Galiuro Drilling Project

Wildlife and Fisheries Report

Prepared by:

Lance Koch District Biologist

for:

Safford Ranger District Coronado National Forest

9/12/2016 Introduction

This analysis describes the desired and existing condition of wildlife populations and habitat resources within the project area, and evaluates the effects of the proposed action and no action alternatives. While impacts to all wildlife resources are evaluated, the analysis focuses on the following species having “special status”:

Federally Listed Species: Those that are listed under the authority of the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as threatened and endangered (TES), those proposed for listing as such, and areas that are designated by the USFWS as critical habitat in the proposed area of effect. FSM 2670.31 directs each forest to evaluate its programs and site- specific actions to determine their potential effect on federally listed species.

Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS): Those that are listed by the Regional Forester as “sensitive” in Region 3 (USDA Forest Service 1999c) because there is concern for population viability across their range, and all occurrences contribute significantly to conservation of the species. FSM 2670.32 directs that a biological evaluation be prepared to determine potential effects on species designated as “sensitive” by the Regional Forester. United States Department of Agriculture Regulation 9500-4 directs the Forest Service to avoid actions that may cause a sensitive species to become threatened or endangered (FSM 2670.12).

Management Indicator Species (MIS): Conceptually, MIS comprise a select few species that are representative of many other species. As such, they provide a basis for overall forest management based, in part, on the effects on these species and their habitats. National Forest Management Act (NFMA) implementing regulations and Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2600 guidelines require that forest plans identify certain vertebrate and/or invertebrate species as MIS, and that these species be monitored “in order to assess the effects of management activities on their populations and the populations of other species with similar habitat needs which they may represent (FSM 2620.5).”

Twenty-two federally listed species are addressed in this specialist report, all of which are listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as threatened or endangered and are therefore protected under the authority of the ESA. At this time, one federally listed species, the lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae), has the potential to occur in the project area. Because of the low density of foraging plants and lack of roosting sites in or near the project area, it is anticipated that this project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, the lesser long-nosed bat. However, the lead permitting agency has the authority and final decision regarding what effect this project will have on any federally listed species and whether to require species-specific surveys for any protected species.

One hundred forty-five sensitive species are addressed in this report based on the U.S. Forest Service Region 3 (CNF) list. Of the 71 sensitive plant species, one of them has the potential to occur in the analysis area. Of the 74 sensitive wildlife species, 16 of them have the potential to occur in the analysis area.

Thirty-three MIS in eight groups are addressed in this BE. Eight species and one group are either known to occur or may occur in the analysis area.

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are not expected to occur in the analysis area; thus, they are not addressed in this report. However, golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) may occur and are addressed in this document.

Forty-one Birds of Conservation Concern are listed in Graham County by the USFWS, several of which may occur in the analysis area because of the presence of suitable habitat. These birds are not afforded protection under the ESA, but they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Fifty-three Species of Greatest Conservation Need are addressed in this report based on predicted range models provided by the Heritage Data Management System. Twenty-three of these species may occur in the analysis area.

Throughout this specialist report, the terms “project limits” and “project area” are used interchangeably to represent the construction footprint (area of disturbance; 12 drill sites and 12 helicopter landing zones), while the term “project vicinity” is used to denote a more expansive landscape context. The term “action area” is defined as the project limits (approximately 1.2 acres) plus a larger surrounding area that may experience direct or indirect temporal and spatial impacts from the proposed project. In this specialist report, the term “analysis area” is used to represent the same area as the action area, but is used in the analysis of species not listed under ESA (e.g., Forest Sensitive species). Forest Plan/Policy Direction Animals and Rare Plants - General Description

The Coronado National Forest has the highest biological diversity of any national forest in the western United States. This is because it is situated at a convergence zone of ecological regions, and has a wide variety of vegetation communities and steep elevation gradients. Biological diversity is further enhanced by a long growing season, bimodal precipitation, and the evolutionary consequences of isolation in the sky island mountain ranges.

The number of species inhabiting the Coronado National Forest and adjoining lands is not precisely known, and new species are periodically described. Conservative estimates include about 2,100 species of plants, 466 species of birds, 110 species of mammals, 91 species of reptiles, over 240 species of butterflies, and nearly 200 species of mollusks.

Based on projected future climate change, terrestrial wildlife species are susceptible to habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from more frequent or extreme disturbance events, including wildfires, droughts, flash floods, landslides, and windstorms. Wildlife species are also susceptible to alterations in the timing of plant phenology events (greenup, flowering, and fruit ripening), especially those that influence critical life behaviors (migration, breeding, and dispersal).

Based on projected future climate change, aquatic species are susceptible to increased water temperatures, altered seasonal discharge events, increases in drought severity during summer flows, and increased predation pressure. There may be decreases in water flow and, possibly, a shorter period of sustained flows in the spring due to reduced winter snowpack. Sustained flows and desired temperatures in the spring are needed for successful spawning. There also may be the potential for fragmentation of habitat, with resulting increases in competition and predation in pools due to little or no water flow in some stream segments.

Desired Conditions

Naturally occurring native ecosystems are present and sustainable across the Coronado National Forest, providing habitat to support a full complement of plants and animals. Habitats are interconnected within the national forest boundary while the interspaces between ecosystem management areas (EMAs) allow for movement of wide-ranging species and promote natural predator-prey relationships.

Forest boundaries are permeable to animals of all sizes and offer consistent, safe access for ingress and egress of wildlife. In particular, segments of the national forest boundary identified in figure 3 remain critical interfaces that link wildlife habitat on both sides of the boundary.11 Fences, roads, recreational sites, and other manmade features do not impede animal movement or contribute to habitat fragmentation.

The collection of animals and plants (e.g., butterflies, mushrooms) does not negatively impact species abundance. Native species that are known to have been present during the first decade of the 21st century continue to exist, and none has been extirpated.

Fire adapted native plants are relatively abundant and fire functions as a critical natural process. Trees in terrestrial and riparian areas provide structural features that accommodate arboreal species such as cavity-nesting birds. Naturally occurring ground structures similarly allow for resting, breeding, and foraging activities by a variety of species. Bats and other cave-dependent wildlife have high-quality habitat in caves and abandoned mine features. Permitted activities— such as livestock grazing, outfitter guiding, and ecotourism guiding—do not compromise healthy populations of native species, nor do they adversely impact habitat components. Hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-based recreation activities are encouraged where wildlife populations are flourishing. Human-wildlife conflicts are rare. Nonnative species occur only where populations are manageable and/or desirable; generally, they are rare across the Coronado.

Guidelines

1. Activities occurring within federally listed species habitat should apply habitat management objectives and species protection measures from approved recovery plans and signed conservation agreements.

2. Guidelines for protecting northern goshawks include the following: a. A minimum of three goshawk nest areas and three replacement nest areas should be located per goshawk territory. Goshawk nest and replacement nest areas should generally be located in drainages, at the base of slopes, and on northerly (northwest to northeast) aspects. Nest areas should generally be 25 to 30 acres in size. b. Goshawk post-fledgling areas of approximately 420 acres in size should be designated surrounding nest sites. c. In goshawk foraging areas and post-fledgling family areas, groups of three to five reserve trees should be retained within management created openings greater than 1 acre in ponderosa pine- evergreen oak and dry mixed-conifer communities, and six reserve trees should be retained within management created openings greater than 0.5 acre in wet mixed-conifer and spruce-fir communities.

d. In occupied goshawk nest areas, human presence should be minimized between March 1 and September 30.

3. Active raptor nests on cliff faces should be protected from disturbance during the nesting season.

4. Trash cans and food storage boxes at developed recreation areas should be wildlife resistant.

5. Identified bat roosts should be protected from disturbance during periods of bat occupancy. During nonoccupancy periods, activities should not modify biophysical features that contribute to roost habitat quality or contribute to the spread of diseases harmful to bats.

Management Approaches

• Maintaining strong partnerships between the Forest Service, State and Federal agencies, county and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations to accomplish conservation planning and management.

• Using results from the monitoring of management indicator species to design adaptive management strategies to meet species conservation needs.

• Cooperating and collaborating with State and Federal wildlife management agencies and other partners to monitor wildlife, fish, and rare plant species occurring on National Forest System lands.

• Coordinating with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services and State and Federal wildlife agencies to resolve wildlife resource conflicts on Forest Service administered lands.

• Cooperating with State and Federal agencies, counties, and municipal governments, and nongovernment organizations to reestablish extirpated species, recover federally listed species, and to manage Forest Service sensitive species in a way that prevents trends toward Federal listing.

• Coordinating with county, municipal, State, and Federal agencies, adjacent landowners, and nongovernmental organizations to ensure habitat connectivity between sky islands is preserved, restored, and enhanced for wildlife using corridors between ecosystem management areas of the Coronado. In particular, forest boundaries identified as being critical for wildlife ingress and egress (see figure 3) are prioritized during coordinated efforts.

• Considering potential changes in climate when designing projects and analyzing the effects of proposed projects on wildlife species, especially those species that have been identified as being sensitive to change.

• Considering the reintroduction of extirpated species. Project Description Kennecott is proposing to conduct exploratory drilling at 12 locations within the Galiuro Mountains in Graham County, Arizona. Because of the rugged and inaccessible terrain, Kennecott proposes to use a helicopter to access the exploratory drill locations. The 12 remote, helicopter- supported drill sites each would require a 50 × 50–foot (15.2 × 15.2–meter [m]) site footprint to allow for a flyable diamond drill rig, drill deck, centrifuge, water tanks, fuel storage, parts

storage, and portable toilets. Twelve helicopter landing zones would be permitted, which would not exceed a 30 × 30–foot (9.1 × 9.1–m) disturbance footprint in case helicopter platforms are necessary due to sloping terrain. Each helicopter landing zone would be within 350 feet (106 m) of its associated drill site. Staging areas would be on private lands outside of the CNF. Total disturbance from the drill sites and helicopter landing zones is expected to be less than 1.2 acres of CNF-administered lands.

The proposed project activities would occur over a 5-year period and operations would take place year-round unless restricted by Forest Service management. Kennecott would drill up to two sites at a time and would reclaim sites within 30 days of drill hole completion. Drill site preparation would occur in advance of drilling and only occur during daylight hours. Drill crews would operate 24 hours per day on a 24-days-on/12-days-off or equivalent schedule once drilling begins. Kennecott has submitted a revised Galiuro Drilling Project Plan of Operations, which contains a more detailed description of the proposed project, to CNF (Kennecott 2015). Overview of Issues Addressed

This report will analyze effects from the proposed mineral exploration in the Galiuro Mountains, Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest. Only issues related to 1) Threatened and endangered species, 2) USFS Region 3 Forest Sensitive Species, and 3) management indicator species will be covered in this report.

Five issues were identified during project scoping: Issue 1: Dust, noise and lights from the drilling operations may disturb wildlife. There is concern that the noise, light and dust from drilling operations may disrupt wildlife species in the project area.

Issue 2: Dust and noise from the helicopter flights may adversely impact the character of the Inventoried Roadless Area, the quality of solitude and the wilderness experience.

Issue #3: There is concern that drilling operations could start a fire.

Issue #4: There is concern that there will be impacts on Copper Creek, and San Pedro watershed.

Issue #5: There is concern that operations will disrupt bighorn sheep because the drilling and human presence may discourage them from the area.

The objectives of this specialist report are to 1) describe vegetation communities in the project area; 2) evaluate habitat suitability for both federally listed and special-status species; 3) evaluate habitat suitability for CNF sensitive wildlife and plants; 4) evaluate habitat suitability for CNF management indicator species (MIS); 5) evaluate habitat suitability for species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; and 6) address invasive species. Affected Environment

Existing Condition The project area elevation ranges between 4,633 feet (1,412 m) and 5,860 feet (1,786 m) above mean sea level (amsl). The project area is in the Interior Chaparral biotic community (Brown 1994). The project area is located in the Galiuro Mountains, approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) east-northeast of Mammoth, Arizona. The San Pedro River is approximately 10.7 miles (17.2 km)

southwest and Aravaipa Canyon is approximately 9.9 miles (15.9 km) north of the project area. Copper Creek is located in the northeastern portion of the project area, Pipeline and Marics Canyons bisect the project area, Cake Mountain and Biscuit Peak are south of the project area, and numerous springs are within a 1-mile (1.6-km) radius. These springs include Norton Spring, Cake Mountain Spring, Willow Spring, and two unnamed springs. Surface sediments are associated primarily with the Middle Miocene to Oligocene Volcanic Rocks (USGS 2015). The Middle Miocene to Oligocene Volcanic deposits consist of lava, tuff, fine-grained intrusive rock, and diverse pyroclastic rocks. The variable volcanic rocks include basalt, andesite, dacite, and rhyolite (USGS 2015). Surface sediments are generally rocky, reddish brown loam deposits.

No saguaros (Carnegiea gigantea), aquatic habitats (including stock ponds), broadleaf deciduous riparian vegetation communities (i.e., communities containing willow [Salix spp.], cottonwood [Populus spp.], or ash [Fraxinus spp.], etc.), or potential bat roost sites (e.g., natural caves or mine features) occur in the project area. There were multiple agaves (Agave spp.) observed in the project area; however, they occurred in low densities.

Pine Forest in the Madrean Province is dominated by ponderosa, southwestern white, Apache, Arizona and Chihuahua pines intermixed with some fir, Gambel oak and Alligator juniper. Fire suppression methods within this regime over the last century have created unnaturally dense fuel accumulations which encourage catastrophic fire occurrences (Allen 1994). Riparian areas are found in most of the streambeds which have enough water flow to support riparian vegetation. Cottonwood, sycamore, willow trees and many different grasses and shrubs are found within these areas.

Over time, the Madrean Provinces within the Galiuro Mountains have become denser in character due to fuel build-up, shrub and tree encroachment into grasslands, natural meadows and openings that were found throughout the mountain range.

Landing Zone and Drill Site O1P

This landing zone and associated drill site are located toward the south end of the project area at an elevation of approximately 4,700 feet amsl, and there is a proposed access road that leads up to the drill site. The upland vegetation includes velvet mesquite, cholla (Cylindropuntia sp.), goldenbush (Ericameria sp.), catclaw mimosa (Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera), and several grasses and forbs, including annual bursage (Ambrosia acanthicarpa), longleaf false goldeneye (Heliomeris longifolia), cane bluestem, purple grama (Bouteloua radicosa), poverty threeawn, and green sprangletop. Xeroriparian vegetation occurs adjacent but outside of the project limits includes juniper (Juniperus sp.), oak, Arizona sycamore, and Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica).

Landing Zone and Drill Site O2P

This landing zone and associated drill site are located toward the south end of the project area at an elevation of approximately 4,790 feet amsl, and there is a proposed access road that leads up to the drill site. The dominant vegetation observed includes sideoats grama, poverty threeawn, cane bluestem, purple grama, and curly mesquite grass. Other vegetation observed includes sacahuista, catclaw mimosa, goldenbush, velvet mesquite, Wright’s buckwheat, longleaf false goldeneye, and hedgehog cactus. Velvet mesquite, juniper, and Emory oak (Quercus emoryi) were observed outside the project limits.

Landing Zone and Drill Site O3P

This landing zone and associated drill site are located toward the south end of the project area at an elevation of approximately 5,250 feet amsl. The vegetation is very similar to that observed at Drill Site O2P and associated landing zone, and includes cane bluestem, fingergrass, green sprangletop, poverty threeawn, purple grama, sotol, goldenbush, catclaw mimosa, Wright’s buckwheat, Palmer’s agave, pinkflower hedgehog cactus, velvet mesquite, prickly-pear cactus (Opuntia sp.), and ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens).

Landing Zone and Drill Site O4P

This landing zone and associated drill site are located toward the south end of the project area at an elevation of approximately 5,480 feet amsl. The vegetation observed includes Sonoran scrub oak (Quercus turbinella), sotol, prickly-pear cactus, Palmer’s agave, Wright’s buckwheat, mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), cholla, juniper, goldenbush, barrel cactus (Ferocactus sp.), Emory oak, catclaw mimosa, fingergrass, green sprangletop, purple threeawn, tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus), and sideoats grama.

Alternate Drill Site O4P

This alternate drill site is located toward the south end of the project area at an elevation of approximately 5,360 feet amsl. The vegetation observed includes Sonoran scrub oak , sotol, prickly-pear cactus, Palmer’s agave, Wright’s buckwheat, mountain mahogany, cholla, juniper, goldenbush, barrel cactus, Emory oak, catclaw mimosa, fingergrass, green sprangletop, purple threeawn, tanglehead, and sideoats grama.

Landing Zone Alternative and Drill Site O5P

This landing zone and associated drill site are located toward the south end of the project area at an elevation of approximately 5,070 feet amsl. The vegetation observed at the landing zone includes juniper, velvet mesquite, catclaw mimosa, goldenbush, barrel cactus, Sonoran scrub oak, fingergrass, cane bluestem, green sprangletop, purple threeawn, and longleaf false goldeneye. The drill site contains similar vegetation as the landing zone, and also contains Emory oak, sacahuista, cholla, prickly-pear cactus, agave (Agave sp.), hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), sideoats grama, and curly mesquitegrass. A single patch of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) was also observed.

Landing Zone Alternative and Drill Site O6P

This landing zone and associated drill site are located in the central portion of the project area at an elevation of approximately 5,140 feet amsl. The vegetation observed at the drill site includes catclaw mimosa, cholla, sacahuista, agave, juniper, threadleaf snakeweed, burroweed (Isocoma tenuisecta), delicate muhly (Muhlenbergia fragilis), purple grama, fingergrass, green sprangletop, sideoats grama, sotol, yucca (Yucca baccata), cocklebur (Xanthium sp.), and Wright’s buckwheat. The vegetation at this landing zone alternative was similar to that observed at Drill Site O6P but also included sideoats grama, sacaton, sotol, globe mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), and Sonoran scrub oak.

Landing Zone Alternative and Drill Site O7P

This landing zone alternative and associated drill site are located in the central portion of the project area at an elevation of approximately 5,670 feet amsl. The vegetation observed at the alternative landing zone includes cholla, sacahuista, Schott’s century plant/shindagger agave

(Agave schottii), annual bursage, Wright’s buckwheat, pink flower hedgehog cactus, delicate muhly, and one cheatgrass (Bromus sp.) plant. The vegetation observed at the drill site was similar and also included catclaw mimosa, dead oak trees, and a variety of ferns, grasses, and forbs.

Landing Zone and Drill Site O9P

This landing zone and associated drill site are located in the central portion of the project area at an elevation of approximately 5,250 feet amsl. The vegetation observed at the landing zone includes threadleaf snakeweed, catclaw, cholla, sacahuista, shin dagger agave, green sprangletop, Emory oak, Sonoran scrub oak, mountain mahogany, Wright’s buckwheat, cliff muhly (Muhlenbergia polycaulis), purple grama, nightshade (Solanum sp.), and stinkgrass (Eragrostis cilianensis). The vegetation at the drill site is similar, with alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana) additionally observed.

Landing Zone Alternative and Drill Site O10P

This landing zone alternative and associated drill site are located in the central portion of the project area at an elevation of approximately 5,880 feet amsl. The vegetation observed includes goldenbush, sacahuista, shin dagger agave, cholla, mountain mahogany, Wright’s buckwheat, alligator juniper, purple grama, delicate muhly, and deergrass.

Landing Zone Alternative and Drill Site O12P

This landing zone alternative and associated drill site are located toward the north end of the project area at an elevation of approximately 5,375 feet amsl. The vegetation observed includes threadleaf snakeweed, sacahuista, cholla, oak, alligator juniper, agave, prickly-pear cactus, purple grama, cane bluestem, fingergrass, curly mesquitegrass, and freckled milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus). Copper Creek occurs directly below the drill and landing site and contains the following vegetation: oak, juniper, single-leaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla), and sycamore.

Landing Zone Alternative and Drill Site O13P

This landing zone alternative and associated drill site are located toward the north end of the project area at an elevation of approximately 5,280 feet amsl. The vegetation observed at the drill site includes threadleaf snakeweed, alligator juniper, redberry juniper, cholla, sotol, oak, goldenbush, fingergrass, curly mesquitegrass, and cane bluestem. The vegetation observed at the landing zone includes agave, sotol, mountain mahogany, Wright’s buckwheat, catclaw mimosa, hairy grama, and purple grama.

Landing Zone and Drill Site O14P

This landing zone and associated drill site are located in the central portion of the project area at an elevation of approximately 5,800 feet amsl. The vegetation observed includes agave, sotol, alligator juniper, shindagger agave, annual ambrosia, cholla, Wright’s buckwheat, fingergrass, stinkgrass, and purple threeawn.

Desired Condition At the completion of the project the areas that have been cleared of vegetation should be rehabbed so that areas can re-establish current vegetation types. Native plant communities should dominate the landscape, while invasive species are nonexistent or in low abundance. Vegetation attributes,

including appropriate densities, provide favorable conditions for water flow and quality. The composition, abundance, and mosaic of organic ground cover and herbaceous vegetation protects soil, provides moisture infiltration, and contributes to plant and animal diversity and ecosystem function.

The Forest Plan discusses the need to bring the Galiuro EMA back to a pre – European settlement state, by encouraging native plant growth and reducing the amount of fuel loading and woody species in the ecosystem. Historically frequent fires, occurring primarily between April and July, have been well documented for the semi – desert grasslands and Madrean pine – oak woodlands that border the Madrean encinal; however, little is known about the frequency of fire in southwestern oak woodlands (Humphrey and Everson 1951; Bahre1985; Fule and others 2005). Given that fire in semi – desert grasslands occurred on average every 2.5 to 10 years, covered hundreds of square miles, and often spread to upper elevation Madrean pine – oak systems, which experienced fires on average every 3 to 7 years; it seems likely that Madrean encinal also experienced frequent fires (Bahre 1985; McPherson 1995; Swetnam and others 1996). The ability of the dominant vegetation, evergreen oaks and perennial bunch grass, to recover quickly after fire also supports the idea of frequent fire in oak woodlands (Bock & Bock 1992; Cable 1965). Environmental Consequences Methodology The scope of work for the BAE and subsequent specialist report included:

• review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) species list for Graham County; • review of the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) sensitive-species list for the CNF Safford Ranger District; • review of the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) online occurrence records for special status species near the project area; • review of the Management Indicator Species (MIS) for the CNF; • review of the Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) listed for Graham County by USFWS; • review of the species protected by the MBTA and BGEPA; • review of the Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) predicted to occur based on predicted range models provided by the Heritage Data Management System (HDMS); • field reconnaissance of the project area; and • evaluation of the potential for the species listed in this report to occur in the project area.

An SWCA biologist conducted a field reconnaissance of the project area on November 11–13, 2015. A U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic maps (Oak Grove Canyon and Rhodes Peak, Arizona), global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, and helicopter service provided by Kennecott were used for general orientation and to locate the project sites. The field reconnaissance consisted of a pedestrian survey of the project area to evaluate vegetation and landscape features considered important to the potential occurrence of special-status plant and animal species. SWCA surveyed a total of 8.22 acres during the original field reconnaissance of the project area, which included the 1.2 acres of proposed disturbance at the 12 drill sites and helicopter landing zones. In addition, species-specific surveys for western yellow-billed cuckoos and golden eagles were conducted in the vicinity of the project area to determine the presence or absence of individuals. Three transects were surveyed four times for western yellow-billed cuckoos between June 29 and August 8, 2016, using standard USFWS protocol (Halterman et al.

2015) (see Appendix A for details). Helicopter-borne golden eagle nest surveys were conducted on April 20, 2016 (see Appendix B for details). Vegetation was classified to the community level according to the map “Biotic Communities of the Southwest” (Brown 1994).

The project limits for the 12 drill locations consist of a maximum footprint of 50 × 50 feet (15.2 × 15.2 m), a 30-foot-wide (9.1-m-wide) temporary access road, and twelve 30 × 30–foot (9.1 × 9.1– m) helicopter landing zones. All activities associated with this project would be contained within this defined area.

The analysis area for biological resources is defined as the project area of approximately 1.2 acres plus a larger surrounding area (350-foot [107-m] buffer) that may experience direct or indirect temporal and spatial impacts from the proposed project. Temporally, the potential on-site and off- site impacts resulting from the proposed project encompass all the activities associated with construction (approximately 5 years).

The analysis area includes areas outside the project area that may be affected by noise or dust. To develop the analysis area, a 350-foot-radius (107-m-radius) buffer was chosen because the project’s exploratory mining noise is likely the most far-reaching impact to biological resources. Although noise has the potential to impact several wildlife species within the analysis area, the noise levels at which different wildlife species are impacted are largely unknown. However, several noise studies have been conducted for one species, Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida), including a study on the impacts of helicopter noise on the species, which is directly relevant because helicopters would be used for this project. Therefore, this research was used as a surrogate for all wildlife species assessed in this document. Delaney et al. (1999) recommended a 344-foot (105-m) radius to avoid flush responses to helicopter overflights and chainsaws. Although chainsaw noise is less than the approximately 95 A-weighted-decibel (dBA) noise levels for the drilling activities, the helicopter noise of approximately 97 dBA is comparable between Delaney et al. (1999) and this proposed project. The extent of dust impacts, however, is likely to be less than the 350-foot-radius (107-m-radius) potential extent of noise impacts due to small project limits of this project. Although the extent of dust impacts to species is unknown, it would likely continue to decrease with increased distance from the project area.

No Action

Under the No Action alternative, mineral exploration activities would not occur. No drilling would occur. Wildlife habitats and current patterns of use in the area would remain intact. Aquatic and terrestrial habitats would remain unfragmented and undisturbed.

Spatial and Temporal Context for Effects Analysis The project area, which totals approximately 1.2 acres (including drill sites, foot trails, and helicopter landing zones), is located on lands administered by the Safford District of the Coronado National Forest (CNF) in Sections 8 and 17–19, Township 8 South, Range 19 East, Gila and Salt River Baseline and Meridian (Figure 2). The proposed exploration project involves 12 proposed drill sites as referenced in Kennecott’s Plan of Operations (Plan), submitted February 26, 2016 (two with 100 × 100–foot dimensions and 10 with 50 × 50–foot dimensions), and 12 helicopter landing zones (all approximately 30 × 30 feet).

Planned reclamation is described in the Galiuro Drilling Project Plan of Operations and includes grading to pre-disturbance topography, topsoil placement, seeding, and placement of slash within

30 days of each drill hole completion. All disturbed areas will be revegetated with preexisting materials and seeded with a CNF-recommended seed mixture (Kennecott 2015).

Additionally, the Plan of Operations mentions that dust will be kept to a minimum and proper housekeeping will be observed at all times. These measures would help reduce impacts to wildlife. See recommended mitigation measures described below. With mitigation, the proposed project is expected to meet all legal requirements for Threatened and endangered species, as well as Forest Service sensitive and Management Indicator species. Since this project is located on CNF-administered lands, a BAE was prepared by SWCA Environmental Consultants to comply with the Coronado National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan), as amended (Forest Service 1986), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), the National Forest Management Act (NFMA), Department of Agriculture 9500-4 Regulations, Forest Service Manual (FSM) guidance, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The project would include 12 drilling sites. Disturbance footprints at each site include a 50 ft. x 50 ft. drill pad, a 30 ft. x 30 ft. helicopter landing zone, and a foot trail (<350 feet long) between the two. A total of 1.2 acres would be disturbed.

Work could take place at any time of year, and will continue until project completion. Based on conservative estimates, it is assumed personnel working on the project would not exceed 20 workers concurrently, with far less actually being present at any given time. Drill site preparation would be completed in advance of any drilling and would only operate during daylight hours. Once exploratory drilling from any respective drill site begins, the drill crews will operate 24 hours per day; 7 days a week. Each contract drill crew will work a 24 days on/12 days off or equivalent schedule with a drill crew rotation.

Flying and supervision activities will be done in daylight hours for safety compliance unless emergency situations require flying at night. Each drill crew will most likely have 3 workers on the drill site at a given time with a variable amount of visitors throughout the day, including logistical and aviation support, to retrieve drill core, for safety supervision, and geological observations.

Each site would contain drill rigs and other facilities (including storage buildings and tanks, trash containers, and port-a-potties) as well as materials and processing areas. Drilling activities at each site would be completed within 2-3 months and reclamation would follow. The entire project may take 5 years to complete. No more than two sites would be drilled at one time. No roads would be constructed.

Wildlife impacts from these activities would occur from clearing vegetation and human occupation and activities in an otherwise undisturbed landscape. Noise, light, increased traffic, helicopter flights, and physical disturbances related to 24/7 activities would result in disturbance to wildlife in the vicinity, disrupting natural wildlife movements and use patterns. Drilling activities would operate 24 hours a day, and the proposed project would include night time lighting at each site, which would disturb foraging and movement patterns of nocturnal species resulting from generator noise and site illumination. There is potential for disturbance to bird nesting, roosting, and foraging activities within the area.

The area is an important habitat linkage for many species moving between Aravaipa and Galiuro ecosystems. The drilling activity and constant human presence at the site could result in a loss of

habitat connectivity, particularly for desert bighorn sheep utilizing this area as a linkage between habitat both north and south.

There is potential for the project to pollute waters that support wildlife, including aquatic species, amphibians, and drinking water for terrestrial and avian species. Hazardous spills, standing water, and pollutants could create a hazard to wildlife, including the potential to impact dispersing amphibians such as leopard frogs. Fugitive dust, especially dust that contains toxins, abrasives, or otherwise ecologically disruptive compounds has the potential to impact wildlife, especially amphibians and mollusks.

Alternative 1 – Proposed Action Species Evaluation

The potential for occurrence of each species was summarized according to the categories listed below. Because not all species are accommodated precisely by a given category (i.e., category definitions may be too restrictive), an expanded rationale for each category assignment is provided. Potential for occurrence categories are as follows:

Known to occur—the species has been documented in the project area by a reliable observer.

May occur—the project area is within the species’ currently known range, and vegetation communities, soils, etc., resemble those known to be used by the species.

Unlikely to occur—the project area is within the species’ currently known range, but vegetation communities, soils, etc., do not resemble those known to be used by the species, or the project area is clearly outside the species’ currently known range.

Following USFWS recommendations, one of three categories of possible effect as a result of a project can be assigned to those species listed (i.e., threatened or endangered) by the USFWS, and their critical habitat (if designated). Because Forest Service sensitive species are not protected under the authority of the ESA, effects determinations for these species do not follow USFWS recommendations. The effects determinations recommended by USFWS are as follows:

May affect, is likely to adversely affect—the proposed project is likely to adversely affect a species if 1) the species occurs or may occur in the project site; and 2) any adverse effect on listed species may occur as a direct or indirect result of the proposed action or its interrelated or interdependent actions, and the effect is not discountable, insignificant, or beneficial. In the event that the overall effect of the proposed action is beneficial to the listed species but also is likely to cause some adverse effects, then the proposed action “is likely to adversely affect” the listed species.

May affect, is not likely to adversely affect—the project is not likely to adversely affect a species if 1) the species may occur but its presence has not been documented and/or surveys following approved protocol have been conducted with negative results; and/or 2) project activity effects on a listed species are expected to be discountable, insignificant, or completely beneficial.

Beneficial effects are contemporaneous positive effects without any adverse effects on the species. Insignificant effects relate to the size of the impact and should never reach the scale where take occurs. Discountable effects are those extremely unlikely to occur. Based on best judgment, a person would not 1) be able to meaningfully measure, detect, or evaluate insignificant effects; or 2) expect discountable effects to occur.

No effect—the project will have no effect on a species if 1) it has no likelihood of effect on a listed species or its designated critical habitat (including effects that may be beneficial, insignificant, or discountable); or 2) the species’ habitat does not occur in the project site.

The impact determinations for any species not protected under the ESA (e.g., Forest Service sensitive species and SGCN) are as follows:

• No impact—the project would have no impact on a species if 1) the species is considered unlikely to occur (range, vegetation, etc., are inappropriate); and 2) the species or its sign was not observed during surveys of the project areas.

• Beneficial impact—the project is likely to benefit the species, whether it is currently present or not, by creating or enhancing habitat elements known to be used by the species.

• May impact individuals, but is not likely to result in a downward trend toward federal listing as threatened or endangered or loss of viability—the project is not likely to adversely impact a species if 1) the species may occur but its presence has not been documented; and 2) project activities would not result in disturbance to areas or habitat elements known to be used by the species.

• May impact individuals and is likely to result in a downward trend toward federal listing as threatened or endangered or loss of viability—the project is likely to adversely impact a species’ population if 1) the species is known or likely to occur in the project area; and 2) project activities would disturb areas or habitat elements known to be used by the species.

Direct and Indirect Effects

Federally Listed Species

One of the 22 species listed for Graham County by USFWS may occur in the project area. The project area is clearly beyond the known geographic or elevational range of the other 21 species or it does not contain vegetation or landscape features known to support these species, or both. Habitat requirements, potential for occurrence, and possible effects on these species are summarized in Table 1, and the lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae) is discussed in further detail after the table. Although the woundfin (Plagopterus argentissimus) and the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse(Zapus hudsonius luteus) were both listed on the Graham County IPaC list, neither of these species nor their critical habitat is known to occur in Graham County. According to AZHGIS, the project area does not occur in or near any federally proposed or designated critical habitat within 3 miles of the project area. Figure 3 provides the locations of the nearest critical habitats: Designated Critical Habitat for the Chiricahua leopard frog (Lithobates chiricahuensis), the Mexican spotted owl, and the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), and Proposed Critical Habitat for the yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus). Information about each of these critical habitats was used to help determine a potential of occurrence for each of the above-mentioned species in the project area.

There is an occurrence record for the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the Santa Catalina/Rincon-Galiuro Linkage design. The Santa Catalina-Galiuro (Linkage 82) Corridor is situated around and follows the San Pedro River. The wildlife corridor is designed mainly for

mammals and native fishes. Threats to this corridor include agriculture, the highway, the railroad, and urbanization. The project area is outside this corridor, and the project actions are not considered a threat to this corridor. Though this corridor was designed through a statewide assessment, no further refinement or modeling for this corridor has occurred.

Figure 1. Nearest critical habitat to project area

Table 1. USFWS Listed Species for Graham County, Arizona Range or habitat information is from HDMS (AGFD 2013a, 2013b), USFWS IPaC website (2015a), Arizona Rare Plant Field Guide (2001), and Corman and Wise-Gervais (2005). Common Name Potential for Occurrence in Determination Status* Range or Habitat Requirements (Species Name) Project Area of Effect Apache trout T Found in small, cold, high-gradient streams Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect. (Oncorhynchus on substrates that consist of boulders, is over 60 miles southwest of the apache) rocks, and gravel with some sand or silt at known range of this species. elevations above 5,000 feet amsl in mixed- Additionally, the project and conifer forests and mountain meadows. action areas do not contain Restricted to streams in the upper Salt, suitable aquatic habitat for the Gila, Blue, and Little Colorado drainages in species. Thus, this species is the White Mountains on the White unlikely to occur in the project and Mountain Apache Indian Reservation and action areas. the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Populations introduced outside the historic range may still exist on the Pinaleño Mountains in the CNF and the northern portion of the Kaibab National Forest. Arizona cliff-rose E Found in rolling limestone hills in the Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect. (Purshia Sonoran desertscrub, usually on white is over 48 miles southwest of the (=Cowania) Tertiary limestone lakebed deposits high in nearest known population. subintegra) lithium, nitrates, and magnesium at Additionally, the project area is elevations between 2,500 and 4,000 feet above the elevational range of amsl. All four localities of this species are this species and does not contain in central Arizona below the Mogollon Rim suitable substrate features. Thus, and include Burro Creek drainage (Mohave this species is unlikely to occur in County); Horseshoe Lake (Maricopa the project and action areas. County); Verde Valley (Yavapai County); and the San Carlos Indian Reservation (Graham County). Chiricahua leopard T Historically occurred in cienegas, pools, Unlikely to occur. The nearest No effect to frog livestock tanks, lakes, reservoirs, streams, known critical habitat areas for species or (Lithobates and rivers at elevations of 3,281 to 8,890 this species, the Oak Spring and designated chiricahuensis) feet amsl. It is now often restricted to Oak Creek Unit and the Deer critical habitat. springs, livestock tanks, and streams in the Creek Unit, are over 8 miles and upper portions of watersheds where non- 10 miles southeast of the project native predators either have yet to invade area, respectively (USFWS or habitats are marginal for them. Nearby 2012a). Additionally, there is no critical habitat information: The Deer Creek suitable dispersal habitat between unit was once considered a the project area and these critical metapopulation. However, frogs died in the habitats, and there is no suitable 1980s, and a severe drought in 2002 dried habitat for this species in the up all but one of the waters in the unit project area. Thus, this species is (USFWS 2012a). Although there are plans unlikely to occur in the project and for a recovery of this site, there are no action areas. funds to implement this plan (USFWS 2012a). The Oak Spring and Oak Creek Unit does not contain a robust population with drought being a threat to the continuation of the species at this site (USFWS 2012a). Desert pupfish E Found in shallow waters of desert springs, Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect. (Cyprinodon small streams, and marshes at elevations is over 35 miles southwest of the macularius) below 5,000 feet amsl. One natural nearest known population. population still occurs in Quitobaquito Additionally, the project and Spring and Quitobaquito Pond in Pima action areas do not contain County, and reintroductions have been suitable aquatic habitat for the made in Pima, Pinal, Maricopa, Graham, species. Thus, this species is Cochise, La Paz, and Yavapai Counties. unlikely to occur in the project and action areas.

Gila chub E Normally found in smaller headwater Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect. (Gila intermedia) streams, cienegas, and springs or marshes is over 20 miles north of the of the Gila River Basin at elevations nearest known population. between 2,720 and 5,420 feet amsl. Additionally, the project and action areas do not contain suitable aquatic habitat for the species. Thus, this species is unlikely to occur in the project and action areas. Gila topminnow E Occurs in small streams, springs, and Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect. (Poeciliopsis cienegas at elevations below 4,500 feet is over 12 miles southeast of the occidentalis amsl, primarily in shallow areas with nearest known population. occidentalis) aquatic vegetation and debris for cover. In Additionally, the project and Arizona, most of the remaining native action areas do not contain populations are in the Santa Cruz River suitable aquatic habitat for the system. species. Thus, this species is unlikely to occur in the project and action areas. Gila trout T Considered extirpated from Arizona, until a Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect. (Oncorhynchus population was introduced into Dude is over 80 miles southwest of the gilae) Creek. nearest known population. Additionally, the project and action areas do not contain suitable aquatic habitat for the species. Thus, this species is unlikely to occur in the project and action areas. Headwater chub PT Found in middle to headwater reaches of Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect. (Gila nigra) medium-sized streams of the Gila River is over 37 miles south of the Basin at elevations between nearest known population. 3,035 and 6,651 feet amsl. The known Additionally, the project and current range includes 13 streams in the action areas do not contain Verde River Basin, Tonto Creek sub-Basin, suitable aquatic habitat for the and San Carlos River Basin in Yavapai, species. Thus, this species is Gila, and Graham Counties. unlikely to occur in the project and action areas. Lesser long-nosed E Found in southern Arizona from the May occur. See Section bat Picacho Mountains southwesterly to the See Section 4.3.1.1. 4.3.1.1. (Leptonycteris Agua Dulce Mountains and southeasterly curasoae to the Galiuro and Chiricahua Mountains at yerbabuenae) elevations between 1,600 and 11,500 feet amsl. Roosts in caves, abandoned mines, and unoccupied buildings at the base of mountains where agave, saguaro, and organ pipe cacti (Stenocereus thurberi) are present. Forages at night on nectar, pollen, and fruit of paniculate agaves and columnar cacti. The foraging radius may be 30 to 60 miles per night or more.

Loach minnow E Found in small to large perennial creeks Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect. (Tiaroga cobitis) and rivers, typically in shallow, turbulent is approximately 8 miles from riffles with cobble substrate, swift currents, Aravaipa Creek. Additionally, the and filamentous algae at elevations below project and action areas do not 8,000 feet amsl. Its range in Arizona is contain suitable aquatic habitat for limited to reaches in the East Fork of the the species. Thus, this species is White River (Navajo County); Aravaipa, unlikely to occur in the project and Deer, and Turkey Creeks (Graham and action areas. Pinal Counties); San Francisco and Blue Rivers; and Eagle, Campbell Blue, and Little Blue Creeks (Greenlee County). A population was discovered in the Black River in 1996. Mexican spotted T Found in mature montane forests and Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect to owl woodlands and steep, shady, wooded contains conditions that are warm, species or (Strix occidentalis canyons. Can also be found in mixed- dry, with relatively open canopies; designated lucida) conifer and pine-oak vegetation types. thus, suitable habitat for this critical habitat. Generally nests in older forests of mixed species does not occur in the conifers or ponderosa pine (Pinus project area. Further, the nearest ponderosa)–Gambel oak (Quercus known designated critical habitat gambelii). Nests in live trees on natural for this species is BR-W-9, platforms (e.g., dwarf mistletoe Galiuro Mountains Area, which is [Arceuthobium spp.] brooms), snags, and approximately 5 miles southeast canyon walls at elevations between 4,100 of the project area (USFWS and 9,000 feet amsl. Forest Service 2004). This is also the area where information regarding Protected Activity the Forest Service–identified Centers (PACs) in the Galiuro Mountains: PACs are located. Additionally, There are five PACs, which are located in there are no occurrence records the higher elevations of the mountain from AZHGIS (2015) within 3 range, associated with heavily forested miles of the project area. The areas, and four of the five PACs are within nearest sightings are over 27 the wilderness area (Forest Service miles southwest of the project 2011a). area (eBird 2015).

Mexican wolf E/NEP Found in oak and pine-juniper savannahs Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect. (Canis lupus baileyi) in the foothills and in mixed-conifer is far from the current release woodlands at elevations above 4,000 feet locations but is located within amsl. The last known naturally occurring recovery Zone 2 of the U.S. specimen was found dead in New experimentation population area, Mexico in 1970. In 1998, the first 11 which is designated for wolves to Mexican wolves from captive stock were be allowed to naturally disperse reintroduced into the wild as an within and occupy, and also experimental, nonessential population on where wolves may be the Apache National Forest in translocated. However, to date, southeastern Arizona. no translocations are planned for the next 5 years and it is unlikely that a wolf would disperse from the distant current reintroduction areas (USFWS 2015b).

Mount Graham red E Found in montane spruce-fir and old- Unlikely to occur. This species is No effect. squirrel growth Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga only known to occur in the (Tamiasciurus menziesii) conifer forests at elevations Pinaleño Mountains, which are hudsonicus above 8,000 feet amsl. Its range is over 15 miles east of the project grahamensis) restricted to the Pinaleño Mountains. area. Additionally, suitable conifer forests are not present in the project or action areas.

Northern Mexican T This species is most abundant at Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect. gartersnake elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 feet does not contain suitable habitat (Thamnophis eques amsl in densely vegetated habitat for this species. Additionally, the megalops) surrounding cienegas, streams, and stock project area is on the very upper tanks, in or near water along streams in end of this species’ elevational valley floors and generally open areas but range. There are no occurrence not in steep mountain canyon stream records for this species within 3 habitat (Rosen and Schwalbe 1988). miles of the project area (AZHGIS Considered extant in fragmented 2015). populations within the middle to upper Verde River drainage, middle to lower Tonto Creek, Cienega Creek, and a small number of isolated wetland habitats elsewhere in southeastern Arizona.

Ocelot E In Arizona, this species has typically been Unlikely to occur. The species is No effect. (Leopardus observed in subtropical thorn forest, very rare, and there are no dense, pardalis) thornscrub, and dense, brushy thickets at brushy thickets or riparian elevations below 8,000 feet amsl and is bottomlands in the project area. often found in riparian bottomlands. The Additionally, there are no critical habitat component is probably occurrence records for this dense cover near the ground and complete species within 3 miles of the avoidance of open country. In Arizona, project area (AZHGIS 2015). there are two recent confirmed sightings of ocelot in the Huachuca Mountains (2011), one near Globe (2010), and unconfirmed sightings in the Chiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains.

Razorback sucker E Found in backwaters, flooded bottomlands, Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect. (Xyrauchen pools, side channels, and other slower- is over 32 miles south of the texanus) moving habitats at elevations below 6,000 nearest known population. feet amsl. In Arizona, populations are Additionally, the project and restricted to Lakes Mohave and Mead and action areas do not contain the lower Colorado River below Havasu in suitable aquatic habitat for the the Lower Basin. In the Upper Basin, small species. Thus, this species is remnant populations are found in the unlikely to occur in the project and Green, Yampa, and main stem Colorado action areas. Rivers. Roundtail chub PT Found in cool to warm water, mid-elevation Unlikely to occur. This species No effect. (Gila robusta) streams and rivers with pools adjacent to occurs approximately 8 miles swifter riffles and runs. In Arizona, this fish north of the project area in occurs at elevations between 1,210 and Aravaipa Creek. Additionally, the 7,220 feet amsl in two tributaries of the project and action areas do not Little Colorado River, several tributaries of contain suitable aquatic habitat for the Bill Williams River basin, the Salt River the species. Thus, this species is and four of its tributaries, the Verde River unlikely to occur in the project and and five of its tributaries, Aravaipa Creek, action areas. and Eagle Creek. Southwestern E Found in dense riparian habitats along Unlikely to occur. There is no No effect to willow flycatcher streams, rivers, and other wetlands where dense riparian corridors in the species or (Empidonax traillii cottonwood, willow, boxelder (Acer project area. However, there are designated extimus) negundo), saltcedar (Tamarix spp.), dense riparian corridors (i.e., San critical habitat. Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), Pedro River and Aravaipa Creek) buttonbush (Cephalanthus spp.), and that converge in the region, arrowweed (Pluchea sericea) are present. surrounding the project area, Nests are found in thickets of trees and making it unlikely this species shrubs, primarily those that are 13 to 23 would use the project area for feet tall, among dense, homogeneous migration since this species is foliage. Habitat occurs at elevations below more likely to move within a 8,500 feet amsl. drainage than between drainages (USFWS 2014a).

Spikedace E Found in medium-sized to large perennial Unlikely to occur. This species No effect. (Meda fulgida) streams, where it inhabits moderate- occurs in Aravaipa Creek, 8 miles velocity to fast waters over gravel and north of the project area. rubble substrates, typically at elevations Additionally, the project and below 6,000 feet amsl. In Arizona, action areas do not contain populations are found in the middle Gila, suitable aquatic habitat for the lower San Pedro, and Verde Rivers, and species. Thus, this species is Aravaipa and Eagle Creeks. unlikely to occur in the project and action areas. Yellow-billed T Typically found in riparian woodland Unlikely to occur. The project area No effect to cuckoo vegetation (cottonwood, willow, or does not contain typical habitat for species or (Coccyzus saltcedar) at elevations below 6,600 feet this species. While this species proposed critical americanus) amsl. Dense understory foliage appears to has been known to breed in habitat. be an important factor in nest site atypical habitat in southern selection. The highest concentrations in Arizona (e.g., higher elevation Arizona are along the Agua Fria, San drainages without typical riparian Pedro, upper Santa Cruz, and Verde River gallery forest) (MacFarland and drainages and Cienega and Sonoita Horst 2015), the drainages in the Creeks. project area were generally dry with relatively open canopies, making it unlikely that this species would occur; no western yellow- billed cuckoos were observed during species-specific surveys conducted in 2016, and no further surveys were recommended (see Appendix A for details). The nearest known critical habitat for this species is 6 miles north of the project area, Unit 41: AZ-33 Aravaipa Creek, and 10 miles west, Unit 28: AZ-20 Lower San Pedro, Gila Rivers (USFWS 2014b). *USFWS Status Definitions E = Endangered. Endangered species are those in imminent jeopardy of extinction. The ESA specifically prohibits the take of a species listed as endangered. Take is defined by the ESA as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to engage in any such conduct. NEP = Non-Essential Experimental Population. Experimental populations of a species designated under Section 10(j) of the ESA for which the USFWS, through the best available information, believes is not essential for the continued existence of the species. Regulatory restrictions are considerably reduced under an NEP designation. PT = Proposed threatened. Proposed threatened species are proposed to be listed as threatened species. T = Threatened. Threatened species are those in imminent jeopardy of becoming endangered. The ESA prohibits the take of a species listed as threatened under Section 4d of the ESA. Take is defined by the ESA as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to engage in any such conduct.

LESSER LONG-NOSED BAT (LEPTONYCTERIS CURASOAE YERBABUENAE)

Baseline Conditions

Listing Status: The lesser long-nosed bat was listed as endangered in 1988 without critical habitat (USFWS 1988). A recovery plan was completed in 1997 (USFWS 1997). No recovery units or management areas were developed as part of the 1997 recovery plan; however, the plan states that the lesser long-nosed bat will be considered for downlisting to threatened once three major maternity roosts and two postmaternity roosts in the United States and three maternity roosts in Mexico have remained stable or increased in size for at least 5 years, following the approval of the recovery team. Following a 5-year review of the status of lesser long-nosed bat, the USFWS determined that while lesser long-nosed bat populations do not currently meet the definition of “endangered,” the protection afforded by the ESA is warranted because of the continued vulnerabilities of key roost sites (USFWS 2007).

Taxonomy: Leptonycteris is one of 10 genera in the Subfamily Glossophagineae; some sources put this subspecies into its own species L. yerbabuenae (AGFD 2013b).

Threats and Limiting Factors: The primary threats to the lesser long-nosed bat are roost site loss or disturbance and impacts to forage availability. Other threats that have contributed to the current endangered status of the species include roost disturbance and deterioration, cross-border activities, recreation, vandalism, fire, vampire bat (Desmodontinae) control, mine closures, and forage availability. The impacts of climate change (i.e., decreased precipitation and water resources) are a threat to many species (Lenart 2007), including the lesser long-nosed bat.

Habitat: In the United States, lesser long-nosed bat habitat includes semidesert grasslands and shrublands up to the oak transition zone (USFWS 1997). Lesser long-nosed bats roost in caves and abandoned mines and tunnels (USFWS 1988). Lesser long-nosed bats are known to “roost- switch,” possibly in response to forage availability, which makes the small number of known roosts potentially significant to the population (USFWS 2007). A colony of bats may move among several roost sites, and they may require multiple roost sites to meet their foraging and reproductive needs (AGFD 2013b; USFWS 2001). The lack of, or presence of few, lesser long-nosed bats at a roost at one time does not indicate that bat numbers have declined or mean that the roost site is insignificant, or vice versa (USFWS 2007). A suitable day roost, typically a cave or mine, is probably the most important habitat requirement; however, potentially suitable roosts must be within reasonable foraging distances of sufficient amounts of required foods (the nectar and pollen of paniculate agave flowers and the nectar, pollen, and fruit produced by columnar cacti). In Arizona, four species of paniculate agaves— Palmer’s agave, Parry’s agave (Agave parryi), desert agave (A. deserti), and Schott’s century plant/shindagger agave (A. schotti)—and two columnar cacti, saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) and organpipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi)—provide the main food sources for this nectivorous bat. Cactus flowers and fruits are available during the spring and early summer, whereas blooming agaves are primarily available during mid- to late summer (typically from July through early October).

Reproductive Biology: Females arrive in Arizona already pregnant in mid-April, where they then join other females in maternity colonies numbering in the hundreds to tens of thousands in a few locations, but males form separate colonies that are generally smaller. One young per year is born (AGFD 2013b).

Rangewide Distribution and Abundance: The lesser long-nosed bat is found from southern Arizona and extreme southwestern New Mexico, through western Mexico, and south to El Salvador (USFWS 1997).

Arizona Distribution and Abundance: There were 17 known major lesser long-nosed bat roost sites in Arizona and Mexico in the early 1990s, and 12 major maternity roost sites. Based on surveys conducted in 1992 and 1993, it was estimated that more than 200,000 bats occupied 16 of the 17 sites and that the maternity roosts are occupied by more than 150,000 bats. In southern Arizona, lesser long-nosed bat roosts have been found from the Picacho Mountains (Pinal County) southwest to the Agua Dulce Mountains (Pima County), southeast to the Chiricahua Mountains (Cochise County), and south to the international boundary (USFWS 2015c). Individuals have also been observed near the Pinaleño Mountains (Graham County) and as far

north as Phoenix and Glendale (Maricopa County) and from far southwestern New Mexico in the Animas and Peloncillo Mountains (Hidalgo County) (USFWS 1997).

Status and Distribution in the Action Area: Although there are no occurrence records for this species within 3 miles of the proposed project (AZHGIS 2015), they may be present in the project area. Lesser long-nosed bats are seasonal residents of the project vicinity (April–September) (USFWS 2001), although they usually use agaves at higher elevations in late July, post-breeding (AGFD 2013b). There are no known maternity roosts in the project vicinity; the nearest occurs in Box Canyon Crevice in northeastern Pima County (USFWS 1997). However, lesser long-nosed bats are known to occur in the Galiuro Mountains and there may be suitable roost sites within the known 30- to 60-mile forage radius of this species (AGFD 2013b). Thus, lesser long-nosed bats may use this area for forage when they are present. However, given that the area is on the northern end of their range, no major roosts are known to be nearby, and forage plants (agaves) only occur at low density, the project area is unlikely to be heavily used by this species.

POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Direct and Indirect Effects: Construction activities for the proposed project will not result in the loss of roosting habitat in the action area. No direct effects to the lesser long-nosed bat in the form of mortality, noise, or dust are expected as a result of drill site construction for this project because all clearing and construction activities would happen during the daytime, when this nocturnal species is not active. No effects from mortality or from dust are anticipated on this species as a result of drilling. Minor effects may occur on this species from drilling noise and light, as drilling would occur through day and night. However, these effects are anticipated to be insignificant and discountable because 1) lesser long-nosed bats only occur in the project area for a portion of the year (April– September); 2) this area contains very low densities of forage plants; 3) the severity of noise impact is expected to decrease with increasing distance from the drill; and 4) only up to two drill sites would be active at any one time. The proposed project would impact lesser long-nosed bats through the removal of forage plants (i.e., paniculate agaves) in the project area at sites Landing Zone 80 and Drill Site 03P, Landing Zone 84 and Drill Site 04P, Landing Zone 81 (Alternative) and Drill Site 06P, Landing Zone 86 (Alternative) and Drill Site 07P, Landing Zone 87 and Drill Site 09P, Landing Zone 101 (Alternative) and Drill Site 010P, Landing Zone 70 Alternative 1 and Drill Site 012P, and Landing Zone 64 and Drill Site 014P. The exact number to be removed is unknown. However, agaves occur at low densities throughout the project vicinity, and only those within the project footprint would be removed during the drill site clearing.

Cumulative Effects: Cumulative effects include the effects of future state, tribal, local, or private actions that are reasonably certain to occur in the action area considered in this BAE. Future federal actions that are unrelated to the proposed action are not considered in this section because they require separate consultation pursuant to Section 7 of the ESA. The majority of the lands within the action area are federal lands within the project area; therefore, most of the activities that could potentially affect lesser long-nosed bats within the action area are likely federal activities subject to additional Section 7 consultation under the ESA. Exceptions could include recreation without a federal nexus and cross-border activities such as the following: human traffic, deposition of trash, new trails from human traffic, increased fire risk from human traffic, and water depletion and contamination. Because the proposed project is considered to be a low risk to the lesser long-nosed bat and its habitat, this project is not expected to add to the reasonably foreseeable impacts to this species on the CNF.

Effects Determination: The proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, the lesser long-nosed bat.

Coronado National Forest Sensitive Species

Of the 71 Region 3 CNF sensitive plant species listed by the Forest Service, two have the potential to occur in the analysis area: the Catalina beardtongue (Penstemon discolor) and Arizona alumroot (Heuchera glomerulata). The analysis area is clearly beyond the known geographic or elevational range of the 69 other species or it does not contain vegetation or landscape features known to support these species, or both. Habitat requirements, potential for occurrence, and possible effects on these 71 species are summarized in Table 2. According to AZHGIS (2015), there are no occurrence records for any Forest Service sensitive plant species within 3 miles of the project area; however that is likely due to the remoteness of the project area and lack of data.

Table 2. Coronado National Forest Sensitive Plant Species

Range or habitat information is from AGFD (2013a, 2013b), Arizona Rare Plant Field Guide (2001), Forest Service (2013a).

Species Common Name Known County Habitat Description Potential for Occurrence Determination of (Scientific Name) Occurrences in in Analysis Area Impact Arizona Alamos deer vetch Santa Cruz Typically occurs in moist Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Lotus alamosanus) soil in streams within pine- analysis area is outside the oak woodlands. Only known geographic range of known population is in this species. Additionally, Sycamore Canyon this species was not (Arizona-Sonora Desert observed during a floral Museum 2015). survey of the project area. Aravaipa woodfern Coconino, Maricopa, This fern always occurs in Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Thelypteris puberula var. Pima, Pinal, Yavapai the shade of boulders in analysis area is outside the sonorensis) moist soil on riverbanks, known elevational range of seepage areas, and this species. Additionally, meadows at elevations there are no habitat ranging from 2,200 to parameters for this species 4,500 feet amsl. In in the analysis area, and it Arizona, it is found in was not observed during a several scattered localities floral survey of the project across central Arizona, area. including the Aravaipa Canyon in the Galiuro Mountains. Arid thorn fleabane Cochise, Pima, Santa An annual or short-lived Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Erigeron arisolius) Cruz perennial herbaceous forb analysis area is outside the that typically occurs on known geographic range of moist, rocky soils in grassy this species. Additionally, openings or roadsides there are no habitat within semidesert parameters for this species grasslands and Madrean in the analysis area. oak woodlands at elevations ranging from 4,265 to 5,650 feet amsl, though it has been collected at as low as 2,600 amsl. Collected in Sycamore Canyon (Southwest Environmental Information Network [SEINet] 2015).

Arizona alumroot Apache, Cochise, Gila, This herbaceous May occur. This species May impact (Heuchera glomerulata) Graham, Greenlee, perennial typically occurs was observed in Pipeline individuals, but is Navajo on north-facing, shaded, Canyon, the ephemeral not likely to result rocky slopes near riparian drainage that is immediately in a downward areas, streams, or seeps north and east of Drill Sites trend toward at elevations of 4,000 to 09P and 014P. However, no federal listing as 9,000 feet amsl and is mining activity would occur threatened or typically associated with in the drainage and this endangered, or oak, pine-oak, pinyon- species typically occurs in loss of viability. juniper, ponderosa pine, riparian areas; thus, no and mixed-conifer forests. direct impacts to this species are expected. These individuals may be indirectly impacted due to minor dust. Arizona coralroot Cochise, Pima, Santa In Arizona, this orchid is Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Hexalectris spicata var. Cruz typically found in heavy analysis area is outside the arizonica) leaf litter on limestone known geographic range of substrates in oak, pine, this species. Additionally, and juniper woodlands this species was not (growing mostly under observed during a floral oaks) at elevations survey of the project area. between 5,400 and 6,500 feet in Pima, Cochise, and Santa Cruz Counties (New Mexico Rare Plants 2005). Arizona manihot Pima, Santa Cruz This rare perennial herb Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Manihot davisiae) typically occurs on analysis area is outside the limestone slopes at known geographic and elevations ranging from elevational range of this 3,500 to 4,000 feet amsl species. in the Baboquivari, Santa Catalina, and Santa Rita Mountains. Arizona passionflower Pima, Santa Cruz This herbaceous Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Passiflora arizonica) perennial vine inhabits analysis area is outside the rocky desert hillsides, known geographic range of limestone outcrops, this species. canyon cliffs, and arroyos in grasslands just beyond the typically defined boundaries of the Sonoran Desert between 3,281 and 5,906 feet amsl. Occurs in California Gulch, which is a canyon west of Sycamore Canyon. Ayenia Santa Cruz This perennial woody Unlikely to occur. No impact. (Ayenia jaliscana [= A. shrub occurs on grassy The analysis area is truncate]) plains, rocky slopes, outside the known hillsides, and canyon geographic and elevational bottoms at elevations range of this species. around 4,000 feet amsl. Additionally, there are no habitat parameters for this species in the analysis area.

Bartram stonecrop Pima, Santa Cruz Occurs in cracks in rocky Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Graptopetalum bartramii) outcrops in shrub live- analysis area is outside the oak-grassland known geographic range of communities along this species. Additionally, meandering arroyos on this species was not sides of rugged canyons, observed during a floral at elevations of 3,650 to survey of the project area. 6,700 feet amsl. Usually occurs with heavy leaf litter cover and shade where moisture drips from rocks, often with Madrean evergreen woodland.

Beardless chinchweed Cochise, Pima, Santa A slender perennial herb that Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Pectis imberbis) Cruz occurs in open grassland and analysis area is outside oak-grassland habitat or on the known geographic south-facing slopes of eroded range of this species, as granite along road cuts this species is not known (slopes may be 95 to 100 to occur in the Galiuro percent) in southern Arizona Mountains (AGFD at elevations ranging from 2013b; Center for 4,000 to 5,500 feet amsl. In Biological Diversity Arizona, occurs within 2010; USFWS 2012b). Cochise, Pima, and Santa Additionally, this species Cruz Counties, including the was not observed during Atascosa (along Ruby Road), a floral survey of the Huachuca, Santa Rita, and project area. Patagonia Mountains, and the Canelo Hills. Blumer’s dock Apache, Cochise, This robust, herbaceous Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Rumex orthoneurus) Coconino, Gila perennial is found in high- analysis area is outside elevation riparian and the known geographic cienega habitats in moist soils and elevational range of or shallow inundated areas this species. between 6,500 to 9,200 feet Additionally, there are no amsl. Found in the habitat parameters for Chiricahua, Sierra Ancha, this species in the Pinaleño, Huachuca, San analysis area. Francisco, and White Mountains. Broadleaf ground cherry Cochise, Graham, This plant can be found in Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Physalis latiphysa) Pima, Santa Cruz washes in desertscrub or analysis area is outside desert grassland mostly the known geographic below the elevation of range of this species, national forests. This plant with the nearest occurs in scattered localities occurrence being within in southeast Arizona, but it is the Pinaleño Mountains. extremely rare, with only four known occurrences. Bush-violet Santa Cruz This erect annual grows Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Browallia eludens) primarily along temporary analysis area is outside streams in Madrean the known geographic woodland at around 5,200 range of this species. feet amsl. It is found only in Additionally, this species the Canelo Hills in Arizona. was not observed during a floral survey of the project area.

Catalina beardtongue Graham, Pima, Pinal, Occurs in bedrock openings, May occur. Although no May impact (Penstemon discolor) Santa Cruz with plants rooted in soil individuals were individuals, but is pockets or rock cracks on observed during a floral not likely to result granite bedrock or survey of the project in a downward outcroppings of whitish area, there is suitable trend toward volcanic tuff in the Dragoon, substrate and habitat for federal listing as Santa Catalina, Atascosa, this species in the threatened or Tumacacori, Santa Teresa, analysis area. Because endangered, or Winchester, and Galiuro the proposed project loss of viability. Mountains at 4,400 to 7,200 would not involve drilling feet elevation amsl. or landing helicopters on bedrock, any individuals in the vicinity would not receive direct impacts, but may be indirectly impacted due to minor dust.

Chihuahua scurf-pea Cochise This plant grows in desert Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Pediomelum grassland or among creosote analysis area is outside pentaphyllum) bush (Larrea tridentata var. the known geographic tridentata) in sandy or range of this species. gravelly loam soils. Additionally, there are no habitat parameters for this species in the analysis area. Chihuahuan sedge Cochise, Graham, Gila, This herbaceous perennial is Unlikely to occur. This No impact. (Carex chihuahuensis) Pima, Santa Cruz typically found on wet soils in species was not meadows, cienegas, marshy observed during a floral areas, canyon bottoms, survey of the project streambeds, and shallow area. Additionally, draws in pine-oak forest and suitable habitat riparian woodland, occurring parameters for this at elevations ranging from species are not present 3,600 to 7,200 feet amsl. in the analysis area. Chiltepin Pima, Santa Cruz This shrubby plant typically Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Capsicum annuum var. grows in canyons and slopes analysis area is outside glabriusculum) of desert riparian habitats in the known geographic mesquite (Prosopis spp.) and and elevational range of oak between 3,600 and 4,400 this species. feet amsl. Within Arizona, a Additionally, this species few populations occur in was not observed during Chiricahua, Tumacacori, a floral survey of the Baboquivari, and Ajo project area. Mountains. Chiricahua cinquefoil Cochise Endemic in upper elevations Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Potentilla rhyolitica var. of Chiricahua Mountains, analysis area is outside chiricahuensis) along trails and in open the known geographic forest, associated with limber and elevational range of pine (Pinus flexilis), Douglas this species. fir, ponderosa pine, and Additionally, there are no aspen (Populus tremuloides) habitat parameters for at elevations from 8,850 to this species in the 9,500 feet amsl (Ertter 2007). analysis area. Chiricahua fleabane Cochise This small perennial is found Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Erigeron kuschei) in shaded, north-facing analysis area is outside granitic cliffs and rock ledges the known geographic with almost total moss cover and elevational range of at elevations from 7,000 to this species. 9,500 feet amsl. It only occurs Additionally, there are no in the Chiricahua Mountains habitat parameters for in Arizona. this species in the analysis area.

Chiricahua mountain Cochise, Pima, Santa Although this plant is most Unlikely to occur. The No impact. brookweed Cruz abundant in the Huachuca analysis area is outside (Samolus vagans) Mountains, it occurs in other the known geographic mountain ranges in Cochise, range of this species. Pima, and Santa Cruz Additionally, there are no Counties. It is found in moist, habitat parameters for sandy soil around springs, this species in the seeps, moist-wet meadows, analysis area. and in and along streams at elevations ranging between 4,000 and 7,200 feet amsl. Has been observed in Sycamore Canyon (SEINet 2015).

Chiricahua mudwort Cochise This annual is found in the Unlikely to occur. No impact. (Limosella pubiflora) muddy edges of ponds, cattle The analysis area is tanks, or streams at outside the known approximately 5,000–6,500 geographic range of this feet amsl (New Mexico Rare species. Additionally, Plants 2005). This plant is there are no habitat presumed extirpated from parameters for this Arizona. species in the analysis area. Chiricahua rock cress Cochise, Pima This single-stemmed Unlikely to occur. No impact. (Arabis tricornuta) perennial is found on steep, The analysis area is rocky slopes in the understory outside the known with pine trees at elevations geographic and from 7,000 to 9,000 feet amsl. elevational range of this It is known to occur in the species. Additionally, Rincon, Huachuca, there are no habitat Chiricahua, and Santa Rita parameters for this Mountains. species in the analysis area. Chiricahua rockdaisy Cochise This herbaceous perennial is Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Perityle cochisensis) found at elevations of 5,500 analysis area is outside to 7,000 feet amsl on north- the known geographic facing, moist cliff faces in the range of this species. Chiricahua and Dos Cabeza Additionally, there are no Mountains. habitat parameters for this species in the analysis area. Cochise sedge Cochise, Coconino, This plant is found in Unlikely to occur. Habitat No impact. (Carex ultra [=C. spissa Graham, Pima, Santa saturated soil near or in for this species does not var. ultra]) Cruz, Yavapai perennial seeps, streams, occur in the analysis area. springs between 2,500 and Further, this species was 6,000 feet amsl. not observed during a floral survey of the project area. Coleman’s crested Cochise, Pima, Santa This orchid can be found in Unlikely to occur. The No impact. coralroot Cruz mixed oak woodlands in analysis area is outside (Hexalectris colemanii) southeastern Arizona the known geographic (WestLand Resources, Inc. range of this species. 2012). In Arizona, this Additionally, this species species has only been is extremely rare, making identified in four locations in it unlikely to occur in the the Santa Rita, Big Dragoon, analysis area. and Baboquivari Mountains (WestLand Resources, Inc. 2012).

Galiuro sage Gila, Graham, This sage grows in upper Unlikely to occur. This No impact. (Salvia amissa) Maricopa, Pima floodplain terraces in canyon species was not observed bottoms with mature during a floral survey of sycamore, ash, walnut the project area. (Juglans major), and Additionally, the analysis mesquite plant communities area is on the upper end between 1,500 to 5,000 feet of this plant’s elevational amsl. This plant is endemic range. SEINet (2015) and found abundantly only in shows this plant occurring the Galiuro Mountains of in the Galiuro Mountains southeastern Arizona. It is about 18 miles southeast believed extirpated from the or 8 miles north in and Santa Catalina and around Aravaipa Canyon. Superstition Mountains.

Gentry indigo bush Pima, Santa Cruz Located along canyon Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Dalea tentaculoides) bottoms on primary terraces analysis area is outside the subject to flooding at known geographic and elevations ranging between elevational range of this 3,600 and 4,000 feet amsl. species. The Center for Biological Diversity (2010) says only three populations of gentry indigo bush are known to exist: one in Mexico, another on the west slope of the Baboquivari Mountains on the Tohono O’odham Nation, and in a protected area of Sycamore Canyon. Goodding’s onion Apache, Greenlee, Found in spruce-fir and Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Allium gooddingii) Pima mixed-conifer forests in analysis area is outside the moist, shady canyon known geographic and bottoms and north-facing elevational range of this slopes at elevations species. Additionally, this between 7,500 and 11,250 species was not observed feet amsl. In Arizona, known during a floral survey of the from the White, Santa project area. Catalina, and Chuska Mountains. Greene milkweed Apache, Santa Cruz, This species has a broad Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Asclepias uncialis ssp. Yavapai range, but occurrences are analysis area is outside the uncialis) small populations, and this is known geographic range of a rare species. This species this species. Additionally, is thought to prefer stable this species was not grassland communities. observed during a floral survey of the project area. Heliograph peak fleabane Graham This low-growing, perennial Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Erigeron heliographis) herb can be found in granite analysis area is outside the outcrops and cliffs in mixed- known geographic and conifer forests from 8,500 to elevational range of this 10,000 feet amsl. species. Hinckley’s polemonium Cochise This species can be found in Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Polemonium pauciflorum ponderosa pine and oak analysis area is outside the ssp. hinckleyi) forests and up to Douglas fir known geographic range of and white fir (Abies this species. Additionally, concolor) forests in various there are no habitat habitats. In Arizona, this parameters for this species species is only found in the in the analysis area. Chiricahua Mountains. Huachuca cinquefoil Cochise, Santa Cruz This species is found in Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Potentilla rhyolitica var. crevices of rhyolitic and analysis area is outside the rhyolitica) quartzitic outcrops at the known geographic range of summit areas of the this species. Additionally, there are no habitat

Huachuca and Santa Rita parameters for this species Mountains. in the analysis area.

Huachuca groundsel Cochise, Santa Cruz This herbaceous perennial is Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Senecio multidentatus found in moist loam soils analysis area is outside the var. huachucanus [=s. associated with granite rock known geographic and huachucanus]) outcroppings, usually on elevational range of this north-facing shaded slopes species. Additionally, there from 7,000 to 9,500 feet are no habitat parameters amsl. Known to occur in the for this species in the Huachuca, Chiricahua, and analysis area. Santa Rita Mountains. Huachuca milkvetch Cochise, Santa Cruz Occurs in open, rocky Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Astragalus hypoxylus) clearing in oak-juniper- analysis area is outside the pinyon woodland association known geographic range of at 5,300–6,200 feet amsl. this species. Additionally, this species was not observed during a floral survey of the project area. Huachuca mountains Cochise, Pima, Santa This perennial occurs at Unlikely to occur. The No impact. lupine Cruz 5,000 to 6,000 feet amsl on analysis area is outside the (Lupinus huachucanus) moderate to steep slopes in known geographic range of pine forest. this species. Additionally, there are no habitat parameters for this species in the analysis area. Large-flowered blue star Pima, Santa Cruz This plant occurs within the Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Amsonia grandiflora) Atascosa and Pajarito analysis area is outside the Mountains. Occurs in known geographic and canyon bottoms and sides in elevational range of this oak woodlands, typically species. dominated by Emory oak and Mexican blue oak, between 3,685 and 4,500 feet amsl. Lemmon milkweed Cochise, Pima This species is found only in Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Asclepias lemmonii) the Chiricahua, Huachuca, analysis area is outside the and Santa Rita Mountains in known geographic range of Arizona. this species. Additionally, this species was not observed during a floral survey of the project area. Lemmon’s lupine Cochise, Pima This plant occurs between Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Lupinus lemmonii) 4,000 and 7,300 feet amsl, analysis area is outside the mostly within the Chiricahua known geographic range of and Dragoon Mountains, in this species. Additionally, open grassland, juniper, and this species was not oak communities. observed during a floral survey of the project area. Lemmon’s stevia Pima, Santa Cruz This perennial shrub Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Stevia lemmonii) typically grows on rocky analysis area is outside the canyon slopes, ravines, and known geographic and streambeds in oak and pine- elevational range of this oak woodlands at elevations species. between 3,000 and 4,580 feet amsl. Was observed in Sycamore Canyon (SEINet 2015). Lemon lily Cochise, Pima, Santa This lily is found in mesic, Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Lilium parryi) Cruz shady canyon bottoms analysis area is outside along perennial streams the known geographic or adjacent hillside range of this species. springs from 5,500 to Additionally, there are no 7,800 feet amsl. habitat parameters for

this species in the analysis area. Maguire’s (Coppermine) Cochise These plants are often Unlikely to occur. The No impact. milkvetch found on rocky soil in analysis area is outside (Astragalus cobrensis var. canyon bottoms in full sun the known geographic maguirei) or partial shade, growing range of this species. among leaf litter at Additionally, this species elevations of 5,500 to was not observed during 7,000 feel amsl and areas a floral survey of the commonly associated project area. with pinyon/juniper, juniper/oak, and pine/oak woodlands in the Chiricahua and Peloncillo Mountains. Metcalfe’s tick-trefoil Cochise, Coconino This perennial forb Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Desmodium metcalfei) typically grows on rocky analysis area is outside slopes and canyons in the known geographic grasslands, oak-pinyon- range of this species. juniper woodlands, and Additionally, this species riparian forests at was not observed during elevations between 4,000 a floral survey of the and 6,500 feet amsl (New project area. Mexico Rare Plants 2005). Mexican hemlock parsley Santa Cruz In southern Arizona, only Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Conioselinum two very old specimens analysis area is outside mexicanum) have been observed, both the known geographic in Santa Cruz County. range of this species. Additionally, this species is extremely rare, making it unlikely to occur in the analysis area. Mexican tansy aster Cochise This aster grows in moist Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Psilactis gentryi habitats such as fields, analysis area is outside [=machaeranthera roadsides, and stream the known geographic mexicana]) margins. In Arizona, it has range of this species. only been found in the Additionally, this species Huachuca Mountains. is extremely rare, making it unlikely to occur in the analysis area. New Mexico bitterweed None This endemic species is Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Hymenoxys ambigens known to occur in only analysis area is outside var. neomexicana) three localities in New the known geographic Mexico, all within close range of this species. proximity to one another. Additionally, this species is extremely rare, making it unlikely to occur in the analysis area.

Nodding blue-eyed grass Cochise, Pima, Santa In Arizona, it grows in Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Sisyrinchium cernuum) Cruz riparian habitats near analysis area is outside ephemeral pools, wet or the known geographic moist meadows, or seeps range of this species. and streamsides in oak Additionally, this species and pine woodlands at was not observed during elevations ranging a floral survey of the between 3,300 and 8,000 project area. feet amsl.

Pima Indian mallow Gila, Graham, Maricopa, Located on steep rocky Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Abutilon parishii) Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, slopes and canyon analysis area is outside Yavapai bottoms in desertscrub the known geographic and semidesert grassland range of this species. at elevations ranging Additionally, this species between 2,477and 4,856 was not observed during feet amsl. a floral survey of the project area. Porsild’s starwort Cochise This herbaceous Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Stellaria porsildii) perennial is found partially analysis area is outside shaded understory of the known geographic pine, Douglas fir, or oak and elevational range of from 7,000 to 8,000 feet this species. amsl. Known only to Additionally, this species occur in Rustler Park in was not observed during the Chiricahua Mountains a floral survey of the in Arizona. project area. Rusby hawkweed Cochise, Graham, Pima This plant is found in Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Hieracium abscissum mixed-conifer forests analysis area is outside (= H. rusbyi)) above 8,000 feet amsl. Of the known geographic the four sites in Arizona, and elevational range of only one has been this species. confirmed since 1990. In Additionally, this species Arizona, it is known to is extremely rare, occur in the Catalina, making it unlikely to Chiricahua, Huachuca, occur in the analysis and Pinaleño Mountain area. ranges. Rutter’s false goldenaster Cochise, Pima, Santa This perennial occurs on Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Heterotheca rutteri) Cruz level, open grassland; it analysis area is outside also grows on road cuts the known geographic and disturbed sites at range of this species. 4,500 to 6,500 feet amsl. Additionally, this species It is typically found within was not observed during grassland and oak a floral survey of the savanna. In Arizona, it is analysis area. found in the San Rafael, Empire, San Pedro, and Altar Valleys. Saiya Pima, Santa Cruz This herbaceous Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Amoreuxia gonzalezii) perennial is found in rocky analysis area is outside limestone hillsides from the known geographic 4,200 to 4,500 feet amsl. and elevational range of There are only a few this species. populations of this species in the Santa Rita Mountains in Arizona.

Santa Cruz beehive Santa Cruz Occurs on rocky hillsides Unlikely to occur. The No impact. cactus and rock crevices in the analysis area is outside (Coryphantha recurvata) valleys and foothills of the known geographic oak woodlands and range of this species. desert grasslands Additionally, there are no between 3,500 and 5,500 habitat parameters for feet amsl within the this species in the Tumacacori, Pajarito, and analysis area. Atascosa Mountains. Santa Cruz star leaf Santa Cruz Occurs in bottoms and Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Choisya mollis) slopes of canyons in the analysis area is outside shade of oaks, other the known geographic trees, or rocks in Madrean range of this species. oak woodland between 4,000 and 4,900 feet amsl.

Santa Cruz striped agave Pima, Santa Cruz Occurs in middle Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Agave parviflora ssp. elevations (3,560–5,200 analysis area is outside parviflora) feet amsl) of mountains the known geographic on open rocky or gravelly and elevational range of slopes and ridges and in this species. desert grassland and oak woodland. Shade violet Cochise, Pima This herbaceous Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Viola umbraticola) perennial typically grows analysis area is outside in shady areas in canyon the known geographic bottoms within riparian range of this species. ponderosa pine-oak forest Additionally, there are no at elevations between habitat parameters for 5,200 and 7,500 feet this species in the amsl. analysis area. Smooth babybonnets Cochise, Santa Cruz This herbaceous Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Coursetia glabella) perennial is found in dry, analysis area is outside partially shaded slopes in the known geographic Madrean oak woodland, range of this species. oak-juniper and pine-oak Additionally, this species forests between 5,000 was not observed during and 7,200 feet amsl. a floral survey of the Known to occur in the project area. Patagonia and Huachuca Mountains, as well as the Canelo Hills. Sonoran noseburn Cochise, Pima, Santa A slender, herbaceous Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Tragia laciniata) Cruz perennial that typically analysis area is outside occurs on rocky, granitic the known geographic soils in open woodlands and elevational range of along streams and this species. canyon bottoms and on shaded hillsides in oak and mixed-conifer woodland at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 5,680 feet amsl; it may also grow on limestone soils and coarse sand. Known to occur in Sycamore Canyon (SEINet 2015).

Southwestern muhly Cochise, Pima, Santa This densely tufted Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Muhlenbergia palmeri Cruz perennial is found on analysis area is outside [=M. dubioides]) rocky slopes in grassland the known geographic and oak woodland and elevational range of canyons and along this species. stream courses between 2,800 and 6,000 feet amsl. This species is known to occur in the Santa Catalina, Santa Rita, and Baboquivari Mountains, as well as Sycamore Canyon. Supine bean Santa Cruz This perennial herb grows Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Macroptilium supinum) on ridge tops and gentle analysis area is outside slopes of rolling hills in the known geographic semidesert grasslands or and elevational range of grassy openings in oak- this species. juniper woodlands between 3,600 and 4,900 feet amsl.

Sycamore Canyon muhly Pima, Santa Cruz A perennial herbaceous Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Muhlenbergia elongata grass that typically occurs analysis area is outside [=M. xerophila]) in pockets of soil in the known geographic crevices of cliffs, rocks, range of this species. and bedrock in seeps and Additionally, there are no in wet soil adjacent to habitat parameters for bedrock streambeds this species in the within riparian analysis area. communities of Madrean oak woodland and the transition zone between Arizona Uplands and semidesert grassland at elevations ranging between 3,520 to 6,000 feet amsl. Tepic flameflower Cochise, Santa Cruz This herbaceous Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Talinum marginatum) perennial is found in analysis area is outside shallow pockets of sandy the known geographic soil on exposed bedrock range of this species. ledges and terraces in Additionally, there are no Madrean pine-oak forest habitat parameters for openings between 5,000 this species in the and 7,000 feet amsl. This analysis area. species is only known to occur in the Huachuca Mountains in Arizona. Texas purple-spike Cochise This slender mycotrophic Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Hexalectris warnockii) plant is found in mixed analysis area is outside oak woodland, usually the known geographic near or among rocks or range of this species. near fallen logs between 4,300 and 5,200 feet amsl. In Arizona, this species is known to occur in the Chiricahua, Huachuca, and Mule Mountains.

Toumey groundsel Cochise, Gila, Pima This species can be found Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Packera neomexicana in pine forests between analysis area is outside var. toumeyi [=Senecio n. 5,200 and 9,200 feet the known geographic var. t.]) amsl. In Arizona, it occurs range of this species. in the Chiricahua, Additionally, there are no Huachuca, Santa habitat parameters for Catalina, and Pinal this species in the Mountains. analysis area. Trans-Pecos Indian Cochise, Graham, Santa This plant grows in only a Unlikely to occur. No impact. paintbrush Cruz few sites in bunchgrass According to SEINet (Castilleja nervata) meadows that need fire (2015), the nearest for long-term occurrences of this maintenance. species are approximately 75 miles southwest of the analysis area. Additionally, there are no habitat parameters for this species in the analysis area. Trelease agave Pima This agave species can Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Agave schottii var. be found in high-elevation analysis area is outside treleasei) desertscrub, juniper and the known geographic oak woodlands, and range of this species. grasslands between Additionally, this species 3,600 and 6,500 feet is extremely rare,

amsl. This species is making it unlikely to known only to occur from occur in the analysis a less than a dozen area. clones in south-central Arizona. Tumamoc globeberry Maricopa, Pima, Pinal This plant has been found Unlikely to occur. No impact. (Tumamoca macdougalii) to have a fairly broad According to HDMS distribution in desert (AGFD 2013a), there are habitats in southern no records in Graham Arizona and Mexico. The County for this species. only known occurrence is Further, the only known in Sabino Canyon in the occurrence on National Santa Catalina Forest System lands is Mountains. in Sabino Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Virlet paspalum Cochise, Santa Cruz This plant grows on sandy Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Paspalum virletii) soils of canyon bottoms in analysis area is outside semidesert grassland and the known geographic grassy areas in Madrean range of this species. evergreen woodland. This Additionally, this species plant is only known from is extremely rare, two localities in Cochise making it unlikely to and Santa Cruz Counties occur in the analysis and has not been area. collected since 1970. Historically, it occurred near Sycamore Canyon (SEINet 2015).

Whisk fern Santa Cruz Although common in the Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Psilotum nudum) tropics worldwide, this analysis area is outside primitive form of fern is a the known geographic very rare plant in Arizona. range of this species. Known to occur in Additionally, this species Sycamore Canyon is extremely rare, (Phillips 1970; SEINet making it unlikely to 2015). occur in the analysis area. White-flowered cinquefoil Graham, Santa Cruz This species grows in Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Potentilla albiflora) open coniferous forests analysis area is outside and rocky slopes between the known geographic 7,500 and 10,000 feet and elevational range of amsl. This plant is known this species. only from the Pinaleño Additionally, there are no Mountains, where it is habitat parameters for locally abundant. this species in the analysis area. Wiggin’s milkweed vine Pima, Santa Cruz This herbaceous vine Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Metastelma mexicanum grows on rocky slopes analysis area is outside [=Cynanchum wigginsii]) and canyons in oak the known geographic woodlands at elevations range of this species. ranging from 3,500 to Additionally, this species 5,500 feet amsl. Known to is extremely rare, occur in the Sycamore making it unlikely to Canyon area. occur in the analysis area.

Wislizeni gentian Cochise, Greenlee This plant grows in high- Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Gentianella wislizeni) elevation clearings in analysis area is outside pine-oak and mixed- the known geographic conifer forests between and elevational range of 6,880 and 9,600 feet this species. amsl. Additionally, there are no habitat parameters for this species in the analysis area.

Sixteen of the 76 CNF sensitive wildlife species have the potential to occur in the project area. However, the project area is clearly beyond the known geographic or elevational range of these species, or it does not contain vegetation or landscape features known to support these species, or both. Habitat requirements, potential for occurrence, and possible effects on 74 of these 76 species are summarized in Table 3.

Although the CNF lists 76 sensitive wildlife species, two of these species were addressed earlier in the federally listed species section: the yellow-billed cuckoo and the northern Mexican gartersnake (Thamnophis eques megalops). Please refer to the federally listed species section for an evaluation and potential of occurrence for these two species.

According to AZHGIS, there are occurrence records for one Forest Service sensitive wildlife species, the lowland leopard frog, within 3 miles of the project area (AZHGIS 2015).

Unless otherwise indicated, range or habitat information is from AGFD (2013a, 2013b), Brennan (2008), Brennan and Holycross (2006), Corman and Wise-Gervais (2005), Hoffmeister (1986), Forest Service (2013b), Metcalf and Smartt (1997), and Stebbins (2003).

Table 3. Sensitive Wildlife Species Analyzed for the Proposed Galiuro Drilling Project

Common Name Potential for Occurrence in the Range or Habitat Requirements Determination of Effect (Scientific Name) Analysis Area

Amphibians Arizona treefrog This treefrog mainly occurs within Unlikely to occur. The analysis area No impact. (Hyla wrightorum riparian communities in coniferous is more than 80 miles north of the [Huachuca/Canelo forests at elevations between 3,000 only known population of this distinct population and 9,500 feet amsl (although it is species. segment]) typically reported above 6,000 feet amsl). In Arizona, this frog is known from fewer than 20 localities in the Huachuca Mountains and adjacent Canelo Hills, where it is found in Madrean oak woodland, savannah, pine-oak woodlands, and mixed- conifer forests. Lowland leopard frog Generally restricted to human-made Unlikely to occur. Although the No impact. (Lithobates and natural permanent waters analysis area occurs within the yavapaiensis) located below 4,800 feet amsl, within elevational range of this species, and small to medium-sized streams, this species has been observed small springs, and stock ponds, and within 3 miles of the project area occasionally in large rivers. (AZHGIS 2015), no permanent Populations typically occur in aquatic waters occur in the analysis area. systems with surrounding desertscrub, semidesert grassland, or oak woodland (Sredl et al. 1997).

Tarahumara frog Typically associated with canyons Unlikely to occur. The analysis area No impact. (Rana [=Lithobates] and deep, drought-resistant plunge is far from any reintroduction sites for tarahumarae) pools in oak and pine-oak woodlands this species. Further, no permanent (AGFD 2013b). The USFWS waters occur within the analysis area. prepared an environmental assessment in 2003 for the reintroduction plan for this species by AGFD and its partners in the region (USFWS 2003a); however, reintroductions into Big Casa Blanca Canyon, Adobe Canyon, and Sycamore Canyon have all experienced die-offs after reintroductions (personal communication, emails from Angela Barclay, Wildlife, Fish, and Rare Plants Program Manager, Coronado National Forest, to Eleanor Gladding, SWCA Environmental Consultants, August 2015). Western barking frog The barking frog is typically found in Unlikely to occur. The analysis area No impact. (Craugastor augusti rocky outcrops, crevices, or caves on is far from the known geographic cactorum) rocky slopes within oak or pine-oak range of this species. woodlands in the Santa Rita, Patagonia, Huachuca, Pajarito, and Quinlan Mountains of Arizona at elevations between 4,200 and 6,200 feet amsl. Permanent water not necessary. Invertebrates A cave obligate Arachnids of the genus Unlikely to occur. The analysis area No impact. pseudoscorpion Tuberochernes occur in restricted is approximately 70 miles northeast (Tuberochernes and widely separated localities in of the only known population of this ubicki) Arizona and California. This species species. is known to occur in Fly Cave, Gardner Canyon, and the Santa Rita Mountains (Muchmore 1997). No common name This species appears to be restricted Unlikely to occur. The analysis area No impact. (Sonorella hachitana to talus slopes in the Skull Canyon is approximately 85 miles west of the peloncillensis) area of the Peloncillo Mountains, only known population of this Hidalgo County, New Mexico. species. Bearded This snail occurs in rock rubble Unlikely to occur. The analysis area No impact. mountainsnail where there is abundant leaf litter in is approximately 90 miles northwest (Oreohelix barbata) riparian forest in canyon bottoms. It is of the nearest known population of typically found in along creeks at the this species. bottom of canyon. This species is known from the Mogollon and Chiricahua Mountains. Cestus skipper This dark, medium-sized skipper has May occur. The analysis area is May impact individuals, but (Atrytonopsis cestus) been documented within gullies and within the known geographic range of is not likely to result in a canyons from upper Sonoran grassy this species and contains suitable downward trend toward thorn forests and open woodlands in habitat. federal listing as threatened the Atascosa, Tumacacori, Santa or endangered or in a loss of Catalina, Galiuro, and Baboquivari viability. Impacts to habitat Mountains. would be expected to be minor because the project area (i.e., footprint) is small, and this species’ range encompasses several mountain ranges.

Caddisfly No information is available for the Unlikely to occur. The analysis area No impact. (Limnephilus granti) range of this extremely rare species. does not contain the spring habitat All specimens have been collected associated with this species. from springs and their immediate outlets associated with ponderosa pine in eastern Arizona. Chiricahua water An aquatic beetle that occurs in the Unlikely to occur. The analysis area No impact. scavenger beetle Chiricahua Mountains, probably is approximately 80 miles northwest (Cymbiodyta within shallow habitat within creeks, of the known geographic range of this arizonica) lakes, or, rarely, temporary pools. species and does not contain habitat associated with this species. Clark Peak talussnail This snail occurs in rockslides on the Unlikely to occur. The analysis area No impact. (Sonorella north slope of Clark Peak, Blue Jay is approximately 25 miles west of the christenseni) Ridge area, and Ladybug Saddle, known locations of this species and Pinaleño Mountains, Graham does not contain habitat associated County, Arizona. with this species. Huachuca giant This species occurs in mixed pine- Unlikely to occur. The analysis area No impact. skipper (Agathymus oak-juniper woodland with stands of is approximately 80 miles north of the evansi) Agave parryi var. huachucensis (its nearest known occurrence of this larval food) in Arizona and Mexico. species. Additionally, there are no Within Arizona, only known from the Agave parryi var. huachucensis Huachuca Mountains between 5,600 stands in the project area. and 5,800 feet amsl.

Huachuca springsnail Found in springs or cienegas at Unlikely to occur. There are no springs No impact. (Pyrgulopsis elevations between 4,500 and or cienegas in the analysis area. Further, thompsoni) 7,200 feet amsl. In southeastern this species only occurs in Santa Cruz Arizona, known from nine sites in County and the far southwestern corner the upper San Pedro River of Cochise County. drainage and four sites in the upper Santa Cruz River drainage. Many potentially suitable sites in the southern half of the Huachuca Mountains have not been surveyed for this snail. Mimic talussnail This snail occurs in rockslides in Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Sonorella imitator) the Clark Peak area southeast to approximately 20 miles west of the Marijilda Canyon area, Pinaleño known geographic range of this species. Mountains, Graham County, Arizona. Pinaleno monkey This wingless grasshopper occurs Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. grasshopper in high-elevation coniferous below the elevational range of this (Eumorsea pinaleno) forests above 9,000 feet amsl and species and is more than 20 miles west is known from four specimens, all of the only known occurrence of this collected on or near Mount species. Graham, Pinaleño Mountains, Graham County, Arizona. Pinaleno This snail occurs within rockslides Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. mountainsnail in the vicinity of Mount Graham, approximately 20 miles west of the (Oreohelix the Clark Peak area, and south to known geographic range of this species. grahamensis) the Heliograph Peak Area, Pinaleno Mountains, Graham County, Arizona. Pinaleno talussnail This snail occurs in rockslides at Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Sonorella elevations of approximately 6,000 approximately 20 miles west of the grahamensis) to 10,000 feet amsl within the known geographic range of this species. Pinaleño Mountains, Graham Further, the analysis area is below the County, Arizona. known elevational range of this species.

Sabino Canyon Typically occurs in high-gradient Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. damselfly streams with large, open, rocky approximately 20 miles northeast of this (Argia sabino) perennial pools and is known in species’ known range. Additionally, there the United States only from the are no high-gradient streams with large, Santa Catalina Mountains, and open, rocky perennial pools. found primarily within Sabino Canyon. Sonoran talussnail In Pima County, known from Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Sonorella Cerro Colorado, Roskruge outside the known geographic range of magdalenensis) Mountains, south part of Tucson this species. Mountains, northern foothills of Santa Rita Mountains, and Tumamoc Hill near Tucson. In Santa Cruz County, known from San Cayetano and Tumacacori Mountains. Stephan’s riffle Endemic to spring environments Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. beetle in the Santa Rita Mountains, approximately 70 miles northeast of the (Heterelmis stephani) where it is believed to be limited only known populations of this species. to Madera Canyon. It has been Additionally, there are no spring collected at Bog, Kent, and environments in the analysis area. Sylvester Springs.

Sunrise skipper Cienegas in arid grassland Unlikely to occur. This species is not No impact. (Adopaeoides regions of southeastern Arizona known to occur in Graham County. prittwitzi) uplands in Pima and Santa Cruz Further, there are no cienegas in the Counties. Recent observations analysis area. are from the Santa Cruz River (Santa Cruz County), near Canelo, and Parker Canyon Lake (Cochise County) (Lotts and Naberhaus 2015). Wet Canyon This snail is known to occur in Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. talussnail Wet Canyon on the northeastern approximately 20 miles west of the (Sonorella slope of the Pinaleño Mountains known geographic range of this species. macrophallus) in Graham County, Arizona, along Additionally, there are no perennial the canyon bottom in the drainages in the analysis area. perennially flowing portion of the stream, though its range may extend farther than previously thought in that drainage or into nearby drainages. Reptiles Arizona ridgenose This species occurs from oak Unlikely to occur. This species is not No impact. rattlesnake woodlands to pine-fir forests at known to occur in the Galiuro Mountains. (Crotalus willardi elevations ranging from 4,800 to willardi) 9,000 feet amsl, most often occurring near rock crevices and mesic canyon bottoms in association with broadleaf deciduous trees. This species occurs in the Huachuca, Santa Rita, Patagonia, and Whetstone Mountains, and is possible in the Mule, Dragoon, and Chiricahua Mountains.

Bezy’s night lizard This species occurs in crevices Unlikely to occur. This endemic species No impact. (Xantusia bezyi) within large rock outcrops, cliff is not known to occur in the Galiuro faces, and boulder fields Mountain range.. associated with Arizona Upland, Interior Chaparral, and woodland communities in Pinal, Maricopa, and Gila Counties in Arizona. This endemic species occurs in a small chain of mountain ranges in these counties. Brown vinesnake The brown vinesnake inhabits the Unlikely to occur. This species is only No impact. (Oxybelis aeneus) Madrean evergreen woodland known to occur in Pima and Santa Cruz community and the upper reaches Counties within Arizona. of adjoining semidesert grassland in the Atascosa, Patagonia, and Pajarito Mountains at elevations ranging from 3,600 to 6,200 feet amsl.

Chihuahuan black- This species is typically found Unlikely to occur. This species is not No impact. headed snake under rocks, logs, and dead known from Graham County, and its (Tantilla wilcoxi) plants in shaded, rocky canyons known locations are far from the Galiuro and relatively open rocky slopes Mountains. in desert grasslands and evergreen woodlands at elevations of 3,000 to 8,000 feet amsl. This species occurs in the Huachuca (Ramsey Canyon), Santa Rita, and Patagonia Mountains within Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties in Arizona. Giant spotted whiptail This lizard inhabits dense, Unlikely to occur. This species’ known No impact. (Aspidoscelis [burti] shrubby vegetation and open locations are far from the analysis area. stictogramma) areas of bunchgrass among rocks Additionally, there are no permanent or near permanent and intermittent intermittent streams in the analysis area. streams in mountain canyons, arroyos, and mesas in riparian habitat. The range includes southeastern Arizona, including Mineral Hot Springs, Cochise County; Santa Catalina, Santa Rita, Baboquivari, and Pajarito Mountains, Pima and Santa Cruz Counties; and the vicinity of Oracle, Pinal County. Green ratsnake The green ratsnake is primarily an Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Senticolis triaspis) inhabitant of Madrean evergreen outside the known geographic range of woodland and the upper reaches this species. of adjoining semidesert grassland communities in the Baboquivari, Pajarito, Atascosa, Santa Rita, Empire, Patagonia, Chiricahua, Swisshelm, Pedregosa, and Peloncillo Mountains of southeastern Arizona at elevations ranging from about 3,600 to 8,000 feet amsl.

Mountain skink This lizard occurs at elevations Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Plestiodon ranging from about 3,500 to 6,500 outside the known geographic range of [=Eumeces] feet amsl in Madrean evergreen this species. callicephalus) woodland and the upper reaches of adjoining semidesert grassland communities within the sky island mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona, including the Baboquivari, Pajarito, Atascosa, Santa Rita, Huachuca, and Peloncillo Mountains. It is most often found under rocks, logs, and other surface cover in moist areas such as riparian corridors, rocky canyon bottoms, and grassy hillsides.

Red-backed whiptail This lizard inhabits mountains Unlikely occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Aspidoscelis within the Arizona Upland outside the known geographic range of xanthonota) Desertscrub, particularly among this species. dense and shrubby vegetation near semi-arid permanent streams and arroyos within Pima County (Quitobaquito Hills, Ajo Range, and Ajo, Puerto Blanco and Agua Dulce Mountains) and Maricopa County (Sand Tank and Sauceda Mountains). Slevin’s bunchgrass This species primarily occurs in Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. lizard coniferous forests, but can also far from the known geographic range of (Sceloporus slevini) be found in desert grassland near this species. bunchgrass in open, sunny areas at elevations between 4,300 and 9,480 feet amsl in Arizona. This species occurs in the Huachuca, Dragoon, Santa Rita, Whetstone, and Chiricahua Mountains. However, at lower elevations, it has been observed in Empire Valley, San Rafael Valley, and the vicinity of Elgin (Santa Cruz County) and Santa Rita and Mustang Mountains (Pima County). Sonoran desert Occurs on primarily rocky, and Unlikely to occur. While this species No impact. tortoise often steep, hillsides and bajadas does sometimes occur in habitats similar (Gopherus morafkai) of Mohave and Sonoran to those in the analysis area, the Desertscrub, typically at analysis area is at the northeastern edge elevations below 7,800 feet amsl. of this species’ range. Further, the only May occur, but is less likely to occurrence records for this species occur, in desert grassland, juniper occur along State Route 70, which is far woodland, and Interior Chaparral northeast of the analysis area. habitats and even pine communities. Thornscrub hook- In Arizona, this snake inhabits Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. nosed snake rolling mesquite-covered hills and far from the known geographic range of (Gyalopion oak-lined drainages within the this species. quadrangulare) Madrean evergreen woodland and semidesert grassland communities in a small portion of Santa Cruz County near the border with Mexico at elevations between 3,500 and 5,500 feet amsl.

Twin-spotted Occurs in Petran montane conifer Unlikely to occur. Habitat for this species No impact. rattlesnake forest and Petran subalpine does not occur in the analysis area, as (Crotalus pricei) conifer forest, but also this species is usually restricted to occasionally in Madrean conifers. Further, the analysis area is far evergreen woodland, often near from the known geographic range of this large rockslides or canyon species. bottoms. This species occurs in the Pinaleño, Santa Rita, Huachuca, and Chiricahua Mountains in Arizona.

Yaqui black-headed Found in Madrean evergreen Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. snake woodland and semidesert far from the known geographic range of (Tantilla yaquia) grassland communities within the this species. Canelo Hills and the Pajarito, Atascosa, Santa Rita, Mule, Chiricahua, Swisshelm, Pedregosa, and Peloncillo Mountains of southeastern Arizona at elevations ranging from 3,300 to about 6,000 feet amsl. Birds Abert’s towhee This bird inhabits dense brush or May occur. Habitat for this species May impact individuals, but (Pipilo aberti) woodlands and prefers the brushy occurs in the analysis area. is not likely to result in a understory of cottonwood downward trend toward (Populus fremontii)-willow (Salix federal listing as threatened gooddingii) gallery forests and or endangered or in a loss of mesquite. It also takes advantage viability. Impacts to habitat of dense growth of adjacent would be expected to be desert dry washes that empty into minor because the project these wetter drainages. This area (i.e., footprint) is small, species was observed and this species’ range approximately 8 miles north of the encompasses several analysis area, within Aravaipa mountain ranges. Canyon (eBird 2015). American peregrine Optimum habitat is generally May occur. Although nesting activity is May impact individuals, but falcon considered to be steep, sheer unexpected within the analysis area, the is not likely to result in a (Falco peregrinus cliffs overlooking woodlands, species may forage within the analysis downward trend toward anatum) riparian areas, or other habitats area. federal listing as threatened supporting avian prey species in or endangered or in a loss of abundance. In Arizona, the falcon viability. Impacts to habitat seems to be breeding in less would be expected to be optimal habitat, either small minor because most of the broken cliffs in ponderosa pine project area (i.e., footprint) forest or large, sheer cliffs in very does not occur adjacent to xeric areas. The presence of an broken or sheer cliffs. open expanse is critical. An aerie occurs within the Galiuro Mountains south of the analysis area and areas north of the project area (Abbate 2012), and eBird (2015) has occurrences for this species within 10 miles. Arizona grasshopper Grasshopper sparrows prefer Unlikely to occur. Habitat in the analysis No impact. sparrow large expanses of relatively tall area is not typical of that used by this (Ammodramus grass for nesting. In Arizona, species. savannarum occupied grasslands often include ammolegus) scattered low, woody shrubs like mesquite and mimosa. The nearest occurrence record for this species is more than 10 miles from the project area (eBird 2015) in an area of more suitable habitat.

Arizona woodpecker Occurs in several forested May occur. The analysis area is within May impact individuals, but (Picoides arizonae) habitats in southeastern Arizona, the known geographic range of the is not likely to result in a with Madrean evergreen oaks species, and suitable habitat is present. downward trend toward being an important component of federal listing as threatened all. Found in most sky islands in or endangered or loss of southeastern Arizona. This viability. Impacts to habitat species has been observed in the would be expected to be Galiuro Mountains within 10 miles minor because the project of the project area (eBird 2015). area (i.e., footprint) is very small, compared with this species’ total range. Baird’s sparrow This sparrow occurs in Cochise, Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Ammodramus Pima, and Santa Cruz Counties in not within the known geographic range bairdii) Arizona, specifically the Sonoita of the species and does not contain Plains, Altar and San Rafael suitable habitat. Valleys, and the base of the Chiricahua, Huachuca, Santa Rita, and Patagonia Mountains, where they prefer shortgrass prairies in dense, extensive expanses of grass with few mesquite bushes. Bald eagle Typically observed near forest- Unlikely to occur. This species has not No impact. (Haliaeetus bordered lakes and streams; been observed nearby. Although they leucocephalus) however, some nest in desert can potentially be observed at high settings along Salt and Verde elevations or along riparian areas, bald Rivers. Preferred prey is fish. This eagles are unlikely to use this area for species has not been observed in hunting or nesting, given their habitat the Galiuro Mountains, and the and prey preferences and known known observations in the occurrences. Sulphur Springs Valley are approximately 30 miles southwest of the project area (eBird 2015). Broad-billed In Arizona, these birds occur most Unlikely to occur. No broadleaf riparian No impact. hummingbird frequently near broadleaf riparian habitats occur in the analysis area. (Cynanthus woodlands. The nearest latirostris) occurrence record for this species is more than 15 miles south of the analysis area (eBird 2015). Buff-breasted This species occurs primarily near Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. flycatcher open stands of pine or sycamore outside the known geographic range of (Empidonax with bare or grassy understory; this species, and there have been no fulvifrons) intolerant of dense vegetation. occurrence records nearby. Additionally, Observed in drainages in the there are no open stands of pine or Huachuca, Chiricahua, Santa sycamore in the analysis area. Rita, Rincon, and Santa Catalina Mountains. This species has not been observed in the Galiuro Mountains (eBird 2015).

Buff-collared nightjar In Arizona, the buff-collared Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Caprimulgus nightjar occurs most frequently in outside this species’ geographic range ridgwayi) or near open arid canyons or and is on the very upper end of this ravines with steep to moderate species’ elevational range. slopes, often dominated by thorny trees and shrubs, including velvet mesquite, netleaf hackberry (Celtis reticulata), and acacia (Acacia spp.). In extreme southeastern Arizona, it is can be found along dry washes in Sonoran desertscrub or semiarid grasslands. However, this summer resident is a rare species for southeastern Arizona.

Cactus ferruginous Inhabits river bottom woodlands Unlikely to occur. This species is not No impact. pygmy-owl and paloverde–cacti–mixed scrub known to occur in Graham County. (Glaucidium associations of the Sonoran Further, the analysis area does not brasilianum Desert. In central and southern contain habitat suitable for this species, cactorum) Arizona, the pygmy-owl is and the analysis area is above the known currently found primarily in elevational range of this species. Sonoran desertscrub vegetation, with some locations in riparian drainages and woodlands in semidesert grassland (USFWS 2015c). Nests in cavities, primarily in saguaro cacti, but will also use tree cavities. Found below 4,000 feet amsl. In Arizona, found only in Pima and Pinal Counties. Eared quetzal This species occurs in Cochise, Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Euptilotis neoxenus) Coconino, Greenlee, and Gila below the elevational range for this Counties in Arizona. They prefer species and does not contain suitable pine and pine-oak forests at habitat. Further, this species is not known elevations of approximately 6,000 to occur in Graham County. to 10,700 feet amsl. Elegant trogon Breeds regularly in the Atascosa, Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Trogon elegans) Chiricahua, Huachuca, and Santa outside the geographic range of this Rita Mountains, selectively using species, which inhabits the border oak-pine and pine-oak vegetation mountain region. This species is not that occurs in conjunction with known to breed in the Galiuro Mountains. riparian area and riparian species, especially sycamore trees. Gould’s turkey Gould’s turkeys were historically May occur. The analysis area is within May impact individuals, but (Meleagris gallopavo found within southeastern Arizona the known range, and suitable habitat is is not likely to result in a mexicana) within forested areas containing present. downward trend toward evergreen oak woodlands, federal listing as threatened Madrean pine-oak forests, and or endangered or loss of sycamore-dominated drainages. viability. Impacts to habitat Populations have been would be expected to be reestablished in the Chiricahua, minor because the project Santa Catalina, Huachuca, area (i.e., footprint) is small, Peloncillo, Santa Rita, and compared with this species’ Pinaleño Mountains (Heffelfinger total range. et al. 2000), and individuals have been observed in the Galiuro Mountains, south of the project area (eBird 2015).

Gray vireo In Arizona, this bird is typically May occur. The analysis area is within May impact individuals, but (Vireo vicinior) found in relatively arid, open the known range, and suitable habitat is is not likely to result in a vegetative communities present. downward trend toward containing juniper (Juniperus federal listing as spp.), often on sloping terrain at threatened or endangered elevations from 3,500 to 6,800 or in a loss of viability. feet amsl. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the project area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with this species’ total range.

Lucifer hummingbird Prefers open, arid areas in rocky Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Calothorax lucifer) canyon slopes, foothill washes, outside the known geographic range of and drier woodland edges, often this species. in areas containing agave, yucca, ocotillo, penstemon (Penstemon spp.), and paintbrush (Castilleja spp.); the northernmost observed individual observed during the research period for the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas was located at the border between Greenlee and Cochise Counties in the Peloncillo Mountains, though the species appears to be expanding its range northward. There are no occurrence records for this species north of Interstate 10 in Arizona (eBird 2015). Northern beardless- The northern beardless-tyrannulet May occur. The analysis area is within May impact individuals, but tyrannulet inhabits relatively open lowland the known range, and suitable habitat is is not likely to result in a (Camptostoma riparian woodland and heavily present. downward trend toward imberbe) wooded dry washes in federal listing as southeastern Arizona. threatened or endangered or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the project area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with this species’ total range. Northern goshawk In Arizona, the northern goshawk Unlikely to occur. The analysis area does No impact. (Accipiter gentilis) breeds in high, forested not contain suitable habitat for this mountains and plateaus, usually species. Additionally, the analysis area is above 6,000 feet amsl, and favors below the known elevational range of this cool forests of tall pine (Pinus species. spp.), fir (Abies spp.), and spruce (Picea spp.), including adjacent conifer-dominated forests. Rose-throated Occur in tall, shady riparian Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. becard woodlands along small perennial outside the known geographic range of (Pachyramphus or intermittent mountain foothill this species and lacks suitable habitat. aglaiae) drainages and canyons. This species is known to occur in Pima and Santa Cruz Counties in Arizona.

Sulphur-bellied In Arizona, these birds primarily May occur. Suitable habitat occurs in the May impact individuals, but flycatcher occupy drainages with tall, analysis area, and this species has been is not likely to result in a (Myiodynastes broadleaf riparian woodlands. known to occur in the Galiuro Mountains. downward trend toward luteiventris) However, they are found to federal listing as frequently travel up adjacent dry threatened or endangered drainages or ascend slopes to or in a loss of viability. forage. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the project area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with this species’ total range.

Thick-billed kingbird Encountered along riparian Unlikely to occur. There are no riparian No impact. (Tyrannus gallery woodlands along perennial woodlands in the analysis area, and the crassirostris) or intermittent creeks and rivers. analysis area is far from known This species has no occurrence occurrences of this species. records in the Galiuro Mountains. The nearest occurrence records are along the San Pedro River (eBird 2015). Varied bunting In Arizona, the varied bunting May occur. The analysis area is within May impact individuals, but (Passerina typically inhabits brushy, arid the known range, and suitable habitat is is not likely to result in a versicolor) slopes, canyon, and dry washes, present. downward trend toward with the majority occurring along federal listing as drainage edges containing threatened or endangered mesquite and netleaf hackberry. or in a loss of viability. This species has been observed Impacts to habitat would in Aravaipa Canyon, north of the be expected to be minor project area (eBird 2015). because the project area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range of this species. Violet-crowned The violet-crowned hummingbird Unlikely to occur. Although sycamore No impact. hummingbird is most frequently observed in trees do occur within the analysis area, it (Amazilia violiceps) desert foothill drainages and is well outside the known range of this lower mountain canyons with an species. abundance of broadleaf trees, usually Arizona sycamore. Nests from 3,850 to 5,800 feet amsl. In Arizona, occurs in the shrubland/chaparral, riparian woodland habitat type. The nearest occurrence record was in the Santa Catalina Mountains, more than 20 miles southwest of the analysis area (eBird 2015). Whiskered screech- Closely associated with habitats May occur. The analysis area is within May impact individuals, but owl containing dense stands of the known range, and suitable habitat is is not likely to result in a (Megascops Madrean evergreen oaks from present. downward trend toward trichopsis) 5,000 to 7,600 feet amsl. Nests federal listing as are most commonly located in threatened or endangered Arizona sycamore trees in many or in a loss of viability. southeastern Arizona mountain Impacts to habitat would canyons. This species has been be expected to be minor observed in the Galiuro because the project area Mountains, though rarely. (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range of this species.

White-eared In Arizona, this species is Unlikely to occur. Although the analysis No impact. hummingbird commonly associated with a area does contain sycamore trees, it is (Hylocharis leucotis) variety of broadleaf and far from known occurrences of this coniferous trees, including species. sycamore, maple (Acer spp.), oak, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and ponderosa pine, generally above 5,500 feet amsl. This species has been observed in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Chiricahua Mountains but has no occurrences in or near the Galiuro Mountains (eBird 2015).

Yellow-eyed junco Noticeably absent in drier areas, Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Junco phaeonotus) these birds inhabit coniferous below the elevation at which this species forest mountains and canyons, is found. typically associated with Madrean pine-oak forests and mixed- conifer forests from 5,900 to 10,000 feet amsl. This species has been observed in the Galiuro Mountains, south of the project area, and in an area of high elevation (eBird 2015). Fishes Desert sucker This fish occurs in rapids and Unlikely to occur, there are no suitable No impact. (Catostomus clarkia) flowing pools of streams and aquatic habitats in the analysis area. rivers throughout the Gila River basin and Bill Williams tributaries at elevations of 480 to 8,840 feet amsl. Mexican stoneroller Currently only occurs in Rucker Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is far No impact. (Campostoma Canyon, the Chiricahua from the two known locations of this ornatum) Mountains, and San Bernardino species, and it does not contain suitable Creek. Prefers shallow riffles with aquatic habitat. gravel or cobble substrates. Sonora sucker Known to occur in the Gila and Unlikely to occur. There are no suitable No impact. (Catostomus Bill Williams drainage systems in aquatic habitats in the analysis area. [=Pantosteus] a variety of habitats, from warm- insignis) water rivers to trout streams. Mammals Allen’s lappet-browed Observed most commonly in Unlikely to occur. Habitat for this species No impact. bat ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper, does not occur in the analysis area. (Idionycteris and riparian areas with phyllotis) sycamores, cottonwoods, and willows, typically near boulder piles, cliffs, or rocky outcrops; roost in caves and abandoned mineshafts at elevations of 1,320 to 9,800 feet amsl. Arizona shrew Mostly occurs in near surface Unlikely to occur. There are no riparian No impact. (Sorex arizonae) water in rocky, narrow canyons areas in the analysis area. Further, the with riparian areas surrounded by analysis area is outside of the known pine-oak forests, with leaf litter or geographic range of this species logs for cover (Pima County (Hoffmeister 1986). 2015). This species occurs in disjunct populations in Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise counties. Chiricahua squirrel Typically occurs in thick growth in Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Sciurus nayaritensis canyon bottoms in partially open outside this species’ known geographic chiricahuae) Apache pine-oak forest, often with range. mixed broadleaf deciduous trees; typically avoiding oak-covered slopes unless acorns are numerous at 5,280 to 8,400 feet amsl within the Chiricahua Mountains.

Hooded skunk Hooded skunks occur in the May occur. The analysis area is within May impact individuals, but (Mephitis macroura southeastern quarter of Arizona, the known geographic range, and is not likely to result in a milleri) where they seem to prefer rocky suitable habitat is present. downward trend toward slopes, bases of cliffs, or rocky federal listing as sides of arroyos at intermediate threatened or endangered elevations above the deserts but or in a loss of viability. not in the highest mountains. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the project area (i.e., footprint) is small. Merriam’s mouse Within Arizona, Merriam’s mouse Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. (Peromyscus is found in Pima County. This outside the known geographic and merriami) species usually inhabits riparian elevational range of this species in or low-desert habitats, particularly Arizona. mesquite bosque containing dense brush, at elevations ranging from 1,390 to 1,425 feet amsl. Mexican long- Typically occurs in mesic areas May occur. The analysis area is within May impact individuals, but tongued bat within canyons of mixed oak- the known geographic range, and is not likely to result in a (Choeronycteris conifer forests or semi-desert suitable habitat is present. downward trend toward mexicana) grasslands at elevations ranging federal listing as from 2,540 to 7,320 feet amsl. threatened or endangered or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the project area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species.

Northern pygmy Found in well-developed, warm May occur. The analysis area is within May impact individuals, but mouse grassland habitat. the known geographic range, and is not likely to result in a (Baiomys taylori ater) suitable habitat is present. downward trend toward federal listing as threatened or endangered or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the project area (i.e., footprint) is small. Further, portions of the project area do not occur within the grassland vegetation type.

Pale Townsend’s In Arizona, summer day roosts May occur. The analysis area is within May impact individuals, but big-eared bat include caves and mines in areas the known geographic range, and is not likely to result in a (Corynorhinus of desertscrub, oak woodland, suitable habitat is present. downward trend toward townsendii oak-pine woodland, pinyon- federal listing as pallescens) juniper woodland, and coniferous threatened or endangered forest; most records are from or in a loss of viability. above 3,000 feet amsl. These Impacts to habitat would bats have been reported from be expected to be minor nearly all Arizona counties. because the project area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range of this species.

Western red bat The western red bat is typically May occur. Sycamores occur within the May impact individuals, but (Lasiurus blossevillii) found in wooded areas of analysis area and may provide roost sites is not likely to result in a broadleaf deciduous riparian for this species. downward trend toward forests and woodlands at federal listing as elevations ranging from 1,900 to threatened or endangered 7,200 feet amsl. This species or in a loss of viability. primarily roosts in cottonwood Impacts to habitat would trees. be expected to be minor because the project area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range of this species. Western yellow bat The western yellow bat is a May occur. Sycamores occur within the May impact individuals, but (Lasiurus xanthinus) solitary rooster that prefers analysis area and may provide roost sites is not likely to result in a woodland habitats, where it may for this species. downward trend toward be associated with Washington federal listing as fan palm trees (Washingtonia threatened or endangered robusta), other palms, or leafy or in a loss of viability. vegetation such as sycamores, Impacts to habitat would hackberries, and cottonwoods, be expected to be minor which provide roost sites at because the project area elevations from 550 to 6,000 feet (i.e., footprint) is small, amsl. compared with the total range of this species. White-bellied long- This subspecies occurs in the Unlikely to occur. The analysis area is No impact. tailed vole Pinaleño Mountains, typically in outside the known geographic and (Microtus wet meadows or flats above 8,000 elevational range of this species. longicaudus feet amsl, and is associated with leucophaeus) tall, thick grass.

Management Indicator Species for the Coronado National Forest

MIS are selected because their population changes are believed to indicate the effects of management activities (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 219.19(a) (1), 1982) and to serve as a focus for monitoring (36 CFR 219(a) (6), 1982). The regulation (1982 Planning Rule) requires the selection of vertebrate and/or invertebrate species as MIS but does not preclude the selection of other life forms.

The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate the potential impacts of the proposed project on the MIS populations (Forest Service 1986, 2011b). MIS species accounts incorporated into this document are based on the most current information on life history, habitat relationships, past and present suitable habitat, and population information. The MIS species accounts contain information about habitat status and trend and population status and trend. They also discuss the methodology used for assessing status and trends (e.g., breeding bird surveys, Forest Inventory Assessment data).

In order to meet the intent of planning regulations, 33 MIS in eight groups—Cavity Nesters, Riparian Species, Species Needing Diversity, Species Needing Herbaceous Cover, Species Needing Dense Canopy, Game Species, Special Interest Species, and Threatened and Endangered Species—were identified in Appendix G of the Forest Plan (Forest Service 1986:128–129). All 33 MIS and cavity-nesting birds identified for the CNF were considered for the project analysis. A review was conducted to determine whether the project area was in known or suitable habitat for each MIS. Table 4 displays a brief rationale regarding which species will be evaluated. Eight species and one MIS group have the potential to occur or are known to occur in the project area (indicated by shaded rows).

Table 4. Coronado National Forest Management Indicator Species and Occurrence in the Project Area Unless otherwise indicated, range or habitat information is from AGFD (2013b), Brennan (2008), Brennan and Holycross (2006), CNF Forest Plan (Forest Service 1986), CNF MIS Population Status and Trends (Forest Service 2011b), Corman and Wise-Gervais (2005), and Hoffmeister (1986). Common Name Evaluation for Analysis MIS Groups (Scientific Name) American May occur within the project area on National Forest System land. Group 8, Threatened and peregrine falcon Optimum habitat is generally considered to be steep, sheer cliffs Endangered Species (Falco peregrinus overlooking woodlands, riparian areas, or other habitats supporting anatum) avian prey species in abundance. In Arizona, the falcon seems to be breeding in less optimal habitat, either small broken cliffs in ponderosa pine forest or large, sheer cliffs in very xeric areas. The presence of an open expanse is critical. Observed within 10 miles of the project area (eBird 2015); aeries are possible where cliffs occur. Apache (Arizona) Does not occur within the project area on National Forest System land; Group 8, Threatened and trout no suitable aquatic habitat occurs on National Forest System land that Endangered Species (Oncorhynchus would be potentially impacted by this project. Further, this species is apache) native only to the White Mountains in Arizona. Arizona ridge- Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 8, Threatened and nosed rattlesnake land. The ridge-nosed rattlesnake typically occurs in oak woodland to Endangered Species (Crotalus willardi pine-fir forests near rock crevices on forest and woodland floors in willardi) extreme southeastern Arizona in the Huachuca, Santa Rita, Patagonia, and Whetstone Mountains and the Canelo Hills at elevations ranging between 4,800 and 9,000 feet amsl. Arizona tree frog Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 8, Threatened and (Hyla wrightorum) land because this species is only known from a few locations in the Endangered Species Huachuca Mountains and Canelo Hills in evergreen woodland and riparian areas in pine-oak woodland at elevations from 4,920 to 6,560 feet amsl. Baird’s sparrow Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 4, Species Needing (Ammodramus land because this species winters in tall, dense grassland patches. In Herbaceous Cover bairdii) Arizona, they can be found in dense stands of grass, usually in Group 8, Threatened and extensive expanses of grasslands at 4,140 to 4,900 feet amsl in Endangered Species Cochise, Pima, and Santa Cruz Counties. Bell’s vireo Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 2, Riparian Species (Vireo bellii) land. This species inhabits lowland riparian areas containing willows, Group 5, Species Needing Dense mesquite, and seepwillows (Baccharis salicifolia) and prefers dense, Canopy low, shrubby vegetation below 3,500 feet amsl in the lower Sonoran Group 8, Threatened and zone in desert riparian communities. Endangered Species Black bear May occur within the project area on National Forest System land; Group 2, Riparian Species (Ursus black bears are habitat generalists. In Arizona, black bears typically Group 3, Species Needing Diversity americanus) occur in chaparral pine forests and aspen-fir pine forests at about 4,000 Group 6, Game Species to 10,000 feet amsl (AGFD 2009a). Blue-throated Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 2, Riparian Species hummingbird land because this species typically occurs in wet pine-oak and oak Group 7, Special Interest Species (Lampornis canyons. These birds are found in canyons at elevations between Group 8, Threatened and clemenciae) 5,100 and 8,400 feet amsl in the Huachuca, Santa Rita, and Chiricahua Endangered Species Mountains. No occurrences in the Galiuro Mountains (eBird 2015).

Buff-breasted Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 3, Species Needing Diversity flycatcher land because no suitable habitat occurs. This bird is only known to Group 7, Special Interest Species (Empidonax breed in the Huachuca, Santa Catalina, and Chiricahua Mountains and Group 8, Threatened and fulvifrons) prefers open stands of pine at elevations ranging from 5,720 to 8,625 Endangered Species feet amsl. No occurrences in the Galiuro Mountains (eBird 2015). Desert bighorn May occur within the project area on National Forest System land. Group 6, Game Species sheep Desert bighorn sheep are known to occur in the Galiuro Mountains, and Group 8, Threatened and (Ovis canadensis populations both north and south of the project area have been Endangered Species deserti) augmented (AGFD 2013c). Desert Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 4, Species Needing massasauga land. The desert massasauga is currently known from only one Herbaceous Cover (Sistrurus localized population in extreme southeastern Arizona on the divide Group 8, Threatened and catenatus between the San Bernardino and San Simon Valleys. Endangered Species edwardsii) Elegant trogon Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 1, Cavity Nesters (Trogon elegans) land because this species is not thought to breed in the Galiuro Group 2, Riparian Species Mountains. This species selectively uses oak-pine and pine-oak Group 3, Species Needing Diversity vegetation. It typically occurs in riparian canyons in association with Group 7, Special Interest Species sycamores for nest trees and free water. The species breeds regularly Group 8, Threatened and in the Atascosa, Chiricahua, Huachuca, and Santa Rita Mountains. Endangered Species Five-striped Not thought to occur on the project area on National Forest System Group 7, Special Interest Species sparrow land; all occurrences for this species are south of Interstate 10 (eBird Group 8, Threatened and (Aimophila 2015). In Arizona, they select dense, fairly tall, thorny brush on steep, Endangered Species quinquestriata) arid hillsides near locations of permanent water. Gila chub Does not occur within the project area on National Forest System land; Group 8, Threatened and (Gila intermedia) no suitable aquatic habitat occurs on National Forest System land that Endangered Species would be potentially impacted by this project. Gila topminnow Does not occur within the project area on National Forest System land; Group 8, Threatened and (Poeciliopsis no suitable aquatic habitat occurs on National Forest System land that Endangered Species occidentalis would be potentially impacted by this project. occidentalis) Gould’s turkey May occur in the project area on National Forest System land. Gould’s Group 8, Threatened and (Meleagris turkeys were historically found in southern Arizona within forested Endangered Species gallopavo areas containing evergreen oak woodlands, Madrean pine-oak forests, mexicana) and sycamore-dominated drainages. Populations have been reestablished in the Chiricahua, Santa Catalina, Huachuca, Peloncillo, Santa Rita, and Pinaleño Mountains (Heffelfinger et al. 2000), and individuals have been present nearby (eBird 2015). Merriam’s turkey Not known to occur within the project area. Believed extirpated, or Group 3, Species Needing Diversity (Meleagris nearly so, from the CNF (Forest Service 2011b). Group 6, Game Species gallopavo merriami) Mexican Does not occur within the project area on National Forest System land; Group 8, Threatened and stoneroller no suitable aquatic habitat occurs on National Forest System land that Endangered Species (Campostoma would be potentially impacted by this project. Further, this species is ornatum) only known to occur in Rucker Canyon within the Chiricahua Mountains and in San Bernardino Creek. Montezuma Known to occur within the project area on National Forest System land. Group 4, Species Needing (Mearns’) quail This species occurs in evergreen oak-pine woodlands and adjacent Herbaceous Cover (Cyrtonyx grasslands in areas in which native grasses grow medium height to tall Group 6, Game Species montezumae and provide dense cover (Johnson 2014). This species was observed Group 7, Special Interest Species mearnsi) during the field visit.

Mount Graham red This species does not occur within the project area on National Forest Group 8, Threatened and squirrel System land. No suitable habitat is present, as this species is only Endangered Species (Tamiasciurus found in mixed-conifer and subalpine forests at elevations above 8,700 hudsonicus feet amsl in the Pinaleño Mountains. grahamensis) Northern This species may occur in the project area in National Forest System Group 2, Riparian Species beardless- land because northern beardless-tyrannulet inhabits relatively open Group 5, Species Needing Dense tyrannulet riparian woodland and heavily wooded dry washes in southeastern Canopy (Camptostoma Arizona. The nearest occurrence record for this species is Aravaipa Group 7, Special Interest Species imberbe) Canyon (eBird 2015). Group 8, Threatened and Endangered Species Northern gray Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 2, Riparian Species hawk land. Bibles et al. (2002) indicate that gray hawks generally use areas Group 5, Species Needing Dense (Asturina nitida in Arizona that fall between 1,960 and 4,590 feet amsl, which is below Canopy maxima) the project area elevation. This species typically occurs in riparian Group 7, Special Interest Species woodlands with large trees (cottonwoods), usually near mesquite Group 8, Threatened and forests. Endangered Species Primary and May occur within the project area on National Forest System land; Group 1, Cavity Nesters secondary cavity suitable habitat (cavities in trees) is available. Numerous owls, nesters woodpeckers, and flycatchers known to nest in cavities may be present in the project area on National Forest System land. Many of these species have been documented near the project area (eBird 2015). Pronghorn This species does not occur within the project area on National Forest Group 4, Species Needing antelope System land. This species is primarily found in treeless grasslands, Herbaceous Cover (Antilocapra sage scrub or chaparral, and desert; requires open cover to avoid Group 6, Game Species americana) predation. Rose-throated Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 2, Riparian Species becard land. Occurs in tall, shady riparian woodlands along small perennial or Group 7, Special Interest Species (Pachyramphus intermittent mountain foothill drainages and canyons. This species is Group 8, Threatened and aglaiae) known to occur in Pima and Santa Cruz Counties in Arizona. Endangered Species Sonora chub Does not occur within the project area on National Forest System land. Group 8, Threatened and (Gila ditaenia) Suitable habitat does not occur, and the range of this species is limited Endangered Species to Sycamore Creek and Peñasco Canyon in the Atascosa Mountains and California Gulch in Santa Cruz County. Sonora tiger Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 8, Threatened and salamander land. This species is known to occur only in the San Rafael Valley of Endangered Species (Ambystoma Arizona and Sonora. The San Rafael Valley is bordered by the Canelo tigrinum stebbinsi) Hills to the north, the Huachuca Mountains to the east, and the Patagonia Mountains to the west. Sulphur-bellied May occur within the project area on National Forest System land Group 1, Cavity Nesters flycatcher because this species typically occurs in riparian canyons in association Group 2, Riparian Species (Myiodynastes with sycamores for nest trees and walnuts (Juglans major) for nest Group 3, Species Needing Diversity luteiventris) material or pine-oak communities. Group 7, Special Interest Species Group 8, Threatened and Endangered Species Spikedace Does not occur within the project area on National Forest System land. Group 8, Threatened and (Meda fulgida) This species is only known from a 15-mile reach of Aravaipa Creek in Endangered Species Graham and Pinal Counties, Eagle Creek in Greenlee County, and a 35-mile reach of the Verde River in Yavapai County. Aravaipa Creek is 8 miles north of the project area, and suitable habitat for this species does not occur in the project area.

Tarahumara frog Does not occur within the project area on National Forest System land Group 8, Threatened and (Rana because this species requires perennial lotic waters with plunge pools Endangered Species tarahumarae) in rugged canyons. This species was formerly extirpated from the United States, but reintroductions in the past several years have begun. However, those locations are far from this project area. Thick-billed Not thought to occur within project area on National Forest System Group 2, Riparian Species kingbird land. Encountered along riparian gallery woodlands bordering perennial Group 7, Special Interest Species (Tyrannus or intermittent creeks and rivers. This species has no occurrence Group 8, Threatened and crassirostris) records in the Galiuro Mountains; the nearest occurrence records are Endangered Species along the San Pedro River (eBird 2015). Twin-spotted Not thought to occur within project area on National Forest System Group 8, Threatened and rattlesnake land. This snake is found in the Chiricahua, Pinaleño, Huachuca, and Endangered Species (Crotalus pricei) Santa Rita Mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 11,000 feet amsl in Petran subalpine conifer forest and Petran montane conifer forest communities. Western barking Not thought to occur within the project area on National Forest System Group 8, Threatened and frog land because this species inhabits crevices in limestone or rhyolite rock Endangered Species (Craugastor outcrops on hillsides within the Madrean evergreen woodlands at [Eleutherodactylus] elevations from 5,200 to 6,200 feet amsl. Further, the project area is augusti cactorum) outside this species’ range. White-tailed deer May occur within the project area on National Forest System land; Group 3, Species Needing Diversity (Odocoileus widespread suitable habitat (oak-grassland/chaparral) is present in the Group 4, Species Needing virginianus couesi) project area (AGFD 2009b). Herbaceous Cover Group 6, Game Species

Note: The eight species and one MIS group that have the potential to occur or are known to occur in the project area are shaded above.

Analyzed in more detail below are the eight MIS species and one MIS group found in habitat types that are known to occur, or may occur, in the proposed project area on National Forest System lands: American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum), black bear (Ursus americanus), desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis deserti), Gould’s turkey (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana), Montezuma (Mearns’) quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae mearnsi), northern beardless tyrannulet (Camptostoma imberbe), sulphur-bellied flycatcher (Myiodynastes luteiventris), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus couesi), and primary and secondary cavity nesters.

AMERICAN PEREGRINE FALCON

The American peregrine falcon is included in the Threatened and Endangered Species MIS group for the CNF (Forest Service 1986, 2011b). The population trend for this species on the CNF is apparently upward. This falcon breeds in Arizona wherever sufficient prey is available near cliffs, such as those associated with the Mogollon Rim, Grand Canyon, and Colorado Plateau. Optimum nesting habitat is generally considered to be steep, sheer cliffs overlooking woodlands, riparian areas, or other areas that support an abundance of avian prey species; the presence of an open expanse is critical (Glinski 1998). However, these falcons have been observed breeding in less optimal habitats (small broken cliffs in ponderosa pine forest or large, sheer cliffs in very xeric areas) as human development expands in Arizona (AGFD 2013b). In Arizona, these falcons return to breeding areas from mid-February to mid-March, although year-round resident birds are not uncommon. Nesting sites (also called aeries) usually consist of a shallow depression scraped into a ledge on the side of a cliff. Peregrine falcons feed almost exclusively on birds, but bats are also taken. In Arizona, these birds use areas of Sonoran, Mohave, and Great Basin desertscrub up through areas of Rocky Mountain and Madrean montane conifer forest from around 400 feet amsl along the lower Colorado River to 9,000 feet amsl along the Mogollon Rim.

Peregrine falcons are capable of rapid, long-distance flight, and it is unlikely that the entire forest, including the project area, could provide suitable hunting habitat. For the purposes of this analysis, occupied habitat is defined as a combination of suitable nesting habitat and adjacent hunting areas. No specific monitoring method is identified in the Forest Plan for this species other than “measurements of appropriate habitat components” (Forest Service 1986:94). Although the Forest Plan does not specifically require monitoring for this species, known aeries have been identified and monitored periodically for many years by Forest Service personnel. Twenty-nine peregrine falcon territories have been identified on the CNF, and 14 of these have been identified for continued long-term monitoring as a condition of delisting the species (Abbate 2006; USFWS 2003b). In 2012, eight of the 12 monitored sites on the CNF were occupied (Abbate 2012). No forest-wide trends are discernible. Nationwide, the peregrine falcon population is considered secure and has been increasing for the past 30 years (USFWS 2003b). Forest-wide habitats are considered secure and sufficient to allow the species to be well distributed across the CNF (Forest Service 2011b). There are no known active aeries in the project area, and optimal nesting habitat is limited. However, peregrine falcons have been documented as occurring within 3 miles of the project area.

The Forest Plan gives no data for acres of occupied habitat on the CNF (Forest Service 1986), nor does it identify desired habitat conditions for this species. The project is not likely to cause a change in the local American peregrine falcon population. The project area is small and thus likely to result in only a small loss of foraging habitat for this species. Noise impacts to this species will decrease with increasing distance to the project area, and this species is highly mobile. Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects or actions that have affected or will affect resources on the CNF include historical grazing activities, current and historical mining, natural fires and wildfire suppression, invasive plants, recreation, and water diversions.

The proposed project is not expected to result in detectable changes in the CNF-wide population of American peregrine falcon or to result in a loss of occupied habitat for this species.

BLACK BEAR

Black bears are included in the Riparian Species, Species Needing Diversity, and Game Species MIS groups in the Forest Plan (Forest Service 1986, 2011b). A current forest-wide population estimate is not available. However, the range of the species on the CNF has not changed significantly since 1986, and the population trend for this species on the forest appears to be stable. Black bears are wide- ranging habitat generalists that prefer areas of dense cover and high vegetative diversity. They will use riparian areas for cover and as travel corridors. In Arizona, black bears are found in a variety of habitats, including subalpine and montane conifer forests, riparian forests, evergreen woodlands, and chaparral (AGFD 2009a). Individuals establish home ranges but are capable of moving great distances (100 miles) in response to climatic conditions or food availability. They often return long distances after being moved.

Most Arizona black bears hibernate from November through March, during which time they reduce their body temperature, heart rate, and metabolic function while still remaining somewhat conscious in the den (AGFD 2009a). They are normally solitary animals, the exception being family groups (mother and cubs), breeding pairs, and congregations at feeding sites. Bears will establish and defend territories, a behavior that tends to limit population densities in any given area. They feed on a variety of items, including berries, acorns, grass, insects, mesquite beans, and carrion. Grass has been shown to be a very important component of the diet in the spring.

Prickly-pear cactus fruits are seasonally important in some years. In general, the diet consists of approximately 90% plant material and only 10% animal matter, primarily in the form of insects. They can be effective predators and have been known to take livestock, especially calves, on occasion.

Black bears are both wide-ranging and secretive and thus are difficult to census with any degree of accuracy (Forest Service 2011b). As a result, no attempts are made to survey for bears on the CNF. Across the forest, habitat is of sufficient quality and abundance to allow the species to be well distributed across federal lands. Historical habitats remain occupied, although the population fluctuates within occupied habitats based on the availability of forage. No population trends can be detected, although it is generally believed that poor mast crops over the past several years have led to a decrease in the carrying capacity for bears on the CNF. The project area falls within AGFD’s Game Management Unit (GMU) 32, which includes all of the Galiuro Mountains (AGFD 2015).

It is estimated that this species occupies 641,113 acres within the CNF (Forest Service 1986, 2011b), and there is a total 1.2 acres of habitat within the project area. Therefore, the proposed project has the potential to impact far less than 1% (0.0002%) of this species’ occupied habitat across the CNF. The project is not likely to cause a change in the local black bear population. The project may result in a small loss of foraging habitat for this species. The noise resulting from the project would decrease with increasing distance from the project area, so while noise from the project may impact this species’ activity patterns or the activity patterns of its prey, black bears are highly mobile and would be able to shift their use to less affected areas. Thus, the project is anticipated to result in minor direct impacts to black bears and its habitat. Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects or actions that have affected or will affect resources on the CNF include historical grazing activities, current and historical mining, natural fires and wildfire suppression, invasive plants, recreation, and water diversions.

It is expected that this project will impact far less than 1% (0.0002%) of the suitable habitat present for this species across the CNF; thus, the proposed project is not expected to result in detectable changes in the CNF-wide population of black bear.

DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP

Desert bighorn are included in the Game Species and Threatened and Endangered MIS groups in the Forest Plan (Forest Service 2011b). A current forest-wide population estimate is not available, but the population occurring on the Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area declined and was eventually extirpated in the later 1990s. However, this species is currently being reintroduced to the Santa Catalina Mountains (AGFD 2014). Desert bighorn are also being reintroduced to other areas in and near the CNF (AGFD 2013c).

Desert bighorn occur in precipitous, rocky desert ranges in Arizona, where they often use areas of broken rock and gullies, typically in jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) communities within areas where galleta grass (Hilaria sp.) is the dominant species at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 feet amsl (Hoffmeister 1986), though they may occur up to 4,500 feet amsl (AGFD 2009c). Desert bighorn sheep have been released in Aravaipa Canyon approximately 8 miles north of the project area and on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Nature Conservancy land approximately 20 miles south of the project area off of CNF lands, and in an undisclosed location within the Galiuro Mountains (AGFD 2013c).

The Forest Plan identified 72,458 acres of occupied habitat in (Forest Service 1986, 2011b), and there is a total of 1.2 acres of habitat within the project area. Therefore, the proposed project has the potential to impact far less than 1% (0.0017%) of this species’ occupied habitat across the CNF. The project is not likely to cause a change in the local desert bighorn population, especially given that the project area is just outside the elevational range of this species. Thus, most of the project area is likely to be unoccupied by this species. The project may result in a small loss of foraging habitat for this species. The noise resulting from the project would decrease with increasing distance from the project area, so while noise from the project may impact this species’ activity patterns, desert bighorns are highly mobile and would be able to shift their use to less affected areas. Thus, the project is anticipated to result in minor direct impacts to desert bighorns and their habitat. Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects or actions that have affected or will affect resources on the CNF include historical grazing activities, current and historical mining, natural fires and wildfire suppression, invasive plants, recreation, and water diversions.

It is expected that this project will impact far less than 1% (0.0017%) of the suitable habitat present for this species across the CNF; thus, the proposed project is not expected to result in detectable changes in the CNF-wide population of desert bighorn.

GOULD’S TURKEY

This MIS is also a Forest Sensitive species. It is included in the Threatened and Endangered Species MIS group and was selected as such within the Forest Plan because it inhabits oak-grassland- riparian associations with trees of sufficient size for roosting, free water, and herbaceous material and insects during the breeding season (Forest Service 1986, 2011b). The population trend for this species on the CNF is apparently upward. Turkeys were observed within the project vicinity; it is unknown whether they were Merriam’s turkeys or Gould’s turkeys.

Gould’s turkey is distributed throughout northern Mexico and into the southwestern United States. In Mexico, populations appear to be stable and well distributed (Heffelfinger et al. 2000). However, in Arizona, the species occurs only in isolated pockets in the Chiricahua, Galiuro, Santa Catalina, Huachuca, Peloncillo, Santa Rita, and Pinaleño Mountains because of the reestablishment of populations in those ranges. The native turkey population on the CNF is believed to have been extirpated during the early 1900s (with the possible exception of a small population within the Peloncillo Mountains). While no taxonomic records exist, it is likely that these birds were the Gould’s subspecies (M. g. mexicana), based on the proximity to and connectivity between existing Gould’s turkey habitats in northern Mexico and mountain ranges on the CNF. A small but apparently stable population of Gould’s turkeys has persisted in the Peloncillo, Animas, and San Luis Mountains in southeastern New Mexico.

In the 1980s, agency efforts focused on the establishment of the Gould’s subspecies into suitable habitats on the CNF throughout southeastern Arizona. Gould’s turkey populations on the CNF have increased since 1986, and increases since 1990 have been the result of natural reproduction and ongoing transplant efforts. Habitat on the CNF is of sufficient quality and distribution to allow the population to increase. Population trend data are not available for the period from 1997 to 2012 for this species in Arizona (Sauer et al. 2014), but the population trend for this species on the CNF appears to be upward due to recent release efforts (Forest Service 2011b).

The Forest Plan gives no data for acres of occupied habitat on the CNF (Forest Service 1986), and it does not identify desired habitat conditions for this species. The project is not likely to cause a

change in the local Gould’s turkey population. The project area does not contain free water; thus, it is expected that any turkeys present would use this area very infrequently for foraging. The project is likely to result in a very minor loss of foraging habitat for this species, and nesting areas and reproductive success will not be impacted from the operation of mining on the project area. The project is anticipated to result in minor direct impacts—and is anticipated to result in only minor, short-term, indirect impacts—to Gould’s turkeys and its habitat. Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects or actions that have affected or will affect resources on the CNF include historical grazing activities, current and historical mining, natural fires and wildfire suppression, invasive plants, recreation, and water diversions.

The proposed project is not expected to result in detectable changes in the CNF-wide population of Gould’s turkey or to result in a loss of occupied habitat for this species.

MONTEZUMA QUAIL

Montezuma quail are an indicator for the Species Needing Herbaceous Cover, Game Species, and Special Interest Species MIS groups in the Forest Plan. Montezuma quail are the largest and most secretive of Arizona’s quail species (Johnson 2014). It forms fall and winter coveys that are likely to remain in the same general area where they were raised. Montezuma quail prefer oak woodlands and oak savannas in the southeastern portions of the state, where grass cover is abundant. The maintenance of grass height over 6 inches is necessary to provide sufficient cover for the birds to hide from predators. Although Montezuma quail populations are considered to be highly correlated with the amount and timing of summer precipitation, high levels of grazing or other activities that decrease herbaceous production, especially during the growing season, have also been shown to have negative impacts to the Montezuma quail as a result of the decrease in cover (Brown 1982).

Montezuma quail nest only after the monsoon and often postpone breeding until after the summer solstice, when the days start getting shorter (Johnson 2014). They generally demonstrate high hatching success, and their highly fluctuating numbers are determined largely by how many birds survive the winter, as this species typically experiences relatively high winter mortality. Since 1979, harvested quail numbers and hunter interest have decreased, causing some hunters and wildlife managers to wonder whether a long-term decline in quail numbers may have occurred.

Effective techniques for measuring Montezuma quail abundance are lacking, and unlike Gambel’s, scaled, and masked bobwhite quail, Montezuma quail cannot be reliably censused using breeding season call counts (Forest Service 2011b). AGFD has collected harvest data from quail hunters in selected canyons since approximately 1980, and since 1987, harvest data have been collected annually by AGFD via a small-game mail questionnaire. Harvests have fluctuated widely, with no discernible long-term trend. According to the Breeding Bird Survey, population trend data are not available for this species (Sauer et al. 2014); however, the population trend for this species on the CNF appears to be stable (Forest Service 2011b).

This species was observed during the biological survey in November 2015. It is estimated that this species occupies 225,410 acres within the CNF (Forest Service 1986). There is a total of approximately 1.2 acres of habitat in the project area on National Forest System land, although some of this area is unlikely to be suitable habitat for this species.

It is expected that this project will impact far less than 1% (0.0005%) of the suitable habitat present for this species across the CNF; thus, the proposed project is not expected to result in detectable changes in the CNF-wide population of Montezuma quail.

NORTHERN BEARDLESS TYRANNULET

This species is included in the Riparian Species, Species Needing Dense Canopy, Special Interest Species, and Threatened and Endangered Species MIS groups for the CNF. Northern beardless- tyrannulet inhabits relatively open riparian woodland and heavily wooded dry washes in southeastern Arizona (Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005). During the research period for the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas, they were reported primarily from lowland riparian woodlands with Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and Goodding’s willow (Salix gooddingii) stands, but they also were found fairly regularly in intermittent foothill drainages and dry washes with stands of tall netleaf hackberry (Celtis laevigata var. reticulata). Most tyrannulets are migratory and return to breeding areas in early to mid-March, with the earliest nest building reported on April 12. Peak nesting for this species is early May through late June at elevations from 1,920 to 4,600 feet amsl. They were found nesting along the San Pedro River and its tributaries, Arivaca Creek, Sonoita Creek, upper Santa Cruz River, and in wooded foothill drainages of the Baboquivari, Atascosa, Santa Rita, and Santa Catalina Mountains.

On a global scale and state scale, the northern beardless-tyrannulet is considered demonstrably secure, with more than 100 occurrences, although it could be considered quite rare in some areas (Forest Service 2011b). Population trend data are not displayed for this species in the North American Breeding Bird Survey database (Sauer et al. 2014). The general breeding distribution has changed little since the 1990s (Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005). There are not sufficient data to determine population trends on the CNF, but optimal habitats are very limited, primarily because much of the forest is above the elevational range of the species (Forest Service 2011b).

It is estimated that this species occupies 1,270 acres within the CNF (Forest Service 1986), and there are 1.2 acres of habitat that would be impacted on Forest Service land. The nearest occurrence record for this species is Aravaipa Canyon (eBird 2015). The project is not likely to cause a change in the local northern beardless tyrannulet population because only some portions of the project area even contain suitable habitat; the remainder of the project area is likely too open. The project may to result in a very minor loss of foraging or breeding habitat for this species, and nesting areas and reproductive success may be impacted from the operation of mining on the project area. The project is anticipated to result in minor direct impacts—and is anticipated to result in only minor, short-term, indirect impacts—to northern beardless tyrannulet and its habitat. Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects or actions that have affected or will affect resources on the CNF include historical grazing activities, current and historical mining, natural fires and wildfire suppression, invasive plants, recreation, and water diversions.

It is expected that this project will impact less than 1% (0.09%) of the suitable habitat present for this species across the CNF; thus, the proposed project is not expected to result in detectable changes in the CNF-wide population of northern beardless tyrannulet.

SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER

This species is included in the Cavity Nesters, Riparian Species, Species Needing Diversity, and Special Interest Species MIS groups in the Forest Plan. Sulphur-bellied flycatchers are primarily tropical birds that nest from southeastern Arizona to Costa Rica (Corman and Wise-Gervais

2005). In Arizona, they typically arrive in mid-May and depart by mid-September. They are generally confined to drainages containing tall, broadleaf woodlands but will travel up adjacent dry drainages or ascent slopes to forage in pines and oaks. Sulphur-bellied flycatchers are secondary cavity nesters, requiring flicker-sized cavities primarily in sycamores between 20 and 50 feet above the ground (Forest Service 2011b).

While the sulphur-bellied flycatcher is considered demonstrably secure globally, in Arizona it is locally common but within a restricted range (Forest Service 2011b). There are no organized surveys for sulphur-bellied flycatchers on the CNF, but as they are highly sought after by birders, the status of the bird is known anecdotally every year on the CNF. The population appears stable within the CNF, though with small sample sizes it is difficult to detect population trends (Forest Service 2011b). These birds are known to occur within the Galiuro Mountains, though they are infrequently observed (Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005).

There are no data on the acres of currently occupied habitat for this species on the CNF (Forest Service 2011b). The project is not likely to cause a change in the local sulphur-bellied flycatcher population because only some portions of the project area even contain suitable habitat; the remainder of the project area is likely too open and does not contain riparian-associated vegetation. Further, the project area is small (1.2 acres), and this species is only infrequently observed in the Galiuro Mountains.

The project is not likely to cause a change in the local sulphur-bellied flycatcher population because only some portions of the project area even contain suitable habitat; the remainder of the project area is likely too open and does not contain riparian associated vegetation. The project may to result in a very minor loss of foraging or breeding habitat for this species, and nesting areas and reproductive success may be impacted from the operation of mining on the project area. Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects or actions that have affected or will affect resources on the CNF include historical grazing activities, current and historical mining, natural fires and wildfire suppression, invasive plants, recreation, and water diversions.

The proposed project is not expected to result in detectable changes in the CNF-wide population of sulphur-bellied flycatcher or to result in a loss of occupied habitat for this species.

WHITE-TAILED DEER

White-tailed deer are included in the Species Needing Diversity, Species Needing Herbaceous Cover and Game Species MIS groups in the Forest Plan (Forest Service 1986, 2011b). The population trend for this species on the CNF is apparently downward. White-tailed deer are most common in the state’s southeastern mountains. They require areas of predictable summer precipitation and are most abundant in oak woodlands and chaparral-covered hillsides with oaks and pines (AGFD 2009b). While more resilient than mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) to hunting pressure, white-tailed deer are less drought tolerant. In Arizona’s southern mountain ranges, they are generally found at higher elevations and in rougher country than mule deer. White-tailed deer will use a variety of habitats but prefer areas of thicker cover with freestanding water; thus, they likely benefit from the current presence of stock tanks and springs in the project area. Large-scale vegetation removal prior to and during the fawning period reduces hiding cover and may reduce fawn survival and recruitment (Ockenfels et al. 1991). Unlike mule deer, white-tailed deer rarely form herds, and most observations are of fewer than six animals (AGFD 2009b). Shrubs constitute the majority of the diet, although forbs are seasonally important. Prescribed burns can open up chaparral and dense stands of pinyon-juniper, creating favorable conditions for white- tailed deer (Forest Service 1986). The project area falls within AGFD’s GMU 32 (AGFD 2015).

It is estimated that this species occupies 1,430,071 acres within the CNF (Forest Service 1986, 2011b), and there is a total of 1.2 acres of habitat within the project area. Therefore, the proposed project has the potential to impact far less than 1% of this species’ occupied habitat across the CNF. The project is not likely to cause a change in the local white-tailed deer population. The project is not likely to result in a loss of foraging habitat for this species, and fawning grounds and reproductive success will not be impacted. The noise impacts from the operation of this mining project may cause additional impacts to this species, including avoidance of the area or shifting of activity patterns. Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects or actions that have affected or will affect resources on the CNF include historical grazing activities, current and historical mining, natural fires and wildfire suppression, invasive plants, recreation, and water diversions.

It is expected that this project will impact far less than 1% (0.00008%) of the suitable habitat present for this species across the CNF; thus, the proposed project is not expected to result in detectable changes in the CNF-wide population of white-tailed deer.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CAVITY NESTERS

Primary and secondary cavity nesters may potentially occupy burned trees in and around the project area. In general, cavity nesters require large, older–age class trees and snags (and columnar cacti where they occur). Activities that affect cavity nesters are those that change the rate of regeneration of cavity-forming trees. Numerous owls, woodpeckers, flycatchers, and other birds known to nest in cavities may be present in the project area on National Forest System land.

No monitoring of cavity-nesting birds as a group occurs on the CNF (Forest Service 2011b). North American Breeding Bird Survey information for the Cavity Nester group shows slight but statistically insignificant declines for ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) and Bewick’s wren (Thryomanes bewickii); a slight, but statistically insignificant increase for the ladder-backed woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris); and significant downward trends for northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) and American kestrel (Falco sparverius). For all other primary or secondary cavity nesters, either trends were not significant or no data were available. There has also been a substantial, but unquantified, increase noted in suitable habitats (snags) for high- elevation cavity-nesters across the CNF.

There are no data on the acres of currently occupied habitat for this group on the CNF (Forest Service 1986). The proposed project is likely to result in a small loss of foraging habitat for this species, and nesting areas and reproductive success may be impacted from noise. However, the noise impacts are expected to become less severe with increasing distance to the project area. Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects or actions that have affected or will affect resources on the CNF include historical grazing activities, current and historical mining, natural fires and wildfire suppression, invasive plants, recreation, and water diversions.

The proposed project is not expected to result in detectable changes in the CNF-wide population of any cavity-nesting species or to result in a loss of occupied habitat for these species.

Migratory Birds and Eagles

BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN

Forty-one BCC species are listed for Graham County by the USFWS (see Appendix C): Arizona woodpecker (Picoides arizonae), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii), Bendire’s thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei), black-chinned sparrow (Spizella atrogularis),

black-throated gray warbler (Dendroica nigrescens), blue-throated hummingbird (Lampornis clemenciae), Brewer’s sparrow (Spizella breweri), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), canyon towhee (Pipilo fuscus), Cassin’s sparrow (Aimophila cassinii), chestnut-collared longspur (Calcarius ornatus), common black-hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus), elegant trogon (Trogon elegans), elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi), flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus), fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca), Gila woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis), gilded flicker (Colaptes chrysoides), golden eagle, Grace’s warbler (Dendroica graciae), gray vireo (Vireo vicinior), lark bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys), Lewis’s woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), Lucy’s warbler (Vermivora luciae), McCown’s longspur (Calcarius mccownii), mountain plover (Charadrius montanus), northern beardless tyrannulet, olive warbler (Peucedramus taeniatus), olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), peregrine falcon, pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), red-faced warbler (Cardellina rubrifrons), short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), Sonoran yellow warbler (Dendroica petechial sonorana), Sprague’s pipit (Anthus spragueii), Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni), and Williamson’s sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus).

Although these BCC do not receive protection under the ESA, they do receive protection under the MBTA and BGEPA. BCC have been identified as species, subspecies, or populations that are likely to be listed in the future if conservation measures are not taken (USFWS 2015a). Several of these BCC species were observed in the project area, including Arizona woodpecker, golden eagle, black-chinned sparrow, and northern beardless tyrannulet. Additionally, habitat components for several species are present; thus, they could potentially occur within the project area.

MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (16 USC 703–712), gives federal protection to all migratory birds, including nests and eggs. Under this act, it is unlawful to take, kill, or possess migratory birds. A survey for migratory birds was not completed for the purposes of this project, and no active nests were observed in the project area. However, most of the birds observed in the project area are protected under MBTA, with the exception of the Montezuma quail.

Most birds likely to occur in the area are protected under the MBTA, which provides federal protection to all migratory birds, including nests and eggs. In order to relocate or alter any MBTA-protected nests, it will be necessary to obtain a permit from the USFWS to maintain compliance with the MBTA. However, Section 1 of the Interim Empty Nest Policy of the USFWS, Region 2, states that if the nest is completely inactive at the time of destruction or movement, a permit is not required in order to comply with the MBTA. If an active nest is observed before or during construction, measures should be taken to protect the nest from destruction and to avoid a violation of the MBTA.

BALD AND GOLDEN EAGLE PROTECTION ACT

Bald and golden eagles are provided legal protection under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, as amended (16 USC 703–712). Because bald eagles are not believed to occur in the analysis area and because its habitat requirements do not occur in the area (large bodies of water are required for nesting and foraging), there is no need to address bald eagles for the proposed project.

However, golden eagles occur in the region. An SWCA biologist with experience conducting golden eagle surveys delineated and evaluated a golden eagle study area (per USFWS guidance, a

2-mile buffer around the drill sites and landing zones, and helicopter flight path) to determine the potential for eagle nests to be present. Using imagery and topographic backgrounds in ArcMap, 5,727 acres of suitable golden eagle nesting habitat (e.g., rock faces, trees, and transmission towers) were delineated within the 2-mile buffer. On April 20, 2016, approximately 7 flight hours were spend conducting the nest inventory, occupancy, and activity status survey. Two golden eagle and seven possible golden eagle nests were located within the study area; one of the eagle nests was active, with an adult eagle observed. Appendix B contains a technical memorandum with full methods and results. The drill locations range from 1.2 to 2.6 miles from the active nest and from 0.2 mile to 4.5 miles from inactive, possible nests for future breeding. However, it is unlikely that this proposed project would result in “take” of any golden eagles as defined under the BGEPA because: 1) only a few of the drill sites would be drilled during any given year; 2) the rugged topography of the area, including between the nesting sites and drilling sites, is likely to buffer any potential noise impacts to nesting individuals; 3) the project area is small (about 0.1 acre per drill site) and within highly variable terrain and marginally suitable foraging habitat for the species, which includes open, flat areas where prey, such as small mammals and birds, occur (Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005); and 4) there would be no direct impacts on the nest sites.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need

The AZHGIS (2015) lists 85 SGCN based on the predicted range models of the analysis area; 32 of these species are addressed earlier in this BAE. Ten of these species are addressed in the Federally Listed Species section: the yellow-billed cuckoo, southwestern willow flycatcher, roundtail chub (Gila robusta), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), lesser-long nosed bat, Chiricahua leopard frog, spikedace (Meda fulgida), Gila topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis), Mexican spotted owl, and loach minnow (Tiaroga cobitis). Please refer to the Federally Listed Species section (Section 4.3.1) for an evaluation and potential for occurrence for each of these species.

Twenty of the 85 SGCN based on the predicted range models in the analysis area are addressed in the Coronado National Forest Sensitive Species wildlife section: the giant spotted whiptail (Aspidoscelis [burti] stictogramma), desert sucker (Catostomus clarkia), Sonora sucker (Catostomus [=Pantosteus] insignis), pale Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens), broad-billed hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris), buff-breasted flycatcher (Empidonax fulvifrons), American peregrine falcon, Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai), yellow-eyed junco (Junco phaeonotus), western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii), western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus), lowland leopard frog, whiskered screech-owl (Megascops trichopsis), Gould’s turkey, Abert’s towhee (Pipilo aberti), sulphur-bellied flycatcher, Arizona woodpecker, Arizona shrew (Sorex arizonae), thick-billed kingbird (Tyrannus crassirostris), and Bezy’s night lizard (Xantusia bezyi). Please refer to the Coronado National Forest Sensitive Species section for an evaluation, potential of occurrence, and determination of effect for each of these species.

The bald eagle and golden eagle are addressed in the Migratory Birds and Eagles section.

Twenty-three of the remaining 53 SGCN wildlife species listed in the AZHGIS (2015) results by the AGFD have the potential to occur in the analysis area. The analysis area is clearly beyond the known geographic or elevational range of the other 30 species or it does not contain vegetation or landscape features known to support these species, or both. Habitat requirements, potential for occurrence, and possible effects on these 53 species are summarized in Table 5.

Table 5. Species of Greatest Conservation Need within Analysis Vicinity, based on Predicted Range Models

Common Name Tier 2011 Potential for Occurrence in Range or Habitat Requirements Determination of Effect (Scientific Name) Status Analysis Area Amphibians Sonoran desert toad 1B This toad is relatively common and May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Incilius alvarius) widespread. It is found from valley since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result bottoms well into lower-elevation hills present. in a downward trend and mountains in Sonoran toward federal listing as desertscrub, semi-desert grasslands, threatened or oak, and occasionally pine-oak endangered or in a loss woodlands below elevations of 5,800 of viability. Impacts to feet amsl. habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Birds American bittern 1B This stocky, well-camouflaged heron Unlikely to occur. There are No impact. (Botaurus is found in freshwater marshes with no wetlands or freshwater lentiginosus) tall vegetation. It can be found in marshes in the analysis area. wetlands of variable size and type as well. It can be found throughout Arizona. Sprague’s pipit 1A Found in native grasslands with Unlikely to occur in the No impact. (Anthus spragueii) vegetation of intermediate height analysis area. This species lacking woody shrubs. Cultivated, dry has not been observed in Bermudagrass, alfalfa fields mixed Graham County (AGFD with patches of dry grass, or fallow 2013b). Further, the analysis fields support wintering individuals of area contains habitat the species. elements not associated with this species. Arizona’s Bell’s vireo 1B Occurs within the analysis area on Unlikely to occur. Habitat for No impact. (Vireo bellii arizonae) National Forest System land. This this species does not occur in species inhabits lowland riparian the analysis area; further, this areas containing willows, mesquite, bird has no occurrence and seepwillows (Baccharis records within 15 miles of the salicifolia), preferring dense, low, analysis area (eBird 2015). shrubby vegetation below 3,500 feet Additionally, the analysis area amsl in the lower Sonoran zone is above the known within desert riparian communities. elevational range of this species.

Blue-throated 1B This species primarily occurs in Unlikely to occur. Habitat for No impact. hummingbird forested mountains of southeastern this species does not occur in (Lampornis Arizona in cool, moist canyons with the analysis area. Further, the clemenciae) perennial or intermittent stream flows analysis area is near the at elevations ranging from 5,904 to lower limit of this species’ 9,840 feet amsl. known elevational range.

Common nighthawk 1B This species is found in a wide May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Chordeiles minor) variety of habitats, but are typically since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result found in open areas such as sparse present. in a downward trend woodlands, forest clearings, toward federal listing as grasslands, and agricultural or threatened or suburban areas at elevations ranging endangered or in a loss from 4,200 to 9,200 feet amsl. of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Desert purple martin 1B This species can be found in dense Unlikely to occur. Habitat for No impact. (Progne subis Sonoran desertscrub habitat where this species does not occur hesperia) there are many large saguaros with in the analysis area, and the multiple cavities. This species can be analysis area is above the found throughout Arizona between known elevational range of 1,800 to 4,060 feet amsl. this species. Dusky-capped 1B This species occurs primarily in Unlikely to occur. Habitat for No impact. flycatcher dense woodlands containing this species does not occur (Myiarchus evergreen oaks and sycamore-lined in the analysis area. tuberculifer) drainages at elevations ranging from 3,700 to 6,800 feet amsl in the southeastern portion of the state. Evening grosbeak 1B In Arizona, this species nests in Unlikely to occur. Habitat for No impact. (Coccothraustes coniferous forests with a deciduous this species does not occur vespertinus) tree component at elevations ranging in the analysis area, and the from 6,400 to 9,100 feet amsl, and in analysis area is below the southeastern Arizona, this species known elevational range of also occurs in Madrean pine-oak this species. forests. Ferruginous hawk 1B This species hunts, breeds, and May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Buteo regalis) winters in open scrublands, since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in woodlands, grasslands, and present. a downward trend toward semidesert grasslands at elevations federal listing as ranging from 4,700 to 6,400 feet threatened or endangered amsl. This species is thought to no or in a loss of viability. longer nest in southeastern Arizona. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Additionally, minor impacts would occur to suitable hunting and wintering habitat, but not to breeding habitat. Gila woodpecker 1B This species is a very common Unlikely to occur. There are No impact. (Melanerpes inhabitant of Sonoran desertscrub no saguaros in the analysis uropygialis) habitats containing tall saguaros; area. occurs at elevations ranging from 150 to 4,800 feet amsl. Gilded flicker 1B Gilded flickers have a close affinity Unlikely to occur. There are No impact. (Colaptes with the Sonoran Desert and the no occurrence records for chrysoides) saguaro. this species within 10 miles of the analysis area (eBird 2015); further, saguaros do not occur in the analysis area.

Lincoln’s sparrow 1B Lincoln’s sparrows nest only in high- Unlikely to occur. Habitat for No impact. (Melospiza lincolnii) elevation riparian thickets and this species does not occur wetlands and winter throughout in the analysis area. southern and western Arizona. These Additionally, the analysis habitats are very limited in the state area is below the known and primarily occur in moist elevational range of this subalpine meadows or along small species. perennial drainages near open subalpine conifer forests. Shrub stands needed in this habitat are often dense and are regularly 4 to 8 feet tall. In Arizona, they are primarily found in the White and San Francisco Mountains between 8,300 and 10,000 feet amsl. Magnificent 1B Found on forested mountain slopes May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, hummingbird and ridges and in cool canyons and since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in (Eugenes fulgens) drainages, primarily between 5,200 present. a downward trend toward and 9,000 feet amsl. federal listing as threatened or endangered or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Mississippi kite 1B This medium-sized hawk is found in Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Ictinia riverine forest, open woodland, and analysis area is above the mississippiensis) prairies near riparian woodland. In known elevational range of Arizona, this species is mainly found this species. along the lower San Pedro River and the Gila River between 1,750 and 3,680 feet amsl. Pacific wren 1B This species breeds in temperate Unlikely to occur. Habitat for No impact. (Troglodytes forests west of the Rocky Mountains this species does not occur pacificus) and is only known to occur in Arizona in the analysis area; further, on the Mogollon Rim. this bird has no occurrence records within 15 miles of the analysis area (eBird 2015). Rufous-winged 1B This sparrow resides in thornscrub Unlikely to occur. The No impact. sparrow and arid grasslands and is sparsely analysis area is above the (Peucaea carpalis) distributed across the Sonoran known elevational range of Desert in southern Arizona. However, this species. its range has fluctuated over the years and it is fairly common in its historic range if favorable habitat is present between 2,080 and 4,100 feet amsl.

Savannah sparrow 1B In Arizona, these sparrows are found Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Passerculus nesting locally only in high-elevation analysis area is below the sandwichensis) grasslands and larger mountain known elevational range of meadows. Common winter residents this species. Additionally, of grasslands in southern and there are no occurrence western Arizona between 8,700 and records within 15 miles of 9,300 feet amsl. This species does the analysis area (eBird not breed in Arizona. 2015).

Western 1B The preferred habitat in Arizona is May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, grasshopper sparrow open grasslands between 3,800 and since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in (Ammodramus 5,300 feet amsl. present. a downward trend toward savannarum federal listing as perpallidus) threatened or endangered or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Wood duck 1B Wood ducks are attracted to Unlikely to occur. There are No impact. (Aix sponsa) permanent ponds, marshes, and no permanent ponds, lakes as well as slower sections of marshes, lakes, streams, or streams and rivers lined by large rivers within the analysis trees for nesting. area. Yellow warbler 1B This species is found to be closely Unlikely to occur. Habitat for No impact. (Setophaga associated with cottonwoods and this species does not occur petechia) willows in the arid West. This also in the analysis area; further, usually includes a dense understory this bird has no occurrence of saplings, seepwillow, mesquite, records within 10 miles of and saltcedar. In southeastern the analysis area (eBird Arizona, this species is found along 2015). lower perennial drainages below 6,500 feet amsl. Northern pygmy-owl 1C Occurs in most forested regions of May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Glaucidium gnoma Arizona. This species has been since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in californicum) spotted in many different habitats present. a downward trend toward between 3,600 and 10,500 feet amsl. federal listing as threatened or endangered or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Fishes Longfin dace 1B Occur in intermittent, hot, low-desert Unlikely to occur. There are No impact. (Agosia streams (desertscrub) to clear and no brooks or streams in the chrysogaster) cool brooks at higher elevations (up analysis area. to the lower end of conifer woodlands), although generally below 4,900 feet amsl. Speckled dace 1B This small minnow is found in rocky Unlikely to occur. There are No impact. (Rhinichthys riffles, runs, and pools of headwaters, no rocky riffles, runs, or osculus) creeks, and small to medium-sized pools of headwaters, creeks, rivers. They are often found in water or small to medium-sized less than 1.5 feet deep. In Arizona, rivers in the analysis area. this species is found in the Colorado, Bill Williams, and Gila River drainages. Mammals Arizona gray squirrel 1B This large tree squirrel is found in Unlikely to occur. There are No impact. (Sciurus arizonensis) deciduous forest areas in the no walnut trees in the mountains of central, eastern, and analysis area. south-central Arizona. This species is closely associated with walnut (Juglans major) trees, usually in stream and river bottoms.

Arizona pocket 1B This species occurs primarily in May occur since the May impact individuals, mouse Mohave and Sonoran desertscrub analysis area contains but is not likely to result in (Perognathus but can occur in other habitat types. It suitable habitat and is within a downward trend toward amplus) is associated with various plants the elevational range of this federal listing as throughout their range, including species. threatened or endangered cactus, creosote, goldenbush, palo or in a loss of viability. verde (Parkinsonia spp.), mesquite, Impacts to habitat would and juniper at elevations ranging be expected to be minor from approximately 3,900 to 5,400 because the analysis area feet amsl. (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Black-tailed prairie 1A This species was historically found in Unlikely to occur. The No impact. dog the southeastern portion of Arizona, analysis area is outside the (Cynomys ranging from the Sulphur Springs current geographic range of ludovicianus) Valley north of Bonito, and west to this species. the Sonoita grasslands on the west side of the Huachuca Mountains in portions of Cochise, Graham, Pima, and Santa Cruz Counties. The AGFD has recently (between 2008 and 2012) released this species at two different sites within the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area near Sonoita on BLM- administered lands. Antelope jackrabbit 1B Occurs on grassy slopes in dry May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Lepus alleni) area, often with scattered mesquite, since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in catclaw, and cacti from sea level to present. a downward trend toward 5,000 feet amsl. federal listing as threatened or endangered or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Further, there are portions of the analysis area that do not contain suitable habitat. Arizona myotis 1B Found near water in ponderosa pine Unlikely to occur. Habitat for No impact. (Myotis occultus) and oak-pine woodland habitat, and this species does not occur in in desert areas with riparian the analysis area; further, this vegetation or permanent water at species has no occurrence elevations between 3,200 and 8,620 records within 3 miles of the feet amsl. analysis area (AZHGIS 2015). Banner-tailed 1B Occurs in southeastern Arizona in May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, kangaroo rat desert grasslands with scattered since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in (Dipodomys creosote bush and other shrubs. present. a downward trend toward spectabilis) federal listing as threatened or endangered or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Further, there are portions of the analysis area that do not contain suitable habitat.

California leaf- 1B This species forages in dry washes, Unlikely to occur. The No impact. nosed bat including ironwood (Olneya tesota), analysis area is outside the (Macrotus mesquite, catclaw, and smoketree known geographic range of californicus) (Cotinus obovatus). They have been this species. Given the known to use riparian areas as well. relatively small foraging Roosts in mines, caves, bridges, radius and lack of roost sites and buildings. This species does not in the analysis area, they forage more than 3 to 6 miles from a would be unlikely to use any roost. Currently, this species range plants in the analysis area. includes southern Nevada, northwestern, central, and southwestern Arizona, and into Mexico (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 2015). Cave myotis 1B Occurs in desertscrub or creosote, May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Myotis velifer) brittlebush (Encelia sp.), paloverde, since suitable foraging habitat but is not likely to result in and cacti. Roosts in caves, tunnels, is present. a downward trend toward mine shafts, under bridges, and federal listing as sometimes in buildings within a few threatened or endangered miles of water. Known winter roosts or in a loss of viability. are wet mine tunnels above 6,000 Impacts to habitat would feet amsl. be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Further, there are portions of the analysis area that do not contain suitable habitat.

Desert bighorn 1B Desert bighorn occur in precipitous, May occur. While the analysis May impact individuals, sheep (Ovis rocky desert ranges in Arizona, area is marginally above the but is not likely to result in canadensis where they often use areas of elevational range of this a downward trend toward nelsoni) broken rock and gullies, typically in species, desert bighorn are federal listing as jojoba communities within areas known to occur in the Galiuro threatened or endangered where galleta grass (Hilaria spp.) is Mountains, and the analysis or in a loss of viability. the dominant species, at elevations area contains some habitat Impacts to habitat would between 3,000 and 4,000 feet elements known to support be expected to be minor amsl, though they may occur up to this species (e.g., rocky areas, because the analysis area 4,500 feet amsl. Desert bighorn gullies, grasses in genus (i.e., footprint) is small, sheep have been released in Hilaria). compared with the total Aravaipa Canyon approximately 8 range for this species. miles north of the project area and Further, there are portions on BLM and Nature Conservancy of the analysis area that land approximately 20 miles south do not contain suitable of the project area off of CNF lands, habitat. and at an undisclosed location within the Galiuro Mountains (AGFD 2013c). Greater western 1B Occurs in lower and upper Sonoran Unlikely to occur the analysis No impact. mastiff bat desertscrub near cliffs, preferring area. The analysis area is not (Eumops perotis the rugged, rocky canyons with within Sonoran desertscrub californicus) abundant crevices. Insectivorous; and does not contain large prefers foraging over large bodies bodies of water. of water.

Harris’s antelope- 1B Found throughout southern Arizona May occur in the analysis area May impact individuals, squirrel below the Mogollon Rim in deserts, since suitable canyon habitat but is not likely to result in (Ammosperm- canyons, and dry plains. is present. a downward trend toward ophilus harrisii) federal listing as threatened or endangered or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Jaguar 1A Jaguars were once prominent in Unlikely to occur. This No impact. (Panthera onca) southern Arizona and were found in species is not known to occur Sonoran desertscrub up through in Graham County, and is not subalpine conifer forest at listed on the IPaC species elevations between 1,600 and 9,000 report by USFWS; therefore, feet amsl. Based on 25 historical it was not evaluated in the (from 1902 to 2001) reliable and Federally Listed Species spatially accurate jaguar sighting section of this document. records in Arizona, the majority of Further, this species is very jaguars were observed in scrub rare, and there are no rivers grasslands (56%) and Madrean or cienegas in the analysis evergreen forests (20%), all were area. Additionally, there has within 6.2 miles of a water source, never been a jaguar sighting and most occurred in moderately in the Galiuro Mountains. rugged to extremely rugged terrain (Hatten et al. 2005). Additionally, river valleys and other drainage features likely “provide travel corridors for jaguars, along with higher prey densities, cooler air, and denser vegetation than surrounding habitats” (Jaguar Recovery Team and USFWS 2012).

Kit fox 1B Inhabits mixed-grass shrublands, May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Vulpes macrotis) grasslands, and margins of pinyon- since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in juniper woodlands over much of the present. a downward trend toward Southwest, including southeastern federal listing as Arizona (Meyer 2009). threatened or endangered or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Mexican free-tailed 1B In Arizona, this species is found May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, bat throughout the state in the summer since suitable foraging habitat but is not likely to result in (Tadarida and only in the southern half of the is present. a downward trend toward brasiliensis) state in the winter. Occurs in federal listing as desertscrub, coniferous forests, and threatened or endangered coniferous woodlands. or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Additionally, there are no suitable roosting sites within 3 miles of the analysis area. Thus, foraging habitat would be impacted.

Pocketed free- 1B In Arizona, this insectivorous bat has May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, tailed bat been found at elevations from 190 to since suitable foraging habitat but is not likely to result in (Nyctinomops 7,520 feet amsl within a variety of is present. a downward trend toward femorosaccus) plant associations, including federal listing as desertscrub and pine-oak forest, threatened or endangered usually around high cliffs and rugged or in a loss of viability. rock outcrops, in Pima, Gila, Mohave, Impacts to habitat would Maricopa, La Paz, Pinal, Graham, be expected to be minor Cochise, Yavapai, and Yuma because the analysis area Counties. (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Additionally, there are no suitable roosting sites within 3 miles of the analysis area. Thus, foraging habitat would be impacted. Spotted bat 1B In Arizona, this species has been Unlikely to occur. The No impact. (Euderma primarily observed in northern analysis area is far from the maculatum) Arizona (Fort Pierce Wash area), occurrence records of this though individuals have been species. Further, the analysis recorded in eastern Arizona. The life area does not contain the history requirements of this species permanent water or riparian are poorly known. In Arizona, most areas usually associated with individuals are captured in dry, rough this species. desertscrub. Water sources and cliffs are characteristics occurring in areas where this bat is observed. White-tailed deer 1B Throughout most of state and on May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Odocoileus National Forest System land; in since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in virginianus) Arizona’s southern mountain ranges, present. a downward trend toward white-tailed deer are generally found federal listing as at higher elevations and in rough threatened or endangered terrain. or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Yuma myotis 1B Throughout most of state but not Unlikely to occur in analysis No impact. (Myotis found in northeastern corner or in area. Habitat for this species yumanensis) southeastern part of state. Found in a does not occur in the analysis wide variety of upland and lowland area. habitats, including riparian, desertscrub, moist woodlands, and forests at elevations of 180 to 4,940 feet amsl. Generally inhabits Gila, Graham, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal, and Yuma Counties. Reptiles Arizona black 1B This rattlesnake is found in a variety May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, rattlesnake of biotic communities near rocky since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in (Crotalus cerberus) drainages with permanent or semi- present. a downward trend toward permanent water but can be found in federal listing as open, rocky slopes as well. In threatened or endangered Arizona, this species is found across or in a loss of viability. the central mountains from below the Impacts to habitat would Colorado River and the Mogollon be expected to be minor Rim, through the White Mountains, because the analysis area and down into Pinaleno, Galiuro, (i.e., footprint) is small, Santa Catalina, and Rincon compared with the total Mountains from 4,000 to 9,000 feet range for this species. amsl.

Gila monster 1A The Gila monster can be found from May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Heloderma desertscrub into the lower reaches of since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in suspectum) Great Basin conifer woodland and present. a downward trend toward Madrean evergreen woodland across federal listing as most of western and southern threatened or endangered Arizona at elevations ranging from or in a loss of viability. just above mean sea level near Impacts to habitat would Yuma to more than 5,500 feet amsl. be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Ornate box turtle 1A In Arizona, this species occurs in the May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Terrapene ornata) southeastern corner of the state, since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in from Winkelman to the Huachuca present. a downward trend toward Mountains in grasslands and federal listing as occasionally in desertscrub at threatened or endangered elevations from 3,000 to 6,500 feet or in a loss of viability. amsl. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Gila spotted 1B This lizard is distributed across May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, whiptail central Arizona’s Mogollon Rim since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in (Aspidoscelis country. It is also found in some of present. a downward trend toward flagellicauda) the sky island ranges of federal listing as southeastern Arizona, including the threatened or endangered Santa Catalina, Galiuro, Pinaleño, or in a loss of viability. and Chiricahua Mountains at Impacts to habitat would elevations of 4,000 to 6,500 feet be expected to be minor amsl. because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Hooded nightsnake 1B This snake is distributed across Unlikely to occur. The analysis No impact. (Hypsiglena most of Cochise County, Santa area is outside the known novum) Cruz County, and southeastern geographic range of this Pima County at elevations ranging species. from 3,000 to 8,500 feet in biotic communities ranging from Sonoran desertscrub, through the grasslands, and woodlands, and into cool Petran montane conifer forest. Regal horned lizard 1B This flat, wide lizard is found in Unlikely to occur. The analysis No impact. (Phrynosoma multiple biotic communities and area is above the known solare) inhabits valleys, rocky bajadas, and elevational range of this low foothills. In Arizona, this species species. can be found across southeastern Arizona from 900 to 4,500 feet amsl. Sonora mud turtle 1B This species inhabits aquatic Unlikely to occur. There are no No impact. (Kinosternon habitats such as rocky streams, permanent aquatic habitats sonoriense rivers, creeks, springs, ponds, cattle within the analysis area. sonoriense) tanks, ditches, and waterholes of intermittent streams at elevations ranging from sea level to 6,700 feet amsl.

Sonoran 1B Occurs throughout most of southern May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, coralsnake Arizona south of the Mogollon Rim since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in (Micruroides in communities ranging from present. a downward trend toward euryxanthus) Sonoran, Mohave, and Chihuahuan federal listing as desertscrub, through semidesert threatened or endangered grassland, and into the lower or in a loss of viability. reaches of the woodland. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Sonoran whipsnake 1B This long, slender snake is found in May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Coluber bilineatus) a variety of biotic communities, since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in usually above flats on mountain present. a downward trend toward slopes and canyons, in foothills, federal listing as along ridges, and on steep bajadas. threatened or endangered In Arizona, this species is found in or in a loss of viability. most of the sub-Mogollon Rim Impacts to habitat would mountain ranges of south-central be expected to be minor and southeastern Arizona between because the analysis area 1,000 and 7,000 feet amsl. (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Tiger rattlesnake 1B This snake is found in central, May occur in analysis area May impact individuals, (Crotalus tigris) south-central, and extreme since suitable habitat is but is not likely to result in southeastern Arizona at elevations present. a downward trend toward ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 feet federal listing as amsl. threatened or endangered or in a loss of viability. Impacts to habitat would be expected to be minor because the analysis area (i.e., footprint) is small, compared with the total range for this species. Variable sandsnake 1B This small, stout-bodied snake is Unlikely to occur. The analysis No impact. (Chilomeniscus found mainly in the Arizona Upland area is above the known stramineus) subdivision of Sonoran Desertscrub elevational range of this between 200 and 3,000 feet amsl. It species. is found across most of south- central Arizona.

Note: Range or habitat information is from AGFD (2013b), Brennan (2008), Brennan and Holycross (2006), Burt and Grossenheider (1976), Corman and Wise-Gervais (2005), eBird (2015); Hoffmeister (1986), and USFWS (2015c) unless otherwise noted.

Invasive species

The following evaluation addresses the risk on introduction, establishment, and spread of non- native plant species (including the CNF invasive exotic plant list, the Arizona Department of Agriculture [ADA]-listed noxious weeds, and other invasive non-native plant species) and invasive animals during construction and operation.

Forest Service Manual direction for Invasive Species Management is contained in a new manual section, Forest Service Manual 2900, effective December 5, 2011 (Forest Service 2011c). This direction sets forth Forest Service policy, responsibilities, and direction for the prevention, detection, control, and restoration of effects from aquatic and terrestrial invasive species (including vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and pathogens).

Table 6 displays noxious and other invasive, exotic plants that were considered in this analysis. This list consists of the 2014 CNF Invasive Exotic Plant List (provided by CNF staff), the ADA lists of regulated, prohibited, and restricted noxious weed species lists (Arizona Administrative

Code R3-4-244 and R3-4-245 and Arizona Revised Statutes 3-201), and also the document Invasive Non-native Plants that Threaten Wildlands in Arizona (Arizona Wildlands Invasive Plant Working Group [AZ-WIPWG] 2005).

NON-NATIVE PLANTS

Field studies were conducted and focused on recording dominant vegetation communities and floristic plant surveys. These surveys were floristic in nature, and a more focused search was not conducted for non-native species that may occur in the vicinity of the project area or use habitats similar to those associated with the project area. Further, botanical surveys were performed in winter, when plant species might not be detectable. However, no non-native plant species were observed during the November 2015 field visits.

Surveys were likely not sufficient to detect all weeds present in the project area. However, the analysis area is remote, pristine, and contains few roads. Thus, few invasive species are expected to occur, and only three were observed: a small patch of Bermudagrass was observed at LZ85, 05P; a single brome plant was observed at LZ86, 07P; and morning glory (Ipomoea sp) was present, but uncommonly encountered in the Copper Creek Canyon yellow-billed cuckoo survey site. Therefore, the risk associated with unknown/undetected weeds is considered medium.

The proposed project poses some risk of introducing invasive plant species. Heavy equipment would be brought to the project area by contractors from other geographic areas. In addition, areas of ground disturbance caused by ground-based heavy equipment operations are especially vulnerable to establishment and rapid spread of weeds. However, it is unknown what species might be brought in by equipment or whether they could establish in the project area. Further, the total disturbed area is small (1.2 acres). The risk of transporting new weed infestations into the project area is determined to be medium.

Table 6. Non-native Plant Species

AZ-WIPWG Listed for Scientific Name Common Name ADA Status Ecological CNF Rank Invasiveness Distribution Impact Acroptilon repens Russian knapweed No Prohibited High A A B Aegilops cylindrica Jointed goatgrass No Prohibited Low & red flag C B B Ailanthus altissima Tree of Heaven Yes – – – – – Alhagi maurorum Camelthorn No Prohibited Medium B A A Alternanthera Alligatorweed No Prohibited – – – – philoxeroides Arundo donax Giant reed Yes – High A B B Asphodelus fistulosus Onionweed No – Low C B D Avena fatua Wild oat No Restricted Medium C B A Bothriochloa Yellow bluestem Yes – – – – – ischaemum Brassica campestris Bird rape No Restricted – – – – Brassica juncea Indian mustard No Restricted – – – – Brassica nigra Black mustard No Restricted – – – – Brassica rapa Field mustard No Restricted – – – – Brassica tournefortii Sahara mustard Yes – Medium & red B B A flag Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome No – Medium & alert B B C

Bromus inermis Smooth brome No – Medium & red B B B flag Bromus rubens Red brome No – High A B A Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass No – High A A A Caesalpinia gilliesii Bird-of-paradise shrub Yes – – – – – Cardaria chalapensis Lens pod whitetop No Prohibited Medium & alert B B C Cardaria draba Globed-podded hoary Yes Prohibited Medium & alert B B B cress/whitetop Cardaria pubescens Hairy whitetop No Prohibited Medium & alert B B C Carduus acanthoides Spiny plumeless thistle No Prohibited – – – – Carduus nutans Musk thistle No – Medium B B B Cenchrus echinatus Southern sandbur No Regulated & – – – – prohibited Cenchrus incertus Sandbur/Field Yes Prohibited & – – – – sandbur regulated Cenchrus pauciflorus Sandbur No Restricted – – – – Centaurea calcitrapa Red star-thistle No Prohibited – – – – Centaurea diffusa Diffuse knapweed No Prohibited Medium B A B Centaurea iberica Iberian No Prohibited – – – – starthistle/knapweed Centaurea stoebe ssp. Spotted knapweed No Prohibited Medium & red B B B micranthos flag Centaurea melitensis Malta starthistle Yes – Medium B B B Centaurea solstitialis Yellow starthistle Yes Prohibited High A B B Centaurea squarrosa Squarrose knapweed No Prohibited – – – – Centaurea sulphurea Sicilian starthistle No Prohibited – – – – Chondrilla juncea Rush skeletonweed No Prohibited Medium & B A C alert Cirsium arvense Canada thistle Yes Prohibited Medium & red B B B flag Cirsium vulgare Bull thistle Yes – Low C B B Conium maculatum Poison hemlock No – Medium & B B C alert Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed No Regulated & Medium B B A prohibited Coronopus squamatus Greater swinecress No Prohibited – – – – Cortaderia selloana Pampas grass No – Medium & red B B B flag Cucumis melo var. Dudaim melon/Queen No Prohibited – – – – dudaim Anne’s melon Cuscuta spp. Dodder No Prohibited – – – –

Cynodon dactylon Bermudagrass Yes – Medium B B A

Cynoglossum officinale Gypsyflower No – Low C B D Cyperus esculentus Yellow nutgrass or No Prohibited – – – – nutsedge Cyperus rotundus Purple nutgrass or No Prohibited – – – – nutsedge Drymaria arenarioides Sandwort drymary No Prohibited – – – – Echinochloa crus-galli Barnyardgrass No – Low C C B

Eichhornia azurea Anchored water No Prohibited – – – – hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Floating water No Regulated & High, alert & A B D hyacinth restricted red flag Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian olive No – High A A B Elymus repens Quackgrass No Prohibited Low C C C Enneapogon Soft feather Yes – – – – – cenchroides pappusgrass Eragrostis chloromelas Boer lovegrass Yes – – – – – Eragrostis curvula Weeping lovegrass Yes – Low & red flag C B B Eragrostis African lovegrass/tick Yes – – – – – echinochloidea grass Eragrostis Lehmann lovegrass Yes – High A B A lehmanniana Erodium cicutarium Red stem filaree No – Medium C B A Euphorbia esula Leafy spurge No Prohibited High & alert A A C Euryops Sweet resin bush Yes Restricted High & red flag A B B subcarnosus/multifidus Halogeton glomeratus Halogeton No Prohibited – – – – Helianthus ciliaris Texas blueweed Yes Prohibited – – – – Hordeum murinum Mouse barley No – Medium B B A Hydrilla verticillata Waterthyme No Prohibited Evaluated but not listed & red A B U flag Ipomoea spp. All species except No Prohibited – – – – Ipomoea carnea, Mexican bush morning glory; I. arborescens, tree morning glory; I. batatas, sweet potato; I. quamoclit, cypressvine; I. alba, tropical white morning glories; cardinal climber (Ipomoea × multifida); heartleaf morning glory (I. cardiophylla); and honeyvine (Cynanchum laeve) Ipomoea triloba Littlebell No Restricted & – – – – regulated Isatis tinctoria Dyer’s woad No Prohibited – – – – Lepidium latifolium Perennial pepperweed No – High A B C Leucanthemum Oxeye daisy No – Low C B B vulgare Linaria genistifolia Dalmatian toadflax No Prohibited Medium & red var. flag B B A dalmatica/vulgaris Linaria vulgaris Yellow toadflax No – Medium & alert B B C Lolium perenne Perennial ryegrass No – Medium B B B Lythrum salicaria Purple loosestrife No Prohibited – – – – Marrubium vulgare Horehound Yes – – – – – Medicago Burclover No Regulated & – – – – polymorpha prohibited

Melilotus alba White sweetclover No – Medium & red C B A flag Melilotus officinalis Yellow sweetclover No – Medium & red C B A flag Melinis repens Natal grass Yes – – – – – Mesembryanthemum Common iceplant No – Low C B D crystallinum Mesembryanthemum Slenderleaf iceplant No – Medium & alert B B C nodiflorum Myriophyllum Parrot’s feather No – High & alert A B C aquaticum Myriophyllum Eurasian watermilfoil No – High & alert A B C spicatum Nassella trichotoma Serrated tussock No Prohibited – – – – Nicotiana glauca Tree tobacco Yes – – – – – Onopordum Scotch thistle No Prohibited Low C B B acanthium Orobanche ramosa Hemp broomrape No Prohibited – – – – Panicum antidotale Blue panicum No – Low C C C Panicum repens Torpedo grass No Prohibited – – – – Peganum harmala Harmal peganum No Prohibited – – – – Pennisetum ciliaris Buffelgrass Yes Regulated High & red flag A A A Pennisetum Fountaingrass Yes – High & red flag A B B setaceum Pentzia incana African sheepbush Yes – – – – – Polypogon Rabbitsfoot grass Yes – – – – – monspeliensis Portulaca oleracea Common purslane No Regulated & – – – – prohibited Rhus lancea African sumac Yes – Medium & alert B B C Robinia Black locust Yes – – – – – pseudoacacia Rorippa austriaca Austrian yellowcress No Prohibited – – – – Rubus armeniacus Himalayan blackberry No – Medium & alert B B C Rubus discolor Himalayan blackberry No – Medium & alert B B C Rumex crispus Curley dock No Restricted – – – – Saccharum ravennae Ravennagrass No – Medium & alert B B D Salsola collina Slender Russian thistle No – Medium B B A Salsola kali var. Russian thistle No Restricted – – – – tenuifolia Salsola paulsenii Barbwire Russian thistle No – Medium B B A Salsola tragus Prickly Russian thistle Yes – Medium B B A Salvinia molesta Kariba-weed No Prohibited High & alert A B C Schismus arabicus Arabian schismus No – Medium B B A Schismus barbatus Common Mediterranean No – Medium B B A grass Senecio jacobaea Tansy ragwort No Prohibited – – – – Sida hederacea Alkali mallow No Restricted – – – – Sinapis arvensis Charlock or wild mustard No Restricted – – – – Solanum carolinense Carolina horsenettle No Prohibited – – – –

Solanum Silverleaf nightshade No Prohibited – – – – elaeagnifolium Solanum viarum Tropical soda apple No Prohibited – – – – Sonchus arvensis Perennial sowthistle No Prohibited – – – – Sonchus asper Spiny sowthistle No – Medium C B A Sonchus oleraceus Annual sowthistle No – Medium C B A Sorghum almum Columbus grass No Prohibited – – – – Sorghum halepense Johnsongrass Yes Prohibited Medium B B A Stipa brachychaeta Puna grass No Prohibited – – – – Striga spp. Witchweed No Prohibited – – – – Tamarix aphylla Athel saltcedar Yes – Low & red flag B C D Tamarix chinensis Fivestamen saltcedar Yes – High & red flag A A A TTamarix parviflora Smallflower saltcedar Yes – High & red flag A A A Tamarix ramosissima Saltcedar Yes – High & red flag A A A Tamarix spp. Saltcedar Yes – High, low & red Varies per Varies per Varies per flag species species species Trapa natans Water-chestnut No Prohibited – – – – Tribulus terrestris Puncturevine No Regulated & Evaluated but D C U prohibited not listed Ulmus pumila Siberian elm No – Medium B B B Verbascum thapsus Common mullein Yes – Evaluated but D C A not listed Vinca major Bigleaf perrywinkle No – Medium & alert B B C ADA Category Definitions: Prohibited = Plant species, including viable plant parts (stolons, rhizomes, cuttings, and seed, except agricultural, vegetable, and ornamental seed for planting purposes), are prohibited from entering the state. Regulated = Plant species, including viable plant parts (stolons, rhizomes, cuttings, and seed, except agricultural, vegetable, and ornamental seed for planting purposes), found within the state may be controlled to prevent further infestation or contamination. Restricted = Plant species, including viable plant parts (stolons, rhizomes, cuttings, and seed, except agricultural, vegetable, and ornamental seed for planting purposes), found within the state shall be quarantined to prevent further infestation or contamination. AZ-WIPWG Category Definitions: Rank: Alert: Additional designation for some species in either the High or Medium category, but whose current ecological amplitude and distribution are limited. This designation alerts site managers to species that are capable of rapidly invading unexploited natural communities based on initial, localized observations, or in similar ecosystems and communities elsewhere. Red Flag: Additional designation to identify and document a critical piece of information not evident in the overall ranking. The red flag notation provides an opportunity to convey essential information to land managers and others who may use and interpret the categorization of a specific plant. High: These species have severe impacts on ecosystems, plant and animal communities, and vegetation structure. Invasiveness attributes are conducive to moderate to high rates of dispersal and establishment. These species are usually widely distributed both among and within ecosystems/communities. Medium: These species have substantial and apparent ecological impacts on ecosystems, plant and animal communities, and vegetation structure. Invasiveness attributes are conducive to moderate to high rates of dispersal often enhanced by disturbance. Ecological amplitude (diversity of ecosystems/communities) and distribution (within an ecosystem/community) may range from limited to widespread. Low: These species have minor yet detectable ecological impacts. Invasiveness attributes result in low to moderate rates of invasion. Ecological amplitude and distribution are generally limited, but the species can be problematic locally. Evaluated but not listed: In general this designation is for species for which information is currently inadequate to respond with certainty to the minimum number of Criteria questions (i.e., too many "U" responses) or for which the sum effects of ecological impacts, invasiveness, and ecological amplitude and distribution fall below the threshold for listing (i.e., the overall rank falls below Low). Many such species are widespread but are not known to have substantial ecological impacts (though such evidence may appear in the future). All species receiving a D score for ecological impact (Section 1 of the Criteria), regardless of what other section scores they receive, are by default placed into this category. Ecological Impact: Scores range from A to D. For ecological impacts, A represents high severity of ecological impacts, whereas D represents a negligible impact to the ecosystem. U is when insufficient information is available to assign a score. Invasiveness: Scores range from A to D. For invasiveness, A represents the greatest potential to invade an ecosystem, whereas D indicates a low potential of invasion. U is when insufficient information is available to assign a score. Distribution: Scores range from A to D. For distribution, A indicates that the species has a wide ecological amplitude, is widespread within particular ecosystem/community, or both. A score of D would indicate the converse. U is when insufficient information is available to assign a score.

The risk of spreading existing occurrences of non-native plants as a result of soil disturbance associated with the proposed action is determined to be medium throughout the project area. These risks could be mitigated and the risk changed to low, if equipment were to be cleaned prior

to use, and by incorporating other best management practices. Soil disturbance associated with ground-based operations may lead to an increased prevalence of existing non-native species, as well as a risk of new introductions and spread through the use ground-based equipment adjacent to roads (where most infestations start) and continuing away from roads.

NON-NATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES

Table 7 displays a list of invasive animals known to be issues on the CNF and those known to occur in or near the analysis areas for this project. All of these species were considered in this analysis.

Table 7. Invasive Animal Species Scientific Name Common Name Threats

Compete with natives; prey on natives; transmit new Orconectes virilis or Northern crayfish or red swamp diseases and parasites to natives; disrupt the local Procambarus clarkii crayfish ecological balance Compete with natives; prey on natives; transmit new Lithobates catesbeianus American bullfrog diseases and parasites to natives; disrupt the local ecological balance Compete with natives; prey on natives; transmit new Ambystoma mavortium mavortium Barred tiger salamander diseases to natives; disrupt the local ecological balance Compete with natives; prey on natives; transmit new Family Centrarchidae (including Sunfish (including bass species, diseases and parasites to natives; disrupt the local Micropterus spp. or Lepomis spp.) bluegill, or others) ecological balance Compete with natives; prey on natives; disrupt the Gambusia affinis Mosquitofish local ecological balance Compete with natives; prey on natives; transmit new Notemigonus crysoleucas Golden shiner diseases and parasites to natives; disrupt the local ecological balance Compete with natives; nest parasitism; disrupt the Molothrus ater Brown-headed cowbird local ecological balance Compete with natives; prey on natives; disrupt the Passer domesticus European house sparrow local ecological balance Compete with natives; disrupt the local ecological Sturnus vulgaris European starling balance

Sources for threat information: eBird (2015); Learning Center of the American Southwest (2012); USGS (2013).

Field surveys were conducted in November 2015 that covered the entire project area. Field studies were conducted that focused on documenting suitable habitat for wildlife and sensitive biological resources. The wildlife and sensitive biological resources present or potentially present were identified through a literature review identified in the table above. No species-specific wildlife surveys were conducted. Wildlife species detected during field surveys by sight, calls, tracks, scat, or other sign were recorded.

In addition to species actually observed, expected wildlife usage of the area was determined according to known habitat preferences of wildlife species and knowledge of their relative distributions in the area.

The main focus of the faunal species surveys was to identify habitat suitability for special-status wildlife within the project area, in order to predict those species with a higher probability of occurrence in the project area. The fact that a species was not detected does not mean that the species does not occur in the project area. Surveys for wildlife species have the inherent limitation that absence is difficult or impossible to determine; this is especially true for wildlife species with a nocturnal pattern of activity or that are otherwise difficult to detect.

None of the species listed in Table 7 were observed in the project area during the field surveys; however, brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), and European house sparrows (Passer domesticus) have been documented in the project vicinity (eBird 2015). Surveys were likely not sufficient to detect all non-native animals or pathogens present in the project area. However, the risk associated with unknown/undetected invasive animals is considered low. This is mainly because the small disturbance size of the project does not create a large human disturbance that could attract these species.

The risk of introduction, establishment, and/or spread of invasive animals is low for this proposed project, since most of the invasive animal species are associated with aquatic environments (see Table 7), and this project does not include disturbance within aquatic environments or use of water sources that could contain these aquatic species. Additionally, the proposed action would not create favorable conditions (i.e., anthropogenic effects, such as habitation, recreation, agriculture, ranching, etc.) that would increase the spread of the other invasive animal species in Table 7 that are not aquatic species (i.e., bird species).

The risk of introduction, establishment, or spread of invasive animals or pathogens is considered low.

Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects for threatened and endangered species include the effects of future State, tribal, local or private actions that are reasonably certain to occur in the action area. Future Federal actions that are unrelated to the proposed action are not considered in this section because they require separate consultation pursuant to Section 7 of the Act. [50 CFR §402.02]. This definition of cumulative effects applies only to Section 7 analyses and should not be confused with the broader use of this term in the National Environmental Policy Act or other environmental laws.

The Coronado National Forest manages the lands within the action area, thus, most activities that could potentially affect listed species and designated critical habitats are Federal activities that are subject to Section 7 consultation and therefore not considered in this cumulative effects analysis. Examples of these kinds of actions include: management of Forest Service grazing permits, fuels reduction activities, travel management, and mineral activities.

Activities in the vicinity of the project area that are reasonably certain to occur but are not subject to Section 7 analysis include illegal activities and actions on private lands. Examples of illegal activities include: inappropriate use of off-highway vehicles, poaching, and illegal woodcutting. Illegal activities are difficult to predict and are assumed will occur indefinitely and uniformly dispersed throughout the vicinity of the project area. Because of the increase in the number of people on the landscape, the project may temporally decrease the levels of illegal activity in the project area.

Illegal activities could potentially affect many of the listed species and designated critical habitat through habitat destruction, introduction of non-native invasive species, increased noise levels,

and an increase in the human presence in the area. Future illegal activities are anticipated to occur at very low levels and are not expected to significantly contribute to the effects to listed species and designated critical habitat.

Activities occurring on private lands may include residential development, farming/ranching, road construction and maintenance, and mineral exploration. These activities could potentially affect many of the listed species and designated critical habitat through habitat destruction, introduction of non-native invasive species, increased noise levels, and an increase in the human presence in the area. No new major developments of private lands are expected to occur within the immediate vicinity of the project or among the larger blocks of private land; therefore, future activities on private lands are not expected to significantly contribute to the effects to listed species and designated critical habitat.

Within the NEPA framework, cumulative effects are defined as “The incremental impact of an action, when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions”. For the purposes of this analysis, the cumulative effects boundary for cumulative effects to scenery is the Gailuro EMA during the 5 year proposed project. Reasonably foreseeable future actions in the project area that affect scenic resources include the Galiuro Firescape Project, which will provide long-term benefits to terrestrial and aquatic habitats by improving forest health and reducing risks of catastrophic wildfire. Additionally, the Travel Management Project (changes to the Safford Ranger District motorized travel system), which will benefit wildlife by reducing overall disturbance from vehicle traffic and improve aquatic habitats by properly maintaining system roads and decommissioning unnecessary roads.

Because there are no past or present actions that negatively impact wildlife and habitat, and future actions will provide benefits, no cumulative effects from this project are expected.

Determination of Effects

The cumulative effects of the Galiuro Drilling Project are not expected to change any of the determinations made on any listed species or designated critical habitats in this document. Furthermore, for those species that that had No Effect determinations and were not analyzed in detail, the cumulative effects of this project are not expected to change these determinations either.

Design Features and Mitigation Measures

1. Design drilling pad facilities to minimize surface disturbance and fit into existing clearings wherever possible. Minimize vegetation removal (especially large shrubs and trees). 2. Keep drilling sites clean and in good condition (contain litter and debris, ensure that stormwater does not erode soils, etc.). 3. Naturalize drilling sites, helicopter landing zones, and footpaths by removing all facilities and debris, backfilling holes and restoring natural grades and drainage patterns, tilling compacted areas, stabilizing soils if necessary, and seeding with native species found in the immediate area. If available, place topsoil and slash/branches on disturbed areas. 4. Utilize equipment was stations to prevent potential introduction or spread of exotic invasive species. Invasive species can be plants, animals (exotic snails), and other organisms (e.g., microbes), which may cause alteration to ecological functions or

compete with or prey upon native species and can cause social impacts (e.g., livestock forage reduction, increase wildfire risk). 5. Minimize impacts to springs, in-stream flow, and consider irrigation improvements to decrease water use. 6. Avoidance or minimization measures could include conducting project activities outside of breeding seasons. 7. Avoid/minimize wildlife impacts related to contacting hazardous and other human-made substances in facility water collection/storage basins, evaporation or settling ponds and/or facility storage yards. Design slopes to discourage wading birds and use fencing, netting, hazing or other measures to exclude wildlife. 8. Adhere to proper food storage and sanitation procedures to minimize potential conflicts with black bears and other wildlife. Consult with Arizona Game and Fish for advice on 9. Monitor reclamation. If naturalization is not successful, repeat actions as needed. References (Literature Cited) Abbate, D. 2006. Peregrine Falcon Nest Site Monitoring in Arizona: 2006 Breeding-Season Results.

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