BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THREATENED AND ENDANGERED FOR THE READING PROJECT

HAT CREEK RANGER DISTRICT LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST April 16, 2013

Prepared by: /s/ Tim Kellison Date: 5-31-2013 Tim Kellison Assistant Forest Botanist

Reviewed by: /s/ Allison L. Sanger Date: 5-31-2013 Allison L. Sanger Forest Botanist

I. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this biological assessment (BA) is to review the proposed Reading Project in sufficient detail to determine to what extent the proposed action may impact Threatened and Endangered Plants or their designated critical habitat, and to determine whether consultation with U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USDI FWS) is required for this project. In addition, the following information is provided to comply with statutory requirements to use the best scientific and commercial information available when assessing the risks posed to listed and/or proposed and designated and/or proposed critical habitat by proposed federal actions. This biological assessment is prepared in accordance with legal requirements set forth under regulations implementing Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (50 CFR 402; 16 U.S.C. 1536 (c)), and follows standards established in Forest Service Manual and Handbook direction (FSM 2671.2 & 2672.42, and R-5 FSH 2609.25) for Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive species. The Reading Project treatment area is approximately 4,302 acres and located along the northern border of Lassen Volcanic National Park (LVNP), extending north across Badger Mountain and West Prospect Peak within the Hat Creek Ranger District (HCRD) of the Lassen National Forest (LNF). Treatment methods would include salvage harvest, hazard tree removal, reforestation and snag research plot establishment. This biological assessment documents potential effects from this project on tenuis, slender Orcutt grass, federally listed as Threatened (USDI FWS 1997). This species occurs outside the project area; however, approximately 1,131 acres of designated critical habitat for this species is located within the Reading Project boundary (USDI FWS 2003a). No other federally listed plants are known or expected from the project area. Effects to Forest Service Sensitive species are addressed in a separate biological evaluation document. II. CONSULTATION TO DATE The internet site of the Sacramento Field Office, US Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USDI FWS) was consulted on February 4, 2013 for an updated list of proposed and listed Endangered and Threatened species that may be present on the Lassen National Forest. , slender Orcutt grass, greenei, Green’s tuctoria, and Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica, Butte County meadowfoam are the only listed species whose range includes the Lassen National Forest (USDI FWS 2013). Critical habitat was also designated for Orcuttia tenuis and including approximately 25,000 acres located within or adjacent to the boundaries of the Lassen National Forest (USDI FWS 2003a). Extensive survey efforts conducted for past projects within the Reading Project boundary have revealed no known occurrences of these species and no vernal pool habitat within the project area; however, approximately 1,131 acres of designated critical habitat for Orcuttia tenuis is present (USDI FWS 2003a; USDA Forest Service 2013a). This designated critical habitat is connected to the Little Bunchgrass Meadow vernal pool located approximately 900 feet outside of the project boundary (USDA Forest Service 2013a). Given that no vernal pool habitat exists and consequently Orcuttia tenuis or Tuctoria greenei do not occur within the project area, these species will be dropped from further analysis. The project area also does not contain the valley and foothill grasslands in Butte County required for Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica, so this species is also

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not analyzed further. However, effects to designated critical habitat located within the Reading Project area will be evaluated in this document. III. CURRENT MANAGEMENT DIRECTION A. Land and Resources Management Plan Direction for Project Area

The Reading Project is contained within the Summit (MA #10) and Lost Creek (MA #17) Management Areas in the Lassen National Forest Land and Resources Management Plan (LRMP 1992). B. LRMP Direction for Sensitive Plants

The LNF LRMP management direction for Sensitive Plants includes the following goals, standards, and guides (LRMP pp 4-26 and 4-27):

a. Maintain habitat and viable populations to contribute to eventual de-listing of Sensitive plants that are found on the Forest. (1) Identify, preserve, or enhance Sensitive plant populations. (2) Restrict vegetative or soil disturbance in areas occupied by Sensitive plants, unless manipulation is needed to perpetuate the species. (3) Within the planning period, develop Species Management Guides for Sensitive plants that identify population goals and compatible management activities.

b. Manage Sensitive plants to insure that species do not become Threatened or Endangered because of Forest Service actions. (1) Evaluate all proposed projects for potential Sensitive plant habitat. Conduct surveys at the correct time of year for species identification if potential habitat exists in a project area. (2) If Sensitive plants are found in a proposed project, modify the project or take mitigative action as necessary to protect the habitat. C. SNFPA Direction (2004):

Standard and Guideline #125- Conduct field surveys for Threatened, Endangered, Proposed and Sensitive (TESP) plant species early enough in the project planning process that the project can be designed to conserve or enhance TESP plants and their habitat. Conduct surveys according to procedures outlined in the Forest Service Handbook (FSH 2609.25.11). If additional field surveys are to be conducted as part of project implementation, surveys results must be documented in the project file (SNFPA, ROD Errata. pg. 66).

Riparian Conservation Areas: Riparian conservation areas (RCAs) widths for Special Aquatic Features which include vernal pools: 300 feet from the edge of feature or riparian vegeataion, whichever is greater.

Riparian Conservation Objectives (RCOs): RCOs are described in SNFPA 2004, ROD-33, and encompass many of the same elements for management of RHCAs. Grazing standards and guides are primarily associated with RCOs #2 and #5:

RCO 2 - Maintain or restore: (1) the geomorphic and biological characteristics of special aquatic

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features, including lakes, meadows, bogs, fens, wetlands, vernal pools, springs; (2) streams, including in stream flows; and (3) hydrologic connectivity both within and between watersheds to provide for the habitat needs of aquatic-dependant species.

Standards and Guidelines: #101- Ensure culverts or other stream crossings do not create barriers to upstream or downstream passage for aquatic-dependent species. Locate water drafting sties to avoid adverse effects to in stream flows and depletion of pool habitat. Where possible, maintain and restore the timing, variability, and duration of floodplain inundation and water table elevation in meadows, wetlands, and other special aquatic features (SNFPA ROD, pg. 63).

RCO 5 - Preserve, restore, or enhance special aquatic features, such as meadows, lakes, ponds, fens, and wetlands, to provide the ecological conditions and processes needed to recover or enhance the viability of species that rely on these areas.

D. Recovery Plan:

A “Recovery Plan for Vernal Pool Ecosystems of and Southern Oregon” has been completed and addresses Orcuttia tenuis among other vernal pool species (USDI FWS 2005).

Occurrences of Orcuttia tenuis on the Lassen National Forest are in Zone 2 core areas of the Modoc Vernal Pool Region. The recovery plan outlines steps for the eventual delisting of Orcuttia tenuis: avoid known populations, maintain natural hydrology, monitor selected populations, and conduct standardized vernal pool habitat site assessments. E. Conservation Strategy:

A conservation strategy has been developed for Orcuttia tenuis which provides a process for long-term conservation of the species where it occurs on lands administered by the BLM or the U.S. Forest Service in the Modoc-Cascades area of California to help ensure the survival and viability of the species (USDA Forest Service and USDI BLM 2012b). The following are some of the management prescriptions that have been developed to provide protection for the species while minimizing conflicts with other resource values and land management activities.

General 1) Protect all occurrences of Orcuttia tenuis from direct disturbance by Forest Service management activities. Disturbance as defined here may include, for example, vehicle impacts or hydrologic manipulations that negatively affect vernal pool habitat. When necessary, fencing will be the primary method of protection. 2) During project design, identify any sources of potentially detrimental hydrologic impacts to vernal pools, such as borrow pits or stream headcuts. If needed, identify measures to restore vernal pool hydrology at sites where Orcuttia tenuis habitat has been degraded by hydrologic alteration. 3) Inventory unsurveyed vernal pool habitat on Lassen National Forest land for Orcuttia tenuis. 4) Consider introducing Orcuttia tenuis into suitable habitat.

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Vegetation Management Activities

5) Include a site-specific mechanical equipment exclusion zone around all occupied vernal pools to ensure that the potential for sediment to enter the pool during project activities is low or nonexistent. 6) Directionally fell all trees away from vernal pools.

Prescribed Fire/Fuels Activities

7) If firelines are necessary, locate them at least 250 feet from occupied or potential vernal pool habitat for Orcuttia tenuis, unless the topography is such that there is no potential for sediment to move into the vernal pool. 8) Limit the season of burning in upland areas adjacent to vernal pool habitat to the period before the pool has dried out. 9) No pile burning will occur within 250 feet of occupied or potential habitat, unless the topography is such that there is no potential for sediment to move into the vernal pool.

Invasive Species Management

10) Manually treat all noxious weed occurrences within 500 feet of Orcuttia tenuis occurrences. No herbicide application will occur within this 500-foot buffer.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION A. Introduction and Project Area Description:

The Reading Project is situated along the northern border of Lassen Volcanic National Park (LVNP) and extends north across Badger Mountain and West Prospect Peak. There are no vernal pools within the project area. The geomorphology within the project area is dominated by Badger Mountain and West Prospect Peak, both with moderately steep slopes and some areas with gentle slopes along the lower portions of these mountains. There are two canyons with steep walls, which had moderate vegetative cover prior to the Reading Fire; one of these canyons has extensive lava fields throughout. Elevations range from 5,300 feet in the northern section of the project area to over 8,100 feet at West Prospect Peak, near the eastern edge of the project boundary. The Reading Fire burned approximately 11,071 acres of Lassen National Forest lands on the Hat Creek Ranger District in a mosaic of severity that included unburned, low, moderate and high fire severity. As a result, there are areas where tree mortality is 100 percent while other areas still support a green tree component. Of the acres that burned at moderate to high severity, approximately 5,000 acres were mixed conifer vegetation types and 2,070 acres were pine vegetation types. Several plantations are located within the project area as well, approximately 1,053 acres burned in a mosaic pattern, the majority at moderate to high severity. Much of the habitat within these plantations had been substantially altered by the construction of windrows and the undesirable proliferation of shrubs such as manzanita. Riparian habitat occurs along Hat Creek and to a lesser extent within Rail Canyon. Overall, the most common conifers were white fir, Jeffrey and ponderosa pine, with a smaller component of sugar pine, Douglas fir, incense cedar and red fir. In some areas dense stands of lodgepole pine occurred, approximately 31 acres of these stands burned at moderate to

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high intensity. The understory vegetation components include greenleaf manzanita, bush chinquapin, whitethorn, gooseberry, snowberry, herbs, grasses and sedges. The project area is located within T. 31 N., R 4 E. Sec. 1, 2, 11, 12; T. 31 N., R. 5 E. Sec. 1-5, 8-12; T. 32 N., R 5 E. Sec. 23-28, 31-36; Mount Diablo Meridian. B. Proposed Action- Alternative 1

Under the proposed action, fire-affected trees would be removed using mechanical and manual treatments. There would be several fundamental methods that would be used: mechanical harvest, manual tree felling, mechanical and hand piling of small trees and activity-generated fuels, pile burning and, if necessary, mastication. Reforestation would be done manually. Although most of the mechanical treatments would be accomplished using contracts (timber sales or service contracts), some treatments could be completed using Forest Service personnel. Upon completion of the mechanical and manual treatments, including piling of Activity-generated fuels, Forest Service personnel would complete pile burning in accordance with an approved fire plan. The treatments in Table 1 are actions that would be used in various combinations to address the need and achieve the desired conditions.

Table 1. Reading Project Treatments Treatment Acres Removal of Fire-Affected Trees Natural Stands 2,508 Plantations 1,053 Removal of Danger Trees along National Forest System roads Harvest Treatment 49 Individual Tree Selection 493 Snag Research Plots 75 Total Mechanical Treatment 4,178 Acres Reforestation Only 588 Total Reforestation 4,273

Removal of Fire-Affected Trees Fire-affected trees would be harvested on approximately 2,508 acres of natural stands and 1,053 acres of plantation, generally where fire burned at a moderate to high severity. Fire-affected trees would be harvested in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Forest Health Protection Report #RO-11-01 (Smith and Cluck, April 2011) using a species-specific probability of mortality (Pm) threshold. A probability of mortality of

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0.7 (Pm=0.7) was selected for this project to meet the management objectives of: 1) removing trees that were killed or that have a high probability of mortality to recover their economic value; and 2) retaining those trees that have a moderate to high probability of survival to provide forest cover as a seed source for natural regeneration and wildlife habitat. Fire-affected trees would be cut and removed through timber sales or service contracts. Within pre-fire plantations, small trees may be masticated rather than removed. Following the removal of fire-affected trees, remaining surface fuels would be evaluated to determine the need for treatment. When the need for treatment is indicated, surface fuel treatments would be completed using either mechanical piling or hand piling. Piles would be burned. These actions would also initiate site preparation for reforestation. Removal of Danger Trees Along Roads Trees within 200 feet of maintenance levels 2 and 3 National Forest System (NFS) roads that are located outside of harvest units (approximately 542 acres) would be evaluated using the Hazard Tree Guidelines for Forest Service Facilities and Roads in the Pacific Southwest Region set forth in Forest Health Protection Report #RO-12-01 (Peter A. Angwin, 2012) in conjunction with probability of mortality described. Trees within 200 feet of maintenance level 2 and 3 NFS roads that meet the criteria set forth in these guidelines are considered to have “high failure potential” and would be removed to ensure public, Forest Service personnel, and contractor safety. The treatment locations identified on the Project Treatment map in Appendix A are primarily where moderate- to high-severity fire occurred along NFS roads. Moderate severity burn area would be treated with individual tree selection and high-severity burn areas would be treated with area harvest. The location of the proposed treatment areas are estimated from Landsat imagery to approximate the highest concentration of danger trees. Incidental danger trees may occur in low-severity and unburned areas along roads that would require felling to meet standard OSHA safety and operability requirements. Following the removal of fire-affected and danger trees, remaining surface fuels would be evaluated by specialists to determine the need for surface fuel treatments. When the need for treatment is indicated, surface fuel treatments would be completed using either mechanical piling or hand piling. Piles would be burned under suitable conditions in accordance with an approved burn plan. Snag Research Plots A snag longevity study would be conducted by the Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) within the Reading project area to evaluate long-term utilization by wildlife, fuel management indicators, and ecological responses. This research study includes 15 five-acre research plots arranged in three geographically distinct blocks, for a total of 75 acres. These blocks vary both spatially and by tree density. Each plot would be randomly assigned a treatment level. Treatment would vary retention levels at approximately 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent of the existing basal area. Treatments would be completed through timber sale or service contracts. Reforestation Site preparation would be completed through harvest and surface fuel treatments. Piling surface fuels as described above would contribute to the preparation of the seed bed. Within the burned plantations, soil windrows created during the establishment of the historic plantations may be ripped and spread to facilitate recovery and effectiveness of soil resources.

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Tree planting would occur on approximately 3,685 acres that burned at high to moderate intensity. Areas of fire-affected tree and danger tree removal (harvest treatment areas only), and snag research plots would be planted with a variety of site-appropriate species. Ground that was forested prior to the fire but is too steep for mechanical harvest would be replanted where logistical support and soils allow. Approximately 588 acres could be planted on steep ground. Approximately 6,641 acres of the project area would be re-vegetated through natural regeneration.

Table 2. Reforestation Reforestation Acres Mechanically Treated Stands 3,685 (roadside, natural and plantations) Steep Ground, No Mechanical 588 Treatment Total Acres 4,273 Natural Re-vegetation 6,641

Seedlings would be planted at site-appropriate densities, consistent with the Pacific Southwest Region stocking guides, up to approximately 300 trees per acre. Seedling composition would be diverse and based on elevation and aspect. The majority would consist of Jeffrey pine and ponderosa pine, interspersed with incense cedar, sugar pine, and red fir. Minor components of mountain hemlock, Douglas fir, and western white pine would be included. Depending on the success of post-fire regeneration and wildlife habitat considerations, planting riparian trees (aspen, cottonwoods, willows, and alders) would be considered in select areas. First, third, and fifth year stocking examinations would be conducted to monitor seedling survival and animal damage. Within five years of planting, manual seedling release from competition with grass, forb, and brush could be accomplished. Control of this vegetation would increase the chance for tree seedling survival and growth. Methods include hand grubbing and brush cutting. Roads The existing National Forest Transportation System would be utilized to provide access to treatment units. In addition, approximately 0.25 miles of existing unauthorized routes would be upgraded to Forest transportation standards and added as Maintenance Level 1 NFS road. Maintenance Level 1 roads are assigned to intermittent service during the time they are closed vehicular traffic is prohibited, but may be open and suitable for non-motorized uses. Up to two miles of temporary roads would be constructed to access areas with a moderate- to high-intensity burn where trees have been fire-affected. Approximately one mile of existing unauthorized route would be used as temporary roads. Temporary roads would be decommissioned after all proposed treatments have completed. Road maintenance would be performed as needed for project implementation. A dust abatement plan would be included in the timber sale contract to control fugitive dust from road use. National Forest System roads used for hauling products and equipment would receive pre-, during-, and post-haul maintenance as

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needed under Forest Service Road Maintenance T-Specifications for Timber Sale Contracts, herby incorporated by reference. Water would be applied on road surfaces to decrease dust created by project activities. Magnesium chloride or other palliatives may be added to the water to improve the control of dust and reduce the amount of water necessary for dust abatement. There are two approved water sources located on Lost Creek and Hat Creek for this project. Both sources conform to applicable Best Management Practices (BMP) and would continue to be maintained to current BMP standards. C. Interrelated and Interdependent Actions

There are no interrelated or interdependent actions related to proposed actions under Alternative 1 of the Reading Project. D. Integrated Design Features

Integrated design features (IDFs) are a type of mitigation measure, along with Standards and Guidelines and Best Management Practices (BMPs) that are implemented to avoid, minimize, reduce or eliminate negative effects to project area resources. The IDFs listed below would be implemented as part of the proposed action, when appropriate.

Threatened, Endangered and Forest Service Sensitive Species:

1. New occurrences of Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive (TES) plant species discovered before or during ground-disturbing activities would be protected through flag-and-avoid methods. 2. All known occurrences of Erigeron nivalis and Penstemon cinicola would be protected through flag-and-avoid methods. Known locations would be displayed as control areas on contract maps.

Noxious Weeds:

3. All off-road equipment would be weed-free prior to entering the Forest. Staging of equipment would be done in weed-free areas. 4. Any new small infestations identified prior to or during project implementation would be evaluated and treated according to the species present and project constraints and avoided by project activities. If larger infestations are identified, they would be isolated and avoided by equipment, or equipment used would be washed after leaving the infested area and before entering an uninfested area. 5. Post-project monitoring for implementation and effectiveness of weed treatments and control of new infestations would be conducted as soon as possible and for a period of multiple years after completion of the project. 6. If project implementation calls for mulches or fill, they would be certified weed-free. Seed mixes used for revegetation of disturbed sites would consist of locally adapted native plant materials to the extent practicable.

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E. Alternative 2 - No Action:

The No Action alternative would result in a continuation of current management practices within the proposed Reading project area. This alternative provides a baseline for comparative analysis of the action alternative. Although reforestation and both vegetation and fuels treatments would not be implemented under this alternative, other on-going activities in the project area, such as hazard abatement for safety, road maintenance, fire suppression, firewood cutting, hunting, and OHV (off-highway vehicle) riding would continue. The project needs to recover economic value and increase safety in the project area, while managing the landscape for improved wildlife habitat and ecological services, reflect the problems of the current condition within the project area. Under this alternative, those conditions would continue to exist and the unhealthy and unsafe condition of the forest within the fire area would worsen over time.

V. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT A. Surveys

No specific surveys were conducted for this project, however, the Reading Project area has been surveyed multiple times in the past during the course of other projects (Table 3). Floristic surveys were done in general accordance with California Native Plant Society Botanical Survey Guidelines (CNPS 2001). Survey routes are documented in the NRIS TESP-Invasives geodatabase (USDA Forest Service 2013b).

Table 3: Previous Surveys within the Reading Project Area. Project Survey Date Badger Project 2009, 2011 & 2012 Badger Insect Salvage 1993 Bunchgrass Salvage 1994 Lost Creek M.A. 1991 North Face Salvage 1994 PCT Relocation 1989 South Bunch 1998, 2002, 2003 & 2005 Westside Salvage 2004 Source: USDA Forest Service 2013b

Presently, there are no known occurrences of TES species within the Reading Project area and despite numerous surveys over the years within the project area, no vernal pool habitat has been identified within the project boundary. However, there is one vernal pool outside of the project area which supports an Orcuttia tenuis occurrence within Little Bunchgrass Meadow. This vernal pool is located approximately 900 feet outside of the Reading Project boundary. There is currently one California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) listed noxious weed species that occurs within the project area. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), a CDFA C-rated species is known to be scattered across the project area, in fairly small numbers, at disturbed sites such as old landings and

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skid trails. See the Noxious Weed Risk Assessment for the Reading Project for the discussion on project level effects. B. Orcuttia tenuis Species Description: Below is a brief summary of the range, status, and biology of Orcuttia tenuis. For a complete description of this species biology, and threats throughout its range see the “Recovery Plan for Vernal Pool Ecosystems of California and Southern Oregon”, hereby incorporated by reference (USFWS 2005).

a. Range and Status of Orcuttia tenuis: Orcuttia tenuis, slender Orcutt grass, is a small, annual grass distinguishable from other grasses by its 5- toothed lemma (Baldwin et al 2012). It was listed as Threatened by the USFWS on March 26, 1997, along with other members of the Orcuttiae grass tribe and two vernal pool herbs and is State-listed as Endangered (CDFG CNDDB 2013). Orcuttia tenuis is endemic to northern California, with the majority of occurrences in Tehama and Shasta Counties, mostly found on private lands, but it also extends into the Modoc Plateau (CDFG CNDDB 2013). It is limited to drying and dried beds of relatively deep vernal pools or vernal pool type habitat with clay soils (USFWS 2005). The Recovery Plan states that this species is known from 82 occurrences, of which 76 are presumed to be extant (USFWS 2005). The Rarefind Database lists 98 occurrences including most occurrences recently found on the Modoc National Forest (CDFG CNDDB 2013). On the Lassen NF, Orcuttia tenuis is known to 20 occurrences, however, of these only 14 are found within the 10 Designated Critical Habitat Unit (DCH) core areas found on the forest, which total approximately 21,885 acres on NFS lands. The 20 known occurrences of Orcuttia tenuis on the forest are known from all three Ranger Districts and there is also one occurrence found on private lands within the administrative boundary of the Almanor Ranger District (Table 4).

Table 4- Lassen National Forest (and adjacent) Orcuttia tenuis occurrences. Ranger Year Last Year Critical Occurrence District Discovered Monitored Habitat 1. Goose Valley Vernal Pool Hat Creek 1985 2009 Y 2. Adobe North Vernal Pool Hat Creek 1987 2009 Y 3. Adobe South Vernal Pool Hat Creek 1987 2009 Y 4. Long Valley Hat Creek (HC) 1989 2002 Y 5. Almanor Rest Area Almanor 1992 2009 Y 6. Humbug Road Private - Collins 1992 1995 Y 7. Fort Mountain Hat Creek 1992 2005 Y 8. Grassy Lake Hat Creek 1993 2005 Y 9. Fort Mountain #2 Private and HC 1993 2005 Y 10. Little Bunchgrass Meadows Hat Creek 1994 2009 Y 11. Dry Lake Eagle Lake (EL) 1994 2009 Y 12. Tamarack Reservoir Flat Hat Creek 1996 2007 Y 13. N of Half Cabin Reservoir Private and EL 1996 2005 Y

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Ranger Year Last Year Critical Occurrence District Discovered Monitored Habitat 14. Dry Lakes of Ebey Lake Eagle Lake 1996 2005 Y 15. Powerline and pool SE of Ebey Lake Eagle Lake 1996 2005 Y 16. Swain Mountain Road Almanor 1996 2006 N 17. Mud Lake Hat Creek 1997 2011 N 18. Signal Butte Vernal Pool Hat Creek 1997 2011 N 19. NW of Coyote Springs Hat Creek 1998 2005 N 20. NE of Coyote Springs Hat Creek 1998 2005 N 21. W of Coyote Springs Hat Creek 2005 2010 N Source: USDA Forest Service 2013a.

b. Habitat and Biology: Much of the following information comes from the Conservation Strategy for Orcuttia tenuis (USDA Forest Service and USDI BLM 2012b), which provides biological information and management prescriptions for the species. Orcuttia tenuis is limited to relatively deep vernal pools or vernal-pool-type habitat with clay soil. Lassen National Forest pools containing Orcuttia tenuis may be found in transition (between eastside pine and westside foothill vegetation) conifer forests; eastside pine forest; sagebrush flats; or westside, pine-dominated mixed conifer stands. The main habitat requirement for Orcuttia tenuis is standing water of sufficient quantity and duration to drown out most competition and supply Orcuttia tenuis’ physiological requirements for prolonged inundation, followed by a period of gradual (becoming total) desiccation (USDA Forest Service and USDI BLM 2012b). Orcuttia tenuis’ seeds germinate in the spring while under water, and plants send up long, floating leaves. As the pool dries, plants put out shorter terrestrial leaves, and then flowering stalks. Orcuttia tenuis plants generally mature later than other vernal pool annuals, so often they are the only vegetation still green by mid-summer on the vernal pool bed. As an annual, Orcuttia tenuis depends on seed set to replenish the seed bank for continued survival.

c. Vernal Pools and Associated Orcuttia tenuis occurrences: There are currently no vernal pools or known occurrences of Orcuttia tenuis within the Reading Project boundary (USDA Forest Service 2013a). The Orcuttia tenuis occurrence nearest to the Reading Project area is LNF #10, within the Little Bunchgrass Meadow vernal pool, located approximately 900 feet outside of the project area. Despite numerous surveys, no vernal pools or Orcuttia tenuis occurrences have been discovered within the Reading Project area (USDA Forest Service 2013a).

C. Critical Habitat and Primary Constituent Elements (PCEs): Critical habitat was designated in 2003 for Orcuttia tenuis with approximately 1,131 acres located within the Reading Project area (USDI FWS). This critical habitat is associated with the Little Bunchgrass Meadow vernal pool. ESA defines critical habitat as specific geographic areas that contain features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species that may require special management and protection

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(USDI FWS 2003b). The primary constituent elements or PCEs of critical habitat define these features (Fuller 2003). For vernal pool plants, the primary constituent elements are those habitat components that are essential for the primary biological needs of , growth, reproduction and dispersal (USDI FWS 2003b). These primary constituent elements are found in areas that support vernal pools, swales or other ephemeral ponds and depressions and their associated watersheds (USDI FWS 2003b). Specifically, the USDI FWS final rule and designation of critical habitat determined that there are two PCE’s for Orcuttia tenuis (2003a):

1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral features of appropriate sizes and depth that sustain Orcuttia tenuis germination, growth and reproduction, and the adjacent uplands of these depressions.

2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features including the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Orcuttia tenuis germination, growth and reproduction, and dispersal.

Despite extensive surveys across the 1,131 acres of Orcuttia tenuis designated critical habitat within the project area, no vernal pools or Orcuttia tenuis occurrences have been found; thus, the PCEs are not contained within the Reading Project boundary. Consequently, a width of 300 feet will be used to represent the critical habitat around vernal pools for analysis purposes, since 300 feet is the RCA width for Special Aquatic Features which include vernal pools under the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (USDA Forest Service 2004). In addition, this 300 foot width is believed to be the extent of potential watershed needed to contribute to the health of vernal pools and needs of vernal pool endemic plant species within the larger critical habitat boundary (see PCE #2 above). The vernal pool nearest to the project area is situated within Little Bunchgrass Meadow, located approximately 900 feet from the edge of the Reading Project boundary; therefore, the immediate critical habitat for Orcuttia tenuis is outside of the project area.

VI. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Alternative 1 – Proposed Action A. Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects to Individuals:

Since there are no known occurrences of federally listed species within the proposed project area, there would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects from the implementation of the Reading Project. B. Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects to Critical Habitat:

Currently, there are no vernal pools or other suitable habitat for Orcuttia tenuis within the project area. A 300 foot zone was used to represent the critical habitat area for vernal pools for analysis purposes because this area is believed to be the extent of potential watershed needed to contribute to the health of vernal pools and needs of vernal pool endemic plant species within the larger critical habitat boundary (see PCE #2 above). The nearest vernal pool is located approximately 900 feet outside of the Reading Project boundary. Since this vernal pool is located well beyond the 300 foot immediate critical habitat area, the PCEs for this species are

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not contained within the Reading Project area. Therefore, there would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to the critical habitat for Orcuttia tenuis from the implementation of the Reading Project. Alternative 2 – No Action A. Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects to Individuals:

Since there are no known occurrences of federally listed species within the proposed project area, there would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects from the No Action Alternative. B. Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects to Critical Habitat:

Indirect effects from the No Action Alternative could include the potential for high severity wildland fire and noxious weed invasion, but since the vernal pool and immediate critical habitat are located outside of the project area, indirect effects are not expected. In addition, there would be no direct effects to the critical habitat for Orcuttia tenuis from the No Action Alternative, other than those resulting from ongoing activities such as road maintenance and fire suppression. Given that the Little Bunchgrass Meadow vernal pool and immediate critical habitat are located outside of the project area, direct, indirect, and cumulative effects are not expected from the implementation of the No Action Alternative.

VII. DETERMINATIONS It is my determination that Alternatives 1 and 2 would have no effect on any federally listed plant species or designated critical habitat because there are no known occurrences of these species within the project boundary and the primary constituent elements for the designated critical habitat are not contained within the Reading Project area.

VIII. REFERENCES Baldwin et al. 2012. The Jepson Manual: vascular plants of California, second edition. University of California Press, Berkeley.

California Department of Fish and Game, California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) 2013. RareFind Version 3.1.0. Accessed February 11, 2013.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2001. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (sixth edition). Rare Plant Scientific advisory Committee, David P. Tibor, Convening Editor. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA.

Fuller, K. 2003. Vernal pool critical habitat questions and answers for R5 Forest Service Botanists. Unpublished Document. US Fish & Wildlife Service. Sacramento, CA.

USDA Forest Service. 1992. Lassen National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) Final Environmental Impact Statement (1992). Lassen National Forest, Pacific Southwest Region, Forest Service, Susanville, CA.

USDA Forest Service. 2001. Final Environmental Impact Statement, Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (SNFPA). Vallejo, CA: Pacific Southwest Region.

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USDA Forest Service. 2004. (SNFPA) Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment, Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision. Pacific Southwest Region, Forest Service, Vallejo, CA. Online at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/snfpa/final-seis/index.html

USDA Forest Service. 2011. Marking Guidelines for Fire-Injured Trees in California. Forest Health Protection Report #RO-11-01 (Smith and Cluck). Pacific Southwest Region, Forest Service, Vallejo, CA.

USDA Forest Service. 2012a. Hazard Tree Guidelines for Forest Service Facilities and Roads in the Pacific Southwest Region. Forest Health Protection Report #RO-12-01 (Angwin et al). Pacific Southwest Region, Forest Service, Vallejo, CA.

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