U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management November 2019

Santa Fe River Greenway Project Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-NM-F020-2019-0008-EA

Santa Fe County, New

Taos Field Office 226 Cruz Alta Road Taos, · 87571-5981 575.758.8851 i TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Purpose and Need for Action ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Purpose and Need for Action ...... 1 1.3 Conformance with Applicable Land Use Plan(s) ...... 4 1.4 Relationship to Statutes, Regulations, or Other Plans ...... 4 1.5 Identification of Issues ...... 4 1.5.1 Water Resources...... 4 1.5.2 Biological Resources ...... 4 1.5.3 Cultural Resources ...... 4 1.5.4 Recreation ...... 5 2 Proposed Action and Alternative(s) ...... 6 2.1 Proposed Action ...... 6 2.1.1 Multi-use Recreational Trail Construction ...... 6 2.1.2 Santa Fe River Channel Restoration ...... 6 2.1.3 Existing Road Reclamation ...... 7 2.1.4 Ancillary Facilities ...... 7 2.1.5 Design Features ...... 7 2.2 No Action Alternative ...... 8 2.3 Cumulative Actions ...... 8 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences ...... 9 3.1 Water Resources ...... 9 3.1.1 Affected Environment ...... 9 3.1.2 Impacts from the No Action Alternative ...... 9 3.1.3 Impacts from the Proposed Action ...... 9 3.2 Biological Resources ...... 10 3.2.1 Affected Environment ...... 10 3.2.2 Impacts from the No Action Alternative ...... 13 3.2.3 Impacts from the Proposed Action ...... 13 3.3 Cultural Resources ...... 16 3.3.1 Affected Environment ...... 16 3.3.2 Impacts from the No Action Alternative ...... 16 3.3.3 Impacts from the Proposed Action ...... 16 3.4 Recreation ...... 17 3.4.1 Affected Environment ...... 17 3.4.2 Impacts from the No Action Alternative ...... 17 3.4.3 Impacts from the Proposed Action ...... 18 4 Supporting Information ...... 19 4.1 Tribes and Agencies Consulted ...... 19 4.2 List of Preparers ...... 19 5 References ...... 20 List of Figures Figure 1. Project location...... 2 Figure 2. Project detail...... 3

List of Tables Table 1. Federally Listed Species in Santa Fe County ...... 10 Table 2. BLM-listed Sensitive Species in Santa Fe County ...... 11 Table 3. Bird Conservation Region 16 List (2008) ...... 12 Table 4. Invasive and Noxious Weeds Observed in the Project Area ...... 12 Table 5. Summary of BLM-listed Sensitive Species Impacts ...... 13

ii List of Appendices Appendix A. BA&E Addendum ...... A.1 Appendix B. Cultural Resources Summary ...... B.1

1 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION 1.1 Background Santa Fe County (the County) is in the process of constructing the Santa Fe River Greenway Project (the Project) in collaboration with the City of Santa Fe (the City). The Project, when completed, will create a greenway of public parks and multi-use recreational trails along the Santa Fe River from Two-mile Reservoir in eastern Santa Fe west to the Santa Fe County wastewater treatment , which is located just west of New Mexico Highway 599 (NM 599).

Recreation facilities proposed as a portion of the Project’s Phase 4 would be placed on what are currently public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Taos Field Office (TFO). This proposal includes the conveyance of these public lands—totaling approximately 23.5 acres—to Santa Fe County under the provisions of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act. The potential impacts of this conveyance and the proposed facilities on the natural and human environment is the subject of this environmental assessment (EA). If authorized by the BLM, Phase 4 would be completed in 2025.

The County divided its portion of the Project into six phases. Phase 1 is located to the east of the current Phase 4 project location between San Ysidro Crossing and Caja del Oro Grant Road. Phase 2 is located to the west of the Phase 4 location between San Felipe Road and Constellation Drive, and Phase 3 is located to the east of the Phase 4 location between Camino Carlos Rael at the City limits and Siler Road. Phases 1, 2 and 3 have already been constructed. Phase 5, located between Siler Road and San Ysidro Crossing, is estimated to be completed in 2021, and Phase 6, located between Constellation Drive and the wastewater treatment plant, is expected to be completed in 2029.

The overall purpose of the Project is to revive the Santa Fe River’s traditional role as a focal point of the community. Historically, the river made it possible for people to settle the area and shaped the development of the City and the traditional farming communities along the river. Beginning in the late 1800s, the entire flow of the river was captured in reservoirs to provide drinking water for the City, which left the river bed dry through the city. Without water in the river to irrigate, farmlands were converted to other uses, native vegetation died, and the river became severely eroded and degraded. The focus of the community turned away from the river, and it became an eroded wasteland that until recently only served as a storm drain for the City and a dumping ground for trash.

With the Project, Santa Fe County is reconstructing the river channel and restoring as much of the natural function of the river as possible while also developing parks and multi-use recreational trails for hiking and bicycling. The Project will re-establish the Santa Fe River as a community space and help make the river a focal point for the City and community once again. The historic route of the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the royal road from Mexico City to Santa Fe, followed the river along what is now Agua Fria Street to the plaza in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe River Greenway is recognized as part of the El Camino Real National Historic Trail and as an El Camino Real National Scenic Byway facility, making this a nationally and internationally significant recreational area.

The scope of the analysis in this EA includes all proposed facility installations associated with the Project on BLM land. In total, approximately 0.90 km (0.56 miles) of recreational trails would be constructed, approximately 0.8 km (0.5 miles) of the Santa Fe River would be restored, approximately 0.3 km (0.2 miles) of an existing dirt road would be reclaimed, and various ancillary facilities would be constructed on BLM land (Figures 1 and 2). 1.2 Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of BLM action is to transfer ownership of public land currently managed by the BLM TFO through a Recreation and Public Purposes Act (R&PP) conveyance that would allow the County to construct Phase 4 of the Project.

1 Figure 1. Project location.

2 Figure 2. Project detail.

3 The need for BLM action is established by the BLM’s responsibility under the R&PP Act, which requires the BLM to respond to a request for the sale or lease of public lands for recreational or public purposes to State and local governments or to qualified nonprofit organizations in compliance with the provisions of the applicable land use plan. 1.3 Conformance with Applicable Land Use Plan(s) The Proposed Action is in conformance with the Taos Resource Management Plan (RMP), which was approved in May of 2012 (BLM 2012). Management objectives for land tenure identified in Section 2.2.2 of the RMP include facilitating the acquisition, exchange, or disposal of public lands to provide the most efficient management of public resources. The majority of the lots associated with the Proposed Action (21–24, 26, and 28) are specifically identified in Section 2.2.2.1 of the RMP as being available for transfer to the County’s Open Space and Trails program for the development of a trail system. 1.4 Relationship to Statutes, Regulations, or Other Plans The Proposed Action is subject to and consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969; the R&PP Act of 1954; the Clean Water Act (CWA) 33 USC Sec. 1251, et. seq., and 33 USC Sec. 404; the Clean Air Act (CAA) Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 50 and 51; the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 16 USC Sec. 1531, et. seq., as amended; the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979 16 USC 470aa-mm, as amended; and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 16 USC Sec. 470.

Order 3373 was issued in March 2019 by the Secretary of the Interior to place more emphasis on considering public access prior to any land ownership adjustments by the BLM, including land disposals under the R&PP Act. The Secretarial Order encourages efforts by the BLM to increase access for recreational opportunities on public lands. The proposed R&PP lease to Santa Fe County—and the BLM’s consideration of this proposal—is consistent with the purposes of this recent Order. 1.5 Identification of Issues Scoping is a process designed to determine the scope of issues surrounding a project and develop alternatives to be addressed in a NEPA document. Scoping helps ensure that potentially significant issues are identified early and are properly evaluated, that issues of no concern do not consume time and effort, and that the Proposed Action and alternatives are adequately considered and assessed.

Internal scoping for the proposed Project was performed by the BLM TFO’s Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) on October 6, 2015. In October 2019, the Project was listed on BLM’s ePlanning website to disclose to the public that this action is under consideration by the BLM TFO and that an environmental review is being prepared. The following issues were identified by the IDT: 1.5.1 Water Resources • How would the Proposed Action affect the Santa Fe River and its floodplain?

1.5.2 Biological Resources • Would the Proposed Action affect U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)–listed Threatened and Endangered or BLM-listed Sensitive species? • Would the Proposed Action affect riparian areas, if present, that may provide suitable habitat for special status species? • Following the implementation of the Proposed Action, would the risk of noxious and invasive species spreading or establishing in the project area increase? 1.5.3 Cultural Resources • How might the Proposed Action affect cultural resources present in the project area?

4 1.5.4 Recreation • How would the Proposed Action affect the availability of recreational opportunities along the Santa Fe River?

5 2 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVE(S) 2.1 Proposed Action The Proposed Action involves the BLM TFO transferring approximately 9.5 ha (23.5 acres) of public lands to the County for the construction of a multi-use recreational trail; the restoration of the Santa Fe River channel, including installation of grade-control structures and re-vegetation; the reclamation of an existing dirt road; and the construction of ancillary facilities

The project area is located within northern Santa Fe County, New Mexico, in the SW ¼ of Section 31, Township 17 North, Range 9 East (Lots 18, 21–24, 26, 28, 30, and 31), and the NW ¼ of Section 6, Township 16 North, Range 9 East (Lots 21, 30, 31, and 33), New Mexico Principal Baseline and Meridian (NMPB&M) (see Figures 1 and 2).

The proposal is anticipated to be completed in 2025, following 9 to 12 months of construction.

2.1.1 Multi-use Recreational Trail Construction The proposed multi-use recreational trail would be constructed along the north side of the Santa Fe River. The meandering trail would be 3.3 m (10.0 feet) wide and approximately 898 m (2,944 feet) long and would be paved in asphalt after the ground surface is cleared of debris, such as trash piles and rubble, and leveled. At several locations along the trail, 0.6-m-diameter (2.0-foot-diameter) corrugated metal pipe (CMP) would be placed to conduct surface stormwater flows beneath the trail.

At the eastern end of the project area, the main recreational trail running along the river would be joined with a shorter trail spur that connects with a proposed pedestrian bridge outside the project area, on the eastern side of the Caja del Oro Grant Road Bridge. This spur would allow trail users on the south side of the river to access the river trail without having to cross the main vehicular bridge on Caja del Oro Grant Road.

Ground disturbance associated with trail construction would encompass an area of approximately 0.27 ha (0.68 acres).

2.1.2 Santa Fe River Channel Restoration The proposed restoration of the Santa Fe River channel would involve the installation of rock and soil grade-control structures and rock boulder vane structures in the Santa Fe River and colored, textured concrete bank-stabilization structures along portions of the river bank. The grade-control structures would serve to slow flows in the channel, which would reduce erosion of the streambed. Slowing flows would also increase the infiltration rate of water from the channel, which would make more water available for vegetation along the river. The rock boulder vane structures and bank-stabilization structures would serve to control erosion along the edges of the channel. Any necessary nationwide permits (NWP) would be acquired from the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) prior to implementation.

Restoration of the Santa Fe River in the project area would also include planting native vegetation in the areas surrounding the channel. This vegetation would consist of trees such as cottonwood (Populus spp.), willows (Salix spp.), and native shrub species such as Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), New Mexico Olive (Forestiera pubescens), Wild Plum (Prunus americana), Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea), Skunkbrush (Rhus trilobata), Serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis), and Trumpet Gooseberry (Ribes leptanthum).

The total channel area to be restored, not including the areas surrounding the river to be re-vegetated, would be approximately 0.57 ha (1.40 acres).

6 2.1.3 Existing Road Reclamation An approximately 278-m-long (912-foot-long) existing dirt road crossing the Santa Fe River in the eastern portion of the project area would be reclaimed by scarifying the road surface, planting native vegetation in the newly roughened-up area, and blocking vehicular access to the road at the project area boundaries.

The total area of the road to be reclaimed would be approximately 0.17 ha (0.43 acres).

2.1.4 Ancillary Facilities Proposed ancillary facilities to be installed include a small stormwater detention pond, a rock gabion, and a nine-hole disc golf course. The detention pond would be installed in the approximate center of the project area, on the south side of the proposed recreational trail, and would serve to collect runoff water from the trail and surrounding areas. The rock gabion would be installed just northeast of the detention pond in a swale and would serve to control erosion. The proposed disc golf course, an extension of the County’s Romero Park located to the north and east of the northeast portion of the current project area, would be constructed in the northeast portion of the project area, and the native grassland in this area would be retained. Each of the nine “holes” on the course would consist of a small chain basket suspended from a wooden or steel pole anchored in a concrete footing.

The proposed pond would be approximately 161 m2 (1,733 feet2) in size, and the rock gabion would cover an area of approximately 133 m2 (1,432 feet2).

2.1.5 Design Features The following Project design features have been developed to minimize or eliminate potential impacts to resources from the Proposed Action. These features would be included as stipulations or conditions of approval in the BLM land conveyance.

• No construction is to occur during the primary portion of the migratory bird nesting season of May 1 – July 31without a nest survey to minimize/avoid impacts to nesting migratory birds. These surveys will be conducted by a BLM qualified biologist. If any active nests are located within the proposed project areas, buffers to minimize disturbance will be applied and nests will be monitored. • Prior to construction, the County would secure a qualified archaeologist to develop and implement a testing and/or data recovery plan for archaeological sites present within the project area and eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and at the State level. If burials are identified during data recovery efforts, all ground-disturbing construction activities within the associated site’s boundaries must be monitored by a qualified archaeologist. • All equipment would be inspected for the presence of noxious weeds and cleaned prior to entering the project area. All equipment traveling in or out of weed-infested areas shall be cleaned after use in the project area. • Following construction, the establishment and spread of noxious weeds in the project area would be monitored and controlled by Santa Fe County as part of their normal maintenance program for the Santa Fe River Greenway. • Soils would be returned to its respective positions in the pre-disturbance soil profile, thereby ensuring that topsoil is replaced at the soil surface and the seedbed is maintained. Re-contoured surfaces would be stabilized and have adequate surface roughness to reduce surface runoff. • Structural soil stabilization (i.e., weed-free wattles, etc.) would be implemented in areas where slope or other factors indicate the potential for increased soil erosion.

7 2.2 No Action Alternative Under the No-Action Alternative, the BLM would not transfer public lands to the County, and the public land parcels would remain undeveloped. Phase 4 of the Project would not be completed, and the multi- use recreational trail between Santa Fe and the County’s wastewater treatment plant would be discontinuous.

The No Action Alternative is required by NEPA and provides a baseline with which to compare any proposed activities. 2.3 Cumulative Actions A cumulative impact, as defined in 40 CFR 1508.7, is the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such other action. The relevant past, present, or reasonably foreseeable actions discussed below are considered “cumulative actions,” which when viewed with the Proposed Action or alternatives could result in the cumulative impacts disclosed below in Chapter 3.

As is evident in Figure 2, the area surrounding the proposed conveyance area has been subject to substantial modification over its more recent history with roads, a highway, both residential and commercial facilities, and utilities such as water and sewage that accommodate such facilities. Furthermore, the proposed recreational development of the parcels is representative of the developments that have already been implemented upstream and downstream of the location. As described under section 1.1, this project—the multi-use recreational trail construction and Santa Fe River channel restoration—are a relatively small segment of the city- or county-wide project that has been implemented in phases over the past 20 years.

With the sprawling development of Santa Fe County trending in the direction of South Meadows Road, other relevant reasonably foreseeable projects are currently being proposed, including the development of an apartment complex. Don Juans Land, LLC is actively proposing to construct an apartment community adjacent to the Proposed Action location immediately to the north to be accessed from South Meadows Road. Within the property proposed for conveyance under an R&PP lease, the developer is proposing a tie-in the existing sewage line that transects the property. A 25’ wide easement would be issued for construction, access, and maintenance of connection to the sewer line. A 10’ drainage easement is also proposed to accommodate the potential overflow from a pond proposed to be constructed within the apartment development area. Both proposed easements would be less than 100’ in length and would not impair the development and maintenance of the recreational trail and other facilities described under the Proposed Action.

8 3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

The No-Action Alternative reflects the current situation within the project area and will serve as the baseline for comparing the environmental impacts of the Proposed Action. 3.1 Water Resources The CWA is the fundamental means of surface water quality protection in the . The CWA employs a variety of regulatory and nonregulatory tools to sharply reduce direct pollutant discharges into waterways, finance municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and manage polluted runoff. These tools are employed to achieve the broader goal of restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters so that they can support “the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water” (33 USC §§ 1251 a.2).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for authorizing dredge and fill activities in Waters of the U.S. (WUS) by issuing CWA Section 404 permits to project proponents. For smaller projects involving only limited amounts of dredge and fill, the Nationwide Permit (NWP) system can be utilized, which provides a streamlined process for obtaining a Section 404 permit.

3.1.1 Affected Environment The principal waterway in the project area is an ephemeral reach of the Santa Fe River. The ephemeral flow regime of the river is due, in part, to past and continuing water diversions and impoundments located upstream of the project area. The existing river channel in the project area is severely degraded (up to approximately 10 m [33 feet] in places) below the river’s historical floodplain, and the floodplain itself has been disturbed by past dumping activities.

3.1.2 Impacts from the No Action Alternative 3.1.2.1 Direct and Indirect Impacts Under the No Action Alternative, restoration of the Santa Fe River would not occur on BLM land, and this would have an adverse impact on both the quantity and velocity of downstream flows in the river because grade- and erosion-control structures would not be installed in the channel.

3.1.2.2 Cumulative Impacts The No Action Alternative would result in a cumulative adverse impact to water resources because the Santa Fe River channel would continue to degrade through erosion due to uncontrolled water flows.

3.1.3 Impacts from the Proposed Action 3.1.3.1 Direct and Indirect Impacts The Proposed Action has the potential to adversely impact water resources if flows in the Santa Fe River are altered by construction activities and/or the water quality of the flows are affected by increased sediment transport that may result from ground disturbance associated with construction. Sediment transport would be minimized or otherwise eliminated during construction because Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as straw wattles and silt fencing, would be implemented during construction in areas undergoing ground disturbance. It is anticipated that NWP #27 for Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Establishment, and Enhancement Activities would be used to authorize the proposed placement of rock and soil grade-control structures and rock boulder vane structures within the Santa Fe River channel, and NWP #13 for Bank Stabilization would be used for the installation of colored, textured concrete bank- stabilization structures along the river’s sides. One of the main goals of the Project is to restore the aquatic function of the Santa Fe River, and meeting this goal is a permitting condition that would be

9 monitored by the County with USACE oversight. Subsequently, the Proposed Action would result in a direct and beneficial impact on water resources.

3.1.3.2 Cumulative Impacts The Proposed Action, along with the other phases of the Project, would result in a beneficial cumulative impact on water resources because the aquatic function of the Santa Fe River would be restored once all phases are complete. Furthermore, the proposed overflow drainage from the adjacent apartment complex project would be designed to provide a stable channel for flows to the Santa Fe River.

3.1.3.3 Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts No mitigation measures are required for water resources because appropriate design features have been incorporated into the Proposed Action. The Proposed Action would have no residual adverse impacts on water resources. 3.2 Biological Resources A Biological Evaluation survey of the project area was conducted on October 7, 2015, by Tierra Right of Way Services, Ltd. (Tierra), Senior Biologist Tim Jordan. Special status species were assessed for their potential to occur in the project area based on the existing characteristics of the area. Selected project area photographs can be found in Appendix B of the Biological Assessment and Evaluation (BA&E) under separate cover (Jordan 2015).

Prior to the survey, a list of the BLM’s Sensitive and FWS’s Threatened and Endangered species for Santa Fe County was obtained from the BLM TFO and reviewed. See the BA&E (Jordan 2015) for a detailed account of the species and determinations considered in this analysis.

In May of 2019, an updated list of BLM Sensitive and FWS Threatened and Endangered species was obtained from BLM TFO and a BA&E Addendum was prepared to address changes in species status that had occurred since 2015 (Appendix A).

3.2.1 Affected Environment The project area is located in north-central New Mexico at an elevation of approximately 1,996 m (6,550 feet) above mean sea level (AMSL). The existing channel of the Santa Fe River in the project area is severely downcut (up to approximately 10 m [33 feet]) below the river’s historical floodplain. The floodplain itself has been disturbed by past dumping activities. Land use on the north side of the river consists of open space with scattered rural residences, and there is commercial land use south of the river. The topography of the project area is relatively flat above and north of the historical floodplain and slopes down abruptly towards the river and its surrounding floodplain.

3.2.1.1 Threatened and Endangered Species Four Federally listed species appear on the BLM TFO list (see Appendix E of the BA&E) for Santa Fe County and were considered in the BA&E (Table 1). These species remained unchanged in the 2019 list.

Table 1. Federally Listed Species in Santa Fe County Scientific Name Common Name Status Birds Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo Threatened Empidonax traillii extimus Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Endangered Strix occidentalis lucida Mexican Spotted Owl Threatened Mammals Zapus hudsonius luteus New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse Endangered

10 3.2.1.2 BLM-listed Sensitive Species Nineteen BLM-listed Sensitive species appear on the current BLM TFO list (see Appendix E of the BA&E) for Santa Fe County and were considered in the BA&E and BA&E Addendum (Table 2).

Table 2. BLM-listed Sensitive Species in Santa Fe County

Scientific Name Common Name

Amphibians Lithobates pipiens Northern Leopard Frog Arthropods Danaus plexippus Monarch Butterfly Birds Antrostomus arizonae Mexican Whip-poor-will Athene cunicularia hypugaea Western Burrowing Owl Calcarius mccownii McCown’s Longspur Calcarius ornatus Chestnut-collared Longspur Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Pinyon Jay Toxostoma bendirei Bendire’s Thrasher Vermivora virginiae Virginia’s Warbler Fish Catostomus plebeius Rio Grande Sucker Gila pandora Rio Grande Chub Macrhybopsis tetranema Peppered Chub Mammals Corynorhinus townsendii Townsend’s Big-eared Bat Cynomys gunnisoni Gunnison’s Prairie Dog Cynomys ludovicianus Black-tailed Prairie Dog Euderma maculatum Spotted Bat Abronia bigelovii Galisteo Sand Verbena Cylindropuntia viridiflora Santa Fe Cholla Mentzelia todiltoensis Todilto Stickleaf

3.2.1.3 Wildlife Wildlife species observed in the project area at the time of the October 2015 survey included Common Raven (Corvus corax), Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya), Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), and Desert Cottontail (Silvilagus audubonii). Wildlife sign observed was limited to gopher (Thomomys sp.) mounds and Desert Cottontail scat. No BLM Watch List species (see Appendix E of the BA&E) were identified in the project area during the survey.

11 Wildlife species expected to occur in the project area but not observed during the survey include Coyote (Canis latrans), Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), Bobcat (Lynx rufus), Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), rodents (Peromyscus sp., Perognathus sp., Neotoma sp.), Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer), and rattlesnake (Crotalus sp.).

3.2.1.4 Migratory Birds Migratory bird species occur in the project area, but no nests were observed during Tierra’s survey. The project area is located within Bird Conservation Region 16, Southern Rockies/ Plateau. A list of Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) species expected to occur in the project area are presented in Table 3.

Table 3. Bird Conservation Region 16 List (2008) Ferruginous Hawk Juniper Titmouse Prairie Falcon Bendire’s Thrasher Burrowing Owl Brewer’s Sparrow Gray Vireo Chestnut-collared Longspur Pinyon Jay

3.2.1.5 Vegetation including Riparian Areas and Noxious and Invasive Species Tree and shrub species observed in the project area during the survey include One-seed Juniper (Juniperus monosperma), Rabbitbrush ( nauseosa), Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa), Wolfberry (Lycium pallidum), and Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens). Grass species observed include Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis), Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), Spike Dropseed (S. contractus), Indian Rice Grass (Achnatherum hymenoides), and Squirreltail (Elymus elymoides). Other plant species observed include Plains Yucca (Yucca glauca), Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), Club Cholla (Grusonia clavata), Sand Sage (Artemisia filifolia), Louisiana Sage (A. ludoviciana), Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium), Prickly Pear (Opuntia polyacantha), Short-rayed Coneflower (Ratibida tagetes), Common Cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata), Scarlet Gaura (Oenothera suffrutescens), and Annual Bursage (Ambrosia acanthicarpa). A complete list of plant species identified in the project area during the survey can be found in Appendix D of the BA&E (Jordan 2015).

Few riparian species were observed along the Santa Fe River during Tierra’s survey. A single large Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) is present on the southern bank of the river in the approximate center of the project area; the only other cottonwoods observed were small (less than 2 m [6.6 feet] tall) individuals scattered within the historic floodplain of the river. A cluster of large New Mexico Locust (Robinia neomexicana) is present in the river channel west of the large cottonwood, but their structure is not complex and there is no riparian understory beneath the trees to provide layering. The only other tree found within or in the immediate vicinity of the river channel, Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila), is sparsely distributed.

Three invasive weed species appearing on the BLM National List of Invasive Weed Species of Concern list and the New Mexico Noxious Weed List were observed in the project area at the time of the survey (Table 4).

Table 4. Invasive and Noxious Weeds Observed in the Project Area Status Species BLM New Mexico Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis) Listed Class C Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)

12 3.2.2 Impacts from the No Action Alternative 3.2.2.1 Direct and Indirect Impacts The No Action Alternative would result in no impacts to migratory birds or Threatened, Endangered, BLM- listed Sensitive, and/or noxious and invasive species in the Proposed Action area because the multi-use recreational trail and disc golf course would not be constructed. Under the No Action Alternative, riparian and other native vegetation restoration in the Proposed Action area would not occur, and the subsequent increase in available wildlife habitat that would result from that restoration would also not occur.

3.2.2.2 Cumulative Impacts The No Action Alternative would result in no cumulative impacts to biological resources in the Proposed Action area.

3.2.3 Impacts from the Proposed Action 3.2.3.1 Direct and Indirect Impacts 3.2.3.1.1 Threatened and Endangered Species The project area does not contain suitable habitat for Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Mexican Spotted Owl, or New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse. Therefore, Tierra’s recommended determination of effect regarding the Proposed Action’s potential impacts on Federally listed Threatened and/or Endangered species was “No Effect” (Jordan 2015). BLM Wildlife Biologist Valerie Williams concurred with this recommendation on February 10, 2016.

3.2.3.1.2 BLM-listed Sensitive Species The project area does not contain suitable habitat for and/or is outside the known range of nine of the BLM-listed Sensitive species indicated in Table 2. A summary of the determinations of effect made for the remaining 10 BLM-listed Sensitive species that may occur because suitable habitat is present in the project area can be found in Table 5 (Jordan 2015, Appendix X).

Table 5. Summary of BLM-listed Sensitive Species Impacts Species Determination Mexican Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus may impact, not likely to result in a trend towards arizonae) Federal listing or loss of viability Western Burrowing Owl no impact, species not currently present (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) may impact, not likely to result in a trend towards McCown’s Longspur (Calcarius mccownii) Federal listing or loss of viability Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius may impact, not likely to result in a trend towards ornatus) Federal listing or loss of viability Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus may impact, not likely to result in a trend towards townsendii) Federal listing or loss of viability Gunnison’s Prairie Dog no impact, species not currently present (Cynomys gunnisoni) may impact, not likely to result in a trend towards Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum) Federal listing or loss of viability Pinyon Jay may impact, not likely to result in a trend towards (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) Federal listing or loss of viability may impact, not likely to result in a trend towards Bendire’s Thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei) Federal listing or loss of viability may impact, not likely to result in a trend towards Virginia’s Warbler (Vermivora virginiae) Federal listing or loss of viability

13 The upland and floodplain portions of the project area contain open grassland with scattered shrubs potentially suitable for Western Burrowing Owl and Gunnison’s Prairie Dog; however, no individual’s sign or burrows potentially suitable for or attributed to either of these species were observed in the project area during the survey. Gunnison’s Prairie Dogs are known to occur in the vicinity of the project area, and colonization could occur in areas disturbed by the proposed construction. Because burrowing owls are known to utilize prairie dog burrows, if this latter species colonizes the project area at some point in the future, Western Burrowing Owl may follow. However, the proposed Project would have no impact on Western Burrowing Owl or Gunnison’s Prairie Dog because these two species do not currently occupy the project area (Jordan 2015).

The project area contains open grassland with scattered shrubs that may provide suitable habitat for Bendire’s Thrasher, Chestnut-collared Longspur, and McCown’s Longspur. It also contains sparse juniper habitat—sparsely scattered individual trees—for Pinyon Jay, Mexican Whip-poor-will, and Virginia’s Warbler. However, the amount of grassland and/or juniper habitat that the proposed Project would impact is minimal and portions of the project area along the river would be revegetated and/or restored following construction. Therefore, the proposed Project may impact individuals of these six bird species, but it is not likely to result in a trend toward Federal listing or loss of viability (Jordan 2015 [see Appendix A]).

No potential roost sites for Pale Townsend’s Big-eared Bat were observed in the project area during the survey, and there are no potential roost sites for Spotted Bat; however, open grassland with scattered trees and shrubs that could be used as foraging habitat by these species is present. During construction, only minimal impacts to this suitable foraging habitat are expected to occur, and portions of the project area along the river would be revegetated and/or restored following construction. Therefore, the proposed Project may impact individuals of these two bat species, but it is not likely to result in a trend towards Federal listing or loss of viability (Jordan 2015).

3.2.3.1.3 Wildlife There would be short-term adverse impacts to wildlife species during the proposed construction; however, the impacts would not be adverse to populations as a whole. Mobile species, such as birds, would be expected to move to adjacent areas in response to equipment noise and the presence of workers during construction; their chances of mortality would be lower than smaller, less-mobile species such as rodents, amphibians, and reptiles, which may be taken.

Following construction, and after native vegetation planted during the proposed Project’s restoration efforts has a chance to establish, there would be a net gain in available habitat for wildlife species in the project area. This would represent a long-term and beneficial impact to wildlife.

3.2.3.1.4 Migratory Birds No construction is to occur during the primary portion of the migratory bird nesting season of May 1 – July 31 without a nest survey to minimize/avoid impacts to nesting migratory birds. If any active nests are located within the proposed project areas, buffers to minimize disturbance will be applied and nests will be monitored. Any project-related activity that occurs during the bird breeding season has potential to adversely impact individual birds, eggs, young, and/or the nesting habitat of both tree- and ground- nesting birds. Breeding season avoidance and/or the nest search would cause no noticeable impact to migratory bird populations or to species as a whole. Following construction, there would be a net increase in potential nesting habitat because portions of the project area along the river would be revegetated.

3.2.3.1.5 Vegetation including Riparian Areas and Noxious and Invasive Species Construction of the proposed recreational trail would impact approximately 0.27 ha (0.68 acres) of relatively sparse vegetation consisting mostly of grasses. The channel of the Santa Fe River is devoid of vegetation, and vegetation at the river’s edge consists mostly of sparsely distributed Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila), a listed weed species. Therefore, the Proposed Action would have only minimal adverse impacts

14 on vegetation during construction. The Proposed Action would also have beneficial impacts on vegetation due to the reclamation of the 0.17-ha (0.43-acre) dirt road in the project area.

Following construction, the planting of native riparian vegetation associated with the river restoration would result in a beneficial impact on riparian vegetation once the vegetation matures.

The ground disturbance associated with construction, as well as increased human use of the project area following construction, may create conditions that encourage the establishment and spread of noxious weeds. Vehicles, people, and other natural vectors such as wind and water can transport seeds and deposit them in disturbed soils, and existing seeds may be encouraged to germinate in disturbed soils. Noxious weeds that spread can degrade habitat quality and decrease the productivity of native forage. The Proposed Action may have an adverse impact through the introduction and spread of invasive and nonnative species in the Proposed Action area; however, implementation of the design features listed in Section 2.1.5 would reduce the likelihood of introducing or spreading noxious and invasive species.

3.2.3.2 Cumulative Impacts The Proposed Action, along with the other phases of the Project, may have an adverse and cumulative impact on certain wildlife species, such as small mammals, because the increased human activity in the Proposed Action area resulting from recreational trail and disc golf course use may reduce the habitat suitability of the area for these species. This area in Santa Fe County is becoming more urban, with increased commercial and residential development, such as the apartment complex proposed immediately to the north of the project area. Opens areas, in which potential habitat is currently available, are becoming increasingly developed. While the apartment complex would completely eliminate potential habitat for the species discussed under section 3.2.3.1, the land conveyance to Santa Fe County would preserve open space along the Santa Fe River and enhance the potential habitat it affords. The Proposed Action and the other phases of the Project would also result in a beneficial cumulative impact on biological resources because of the reclamation and riparian revegetation that would be conducted and the resultant habitat creation for wildlife species.

3.2.3.3 Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts Because design features have been incorporated into the Proposed Action to avoid potential adverse impacts to biological resources, no additional mitigation measures are necessary. The Proposed Action would have no residual adverse impacts on biological resources.

15 3.3 Cultural Resources Zia Engineering and Environmental Consultants, LLC (Zia), Archaeologist Stephen Post performed a cultural resource survey of the project area between October 11 and October 23, 2012. The surveyed area included 13 BLM parcels with a total area of approximately 12.4 ha (30.6 acres), which encompassed and exceeded the current project area in size. All isolated occurrences and archaeological sites within the survey area were recorded.

Zia’s cultural resource survey and the subsequent reporting address the potential impacts of the proposed construction on cultural resources identified in the project area. The Affected Environment and Impacts discussions below consider all of the proposed facilities associated with the Proposed Action that would be placed on BLM land.

3.3.1 Affected Environment A total of seven isolated occurrences and six archaeological sites (LA 20883, LA 69996, and 174452– 174455) were documented during Zia’s cultural resources field survey. Two additional sites, LA 20885 and LA 20886, could not be re-located. Documented sites are described in detail in the Class III report (under separate cover) (Post 2012). A summary table of the archaeological sites identified, along with the results of the NRHP eligibility evaluation and treatment recommendations, can be found in Appendix B. Of the six sites, LA 20883, LA 69996, and LA 174452 are eligible for listing in the NRHP; LA 174453 and LA 174454 are not eligible; and the eligibility of LA 174455 remains undetermined pending further testing. The significance of LA 20883, LA 69996, and LA 174452 is directly related to their Spanish Colonial components and their association with the Camino Real National Historic Trail and cultural landscape.

The County consulted with the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for the adjacent Romero Park project in January of 2014 (see Appendix B). One site, LA 174455, in the Romero Park project area extends partially into the current project area. The site will be avoided by the current undertaking. If, in the future, any ground-disturbing activity has the potential to affect the site, the County would contact the BLM and the site would be tested to determine its eligibility for listing in the NRHP.

Prior to a decision on the project, the BLM would consult SHPO and seek concurrence of the eligibility recommendations, determinations of effect, and mitigation work for the remaining sites in the project area (LA 20883, LA 69996, and 174452–174454).

3.3.2 Impacts from the No Action Alternative 3.3.2.1 Direct and Indirect Impacts The No Action Alternative would result in no direct or indirect impacts to cultural resources in the Proposed Action area because the multi-use recreational trail and disc golf course would not be constructed.

3.3.2.2 Cumulative Impacts The No Action Alternative would result in no cumulative impacts to cultural resources in the Proposed Action area.

3.3.3 Impacts from the Proposed Action 3.3.3.1 Direct and Indirect Impacts Direct impacts to archaeological sites normally include alterations to the physical integrity of a cultural site. If a cultural site is significant for reasons other than the scientific information it has the potential to provide, direct impacts may also include the introduction of audible, atmospheric, or visual elements that are out of character for the cultural site.

16 During the project’s design phase, the County followed the avoidance recommendation in the Class III report to the extent possible by placing the proposed trail, disc golf course links, and a gabion outside the boundaries of the four sites in the project area (LA 174455, LA 69996, LA 174452, and LA 20883). However, portions of these facilities would be placed within the boundaries of the former three sites, and a portion of the existing dirt road in the project area that would be revegetated is located within the latter site, which cannot be avoided. Therefore, construction of the facilities associated with the project may have a direct and adverse impact on LA 174455, LA 69996, LA 174452, and LA 20883 through construction-related ground disturbance within the site’s boundaries.

While construction-related impacts to cultural resources in the project area would be mitigated as described in Section 3.3.3.3 below, use of the project’s facilities by the public may result in additional impacts. Also, natural processes such as erosion have the potential to expose undiscovered cultural resources in the project area, which may increase the potential for resource collection by members of the public in the project area and subsequent loss of those resources.

3.3.3.2 Cumulative Impacts The Proposed Action may have a cumulative and adverse impact on cultural resources because the four sites in the project area would be leaving BLM ownership and would no longer be protected at the Federal level. Lack of Federal level protection may lead to adverse effects to the sites associated with the Camino Real National Historic Trail and its cultural landscape.

3.3.3.3 Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts Because design features have been incorporated into the Proposed Action specifying that the archaeological sites in the project area would be subjected to testing and/or data recovery and, if necessary, archaeological monitoring, potential adverse impacts to cultural resources during construction would be appropriately mitigated, with no additional mitigation measures necessary.

The Proposed Action involves transferring ownership of LA 69996, LA 174452, LA 20883, and a portion of LA 174455 from the BLM to the County. Any residual impacts to these sites would be minimized following construction because the County would pursue State-level listing for the recommended eligible properties (LA 69996, LA 174452 and LA 20883), and they would be afforded State-level protections. If threatened by future impacts, LA 174455 will require eligibility testing through consultation with the BLM. After testing, LA 174455 may also be found eligible, in which case the County would also pursue listing the site at the State level to secure protections. 3.4 Recreation 3.4.1 Affected Environment The Proposed Action area is not currently being used for recreational activities. Recreational opportunities in the vicinity include Romero Park to the north and the multi-use recreational trail already constructed during Phases 2 and 4 of the Project located to the west and east, respectively.

3.4.2 Impacts from the No Action Alternative 3.4.2.1 Direct and Indirect Impacts The No Action Alternative would result in a direct and adverse impact on the availability of recreational opportunities in the Proposed Action area because Phase 4 of the multi-use recreational trail for pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians and a disc golf course would not be constructed in the project area. Without Phase 4 of the Project, the trail between Santa Fe and the County’s wastewater treatment plant would be discontinuous.

17 3.4.2.2 Cumulative Impacts The No Action Alternative would result in no cumulative impacts on recreation in the Proposed Action area.

3.4.3 Impacts from the Proposed Action 3.4.3.1 Direct and Indirect Impacts The Proposed Action would result in a beneficial impact on the availability of recreational opportunities in the Proposed Action area because Phase 4 of the multi-use recreational trail for pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians and a disc golf course would be constructed in the project area. When Phase 4 and the other phases of the Project are completed, the trail between Santa Fe and the County’s wastewater treatment plant would be continuous. Greater access to public lands via the recreational trail would also help to the objectives of Secretarial Order 3373.

3.4.3.2 Cumulative Impacts The Proposed Action would have beneficial and cumulative impacts on recreation, as a continuous key segment of the recreation trail would be complete and would provide access between residential and commercial developments in the greater community.

3.4.3.3 Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts No mitigation measures are required for recreation because the impacts resulting from the Proposed Action on recreation are entirely beneficial. The Proposed Action would have no residual adverse impacts on recreation in the Proposed Action area.

18 4 SUPPORTING INFORMATION 4.1 Tribes and Agencies Consulted The BLM TFO will conduct Tribal consultation prior to completing and making a decision based on this EA. Also, prior to a decision on the project, the BLM would consult SHPO and seek concurrence of the eligibility recommendations, determinations of effect, and mitigation work for the remaining sites in the project area (LA 20883, LA 69996, and 174452–174454).

4.2 List of Preparers Chris Anderson, Archaeologist, BLM Taos Field Office

Pam Herrera-Olivas, Wildlife Biologist, BLM Taos Field Office

Brad Higdon, Planning and Environmental Specialist, BLM Taos Field Office

Tim Jordan, Senior Biologist, Tierra Right of Way Services, Ltd.

Scott Kaseman, Project Manager, Santa Fe County

Theresa Knoblock, Biologist/Environmental Compliance Lead, Tierra Right of Way Services, Ltd.

Sarah Naranjo, Realty Specialist, BLM New Mexico State Office

Valerie Williams, Wildlife Biologist, BLM Taos Field Office (former)

19 5 REFERENCES

Jordan, Tim 2015 Biological Assessment and Evaluation for the Santa Fe River Greenway Project, Santa Fe County, New Mexico. Tierra Project No. 15T0-151. Tierra Right of Way Services, Ltd., Tucson.

Post, Stephen S. 2012 An Archaeological Inventory of 30.6 acres of Bureau of Land Management Land along the Santa Fe River in Lower Agua Fria Village, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Zia Report No. 154. Zia Archaeology, Santa Fe.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 2012 Taos Resource Management Plan. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Taos Field Office, Taos, New Mexico.

20 APPENDIX A. BA&E ADDENDUM

A.1 May 21, 2019

Bureau of Land Management Taos Field Office Attn: Pamela Herrera-Olivas, Wildlife Management Biologist 226 Cruz Alta Road Taos, New Mexico 87571

Re: Biological Assessment and Evaluation ADDENDUM for the Santa Fe Greenway Project, Santa Fe County, New Mexico

Ms. Herrera-Olivas,

The original Biological Assessment and Evaluation (BA&E) for the above-referenced project, prepared by Tierra Right of Way Services, Ltd. (Tierra), and approved by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Taos Field Office (TFO) Wildlife Biologist Valerie Williams on February 10, 2016, addressed a list of special-status species (Federal Threatened and Endangered and BLM Sensitive) for Santa Fe County, New Mexico, provided by BLM TFO and dated September 21, 2015. Tierra obtained the current BLM TFO Santa Fe County list on May 21, 2019 (Attachment 1) and found that the special-status species that require analysis in the project’s BA&E have changed. Therefore, this BA&E Addendum was prepared to address those changes. A summary of the changes, additional species analyses, and Tierra’s current conclusions and recommendations regarding potential impacts to special-status species that may result from the Santa Fe Greenway Project are presented below. Threatened and Endangered Species Threatened and Endangered species appearing on the current 2019 BLM TFO list remain unchanged from those on the 2015 list: • Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), Threatened • Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), Endangered • Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida), Threatened • New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius luteus), Endangered

Tierra’s exclusion justification and recommended determination of effect for these four species remains unchanged from the 2016 BA&E; there is no suitable habitat present for these species in the project area, and the project would have no effect on species listed under the Endangered Species Act. BLM Sensitive Species Currently, there are 19 BLM Sensitive species appearing on the BLM TFO list for Santa Fe County. Twelve of these species were addressed in Tierra’s 2016 BA&E (Table 1), and the seven new species not addressed in 2016 that are evaluated in this Addendum are indicated in Table 2.

Randye K. Ferrick, President & Broker 1575 East River Road, Suite 201 ● Tucson, 85718 ● 520.319.2106 ● Fax: 520.323.3326 Right of Way ● Cultural Resources ● Environmental Planning Federal, State, and Local Permitting ● GIS/CAD Mapping www.tierra- row.com Table 1. Current BLM TFO Sensitive Species Addressed in 2016 Species Notes Birds “No Impact” finding in 2016 BA&E remains Western Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia unchanged; the project area is not occupied by hypugaea) this species. Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus) “May Impact” finding in 2016 BA&E remains Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) unchanged. Bendire’s Thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei) Fish Rio Grande Sucker (Catostomus plebeius) Exclusion justification in 2016 BA&E remains Rio Grande Chub (Gila pandora) unchanged; there is no perennial aquatic habitat present in the project area. Mammals Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus “May Impact” finding in 2016 BA&E remains townsendii) unchanged. Gunnison’s Prairie Dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) “No Impact” finding in 2016 BA&E remains unchanged; the project area is not occupied by this species. Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) Exclusion justification in 2016 BA&E remains unchanged; project area is outside the range of this species. Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum) “May Impact” finding in 2016 BA&E remains unchanged. Plants Galisteo Sand Verbena (Abronia bigelovii) Exclusion justification in 2016 BA&E remains unchanged; no suitable substrates present in project area and project area is not located on the Todilto Formation. Santa Fe Cholla (Cylindropuntia viridiflora) Exclusion justification in 2016 BA&E remains unchanged; project area is outside the range of this species.

Table 2. Current BLM TFO Sensitive Species Not Addressed in 2016 Species Habitat a Potential to Occur in Project Area Amphibians Northern Leopard Frog Occurs in montane streams and WOULD NOT OCCUR: No (Lithobates pipiens) wetlands that have aquatic suitable habitat present in project vegetation, but also in wet area. meadows at higher elevations. Arthropods Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Associated with milkweed as UNLIKELY: No milkweeds plexippus plexippus) host plants. observed in the project area at

BA&E Addendum, Santa Fe Greenway Project 2 Tierra Job No. 12TNR00-104 Species Habitat a Potential to Occur in Project Area the time of the survey. Birds Mexican Whip-poor-will In New Mexico, this species MAY OCCUR: See results and (Antrostomus arizonae) occurs in pinyon-juniper recommendations following woodlands, ponderosa-oak table. forests, and mixed conifer forests near the Rio Grande, Pecos Basins, and the Rio Grande in Albuquerque. McCown’s Longspur (Calcarius Native shortgrass prairies or MAY OCCUR: See results and mccownii) structurally similar habitats, recommendations following such as overgrazed pastures, table. plowed fields, and dry lake beds. In New Mexico, this species may be present in winter nearly statewide but is more common in the southern two-thirds of the state, particularly on the eastern plains and in the Animas Valley. Virginia’s Warbler (Vermivora Pinyon-juniper woodlands and MAY OCCUR: See results and virginiae) Ponderosa/oak, mixed confer, recommendations following and spruce/fir forests. table. Fish Peppered Chub (Macrhybopsis Shallow rivers and streams with WOULD NOT OCCUR: No tetranema) swift, turbulent, or laminar perennial aquatic habitat present flows over sand or gravel in project area. bottoms with high levels of turbidity and dissolved solids. Plants Todilto Stickleaf (Mentzelia Outcrops of gypsum in the WOULD NOT OCCUR: No todiltoensis) Todilto Formation at elevations suitable substrates present in of 1,700–1,910 m (5,600–5,840 project area, and project area is feet). not located on the Todilto Formation. Notes: a = All habitat descriptions are from NMDGF BISON-M, available at: http://www.bison-m.org/; New Mexico Avian Partners, available at: http://avianconservationpartners-nm.org/bird-conservation-plan-2/chapter-4-species- accounts/; and the New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council, available at: http://nmrareplants.unm.edu/

Mexican Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus arizonae), McCown’s Longspur (Calcarius mccownii), and Virginia’s Warbler (Vermivora virginiae) Results and Recommendations No bird nests or individuals of these three species were observed in the project area at the time of the survey. The project area contains sparse junipers that may provide suitable habitat for Mexican Whip-poor-will and Virginia’s Warbler and grassland habitat that may be suitable for McCown’s Longspur. However, the amount of juniper and grassland habitat the proposed project will impact is

BA&E Addendum, Santa Fe Greenway Project 3 Tierra Job No. 12TNR00-104 minimal, and portions of the project area along the Santa Fe river will be revegetated and/or restored following construction. Therefore, the proposed project may impact individual Mexican Whip-poor-wills, McCown’s Longspurs, and Virginia’s Warblers, but it is not likely to result in a trend toward Federal listing or loss of viability. BLM Watch Species BLM Watch species are included on an informal list of species that are declining or otherwise rare and occur peripherally to BLM land or hypothetically occur on BLM land or are species that are declining or may decline in the future but do not meet the criteria for sensitive designation. Species on the watch list have no protection under BLM policy. No action via the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or coordination with species specialists or outside agencies or entities is required for the completion of land use activities. The list represents species for which additional information on rarity, occurrence, and population trends is needed before further consideration for BLM sensitive designation can be given.

No species occurring on the current BLM TFO Watch list were observed in the project area; therefore, no further analysis is required. Conclusions There are currently 23 special-status species appearing on the BLM TFO list for Santa Fe County. Tierra’s conclusions and recommendations for 16 of these species, including the 4 listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and 12 of the BLM Sensitive species, remain unchanged from those in the project’s 2016 BA&E.

Seven BLM Sensitive species not addressed in the project’s 2016 BA&E were addressed in this Addendum. Tierra determined that four of these species either would not occur or were unlikely to occur in the project area because suitable habitat for the species is not present, or the project area is outside the species’ range. Tierra also determined that the remaining three BLM species, Mexican Whip-poor-will, McCown’s Longspur, and Virginia’s Warbler, may occur in the project area and recommended that the proposed project may impact individuals of these species, but it is not likely to result in a trend toward Federal listing or loss of viability.

If I can provide additional information or clarification, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Tim Jordan, Senior Biologist Tierra Right of Way Services, Ltd. [email protected]

Attachments: 1. BLM TFO Santa Fe County Federally Listed and BLM Sensitive and Watch Species List

BA&E Addendum, Santa Fe Greenway Project 4 Tierra Job No. 12TNR00-104 ATTACHMENT 1. BLM TFO SANTA FE COUNTY FEDERALLY LISTED AND BLM SENSITIVE AND WATCH SPECIES LIST

BA&E Addendum, Santa Fe Greenway Project A.1 Tierra Job No. 12NR00-104 30-Apr-19 Santa Fe County Federally Listed and Listed BLM Sensitive and Watch Species Critical Common Name Scientific Name BLM Sensitive1 BLM Watch2 US FWS3 Habitat Mammals New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse Zapus hudsonius luteus Y E Gunnison's prairie dog Cynomys gunnisoni X Spotted bat Euderma maculatum X Townsend's big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii X Black-tailed prairie dog Cynomys ludovicianus X Yellow-faced pocket gopher Cratogeomys castanops X Least shrew Cryptotis parva X White-tailed jack rabbit Lepus townsendii X Birds Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Western pop.) Coccyzus americanus occidentalis T Mexican Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis lucida Y T Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus Y E Pinyon Jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus X Western Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia X American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus X Common Black-Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus Potential Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos X Cassin's Finch Carpodacus cassinii X McCown's Longspur Calcarius mccownii Potential Chestnut-collared Longspur Calcarius ornatus X Bendire's Thrasher Toxostoma bendirei Potential Mexican Whip-poor-will Antrostomus arizonae X Virginia's Warbler Vermivora virginiae X Scaled Quail Callipepla squamata X Mountain Plover Charadrius montanus X

BA&E Addendum, Santa Fe Greenway Project A.2 Tierra Project No. 12NR00-104 Critical Common Name Scientific Name BLM Sensitive1 BLM Watch2 US FWS3 Habitat Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus X Lewis's Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis X Long- billed Curlew Numenius americanus X Sage Thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus X Grace's Warbler Setophaga graciae X Gray Vireo Vireo vicinior X Juniper Titmouse Baeolophusridgwayi X Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay Aphelocoma woodhouseii X Black-throated Gray Warbler Setophaga nigrescens X Plants Santa Fe Cholla Opuntia viridiflora x X Galisteo Sand Verbena Abronia bigelovii X Grama Grass Cactus Sclerocactus papyracanthus X Todilto Stickleaf Mentzelia todiltoensis X Flint Mountains Milkvetch Astragalus siliceus X Springer's Blazingstar Mentzelia springeri X Cyanic Milkvetch Astragalus cyaneus X Fish Rio Grande Chub Gila pandora X Rio Grande Sucker Catastomus plebeius X Peppered Chub Macrhybopsis tetranema X Speckled Chub Macrhybopsis aestivalis X Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkivirginalis X Crustaceans Bowman's Fairy Shrimp Steptocephalus Potential Clam Shrimp Eulimnadia follisimilis Potential Sway-backed Clam Shrimp Eocyzicus concavus Potential Lynch’s Tadpole Lepidurus lemmoni Potential

BA&E Addendum, Santa Fe Greenway Project A.3 Tierra Project No. 12NR00-104 Critical Common Name Scientific Name BLM Sensitive1 BLM Watch2 US FWS3 Habitat Mexican Beavertail Thamnocephalus mexicanus Potential Amphibians Northern Leopard Frog Lithobates (Rana) pipiens X Plains Leopard Frog Lithobates (Rana) blairi X Arthropods Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus X Western Bumble Bee Bombus occidentalis X

KEY: 1 = Source: BLM New Mexico State Office, BLM Sensitive Species List, Taos Field Office (2018) 2 = Source: BLM New Mexico State Office, BLM Sensitive Species Watch List, Taos Field Office (2018) 3 = Source: New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office, Federally Listed Species in Santa Fe County (4/30/19) (E=Endangered; T=Threatened) Potential = species potentially occurs in Santa Fe County X = species known to occur in Santa Fe County

BA&E Addendum, Santa Fe Greenway Project A.4 Tierra Project No. 12NR00-104 APPENDIX B. CULTURAL RESOURCES SUMMARY

B.1

none none none none Mitigation avoid; fence, monitor, data recovery avoid; fence, monitor, data recovery avoid; fence, monitor, data recovery archaeological testing, sample analysis

(Post 2012)

ite Summaryite no adverse effect no adverse effect no adverse effect no adverse effect no adverse effect direct and indirect direct and indirect direct and indirect Determination of Effect of Determination .1. ArchaeologicalS

. Table B

le, Criterion D not eligible not eligible not eligible undetermined ligible, Criterion D ligib ligible, Criterion D NRHPEligibility E E E ister of Historic Places = NRHP = Places Historic of ister

National Reg National 174453 174454 174455 Key: 20883 20885 20886 69996 174452 LA No.

B.2