel activity on the berm 2. On April 1, the flow of San Francisquito Creek and to ensure structural integrity. Ground squirrel abatement takes status of California tiger salamanders in and around place as needed using County-approved control methods such as trapping and poison baiting. In the early fall, when Lagunita page 56 Section 3 is dry, the reservoir bottom is mowed for fire control. These ac- A major repair of Searsville Dam, if needed, could involve ex- tivities are all annual maintenance necessities and are Covered tensive work in Corte Madera Creek, including isolating a por- Activities, except for the use of poison. tion of the creek, de-watering the isolated portion, and tempo- rarily confining the flow to a short length of pipe. Work of this The drain system requires routine maintenance and periodic magnitude could have implications for downstream water qual- upgrades. The two drain structures and associated pipes oc- ity. The extent of a major repair of Searsville cannot be foreseen cupy approximately 0.1 percent of Lagunita’s surface area. with any certainty at this time. Thus, any major repairs are not Additionally, the earthen berm occasionally needs minor repair Covered Activities and will be permitted separately if, and when, (filling of potholes and removal of dead trees). The berm may the repairs become necessary. The amount of permanent land need some significant work during the life of the HCP. The conversion associated with any major repairs would be mitigated amount of permanent land conversion associated with signifi- in accordance with Section 4.3.1.3 of the HCP. cant berm work would be mitigated in accordance with Section 4.3.1.3 of the HCP. Felt Reservoir also does not currently support any of the Covered Species, although it could, conceivably, be colonized in Several maintenance changes have occurred at Lagunita in the future. If the HCP’s Conservation Program is successful, the last decade in response to the increased concern over the population of the Covered Species will increase, and their California tiger salamanders. Stanford stopped discing the range will likewise increase. As a result, California red-legged lake bottom in the early fall for fire control because the disc- frogs and western pond turtles could colonize Felt Reservoir ing could have adversely affected California tiger salamanders. during the life of the HCP. But, currently, the routine mainte- Instead, Stanford began mowing the reservoir bottom, which nance and operation of Felt Reservoir does not adversely affect has fewer effects on the tiger salamanders. In addition, as the Covered Species. discussed in Section 3.6.2 below, two recreational uses of Lagunita were discontinued. Stanford currently plans to Lagunita provides breeding habitat for California tiger modify its diversion facilities to improve their efficiency at salamanders, and Stanford manages Lagunita primarily for various flow levels, which could assist Stanford in ensuring the benefit of California tiger salamanders. The routine the availability of water for Lagunita. maintenance and operation of Lagunita likely has few, if any, adverse effects on California tiger salamanders because 3.1.3.1 potential Effects of Water Reservoirs Lagunita is managed specifically for California tiger salaman- on the Covered Species ders. However, the routine maintenance of Lagunita could result in the direct take of a small number of California tiger Currently, Searsville Reservoir does not support any of the salamanders, or indirect take through habitat modification. Covered Species. Thus, the routine maintenance and opera- Virtually all maintenance activities occur during the dry season. tion of the reservoir and dam do not adversely affect any of the Maintenance activities associated with Lagunita do not affect Covered Species. However, periodic maintenance dredging and western pond turtles, California red-legged frogs, or steelhead. clearing of the pipes/valves at the base of the dam could affect downstream water quality. Short-term declines in downstream 3.1.4 distribution System water quality could adversely affect California red-legged frogs, western pond turtles, and steelhead. Steelhead is more likely Underground pipes and above-ground filters, valves, and pump than the other Covered Species to be adversely affected by such stations are located in virtually all areas of Stanford University. temporary changes in water quality. These were constructed in order to meet the demands of the University and surrounding communities. Maintenance and The presence of the 100+ year-old dam structure is a complete the upgrading of these facilities occur on a regular basis. New barrier to upstream steelhead migration. This impact has existed utilities are commonly constructed, in response to changes in for more than 100 years and is not considered part of this HCP. the University’s needs and to comply with public safety codes. The gradual filling of Searsville Reservoir may have some down- Maintenance of existing lines (mainly excavation and flushing stream effects on steelhead, portions of the downstream area of lines) and the construction of new lines are typically limited may be gravel-starved because of the effectiveness of Searsville to 1- or 2-meter-wide utility corridors, and excavation work Reservoir as a sediment trap. Stanford has not determined if, in typically occurs only in the dry months. However, emergency the future, accumulated sediments in amounts in excess of the repairs may be required any time of the year. recent annual deposition rates will be removed from Searsville Reservoir, and if so, which method will ultimately be chosen. Some of the existing pipelines are located very close to the Therefore, the potential impacts of future large-scale sediment creeks, and there are a number of creek-spanning pipes. Utility removal activities cannot be evaluated in this HCP, and the work in areas adjacent to the creeks often requires Stanford to removal of the accumulated sediment, beyond periodic mainte- remove a substantial amount of vegetation, install coffer dams, nance dredging conducted to maintain current reservoir volume, temporarily direct the flow of water with a bypass pipe, and is not a Covered Activity under this HCP. temporarily dewater a small portion of the creek. Riparian

Section 3 page 57 vegetation is replanted following construction, and erosion pro- Vegetation trimming as part of maintenance of the Lake Water tection measures are installed as needed to prevent sediment system can result in minor short-term disturbance of individu- from entering the creek. als of the Covered Species.

Pipe repairs are performed as needed; however, despite its age, 3.1.5 Wells the pipe system is in good shape. Pipe replacements are also performed on an as needed basis, and much of the system will Stanford maintains five groundwater wells (Fig. 3-1). These need to be replaced over the next few decades. Pipe replace- wells primarily serve as a backup supply of potable water, ment work is performed during the summer low-flow periods, and also are used to supplement Lake water for irrigation in and work areas are contained to avoid/minimize impacts to the the summer and fall. Well water is also occasionally used to creek and its banks. maintain water level in Lagunita. The well system is particu- larly valuable when the Lake water system is unable to meet An in-line booster pump station is located on the Lake Water demand. Operation and maintenance activities include me- pipeline approximately two miles downstream from Searsville chanical and electrical work on the pumps, motors, valves, and Dam. The pump station boosts the pressure of the lake water, control systems, as well as periodic refurbishment of the wells. and also conveys the lake water through a filter, in order to re- duce sediments and silts from lake water delivered to customers Due to the cost of operating the wells, Stanford minimizes the downstream. The filters automatically operate a backwash cy- amount of time that they are in use. Stanford’s wells are rela- cle, which occurs frequently (i.e., daily, and sometimes hourly) tively deep (for the area), averaging 300 to 600 feet below the during the pump station’s operation, as the filters accumulate surface. Several thick clay layers, mostly laterally continuous sediment. The backwash water is laden with the sediment from and ranging from 20 to 80 feet thick, form aquitards above and the creek, and is discharged to the bank above the creek, so that between the coarse water-bearing units. sediments can settle out before the water re-enters the creek. 3.1.5.1 potential Effects of the Wells 3.1.4.1 potential Effects of the Distribution on the Covered Species System on the Covered Species All groundwater wells are screened at least 100 feet below the The presence of underground pipes generally does not affect surface, so that they only take water at least 100 feet below the the Covered Species. However, the installation and mainte- surface, and they are not hydraulically connected to the creeks. nance of underground pipes can adversely affect the Covered They do not, therefore, affect the creek flow conditions and do Species, in particular California tiger salamanders. Excavation not affect any of the Covered Species currently. However, if the activities can directly harm or kill California tiger salamanders, HCP’s Conservation Program is successful, the population of and short-term trenches that are not fenced or covered can trap the Covered Species will increase, and their range will likewise dispersing California tiger salamanders. The likelihood of a increase. As a result, California red-legged frogs, California tiger California tiger salamander becoming trapped in temporary salamanders, and/or western pond turtles could be located in the trenches is low because most of the maintenance and installa- vicinity of the wells during the life of the HCP. tion activities that require excavation are completed during the dry season. 3.1.6 non-operating Lagunita Diversion

Maintenance and installation of pipes near creeks can be very The Lagunita diversion facility consists of a dam on San invasive, and can have fairly significant effects on California Francisquito Creek and headwaters at the end of a flume that red-legged frogs and steelhead. Individuals of both species parallels the Creek, extending to campus and Lagunita. In can be directly harmed by construction activities, and the addition, a fish ladder was installed in the mid-1950s, and has short-term alteration of habitat also can have adverse effects. been modified several times since. The headworks gates were Western pond turtles also could be affected by construction closed in the 1980s following partial collapse of the flume, and activities in a creek. Long-term impacts can occur if a creek the facility has not been used to divert water since 1985. channel or bank is modified. Maintenance activities on the dam and fish ladder consist of Water resulting from backwashing filters can conceivably tem- physical hand clearing of branches and debris from the lad- porarily reduce water quality in limited portions of the creeks. der and occasional repairs of the ladder and the dam itself. The water itself is untreated creek water, but there is a chance Approximately 10 to 20 times per year during the rainy sea- that the backwashing could cause a temporary decline in water son, the ladder is cleared, usually after creek flows have subsid- quality. This could result in a short-term negative impact on ed. Creek flow is usually not disturbed for this work; however, steelhead. It is very unlikely that this backwashing would affect on average five times each year, the creek flow is deflected from California red-legged frogs or western pond turtles, and it has the ladder to the dam, using a sheet of plywood, so that large no effect on California tiger salamanders. debris can be removed from the ladder without water pressure page 58 Section 3 behind it. This work is usually completed within an hour. On season. The purpose of this effort is to remove obstruc- average once a decade, the creek flow is diverted using a coffer tions that could cause flooding or bank erosion. An annual dam so that erosion under the dam can be repaired, the con- creek walk of San Francisquito Creek is organized by the crete repaired as necessary, and/or the ladder repaired. JPA in September from the Oak Creek Apartments to El Camino Real during which the JPA, Santa Clara Valley 3.1.6.1 potential Effects of theN on-operating Water District, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and East Palo Alto Lagunita Diversion survey conditions and agree on needed maintenance activi- ties. Trash such as yard waste and other bulky items that are This diversion facility does not affect California tiger salaman- illegally dumped, large vegetation in the channel, fallen trees, ders because California tiger salamanders are not present at this and debris jams that extend into the center of the channel are site. California red-legged frogs have been reported in the vicin- identified during this annual creek maintenance walk. Any ity of the structure, but none have been verified to be present obstructions on sections of San Francisquito Creek that are in several decades. Western pond turtles have also historically maintained by Stanford are cut and collected using chainsaws been found in the area of the structure, but no western pond and other hand tools, and removed from the creek channel turtles have been observed at the structure for more than a de- by hand or by a truck-mounted crane where access is pos- cade. Operation of the fish ladder and maintenance of the di- sible from the top of the bank. Fallen trees or other debris version structure will therefore have minimal, if any, impacts on are usually removed during periods of low or no water flow. California red-legged frogs and western pond turtles. Steelhead Fallen trees or debris jams that are too large to be removed are found in the creek at the non-operating diversion structure, by hand are occasionally encountered in the creeks. These including the large pool downstream. Additionally, dispersing require the use of large equipment and work crews. Due to steelhead routinely pass the structure. Maintenance activities accessibility, safety, and environmental concerns, heavy equip- could have short-term adverse impacts on steelhead. Operation ment remains at the top of the creek bank or on a side bench, of the fish ladder provides a positive benefit for steelhead. if available, but are never used in an active channel. The heavy equipment is used to pull large pieces of debris out of the creek channel. 3.2 creeK MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

Stanford conducts both routine and emergency creek main- tenance work in and around all of the creeks on its property (including Deer, Matadero, Los Trancos, San Francisquito, Corte Madera, Bear, and Sausal). Routine maintenance consists of debris removal, including compliance with re- quests from the Santa Clara Valley Water District to remove downed trees and other debris from the creeks. This work is typically conducted during periods of low flow, but if an emergency arises, work in a creek can occur at any time of the year. Tree snags and other debris are removed only if they are disrupting the free flow of water or are causing undo erosion. In addition to Stanford’s creek maintenance activities, public Bank stabilization regularly occurs in the more urbanized ar- agencies with maintenance easements over Stanford’s lands eas of campus, such as areas near the Oak Creek Apartments perform flood control and maintenance. Stanford does not and the Children’s Health Council along San Francisquito have control over the public agencies’ flood control activities, Creek, near the Ladera Tennis Club along Los Trancos and these activities are therefore not included in the HCP. Creek, and near the Stanford Research Park along Matadero Creek. Recent bank stabilization efforts at Stanford have in- San Francisquito Creek runs through the Stanford golf course, volved sinking pillars into the existing bank, with little struc- and creek related activities associated with the golf course are tural work done on the surface. In a number of locations, described in Section 3.6.1, below. however, gabions, rip-rap, and concrete aprons are present. These older types of bank stabilization methods have a ten- Tributaries and drainage channels upstream from Searsville dency to fail, and future repair work is therefore anticipated. Reservoir on Stanford lands require annual maintenance in or- der to prevent flooding of adjacent roads and residential prop- Stanford participates in an annual inter-agency maintenance erties. These maintenance activities include periodic excavation effort that is coordinated by the San Francisquito Creek of the existing channels, maintenance of constructed berms, Joint Powers Authority (JPA) prior to the winter rainy vegetation removal, and bank stabilization.

Section 3 page 59 During the life of the HCP, Stanford may further modify 3.3 FIELD ACADEMIC the Corte Madera Creek channel and drainage areas above Searsville Reservoir to prevent flooding of adjacent roads and ACTIVITIES properties. These changes would extend a 400-foot chan- nel segment constructed in 1997 with excavation of a defined 3.3.1 Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve channel, construction of a berm, and riparian plantings for bank stabilization. The work area is expected to be 2,500 feet Scientists have conducted research at the Jasper Ridge long and no more than 50 feet wide. If constructed, these Biological Preserve continuously since 1891, long before it was channel modifications would likely need to be extended down- formally designated a biological field station. This extensive re- stream in subsequent years as the delta front advances towards search includes long‑term studies that are landmarks in ecology the dam and Searsville Reservoir fills with sediment. If the res- and population biology. Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve has a ervoir is allowed to fill completely, the channel improvements long policy of biological non-intervention, and the vast majority would need to be extended an additional 2,000 feet to the dam. of work conducted at the Preserve does not involve the broad The amount of permanent land conversion associated with this manipulation of natural resources. project would be mitigated in accordance with Section 4.3.1.3 of the HCP. Because many of its ecosystems are so well documented and understood, the Preserve provides unique opportunities for 3.2.1 potential Effects of the Creek Maintenance scholars to seek answers to questions involving long-term monitoring and observations that could not be performed else- Activities on the Covered Species where. In addition, the careful management of the Preserve’s ecosystems, with a prohibition on large-scale manipulative Creek maintenance activities will not affect California tiger studies, allows scientists to quantify changes observed in simi- salamanders. The hand removal of debris and fallen trees can lar ecosystems that are subject to a range of human activities. cause short-term impacts, but few, if any, long-term or sig- In addition to facilitating first‑rate research, this highly acces- nificant effects on western pond turtles, California red-legged sible field station provides rich undergraduate and graduate frogs, and steelhead. However, the removal of woody debris educational experiences and plays an active role in educating from the creeks does have the potential to negatively impact the general public. Covered Species, particularly steelhead. The presence of a moderate amount of wood in creeks has been found to provide Searsville Reservoir, which is located in the Jasper Ridge a positive benefit for steelhead by increasing channel complex- Biological Preserve, is used annually to teach several courses ity and the diversity of microhabitats. In the rare case where at Stanford. It serves as a field laboratory for the introduc- the use of heavy equipment is required, impacts on Covered tory biology core, and also has been the focus of numerous Species could be greater (but still short term). research projects. Bank stabilization efforts, even though with comparatively little Jasper Ridge maintains a series of trails that facilitate research surface work, often require diverting a portion of the creek – via and teaching. These trails are packed dirt and generally no more coffer dams and a bypass pipe. Such work has the potential to than 5 feet wide. Monitoring facilities, such as weather stations, adversely affect the western pond turtles, California red-legged motion-detecting camera stations, and automated sound record- frogs, and steelhead. Further modification of the Corte Madera ing devices, are used throughout the Preserve, and require rou- Creek channel will not affect any of the Covered Species. tine servicing, such as cleaning, vegetation trimming, etc.

The collection of biotic specimens and the sampling of water, soils, and rocks is frequently part of the teaching and research that occurs at Jasper Ridge. This collection is strictly controlled by Stanford.

Access to biologically sensitive parts of Jasper Ridge, particularly areas where individuals of the Covered Species may reside, is controlled and limited to trained researchers, introductory classes and large numbers of students are prohibited from these areas.

3.3.2 creeks

Researchers at Stanford conduct field activities in the creeks on an annual basis. Much of the research involves monitoring California red-legged frogs, steelhead, and other native fishes page 60 Section 3 that live in the creeks. These efforts also monitor the changes Additionally, researchers from the University engage in res- in abundance of non-native species such as bullfrog, Chinese toration biology throughout the lower foothills. In 2000, the mitten crab, and crayfish. Geology and engineering researchers University began funding this restoration work, and the goal also utilize the creeks on a regular basis to perform research is to find cost-effective ways to improve the existing non-na- and to support teaching. Like research at Jasper Ridge, research tive-species-dominated communities. This goal serves the in the creeks is primarily observational and typically non-ma- University’s desire to conserve its natural resources and the de- nipulative. Some collection of specimens, both physical and sire to improve the academic value of the lower foothills. biotic, does occur. Access to creeks is strictly controlled by Stanford, and is limited to trained researchers; introductory 3.3.4 Lagunita classes and large numbers of students are prohibited from the vast majority of creeks. Monitoring devices are occasionally Lagunita is occasionally used by classes and researchers as an placed in the creeks or in the riparian zone. outdoor laboratory. Generally, these academic activities are non-invasive and involve walking around Lagunita, making ob- 3.3.3 Foothills and Alluvial Plain servations, taking water samples, and sometimes using boats or rafts to collect information. Faculty and students from many academic departments rou- tinely use undeveloped portions of the Stanford foothills and 3.3.5 potential Effects of the Field Academic alluvial plain. The activities conducted by these academic Activities on the Covered Species groups range from field studies in geology, archeology, and engi- neering, to more humanities-oriented exercises in photography Academic activities can have direct and indirect effects on the and cinematography. The field studies generally do not involve Covered Species. Unlike the effects associated with most hu- manipulations of biotic variables or significant earth mov- man activities, most of the direct impacts of Stanford’s academ- ing. Study test pits and trenches are, however, used annually ic activities are exceedingly minor and of short duration. Most in the geology, geophysics, and earth systems courses. There of the academic activities that may cause take involve students are a number of academic facilities situated in the relatively or researchers walking through an area where the Covered undeveloped portions of the Stanford foothills and alluvial Species are found. It is unlikely that an individual of a Covered plain, including: student observatory, solar observatory, radio Species will be stepped on during such activities. However, if telescopes, independent research institutions, and several plant the number of person-visits to an area occupied by a Covered growth facilities. These facilities require ongoing maintenance Species is too high, there could be some habitat degradation, or and are frequently upgraded (and occasionally expanded). the behavior of Covered Species could be slightly altered. More Rodent and vegetation control is conducted at the facilities. invasive academic pursuits, including such tasks as archaeologi- Buildings in the main campus are discussed in Section 3.5.5. cal digs, digging of geological test pits, drilling wells for seismic monitoring, and conducting habitat restoration projects, also Some collection of specimens, both physical and biotic does can have short-term adverse effects on the Covered Species. It occur. Access to the foothills is controlled by Stanford, and is should be noted that many of the research activities result in limited to approved researchers and classes. The biotically sen- information that provides substantial positive benefits to the sitive portions of this area are held off-limits to general studies. Covered Species. Monitoring devices are occasionally placed in the foothills. The maintenance of facilities, mainly dirt trails and monitoring There are more than 60 prehistoric archaeological sites and a stations, associated with field academic activities have only a number of historic period archaeological sites on Stanford’s minor potential to impact Covered Species. As this work typi- lands. Prehistoric sites include prehistoric Ohlone-Costanoan cally occurs during daylight hours and during dry season, any villages, cemeteries, stone tool raw material quarries, bedrock potential impacts would be short-term and minor. milling stations and petrogylphs. Historic archaeological dis- coveries at Stanford include Mexican rancho sites, gold rush towns, American ranches, Japanese and Chinese labor camps, 1906 earthquake rubble dumps, and trash pits associated with early campus housing. Stanford employs a campus ar- chaeologist to oversee the protection of the cultural resources, and to facilitate research and teaching activities at these sites. Research focusing on these resources occasionally involves ex- tensive digs and vegetation clearing. These digs are not located within the creeks, but several of the digs have been in locations adjacent to areas known to support the Covered Species.

 The main academic campus is located on an alluvial plain.

Section 3 page 61 3.4 UTILITY INSTALLATION Vegetation trimming near the creeks could adversely affect red-legged frogs that are taking refuge in the shrubs or bushes. AND MAINTENANCE Vegetation trimming is less likely to affect steelhead, western pond turtles, or California tiger salamanders. Invasive work A large number of above- and below-ground power, commu- in, or immediately adjacent to, the creeks could affect steelhead nication, steam, chilled water, water, sewer, and drainage (e.g., (San Francisquito, Los Trancos, and Bear creeks), or red-legged flow-filtering manholes and detention basins) utilities, and frogs (Matadero, Deer, and San Francisquito creeks), or pond  related facilities exist at Stanford. There also is an extensive turtles (San Francisquito Creek). steam and chilled water system on the main campus. Storm drains are located throughout campus and drain into either San Ground disturbance associated with the maintenance of exist- Francisquito Creek or Matadero Creek. A majority of these ing utilities could adversely affect Covered Species, particularly facilities are located in the main campus. However, essentially tiger salamanders. Direct take of individual salamanders resid- all parts of the campus are served, and hence crossed, by utility ing underground in rodent burrows can occur, and salamanders lines. In addition, existing utilities will have to be improved, also can become trapped in open trenches or holes if construc- and new utilities will be installed during the life of the HCP. tion sites are not properly fenced or covered. Stanford may need to construct additional utility facilities and lines to fully utilize existing utility facilities. Other improve- The installation of new infrastructure also could adversely af- ments also might be needed to accommodate new technologies. fect the Covered Species, and the magnitude and duration of For ease of operation, and to reduce the potential environmen- the effects depend upon the type of infrastructure that is in- tal effects, most new utilities are installed in existing utility stalled and the location of the new infrastructure. Installation corridors. activities near or across the creeks would have greater effects on the Covered Species, and could result in take; whereas, Many of the existing utilities, including major domestic water the installation of new utilities in the developed portions of supply facilities and power supply utilities, are located in areas the campus would likely not affect the Covered Species. The that are occupied by the Covered Species. Domestic water installation of new utilities in the foothills also could impact system utilities also are located adjacent to, through, and under California tiger salamanders, but would not have an effect on creeks. Maintenance of existing and new utilities, including the other Covered Species. The amount of any permanent land utilities located in habitat areas, includes vegetation control conversion associated with new infrastructure would be miti- around the utility lines to ensure adequate access and prevent gated in accordance with Section 4.3.1.3 of the HCP. interference with the operation of the utilities, and replacement of utilities and associated infrastructure such as power poles. Operation of the storm drains concentrate water flow and alter Utilities located in open space areas are generally accessed by the timing of runoff to the creeks. These changes can impact designated access roads or by driving through open grasslands. Covered Species living in the creeks. Because the storm drain Underground work is typically limited to a defined utility corri- outfalls are located in the downstream portions of the creek, dor. When work is done away from existing roads, the surface there would be no effect on California red-legged frogs or is usually replanted with a mix of native grasses and forbs (for western pond turtles. Any potential changes to temperature or obvious maintenance considerations, shrubs and trees are not water quality would be so slight that there would be no effect typically planted on top of or below utility lines). to steelhead. There are no California tiger salamanders in the creeks, but individual California tiger salamanders may become 3.4.1 potential Effects of Utilities trapped in the system and potentially conveyed with the storm on the Covered Species water to the creeks during storms.

Infrastructure maintenance and improvements to existing in- 3.5 GENERAL INFRASTRUCTURE frastructure are typically confined to the existing footprint of the structure, and as such, these activities usually have a mini- Urban infrastructure exists in areas that are occupied by or mal and temporary effect on the Covered Species. However, provide habitat for the Covered Species. This infrastructure some of the maintenance actions, including vegetation trim- includes private roads, unpaved service roads, private bridges, ming, ground disturbing activities, and utility line maintenance fences, detention basins, buildings, and private residences. or replacement, work in, under, or adjacent to creeks (e.g., Operation of the University, and indeed much of the surround- pipeline repair, temporary use of coffer dams, etc.) or in areas ing community, depends upon the operation of this infrastruc- occupied by California tiger salamanders. These activities can ture. Therefore, it is mandatory that these uses be maintained. result in the take of Covered Species. Also, the addition of new structures at existing facilities or operational changes may be necessary.  Some of the utilities such as PG&E and SFPUC facilities are not owned by Stanford. These facilities and the maintenance, repair, and other activities associated with these facilities may be covered under this HCP through Certificates of Inclusion, which are described in Chapter 6. page 62 Section 3 3.5.1 roads and Bridges with coffer dams. Major bridge work is fairly infrequent, and it is expected that during the 50-year span of the HCP, coffer There is a broad network of Stanford-controlled roads that dams and bypass pipes will only be needed on three or four provide access to all of Stanford. These private roads range occasions, and this anticipated work is included in the annual from paved four-lane roads in the main campus, to narrow creek disturbance estimates provided at the beginning of this dirt or gravel service roads in the undeveloped portions of the Chapter. University. These roads are maintained regularly, both for public safety and in an effort to reduce environmental impacts. 3.5.1.1 potential Effects of Roads and The type and frequency of road maintenance depends upon Bridges on the Covered Species the route, heavily traveled paved roads generally require more frequent maintenance than rural service roads. As part of Roadway maintenance, including resurfacing and vegetation Stanford’s road maintenance activities, roads are occasionally control, can cause direct take of California tiger salamanders, rerouted. Resurfacing, vegetation control, and other similar California red-legged frogs, and western pond turtles. In ad- maintenance activities are conducted during daylight hours, dition, some of the roadways are adjacent to the creeks, and and during periods of no rain. Roads are occasionally re- required maintenance activities could therefore affect steelhead. aligned, most often in response to public safety concerns or in Given the timing of these maintenance activities, direct take of an effort to reduce environmental impacts. any of the Covered Species will be limited to a few individuals, most likely California tiger salamanders, over the 50-year span of the HCP. Indirect take caused by reduced vegetation or minor maintenance-related runoff will also be very limited, and would consist of few individuals of the Covered Species relo- cating themselves away from inhospitable areas.

Repair or maintenance of the bridges can be quite invasive and can result in take of steelhead, California red-legged frogs and western pond turtles. No take of California tiger salamanders is anticipated during bridge maintenance. Recent coffer dam requiring work at Stanford has resulted in no impacts to either California red-legged frogs or western pond turtles. During New roads are occasionally required for public safety or as land two of these recent maintenance efforts, approximately 100 uses change. New roads that were not associated with replace- juvenile steelhead were successfully moved from the construc- ment and restoration of an existing road in a more sensitive tion sites. While no mortalities were observed, a five percent to location would result in a net loss of habitat. The amount of ten percent mortality rate is not uncommon when transport- permanent land conversion associated with a new road would ing fish, implying that the recent activities may have resulted be mitigated in accordance with Section 4.3.1.3 of the HCP. in a loss five to ten juvenile steelhead. Therefore the estimated In addition to Stanford’s system of private roads, several public three or four maintenance projects that required coffer dams roads cross Stanford (e.g., Junipero Serra Boulevard, Sand Hill over the life of the HCP could result in the loss of 15 to 40 Road, and Stanford Avenue). Activities by Stanford on the juvenile steelhead. public roads located on Stanford’s lands are Covered Activities. Stanford sometimes encroaches into these roadways to main- Many California tiger salamanders are killed by traffic on tain utilities or construct salamander tunnels, and these activi- roads at Stanford. However, most of the mortalities occur on ties are covered by the HCP. Junipero Serra Boulevard, a Santa Clara County road that tra- verses the campus near Lagunita. Several private bridges are included in the Stanford roadway system. These bridges are used by authorized University 3.5.2 Fences personnel, although several also are used by the public at the golf course and along Piers Lane. These are maintained and Fences are widespread in the undeveloped portions of campus. improved on an as-needed basis. Maintenance is generally Many of the fences are used to control public access, while oth- restricted to resurfacing the structure or to trimming overhang- ers define leaseholds. The agricultural tenants also operate a ing vegetation, but occasionally more significant structural series of fences. In addition, fences are a necessary component work is required, including replacing spans or supports or the of conservation planning at Stanford and are used to protect entire bridge. In some situations, a small portion of the creek, valuable habitat. typically less than 200 feet, is temporarily contained in a pipe as the creek channel up and downstream of the bridge is spanned Fences at Stanford are inspected and repaired on a continuous basis. Vandalism, fallen trees, auto accidents, and simple aging  Golf cart paths are not part of the Stanford roadway network, and are all take their toll on the fences. Fence repair work is usually therefore included in the Golf Course Covered Activities.

Section 3 page 63 3.5.3.1 potential Effects of the Detention Basins on the Covered Species

Operation of detention basins concentrates water and alters the timing of runoff to the creeks. These changes can potentially result in short-term, minor impacts to Covered Species living in the creeks. Additionally, while temporarily collecting storm water, individuals of Covered Species, particularly California tiger salamanders, may become trapped in the system and potentially conveyed with the storm water to the creeks. However, while the basins located near Sand Hill Road are within migration distance of the California tiger salamanders, there are significant barriers located between Lagunita and the quite simple. A work crew drives as close as possible to the basins and very few California tiger salamanders are expected damaged fence and repairs the fence by hand, though power to be present. augers are occasionally used for post-hole digging. In addition, Stanford commonly moves existing fences, removes unused Maintenance of the detention basins will have no impacts fences, and installs new fences. In the case of new fences, on western pond turtles, California red-legged frogs, and shrubby vegetation is sometimes cleared from the fence route. steelhead. While unlikely, it is possible that California tiger salamanders could be found at the Sand Hill Road detention 3.5.2.1 potential Effects of Fences on basins during the summer maintenance period. Maintenance the Covered Species activities for the detention basins, therefore, could result in mi- nor, short-term impacts to California tiger salamanders. The installation and maintenance of fences at Stanford is a fair- ly low impact endeavor. It is possible that individuals of some 3.5.4 isolated Private Residences of the Covered Species, primarily California tiger salamanders or California red-legged frogs, could be harmed by replacing There are a number of modest private residences near Los a fence post. The fences do not act as barriers to migration of Trancos Creek and San Francisquito Creek. These residences Covered Species. are not part of defined residential neighborhoods, and are gen- erally associated with the agricultural and equestrian uses (one 3.5.3 detention Basins exception is a residence that houses University personnel in- Stanford recently constructed stormwater detention basins volved in the operation of rural University facilities and lands). to intercept increased runoff that may be caused by future These houses and their associated yards are subject to normal campus development. The basins are earthen (unlined), and residential activities including building maintenance, repair and include subdrains and pipe systems to convey accumulated modification, vehicle storage, etc. runoff to the regional storm drain system. The currently exist- 3.5.4.1 potential Effects of Isolated Private ing detention basins in the San Francisquito Creek watershed Residences on the Covered Species are just over an acre in size and located along Sand Hill Road near Stock Farm Road, with approximately four more acres The limited number of these isolated residences and their lo- of future basins planned along Sand Hill Road to the north cation away from the most biologically sensitive areas makes toward the Shopping Center. The detention basins located in it unlikely that they have an effect on the Covered Species. the Matadero Creek watershed are approximately three acres However, maintenance and ongoing use of residences could re- in size and are located along El Camino Real near Serra Street. sult in limited take of California red-legged frogs, western pond This detention system is designed to accommodate 100-year turtles, and California tiger salamanders. Such take would like- storm events (i.e., storms of a sufficient magnitude that they ly be in the form of an individual of a Covered Species straying have no more than a one percent chance of occurring in any from appropriate habitat into an area of human activity, and given year). The new detention basins will detain the increased subsequently being harmed or trapped. runoff and keep it from entering San Francisquito Creek or Matadero Creek until well after the peak creek flow has reced- ed. In the event of a 100-year storm, the basins are designed to 3.5.5 Academic Buildings drain within approximately 2 days (48 hours). During storm Stanford’s central campus includes approximately 12 million events of lesser magnitude, the basins would hold water for a square feet of academic, academic support and housing struc- shorter period of time. The purpose of the basins is to reduce tures, including student residences, libraries, laboratories, and peak flows by detaining a portion of the runoff for a short peri- lecture halls. The central campus also includes faculty/staff od of time. The basins do not provide long-term water storage. housing. These buildings and their associated landscaping are page 64 Section 3 continuously maintained, frequently modified, and occasionally used in this way, but pesticide use is not a Covered Activity demolished. New buildings are constantly being constructed, and are discussed under “Future Development.” Academic There is also an approximately 25-acre golf practice facility buildings located out of the main campus were discussed under located adjacent to the main golf course and Sand Hill Road. “Academic Activities.” This facility is operated and managed in a manner similar to the main golf course. 3.5.5.1 potential Effects of Academic Building Maintenance on the Covered Species In addition to the 18-hole course, there is a driving range on approximately 13 acres of modified grassland next to Lagunita Individuals of Covered Species unfortunate enough to wan- on its northwest side. The driving range has its own parking der into the built portions of campus will very likely be lost, lot, service building, strip of tee boxes, putting green, and chip- due to the number of hazards in the urban environment. ping mound at the northwest end. The range also includes Maintenance and modification of these buildings could po- lighting to allow nighttime operation, target greens, and dis- tentially harm a Covered Species, particularly California tiger tance markers. Operating hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 salamanders that are occasionally found near buildings adjacent p.m. on weekdays and from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on week- to Lagunita. ends. The range closes early on rainy nights.

3.6 recreATION AND Driving range balls are collected from noon to closing, depend- ing upon the need. Ball collection is done mechanically using a ATHLETICS tractor-driven collecting device. A fence is located at the south end of the range to keep balls on the irrigated part of the turf, which makes ball collection easier.

The golf course, practice facility, and driving range are both periodically redesigned. These changes typically involve mov- ing tees or green locations. These moves are located within the existing footprint of the highly modified landscape.

3.6.1.1 potential Effects of the Golf Course, Practice Facility, and Driving Range on the Covered Species 3.6.1 Stanford Golf Course and Driving Range Operation and management of the golf course, practice facility, Stanford University operates an 18-hole golf course north and and driving range may adversely affect California tiger salaman- south of Junipero Serra Boulevard, to the southeast of Sand ders. California tiger salamanders do not utilize the fairway Hill and Alpine roads (Fig. 3-3). There are no pooled water and green portions of the golf course, practice facility, or the hazards associated with the course; however, San Francisquito driving range for upland habitat, because it is manicured lawn Creek flows through the course. There are several cart bridges and burrows are not present. California tiger salamanders will over the creek and a network of golf cart paths that allow play- traverse the open areas, the fairways, and the greens, but they ers to access the course. seem to avoid them as exceedingly few California tiger sala- manders have been observed in such areas during the last 15 Golf course maintenance practices are focused on mowing and years of monitoring at Stanford. Undeveloped portions of the fertilizing the greens, fairways, and roughs; maintaining the golf course and driving range that are not surrounded by mani- paved golf cart paths; and, in areas that golf play crosses San cured fairways are occupied by California tiger salamanders. Francisquito Creek, riparian vegetation is trimmed on a regular California tiger salamanders could also be impacted through basis. Stanford utilizes an integrated pest management ap- the use of pesticides and mowers to manage turf, mowing of proach for golf course maintenance. Pesticides for weed and fairways and greens, and the maintenance of vegetation in the insect control are only used as a last resort and in accordance areas adjacent to fairways and greens. with all State and local pest control regulations. The Stanford golf course has been designated as a “Clean Bay Business” certi- Ball retrieval at the driving range during rainy nights has the fied by the City of Palo Alto for hazardous materials handling potential to harm or kill a California tiger salamanders dur- and storage efforts. The pesticide use decreased approximately ing the migration period. However, the range typically closes 75 percent since the mid-1990s. Pests are now spot-treated, as on rainy nights due to lack of use, the balls are generally not opposed to the previous method of broadcasting those treat- retrieved during the rain, and California tiger salamanders ments. The “roughs” have been naturalized to provide under- typically do not attempt to traverse the hundreds of meters of story vegetation for wildlife. Pesticide use will continue to be manicured turf that comprises the driving range.

Section 3 page 65 The operation and maintenance of the Stanford golf course, Felt Reservoir is used on a regular basis for equestrian uses and practice facility, and driving range may affect western pond sailing courses. Felt Reservoir is located in an area that is sub- turtles and steelhead, through the use of pesticides and mowers ject to an equestrian lease; however, the reservoir is not open to to manage turf, mow fairways and greens, maintain vegetation the public. in the areas immediately adjacent to fairways and greens, main- tain cart bridges, and trim riparian vegetation where the course 3.6.2.1 potential Effects of Reservoir-Related plays across the creek. This trimming could result in the take Recreation on the Covered Species of steelhead and western pond turtles (California red-legged Neither Felt nor Lagunita are presently managed for recre- frogs have not been observed at the golf course or areas down- ational purposes, but they have supported recreation in the stream for several decades), and in the loss of habitat. These past. Currently, Felt Reservoir does not provide habitat for, effects have been occurring for nearly 80 years. The reduction or support, the Covered Species. Thus, its occasional use for in riparian vegetation at the golf course likely does not cause a recreational activities does not have an effect on the Covered significant or long-lived increase in water temperature in San Species. The past use of Lagunita for recreational purposes Francisquito Creek. may have adversely affected California tiger salamanders. However, the prior recreational uses prompted the University Maintenance of the cart bridges could affect the western pond to fill Lagunita, and likely facilitated California tiger salaman- turtles and steelhead, particularly if major work is required. der breeding at Lagunita and persistence at Stanford. The trail While even major work is typically conducted outside of the around Lagunita may adversely affect California tiger sala- creek banks (using cranes), it is possible that under some cir- manders, though it is unlikely the trail is used on rainy nights cumstances the creek will need to be diverted around the repair when California tiger salamanders are generally migrating. It is site using coffer dams and by-pass pipes. Such extensive work possible that recreational uses of Lagunita and Felt Reservoir would affect steelhead and possibly western pond turtles. would occur during the 50-year life of the HCP.

3.6.2 Lagunita and Felt Reservoir- 3.6.3 recreational Routes Related Recreation The Santa Clara County Countywide Trails Master Plan Since 2001, Stanford has not used Lagunita for scheduled identifies several trails through Stanford, and several public recreational purposes. In the past, however, numerous com- trails currently exist (Fig. 3-3). The Los Trancos Creek and munity and University activities occurred at Lagunita. During Adobe Creek trails have been in place for several years, and a non-drought years, the Stanford Windsurfing Club used portion of the San Francisquito Creek trail was included in the Lagunita for windsurfing courses. To support this activity, streamside open space plan approved by the City of Palo Alto. the Windsurfing Club would bring in storage containers that Stanford’s 2000 General Use Permit requires implementation contained sail boards and small boats. Students could use the of the Santa Clara Countywide Trails Master Plan though the sailboards and boats on their own or take lessons throughout construction, operation, and dedication of two trails that are lo- the spring quarter during the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To cated roughly along San Francisquito/Los Trancos creeks and facilitate recreational activities, emergent aquatic vegetation Matadero Creek. was mechanically cleared from part of Lagunita during the late spring and several tons of sand was imported to create a swim- Stanford also maintains recreational routes in the “Dish” area ming beach. During those periods of formal recreational use, of the foothills between Junipero Serra Boulevard and I-280. Lagunita was monitored by Stanford for several health-related Recreational use to the area began in the mid-1980s, and parameters (Coliform bacteria levels, etc.). Despite the regular Stanford posted a clear set of rules and regulations govern- outbreaks of “swimmer’s itch”, a generally harmless condition ing the uses of the trail. Prior to 2000, Stanford did not have caused by a trematode parasite, Lagunita was a very popular the resources to enforce the rules and regulation. As a result recreational facility. more than 13 miles of unauthorized footpaths and an array of structures were built (tree houses, labyrinths, fire rings, and Formerly, Lagunita was the site of the annual Big Game Bonfire tunnels). There was 24-hour-a-day access, and numerous dogs and a mud volleyball fund-raising event. These two popu- were not contained on leashes. In 2000, Stanford initiated lar, traditional events probably had an adverse effect on the a foothills management program, and now pedestrian traffic California tiger salamanders at Lagunita and were therefore is only allowed on designated trails. Non-designated trails cancelled in the early 1990s when concerns about California have been closed off and are being restored, dogs are no longer tiger salamanders escalated. permitted, and there are frequent security patrols. These mea- sures will reduce human impacts on the flora and fauna of the A partially developed trail system encircles Lagunita. This trail foothills. The recreational routes are part of the University’s is open and receives heavy public use, including many dogs. paved service roads. Maintenance of these roads and potential impacts on Covered Species are discussed in Section 3.5.1. page 66 Section 3

3.6.3.1 potential Effects of Recreational However, herbicides are generally used as a last resort and on a Routes on the Covered Species spot-treatment basis, reducing the likelihood of contaminated run- off or ground saturation. Herbicide use is not a Covered Activity. Recreational use of the foothills by pedestrians is now regulated by the University, and members of the public rarely stray from 3.7.2 Grounds Maintenance designated paths and are not allowed on-site after dark. Dogs are not allowed in the foothills. Thus, the effects of this con- The Stanford Grounds Department maintains the landscaping trolled recreation on California tiger salamanders are not signifi- throughout the campus, including planting and pest control cant. Recreational use of future trails along San Francisquito, (weeds and animal pests). The following is the list of activities Los Trancos, and Matadero creeks could affect the Covered that Stanford carries out that could affect the Covered Species. Species by bringing humans in proximity to the creeks, but use of the trails will be subject to rules and regulations prohibiting General Maintenance entry into the creeks and unauthorized disturbance of riparian The Stanford Grounds Department manages formal land- vegetation. In addition, the improvement, operation, and ongo- scaped areas, including lawns, planters, and road medians. ing maintenance of the existing trails could affect the Covered These areas are re-planted, trimmed, irrigated, fertilized, and Species through alteration of the streambed and channel and mowed as needed. Maintenance activities also require substan- removal of vegetation. tial infrastructure, including irrigation boxes (housing valves, timers, etc.). Herbicides are typically used only in the formal 3.7 GROUNDS AND VEGETATION landscaped areas and along roads for weed control.

3.7.1 Fire Control Animal Pest Control. In some locations on campus, burrowing mammals, including ground squirrels, gophers, and moles, need Stanford engages in several fire control and public safety activities, to be controlled for safety reasons and because they destroy the including the maintenance of fire breaks and vegetation control. landscaping. Underground poison bait stations and traps are Various techniques are used to control weeds so that they do not used to control ground squirrels. The bait stations are placed become fire hazards in the summer and fall months. The primary near parking areas and in open fields. Moles and gophers are techniques are flail mowing, discing, and herbicides. Flail mowing controlled using traps and poison bait placed in their tun- is used for weed suppression in open fields with tall grasses. The nels. Rats and mice also are controlled via various methods mower is attached to a tractor and can cut grass down to ground throughout the developed part of campus. Pesticide use is level. Flail mowing is typically done two or three times during not a Covered Activity, although the other animal pest control the summer in open space areas. Discing and mowing are used methods are Covered Activities. to create fire breaks in grassland areas and adjacent to the creeks. Discing is typically used along roads and pathways in the foothills T emporary Stockpiling/Staging and along Junipero Serra Boulevard. The amount of discing that is Stanford periodically has a need for temporary stockpiling of typically conducted in sensitive California tiger salamanders areas dirt, compost materials, or construction materials on its lands. south of Junipero Serra Boulevard is estimated to be 4,500 feet by 20 feet wide, or a total of about 2 acres. Weed Control

3.7.1.1 potential Effects of Fire Control Various techniques are used to control weed growth through- Activities on the Covered Species out the campus, including mulch cover (wood chips), flail mow- ing, discing, and herbicides. Wood chips from oak, eucalyptus, All of the vegetation control methods used for fire control can and other hardwood trees, are placed along pathways and result in the take of California tiger salamanders or California roads, and around trees and buildings to suppress weed growth, red-legged frogs. Mowing is the least problematic because it retain water, and suppress fire, and flail mowing is used for occurs in the late spring to early autumn when none of the weed suppression in open fields with tall grasses. The discing Covered Species are typically at the surface in open grasslands. of broad areas was commonly used to control weeds until the Moreover, mowing is currently used to manage vegetation early 1990s, but was discontinued in environmentally sensitive and improve areas for California tiger salamanders. Discing areas in favor of the more environmentally sound mowing. during the dry season is also unlikely to cause any direct take of Covered Species, because the depth of the discing is fairly 3.7.2.1 potential Effects of Grounds Maintenance shallow (approximately 6 inches) and the rodent burrows sup- Activities on the Covered Species porting California tiger salamanders (and possibly California red-legged frogs) tend to be much deeper. Grounds maintenance and vegetation control activities at Stanford have been modified as a result of the implementation Herbicides could affect the Covered Species by either directly of the California Tiger Salamander Management Agreement entering occupied burrows or through runoff into the creeks. in June 1998 to avoid and/or minimize the potential effects

Section 3 page 69 of the above described activities on California tiger salaman- ders. Under most circumstances, activities conducted by the Grounds Department will not result in direct take of the Covered Species.

General Maintenance Since these activities occur primarily in the built portion of campus or in association with a facility, they will not have di- rect effects on California red-legged frogs, western pond turtles, or steelhead. However, stray California tiger salamanders are found scattered throughout campus and could be harmed by maintenance operations.

Animal Pest Control Control of burrowing mammals can indirectly affect California Ranch/Farm tiger salamanders by reducing the number of burrows available. A farm with 260 acres of crops is located in San Mateo County, It also is possible that the indiscriminate use of rodenticides on the alluvial plain adjacent to San Francisquito Creek. The can cause toxins to enter the local food chain, and affect the farm produces a wide variety of organic and non-organic sea- Covered Species (primarily California tiger salamanders), and sonal crops, most of which are sold at an on-site, road-side it is also possible that California tiger salamanders can be di- market. The working ranch/farm requires a number of facili- rectly harmed by traps. ties (storage sheds, maintenance yards, worker housing, etc.), which are scattered throughout the leasehold. T emporary Stockpiling/Staging The placement of stockpiled materials could affect Covered N ursery Species either along the creeks or in vacant areas near A 70-acre nursery lease is located in Santa Clara County. This California tiger salamander breeding locations. In addition, lease contains a plant growing facility and conducts wholesale individuals of a Covered Species could take refuge in stockpiled selling of trees, shrubs, flowers, and ground cover. The lease materials, resulting in possible take when the materials were is bordered on one side by Los Trancos Creek. As a nursery moved. operation, the lessee is continuously replanting plants and trees into larger containers and storing them on site until sale. Weed Control Potting materials are brought on site from other facilities. The The use of wood chips is unlikely to affect the Covered Species. materials used are horse stables sweepings (pine chips and Mowing also is not likely to directly affect the Covered Species manure), redwood shavings, sand, and topsoil. The products because the timing and location of mowing (open grasslands, are mixed on site and put into the containers with the plant. daytime, and in dry weather) does not coincide with periods Synthetic fertilizer is top-dressed in the containers at the time when any of the Covered Species would be present. The of planting. There are several buildings on-site that house the improper use of biocides can have an effect on the Covered office and storage facilities. There also is an extensive irrigation Species, but when used according to industry standards and ap- system. plied by well-trained crews, the effects are minimized. The animal waste and composting material used for planting are not generated on site. They are imported to the site on an 3.8 LEASEHOLDS: as-needed basis. Stockpiled sweeping/compost piles are stored AGRICULTURAL/EQUESTRIAN at several locations; one is located approximately 300 feet away from Los Trancos Creek. The piles that contain animal waste 3.8.1 intensive Agriculture are covered and surrounded by a berm to prevent water runoff from entering the stockpile area. Intensive agriculture has been conducted at Stanford for more than a century. Currently, seasonal crops, a vineyard, and a V ineyard plant production/wholesale nursery are located on Stanford In the late 1990s, an approximately 10-acre vineyard was property (Fig. 3-4). Stanford has historically played a limited planted on Stanford lands in San Mateo County, at the site of a role in the day-to-day operation of its agricultural lessees. Each former Christmas tree farm. This site abuts an extensive ripar- lessee is responsible for the construction and maintenance of all ian forest associated with Sausal Creek and several unnamed roads, buildings, and other improvements on the leasehold. seasonal tributaries.

page 70 Section 3

3.8.1.1 potential Effects of Agricultural Horse pastures at Stanford are typically fairly flat, although Uses on the Covered Species there are a number located on steep hillsides. Grazing intensity varies, but in many years grazing is insufficient and supplemen- Intensive agricultural uses that are adjacent to or near creeks tal feed must be provided. can result in waterway contamination from pesticides and fertilizers used during farming, and the erosion of loose Pastured horses have limited direct access to Deer and soils could increase the amount of sedimentation in creeks. Matadero creeks. Equestrian trails are located throughout the Additionally, it is probable that individuals of Covered Species, undeveloped portions of Stanford. Trails cross creeks via un- primarily red-legged frogs and western pond turtles, occasion- improved crossings only in one location in the San Francisquito ally wander into areas of intensive agriculture and are subse- watershed and at several locations in the Matadero/Deer quently harmed or killed. watershed. These crossings tend to be sites where erosion and horse waste impact water quality. During the last decade, R anch/Farm Stanford has eliminated several unimproved creek crossings by Due to its proximity to areas supporting steelhead, red-legged constructing a new bridge at Webb Ranch, replacing an exist- frogs, and western pond turtles, it is likely that farming activi- ing but decrepit bridge at Glen Oaks, and realigning the horse ties adversely affect the Covered Species. The riparian zone trail at Webb Ranch and Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve away along San Francisquito Creek likely acts as a buffer and reduces from the San Francisquito Creek bank. these effects, but this limited buffer does not eliminate all of the effects that the farming activities have on the Covered Horse washing facilities are present in all of the equestrian Species. operations. The horse washing facilities are located more than 150 feet from the top of any creek bank. N ursery 3.8.2.1 potential Effects of Equestrian Due to its proximity to Los Trancos Creek, it is probable that Uses on the Covered Species activities at the nursery adversely affect Covered Species, main- ly in the form of increased erosion and runoff, and overall re- Equestrian-related activities could adversely affect steelhead, duction of riparian zone habitat (which provides some prey for California red-legged frogs and western pond turtles by con- steelhead and greatly aids in the stabilization of the habitat). taminating water sources with animal waste. These impacts In some places there is a small riparian buffer that helps reduce are particularly problematic in locations that have stables and impacts, but in other locations, nursery plants or access roads paddocks adjacent to the top of creek banks, grazing on steep are located at the top of the creek bank. Also, piles of animal slopes, and horses that have direct access to creeks (in some waste and composting material could present a pollution prob- pastures and where trails cross creeks). In addition, horses lem for steelhead. could trample Covered Species, especially in locations that the horses cross the creeks. V ineyard Covered Species have not been recorded from the immediate 3.8.3 Grazing vicinity of the vineyard. It is therefore unlikely that operation of the vineyard will have a direct effect on the Covered Species. Stanford maintains grazing leases on approximately 1,000 If improperly managed, the vineyard could contribute sedi- acres in the foothills (Fig. 3-4). Grazing reduces the fuel load ments, fertilizers, and biocides to the local ecosystem, which and is important for fire hazard reduction. Cattle in individ- could adversely affect the Covered Species. ual leaseholds typically free range over several hundred acres. Water troughs and salt licks are scattered throughout the 3.8.2 equestrian cattle grazing areas and cattle have direct access to several of the minor seasonal creeks. Major creeks are fenced to prevent Approximately 1,200 acres of Stanford’s lands are leased or li- access by cattle. censed for equestrian-related activities, including facility-inten- sive horse boarding and training, and less intensive open pas- 3.8.3.1 potential Effects of Grazing ture and trails (Fig. 3-4). A number of boarding and training on the Covered Species facilities are situated adjacent to riparian areas known to sup- port the Covered Species. Likewise, many of the access roads Managed grazing generally benefits grassland ecosystems. At for the equestrian facilities are located adjacent to creek banks. Stanford, cattle have not grazed in most of the foothill areas Manure and other refuse is collected from the equestrian facili- that are occupied by California tiger salamanders since the ties on a regular basis, stored on site in piles, and removed for mid-1980s. The foothill areas that are currently grazed are disposal every few days. The refuse piles are covered during the generally too far from Lagunita to provide upland habitat for rainy season and are located a minimum of 150 feet from the California tiger salamanders that breed in Lagunita. However, top of any creek bank. the grazed areas provide relatively short vegetation and support

Section 3 page 73 abundant ground squirrel burrows, which could provide high salamander upland habitat and include improvements typically quality California tiger salamander upland habitat. Thus, graz- associated with academic facilities: buildings, roads, paths, ing generally benefits California tiger salamanders and has few parking lots, lighting, etc. Although many of these sites incor- impacts on the Covered Species. porate non-irrigated native plant landscaping, they also include managed landscapes primarily intended for human uses, and 3.9 LEASEHOLDS: COMMERCIAL/ include irrigated non-native plants, furnishings, paving, and recreational facilities. INSTITUTIONAL 3.9.2.1 potential Effects of the Independent Research 3.9.1 Stanford Linear Accelerator Center Institutions on the Covered Species

The Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) was founded Maintenance and operation of independent research institu- in 1962 and the construction of the 2‑mile linear accelerator tions located in the undeveloped portions of campus can result was completed 4 years later in 1966 (Fig. 3-5). A decade af- in the take of Covered Species. California tiger salamanders ter SLAC was founded, the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation are more vulnerable to impacts from these institutions be- Laboratory (SSRL) was established as a National Users’ cause they are located in areas that provide upland habitat for Facility. Construction of the SSRL began in 1983 and was the California tiger salamander. Maintenance of the facilities completed in 1989. SSRL became part of SLAC in 1992, involves landscaping and utility work, both of which often and in 1994, the PEP‑II project was initiated, to build the involve earth moving and vegetation modification. Rodent Asymmetric B Factory. control also is a necessary part of the management for these institutions, but is limited to the immediate proximity of the SLAC is a national research laboratory, probing the structure buildings. Digging, vegetation removal, and rodent control can of matter at the atomic scale, and at much smaller scales with take California tiger salamanders. Likewise, unless adequately electron and positron beams. The laboratory is operated by fenced or covered, short-term trenches can act as traps for Stanford University under a contract from the United States dispersing California tiger salamanders, and inappropriately Department of Energy (DOE). Stanford also performs some placed structures can act as barriers. maintenance activities and maintains some control over the use of the SLAC site. 3.9.3 other Urban Leases

3.9.1.1 potential Effects of SLAC Activities There are many urban leases on Stanford lands, primarily in on the Covered Species Palo Alto and Menlo Park (Fig. 3-5). These leases include the Stanford Research Park, Stanford University Medical Center SLAC is a federal facility. However, outdoor activities car- (hospitals and clinics), Stanford Shopping Center, commercial ried out by Stanford at SLAC, such as landscaping, grounds housing, and other commercial uses. These leases are all lo- maintenance, and drainage management, are covered by the cated in developed urban areas. HCP. Potential conflicts between federally listed species and new or ongoing uses at SLAC would be addressed through a 3.9.3.1 potential Effects of the Other Urban “Section 7” consultation between the DOE and the Service. If Leases on the Covered Species the SLAC lease, or a portion of the leased property, reverts to These leases are for fully developed properties. The ongoing Stanford during the life of this HCP, it will automatically be use, maintenance, and re-development of these properties will subject to the HCP, and any subsequent land uses and activities not have direct effects on the Covered Species. However, stray will be carried out in accordance with the terms of the Stanford California tiger salamanders and California red-legged frogs are HCP. The activities carried out by Stanford at SLAC have occasionally found scattered throughout campus and could be minimal effects on the Covered Species because the site is in harmed by activities at these fully developed properties. a generally developed area. However, landscaping and similar outdoor maintenance activities could adversely affect individual Covered Species, primarily California red-legged frogs and 3.10 FUTURE CAMPUS western pond turtles that happen to enter the area from adja- DEVELOPMENT cent riparian areas. Under the HCP, the future development of Stanford land is a 3.9.2 independent Research Institutions Covered Activity. Potential future development includes new academic, academic support, residential, athletic, and commer- A small number of sites located in the “Lathrop” district of cial facilities. As discussed in more detail below, the County the University, in Santa Clara County, south of Junipero of Santa Clara granted Stanford a General Use Permit (GUP) Serra Boulevard, are leased to independent research institu- that allows Stanford to develop certain lands that are located in tions. These sites are within or adjacent to California tiger unincorporated Santa Clara County. Although Stanford does page 74 Section 3

not have any specific plans to develop additional land beyond by the County of Santa Clara in December 2000. The EIR con- the development permitted by the GUP, the Covered Activities tains a detailed analysis of the impacts of the GUP on various include additional future development that could occur dur- resources including biological resources. In summary, the EIR ing the life of the HCP. This additional development also will found that the academic and residential development permitted require discretionary permits from state and local agencies, under the GUP would result in a minimal amount of take of which in turn may trigger compliance with state and local regu- California red-legged frogs and steelhead, primarily by way of lations, including environmental review under the California habitat modification. The approved development would result in Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). a loss of California tiger salamander habitat, as well as potential loss of individuals due to direct mortality or reduction of repro- ductive success (i.e., inability of adults to reach breeding sites, inability of juveniles to disperse to upland habitat).

The EIR imposed several Conditions of Approval to reduce the impacts on these Covered Species to less than significant. One of these Conditions recognized the potential future Stanford HCP, and this HCP will fulfill GUP Condition J.9 as soon as it is approved by the Service:

“Condition J.9. If the CTS is listed as threatened or Future development in areas that are already developed, and endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act which do not provide habitat for or support the Covered or any successor statute with the purpose of protecting Species, will not have direct effects on the Covered Species. endangered or threatened species, an appropriate per- However, stray California tiger salamanders and California mit will be obtained from the SERVICE. The condi- red-legged frogs are occasionally found scattered throughout tions of the GUP that address California tiger salaman- campus and could be harmed by future development even in ders shall be superseded by any subsequent Habitat the developed areas. Conservation Plan (HCP) approved by the USFWS, so long as the HCP provides at least as much habitat 3.10.1 Development Associated with Santa value and protection for CTS as these Conditions of Clara County 2000 GUP Approval.” (page 24) At the time of the HCP drafting, none of the academic or resi- The development permitted by the GUP is currently anticipat- dential GUP projects with the potential to impact the California ed to be completed in 15-20 years. Most of the development tiger salamander had been proposed or constructed. However, permitted by the GUP will be infill development. However, several conditions of approval had been fulfilled, including the development could conceivably occur in areas that provide hab- construction of eight new breeding ponds south of Junipero itat for the Covered Species, primarily California tiger salaman- Serra Boulevard (JSB) and three amphibian tunnels across JSB. der habitat. Under the GUP, Stanford could develop land that is occupied by the Covered Species or that provides potential Future development was also addressed through the California habitat for the Covered Species. For the purposes of analysis, Tiger Salamander Management Agreement, approved by the this HCP anticipates that development under the 2000 GUP California Department of Fish and Game, the Service, and could result in the removal of 30 acres of habitat. Santa Clara County in June 1998. This agreement was entered into before California tiger salamanders were protected under The remainder of the allowed academic, academic support, and the ESA, and does not provide incidental take authorization. residential development allowed under the GUP will occur in However, the Management Agreement provides conserva- already developed portions of the campus, which do not provide tion guidelines that have been incorporated into the HCP’s habitat for, or support, the Covered Species. This infill develop- Conservation Program (Section 4.0). The HCP will supercede ment generally would not adversely affect the Covered Species; the California Tiger Salamander Management Agreement. however, stray California tiger salamanders and California red- legged frogs occasionally migrate into, and become trapped in, these developed areas. Therefore, future development in areas 3.10.2 Development Beyond the Santa that are already developed is a Covered Activity. Clara County 2000 GUP

3.10.1.1 Potential Effects of Development under The GUP will expire when development covered by the per- 2000 GUP on the Covered Species mit has been completed. Prior to its expiration, Stanford will determine its needs for housing, educational facilities, recre- All of the potential environmental impacts of the GUP were ational facilities, etc., for the next planning horizon. Future addressed in an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) certified development up to at least 2025 will be guided by Stanford’s

Section 3 page 77 Community Plan and the existence of the Academic Growth Species that become trapped in a construction area may be killed Boundary that was established in 2000. The Academic or harmed by construction related equipment, and future develop- Growth Boundary restricts academic growth in unincorporated ment could result in new barriers to migration. This would result Santa Clara County to the currently developed portions of in the loss of individuals due to direct mortality or reduction of campus (primarily north of Junipero Serra Boulevard). reproductive success if adults are unable to reach breeding sites or juveniles are unable to disperse to upland sites. The land use designation for San Mateo County lands are open space/institutional/future study area. The underlying 3.11 HABITAT MANAGEMENT, zoning designation is RE/S11, residential estate. This zoning allows housing on a 1-5 acre minimum lot determined by slope. MONITORING, AND Higher density residential development and farming may also ENHANCEMENT be permitted with a conditional use permit. Chapter 4 of the HCP describes the Conservation Program Planning for the future development of Stanford’s lands outside that Stanford will adopt in order to contribute to the recovery of of Santa Clara County, and in Santa Clara County beyond the the Covered Species and to minimize the effects of the Covered GUP, was estimated based on current planning principles of Activities and mitigate for the unavoidable adverse effects of density and building efficiency. These assumptions present a the Covered Activities on the Covered Species. Under the reasonable forecast of future development during the 50-year life Conservation Program, Stanford will actively manage, monitor, of the HCP; however, actual development could vary from these and enhance some of its land for the Covered Species and will predictions. Specific future building projects have not been iden- undertake numerous activities to reduce the potential effects of tified at this time, and the forecast is based on the distribution of the Covered Activities on the Covered Species. These manage- potential building sites within currently undeveloped land. ment, monitoring, and enhancement activities include the preser- vation of areas that are important for the long-term survival and In accordance with current planning principles of density and persistence of the Covered Species, surveys for Covered Species building efficiency, as well as economic and research uncertain- and invasive species, water quality monitoring, revegetation, ties, the HCP forecasts that Stanford could develop 1-3 acres vegetation management, erecting fences, if needed, to protect per year of land that provides habitat for, or is occupied by, the the Covered Species, construction of new wetlands suitable for Covered Species. Development at this rate will result in a total California tiger salamander reproduction, and employing adap- development of 50-150 acres over the 50-year life of the HCP. tive management to modify or introduce new management tech- This development likely would not occur in regular increments niques. Many of these activities will occur in the most biologi- annually, but will more likely occur as a 30-acre project every cally sensitive areas, where the Covered Species are located. decade, or a 15-acre project every 5 years, at a maximum. It could also occur as small operational projects that result in per- Specific management and monitoring activities that could affect manent conversion of habitat. Covered Species include the activities described below.

Surveys Assuming a typical suburban campus development density of 0.25 Ground Area Coverage and two-story buildings, 1-3 acres Surveys will be conducted for Covered and non-native spe- would support 20,000 to 60,000 gsf of academic development. cies. Methods include day and night visual surveys, snorkeling, Assuming a housing density of 4-5 single-family units per acre, dipnetting, trapping, and electrofishing. 1-3 acres would support 4-15 housing units each year. Thus, dur- ing the life of the HCP, approximately 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 gsf P ond construction of academic development, or 200-750 single-family housing units, Pond construction includes grading activities to create the pond, or some combination of the two (e.g., 1,000,000 gsf of academic planting of native materials and/or hydroseeding, and inoculating development and 400-500 housing units) could occur. the new wetlands with appropriate species of aquatic invertebrates.

3.10.2.1 Potential Effects of FutureD evelopment C reation of debris piles on the Covered Species This includes use of logs or rocks inserted into the ground. The future development beyond the GUP could remove ap- These attract ground squirrels and are useful in enhancing proximately 50 to 150 acres of land that is either occupied by the California tiger salamander upland habitat. Covered Species or that provides habitat for the Covered Species. This represents two percent to four percent of the Covered Species’ M odification of creek banks habitat, and would not affect the persistence of any of the Covered A number of management and monitoring activities could affect Species. However, reducing the amount of available habitat the creek bank, including bank stabilization, erosion control, re- could reduce the future maximum size of the species’ populations. moval of barriers in the creek, restoration planting, and removal of Construction activities could result in the take of Covered Species. non-native plants. page 78 Section 3 Relocation of “salvaged” individuals Electrofishing will not affect California tiger salamanders, and it The Conservation Program includes the relocation of individuals is very unlikely to affect western pond turtles. While electrofish- found in harm’s way (e.g., in urbanized areas) to safer locations ing will not be used in areas where California red-legged frogs within protected areas. are expected, there is a slight chance that California red-legged frogs will be encountered. If California red-legged frogs are un- C ontrol of non-native species expectedly encountered, electrofishing will stop, and the effects on California red-legged frogs will be limited to the very short The Conservation Program includes ongoing surveys for non-na- time period during and just after the California red-legged frog is tive species, and the removal of non-native animal species will oc- discovered. The effects of electrofishing on California red-legged cur through hand capture, trapping, and electrofishing. Control frogs are generally limited to harassment, and should not result in of non-native plant species includes mowing, hand removal, and the death of California red-legged frogs. Electrofishing will take a the application of herbicide if hand removal is not effective or is small number of steelhead. Take is generally limited to harassment not feasible because of the range of the infestation. (e.g., stunning the fish), but in rare circumstances can cause lethal take. Take will be minimized by implementing an intensive single 3.11.1 Potential Effects ofH abitat Management, pass sampling method rather than a depletion sampling method. Monitoring, and Enhancement Although data from depletion sampling are more reliable than on the Covered Species single pass sampling, the effect and increased potential for lethal take generally outweighs the benefit of the data. The management, monitoring, and enhancement activities as- sociated with the Conservation Program will benefit the Covered The spread of pathogens is always a risk when field workers Species. Although the long-term effect of these activities will be go from one site to the next, particularly in aquatic systems. beneficial to the Covered Species and their habitat, the activities However, there is very little risk of this problem at Stanford could result in the incidental take of the Covered Species. because the equipment (waders, nets, etc.) used to monitor the Covered Species at Stanford are only used at Stanford or in Surveys the immediate vicinity of the University (and all off-campus Day and night visual surveys, and snorkeling, will not impact sites are within the same watersheds which occur at Stanford). California tiger salamanders. Use of these methods does have Additionally, equipment used in aquatic surveys is typically the potential to temporarily alter the behavior of steelhead, washed and dried after each use. California red-legged frogs, and western pond turtles, because Pond construction these species typically attempt to avoid humans by either finding cover or by leaving the immediate vicinity of the person conduct- The creation of new, off-channel, wetlands will not affect steel- ing the survey. These effects are minor and generally limited in head. Construction of such wetlands could potentially affect duration to the brief periods during which the observer is sur- western pond turtles or California red-legged frogs, but precon- veying a particular area. Dip netting, trapping, and electrofishing struction surveys and project siting considerations will essentially each have the potential to impact the Covered Species. However, eliminate the chance of take of these two species. A limited if employed with caution, the level of take associated with each amount of take of California tiger salamanders, however, is likely of these techniques is minor. Dip netting has the least potential when ponds are constructed for California tiger salamanders to cause take, but it should be expected that such activities will because the location of the new ponds will likely be in areas that cause the take of several larval California tiger salamanders and are already occupied by California tiger salamanders and in areas California red-legged frogs, and small steelhead every five years. where burrowing rodents are present. With preconstruction Dip netting will not affect western pond turtles. surveys and hand excavation of extensive burrow systems, take of California tiger salamanders during future pond construction The proposed trapping involves the use of aquatic minnow traps will be minimized, and on the order of one or two salamanders and is live trapping. No individuals of any species are disposed per new pond. If the new ponds are located at the edge of occu- of until positive identification is made. Trapping is very unlikely pied uplands, then the estimated number of California tiger sala- to affect California red-legged frogs or western pond turtles. manders impacted by construction activities is further reduced, Research at Stanford in the 1990s found that steelhead survive but these more peripheral ponds will likely take longer to be used being temporarily trapped quite well. Larval California tiger by California tiger salamanders. salamanders may exhibit some cannibalism while being held in traps, and invertebrate predators that find their way into traps It is possible that the wetlands could have hydrologic features have been observed to eat amphibian larvae. Being held in a live which cause the wetland to act as population sinks for the trap does pose a risk of take, but the potential for take is mini- Covered Species. As part of the long-term adaptive manage- mized by frequent checking of the traps and discontinuing the ment program this possibility will be evaluated on a case-by-case use of the traps if predation or some other factor, such as water basis, and any pond found to have significant negative effects on quality, becomes a problem. California tiger salamanders will be modified or eliminated.

Section 3 page 79 Creation of cover piles guaranteed to result in death of the individual. Additionally, Construction of cover piles will not affect steelhead or western the relocation of individual California tiger salamanders should pond turtles. Construction of cover piles in or near riparian not affect California tiger salamanders that already inhabit the zones could potentially affect California red-legged frogs, but release area. cover piles would only be constructed in locations noticeably lacking in cover that are very unlikely to support California During the last decade of active conservation work at Stanford, red-legged frogs. The construction of cover piles in California no California red-legged frogs or western pond turtles were tiger salamander-occupied uplands could affect California tiger found in situations that required relocation. In the future, as salamanders. Preconstruction surveys, hand-excavation of ex- the population of these Covered Species increases, they could tensive rodent burrows, and flexibility in where to exactly site require relocation. Care will be taken to minimize the potential the cover piles (they will be sited to avoid locations where con- for take by handling the species as little as possible and choos- struction would cause take) reduce the chance of take to fewer ing the release site with care. than a single salamander per ten (or more) cover piles. Steelhead, particularly small parr and smolts, occasionally be- It is possible that the cover piles could attract predators, com- come trapped in rapidly drying portions of the creek or in areas petitors, non-native species, or other biological elements that around structures. Relocating these individuals to the nearest cause take of the Covered Species. As part of the long-term safe water can cause take, but the alternative is dying by desic- adaptive management program this possibility will be evaluated cation. on a case-by-case basis, and any cover pile found to have signifi- C ontrol of non-native species cant negative effects will be removed. Control of non-native animal species can cause the inadvertent M odification of creek banks and channel take of the Covered Species. The proposed methods of con- Work on the creek banks or channel will not affect California trol are all, with the exception of trapping and the occasional tiger salamanders, but could affect California red-legged frogs, use of an herbicide if hand removal is not effective, conducted western pond turtles, and steelhead. by hand. The effects on the Covered Species will be minimal and easily controlled. Non-native animal species control will R elocation of “salvaged” individuals not affect California tiger salamanders and western pond turtles. Steelhead and California red-legged frogs, particu- Relocating individual Covered Species presents a risk that the larly California red-legged frogs tadpoles, may be harassed by species will be harmed or killed. However, the relocation of non-native species control activities. The proposed trapping individual Covered Species is only contemplated if the species involves the use of aquatic minnow traps and is live trapping. is already at risk of being harmed or killed, and the amount of No individuals of any species are disposed of until positive take associated with moving the species is less than leaving the identification is made. Being held in a live trap does increase individual in the original risk-causing situation. This results in the risk of being eaten or injured by aquatic predators, but this a net decrease in take per relocation event. California tiger sal- is minimized by frequently checking the traps and discontinu- amanders are the most likely of the Covered Species to benefit ing the use of the traps if predation becomes a problem. from minor relocations as they frequently encounter human- built structures, including roads, during their rainy season mi- Control of non-native plant species will not affect steelhead or grations. Numbers of California tiger salamanders potentially western pond turtles. California red-legged frogs could be af- handled during each year varies considerably (largely depen- fected by the removal of non-native plants in the riparian zone. dent on weather), and ranges from several hundred individuals Such impacts will be short term and non-lethal. Dry season to be moved off of roads, to a few individuals inadvertently mowing will not affect any of the Covered Species, including trapped in utility boxes or drains. Take in most cases is very California tiger salamanders. Discing has the potential to kill low; of the many hundreds of individual California tiger sala- California tiger salamanders, but discing is only allowed in ar- manders moved off of the streets during the 1990s, none ap- eas where the expected density of California tiger salamanders peared to have been negatively effected. Most of the California is very low. tiger salamanders were simply moved off of the roads and away from the traffic. Removal of California tiger salamanders from utility boxes or other similar features is more likely to result in take than moving California tiger salamanders off of roadways. The release sites need to be chosen carefully. In the 1990s, most utility box rescues occurred in the dry season, and the rescued California tiger salamanders were released in relatively damp areas or at the entrance of rodent burrows. While such dry season relocations do present risk, leaving the individual California tiger salamanders trapped in utility boxes is virtually page 80 Section 3