Big Flat Road (County Route 405) Post Mile 3.6 at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Natural Environment Study Del Norte County, California Township 15 North, Range 2 East, Section 1 USGS Cant Hook Mountain, California 7.5-Minute Quadrangle 01-DN-0-CR BRLO 5901 (045) June 2015
Summary
Summary The County of Del Norte Community Development Department – Engineering Division (County) is planning to replace the Bridge No. 01C-0031 on Big Flat Road (County Route 405) over Hurdygurdy Creek, which is in the Six Rivers National Forest. The County has nominated this bridge for replacement under the federal-aid Highway Bridge Program administered by the Federal Highway Administration through California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Local Assistance. In 2009, the bridge was found structurally deficient with a rating of 38.5 and the County determined replacement is the most costeffective solution. The County is proposing to replace this bridge with a structure capable of meeting all requirements of the Caltrans Local Programs Manual and Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. A delineation of waters of the United States was conducted to determine if jurisdictional features were present in the biological study area (BSA). Jurisdictional waters mapped within the BSA include perennial stream (Hurdygurdy Creek), intermittent stream and riparian wetland. These features occupy 0.776 acre of the BSA. Placement of rock slope protection below the proposed bridge would result in permanent impacts on up to 0.0115 acre of waters of the United States. Placement of temporary gravel work pads/stream diversions and the temporary road would result in temporary impacts up to 0.1096 acre of waters of the United States. Although the addition of rock slope protection would result in direct permanent impacts on up to 0.0115 acre of waters of the United States, the proposed project will have no net permanent loss of wetlands due to the replacement of riparian vegetation on site at a 3:1 ratio and replacement of a two-span bridge with a new, single-span bridge. The project design minimized impacts on wetlands to the extent practicable. All other design considerations would have a greater impact on wetlands. The project design with the least impact on wetlands was selected and, the project is in compliance with the Wetlands Only Practicable Finding Alternative pursuant to Executive Order 119900, Protection of Wetlands (1977). Riparian habitat, which is considered a sensitive natural community by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, is also present in the BSA. Potential impacts to this sensitive community and recommended avoidance measures are addressed. A Biological Assessment/Essential Fish Habitat Assessment was prepared, which concluded that the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect southern Oregon/northern California coast coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), or their critical habitat, and is not likely to eliminate or significantly diminish or disrupt essential fish habitat Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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Summary
(EFH). The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a Biological Opinion on August 18, 2014 that concurred with the determination of may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect southern Oregon/northern California Coast coho salmon or their critical habitat under Section 7 of the Federal Endangered Species Act. Additionally, NMFS determined that the proposed project would not adversely affect EFH for coho salmon. A Biological Assessment (BA) was prepared to evaluate potential project effects on northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina), marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), and Pacific fisher West Coast DPS (Martes pennanti). The BA included a habitat assessment for each species and an auditory and visual disturbance evaluation for northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet. Based on the effects evaluation, the BA concluded that the proposed action may affect, but would not likely adversely affect northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet. Additionally, the BA determined that the proposed action may affect, but would not likely adversely affect, designated critical habitat for northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet. Caltrans District 1 submitted the BA to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for review and comment. The USFWS responded that the project complied with the existing Programmatic Informal Consultation for the California Department of Transportation’s Routine Maintenance and Repair Activities, and Small Projects Program for Districts 1 and 2 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2014). Further, the USFWS recommended that Caltrans District 1 utilize the Programmatic Letter of Concurrence to document Section 7 federal Endangered Species Act compliance. Because Pacific fisher is not currently listed, Caltrans District 1 on behalf of the County will seek concurrence from the USFWS for the species should it be listed in the future, prior to the project being constructed. A botanical survey conducted on June 25 and September 12, 2012 concluded that no specialstatus plant or U.S. Forest Service Sensitive or Survey and Manage plant species occur in the biological study area. Based upon the review of habitat requirements and the results of the field assessments, the BSA contains potential habitat for 20 other special-status animals species: western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Chace juga (Juga chacei), Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus tridentatus), western brook lamprey (Lampetra richardsoni), coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii), Klamath Mountains Province steelhead DPS (Oncorhynchus mykiss), southern Oregon/northern California coastal Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), western tailed frog (Ascaphus truei), Del Norte salamander (Plethodon elongatus), northern red-legged frog (Rana aurora), foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii), southern torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), black swift (Cypseloides niger), Vaux’s swift (Chaetura vauxi), yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia brewsteri), yellow-breasted chat
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(Icteria virens), Sonoma tree vole (Arborimus pomo), ring-tailed cat (Bassariscus astutus), and Humboldt marten (Martes americana humboldtensis). Potential impacts and recommended avoidance and minimization measures for the species listed above are addressed. The riparian and forest habitats in and near the BSA provide nesting habitat for migratory birds and raptors, which could result in active nests that could be disturbed during project construction if they are present. Potential impacts and recommended avoidance and minimization measures for the species listed above are addressed.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents Summary
........................................................................................................................ Summary i
Chapter 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Project History ............................................................................................................ 1 1.1.1. Existing Facility Conditions......................................................................... 1 1.2. Project Description ..................................................................................................... 3 1.2.1. Project Overview.......................................................................................... 3 1.2.2. Construction Overview ................................................................................ 6 1.2.3. Construction Practices and Conservation Measures .................................... 9 Chapter 2. Study Methods ............................................................................................................. 14 2.1. Federal Regulatory Requirements ............................................................................ 14 2.1.1. Federal Endangered Species Act................................................................ 14 2.1.2. Clean Water Act ......................................................................................... 14 2.1.3. Migratory Bird Treaty Act ......................................................................... 15 2.1.4. National Forest Management Act .............................................................. 15 2.1.5. Six Rivers National Forest Land Resource Management Plan .................. 15 2.1.6. Six Rivers National Recreation Area Management Plan ........................... 16 2.1.7. Northwest Forest Plan ................................................................................ 17 2.1.8. Executive Order 11990 (Wetlands)............................................................ 17 2.1.9. Executive Order 13112 (Invasive Species) ................................................ 17 2.1.10. Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management).................................... 18 2.2. California Regulatory Requirements ........................................................................ 18 2.2.1. Fish and Game Code Section 2081, California Endangered Species Act .............................................................................................................. 18 2.2.2. Fish and Game Code Section 3503, Birds of Prey ..................................... 18 2.2.3. Fish and Game Code Section 3513, Migratory Birds ................................ 18 2.2.4. Fish and Game Code, “Fully Protected” Species ....................................... 18 2.2.5. Fish and Game Code Section 1600, Lake or Streambed Alteration........... 19 2.3. Studies Required ....................................................................................................... 19 2.3.1. Database Search and Informational Review .............................................. 19 2.3.2. Studies Conducted...................................................................................... 20 2.4. Personnel and Survey Dates ..................................................................................... 21 2.5. Agency Coordination and Professional Contacts ..................................................... 21 2.6. Limitations That May Influence Results .................................................................. 22 Chapter 3. Results: Environmental Setting .................................................................................. 23 3.1. Description of Existing Physical and Biological Conditions.................................... 23 3.1.1. Study Area ................................................................................................. 23 3.1.2. Physical Conditions.................................................................................... 23 3.1.3. Biological Conditions ................................................................................ 23 3.2. Habitats and Natural Communities of Concern and Regional Species..................... 28 3.2.1. Habitats and Natural Communities of Concern ......................................... 28 3.2.2. Special-Status Plants .................................................................................. 29 3.2.3. Special-Status Animals .............................................................................. 33 Chapter 4. Results: Biological Resources, Discussion of Impacts and Mitigation .................... 40 4.1. Habitats and Natural Communities of Concern ........................................................ 40 4.1.1. Riparian Habitat ......................................................................................... 40 Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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4.1.2. Waters of the United States ........................................................................ 41 4.2. Special-Status Plant Species...................................................................................... 45 4.3. Special-Status Animal Species .................................................................................. 45 4.3.1. Anadromous Fish and Western Brook Lamprey ........................................ 45 4.3.2. Western Bumble Bee .................................................................................. 50 4.3.3. Chace Juga .................................................................................................. 51 4.3.4. Special-Status Frogs ................................................................................... 52 4.3.5. Special-Status Salamanders ........................................................................ 55 4.3.6. Northern Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet ............................................ 56 4.3.7. Other Special-Status Birds.......................................................................... 63 4.3.8. Pacific Fisher .............................................................................................. 65 4.3.9. Other Special-Status Mammals .................................................................. 68 4.3.10. Migratory Birds and Raptors ...................................................................... 70 4.4. Survey and Manage and Management Indicator Species .......................................... 71 Chapter 5. Results: Conclusions and Regulatory Determinations ............................................. 73 5.1. Federal Endangered Species Act Consultation Summary ......................................... 73 5.2. Essential Fish Habitat Consultation Summary .......................................................... 73 5.3. Wetlands and Other Waters Coordination Summary ................................................ 74 5.4. Wetlands Only Practicable Alternative Finding........................................................ 74 5.5. Migratory Bird Treaty Act ........................................................................................ 74 5.6. California Endangered Species Act Consultation Summary ..................................... 74 5.7. California Fish and Game Code ................................................................................ 75 5.8. Invasive Species ........................................................................................................ 75 5.9. Floodplain Management............................................................................................ 75 5.10. Survey and Manage and Management Indicator Species .......................................... 75 Chapter 6.
References ..................................................................................................................... 76
Tables Table 1. Table 2. Table 3. Table 4.
Size criteria of spawning-sized gravel “fish rock” for constructing the base of temporary road crossings and gravel work pad in Hurdygurdy Creek. ................................ 8 Special-Status Plants Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA ..................... 29 Special-Status Animals Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA ................. 34 Acreage Summary of Waters of the United States.............................................................. 41
Figures Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5.
Biological Study Area Location and Vicinity Map............................................................... 2 Project Impact Area .............................................................................................................. 4 Habitat Types ...................................................................................................................... 25 Waters of the United States................................................................................................. 43 Impacts on Waters of the United States .............................................................................. 44
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Appendices Appendix Appendix Appendix Appendix
A B C D
USFWS List CNDDB & CNPS Lists Delineation of Waters of the United States Plants Observed
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Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 1. Introduction This Natural Environment Study (NES) report has been prepared by the County of Del Norte Community Development Department – Engineering Division (County), with assistance from North State Resources, Inc. (NSR), to evaluate the potential effects of implementation of the proposed Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project (proposed project) on sensitive biological resources.
1.1. Project History The County is planning to replace the Bridge No. 01C-0031 on Big Flat Road over Hurdygurdy Creek. The County has nominated this bridge for replacement under the federalaid Highway Bridge Program administered by the Federal Highway Administration through California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Local Assistance. In 2009, the bridge was found structurally deficient with a rating of 38.5 and the County determined replacement to be the most cost-effective solution. The County is proposing to replace this bridge with a structure capable of meeting all requirements of the Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual and Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. The Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge is located in the unincorporated Del Norte County 16.1 kilometer (km) [10 miles (mi)] southeast of Hiouchi in the Six Rivers National Forest. The bridge is located approximately 3.7 km [2.3 mi] east of Big Flat on Big Flat Road (Figure 1). 1.1.1. Existing Facility Conditions Big Flat Road is currently an unpaved gravel road varying in width [generally about 4.3 meters (14-feet) wide]. Del Norte County has 20.1 meters (66 feet) of maintenance easement along the centerline of Big Flat Road. The existing bridge is a two-span, single lane, cast-inplace reinforced concrete deck on simple span Bailey deck trusses constructed in 1948. The structure is 4.3 meters wide (14 feet) and has two spans of 24.7 meters (81 feet) and 12.2 meters (40 feet) for an overall length of 36.9 meters (121 feet). The abutments are short cantilevers with narrow seats that support the superstructure on spread footings. The overall roadway alignment is consistent with the mountainous terrain and the remote nature of the location. The gravel roadway approaching the bridge is approximately 3.7 meters (12 feet) in width. The bridge is located on a tangent segment of the roadway. Just north of the bridge is a 90 degree curve with a 33.5 m (110 feet) radius. The bridge is located in a sag vertical curve with the low point located at or near the south end of the bridge.
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Big Flat Road
Biological Study Area
South Fork Road Biological Study Area Location
0
1,000
¯
2,000
4,000
Feet
USGS 7.5 Quad: Cant Hook Mountain 1997 Township 15 North, Range 2 East, Section 1
Del Norte County, California
Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement
Figure 1 Biological Study Area Location and Vicinity Map
Chapter 1. Introduction
The grade to the south of the bridge is approximately 8.5 percent and north of the bridge is approximately 14 percent. There is a campsite located to the northwest of the existing bridge. An access road southwest of the existing bridge provides access to Hurdygurdy Creek, which is typically used to draft water for U.S. Forest Service (USFS) activities. The proposed project area encompasses the anticipated footprint of the proposed construction activity and construction staging and storage areas (Figure 2).
1.2. Project Description 1.2.1. 1.2.1.1.
Project Overview LOCATION
The Biological Study Area (BSA) is located on federal lands on the Six Rivers National Forest on Big Flat Road (County Road 405) at post mile 3.6 at Hurdygurdy Creek approximately 16 miles east of Crescent City. It is shown on the Cant Hook Mountain, California 7.5-minute USGS topographic quadrangle (Figure 1), Township 15 North, Range 2 East, Section 1. The bridge and center of BSA is located at approximately Latitude 41.717730 North by Longitude -123.89809 (NAD 83 datum). 1.2.1.2.
PROPOSED PROJECT AREA
The BSA includes the existing alignment of approximately 1,200 feet of Big Flat Road that includes the bridge and the approaches on both ends. The BSA also includes a temporary bypass road that utilizes existing, semi-abandoned dirt roads to each bank of the creek (downstream of the existing bridge) that will provide access to the temporary stream crossing. The staging area occurs in a wide, road shoulder south of the bridge, and a turnaround area adjacent to Big Flat Road north of the bridge. The 5.46-acre BSA boundary is slightly larger than the area potentially disturbed by construction related activities associated with the proposed project (Figure 2). 1.2.1.3.
REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING STRUCTURES
The proposed project would involve replacement of the existing two-span bridge on the existing alignment. The replacement structure will be designed for the standard and permit live-loading as specified in Caltrans Bridge Design Specifications as well as the current Seismic Design Criteria Version 1.7, April 2013. The span length would be set based on the hydraulic capacity requirements and scour depth. It is anticipated that the span length would be about 41.8 meters (137 feet). The proposed bridge type is a single-span pre-stressed castin-place box girder, and will be 10 feet longer than the existing bridge as the channel bottom elevation has degraded over time and now has a higher hydraulic capacity. This allows placement of the abutments in an optimal position based on Hurdygurdy Creek bank slopes.
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100 100
Feet
Biological Study Area
Rock Slope Protection
Temporary Detour
Temporary Stream Diversions
New Bridge
Existing Roadway
Drainage
Hurdygurdy Creek
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement
Figure 2 Project Impact Area
Chapter 1. Introduction
The banks have slightly cut back due to the degradation of the channel over time and the bridge was designed to be a little longer to account for any future bank degradation. The single-span bridge option will minimize the environmental impacts to the creek as it will not require any permanent supports in the creek channel. The existing pier will be removed from the channel. Based upon initial field observations, no problems with falsework are anticipated and, therefore, the use of cast-in-place construction is appropriate; no pile-driving activities are proposed. Falsework will be placed within the channel of Hurdygurdy Creek and is expected to consist of the typical post and beams founded on wooden pads. A temporary work pad consisting of cleaned and washed gravel will support this falsework. It is anticipated that the permanent improvements to the bridge structure can be accommodated within the existing County easement. The detour and temporary construction areas (including staging areas) will likely be located outside of the maintenance easement area. Coordination and agreements with the USFS for these temporary uses will be required. In accordance with American Associate of State Highway and Transportation Officials requirements, the bridge will provide two 2.7-meter (9 feet) traffic lanes and 0.6-meter (2 feet) shoulders, in addition to barrier rails along both sides. Based on the roadway classification, mountainous terrain, and daily traffic volumes, it is anticipated that a roadway design speed of 25 miles per hour will be used. The Hydraulic Design Criteria established in the Caltrans Local Procedures Manual prescribe that the facility be capable of conveying the base or 100-year flood (Q100) and passing the 50-year flood (Q50) “without causing objectionable backwater, excessive flow velocities or encroaching on through traffic lanes.” The minimum design criteria for this proposed project will provide at least 0.9 meter (3 feet) of freeboard for drift above the Q50 and the ability to withstand the potential scour effects of the base flood (Q100). The vertical alignment of the existing bridge provides adequate clearance for freeboard and the new bridge will not change much vertically. The existing bridge would be removed and disposed of offsite to allow the construction of the new structure. A temporary detour and creek crossing will be constructed downstream of the existing bridge (Figure 2). Modifications would be made to the two existing roadways that provide access to the river and a campsite. Modifications will include an 8-inch thick Class 2 AB structural section 70 feet south of the new bridge and 100 feet north of the new bridge. Additionally, 170 feet of an 8-inch thick Class 2 AB structural section will be installed from Big Flat Road west to Hurdygurdy Creek on the existing access road used by the USFS for water drafting. The Big Flat Road section would be widened to 22 feet and the access road would be widened to12 feet. A work area in the channel will be needed to
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Chapter 1. Introduction
construct the temporary detour, build the necessary falsework, remove the existing bridge, and to construct the new bridge. A series of culverts topped with clean and washed gravel would be constructed beneath and downstream of the existing bridge and would serve as the falsework platform and detour access across Hurdygurdy Creek, respectively (Figure 2). The abutment footings would be excavated and the materials likely used for roadway embankment. The new bridge and the approach embankments would not encroach into the baseflow channel of Hurdygurdy Creek. Scour protection of the north abutment from Hurdygurdy Creek flows will be required and is expected to consist of ¼ ton rock slope protection (RSP). No scour protection will be required on the south abutment due to underlying erosion resistant bedrock geology. Installation of RSP in front of the north abutment will occur while the river is diverted and will consist of digging a keyway trench and installing RSP by Method B placement so that the top surface of the RSP will be at the approximate elevation of the original channel grade. This will avoid impinging hydraulic flow within the channel and not adversely impact the upstream flooding characteristics of the creek. The RSP is expected to consist of a 0.9-1.1 meters (3-4 feet) minimum thickness ¼ ton layer over by a 0.4 meter (1.25 feet) thick No. 2 Backing layer with RSP fabric underneath. The depth of the end of the RSP key is expected to be approximately 1.87 meters (6 feet) deep and will slope back to the bottom of the abutment front footing face. Willow cuttings and other riparian hardwood trees (e.g., red alder) will be incorporated into the RSP where appropriate to provide for revegetation of lost riparian vegetation. Installation will occur while the river is diverted and will consist of digging a keyway trench and installing the RSP. 1.2.2. Construction Overview Construction specifications would be in accordance with approved Caltrans Standard Specifications and Standard Special Provisions at the time the construction contract is awarded. The following paragraphs describe the instream construction activities associated with the bridge replacement in more detail. The new bridge will be fully constructed in one season and the work is expected to occur during daylight hours in the summer of 2016. Instream construction activities associated with the bridge replacement at Hurdygurdy Creek will occur in the following sequence: •
Construct temporary detour and creek crossing downstream of the existing bridge.
•
Construct temporary creek crossing and work pad beneath existing bridge.
•
Construct falsework and work containment structures required to remove and dispose of the existing bridge.
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Chapter 1. Introduction
•
•
Construct abutments which are located outside of the baseflow channel. Abutments are constructed from cast-in-place concrete founded on spread footings. These will be constructed from the new approaches which are outside of the baseflow channel. Install new RSP along on north bank of Hurdygurdy Creek from an existing ground slope. A large excavator with a bucket/thumb attachment would pick and place/fit together the RSP. As the apron is placed, the excavator would progress with the installation.
•
Large RSP has voids that occur between the rocks. Within the voids that are below the ordinary high mark, gravel will be used to fill the voids. Above the ordinary high water mark, well graded soil will be placed for plantings (e.g., willow or alder cuttings). The planting will occur along the face of the RSP at a variety of elevations.
•
Construct falsework for new bridge upon gravel pad.
• •
Construct retaining wall and bridge deck. Remove falsework for new bridge.
•
Construct roadway approaches to new bridge.
•
Remove the temporary detour crossing and work pad.
Anticipated equipment required to construct the proposed project includes dump trucks, a large excavator with bucket/thumb and/or hydraulic ram attachment, a crane, loader, backhoes, a grader, concrete trucks, chainsaws and other hand tools, pickup trucks, and tractor-trailer rigs for hauling the materials in. No explosives or pile driving will be required during construction. Equipment and materials will be staged in upland areas just northwest and southwest of the existing bridge. During construction, traffic through the construction area will be maintained along a temporary detour across Hurdygurdy Creek west of the existing bridge. Further, to facilitate construction of the new bridge structure and demolition and removal of the existing bridge with minimal instream work, a work platform with a temporary stream diversion will also be constructed in the channel of Hurdygurdy Creek beneath the existing bridge. To keep fish out of the work areas during installation of the culvert pipes and temporary detour crossing and work platform, block nets will be installed upstream and downstream of the instream work area and maintained until the installation of the temporary diversions is complete. Block nets should consist of 6 mm (0.25 inch mesh) nets spanning the entire channel and adequately secured to the channel bottom. Temporary work platforms will be constructed of suitably sized salmon spawning gravel “fish rock.” Gravel will be uncrushed, rounded, natural river rock with no sharp edges. It will be washed at least once and have a cleanliness value of 85 or higher based on a Caltrans cleanness test indicating the relative proportions of clay-sized material clinging to coarse
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Chapter 1. Introduction
aggregate and screenings (California Test No. 227). The material used as fish rock for the proposed project will follow the size criteria identified in Table 1. Table 1.
Size criteria of spawning-sized gravel “fish rock” for constructing the base of temporary road crossings and gravel work pad in Hurdygurdy Creek. Particle Size
Percent Passing
Percent Retained
5-inch
95-100
0-5
2-inch
70-85
15-30
1-inch
40-50
50-60
3/4-inch
25-35
65-75
1/2-inch
10-20
80-90
1/4-inch
0-5
95-100
Because fish rock does not stay together under pressure of heavy equipment, clean crushed angular gravel will be placed on top of the fish rock with geotextile fabric to separate the crushed angular gravels from the fish rock. Two separate temporary crossings will be used under the bridge alignment to convey flow beneath the temporary work which will support equipment and false work. The main channel diversion (south side of bridge) will consist of three 19.8 meters (65 feet) long 1.2 meter (48 inch) diameter high density polyethylene culverts and the secondary channel (north side of bridge) will consist of two culverts of comparable size or smaller. The temporary crossing will be approximately 15.2 meters (50 feet) long and approximately 6.1 meters (20 feet) wide and water will be conveyed beneath the crossing through three 48-in diameter culverts. A temporary diversion system consisting of clean gravel sacks stacked across the channel at the upstream end of the work pad and detour will be used to divert flows into the culverts and beneath the pads. Up to 334 square meters (3,600 square feet) of channel may be dewatered for the temporary crossings and work pads. Once the new bridge is complete and the RSP has been placed, the crushed rock atop the gravel work pad and temporary detour will be removed and disposed of offsite. The culverts will be removed beginning at the downstream end of the diversion, leaving most of the suitable sized materials in place, and allowing any stream flow at the site to flow through the gravel material. Once at the upper end of the culverted section of stream, the upstream diversion (sand bags, gravel sacks, etc.) will be removed and stream allowed to naturally flow through the site. If flow remains at the site at the time of removal, the contractor will
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Chapter 1. Introduction
manually redistribute the gravel materials such that they do not constitute a barrier to upstream or downstream fish passage. 1.2.3. Construction Practices and Conservation Measures Conservation measures will be incorporated into the proposed project to minimize potential effects on federally listed species and other biological resources. This section describes those conservation measures proposed to minimize the anticipated temporary and permanent effects associated with the proposed project. 1.2.3.1.
CONSERVATION MEASURE #1 – EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL
Erosion control measures shall be implemented during construction of the proposed project. These measures shall conform to the provisions in Section 20-2 and 20-3 of the Caltrans Standard Specifications and the special provisions included in the contract for the proposed project. Such provisions include the preparation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which describes and illustrates the best management practices (BMPs) in the proposed project site. Erosion control measures to be included in the SWPPP or to be implemented by the County include the following: •
To the maximum extent practicable, activities that increase the erosion potential in the proposed project area shall be restricted to the relatively dry summer and early fall period to minimize the potential for rainfall events to transport sediment to surface water features. Instream construction will be conducted from June 1–October 31 and upland construction will likely occur throughout the year as long as work activities comply with the conservation and avoidance and minimization measures identified herein and for the protection of other sensitive or special-status plant or animal species. For upland construction activities that must take place during the late fall, winter, or spring (e.g., vegetation removal prior to avian nesting periods), then temporary erosion and sediment control structures shall be in place and operational at the end of each construction day and maintained until permanent erosion control structures are in place.
•
Areas where wetland and upland vegetation need to be removed shall be identified in advance of ground disturbance and limited to only those areas that have been approved by the County. Exclusionary fencing will be installed around areas that do not need to be disturbed.
•
Within 10 days of completion of construction in those areas where subsequent ground disturbance will not occur for 10 calendar days or more, weed-free mulch shall be
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Chapter 1. Introduction
applied to disturbed areas to reduce the potential for short-term erosion. Prior to a rain event or when there is a greater than 50 percent possibility of rain within the next 24 hours, as forecasted by the National Weather Service, weed-free mulch shall be applied to all exposed areas upon completion of the day’s activities. Soils shall not be left exposed during the rainy season. •
•
Suitable BMPs, such as silt fences, straw wattles, or catch basins, shall be placed below all construction activities at the edge of surface water features to intercept sediment before it reaches the waterway. These structures shall be installed prior to any clearing or grading activities. Further, sediment built up at the base of BMPs will be removed before BMP removal to avoid any accumulated sediments from being mobilized post-construction. If spoil sites are used, they shall be located such that they do not drain directly into a surface water feature, if possible. If a spoil site drains into a surface water feature, catch basins shall be constructed to intercept sediment before it reaches the feature. Spoil sites shall be graded and vegetated with native species to reduce the potential for erosion.
•
Sediment control measures shall be in place prior to the onset of the rainy season and will be monitored and maintained in good working condition until disturbed areas have been revegetated with native species.
•
Any new or previously excavated gravel material placed in the channel shall meet Caltrans’ cleanness test indicating the relative proportions of clay-sized material clinging to coarse aggregate and screenings (California Test No. 227) with a value of 85 or higher (excluding such materials as soil in the RSP to allow for riparian planting).
1.2.3.2.
CONSERVATION MEASURE #2 – PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTAL SPILLS
Construction specifications shall include the following measures to reduce potential impacts to vegetation and aquatic habitat resources in the proposed project area associated with accidental spills of pollutants (e.g., fuel, oil, and grease): •
•
A site-specific spill prevention plan shall be implemented for potentially hazardous materials. The plan shall include the proper handling and storage of all potentially hazardous materials, as well as the proper procedures for cleaning up and reporting any spills. If necessary, containment berms shall be constructed to prevent spilled materials from reaching surface water features. Equipment and hazardous materials shall be stored 15.2 m (50 feet) away from surface water features.
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Chapter 1. Introduction
•
Vehicles and equipment used during construction shall receive proper and timely maintenance to reduce the potential for mechanical breakdowns leading to a spill of materials. Maintenance and fueling shall be conducted in an area at least 50 feet away from Hurdygurdy Creek or within an adequate fueling containment area.
•
Equipment operating within the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) shall use nontoxic vegetable oil for operating hydraulic equipment instead of traditional hydraulic fluids.
1.2.3.3.
CONSERVATION MEASURE #3 – AIR QUALITY/DUST CONTROL
The County shall include provisions in the construction bid documents that the contractor shall implement a dust control program to limit fugitive dust emissions. The dust control program shall include, but not be limited to, the following elements, as appropriate: •
Water inactive construction sites and exposed stockpile sites at least twice daily, including during non-work days or until soils are stable.
•
Pursuant to the California Vehicle Code (State of California 2009), all trucks hauling soil and other loose material to and from the construction site shall be covered or shall maintain at least 6 in. of freeboard (i.e., minimum vertical distance between top of load and the trailer). Any topsoil that is removed for the construction operation shall be stored on-site in piles not to exceed 4 feet in height to allow development of microorganisms prior to resoiling of the construction area. These topsoil piles shall be clearly marked and flagged. Topsoil piles that will not be immediately returned to use shall be revegetated with a non-persistent erosion control mixture.
•
•
Soil piles for backfill shall be marked and flagged separately from native topsoil stockpiles. These soil piles shall also be surrounded by silt fencing, straw wattles, or other sediment barriers or covered unless they are to be immediately used.
•
Equipment or manual watering shall be conducted on all stockpiles, dirt/gravel roads, and exposed or disturbed soil surfaces, as necessary, to reduce airborne dust.
1.2.3.4.
CONSERVATION MEASURE #4 – REPLACEMENT OF LOST RIPARIAN HABITAT
The following measures shall be implemented to reduce potential impacts to riparian habitat (riparian reserves) in the proposed project area: •
The width of the construction disturbance zone within the riparian habitat shall be minimized through careful pre-construction planning.
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•
•
•
•
Exclusionary fencing shall be installed along the boundaries of all riparian areas to be avoided to ensure that impacts to riparian vegetation outside of the construction area are minimized. Riparian habitat areas temporarily disturbed shall be replanted using riparian species that have been recorded along Hurdygurdy Creek in the project area, including willow (Salix spp.) and red alder (Alnus rubra). Onsite creation/restoration shall occur in areas that have been disturbed during project construction and within interstitial spaces of the RSP. The amount of habitat created/restored shall be at a 3:1 ratio of new plantings per large [6 in. in diameter at breast height (dbh)] woody plant removed. This replanting ratio will help ensure successful establishment of at least one vigorous plant for each plant removed to accommodate the project. Plant spacing intervals will be determined as appropriate based on site conditions following construction.
•
Non-native tree species removed during project construction will be replaced with native riparian species.
•
Revegetation monitoring would be implemented in compliance with regulatory permit conditions and be initiated immediately following completion of the planting. The monitoring surveys will consist of a general site walkover evaluating the survival and health of riparian plantings, signs of drought stress, weed or herbivory problems, and the presence of trash or other debris. Within the mitigation area, less than 50 percent total mortality of planted species (including container stock and hardwood cuttings) would be considered a success. Greater than 50 percent mortality of planted species will be considered acceptable if “volunteer” native species provide complete vegetation coverage in the mitigation area. If monitoring results indicate that revegetation efforts are not meeting established success criteria, corrective measures would be implemented.
1.2.3.5.
CONSERVATION MEASURE #5 – PREVENTION OF SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES
The following measures shall be implemented to prevent the spread of invasive species in the BSA: •
All equipment used for off-road construction activities will be weed-free prior to entering the project area.
•
If project implementation calls for mulches or fill, they will be weed free.
•
Any seed mixes or other vegetative material used for re-vegetation of disturbed sites will consist of locally adapted native plant materials to the extent practicable.
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•
•
Any gravels or materials used for the temporary stream diversion shall be new, from a local source, or properly cleaned prior to installation (see Conservation Measure #1 above). Any equipment (including boots/waders) and construction equipment shall be properly disinfected or cleaned according guidance provided by the State of California Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan prior to instream work to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
1.2.3.6.
CONSERVATION MEASURE #6 – PREVENTION OF SPREAD OF PORT ORFORD-CEDAR ROOT DISEASE
The following measures shall be implemented to prevent the spread of Port Orford-Cedar Root Disease from the BSA to other areas (Note: Six Rivers National Forest has indicated that the project site is considered potentially infested): •
Clean and inspect all vehicles and equipment when leaving or entering the project site.
•
If construction equipment stays on Big Flat Road, no mitigation is required and equipment can travel to, from, and within the project site.
•
If equipment leaves Big Flat Road from the project site, clean the equipment within a washing station located in identified staging areas or in a designated location within the area of potential effect.
•
Prepare and maintain documentation that verifies all equipment was cleaned before it left the project site.
•
All materials, including roadway excavation, topsoil, etc., excavated from the project site may be disposed of only at the project site or another approved site located off Six Rivers National Forest land to avoid the spread of Port Orford cedar root disease. Materials may be taken off-site for processing, but the materials returned must be utilized only at the project site. Remove all unsuitable waste material from the Six Rivers National Forest boundaries.
1.2.3.7.
CONSERVATION MEASURE #6 – FISH RELOCATION
To avoid impacts on fish to be relocated during in-stream activities, fish relocation and dewatering shall be done as early in the morning as feasible to avoid high ambient air temperatures.
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Chapter 2. Study Methods
Chapter 2. Study Methods 2.1. Federal Regulatory Requirements 2.1.1. Federal Endangered Species Act Section 9 of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) prohibits acts that result in the “take” of threatened or endangered species. As defined by the federal ESA, “endangered” refers to any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its current range. The term “threatened” is applied to any species likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its current range. “Take” is defined as “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct.” Sections 7 and 10 of the federal ESA provide methods for permitting otherwise lawful actions that may result in “incidental take” of a federally listed species. Incidental take refers to take of a listed species that is incidental to, but not the primary purpose of, an otherwise lawful activity. Incidental take is permitted under Section 7 for projects on federal land or involving a federal action; Section 10 provides a process for non-federal actions. The act is administered by the USFWS and the NMFS. 2.1.2. Clean Water Act The objective of the Clean Water Act (1977, as amended) is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters. Discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including jurisdictional wetlands, is regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1251-1376) under a permitting process. Applicants for Section 404 permits are also required to obtain water quality certification or waiver through the local Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1341). Corps regulations implementing Section 404 define waters of the United States to include intrastate waters, including lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and natural ponds, the use, degradation, or destruction of which could affect interstate or foreign commerce. Wetlands are defined for regulatory purposes as “areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions” (33 CFR 328.3; 40 CFR 230.3). To comply with the Corps policy of no net loss of wetlands, discharge into wetlands must be avoided and minimized to the extent practicable. For unavoidable impacts, compensatory mitigation is typically required to replace the loss of wetland functions in the watershed. Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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Chapter 2. Study Methods
2.1.3. Migratory Bird Treaty Act Migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 (16 USC 703-711). The MBTA makes it unlawful to take, possess, buy, sell, purchase, or barter any migratory bird listed in 50 CFR Part 10, including feathers or other parts, nests, eggs, or products, except as allowed by implementing regulations (50 CFR 21). Mitigation measures can be identified to avoid or minimize adverse effects on migratory birds. 2.1.4. National Forest Management Act The National Forest Management Act requires the USFS to “provide for a diversity of plant and animal communities” (16 USC 1604(g)(3)(B)) as part of its multiple-use mandate. The USFS must maintain “viable populations of existing native and desired nonnative species in the planning area” (36 CFR 219.19). The Sensitive Species program is designed to meet this mandate and to demonstrate Forest Service’s commitment to maintaining biodiversity on National Forest System lands. The program is a proactive approach to conserving species to prevent a trend toward listing under the ESA and to ensure the continued existence of viable, well-distributed populations. A “Sensitive Species” is any species of plant or animal that has been recognized by the Regional Forester to need special management to prevent the species from becoming threatened or endangered. In addition to identifying Sensitive Species, the National Forest Management Act of 1976 directs the USFS to provide habitat capable of maintaining viable populations of selected species and to select Management Indicator Species to help ensure species viability in relationship to the effects of management activities (36 CFR 219.19). Each national forest has established a management indicator species or assemblage program as part of its LRMP to implement this provision of the act. 2.1.5. Six Rivers National Forest Land Resource Management Plan The Six Rivers National Forest (SRNF) Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) (US Forest Service 1995) provides guidance for managing National Forest System lands in the SRNF. The development of a Forest LRMP occurs within the framework of regional and national Forest Service planning. The LRMP includes Forest goals; Forest objectives, including Forest-wide prescription assignment by acres, outputs, and activities; and Forest Standards and Guidelines. Forest goals state the management philosophy of the LRMP, and the Forest objectives describe the purpose of the management prescriptions. The Forest-wide management prescriptions apply a management theme to specific types of land (e.g., wilderness, roaded high-density recreation). Finally, Forest Standards and Guidelines provide basic direction for implementation of management activities Forest-wide. In essence, this LRMP requires that projects authorized by the SRNF (the proposed project) be
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designed and implemented in a manner that maintains the existing conditions or implements actions to restore biological and physical processes within their natural range of variability. The proposed project must consider the standards and guidelines of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy (US Forest Service 1995), which includes components that are designed to operate together to maintain and restore the productivity and resiliency of riparian and aquatic ecosystems. The Aquatic Conservation Strategy includes the protection of Riparian Reserves, which for Hurdygurdy Creek includes the stream and 300 feet slope area on each side of the stream channel. 2.1.6. Six Rivers National Recreation Area Management Plan The proposed project is within the boundaries of the Six Rivers National Recreation Area (SRNRA) Management Plan. The SRNRA Management Plan (referenced in Section 9 of the Smith River National Recreation Area Act of November 1990) provides guidance for the management of the Recreation Area and is a component of the Forest Plan. According to the SRNRA Management Plan, within the Lower Hurdygurdy Creek Management Area #6 (including lands in the proposed project area); the river corridor is 1/8 mi wide and is classified as recreational. The direction for this recreational corridor is: •
Provide and maintain facilities for recreational, scenic and fisheries values including: vista points, staging areas, river oriented day-use facilities, camping, hiking, and historical interpretation.
•
Allow timber harvests based on uneven-aged management where consistent with protection of scenic values and wildlife.
•
Construct new roads to meet the intent of the management area. Roads necessary for the removal of the timber resources will be temporary and constructed to meet visual resource objectives and does not dominate the view from recreation facilities.
The Smith River was added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1981. In 1990, the portions of the Smith River on the SRNF were re-designated through the public law that created the Smith River National Recreation Area. More than 300 miles of the Smith River System are designated wild and scenic, making it one of the longest rivers in the National System. Federal protection of the Hurdygurdy Creek, which is part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, is required under Section 7 of the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA). The federal WSRA requires the preservation of its free-flowing condition; anadromous and resident fisheries; and outstanding geologic, wildlife, flora and fauna, historic and cultural, visual, recreational, and water quality values. For Hurdygurdy Creek, these protections are administered through the SRNRA management plan. Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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2.1.7. Northwest Forest Plan In 1994, the Bureau of Land Management and USFS adopted standards and guidelines, commonly known as the Northwest Forest Plan, for the management of habitat for latesuccessional and old-growth forest related species within the range of the northern spotted owl. The Plan was designed to address human and environmental needs served by the Federal forests of the western part of the Pacific Northwest and northern California. The development of the Plan was triggered in the early 1990’s by the listing of the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. To mitigate potential impacts on plant and wildlife species that have the potential to occur within the range of the northern spotted owl, surveys are required for species thought to be rare, or whose status are unknown due to a lack of information. These species became known as the Survey and Manage species. The Northwest Forest Plan has gone through several revisions since its implementation in 1994; current management direction is derived from the 2001 Record of Decision and Standards and Guidelines for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other Mitigation Measures. 2.1.8. Executive Order 11990 (Wetlands) Executive Order 11990 is an overall wetlands policy for all agencies managing federal lands, sponsoring federal projects, or providing federal funds to state or local projects. It requires federal agencies to follow avoidance, mitigation, and preservation procedures with public input before proposing new construction in wetlands. 2.1.9. Executive Order 13112 (Invasive Species) Executive Order 13112 directs federal agencies to use relevant programs and authorities to: •
prevent the introduction of invasive species;
•
detect and respond rapidly to and control populations of such species in a costeffective and environmentally sound manner;
•
monitor invasive species populations accurately and reliably;
•
provide for restoration of native species and habitat conditions in ecosystems that have been invaded; conduct research on invasive species and develop technologies to prevent introduction and provide for environmentally sound control of invasive species;
• •
promote public education on invasive species and the means to address them; and
•
not authorize, fund, or carry out actions that it believes are likely to cause or promote the introduction or spread of invasive species in the United States or elsewhere unless, in accordance with guidelines that it has prescribed, the agency has
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determined and made public its determination that the benefits of such actions clearly outweigh the potential harm caused by invasive species; and that all feasible and prudent measures to minimize risk of harm will be taken in conjunction with the actions. 2.1.10. Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) Executive Order 11988 requires federal agencies to avoid the long- and short-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains and avoid direct and indirect support of floodplain development.
2.2. California Regulatory Requirements 2.2.1. Fish and Game Code Section 2081, California Endangered Species Act The California Endangered Species Act lists species of plants and animals as threatened or endangered. Projects that may have adverse effects on state-listed species require formal consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “Take” of protected species incidental to otherwise lawful activities may be authorized under Section 2081 of the California Fish and Game Code. Authorization from the CDFW is in the form of an Incidental Take Permit, and measures can be identified to minimize take. 2.2.2. Fish and Game Code Section 3503, Birds of Prey Under Section 3503.5 of the California Fish and Game Code, it is unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds in the orders of Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds of prey) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any such bird, except as otherwise provided by this code or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto. Measures implemented to protect nesting migratory birds under the federal MBTA would comply with this code. 2.2.3. Fish and Game Code Section 3513, Migratory Birds The California Fish and Game Code Section 3513 states that it is unlawful to take or possess any migratory nongame bird as designated in the MBTA or any part of such migratory nongame bird except as provided by rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the MBTA. Measures implemented to protect nesting migratory birds under the federal MBTA would comply with this code. 2.2.4. Fish and Game Code, “Fully Protected” Species California statutes also accord “fully protected” status to a number of specifically identified birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. These species cannot be “taken,” even with an incidental take permit (California Fish and Game Code, Sections 3505, 3511, 4700, 5050,
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and 5515). Avoidance measures and limited operating periods would avoid direct impacts on fully protected species. 2.2.5. Fish and Game Code Section 1600, Lake or Streambed Alteration Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code governs construction activities that substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow or substantially change the bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake designated by the CDFW as providing a fish or wildlife resource. Under Section 1602, a Streambed Alteration Agreement must be obtained from the CDFW prior to the initiation of construction activities that will affect drainages under CDFW jurisdiction and that are determined by the CDFW to have the potential to adversely affect a fish or wildlife resource.
2.3. Studies Required 2.3.1. Database Search and Informational Review Special-status plant and animal species and sensitive habitats that may occur in the BSA were determined, in part, by reviewing agency databases, literature, and other relevant sources. The following information sources were reviewed: •
USGS Can’t Hook Mountain, California 7.5-minute quadrangle;
•
Aerial photography of the BSA and vicinity;
•
USFWS list of endangered and threatened species that may occur in Cant Hook Mountain, California 7.5-minute quadrangle and Del Norte County (Appendix A);
•
California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) and California Native Plant Society (CNPS) records for the Cant Hook Mountain, California 7.5-minute quadrangle and the eight surrounding quadrangles (Appendix B); California Wildlife Habitat Relationships (CWHR) System (California Department of Fish and Game 2008a & 2008b);
• •
Forest Service Sensitive Plant and Animal Species lists (USDA Forest Service – Pacific Southwest Region 2013a, 2013b); and
•
Pertinent literature, including the online Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (California Native Plant Society 2014) and The Jepson Manual: vascular plants of California (Baldwin et. al. 2012).
A list of special-status species that could occur or are known to occur in the region was developed based on the desktop review, and the list was refined based on a field assessment to identify those species that could occur in the BSA.
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2.3.2. Studies Conducted NSR botanist, Sarah Tona, conducted a two-visit botanical survey in the BSA on June 25, 2012 and September 12, 2012 in general accordance with the Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (California Department of Fish and Game 2009). Per the CDFW guidelines, a target list of special-status plant species with the potential to occur on the site was developed prior to the survey through interpretation of the CNDDB and CNPS query results. Forest Service sensitive and survey and manage species were included on the target list. All plants were categorized as native or non-native according to the Jepson Manual, 2nd edition. (Baldwin et al. 2012). Invasive plant species are taxa that are rated as (1) High, Moderate, or Limited by the California Invasive Plant Council (California Invasive Plant Council 2006); and/or (2) A, B, or C, by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (California Department of Food and Agriculture 2014). On January 31, 2013, NSR Aquatic Scientist, Mike Gorman, conducted an on-site aquatic habitat site assessment in the proposed project BSA. The field evaluation was completed to document habitat, including primary constituent elements of critical habitat and essential fish habitat. It was conducted at the scale of geomorphic channel units (i.e., riffles, runs, and pools, including primary constituent elements of critical habitat and EFH). The stream channel was surveyed for general morphology, presence and extent of suitable spawning gravel, and other notable habitat features and conditions. This information was used in conjunction with existing contemporary aquatic habitat and fishery survey data to characterize the environmental setting in the BSA and to support the preparation of a Biological Assessment/Essential Fish Habitat Assessment (BA/EFHA) document. Caltrans District 1 submitted a BA/EFHA to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for review and approval under Section 7 of the federal ESA on August 27, 2013. A Biological Opinion (BO) was issued by the NMFS on August 18, 2014. On May 20, 2013, NSR biologist, Julian Colescott, conducted an assessment of the suitability of the habitat within and surrounding the BSA to support northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) and marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus). The assessment included an evaluation of the potential for the proposed project to result in an auditory and visual disturbance to the two species. This information was used to support the preparation of a Biological Assessment (BA) document addressing northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet and Pacific fisher (Martes pennanti) (North State Resources, Inc., 2014). With compliance of the Programmatic Informal Consultation for the California Department of Transportation’s Routine Maintenance and Repair Activities, and Small Projects Program for Districts 1 and 2 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2014), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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concurred that the proposed action may, but would not likely adversely affect northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet in the BSA. Because Pacific fisher is not currently listed, Caltrans District 1 on behalf of the County will seek concurrence from the USFWS for the species should it be listed in the future, prior to the project being constructed. On May 20, 2013, a Corps jurisdictional wetland delineation was performed according to methodology described in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2010). A copy of the report is included as Appendix C.
2.4. Personnel and Survey Dates The following is a list of personnel and tasks performed during visits to the proposed project site: •
Sarah Tona, Botanist, North State Resources, Inc., Rare Plant and Invasive Species Survey, June 25, 2012 and September 12, 2012
•
Mike Gorman, Aquatic Scientist, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Survey, January 31, 2013
•
Julian Colescott, Wildlife Biologist, Professional Wetland Scientist, North State Resources, Inc., Wetland delineation survey, May 20, 2013
•
Julian Colescott, North State Resources, Inc., Northern Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet Habitat Suitability Assessment, May 20, 2013
2.5. Agency Coordination and Professional Contacts On May 28, 2013 a list [Document No. 469596518-13496 (Appendix A)] of federally listed species with the potential to occur in Cant Hook Mountain USGS Quadrangle was electronically obtained from the USFWS. The list was obtained again on September 19, 2013 (Document No. 435109875-161243), November 5, 2014 (Document No. 270522495104425) and February 11, 2015 (Document No. 490315793-155448) (Appendix A). On August 27, 2013, a Fisheries BA/EFHA was submitted by Caltrans District 1 to NMFS for section 7 consultation under the ESA and for EFH consultation under the MSA. On August 18, 2014 NMFS issued a BO (2014-9851). USFS, Six Rivers National Forest wildlife biologist Brenda Devlin was contacted to obtain information regarding known northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet territories and recent surveys on the forest. Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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USFS, Six Rivers National Forest silviculturist Jeff Jones was contacted to obtain information on Port Orford-Cedar Root Rot potential at the project site. On August 29, 2013, a Northern Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet Habitat Assessment and Evaluation of Auditory and Visual Disturbance for the Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project was submitted to Caltrans and the County. This document was submitted to the Six Rivers National Forest and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who used it to determine that a separate BA should be prepared to support a Section 7 ESA consultation. A Northern Spotted Owl, Marbled Murrelet, and Pacific Fisher West Coast DPS BA was submitted by Caltrans District 1 to USFWS for Section 7 consultation under the ESA (North State Resources, Inc., 2014). With compliance of the Programmatic Informal Consultation for the California Department of Transportation’s Routine Maintenance and Repair Activities, and Small Projects Program for Districts 1 and 2 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2014), the proposed action may, but would not likely adversely affect northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet in the BSA. On February 25, 2015, and that Caltrans can use the Programmatic Agreement to document a Letter of Concurrence under Section 7 of the ESA. Because Pacific fisher is not currently listed, Caltrans District 1 on behalf of the County will seek concurrence from the USFWS for the species should it be listed in the future, prior to the project being constructed.
2.6. Limitations That May Influence Results All field studies were conducted in accordance with applicable protocols. Therefore, no limitations that may influence the results of field studies associated with the proposed project are known to have occurred.
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Chapter 3. Results: Environmental Setting
Chapter 3. Results: Environmental Setting 3.1. Description of Existing Physical and Biological Conditions 3.1.1. Study Area The BSA is in a rural, forested area in the Six Rivers National Forest. Big Flat Road within the BSA is a small gravel forest road located within the Hurdygurdy Creek Valley, and provides access to upstream reaches of the creek and the adjacent Six River National Forest lands. Land use within the area includes logging, hunting, camping, fishing and other forms of outdoor recreation. 3.1.2. 3.1.2.1.
Physical Conditions HYDROLOGY, TOPOGRAPHY, AND SOILS
Hydrology is provided by Hurdygurdy Creek, which drains southward through the proposed project area. Hurdygurdy Creek is a tributary to the Smith River approximately 2.5 miles south of the proposed project area. The Smith River drains to the Pacific Ocean. The South Fork Smith River and Hurdygurdy Creek are perennial streams. Hurdygurdy Creek flows through a steep-walled V-shaped valley. Within the BSA, the stream has steep canyon walls on the outside of stream bends, and characteristically more gentle slopes on the inside, where soils have been deposited. Elevation varies from approximately 840 feet at the creek channel to approximately 870 near the northern end of the BSA. Climate of the region is characterized as Mediterranean. Precipitation in the BSA primarily falls as rain and annual rainfall is approximately 85 inches. Air temperatures range between an average January high of 44 degrees Fahrenheit (ºF), and an average July high of 86 ºF. The year-round average high is approximately 64 ºF (Western Regional Climate Center 2014). Two soil map units occur within the proposed project area and are described in the Soil Survey of Six Rivers National Forest Area (Natural Resources Conservation Service 2013). The Kistirn-Goldridge families and the Clallam family are both non-hydric soils that are well-drained. 3.1.3. Biological Conditions Habitat communities were classified based on habitat descriptions provided in A Guide to Wildlife Habitats of California (Mayer and Laudenslayer 1988). The habitat types occurring within the BSA include Douglas-fir, montane riparian, and riverine (Figure 3). Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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3.1.3.1.
DOUGLAS-FIR
The Douglas-fir habitat dominates the steep hillsides in the BSA above the Hurdygurdy Creek floodplain. In the BSA, the Douglas-fir community is mature second growth with scattered decaying stumps among large (30- to 60-inch dbh) Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Dominant trees include Douglas-fir, California bay (Umbellularia californica), canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis), and big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). The understory is dominated by shrubs and herbaceous species such as tan oak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus), California huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), California hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), Orcutt’s brome (Bromus orcuttianus), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), and sword fern (Polystichum imbricans). The multilayered vegetation in the Douglas-fir community supports a variety of wildlife species. A significant feature of the community is the presence of cavity-bearing trees. Mature, fire-damaged, and wind-damaged forests typically contain snags (dead trees that are still standing), which are a valuable resource for birds and mammals that prefer nest and den sites in cavities, such as the flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus) and northern pygmy owl (Glaucidium gnoma). Snags also support wood-boring insects that provide food for barkgleaning insectivorous birds such as the brown creeper (Certhia Americana). Other birds foraging and/or breeding in this habitat include the sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum), mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus), western wood-pewee (Contopus sordidulus), and western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana). Mammals found in this habitat include the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) and bobcat (Lynx rufus). 3.1.3.2.
MONTANE RIPARIAN
The montane riparian plant community occurs within the historic floodplain of Hurdygurdy Creek. For the purpose of this characterization, the montane riparian community is above the ordinary highwater mark (OHWM), and below the 100-year flood plain. It is not frequently flooded, but may be flooded during high flow events. Dominant plant species observed in this community include big-leaf maple, white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus), blackberry (Rubus sp.), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), dusky willow (Salix melanopsis), sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), western buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis), radish-root woodsorrel (Oxalis pilosa), and mountain sweetcicely (Osmorhiza berteroi).
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Prepared by:
5000 Bechelli Lane Suite 203 Redding, CA 96002 Phone (530) 222-5347 Fax (530) 222-4958 www.nsrnet.com
Prepared for:
Del Norte County Community Development Department Engineering Division 981 H Street Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-7729
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement
Biological Study Area (5.46 acres)
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G:\Projects\51374 Hurdygurdy\Working_Mxds\51374_Figure_3_Habitat_Types.mxd tmooney 2015-02-20
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community
Douglas Fir Montane Riparian Riverine
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Figure 3 Habitat Types
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Chapter 3. Results: Environmental Setting
The leaf litter, fallen tree branches, and logs associated with the riparian communities provide cover for amphibians such as the western toad (Bufo boreas) and Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla). The western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), western skink (Eumeces skiltonianus), and northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) are also expected to occur here, as are several snake species, including racer (Coluber constrictor), and common kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula). Common bird species nesting and foraging in this habitat, primarily in the riparian tree canopy, include the black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) and downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens). Other resident species such as the spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus) and song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) often nest and forage in dense understory vegetation. Several species of raptors, including the red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), and western screech-owl (Otus kennicottii) are also year-round residents of riparian communities. Several mammals also occur in riparian communities. Small mammals, such as the Botta’s pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae) and deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) may burrow or find refuge in dense grass or brushy thickets. Black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus) frequently use riparian habitats, and opportunists, such as the raccoon (Procyon lotor) are attracted by the abundance of prey and cover. 3.1.3.3.
RIVERINE
Riverine habitat is present as the flowing channel of Hurdygurdy Creek and gravel bars within the OHWM. Flows from Hurdygurdy Creek have scoured the soil away and this community type is largely unvegetated substrate varying from bedrock and boulder, to sand. The deposition zones (e.g., inside of river bends) above the low-flow channel and below the OHWM are sparsely vegetated with white alder, ninebark, dusky willow, and arroyo willow. Riverine habitat provides critical food, water, and cover to a variety of wildlife species. Common fish species occurring in riverine habitat include coastal rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus) and brown trout (Salmo trutta). Amphibians that use riverine habitat include rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa) and Pacific tree frog (Pseudacris regilla). Bird species including wood duck (Aix sponsa) and great blue heron (Ardea herodias) commonly use riverine habitat. 3.1.3.4.
INVASIVE SPECIES
Noxious weeds and invasive plant species are undesirable, non-native plants that commonly invade disturbed sites. They generally have been introduced from Europe and Asia and
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degrade wildlife and native plant habitats. When disturbance results in the creation of habitat openings or in the loss of intact native vegetation, noxious weeds and invasive plant species may colonize the site and spread, often out-competing native plants. Once established, they are very difficult to eradicate and could pose a threat to native species. Himalayan blackberry is an invasive species with a California Invasive Plant Council rating of “High” that was found in the BSA. 3.1.3.5.
HABITAT CONNECTIVITY
Environmental corridors are segments of land that provide a link between these different habitats while also providing cover. On a broader level, corridors also function as avenues along which wide-ranging animals can travel, plants can propagate, genetic interchange can occur, populations can move in response to environmental changes and natural disasters, and threatened species can be replenished from other areas. In California, environmental corridors often consist of riparian areas along streams, rivers, or other natural features. In addition, the rivers and streams themselves may serve as migration corridors for anadromous fish. In the BSA, Hurdygurdy Creek and its adjacent riparian habitat provide a migration corridor for animal and fish species. SONCC ESU coho salmon are known to occur in Hurdygurdy Creek.
3.2. Habitats and Natural Communities of Concern and Regional Species 3.2.1. Habitats and Natural Communities of Concern In addition to inventorying reported occurrences of special-status species, the CNDDB serves to inventory the locations of rare natural communities. Communities respond to environmental changes and can be thought of as an indicator of the overall health of an ecosystem and its component species. Rare natural communities are those communities that are of highly limited distribution. They may or may not contain rare, threatened, or endangered species. The CNDDB ranks natural communities according to their rarity and endangerment in California. No rare natural communities occur within the BSA (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). 3.2.1.1.
RIPARIAN HABITAT
Riparian habitat (montane riparian) is considered a sensitive natural community by the Corps, CDFW, and the County and is present in the BSA. In addition to providing habitat for many wildlife species, riparian areas provide shade, sediment, nutrient or chemical regulation, stream bank stability, and input for large woody debris or organic matter to the
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channel, which are necessary habitat elements for fish and other aquatic species. The BSA contains riparian habitat within the historic floodplain of Hurdygurdy Creek. 3.2.1.2.
WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES
Waters of the United States within the BSA include a perennial stream (Hurdygurdy Creek), two riparian wetlands, and an intermittent stream. Hurdygurdy Creek and the riparian wetlands are found in riverine and montane riparian habitat, respectively. The intermittent stream is found in Douglas-fir habitat. 3.2.2. Special-Status Plants For the purpose of this evaluation, special-status plant species include plants that are (1) listed as threatened or endangered under the CESA or the ESA; (2) designated as rare by the CDFW; (3) identified as state or federal candidate or proposed species for listing as threatened or endangered; (4) have a California Rare Plant Rank (RPR) of 1A, 1B, 2A, or 2B; and/or (5) designated by the Forest Service as sensitive, or Forest Service endemic. A list of regionally occurring special-status plant species was compiled based on a review of pertinent literature, the results of the field surveys, and a review of the USFWS species list and CNDDB and CNPS database records. For each species, habitat requirements were assessed and compared to the habitats in the BSA and immediate vicinity in order to determine whether or not suitable habitat is present in the BSA. Based on the habitat assessment, it was determined that the BSA provides potentially suitable habitat for 28 special-status plant species (Table 2). These special-status plant species are further discussed in Chapter 4. Table 2.
Special-Status Plants Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA
Common Name Status1 Scientific Name (Fed/State/RPR)
General Habitat Description
Habitat Assessment2
Rationale
Federal or State Listed Species McDonald's rockcress Arabis mcdonaldiana
FE/SE/1B.1
Lower montane coniferous forest, Upper montane coniferous forest/serpentinite. Elevation: 440-5,900 feet. Bloom: May-Jul.
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Beach layia Layia carnosa
FE/SE,1B.1
Coastal dunes, Coastal scrub (sandy). Elevation: 0-200 feet. Bloom: Mar-Jul.
A
Coastal dune habitat is not present.
Other Special-Status Species
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Table 2.
Special-Status Plants Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA
Common Name Status1 Scientific Name (Fed/State/RPR)
General Habitat Description
Habitat Assessment2
Rationale
Maidenhair spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes ssp. trichomanes
--/--/2.3
Lower montane coniferous forest (rocky). Elevation: 610-660 feet. Bloom: May-Jul.
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Koehler's stipitate rockcress Boechera koehleri
--/--/1B.3/FSS
Chaparral, Lower montane coniferous forest/serpentinite, rocky. Elevation: 510-5,440 feet. Bloom: (Mar),Apr-Jul.
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Seaside bittercress Cardamine angulata
--/--/2.1
Lower montane coniferous forest, North Coast coniferous forest/wet areas, and streambanks. Elevation: 210-3,000 feet. Bloom: Mar-Jul.
HP
North Coast coniferous forest habitat is present in the BSA.
Yellow-tubered toothwort Cardamine nuttallii var. gemmata
--/--/3.3
Lower montane coniferous forest, North Coast coniferous forest/serpentinite. Elevation: 330-2,300 feet. Bloom: Apr-May (Jun).
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest and North Coast coniferous forest habitat is present in the BSA.
Green yellow sedge Carex viridula var. viridula
--/--/2.3
Bogs and fens, marshes and swamps (freshwater), North Coast coniferous forest (mesic). Elevation: 0-5,250 feet. Bloom: Jun -Nov.
HP
North Coast coniferous forest habitat is present in the BSA.
Nuttall's saxifrage Cascadia nuttallii
--/--/2.1
North Coast coniferous forest (mesic, rocky). Elevation: 130-250 feet. Bloom: May.
HP
North Coast coniferous forest habitat is present in the BSA.
Oregon goldthread Coptis laciniata
--/--/2.2
Meadows and seeps, North Coast coniferous forest (streambanks)/mesic. Elevation: 0-3,280 feet. Bloom: Mar-Apr.
HP
North Coast coniferous forest habitat is present in the BSA.
Mountain lady’s slipper Cypripedium montanum
--/--/4.2/FSS
Broadleafed upland forest, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest and North Coast coniferous forest. Elevation: 600-7,300 feet. Bloom: Mar-Aug
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest and North Coast coniferous forest habitat is present in the BSA.
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Table 2.
Special-Status Plants Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA
Common Name Status1 Scientific Name (Fed/State/RPR)
General Habitat Description
Habitat Assessment2
Rationale
Branched collybia Dendrocollybia racemosa
--/--/--/FSS
Found on rotting or mummified remnants of agarics, or in nutrient-rich leaf mulch in forests. Has been found in older forests of coast live oak, Douglas-fir and tanbark oak, along riparian areas. Elevations that support general habitat.
HP
Douglas-fir and riparian habitat is present in the BSA.
Henderson's fawn lily Erythronium hendersonii
--/--/2.3/FSS
Lower montane coniferous forest. Elevation: 980-5,250 feet. Bloom: Apr-Jul.
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Howell's fawn lily Erythronium howellii
--/--/1B.3
Lower montane coniferous forest, North Coast coniferous forest/sometimes serpentinite. Elevation: 660-3,760 feet. Bloom: Apr-May.
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Coast fawn lily Erythronium revolutum
--/--/2.2
Bogs and fens, broadleafed upland forest, North Coast coniferous forest/mesic, streambanks. Elevation: 0-5,250 feet. Bloom: Mar-Jul (Aug)
HP
North Coast coniferous forest habitat is present in the BSA.
Minute pocket moss Fissidens pauperculus
FSS/--/1B.2
North Coast coniferous forest (damp coastal soil). Elevation: 30-3,360 feet.
HP
North Coast coniferous forest habitat is present in the BSA.
Mendocino gentian Gentiana setigera
FSS/--/1B.2
Lower montane coniferous forest, meadows and seeps/mesic. Elevation: 1,610-3,490 feet. Bloom: Aug-Sep.
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
California globe mallow Iliamna latibracteata
FSS/--/1B.2
Chaparral (montane); lower montane coniferous forest, North Coast coniferous forest and riparian scrub. Elevation: 2006,560 feet. Bloom: Jun-Aug.
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Siskiyou iris Iris bracteata
--/--/3.3
Broadleafed upland forest, lower montane coniferous forest/serpentinite. Elevation: 590-3,510 feet. Bloom: May-Jun.
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Opposite-leaved lewisia Lewisia oppositifolia
--/--/2.2/FSS
Lower montane coniferous forest (mesic). Elevation: 980-4,000 feet. Bloom: Apr-May (Jun).
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
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Table 2.
Special-Status Plants Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA
Common Name Status1 Scientific Name (Fed/State/RPR)
General Habitat Description
Habitat Assessment2
Rationale
Coast Range lomatium Lomatium martindalei
--/--/2.3
Coastal bluff scrub, lower montane coniferous forest, meadows and seeps. Elevation: 790-9,840 feet. Bloom: May-Jun (Aug).
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Ghost-pipe Monotropa uniflora
--/--/2.2
Broadleafed upland forest, North Coast coniferous forest. Elevation: 30-1,800 feet. Bloom: Jun-Aug (Sep).
HP
North Coast coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Wolf's eveningprimrose Oenothera wolfii
--/--/1B.1
Coastal bluff scrub, Coastal dunes, Coastal prairie, Lower montane coniferous forest/sandy, usually mesic. Elevation: 10-2,620 feet. Bloom: May-Oct.
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Smith’s otidea Otidea smithii
--/--/--/FSS
Solitary to gregarious on exposed soil, duff or moss in Douglas-fir forests. Fruits from Aug-Dec.
HP
Douglas-fir community is present in the BSA.
Seacoast ragwort Packera bolanderi var. bolanderi
--/--/2.2
Coastal scrub, North Coast coniferous forest/sometimes roadsides. Elevation: 100-2,130 feet. Bloom: Jan-Jul.
HP
North Coast coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
White-flowered rein orchid Piperia candida
--/--/1B.2
Broadleafed upland forest, lower montane coniferous forest, North Coast coniferous forest/sometimes serpentinite. Elevation: 100-4,300 feet. Bloom: Mar -Sep.
HP
North Coast coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Siskiyou bells Prosartes parvifolia
--/--/1B.2/FSS
Lower montane coniferous forest, upper montane coniferous forest, /often roadsides, disturbed areas, and burned areas. Elevation: 2,300-5,000 feet. Bloom: May-Sep.
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Tracy’s sanicle Sanicula tracyi
--/--/--/FSS
Openings in cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest, and upper montane coniferous forest. Elevation: 300-5,200 feet. Bloom: Apr-Jul
HP
Lower montane coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
Great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis
--/--/2.2
Bogs and fens, broadleafed upland forest, meadows and seeps, marshes and swamps, North Coast coniferous forest, riparian forest/often serpentinite. Elevation: 200-4,590 feet. Bloom: Jul-Oct.
HP
North Coast coniferous forest is present in the BSA.
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Table 2.
Special-Status Plants Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA
Common Name Status1 Scientific Name (Fed/State/RPR)
General Habitat Description
Habitat Assessment2
Rationale
Status Codes: Federal Threatened (FT); State Threatened (ST); State Fully Protected (FP); State Species of Special Concern (SSC); Forest Service Sensitive (FSS) 1 RPR Codes and Extensions: 1A Plants presumed extirpated in California and either rare or extinct elsewhere. 1B Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. 2A Plants presumed extirpated in California, but more common elsewhere. 2B Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere. xx.3 Not very endangered in California xx.2 Fairly endangered in California xx.1 Seriously endangered in California 2 Assessment Codes. Absent (A): No habitat present and no further work needed. Habitat Present (HP): Habitat is, or may be present. The species may be present. Present (P): The species is present. Critical Habitat (CH): BSA is located within a designated critical habitat unit, but does not necessarily mean that appropriate habitat is present. 1
3.2.3. Special-Status Animals Special-status animal species include species that are (1) listed as threatened or endangered under the CESA or the ESA; (2) proposed for federal listing as threatened or endangered; (3) identified as state or federal candidates for listing as threatened or endangered; and/or (4) identified by the CDFW as Species of Special Concern or California Fully Protected Species; and/or (5) designated by the Forest Service as sensitive. A list of regionally occurring special-status animal species was compiled based on a review of pertinent literature, the results of the field surveys, a review of the USFWS species list and CNDDB database records, a query of the California Wildlife Habitats Relationship system, and through informal discussion with USFS biologists. For each species, general habitat requirements were assessed and compared to the habitats within the BSA and immediate vicinity in order to determine the species’ potential to occur in or near the BSA. Based on the habitat assessment, 24 special-status animal species were determined to have the potential to occur in the BSA (Table 3). These special-status animal species are further discussed in Chapter 4. Habitat is also present for USFS Survey and Manage Species, Management Indicator Species, and migratory birds. The USFS manages for Survey and Manage Species and management indicator species as a requirement of the Northwest Forest Plan and National Forest Management Act.
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Table 3.
Special-Status Animals Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA
Common Name Scientific Name
Status1 (Fed/State)
General Habitat Description
Habitat Assessment2
Rationale
Federal or State Listed Species Southern Oregon/Northern California Coasts ESU coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch Critical Habitat/Essential Fish Habitat
FT/ST
Spawn and rear in freshwater rivers and streams. Juveniles prefer deep (> 1 m) pools with dense overhead cover, and clear water. Found over a range of substrates from silt to bedrock. Requires cool water temperatures for spawning, egg-incubation, and juvenile rearing. Spawn in riffles with gravel and cobble substrates.
P
SONCC coho salmon are known to occur in low numbers in Hurdygurdy Creek. Coho abundance on average is low or undetectable for the last 25+ years and coho primarily occur in the lower 4 miles of Hurdygurdy Creek, which includes the BSA. The BSA is within the Hurdygurdy Creek segment designated as critical habitat.
Tidewater goby Eucyclogobius newberryi
FE
Shallow lagoons and coastal streams with brackish to fresh and slow-moving or fairly still water.
A
Suitable brackish, or slow-moving coastal stream water is not present in the BSA.
Green sturgeon Acipenser medirostris
--/ST
Spawn in rivers south of the Eel River. Preferred spawning substrate is large cobble, but can range from clean sand to bedrock.
A
BSA is outside of range of this species.
Marbled murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus
FT/SE
Marine subtidal and pelagic habitats; requires dense, mature forests of redwood and Douglas-fir for breeding.
HP
Dense, mature Douglas-fir forest provides nesting habitat in the BSA.
Northern spotted owl Strix occidentalis caurina
FT/--
In northern California, resides in large stands of old growth, multi-layered mixed conifer, redwood, and Douglas-fir habitats
HP
Douglas-fir forest provides foraging and nesting habitat in the BSA.
Pacific Fisher, West Coast DPS Martes pennanti pacifica
PT, FSS/SSC
Dens and forages in intermediate to large stands of old-growth forests or mixed stands of old-growth and mature trees with greater than 50% canopy closure. May use riparian corridors for movement.
HP
Douglas-fir and montane riparian habitat provide foraging and denning habitat within the BSA.
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Table 3.
Special-Status Animals Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA
Common Name Scientific Name
Status1 (Fed/State)
General Habitat Description
Habitat Assessment2
Rationale
Western yellowbilled cuckoo Coccyzus americanus occidentalis
FT/SE
Nesting habitat is cottonwood/ willow riparian forest. Occurs only along the upper Sacramento Valley portion of the Sacramento River, the Feather River in Sutter Co., the south for the Kern River in Kern Co., and along the Santa Ana, Amargosa and lower Colorado rivers
A
Cottonwood/willow riparian forest is absent from the BSA.
Townsend’s bigeared bat
FSS/SC
Roosts in colonies in caves, mines, tunnels, or buildings in mesic habitats. The species forages along habitat edges, gleaning insects from bushes and trees. Habitat must include appropriate roosting, maternity and hibernacula sites free from disturbance by humans.
A
BSA does not provide suitable roosting (cave, cavern, or large trees or large crevice) habitat.
(Corynorhinus townsendii)
Other Special-Status Species Western bumble bee Bombus occidentalis
--/--/FSS
Various habitats with abundant flowering vegetation from spring through fall
HP
Flowering vegetation provides habitat from the spring through fall.
Chace juga Juga chacei
--/--/FSS
This aquatic snail occurs in small permanent streams at low to middle elevations in the Smith River Drainage. Generally occurs on gravel substrate, in cold, clear, highly oxygenated and unpolluted running water.
HP
Hurdygurdy Creek provides suitable habitat in the BSA.
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Table 3.
Special-Status Animals Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA
Common Name Scientific Name
Status1 (Fed/State)
General Habitat Description
Habitat Assessment2
Rationale
Pacific lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus
--/--/FSS
Spawn and rear in freshwater streams in streams with gravel substrates with pool/riffle/run complexes. Species is the most widely distributed Pacific lamprey occurring around the Pacific Rim from Japan to the San Francisco Bay area. This is a parasitic species of lamprey.
HP
Hurdygurdy Creek provides suitable spawning and rearing habitat, and the BSA is accessible to the species.
Western brook lamprey Lampetra richardsoni
--/--/FSS
This lamprey species remains in freshwater, and is non parasitic. Spawning occurs in gravel substrate on the upstream end of riffles. Known from the Sacramento, Klamath, Navarro, and Eel Rivers. Suspected to occur in other larger streams and rivers along the North Coast of California (Moyle 2002).
HP
Hurdygurdy Creek provides suitable aquatic habitat for this species.
Coastal cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii
--/SSC/FSS
Found in low gradient coastal streams and estuaries. Optimal streams are cool and shady, with a lot of instream cover. Spawn in reaches with small to moderate sized gravels. Must have well oxygenated water with low turbidity. Occur in coastal streams from the Eel River north to the Oregon border.
HP
Coastal cutthroat trout are known to occur in low numbers in Hurdygurdy Creek.
Steelhead, Klamath Mountains Province DPS Oncorhynchus mykiss
--/SSC/FSS
Freshwater rivers and streams. This DPS occurs in coastal streams from the Elk River in Oregon, to the Klamath in California. Adults migrate upstream during the fall and spawn from December to April.
HP
Hurdygurdy Creek provides suitable spawning and rearing habitat within the BSA. Steelhead are known to occur in Hurdygurdy Creek.
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Table 3.
Special-Status Animals Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA
Common Name Scientific Name
Status1 (Fed/State)
General Habitat Description
Habitat Assessment2
Rationale
Southern Oregon Northern California Coastal Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
--/--/FSS
Rivers and streams from Cape Blanco, Oregon to the Klamath River. Tributaries of the Klamath River up to the Trinity River confluence are included. In California, found primarily in relatively small watersheds that are heavily influenced by maritime climate.
HP
Hurdygurdy Creek provides suitable habitat within the BSA.
Western tailed frog Ascaphus truei
--/SSC
Clear, rocky, swift, cool perennial streams in wet, densely forested habitats. Require rocky substrate for cover and egg attachment.
HP
Hurdygurdy Creek provides suitable habitat in the BSA.
Del Norte salamander Plethodon elongatus
--/SSC
Occur in the humid forests of northwestern California from Humboldt County to the Oregon border. A terrestrial species, they are found in moist talus, old rocky stream channels, and under bark or old logs in humid coastal forests.
HP
Moist areas provide suitable habitat within the BSA.
Northern redlegged frog Rana aurora
--/SSC/FSS
Found in humid forests, woodlands, grasslands, ponds, and streams in northwestern California. Generally near permanent water, but can be found far from water. In damp woods and meadows during non-breeding season.
HP
Moist areas provide suitable habitat within the BSA.
Foothill yellowlegged frog Rana boylii
--/SSC/FSS
Requires partly shaded, shallow streams and riffles with a rocky substrate in a variety of habitats. Need at least some cobble-sized substrate for egg laying.
P
Moist areas provide suitable habitat within the BSA. This species was observed during the biological field survey.
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Table 3.
Special-Status Animals Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA
Common Name Scientific Name
Status1 (Fed/State)
General Habitat Description
Habitat Assessment2
Rationale
Southern torrent salamander Rhyacotriton variegatus
--/SSC/FSS
In California, this species occurs throughout humid coastal drainages from near Pt. Arena in southern Mendocino Co., to the Oregon border in the coniferous belt, and north into Oregon along the coast and inland into the Cascade Mountains. Found in shallow, cold, clear, well-shaded streams, waterfalls and seepages, particularly those running through talus and under rocks all year, in mature to oldgrowth forests
HP
Hurdygurdy Creek provides suitable habitat in the BSA.
Western pond turtle
—/SC
Slow water aquatic habitat with available basking sites. Hatchlings require shallow water with dense submergent or short emergent vegetation. Require an upland oviposition site in the vicinity of the aquatic site
A
Hurdygurdy Creek is too swift in this area to provide habitat for this species.
Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis
--/SSC/FSS
Breeds in dense, mature conifer and deciduous forests, interspersed with meadows, other openings and riparian areas; nesting habitat includes north-facing slopes near water.
HP
Suitable mature forest habitat is present.
Black swift Cypseloides niger
--/SSC
Nests on cliffs in moist area behind or adjacent to waterfalls, in caves, or large crevices. Forages on insects above the canopy.
HP
The steep, shady and moist cliff faces within the BSA both up- and downstream of the bridge site are suitable to support this species.
Vaux’s swift Chaetura vauxi
--/SSC
Prefers redwood and Douglas-fir habitats, nests in hollow trees and snags or, occasionally, in chimneys; forages aerially.
HP
The Douglas-fir community within BSA contains numerous large trees which may provide suitable nesting cavities.
Emys marmorata
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Table 3.
Special-Status Animals Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the BSA
Common Name Scientific Name
Status1 (Fed/State)
General Habitat Description
Habitat Assessment2
Rationale
Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia brewsteri
--/SSC
Breeds in riparian woodlands, particularly those dominated by willows and cottonwoods.
HP
Riparian vegetation adjacent to Hurdygurdy Creek provides suitable nesting and foraging habitat.
Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens
--/SSC
Breeds in riparian habitats having dense understory vegetation, such as willow and blackberry.
HP
Riparian vegetation adjacent to Hurdygurdy Creek provides suitable nesting and foraging habitat.
Pallid bat
—/SC
Forages over many habitats; roosts in buildings, large oaks or redwoods, rocky outcrops and rocky crevices in mines and caves.
A
Bridge deck is concrete does not contain crevices that could provide suitable roosting habitat for pallid or other bat species.
Sonoma tree vole Arborimus pomo
--/SSC
Douglas-fir, redwood, and mixed evergreen trees in fog belt.
HP
Suitable tree dwelling habitat is present in the Douglas-fir vegetation community within the BSA.
Ring-tailed cat Bassariscus astutus
--/FP
Riparian habitats and in brush stands of most forest and shrub habitats. Nests in rock recesses, hollow trees, logs, snags, abandoned burrows or woodrat nests.
HP
Suitable denning habitat is present along the riparian corridor, and within the Douglas-fir vegetation community within the BSA.
Humboldt marten Martes americana humboldtensis
--/SSC/FSS
American martens are associated with mesic, coniferous forests, and riparian forests. Use riparian areas and stream channels as travel corridors.
HP
The Hurdygurdy Creek riparian corridor and the mature Douglas-fir community surrounding it provide suitable denning and foraging habitat for this species.
Antrozous pallidus
Status Codes: Federal Threatened (FT); Proposed Threatened (PT) State Threatened (ST); State Candidate (SC); State Fully Protected (FP); State Species of Special Concern (SSC); Forest Service Sensitive (FSS) 2 Assessment Codes. Absent (A): No habitat present and no further work needed. Habitat Present (HP): Habitat is, or may be present. The species may be present. Present (P): The species is present. Critical Habitat (CH): BSA is located within a designated critical habitat unit, but does not necessarily mean that appropriate habitat is present. 1
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Chapter 4. Results: Biological Resources, Discussion of Impacts and Mitigation 4.1. Habitats and Natural Communities of Concern The BSA contains montane riparian habitat/riparian wetlands and a perennial stream (Hurdygurdy Creek). These habitats or natural communities are of special concern and may be subject to the Corps and/or CDFW jurisdiction. 4.1.1. 4.1.1.1.
Riparian Habitat SURVEY RESULTS
Montane riparian habitat occurs within the historic floodplain of Hurdygurdy Creek. Montane riparian habitat occurs above the OHWM and below the 100-year flood plain. It is not frequently flooded, but may be flooded during high flow events. The riparian corridor varies in width between 10 to 75 feet from the edge of the creek to the 100-year flood plain. 4.1.1.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
Temporary and permanent impacts to riparian habitat are anticipated as a result of implementation of the proposed project. Permanent impacts would result from placement of RSP in 0.04 acre of montane riparian habitat. Temporary impacts would result from the placement of fill for the temporary detour in up to 0.05 acre of montane riparian habitat. 4.1.1.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
The proposed project has been designed and shall be constructed to avoid and minimize the removal of riparian vegetation to the maximum extent practicable. Staging areas and construction access routes shall avoid encroachment into riparian vegetation where practicable and minimize encroachment where complete avoidance is not practicable. “Avoided” riparian habitat shall be clearly identified in the construction drawings and contractor work plans. Exclusionary fencing shall be installed to mark boundaries of all avoided riparian areas adjacent to the work area. All pedestrian and vehicular traffic into the avoided areas shall be prohibited during construction. The exclusionary fencing shall be inspected and maintained on a regular basis throughout project construction. 4.1.1.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
Impacts to riparian habitat will be compensated for as described in Conservation Measure #4 (Replacement of Lost Riparian Habitat).
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4.1.1.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current proposed project’s BSA are known at this time. The bridge replacement project will not result in a change of road use along Big Flat Road, and cumulative effects are not anticipated. Most of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the ESA. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated. 4.1.2.
Waters of the United States
4.1.2.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
Waters of the United States within the BSA include perennial stream (Hurdygurdy Creek), riparian wetland and intermittent stream (Figure 4). An acreage summary of waters of the United States is presented in Table 4. Table 4.
Acreage Summary of Waters of the United States
Waters of the United States
Total Acreage
Total Linear Feet
Other Waters Perennial Stream
0.660
1,540
Intermittent Stream
0.012
170
Riparian Wetland
0.104
N/A
Total Waters of the United States
0.776
1,710
Wetlands
4.1.2.2.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Construction will require the placement of temporary falsework in the channel directly under the new bridge consisting of a cleaned and washed gravel work pad supporting post and beams founded on wooden pads (Figure 5). The proposed project will also require the construction of a traffic detour. This temporary road will require brushing and widening the two existing dirt roads leading down to Hurdygurdy Creek from Big Flat Road. The temporary stream crossing will consist of a clean, washed gravel road 65 feet long and 20 feet wide, with three 48-culverts to convey flow. Temporary impacts on waters of the United States from the stream diversions and temporary stream crossing includes 0.1096 acre. The permanent impacts to waters of the United States will occur on the north and south abutment in the form of RSP placed within the OHWM as scour protection for the north and south abutments and result in 0.0100 acre of permanent impacts to Hurdygurdy Creek and
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0.0015 acre of riparian wetlands for a total of 0.0115 acre of permanent impacts. The removal of the in-river pier associated with the existing bridge will result in a beneficial impact of fill removed from the OHWM. The new bridge will be a single-span with no piers or abutments within the OHWM. Once the new bridge is complete, the crushed rock atop the gravel work pad and temporary detour will be removed and disposed of offsite. The culverts will be removed beginning at the downstream end of the diversion, leaving most of the suitable sized materials in the channel, and allowing any stream flow at the site to flow through and redistribute the clean spawning-sized gravel material downstream. The contractor will manually redistribute any gravel materials that create an upstream or downstream fish barrier. 4.1.2.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
To the extent practicable, the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States shall be avoided. However, complete avoidance is not feasible due to the need for the placement of RSP (permanent fill), falsework pad/stream diversions and temporary bypass road (temporary fills). Accordingly, the measures described in Conservation Measure #1 (Erosion and Sediment Control), Conservation Measure #2 (Prevention of Accidental Spills), Conservation Measure #3 (Air Quality/Dust Control), and Conservation Measure #4 (Replacement of Lost Riparian Habitat) shall be implemented to avoid or minimize the potential for project-related impacts on waters of the United States. 4.1.2.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
Impacts on riparian wetlands will be mitigated at a 3:1 ratio as described under Conservation Measure #4 (synonymous with riparian habitat). Wetlands mitigation planting will occur where the RSP occurs at or below the OHWM, and on the banks of the river after the falsework pad and the temporary detour road have been removed. The plantings will be done in kind and at a 3:1 ratio. 4.1.2.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current project’s BSA are known at this time. The bridge replacement project will not result in a change of road use along Big Flat Road, and cumulative effects are not anticipated. Most of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the ESA. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated.
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C:\GISProjects\51374 Hurdygurdy\Hurdygurdy_WUS.mxd Created: 06-03-2013 MMcPherson
Study Area (5.46 Ac)
! .
3-Parameter Data Point Ordinary High Water Mark Roads/Utilities Trees > 6" DBH Contour Data Hurdgygurdy Creek Contours Appx. 100-YR Floodplain
Wetlands Riparian Wetland (0.104 Ac) Other Waters Perennial Stream (0.660 Ac) Intermittent Stream (0.012 Ac) DP 3 (UPL)
! . ! .
DP 4 (RW)
RW 2
GUR HURDY
EE DY CR
RW 3
K
RW 1
PS1 IS 1
DP 2 (UPL)
! .! .
! . ! . DP 6 (UPL)
D AT ROA BIG FL
Summary of Waters of the United States Wetlands Label Type RW 1 Riparian Wetland RW 2 Riparian Wetland RW 3 Riparian Wetland Wetland Totals
DP 1 (Perennial Stream)
DP 5 (Intermittent Stream)
Existing double barrel culvert
Acreage 0.065 0.025 0.014 0.104
Other Waters Label Type Length (ft) Width (ft) Acreage IS 1 Intermittent Stream 170 3 0.012 PS 1 Perennial Stream 1540 Varies 0.660 Other Waters Total 1710 0.672 Totals of Waters the United States Prepared by:
Notes: Delineator: Julian Colescott Delineation Date: May 20, 2013 Aerial Photograph Dated: NAIP 2012 This delineation of waters of the United States is subject to verification by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). NSR advises all parties that the delineation is preliminary until the Corps provides a written verification.
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement
±
5000 Bechelli Lane Suite 203 Redding, CA 96002 Phone (530) 222-5347 Fax (530) 222-4958 www.nsrnet.com
Prepared for: Del Norte County Community Development Department Engineering Division 981 H Street Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-7729
0
50
100
200 Feet
Figure 4 Waters of the United States June 3, 2013
0.776
Impacts on Waters of the United States Temporary Wetlands Label Type RW1 Riparian Wetland RW2 Riparian Wetland Total Temporary Impacts on Wetlands
Acreage Length (ft) 0.0001 -0.0032 -0.0033
Other Waters Label Type PS1 Perennial Stream Total Temporary Impacts on Other Waters
Acreage Length (ft) 0.0766 134 0.0766 134
Other Waters Label Type PS1 Perennial Stream Total Permanent Impacts on Other Waters Total Permanent Impacts Total Impacts on Waters of the United States
0.1096
Permanent Impacts (0.0115 acre)) Rock Slope Protection Temporary Detour Temporary Stream Diversions Existing Concrete
Varies
Existing Roadway New Bridge Hurdygurdy Creek
Acreage Length (ft) 0.00002 -0.0015 -0.0015
Acreage Length (ft) 0.0100 102 0.0100 102 0.0115 0.1211
Temporary Impacts (0.1096 acre)
Width (ft)
134
Ordinary High Water Mark
Width (ft)
Appx. 100-YR Floodplain
Wetlands
Riparian Wetland (0.104 acre)
Other Waters
Perennial Stream (0.660 acre)
Varies
Intermittent Stream (0.012 acre)
102 236 RW 2
C GURDY HURDY
IS 1
RW 3
REEK
RW 1
PS1
D AT ROA BIG FL
Summary of W aters of the United States W etlands Label Type RW 1 Riparian W etland RW 2 Riparian W etland RW 3 Riparian W etland W etland Totals
Acreage 0.065 0.025 0.014 0.104
Other W aters Label Type Length (ft) W idth (ft) Acreage IS 1 Intermittent Stream 170 3 0.012 PS 1 Perennial Stream 1540 Varies 0.660 Other W aters Total 1710 0.672 Totals of W aters the United States Prepared by:
5000 Bechelli Lane Suite 203 Redding, CA 96002 Phone (530) 222-5347 Fax (530) 222-4958 www.nsrnet.com
Prepared for:
Del Norte County Community Development Department Engineering Division 981 H Street Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-7729
Notes:
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement
Delineator: Julian Colescott Delineation Date: May 20, 2013 Aerial Photograph Dated: NAIP 2012 This delineation of waters of the United States is subject to verification by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). NSR advises all parties that the delineation is preliminary until the Corps provides a written verification.
±
G:\Projects\51374 Hurdygurdy\Working_Mxds\51374_Figure_5_Impacts_on_Waters_of_the_US.mxd tmooney 2015-02-20
Total Temporary Impacts Permanent Wetlands Label Type RW2 Riparian Wetland RW3 Riparian Wetland Total Permanent Impacts on Wetlands
Biological Study Area (5.46 acres)
0
50
100
200 Feet
Figure 5 Impacts on Waters of the United States February 9, 2015
0.776
Chapter 4. Results: Biological Resources, Discussion of Impacts and Mitigation
4.2. Special-Status Plant Species No special-status plant species were detected during the floristic surveys conducted on June 25 and September 12, 2012. Implementation of the proposed project is not expected to adversely affect any special-status plant species. A list of all plant species observed is provided in Appendix D.
4.3. Special-Status Animal Species As discussed in Chapter 3, potential habitat for 24 special-status animal species occurs in the BSA. These species include the southern Oregon/northern California coasts coho salmon ESU (Oncorhynchus kisutch), marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina), Pacific fisher West Coast distinct population segment (DPS) (Martes pennanti), western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Chace juga (Juga chacei), Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus tridentatus), western brook lamprey (Lampetra richardsoni), coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii), Klamath Mountains Province steelhead DPS (Oncorhynchus mykiss), southern Oregon/northern California coastal Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), western tailed frog (Ascaphus truei), Del Norte salamander (Plethodon elongatus), northern red-legged frog (Rana aurora), foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii), southern torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), black swift (Cypseloides niger), Vaux’s swift (Chaetura vauxi), yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia brewsteri), yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens), Sonoma tree vole (Arborimus pomo), ring-tailed cat (Bassariscus astutus), and Humboldt marten (Martes americana humboldtensis). This section discusses the survey results, potential impacts associated with proposed project implementation, and avoidance and minimization measures. 4.3.1. Anadromous Fish and Western Brook Lamprey This section summarizes the BA/EFHA for the SONCC ESU coho salmon, and addresses Pacific lamprey (Forest Service Sensitive), western brook lamprey (Forest Service Sensitive), coastal cutthroat trout (California Species of Special Concern, Forest Service Sensitive), Klamath Mountains Province steelhead DPS (California Species of Special Concern, Forest Service Sensitive), and SONCC Chinook salmon (Forest Service Sensitive). The avoidance and minimization measures described in this section applies to all special-status fish species with potential to occur in Hurdygurdy Creek. A separate BA/EFHA was prepared that addresses potential impacts to federally threatened Southern Oregon/Northern California Coasts Evolutionary Significant Unit (SONCC ESU)
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coho salmon and provides detailed information about the species life history, distribution, project impacts, and avoidance and minimization measures (North State Resources, Inc, 2013). A BO was issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service on August 18, 2014. The BA/EFHA concluded, and NMFS concurred, that the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect coho salmon or their critical habitat, and is not likely to eliminate or significantly diminish or disrupt EFH. 4.3.1.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
Hurdygurdy Creek is known to support all freshwater life stages of steelhead trout, Chinook salmon, coastal cutthroat trout and Pacific lamprey (Franklin 1989; McCain 2004). Stream surveys in 2008 identified rainbow/steelhead trout, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, sea-run cutthroat trout, and resident cutthroat trout during snorkel surveys (Siskiyou Research Group 2009). SONCC coho has been observed in Hurdygurdy Creek in low numbers, although no SONCC coho have been observed within 25 years (Garwood 2012). The substrate within the BSA is too coarse to support spawning, but the BSA is suitable to support rearing coho during the summer base flow period. Critical Habitat Regulations state that the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species include, but are not limited to, space for individual and population growth and for normal behavior; food, water, air, light, minerals, or other nutritional or physiological requirements; cover or shelter; sites for breeding, reproduction, and rearing of offspring; and habitats that are protected from disturbance or are representative of the historical geographical and ecological distribution of a species. These principal biological or physical constituent elements are known as primary constituent elements (PCEs). Hurdygurdy Creek, in the action area (encompasses approximately 6 acres of area and 800 lineal feet of stream), provides most of these PCEs, but as previously noted spawning habitat is absent and rearing habitat is limited. 4.3.1.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
The BO documents a thorough review of project effects on SONCC coho and measures to avoid and minimize the potential effects. The project would have similar effects on other special-status fish that are present in Hurdygurdy Creek. Project effects on special-status fish are summarized below: Stream Diversion and Dewatering – Stream diversion is proposed in conjunction with the building of the temporary detour and work pads around the existing bridge. Temporary changes in stream flow and passage within the project site during diversion activities are
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expected. The placement of culverts is expected to result in the temporary loss, alteration, reduction of critical habitat, and interrupted ability to migrate through the channel while block nets are in place. Increased Mobilization of Sediment within the Stream Channel – Short term increases in sediment suspension and turbidity are anticipated during stream diversion activities during removal of the temporary road detour and work pads, from transport of sediment in storm water runoff following the first significant rainfall. Removal of Riparian Vegetation – Approximately 9 small trees will be removed during construction of the new bridge and 13 large trees (> 6 inches dbh) will be removed for the construction of the temporary detour. The removal of a small amount of riparian vegetation associated with this project may result in a temporary loss of cover and food availability until the newly planted vegetation grows to a similar size as the cut vegetation. However, due to the significant amount of existing riparian vegetation in the area, the temporary loss would likely result in few if any reductions in function regarding the amount of cover and nutrient inputs. Spill of Lubricants and Fuels – Equipment refueling, fluid leakage and equipment maintenance near the stream channel pose some risk of contamination to aquatic habitat. Water Drafting – Water drafting may occur at Hurdygurdy Creek to provide dust abatement at the construction site. If pumps are not screened properly, water drafting can result in the entrainment and death of juvenile salmonids. Water drafting can also reduce the volume of water in the stream and reduce the area of pools which represent the primary rearing habitat for juvenile coho salmon in the action area. Augmentation of the Substrate – After construction is complete and all falsework and diversion structures are removed, approximately 100 cubic yards of gravel (“fish rock”) will be left in the stream channel. The addition of gravel to the substrate can decrease depths, increase velocity, and decrease pool volume. Additionally, macroinvertebrate communities can be disrupted, requiring time for recolonization of the new substrate. 4.3.1.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
In addition to the Conservation Measures identified in the project description, the following measures are recommended by NMFS and incorporated, as indicated, in the Conservation Measures outlined in Chapter 1:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
To minimize the effects of temporary habitat degradation from diversion, NMFS recommends that the time the stream channel remains diverted is minimized to the maximum extent possible. To minimize the effects of sedimentation, NMFS recommends additional monitoring (visual inspections) of the construction site during the first rain event that results in overland flow. If erosion is noted, the County should take immediate measures to increase erosion control measures (i.e. placement of additional mulching, silt fences, straw wattles) (See Conservation Measure #1 page 10). To minimize the effects of riparian vegetation removal, NMFS recommends that the County replant using large enough trees and shrubs that the roots can reach groundwater, increasing their chance of survival and rate of growth. To minimize the effects of chemical contamination from heavy equipment, NMFS recommends that the County conduct additional daily inspections of equipment to ensure no dripping or leaking of fuel or oil occurs. If fuel or oil is noted as leaking from heavy equipment, a mechanical fix should correct the leak immediately outside of the stream channel, or another piece of heavy equipment should be used in the channel. To minimize harm to relocated fish, NMFS recommends that relocation efforts not take place if air temperatures are greater than 80°F and at all times air bubblers be used to increase oxygen levels in the buckets holding fish. Any equipment (including boots/waders) and construction equipment shall be properly disinfected or cleaned according to guidance provided by the California Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan prior to instream work to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (See Conservation Measure #5 page 12).
NMFS developed a series of nondiscretionary terms and conditions in order to further minimize take of SONCC coho in the BO (National Marine Fisheries Service 2014). The following are additional measures to be implemented per NMFS’ recommendations that are not already addressed above: The County shall retain a qualified biologist with expertise in the areas of anadromous salmonid biology, including handling, collecting, and relocating salmonids, salmonid/habitat relationships, and biological monitoring of salmonids. The biologist shall attempt to herd fish away from the area prior to electroshocking. The biologist shall capture fish, by any reasonable means, from the instream work area and relocate them to suitable habitat outside of the project area. Electrofishing, if used, shall be performed by a qualified biologist and conducted according to NMFS (2000) and CDFW guidelines.
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The biologist shall be present and visually monitor the construction site during placement and removal of channel diversions to ensure that any incidental take to listed salmonids are minimized. The biologist shall be on site to capture, handle, and safely relocate listed salmonids. The County shall notify NMFS biologist Rebecca Bernard at 707-825-1622 or
[email protected] at least 24 hours prior to relocation activities in order to provide an opportunity for NMFS staff to observe the activities. Captured fish shall be kept in cool, shaded, aerated water protected from excessive noise, jostling, or overcrowding any time they are not in the stream, and fish shall not be removed from this water except when released. To avoid predation, the biologist shall have at least two containers and segregate young-of-year fish from larger age-classes and other potential aquatic predators. If any dead or injured listed salmonids are found, the biologist shall contact NMFS biologist Rebecca Bernard at 707-825-1622 or
[email protected]. The purpose of the contact is to review the activities resulting in take and to determine if additional protective measures are required. Any and all salmonid mortalities shall be retained, placed in an appropriately sized sealable plastic bag, labeled with the date and location of collection, fork length, and be frozen as soon as possible. Frozen samples shall be retained by the biologist until specific instructions are provided by NMFS. The biologist may not transfer biological samples to anyone other than NMFS Northern California Office without obtaining prior written approval from the Northern California Office. Any such transfer will be subject to such conditions as NMFS deems appropriate. The County shall provide a written report to NMFS by December 31 after the project activities occur. The report shall be submitted to NMFS Northern California Office, 1655 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521. The report shall contain, at a minimum, the following information: Fish Relocation – The report shall include a description of the location from which fish were removed and the release site, including: photographs, the date and time of the relocation effort, a description of the equipment and methods used to collect, hold, and transport listed salmonids, whether an electroshocker was used for fish collection, a copy of the logbook, the number of fish relocated by species, the number and species of fish injured or killed, a brief narrative of the circumstances surrounding listed salmonid injuries or mortalities, and a description of any problems which arose during the relocation activities and a statement as to whether or not the activities had any unforeseen effects.
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4.3.1.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
The proposed project has been designed such that the conservation measures and proposed avoidance and minimization measures will avoid or minimize the potential effects to the fullest extent. Even with the incorporation of the Conservation Measures and the avoidance and minimization measures, there remains the potential for take of rearing SONCC coho salmon. Therefore, the NMFS has issued their BO (National Marine Fisheries Service 2014) that the proposed project does not have the potential to jeopardize the SONCC coho and has authorized the inadvertent take of the species. 4.3.1.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Cumulative effects are those impacts of future state, local, and private actions affecting endangered and threatened species that are reasonably certain to occur in the BSA. Future projects that result in a federal action will be subject to the consultation requirements established in Section 7 of the ESA and, therefore, are not considered cumulative to the proposed action. No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current project’s BSA are known at this time. As stated in the BO, the NMFS did not identify any future state or private activities that would affect coho salmon or their designated critical habitat in the action area. 4.3.2. Western Bumble Bee Western bumble bee is a special-status invertebrate with the potential to occur within the BSA. Western bumble bee, a Forest Service Sensitive species, occupies mixed forests, woodlands, chaparral, meadows, grasslands and agricultural habitat that provide a variety of flowering plants. 4.3.2.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
Flowering plants in the spring and summer within the montane riparian and Douglas-fir communities provide habitat for western bumble bee. Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA. 4.3.2.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
Population studies conducted in southern Oregon and northern California found a steady decline in western bumble bee populations from 1998 to 2007 (Hatfield et al. 2012). Ground and vegetation disturbance associated with construction may directly affect bumble bees by destroying nest or hibernating queens found underground, if present. Construction activities may indirectly affect the western bumble bee through the removal of or temporary disturbance to plants the species used for foraging. Bees are generalist foragers and rely on large patches of flowering vegetation for survival. Removal of up to 0.1 acres of montane riparian and Douglas-fir habitat that may provide foraging habitat for this species is limited Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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to the edges of the detour road corridor and bridge construction area. Within the region, these habitats are abundant and the reduction of up to 0.1 acres of potential nesting and foraging habitat would be minimal. Additionally, the County will implement measures to facilitate revegetation of native species in disturbed locations. 4.3.2.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
Implementation of Conservation Measure #4 (Replacement of Lost Riparian Habitat) would fully mitigate for any loss of the species’ riparian habitat. The County also intends to revegetate disturbed areas with native plant species. The following measures are recommended to avoid or minimize project-related impacts on western bumble bee: 1. The County will minimize ground disturbance in seeps, springs, and riparian habitats to the greatest extent feasible. 2. Prior to ground disturbance in montane riparian or Douglas-fir habitat, a qualified biologist will conduct a predisturbance survey, where practicable, for western bumble bee nests. If a bumble bee nest is located, recommendations to avoid or minimize disturbance of the nest will be developed in coordination with the USFS. The County will inform Caltrans when such an activity occurs. 4.3.2.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
None required. 4.3.2.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current proposed project’s BSA are known at this time. The bridge replacement project will not result in a change of road use along Big Flat Road, and cumulative effects are not anticipated. Most of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the ESA. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated. 4.3.3. Chace Juga Chace juga is a special-status invertebrate with the potential to occur within the BSA. Chace juga, a Forest Service Sensitive species, is an aquatic snail that generally occurs on gravel substrate in cold, clear, highly oxygenated and unpolluted running water. 4.3.3.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
Hurdygurdy Creek provides habitat for Chace juga. Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA.
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4.3.3.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
Chace juga could be affected by in-stream activities during construction. Potential spills of lubricants and fuels, crushing from construction equipment, increased turbidity and suspended sediment and temporary alterations to the streambed could directly affect individuals. 4.3.3.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
Implementation of Conservation Measure #1 (Erosion and Sedimentation Control), #2 (Prevention of Accidental Spills) and #3 (Air Quality and Dust Control) would minimize potential impacts to Chace juga. Additionally, avoidance and minimization efforts for special-status fish species (Section 4.3.1) would minimize potential impacts on Chace juga. The following measures are recommended to avoid or minimize project-related impacts on Chace juga: 1. The County will minimize disturbance to the bed of Hurdygurdy Creek to the greatest extent feasible. 2. Prior to construction in Hurdygurdy Creek, a qualified biologist will conduct a predisturbance survey for Chace juga snails. If Chace juga snails are located, recommendations to avoid or minimize disturbance to snails will be developed in coordination with the USFS. The County will inform Caltrans when such an activity occurs. 4.3.3.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
None required. 4.3.3.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current proposed project’s BSA are known at this time. The bridge replacement project will not result in a change of road use along Big Flat Road, and cumulative effects are not anticipated. Most of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the ESA. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated. 4.3.4. Special-Status Frogs Special-status frogs that occur or have the potential to occur in the BSA include western tailed frog (California Species of Special Concern), northern red-legged frog (California Species of Special Concern, Forest Service Sensitive), and foothill yellow-legged frog (California Species of Special Concern, Forest Service Sensitive). Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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4.3.4.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
Hurdygurdy Creek and montane riparian habitat adjacent to the creek provide habitat for western tailed frog, northern red-legged frog, and foothill yellow-legged frog. The nine-quadrangle query of the CNDDB identified 23 occurrence records for western tailed frog, with the closest location in Hurdygurdy Creek, approximately 1.2 miles upstream of the BSA (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). Hurdygurdy Creek in the BSA provides suitable habitat for this species. The nine-quadrangle query of the CNDDB identified 7 occurrence records for northern redlegged frog, with the closest approximately 10 miles west of the BSA (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). While the streambank of Hurdygurdy Creek is rocky and scoured clear of vegetation, and the species is more likely to occur in the lower gradient streams on the coastal plain, the patches of riparian vegetation adjacent to the wetted channel are suitable to support the species. Pool habitat located just downstream from the BSA has more densely vegetated banks and patches of emergent vegetation that provides suitable breeding habitat. Since the species could easily move into the BSA from the suitable breeding habitat just downstream, there is a moderate potential for the species to occur within the riparian areas within the BSA. The nine-quadrangle query of the CNDDB identified 7 occurrence records for foothill yellow-legged frog (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). This species was observed during the May 20, 2013 field survey. 4.3.4.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
The proposed project could adversely affect western tailed frog, northern red-legged frog, and foothill yellow-legged frogs if individuals are present in the project impact areas. The proposed project has the potential to result in adverse impacts on western tailed frog, northern red-legged frog, and foothill yellow-legged frog if: In-channel work, and work within the riparian area, could result in the direct loss (i.e., mortality) of the species (e.g., due to operation of equipment in or adjacent to occupied habitat). The potential for direct loss only occurs during project construction. Construction activities result in localized loss of vegetation and soil disturbance resulting in increased erosion and decrease of water quality. This impact is indirect, and could occur during construction and for a period after construction is complete.
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Construction activities results in accidental spills of fuel and other potentially toxic petrochemicals. This impact is indirect, and could occur during construction and for a period after construction is complete. 4.3.4.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
In addition to the Conservation Measures #1, #2, and #4 included in the project description, the following measures shall be implemented to avoid or minimize project-related impacts on the western tailed frog, northern red-legged frog, and foothill yellow-legged frog: Because western tailed frog, northern red-legged, and foothill yellow-legged frogs may move into and out of the BSA at any time, a pre-construction survey for the species is necessary to confirm presence or absence on the site immediately prior to the onset of project construction. Therefore, a qualified biologist shall conduct a minimum of one survey of the BSA for these frogs. The survey shall be conducted within one week prior to construction. If any of these frogs are found within a construction impact zone, the qualified biologist shall move them to a safe location within similar habitat. If construction personnel encounter a western tailed frog, northern red-legged frog, or foothill yellow-legged frog during construction, activities in the vicinity shall cease until appropriate corrective measures have been implemented or it has been determined that the frog will not be harmed. In the absence of a qualified biologist, any frogs encountered during construction shall be allowed to move away on their own. Any trapped, injured, or killed frogs shall be reported immediately to CDFW. The County will inform Caltrans when such an activity occurs. 4.3.4.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
None required. 4.3.4.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current proposed project’s BSA are known at this time. The bridge replacement project will not result in a change of road use along Big Flat Road, and cumulative effects are not anticipated. Most of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the ESA. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated.
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4.3.5. Special-Status Salamanders Special-status salamanders that occur or have the potential to occur in the BSA include Del Norte salamander (California Species of Special Concern) and southern torrent salamander (California Species of Special Concern, Forest Service Sensitive). 4.3.5.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
The nine-quadrangle query of the CNDDB identified 25 occurrence records for the Del Norte salamander, with the closest location in Hurdygurdy Creek, approximately 1.1 mile upstream from the BSA (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). Suitable habitat includes the large logs, frequent talus and other rocky cracks that occur in the temporary access road alignment and under the existing bridge, and the deep duff in the moist environment under the mature riparian and conifer forest throughout the BSA. Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA. The nine-quadrangle query of the CNDDB identified 18 occurrence records for the southern torrent salamander, with the closest location on Hurdygurdy Creek, approximately 1.1 miles upstream from the BSA (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). Suitable habitat includes the splash zone adjacent to Hurdygurdy Creek, and the large boulders, logs, and shady streamside features. Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA. 4.3.5.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
The proposed project could adversely affect Del Norte Salamander and southern torrent salamander if individuals are present in the project impact areas. The proposed project has the potential to result in adverse impacts on Del Norte Salamander and southern torrent salamander if: •
•
•
Either species of salamander is present in a ground disturbance area. This could result in the direct loss (i.e., mortality) of the species. The potential for direct loss only occurs during project construction. Construction activities result in localized loss of vegetation and soil disturbance, or the loss of rocky fissures and other features the salamanders might use for nesting. This would result in increased erosion and decrease of water quality, and the potential loss of nesting sites. This is an indirect impact, and could occur during construction, and for a period after construction is complete. Construction activities results in accidental spills of fuel and other potentially toxic petrochemicals. This impact is indirect, and could occur during construction, and for a period after construction is complete.
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4.3.5.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
In addition to the Conservation Measures #1, #2, and #4 included in the project description, the following measures shall be implemented to avoid or minimize project-related impacts on the Del Norte salamander and the southern torrent salamander: •
To determine if Del Norte salamanders or torrent salamanders are present in the project impact areas, a qualified wildlife biologist shall conduct a pre-construction survey no more than one week prior to the start of construction. If the special-status salamanders are found within a construction impact zone, the biologist shall move it to a safe location within similar habitat.
•
If construction personnel encounter a Del Norte salamander or torrent salamander during construction, activities in the vicinity shall cease until appropriate corrective measures have been implemented or it has been determined that the salamander will not be harmed. In the absence of a qualified biologist, any salamander encountered during construction shall be allowed to move away on their own. Any trapped, injured, or killed salamanders shall be reported immediately to CDFW. The County will inform Caltrans when such an activity occurs.
4.3.5.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
None required. 4.3.5.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current proposed project’s BSA are known at this time. The bridge replacement project will not result in a change of road use along Big Flat Road, and cumulative effects are not anticipated. Most of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the ESA. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated. 4.3.6. Northern Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet The Douglas-fir vegetation community in and near the BSA provides suitable habitat for northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet. A separate BA was prepared that addresses potential impacts on federally threatened northern spotted owl and federally threatened marbled murrelet and provides detailed information about the species life history, distribution, project impacts, and avoidance and minimization measures (North State Resources, Inc., 2014). The action area includes a 150 meter (492 feet) radius around the project area corresponding to the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet auditory and visual analysis area. With compliance of the Programmatic Informal Consultation for the
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California Department of Transportation’s Routine Maintenance and Repair Activities, and Small Projects Program for Districts 1 and 2 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2014), the proposed action may, but would not likely adversely affect northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet in the BSA. 4.3.6.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
Northern Spotted Owl The CNDDB shows positive observations of northern spotted owl in the habitat assessment area, and several other positive observations and one activity center within approximately 0.75 mile of the habitat assessment area boundary. The two observations within the habitat assessment area are from 1990 and 1991. One activity center is approximately 1.4 mile east northeast of the bridge and was last used for nesting in 1996, and another is approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the bridge and was reported active in 2012. The two activity centers are part of a complex of 50 observations from between 1978 and 2012, with the bulk of these observations occurring in the mid-1980s (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). An additional northern spotted owl activity center is located approximately 0.8 mile southwest of the bridge. Three observations have been made with this activity center between 2011 and 2012. According to Brenda Devlin from the Six Rivers National Forest, the data shown on the CNDDB reflect all recent survey data. She mentioned that the Six Rivers National Forest has been conducting annual northern spotted owl surveys in the vicinity of the bridge since 2011, and will likely continue until 2016 or 2017 (Devlin, pers. comm. 2013). Marbled Murrelet The CNDDB shows positive marbled murrelet observations in the region, but none in the Hurdygurdy Creek drainage. The closest marbled murrelet occurrence is from 1992, and is located approximately 6.7 miles west of the project area in upper East Fork of Mill Creek. This detection is part of four detections made in the same general location. One of these detections was noted as an “occupied behavior” based on the observed behavior of the bird circling below the old growth forest canopy. Two other observations are noted approximately 7.0 miles southwest of the project area in the Turwar Creek drainage. Other observations are noted further from the proposed project area in the forests closer to the coast (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). The proposed project area is approximately 13 miles from the coast, which is within the distance which the species is known to nest. To the best of her knowledge, Brenda Devlin confirmed that the CNDDB observations are up to date as of 2013. She also stated that Six Rivers National Forest conducted audio/visual surveys within 0.5 miles of the Hurdygurdy Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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Creek bridge in 2008, and radar surveys in 2010 and 2011; the results of all surveys were negative (Devlin, pers. comm. 2013). 4.3.6.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
Northern Spotted Owl Auditory harassment of northern spotted owl in the action area could result from construction related noise, human activity, and equipment use if it occurs during the breeding/nesting season (February 1 to July 15) within 150 meters (492 feet) of the functional nesting/roosting habitat. Visual harassment within the 150 meter (492 feet) disturbance buffer is less likely because of the topography and vegetation density along Big Flat Road, but it could result from construction activities that take place during the nesting season if the activities are visible from active nest sites. Direct effects on northern spotted owls could result from tree removal that takes place during the nesting season if an individual owl, egg, or nest is present in or near a tree that is felled. Although the potential for nesting owls is considered low because of the proximity to the road and existing disturbances, nesting northern spotted owls may be present in nearby habitat and could be disturbed by construction activities. Such disturbance could result in changes in breeding or foraging behavior, the incidental loss of fertile eggs or nestlings, lead to nest abandonment, or expose owls to increased risk of predation. The proposed project would not fragment existing habitat because Big Flat Road is an existing road and the proposed bridge would be placed in the same location as the existing bridge. The proposed project will not affect nesting/roosting habitat. A total of 22 trees will be removed from riparian habitat in the project area that is not considered northern spotted owl habitat (i.e. foraging, nesting and roosting, dispersal).Thirteen of these trees are small to moderate diameter (<18 inch dbh) riparian species such as white alder and big-leaf maple in the area proposed for the temporary detour. An additional seven small diameter trees near the bridge and Big Flat Road will also be removed. These small diameter trees do not provide habitat for northern spotted owl. Two of the trees to be removed adjacent to Big Flat Road are relatively large: one is a live 30 inch dbh Douglas-fir and the other is a 20 inch dbh big-leaf maple snag. While these larger trees occur in riparian habitat and not in nesting/roosting habitat, they could support nesting or roosting northern spotted owls. However, the potential utilization of the trees for nesting or roosting is unlikely because of the proximity to Big Flat Road and noise disturbance by traffic and recreational users. The majority of construction activities including ground disturbance and tree removal would occur in the riparian habitat of Hurdygurdy Creek. As discussed above, the riparian habitat
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associated with Hurdygurdy Creek is considered unsuitable for nesting and roosting, foraging or dispersal habitat and no effects on nesting/foraging or dispersal habitat would occur. Construction activities could result in short-term effects on northern spotted owl, which may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the species. Long-term auditory or visual harassment could result from ongoing use of Big Flat Road, but the proposed project would not increase the potential for harassment. The proposed project is not intended to increase the capacity of Big Flat Road, and traffic levels would be similar to current conditions, resulting in similar noise and visual disturbances. The action area falls within critical habitat; however, the only PCE in the project area where tree removal will occur is PCE 1 (PCE1 includes forest types that may be in the early-, mid-, or late-seral stage, and that support the northern spotted owl across its geographical range. These forest types are generally conifer dominated). PCE 2, 3, and 4 are not present in the tree removal area (PCE 2 is habitat that provides for nesting and roosting; PCE 3 is habitat that provides for foraging; PCE 4 is dispersal and colonization habitat) As discussed above, only two trees will be removed from habitat considered unsuitable for nesting. Even though these two trees fit the size parameters for suitable northern spotted owl nesting habitat, the trees occur in unsuitable habitat that does not contain PCE 2, 3, or 4. Therefore, the project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, critical habitat for northern spotted owl. Marbled Murrelet As described for the northern spotted owl, potential impacts to marbled murrelet are similar. Auditory harassment of marbled murrelets in the BSA could result from construction related noise, human activity, and equipment use if it occurs during the nesting season (March 24 to September 15) within 150 meters of functional nesting habitat. Visual harassment within the 150 meter disturbance buffer is less likely because of the topography and vegetation density along Big Flat Road, but it could result from construction activities that take place during the nesting season if the activities are visible from active nest sites. Direct effects on marbled murrelets could result from tree removal that takes place during the nesting season if an individual bird, egg, or nest is present in or near a tree that is felled. Construction activities could result in changes in breeding behavior, the incidental loss of fertile eggs or nestlings, nest abandonment, or expose murrelets to increased risk of predation. Most trees to be removed in the BSA are not considered suitable nesting trees. However, the 30-inch dbh Douglas-fir may support nesting marbled murrelets if it is considered mature (with or without and old growth component) or contains a large platform (relatively flat, at Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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least 4-inch diameter and 33 feet high in the live crown). If this tree is a suitable nest tree, the likelihood of marbled murrelets using it for nesting is low considering its proximity to Big Flat Road and the associated noise and visual disturbance it introduces. Similar to northern spotted owl, construction activities could result in short-term effects on marbled murrelet, which may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the species. Longterm auditory or visual harassment could result from ongoing use of Big Flat Road, but the proposed project would not increase the potential for harassment. The proposed project is not intended to increase the capacity of Big Flat Road, and traffic levels would be similar to current conditions, resulting in similar noise and visual disturbances. The project area falls within critical habitat, however, the removal of one large tree that possibly provides nesting habitat is a negligible change. In addition, this tree is located in proximity to Big Flat Road and not in habitat considered suitable for nesting. Therefore, the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect critical habitat for marbled murrelet. 4.3.6.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
The proposed project would involve replacement and realignment of an existing bridge and realignment of the roadway approaches to the bridge. During construction, traffic through the construction area will be maintained along a temporary detour across Hurdygurdy Creek west of the existing bridge. A total of 22 trees will be removed as part of the proposed project. Tree removal would be minimized to the extent feasible. The construction contractor will be responsible for implementing standard construction measures and BMPs to minimize water quality, air quality, soil, and waste-related effects. The following measures from the Programmatic Informal Consultation for the California Department of Transportation’s Routine Maintenance and Repair Activities, and Small Projects Program for Districts 1 and 2 will be incorporated into the proposed project to reduce disturbance-related effects on northern spotted owls during construction activities: •
If the County expects that tree removal will occur during the nesting season (February 1 through September 15), the County, in coordination with Caltrans, shall conduct surveys of all suitable spotted owl habitat within 1.3 miles of the action area following the USFWS Protocol for Surveying Proposed Management Activities That May Impact Northern Spotted Owls (US Fish and Wildlife Service 2012b).
•
If the surveys determine that all suitable northern spotted owl habitat is unoccupied, suitable habitat may be removed or altered without seasonal restrictions, provided “no
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•
take” guidelines are adhered to for all known spotted owl home ranges within 1.3 miles of the action area. If northern spotted owl surveys determine that the action area is occupied or the County presumes spotted owl occupancy without conducting surveys, the County will adhere to the following avoidance and minimization measures: Vegetation Removal or Alteration
No suitable northern spotted owl nest trees will be removed during the nesting season (February 1 to September 15). Suitable habitat may be removed or altered outside the nesting season provided “no take” guidelines are adhered to for all known spotted owl home ranges within 1.3 miles of the action area.
Auditory or Visual Disturbance No proposed activity generating sound levels 20 or more decibels above ambient sound levels or with maximum sound levels (ambient sound level plus activity-generated sound level) above 90 decibels (excluding back-up alarms) may occur within 0.25 mile of suitable spotted owl nesting/roosting habitat during the majority of the nesting season (i.e., February 1 to July 9). These above ambient sound level restrictions will be lifted after July 31; after which the USFWS considers the aboveambient sound levels as having “no effect” on nesting spotted owls and dependent young.
No human activities shall occur within a visual line-of-sight of 40 meters (131-feet) or less from any known nest locations within the action area. Therefore, surveys shall be conducted within 40 meters of the project area to determine if northern spotted owls are nesting within a 40 meter line of site of the project area where construction will occur.
The following measures from the Programmatic Informal Consultation for the California Department of Transportation’s Routine Maintenance and Repair Activities, and Small Projects Program for Districts 1 and 2 shall be incorporated into the proposed project to reduce disturbance-related effects on marbled murrelet during construction activities: •
If the County expects that tree removal will occur during the nesting season (March 24 to September 15), the County, in coordination with Caltrans, shall conduct surveys of all suitable marbled murrelet habitat within the action area according to the
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USFWS-approved survey protocol: Methods for Surveying Marbled Murrelets in Forests: A Revised Protocol for Land Management and Research (Mack et al. 2003). If marbled murrelet surveys determine that the action area is occupied or the County presumes marbled murrelet occupancy without conducting surveys, the County, in coordination with Caltrans, shall adhere to the following avoidance and minimization measures: Vegetation Removal or Alteration
No potential marbled murrelet nest trees will be removed during the nesting season (March 24 to September 15).
Potential suitable nesting habitat may be removed or altered outside the nesting season (September 16 to March 23).
Auditory or Visual Disturbance
No proposed activity generating sound levels 20 or more decibels above ambient sound levels or with maximum sound levels (ambient sound level plus activity-generated sound level) above 90 decibels (excluding back-up alarms) may occur within 0.25 mile of suitable marbled murrelet nesting/roosting habitat during the majority of the nesting season (i.e., March 24 to August 19).
Between August 20 (date when most marbled murrelets have fledged in coastal northern California) and September 15 (end of marbled murrelet nesting season) of any year, project activities, with adjacent suitable nesting habitat, that will generate sound levels greater than or equal to 10 decibels above ambient sound levels will observe a daily work window beginning 2 hours post-sunrise and 2 hours pre-sunset. However, prep work that does not generate sound levels above ambient sound levels, including street sweeping and manual removal of pavement markers, can occur during all hours. The need for this daily work window depends on the distance between suitable nesting habitat and the above-ambient sound generating activity following the Service’s guidelines (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2006). For example, if above-ambient sound levels generated by proposed activities will become attenuated back down to ambient sound levels prior to reaching suitable nesting habitat, the daily work window would not be necessary.
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4.3.6.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
None required. 4.3.6.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The analysis area for cumulative effects is equivalent to the habitat assessment area. All of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the Endangered Species Act. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated. 4.3.7. Other Special-Status Birds Special-status birds that occur or have the potential to occur in the BSA include northern goshawk (California Species of Special Concern, Forest Service Sensitive), black swift (California Species of Special Concern), Vaux’s swift (California Species of Special Concern), yellow warbler (California Species of Special Concern) and yellow-breasted chat (California Species of Special Concern). 4.3.7.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
Northern goshawk The CNDDB and BIOS databases do not show occurrence records for the species within the nine-quadrangle query area (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). Another resource, the CWHR range maps, show northern goshawk occurring within the Coast Range forests, but not directly adjacent to the Coast. The BSA contains coniferous forest habitat to support this species. Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA. Black swift The nine-quadrangle CNDDB query around the BSA documents one black swift occurrence record in the Smith River drainage near Hiouchi (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). Within the BSA, Hurdygurdy Creek is lined with cliffs with perennially dripping seeps and other very moist cliff environments that provide suitable nesting habitat for the species. Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA. Vaux’s swift The CNDDB does not document any occurrence records for Vaux’s swift within the nine quadrangle query (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). The conifer forest and riparian habitat within the BSA supports large trees with dbh greater than 24 inches. Several snags were observed during the May 20, 2013 field survey; however, although cavities were not observed, they can be difficult to see. Therefore, the snags within the BSA could provide
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suitable habitat for the Vaux’s swift. Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA. Yellow warbler and Yellow-breasted chat The CNDDB does not document any occurrence records for either the yellow warbler or the yellow-breasted chat within the nine quadrangle query (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). However, the riparian habitat within the BSA is suitable to support the species, particularly downstream of the location of the temporary crossing. The white alder with willow undergrowth provide nesting habitat for both species. Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA. 4.3.7.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
Direct impacts on the northern goshawk, black swift, Vaux’s swift, yellow warbler and yellow-breasted chat would occur if the species are nesting in the trees or shrubs proposed to be removed to construct the new bridge, or the temporary bypass. Indirect impacts could occur if the birds are nesting near the proposed project site and premature fledging, or adult nest abandonment occurs in response to elevated noise and disturbance levels. 4.3.7.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
The following measures are recommended to avoid or minimize the potential for projectrelated impacts to northern goshawk, black swift, Vaux’s swift, yellow warbler and yellowbreasted chat: •
If all necessary approvals have been obtained, potential nesting substrate (e.g., trees and shrubs) that will be cut down to accommodate construction should be felled and removed before the onset of the nesting season (February 15 through September 30), if practicable. This will help preclude nesting and substantially decrease the likelihood of direct impacts.
•
No more than 15 days prior to construction during the bird nesting season, a preconstruction survey for nesting northern goshawk, black swift, Vaux’s swift, yellow warbler and yellow-breasted chat shall be conducted by a qualified biologist within the BSA and a 250-ft buffer around the BSA. During this survey, the biologist should inspect all trees and suitable cliff faces for nests. If an active nest is found within 250-ft of the construction area, the biologist (in consultation with the CDFW or the USFS) shall determine the extent of a construction-free buffer zone to be established around the nest. The County will inform Caltrans when such an activity occurs.
4.3.7.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
None required.
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4.3.7.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current proposed project’s BSA are known at this time. The bridge replacement project will not result in a change of road use along Big Flat Road, and cumulative effects are not anticipated. Most of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the ESA. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated. 4.3.8. Pacific Fisher Douglas-fir and montane riparian habitat along the proposed project area and within the action area provides suitable habitat for the federally proposed threatened Pacific fisher West Coast DPS (Federally Proposed Threatened, Forest Service Sensitive). A separate BA was prepared that addresses potential impacts to the Pacific fisher and provides detailed information about the species life history, distribution, project impacts, and avoidance and minimization measures (North State Resources, Inc., 2013). The action area includes a 150 meter (492 feet) radius around the project area. 4.3.8.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
The CNDDB contains four occurrences within 10 miles of the proposed project area. The locations of the closest records are 5.4 miles south, 8.7 miles northeast, 8.2 miles north, and 10 miles northwest of the proposed project area (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). A concentration of occurrence records start about 10 miles south of the BSA in the hills above and north of the Klamath/Trinity River confluence. Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA. Forest habitat that may provide denning and resting structures occurs in the Douglas-fir and montane riparian habitats (approximately 53 acres) in the action area. Cavities in trees with diameters greater than 22 inches at breast height in conifers and 15 inches in hardwoods provide natal and maternal denning habitat for Pacific fisher. Because of the known occurrences within close proximity and habitat present within the proposed project area, Pacific fisher may be present in the action area. 4.3.8.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
As described for the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet, the proposed project would result in vegetation removal and loud noises and disturbance from construction activities in the proposed project area, with the greatest potential for disturbance during spring and summer months (about March to July).
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Direct impacts on Pacific fisher could result from tree removal and vegetation grubbing if these activities took place during the natal and maternal denning period (March through July). Fisher may not move young during the critical period after parturition (March 1 through May 15). Additionally, initiation of construction activities may not allow sufficient time for fishers to move young to alternate dens. Fishers using dens within trees slated for removal or trees that could be impacted by falling trees could perish if the tree is removed while occupied by the animal. The proximity of the road may reduce the likelihood of Pacific fisher to use the habitat within the proposed project area; however, mortality could occur if the animal is present within a tree cavity or log during vegetation removal. Because female fishers commonly use multiple dens when raising their kits and move kits when disturbed, females using dens outside the area of vegetation removal and grubbing would likely move kits to an alternate den if disturbed by noise generated by construction. An increased risk of predation is not expected since this species commonly moves young when disturbed and no effects from noise disturbance is anticipated. As with the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet, the proposed project would not fragment existing habitat because Big Flat Road is an existing road. As described above, the proposed project would result in the removal of 22 trees in riparian habitat. Most of the trees are small diameter (<18 inch dbh) with two larger trees: a 30-inch dbh Douglas-fir and 20inch dbh big leaf maple snag. The loss of habitat would be limited to habitat adjacent to the existing roadway and the detour access area. The adjacent forested habitat would continue to provide the same habitat for Pacific fisher. Long-term effects, such as mortality from vehicle collisions, could result from ongoing use of Big Flat Road; however, the proposed project is not intended to increase the capacity of Big Flat Road, and traffic levels would be similar to current conditions, resulting in similar effects on Pacific fisher. 4.3.8.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
Because the Pacific fisher breeding period (March 1 to July 31) overlaps with the breeding periods of the northern spotted owl (February 1 to September 15) and marbled murrelet (March 23 to September 15), project modifications designed for the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet also apply to Pacific fisher. The following measures shall be incorporated into the proposed project to reduce disturbance-related effects on Pacific fisher during construction activities:
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•
•
Tree removal will be minimized and large snags and old growth trees that are not within the proposed project limits and that do not pose a risk to the safety of motorists will be avoided, to the extent feasible. Remove all trees during the non-denning season (September 16 to January 31), which overlaps with the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet non-breeding seasons. Trees may be removed during the denning season if surveys during the denning season (see below) reveal no potential natal or denning trees within the removal area.
To avoid direct effects on Pacific fisher during construction activities associated with the proposed project, the County should schedule tree removal and grubbing (including large downed wood) of areas that are within 114.3 meters (375 feet) of habitat during the nondenning period (September 16 to January 31). This schedule would correspond with the tree removal period specified for the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet between September 16 and January 31. If vegetation removal is to occur during the breeding season (March 1 through September 15), a qualified biologist will survey for potential natal or maternity den trees using tree stand search techniques within areas slated for vegetation removal and within 375 feet of the vegetation removal area no more than two weeks before construction activities begin. No potential den trees shall be felled within the natal denning period between March 1 and May 15. Because female fishers move kits from one maternal den to another to minimize potential threats from predation and disturbance, vegetation removal is a disturbance that would cause a fisher to move her kits. During the maternal denning period (May 16 through September 15), trees that have maternal den characteristics shall be retained until the day after all other trees within a 114.3-meter (375-foot) radius have been felled. If no potential denning trees are observed within 114.3 meters (375 feet) of vegetation removal, these restrictions would not be necessary. 4.3.8.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
None required. 4.3.8.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current proposed project’s BSA are known at this time. The bridge replacement project will not result in a change of road use along Big Flat Road, and cumulative effects are not anticipated. Most of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the ESA. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated.
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4.3.9. Other Special-Status Mammals Special-status mammals that occur or have the potential to occur in the BSA include Sonoma tree vole (California Species of Special Concern), ring-tailed cat (California Fully Protected), and Humboldt marten (California Species of Special Concern, Forest Service Sensitive). 4.3.9.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
Sonoma Tree Vole Sonoma tree vole nests or sign was not observed during the May 20, 2013 field survey of the BSA. The nine-quadrangle query of the CNDDB produced three observation records, two nearly 10 miles west near State Route 101, but one as close as Big Flat on Hurdygurdy Creek, approximately 2.5 miles south (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). Douglas-fir trees in the BSA provide habitat for this species. Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA. Ring-tailed cat Suitable denning habitat is present along the riparian corridor, and within the Douglas-fir vegetation community within the BSA. Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA. Humboldt Marten The CNDDB reports 7 occurrence records for Humboldt marten within the nine-quadrangle area surrounding the BSA. A CNDDB query of Del Norte County produced 16 records. Most of the detections noted were the result of intensive surveys conducted with track plates, remote camera stations, and live trapping in the late 1990s to 2001. The location of the occurrences are scattered up along Rattlesnake Ridge, as close as 4.7 miles west of the BSA, in the vicinity of the confluence of the Trinity and Klamath Rivers starting within approximately 10 miles south (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2015). Incidental observations of the species were not made during the surveys conducted within the BSA. 4.3.9.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
No impacts on Sonoma tree vole are anticipated. The only potential nest tree to be removed is a 30-inch dbh Douglas-fir within riparian habitat, which is located adjacent to Big Flat Road. It is unlikely that Sonoma tree voles would use this tree for nesting given it is discontinuous with a Douglas-fir forest and its proximity to Big Flat Road and the associated noise and visual disturbance it introduces. Direct impacts on ring-tailed cat and Humboldt marten could result from tree removal and vegetation removal if these activities took place during the natal and maternal denning period (May 1 –June 30 for ring-tailed cat, and April 1 -June 30 for Humboldt marten). Ring-tailed
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Chapter 4. Results: Biological Resources, Discussion of Impacts and Mitigation
cat and Humboldt marten using dens within trees slated for removal could perish if the tree is removed while occupied by the animal. The proximity of the road may reduce the likelihood of these species from using habitat within the proposed project area; however, mortality could occur if the animal is present within a tree cavity or log during vegetation removal. Because ring-tailed cat and Humboldt marten commonly use multiple dens when raising their kits and move kits when disturbed, females using dens outside the area of vegetation removal and grubbing would likely move kits to an alternative den if disturbed by noise during construction. 4.3.9.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
The following measures should be incorporated into the proposed project to reduce disturbance-related effects on ring-tailed cat and Humboldt marten during construction activities: •
All construction equipment will be properly muffled.
•
Tree removal will be minimized and large snags and old growth trees are not within the proposed project limits and that do not pose a risk to the safety of motorists will be avoided, to the extent feasible.
•
Remove all trees during the non-denning and non-nesting season, which overlaps with the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet (October 1 - January 31). Trees may be removed during the denning season for ring-tailed cat (May 1 –June 30) and Humboldt marten (April 1 –June 30) if surveys during the breeding season reveal no potential natal or denning/nesting trees within the removal area.
•
To avoid direct effects on ring-tailed cat and Humboldt marten during construction activities, the County should schedule tree removal and grubbing of areas that are within 375 feet of habitat outside of the denning period (July 1 - March 31). This schedule would correspond with the tree removal period specified for the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet.
•
If vegetation removal is to occur during the breeding season (May 1-June 30 for ringtailed cat, and April 1-June 30 for Humboldt marten), a qualified biologist will survey for potential natal or maternity den trees using stand search techniques within areas slated for vegetation removal and within 375 feet of the vegetation removal area no more than 2 weeks prior to construction. During the denning period, trees that have maternal den characteristics shall be retained until the day after all other trees within a 375-foot radius have been felled. If no potential denning trees are observed within 375 feet of vegetation removal, these restrictions would not be necessary.
•
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Chapter 4. Results: Biological Resources, Discussion of Impacts and Mitigation
4.3.9.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
None required. 4.3.9.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current proposed project’s BSA are known at this time. The bridge replacement project will not result in a change of road use along Big Flat Road, and cumulative effects are not anticipated. Most of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the ESA. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated. 4.3.10. Migratory Birds and Raptors 4.3.10.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
The riparian and forest habitats in and near the BSA provide nesting habitat for migratory birds and raptors, which could result in active nests that could be disturbed during project construction if they are present. 4.3.10.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
Construction disturbance during the breeding season could result in the incidental loss of fertile eggs or nestlings, or otherwise lead to nest abandonment. Loss of fertile eggs or nesting raptors, or any activities resulting in raptor nest abandonment or premature fledging, may adversely affect the species. However, due to the abundance of suitable habitat in the area, the loss of nesting habitat is not likely to adversely impact these species. 4.3.10.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
The following measures are recommended to avoid or minimize project-related impacts on migratory birds or raptors nesting in or near the vicinity of the BSA: Vegetation removal, grading, and other construction activities shall be scheduled to avoid the breeding season to the extent practicable. The breeding season for most migratory birds generally extends in Del Norte County from March 1 through August 31 and for most raptors from February 15 through August 31. If construction is to occur during the breeding season, a qualified biologist shall conduct preconstruction raptor surveys of the project area and a surrounding 250-foot buffer (where accessible) 15 days prior to the initiation of construction in any given area to ensure that no raptor nests will be disturbed during project implementation. Surveys may be conducted concurrently with other special status species requiring pre-construction surveys.
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If an active nest more than half completed is found, a construction-free buffer zone shall be established around the nest until nestlings have fledged or breeding has failed (based on field verification by a qualified biologist). The size of the buffer zone shall be determined by a qualified biologist in consultation with CDFW. The County will inform Caltrans when such an activity occurs. 4.3.10.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
None required. 4.3.10.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current proposed project’s BSA are known at this time. The bridge replacement project will not result in a change of road use along Big Flat Road, and cumulative effects are not anticipated. Most of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the ESA. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated.
4.4. Survey and Manage and Management Indicator Species 4.4.1.1.
SURVEY RESULTS
Conifer forest, perennial stream, and riparian areas within the BSA provide habitat for species that are considered Survey and Manage or Management Indicator Species. Survey and Manage species and Management Indicator Species will be evaluated in more detail by the USFS as part of its NEPA process and are only generally evaluated in this NES. 4.4.1.2.
PROJECT IMPACTS
The USFS will assess impacts on Survey and Manage Species and Management Indicator Species habitat. Construction activities associated with the proposed project could have both direct and indirect impacts on Survey and Manage species in the BSA and could modify or remove habitat for these species. The USFS will conduct a thorough analysis of impacts on these species as part of its NEPA process. No Survey and Manage plant species (vascular or nonvascular) were detected during botanical surveys, and no impacts would be expected. Aquatic Survey and Manage species could be affected by construction activities in the Hurdygurdy Creek floodplain within the BSA. Impacts on individuals could result from instream work and impacts on aquatic habitat could result from degradation of water quality through sedimentation or spills of hazardous materials.
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Chapter 4. Results: Biological Resources, Discussion of Impacts and Mitigation
Survey and Manage terrestrial mollusks could be affected by construction activities in cool, moist microhabitats, including forest litter, large woody debris, talus slopes, moist seeps, and drainages throughout the project area. Vegetation removal and grading that result in the removal of overstory canopy, downed large wood, and forest litter and disturbance of talus slopes could directly affect individuals and alter the microhabitats (e.g., reduce shading, modify hydrology, or facilitate habitation by invasive species). Once the USFS identifies Management Indicator Species, they will analyze the effects of the proposed project on Management Indicator Species or assemblage and their habitat. 4.4.1.3.
AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION EFFORTS
The USFS may develop avoidance and minimization measures as part of the use permit review process. In addition to any measures the USFS develops during the use permit review process, implementation of Conservation Measures #1 through #5 would avoid or reduce impacts on individuals and their habitat. 4.4.1.4.
COMPENSATORY MITIGATION
None required. 4.4.1.5.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No reasonably foreseeable future projects within the current project’s BSA are known at this time. The bridge replacement project will not result in a change of road use along Big Flat Road, and cumulative effects are not anticipated. Most of the area is under USFS management, but projects implemented by the USFS are not considered because they would be subject to separate review under the ESA. Due to the lack of other projects to consider, cumulative effects are not anticipated.
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Chapter 5. Results: Conclusions and Regulatory Determinations
Chapter 5. Results: Conclusions and Regulatory Determinations 5.1. Federal Endangered Species Act Consultation Summary A northern spotted owl/marbled murrelet/Pacific fisher BA was prepared and concluded that the proposed project may affect, but would not likely adversely affect northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, and Pacific fisher with implementation of avoidance and minimization measures (North State Resources, Inc., 2014). Caltrans submitted the BA to the USFWS initiate consultation under Section 7 of the federal ESA. With compliance of the Programmatic Informal Consultation for the California Department of Transportation’s Routine Maintenance and Repair Activities, and Small Projects Program for Districts 1 and 2 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2014), the proposed action may, but would not likely adversely affect northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet in the BSA. Because Pacific fisher is not currently listed, Caltrans District 1 on behalf of the County will seek concurrence from the USFWS for the species should it be listed in the future, prior to the project being constructed.. A focused BA/EFHA was prepared that addresses potential impacts to federally threatened SONCC ESU coho salmon and provides detailed information about the species life history, distribution, proposed project impacts, and avoidance and minimization measures (North State Resources, Inc., 2013). The BA/EFHA was submitted on August 27, 2013 to the NMFS for review under Section 7 of the ESA to address potential impacts to federally listed fish species and to essential fish habitat (EFH) for Pacific salmon. NMFS completed the Section 7 consultation and issued a BO on August 18, 2014, which concluded that the proposed project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of SONCC ESU coho salmon and is not likely to adversely modify designated critical habitat for SONCC ESU coho salmon. Even with the implementation of conservation and avoidance measures contained in the BA/EFHA, take of SONCC ESU coho salmon could not entirely be avoided; therefore, NMFS included an incidental take statement under the terms of sections 7(b)(f) and section 7(o)(2) of the ESA in the BO.
5.2. Essential Fish Habitat Consultation Summary A BA/EFHA was submitted on August 27, 2013 to the NMFS for review under Section 305(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to address potential impacts to EFH for Pacific salmon. NMFS issued a BO on August 18, 2014, which concluded that the proposed project would adversely affect EFH for Pacific salmon. Big Flat Road (County Route 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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Chapter 5. Results: Conclusions and Regulatory Determinations
5.3. Wetlands and Other Waters Coordination Summary The proposed project would comply with terms of Nationwide Permit No. 14 for Linear Transportation Projects. Project impacts on waters of the United States would be 0.1211 acre. A preconstruction notification will be required due to the discharge of fill into riparian wetland (special aquatic site). The preliminary delineation of waters of the United States has not been submitted to Corps for verification, so results of the delineation are considered preliminary until verified. The County will submit the delineation to the Corps for verification as part of the Section 404 permit process. Project authorization under the Clean Water Act requires that Section 401 Water Quality Certification be obtained from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. The County proposes the replacement of riparian vegetation at a 3:1 ratio on-site, which would ensure a no net loss of wetlands.
5.4. Wetlands Only Practicable Alternative Finding Executive Order 119900, Protection of Wetlands (1977), established a national policy to avoid adverse effects on wetlands wherever there is a practicable alternative. The project design minimized impacts on wetlands to the extent practicable. All other design considerations would have a greater impact on wetlands. Because the project design with the least impact on wetlands was selected, the project is in compliance with the Wetlands Only Practicable Finding Alternative pursuant to Executive Order 119900, Protection of Wetlands (1977).
5.5. Migratory Bird Treaty Act With implementation of measures identified in Chapter 4 to avoid impacts on nesting migratory birds, the proposed project would comply with the MBTA and not adversely affect migratory birds.
5.6. California Endangered Species Act Consultation Summary SONCC ESU coho salmon is listed as threatened under CESA and consultation with CDFW would be required to determine if CDFW agrees with the potential for SONCC ESU coho salmon to be present and would be affected by project activities. They would also determine if the avoidance and minimization measures provided in the NMFS BO would fully mitigate for any loss of SONCC ESU coho salmon and would be consistent with the CDFW mitigation requirements for CESA (CDFW 2081.1 consistency determination). If CDFW determines that the fish may be affected by project activities and mitigation measures are insufficient, a 2081 (b) incidental take permit would need to be issued.
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Chapter 5. Results: Conclusions and Regulatory Determinations
5.7. California Fish and Game Code The proposed project would involve work within Hurdygurdy Creek, a perennial stream, riparian wetlands, and adjacent riparian habitat. Prior to any activities that would obstruct the flow of, or alter the bed, channel, or bank of any streams, the County will provide notification of streambed alteration to the CDFW. If required by the CDFW, the County will obtain a streambed alteration agreement and will ensure that all conditions of the agreement are implemented. During the construction of the temporary stream diversions, it may be necessary to relocate aquatic animals that are species of special concern, including foothill yellow-legged frog western tailed frog, and southern torrent salamander. Per CDFW guidelines the relocation of species of special concern or other animals for movement “out of harm’s way” is permitted via a letter from the CDFW regional office. The proposed project would comply with other sections of the Fish and Game Code (i.e., birds of prey, migratory birds, and fully protected species) with implementation of avoidance and minimization measures.
5.8. Invasive Species With implementation of Conservation Measure #5 identified in the project description, the proposed project would comply with Executive Order 13112.
5.9. Floodplain Management The proposed bridge would maintain floodwater conveyance in the BSA. Therefore, the proposed project complies with Executive Order 11988.
5.10. Survey and Manage and Management Indicator Species Survey and Manage Species and Management Indicator Species will be evaluated in more detail by the Forest Service during review of the use permit.
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Chapter 6. References
Chapter 6. References Baldwin, B. G., D. H. Goldman, R. P. D. J. Keil, T. J. Rosatti, and D. H. Wilken. 2012. The Jepson manual: vascular plants of California. 2nd ed. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. California Department of Fish and Game. 2008a. CWHR version 8.2 personal computer program: California Department of Fish and Game, California Interagency Wildlife Task Group. California Department of Fish and Game. 2008b. Special vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens list. California Department of Fish and Game, Natural Diversity Database. January. California Department of Fish and Game. 2009. Protocols for surveying and evaluating impacts to special status native plant populations and natural communities. State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game. November 24, 2009. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2015. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), layer viewed in BIOS. Accessed January 2015. California Invasive Plant Council. 2006. California Invasive Plant Inventory. Berkeley, CA: California Invasive Plant Council. California Department of Food and Agriculture. 2014. California State-listed Noxious Weeds. Devlin, Brenda. 2013. U.S. Forest Service Six Rivers National Forest Wildlife Biologist. August 5, 2013 email correspondence with Julian Colescott. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Vicksburg, Mississippi: U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Franklin, R. F. 1989. Seasonal use of habitat by juvenile steelhead trout in Hurdygurdy Creek, California and implication for stream enhancement, College of Natural Resources, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California. Garwood, J. 2012. Historic and recent occurrence of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in California streams within the Southern Oregon/Northern California Evolutionarily Significant Unit. California Department of Fish and Game, Fisheries Branch Administrative Report, 2012-03. August 2012. Hatfield, R., S. Jepson, E. Mader, S. H. Black, and M. Shepherd. 2012. Conserving Bumble Bees. Guidelines for Creating and Managing Habitat for America's Declining Pollinators. Portland, OR: The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
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Chapter 6. References
Mack, D.E., W.P. Ritchie, S.K. Nelson, E. Kuo-Harrison, P. Harrison, T.E. Hamer. 2003. Methods for Surveying Marbled Murrelets in Forests: A Revised Protocol for Land Management and Research. Pacific Seabird Group Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee. Mayer, K. E., and W. F. Laudenslayer, Jr., eds. 1988. A guide to wildlife habitats of California. Sacramento: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Moyle, P. B. 2002. Inland fishes of California. Davis: University of California Press. National Marine Fisheries Service. 2000. Guidelines for electrofishing waters containing salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act. United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service. National Marine Fisheries Service. 2014. Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project Endangered Species Act Section 7 (a)(2) Biological Opinion and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Essential Fish Habitat Consultation. NMFS Consultation Number: 2014-9851. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013. Web soil survey. Elk Valley, California. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ cited May 23, 2013. North State Resources, Inc. 2013. Big Flat Road (County Route 405) Post Mile 3.6 at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project -Biological Assessment/Essential Fish Habitat Assessment. August 2013. North State Resources Inc. 2014. Big Flat Road (County Route 405) Post Mile 3.6 at Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project -Biological Assessment. December 2014. Siskiyou Research Group. 2009. Hurdygurdy Creek 2008 Level II stream survey. Prepared by the Siskiyou Research Group for the Six Rivers National Forest, Smith River National Recreation Area, Gasquet Ranger District. January 2009. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional supplement to the Corps of Engineers wetland delineation manual: western mountains, valleys, and coast region (version 2.0): U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006. Estimating the effects of auditory and visual disturbance to northern spotted owls and marbled murrelets in northwestern California. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2012b. Protocol for surveying proposed management activities that may impact northern spotted owls – 2012 Revision. Rev. January 9, 2012.
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Chapter 6. References
U.S. Forest Service. 1995. Six Rivers National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. USDA Forest Service, Six Rivers National Forest. October 1992. Western Regional Climate Center. 2014. Elk Valley, California (042749) period of record: 7/1/1948 to 4/30/1976. http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca3859 (cited November 2014).
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Appendix A USFWS List
AFWO Web: Species List database query
Page 1 of 1
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Listed/Proposed Threatened and Endangered Species for the CANT HOOK MTN. Quad (Candidates Included) February 11, 2015 Document Number: 490315793-155448 TYPE
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
CATEGORY CRITICAL HABITAT
Acipenser medirostris
green sturgeon
T
Y
Eucyclogobius newberryi
tidewater goby
E
Y
Oncorhynchus kisutch
S. OR/N. CA coho salmon
T
Y
Brachyramphus marmoratus Coccyzus americanus Strix occidentalis caurina
marbled murrelet Western yellow-billed cuckoo northern spotted owl
T T T
Y Y Y
Martes pennanti
fisher, West Coast DPS
PT
P
Fish
* * Birds
Mammals
KEY:
(PE) Proposed Endangered (PT) Proposed Threatened (E) Endangered (T) Threatened (C) Candidate Critical Habitat *
Proposed in the Federal Register as being in danger of extinction Proposed as likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future Listed in the Federal Register as being in danger of extinction Listed as likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future Candidate which may become a proposed species Y = Designated, P = Proposed, N = None Designated Denotes a species Listed by the National Marine Fisheries Service
http://www.fws.gov/arcata/specieslist/speciesreport.asp
2/11/2015
Appendix B CNDDB & CNPS Lists
Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database Query Criteria:
Quad is (Cant Hook Mtn. (4112368) or Hiouchi (4112471) or Gasquet (4112378) or Hurdygurdy Butte (4112377) or Childs Hill (4112461) or Ship Mountain (4112367) or Requa (4112451) or Klamath Glen (4112358) or Summit Valley (4112357))
Species
Element Code
Federal Status
State Status
Global Rank
State Rank
Rare Plant Rank/CDFW SSC or FP
Abronia umbellata var. breviflora
PDNYC010N4
None
None
G4G5T2
S1
1B.1
PDBRA06150
Endangered
Endangered
G2
S2
1B.1
AMAFF23030
None
None
G3
S3
SSC
ABNGA04010
None
None
G5
S4
AAABA01010
None
None
G4
S2S3
SSC
PPASP021K2
None
None
G5T5
S1
2B.3
PDBRA060Z0
None
None
G3
S2
1B.3
PMPOA170C0
None
Rare
G3
S3
4.2
NLT0005640
None
None
G3G4
S1?
2B.2
PDCON04012
None
None
G5T3
S3
4.2
PDBRA0K010
None
None
G5
S1
2B.1
PDBRA0K0R3
None
None
G5T3Q
S2
3.3
PMCYP037E0
None
None
G5
S1
2B.2
PMCYP03KM0
None
None
G4
S3
2B.3
PMCYP03EM5
None
None
G5T5
S2
2B.3
PDSAX0U160
None
None
G4?
S1
2B.1
PDSCR0D213
None
None
G3
S2S3
2B.2
PDSCR0D012
None
None
G4G5T4
S3
2B.2
PDRAN0A020
None
None
G4
S3
4.2
pink sand-verbena Arabis mcdonaldiana Mcdonald's rockcress Arborimus pomo Sonoma tree vole Ardea herodias great blue heron Ascaphus truei Pacific tailed frog Asplenium trichomanes ssp. trichomanes maidenhair spleenwort Boechera koehleri Koehler's rockcress Calamagrostis foliosa leafy reed grass Calicium adspersum spiral-spored gilded-head pin lichen Calystegia atriplicifolia ssp. buttensis Butte County morning-glory Cardamine angulata seaside bittercress Cardamine nuttallii var. gemmata yellow-tubered toothwort Carex leptalea bristle-stalked sedge Carex serpenticola serpentine sedge Carex viridula ssp. viridula green yellow sedge Cascadia nuttallii Nuttall's saxifrage Castilleja elata Siskiyou paintbrush Castilleja litoralis Oregon coast paintbrush Coptis laciniata Oregon goldthread
Commercial Version -- Dated February, 3 2015 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Report Printed on Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Page 1 of 4 Information Expires 8/3/2015
Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database
Species
Element Code
Federal Status
State Status
Global Rank
State Rank
Rare Plant Rank/CDFW SSC or FP
Corynorhinus townsendii
AMACC08010
None
Candidate Threatened
G3G4
S2
SSC
ABNUA01010
None
None
G4
S2
SSC
CTT51120CA
None
None
G4
S3.2
NBMUS2E010
None
None
G3G4
S1
2B.2
ARAAD02030
None
None
G3G4
S3
SSC
PDPGN08498
None
None
G5T2T4
S2?
2B.2
PDPGN084Q0
None
None
G4
S3
2B.2
PMLIL0U070
None
None
G4
S2
2B.3
PMLIL0U080
None
None
G3G4
S2
1B.3
PMLIL0U0C0
None
None
G5
S2
2B.2
PMLIL0U0F0
None
None
G4
S2S3
2B.2
NBMUS2W0U0
None
None
G3?
S1
1B.2
PDGEN060S0
None
None
G2
S1
1B.2
PDPLM040B6
None
None
G5T3T4
S2
1B.2
AMAJF03010
None
Threatened
G4
S1
FP
IMGASK4180
None
None
G1
S1
AMACC02010
None
None
G5
S3S4
PDPOR040B0
None
None
G4
S2
IITRI15020
None
None
G3G4
S1
PDAPI1B140
None
None
G5
S3
IMBIV27020
None
None
G4G5
S1S2
Townsend's big-eared bat Cypseloides niger black swift Darlingtonia Seep Darlingtonia Seep Discelium nudum naked flag moss Emys marmorata western pond turtle Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum Del Norte buckwheat Eriogonum pendulum Waldo wild buckwheat Erythronium hendersonii Henderson's fawn lily Erythronium howellii Howell's fawn lily Erythronium oregonum giant fawn lily Erythronium revolutum coast fawn lily Fissidens pauperculus minute pocket moss Gentiana setigera Mendocino gentian Gilia capitata ssp. pacifica Pacific gilia Gulo gulo California wolverine Juga chacei Chace juga Lasionycteris noctivagans silver-haired bat Lewisia oppositifolia
2B.2
opposite-leaved lewisia Limnephilus atercus Fort Dick limnephilus caddisfly Lomatium martindalei
2B.3
Coast Range lomatium Margaritifera falcata western pearlshell
Commercial Version -- Dated February, 3 2015 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Report Printed on Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Page 2 of 4 Information Expires 8/3/2015
Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database
Species
Element Code
Federal Status
State Status
Global Rank
State Rank
Rare Plant Rank/CDFW SSC or FP
Martes caurina humboldtensis
AMAJF01012
None
None
G5T1
S1
SSC
PDCAR0G0F0
None
None
G4
S2
1B.3
PDSAX0N020
None
None
G5
S4
4.2
PDPYR02010
None
None
G5
S3
2B.2
PDMON03030
None
None
G5
S2
2B.2
AMACC01090
None
None
G4
S3
AMACC01020
None
None
G5
S4
PDONA0C1K0
None
None
G1
S1
1B.1
AFCHA0208A
None
None
G4T4
S3
SSC
AFCHA0213B
None
None
G5T4Q
S2
SSC
PDAST8H0H1
None
None
G4T4
S2S3
2B.2
PDAST8H1L0
None
None
G3
S1
2B.2
ABNKC01010
None
None
G5
S4
WL
AMAJF01021
Proposed Threatened
Candidate Threatened
G5T2T3Q
S2S3
SSC
ABNFD01020
None
None
G5
S4
WL
PDLNT01040
None
None
G5
S2S3
2B.2
PMORC1X050
None
None
G3?
S2
1B.2
AAAAD12050
None
None
G4
S3
SSC
PDPLM0E050
None
None
G4
S1
2B.2
IILEP66030
None
None
G2G3
S1
IMGASX0010
None
None
G3
S1
Humboldt marten Minuartia howellii Howell's sandwort Mitellastra caulescens leafy-stemmed mitrewort Moneses uniflora woodnymph Monotropa uniflora ghost-pipe Myotis thysanodes fringed myotis Myotis yumanensis Yuma myotis Oenothera wolfii Wolf's evening-primrose Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii coast cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus summer-run steelhead trout Packera bolanderi var. bolanderi seacoast ragwort Packera hesperia western ragwort Pandion haliaetus osprey Pekania pennanti fisher - West Coast DPS Phalacrocorax auritus double-crested cormorant Pinguicula macroceras horned butterwort Piperia candida white-flowered rein orchid Plethodon elongatus Del Norte salamander Polemonium carneum Oregon polemonium Polites mardon mardon skipper Pristinicola hemphilli pristine pyrg
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Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database
Species
Element Code
Federal Status
State Status
Global Rank
State Rank
Rare Plant Rank/CDFW SSC or FP
Prosartes parvifolia
PMLIL0R014
None
None
G2?
S2
1B.2
NBHEP2U010
None
None
G3G4
S3?
4.3
PDASTDT0F4
None
None
G5T4
S2
2B.3
NLLEC3S340
None
None
G5
S2?
2B.1
AAABH01021
None
None
G4
S2?
SSC
AAABH01050
None
None
G3
S2S3
SSC
AAAAJ01020
None
None
G3G4
S2S3
SSC
PDROS1J1V1
None
None
G5T2
S2
1B.3
PDROS1L060
None
None
G5?
S2
2B.2
PDCRA0A0L2
None
None
G5T4Q
S4
4.3
PDMAL110E0
None
None
G3
S3
4.2
PDCAR0U2B0
None
None
G2
S2
1B.2
AFCHB03010
Candidate
Threatened
G5
S1
SSC
PDBRA2G0N0
None
None
G2G3
S2
1B.2
AFCHB04010
Threatened
None
G5
S3
SSC
NBMUS7S010
None
None
G1
S1
1B.2
NLLEC5P420
None
None
G4
S4
4.2
PDERI180Y0
None
None
G5
S3
2B.2
PDVIO040Y2
None
None
G5T2
S2
1B.2
Siskiyou bells Ptilidium californicum Pacific fuzzwort Pyrrocoma racemosa var. congesta Del Norte pyrrocoma Ramalina thrausta angel's hair lichen Rana aurora northern red-legged frog Rana boylii foothill yellow-legged frog Rhyacotriton variegatus southern torrent salamander Rosa gymnocarpa var. serpentina Gasquet rose Sanguisorba officinalis great burnet Sedum laxum ssp. flavidum pale yellow stonecrop Sidalcea malachroides maple-leaved checkerbloom Silene serpentinicola serpentine catchfly Spirinchus thaleichthys longfin smelt Streptanthus howellii Howell's jewelflower Thaleichthys pacificus eulachon Triquetrella californica coastal triquetrella Usnea longissima Methuselah's beard lichen Vaccinium scoparium little-leaved huckleberry Viola primulifolia ssp. occidentalis western white bog violet Record Count: 80
Commercial Version -- Dated February, 3 2015 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Report Printed on Wednesday, February 11, 2015
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CNPS Inventory: Plant Press Manager window with 48 items
Page 1 of 5
CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants Status: Plant Press Manager window with 48 items - Wed, Feb. 11, 2015 14:19 ET c Reformat list as:
Standard List - with Plant Press controls
ECOLOGICAL REPORT scientific family Abronia umbellata var. Nyctaginaceae breviflora
ఔ
life form
blooming
communities
elevation CNPS
perennial herb
Jun-Oct
•Coastal dunes (CoDns)
0 - 10 meters
List 1B.1
135 1800 meters
List 1B.1
Arabis mcdonaldiana
Brassicaceae
perennial herb
May-Jul
•Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •Upper montane coniferous forest (UCFrs)/serpentinite
Asplenium trichomanes ssp. trichomanes
Aspleniaceae
perennial rhizomatous herb
May-Jul
•Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs)(rocky)
185 200 meters
List 2B.1
•Chaparral (Chprl) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs)/serpentinite, rocky
155 1660 meters
List 1B.3
Boechera koehleri
Calicium adspersum
Brassicaceae
Caliciaceae
perennial herb
crustose lichen epiphytic
Cardamine angulata
Brassicaceae
perennial herb
Cardamine nuttallii var. gemmata
Brassicaceae
perennial rhizomatous herb
Carex leptalea
Cyperaceae
perennial rhizomatous herb
Carex serpenticola
Cyperaceae
Carex viridula ssp. viridula
Cyperaceae
perennial rhizomatous herb perennial herb
(Mar),AprJul Months in parentheses are uncommon.
•Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs)/Often restricted to old-growth bark of conifers that are over 200 years in age (Jan),MarJul Months in parentheses are uncommon.
Apr-May (Jun), Months in parentheses are uncommon.
Mar-Jul
Mar-May (Jun),Jul-Sep (Nov), Months
200 - 200 meters
•Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs)/Wet areas, streambanks •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs)/serpentinite •Bogs and fens (BgFns) •Meadows and seeps (Medws)(mesic) •Marshes and swamps (MshSw) •Meadows and seeps (Medws)(mesic, serpentinite) •Bogs and fens (BgFns)
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List 2B.2
65 915 meters
List 2B.1
100 700 meters
List 3.3
0 - 700 meters
List 2B.2
60 1200 meters
List 2B.3 List 2B.3
2/11/2015
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in parentheses are uncommon.
perennial rhizomatous herb
May
Orobanchaceae
perennial herb hemiparasitic
May-Aug
Orobanchaceae
perennial herb hemiparasitic
Jun
ephemoral moss
•Coastal bluff scrub (CBScr)(soil, on clay banks)
Cascadia nuttallii
Saxifragaceae
Castilleja elata
Castilleja litoralis
Discelium nudum
Disceliaceae
Erigeron bloomeri var. nudatus
Asteraceae
perennial herb
Jun-Jul
Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum
Polygonaceae
perennial herb
Jun-Sep
Eriogonum pendulum
Polygonaceae
perennial herb
Aug-Sep
Erythronium hendersonii
Liliaceae
perennial bulbiferous herb
Apr-Jul
Erythronium howellii
Liliaceae
perennial bulbiferous herb
Apr-May
Erythronium oregonum
Liliaceae
perennial herb
Liliaceae
perennial bulbiferous herb
Erythronium revolutum
Mar-Jun (Jul), Months in parentheses are uncommon.
Mar-Jul (Aug), Months in parentheses are uncommon.
Page 2 of 5
•Marshes and swamps (MshSw) (freshwater) •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs)(mesic) •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs)(mesic, rocky) •Bogs and fens (BgFns) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs)(seeps)/often serpentinite •Coastal bluff scrub (CBScr) •Coastal dunes (CoDns) •Coastal scrub (CoScr)/sandy
10 - 50 meters
•Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •Upper montane coniferous forest (UCFrs)/serpentinite •Coastal bluff scrub (CBScr) •Coastal prairie (CoPrr) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •Upper montane coniferous forest (UCFrs)/serpentinite •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs)/sometimes serpentinite •Cismontane woodland (CmWld) •Meadows and seeps (Medws)/sometimes serpentinite, rocky, openings •Bogs and fens (BgFns) •Broadleafed upland forest (BUFrs) •North Coast
http://cnps.site.aplus.net/cgi-bin/inv/inventory.cgi/BasketShowx?format=1&editable=1
01600 meters
40 - 75 meters
List 2B.1
01750 meters
List 2B.2
15 100 meters
List 2B.2
List 2B.2
600 2300 meters
List 2B.3
5 - 80 meters
List 2B.2
230 1000 meters
List 2B.2
300 1600 meters
List 2B.3
200 1145 meters
List 1B.3
100 1150 meters
List 2B.2
01600 meters
List 2B.2
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Page 3 of 5
coniferous forest (NCFrs)/Mesic, streambanks
Fissidens pauperculus
Fissidentaceae
Gentiana setigera
Gentianaceae
Gilia capitata ssp. pacifica
moss
•North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs) (damp coastal soil)
perennial herb
Aug-Sep
Polemoniaceae
annual herb
Apr-Aug
Iris bracteata
Iridaceae
perennial rhizomatous herb
May-Jun
Kopsiopsis hookeri
Orobanchaceae
perennial rhizomatous herb parasitic
Apr-Aug
Layia carnosa
Asteraceae
annual herb
Mar-Jul
Lewisia oppositifolia
Montiaceae
perennial herb
Apr-May (Jun), Months in parentheses are uncommon.
Lomatium martindalei
Apiaceae
perennial herb
May-Jun (Aug), Months
Minuartia howellii
Caryophyllaceae
perennial herb
Apr-Jul
Moneses uniflora
Ericaceae
perennial rhizomatous herb
May-Aug
Monotropa uniflora
Ericaceae
perennial herb achlorophyllous
Onagraceae
perennial herb
Oenothera wolfii
in parentheses are uncommon.
Jun-Aug (Sep), Months in parentheses are uncommon.
May-Oct
10 - 1024 meters
•Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •Meadows and seeps (Medws)/mesic •Coastal bluff scrub (CBScr) •Chaparral (Chprl) (openings) •Coastal prairie (CoPrr) •Valley and foothill grassland (VFGrs) •Broadleafed upland forest (BUFrs) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs)/serpentinite •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs) •Coastal dunes (CoDns) •Coastal scrub (CoScr)(sandy) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs)(mesic) •Coastal bluff scrub (CBScr) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •Meadows and seeps (Medws) •Chaparral (Chprl) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs)/serpentinite, xeric •Broadleafed upland forest (BUFrs) •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs) •Broadleafed upland forest (BUFrs) •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs) •Coastal bluff scrub (CBScr) •Coastal dunes (CoDns)
http://cnps.site.aplus.net/cgi-bin/inv/inventory.cgi/BasketShowx?format=1&editable=1
List 1B.2
490 1065 meters
List 1B.2
51330 meters
List 1B.2
180 1070 meters
List 3.3
90 885 meters
List 2B.3
0 - 60 meters
List 1B.1
300 1220 meters
List 2B.2
240 3000 meters
List 2B.3
550 1000 meters
List 1B.3
100 1100 meters
List 2B.2
10 550 meters
List 2B.2
3 - 800 meters
List 1B.1
2/11/2015
CNPS Inventory: Plant Press Manager window with 48 items
perennial rhizomatous herb
(Jan),(Feb), (Apr),May-Jul (Aug), Months
Packera bolanderi var. bolanderi
Asteraceae
Packera hesperia
Asteraceae
perennial herb
Apr-Jun
Pinguicula macroceras
Lentibulariaceae
perennial herb carnivorous
Apr-Jun
Piperia candida
Orchidaceae
Prosartes parvifolia
Liliaceae
Pyrrocoma racemosa var. congesta
Asteraceae
Ramalina thrausta
Rosa gymnocarpa var. serpentina
Sanguisorba officinalis
Ramalinaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
perennial herb
in parentheses are uncommon.
(Mar),MaySep Months in parentheses are uncommon.
perennial bulbiferous herb
May-Sep
perennial herb
Aug-Sep
fruticose lichen epiphytic
•North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs)/On dead twigs and other lichens
perennial rhizomatous shrub
Apr-Jun (Aug), Months
perennial rhizomatous herb
Jul-Oct
in parentheses are uncommon.
Page 4 of 5
•Coastal prairie (CoPrr) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs)/sandy, usually mesic •Coastal scrub (CoScr) •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs)/Sometimes roadsides •Meadows and seeps (Medws) •Upper montane coniferous forest (UCFrs)/serpentinite •Bogs and fens (BgFns)(serpentinite) •Broadleafed upland forest (BUFrs) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs)/sometimes serpentinite •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs) •Upper montane coniferous forest (UCFrs)/Often roadsides, disturbed areas, and burned areas •Chaparral (Chprl) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs)/serpentinite
75 - 430 meters
•Chaparral (Chprl) •Cismontane woodland (CmWld)/Serpentinite. Often roadsides, sometimes ridges, streambanks, and openings. •Bogs and fens (BgFns) •Broadleafed upland forest (BUFrs) •Meadows and seeps (Medws) •Marshes and
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30 650 meters
List 2B.2
500 2500 meters
List 2B.2
40 1920 meters
List 2B.2
30 1310 meters
List 1B.2
700 1525 meters
List 1B.2
200 1000 meters
List 2B.3
List 2B.1
400 1725 meters
60 1400 meters
List 1B.3
List 2B.2
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Page 5 of 5
swamps (MshSw) •North Coast coniferous forest (NCFrs) •Riparian forest (RpFrs)/often serpentinite •Chaparral (Chprl) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs)/Serpentinite •Chaparral (Chprl) •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs)/serpentinite openings; gravelly or rocky •Lower montane coniferous forest (LCFrs)(serpentinite, rocky)
Sidalcea elegans
Malvaceae
perennial rhizomatous herb
May-Jul
215 1365 meters
List 3.3
Silene serpentinicola
Caryophyllaceae
perennial rhizomatous herb
May-Jul
145 1650 meters
List 1B.2
Streptanthus howellii
Brassicaceae
perennial herb
Jul-Aug
305 1500 meters
List 1B.2
10 - 100 meters
List 1B.2
Triquetrella californica
Pottiaceae
moss
•Coastal bluff scrub (CBScr) •Coastal scrub (CoScr)/soil
Vaccinium scoparium
Ericaceae
perennial deciduous shrub
Jun-Aug
•Subalpine coniferous forest (SCFrs)(rocky)
1036 2200 meters
List 2B.2
Viola primulifolia ssp. occidentalis
Violaceae
perennial rhizomatous herb
Apr-Sep
•Bogs and fens (BgFns)(serpentinite) •Marshes and swamps (MshSw)
100 990 meters
List 1B.2
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2/11/2015
Appendix C Delineation of Waters of the United States
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project Delineation of Waters of the United States
August 2013 Prepared for:
Quincy Engineering 3247 Ramos Circle Sacramento, CA 95827
On Behalf of:
Del Norte County Department of Community Development 981 H Street, Suite 110 Crescent City, CA 95531
Prepared by:
North State Resources, Inc. 5000 Bechelli Lane Suite 203 Redding, CA 96002 (530) 222-5347 NSR Project No. 51374
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project Delineation of Waters of the United States
1. Summary......................................................................................................................................... 1 2. Project Location ............................................................................................................................. 1 2.1 Proximity to Major Highways and Streets ................................................................ 1 2.2 USGS Hydrologic Unit ............................................................................................. 1 3. Environmental Setting ................................................................................................................... 3 3.1 Current/Recent Land Use .......................................................................................... 3 3.2 Site Topography and Elevation ................................................................................. 3 3.3 Climate ...................................................................................................................... 3 3.4 Hydrology/Hydrologic Features................................................................................ 3 3.5 Soil Map Units .......................................................................................................... 3 3.6 Plant Community Types............................................................................................ 5 3.6.1 Douglas Fir ............................................................................................. 5 3.6.2 Montane Riparian ................................................................................... 5 3.6.3 Riverine .................................................................................................. 6 3.6.4 Roadway ................................................................................................. 6 4. Methods........................................................................................................................................... 6 4.1 Field Delineation ....................................................................................................... 6 5. Results 7 5.1
5.2
Characterization of Delineated Features ................................................................... 8 5.1.1 Other Waters ........................................................................................... 8 5.1.2 Wetlands ............................................................................................... 12 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 12
6. References ..................................................................................................................................... 13
North State Resources, Inc. August 5, 2013 51374
i
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project Delineation of Waters of the United States
Figures Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4.
Study Area Location and Vicinity.......................................................................................... 2 Soil Map Units ....................................................................................................................... 4 Waters of the United States .................................................................................................... 9 Waters of the United States (B&W)..................................................................................... 10
Tables Table 1. Acreage Summary of Waters of the United States .................................................................. 7
Appendices Appendix A Appendix B
Routine Wetland Delineation Data Forms Representative Photographs
North State Resources, Inc. August 5, 2013 51374
ii
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project Delineation of Waters of the United States
1.
Summary
On behalf of the Del Norte County Community Development Department - Engineering Division (County), North State Resources, Inc. (NSR) conducted a delineation of waters of the United States occurring within the 5.46-acre Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project site (study area). The study area is located on County Road 405 (Big Flat Road) where it crosses Hurdygurdy Creek in Six Rivers National Forest, Del Norte County, California. The purpose of the project is to replace the existing bridge (Bridge No. 01C-0031), which was evaluated by Caltrans in 2009 and determined to be structurally deficient with a sufficiency rating of 38.5; therefore, replacement was determined to be the most cost-effective solution. The field delineation was conducted by NSR on May 20, 2013. A total of 0.776 acre of waters of the United States was mapped in the study area. Waters of the United States occurred as perennial stream (0.660 acre, 1540 linear feet), riparian wetland (0.104 acre), and intermittent stream (0.012 acre, 170 linear feet). This delineation of waters of the United States is subject to initial review and approval by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and verification by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). NSR advises all parties to treat the information contained herein as preliminary until the Corps provides written verification of the boundaries of its jurisdiction.
2.
Project Location
The study area is located on federal lands within the Six Rivers National Forest on Big Flat Road (County Road 405) at Hurdygurdy Creek about 16 miles east of Crescent City. It is in the Cant Hook Mtn, California 7.5-minute U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic quadrangle (Figure 1), Township 15 North, Range 2 East, Section 1. The bridge and center of study area is located at approximately Latitude 41.717730 North by Longitude -123.89809 (NAD 83 datum).
2.1
Proximity to Major Highways and Streets
To access the study area from Crescent City, drive north on U.S. Highway 101 (US-101), turn right (east) on U.S. Highway 199 exit (Exit #794), and travel east approximately 7.2 miles. Turn right at South Fork Road (County Road 427) and travel approximately 14.1 miles. Turn left on Big Flat Road (County Road 405) and travel north 2.5 miles to Hurdygurdy Bridge.
2.2
USGS Hydrologic Unit
The study area is located within the Smith USGS Hydrologic Map Unit (Cataloging Unit Number 18010101). The Smith River watershed drains approximately 788 square miles in northern California and southern Oregon (Seaber et al. 1987).
North State Resources, Inc. August 5, 2013 51374
1
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project Delineation of Waters of the United States
Study Area Location
South Fork Smith River Gage Station
[
Del Norte County, California
Big Flat Road
C:\GISProjects\51374 Hurdygurdy\Hurdygurdy_location.mxd Created: 06-03-2013 MMcPherson
Study Area
South Fork Road
0
0.5
¯ 1
2
Miles
USGS 7.5 Quad: Cant Hook Mountain 1997 Township 15 North, Range 2 East, Section 1 Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement
Figure 1 Study Area and Vicinity Map
3.
Environmental Setting
3.1
Current/Recent Land Use
Big Flat Road within the study area is a gravel forest road located within the Hurdygurdy Creek Valley, and provides access to upstream reaches of the creek and the adjacent Six River National Forest lands. Land use within the area includes logging, hunting, camping, fishing and other forms of outdoor recreation.
3.2
Site Topography and Elevation
Hurdygurdy Creek flows through a steep-walled V-shaped valley. Within the study area, the stream has steep canyon walls on the outside of stream bends, and characteristically more gentle slopes on the inside, deposition areas of the curves. Elevation varies from approximately 840 feet in the creek channel to approximately 870 near the northern end of the study area.
3.3
Climate
Climate within the study area is characterized as Mediterranean Cool Summer (California Department of Fish and Game 2002). The following is based on historical data collected in Elk Valley, California (Western Regional Climate Center 2013): Precipitation: Precipitation in the study area primarily falls as rain. Average annual rainfall is approximately 100 inches. Air Temperature: Air temperatures in the study area range between an average January high of 44 ºF, and an average July high of 86 ºF. The year-round average high is approximately 64ºF. Growing Season: The growing season (i.e., 70% probability of air temperature 28 ºF or higher) in the study area is approximately 365 days per year. The soil temperature regime is isothermic.
3.4
Hydrology/Hydrologic Features
Hydrology is provided by Hurdygurdy Creek, which drains southward through the study area. Hurdygurdy Creek is a tributary to the Smith River via its confluence with the South Fork Smith River, approximately two and a half miles south of the study area. The Smith River drains to the Pacific Ocean. The South Fork Smith River and Hurdygurdy Creek have perennial flow and are relatively permanent waters. An average of 85 inches of rain falls in the region per year, however the mountainous topography within the study area is well drained, and no seasonal wetlands occur.
3.5
Soil Map Units
The soil map units and miscellaneous land types within the study area and vicinity are described in the Soil Survey of Six Rivers National Forest Area (Natural Resources Conservation Service 2013). Soil map units in and around the study area are shown in Figure 2. Two soil map units occur within the study area and are described below:
North State Resources, Inc. August 5, 2013 51374
3
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project Delineation of Waters of the United States
Study Area Soils 226 - Kistirn-Goldridge families, deep, 30 to 70 percent slopes. 245 - Clallam family, moderately deep, 35 to 70 percent slopes.
245
C:\GISProjects\51374 Hurdygurdy\HurdyGurdy_soils.mxd Created: 06-03-2013 MMcPherson
226
125
0
¯ 100
200
Feet
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement
Figure 2 Soils
Kistirn-Goldridge families, deep-Deadwood family association, 30 to 70 percent slopes (226). This is a non-hydric, well-drained soil formed in residuum weathered from metasedimentary rock. The depth to a restrictive layer ranges from 18-72 inches to lithic bedrock. The permeability of the most restrictive soil layer (Ksat) is moderately low to moderately high (0.06 to 0.02 inches per hour).
Clallam family, moderately deep-Hugo family, deep, maymen family association, 35 to 70 percent slopes (245). This is a non-hydric, well-drained to somewhat excessively drained soil formed in residuum weathered from metasedimentary rock. The depth to a restrictive layer is 8-64 inches to lithic or paralithic bedrock. The kSat is moderately low to high (0.14 to 1.98 inches per hour).
3.6
Plant Community Types
Plant community types were classified based on the descriptions provided in A Guide to Wildlife Habitats of California (Mayer and Laudenslayer Jr. 1988). The habitat types occurring within the study area include Douglas fir, montane riparian, riverine, and roadway.
3.6.1 Douglas Fir The Douglas fir plant community dominates the steep hillsides within the study area above the Hurdygurdy Creek floodplain. Within the study area, the Douglas fir community is mature second growth with scattered decaying stumps among large (30- to 60-inch diameter at breast height) Douglas fir. Dominant trees include Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), California bay (Umbellularia californica), canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis), and big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). The understory is dominated by shrubs and herbaceous species such as tan oak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus), California huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), California hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), Orcutt’s brome (Bromus orcuttianus), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), and sword fern (Polystichum imbricans).
3.6.2 Montane Riparian The montane riparian plant community occurs within the historic floodplain of Hurdygurdy Creek. For the sake of this characterization, the montane riparian community is above the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), and below the 100-year flood plain. It is not frequently flooded, but may be flooded during high flow events. Dominant plant species observed in this community include big-leaf maple, white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus), blackberry (Rubus sp.), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), dusky willow (Salix melanopsis), sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), western buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis), radish-root woodsorrel (Oxalis pilosa) and mountain sweet-cicely (Osmorhiza berteroi).
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3.6.3 Riverine Riverine habitat is present as the flowing channel of Hurdygurdy Creek and gravel bars within the OHWM. Flows from Hurdygurdy Creek have scoured the soil away and this community type is largely unvegetated substrate varying from bedrock and boulder, to sand. The deposition zones (e.g., inside of river bends) above the low-flow channel and below the OHWM are sparsely vegetated with White alder, ninebark, dusky willow, and arroyo willow.
3.6.4 Roadway Big Flat Road is a gravel road that traverses the study area and generally parallels Hurdygurdy Creek. The Roadway feature includes the graveled road surface, the road shoulders, and the turn-around area on the north end of the study area that is proposed as a staging area. While the gravel road and turnaround area is unvegetated, the road shoulder is vegetated with herbaceous species such as silver European hairgrass (Aria caryophyllea), sweet vernal grass, Orcutt’s brome, hedgehog dogtail (Cynosurus echinatus), slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus), crevice alumroot (Heuchera micrantha), sweet cicely, phacelia (Phacelia sp.), and field hedge parsley (Torilis arvense).
4.
Methods
4.1
Field Delineation
The on-site routine delineation of wetlands and “other waters” in the study area was based on field observations of positive indicators for wetland vegetation, hydrology, and soils, and indicators of an OHWM. This methodology is consistent with the approach outlined in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987), and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2010). Taxonomic nomenclature for plant species is in accordance with The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California (Baldwin et al. 2012). Wetland indicator status for plant species was confirmed using The National Wetland Plant List (Lichvar 2012), and the “50/20 Rule” was applied to determine plant dominance (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2010). Presence of primary and secondary wetland hydrology indicators were documented for each wetland feature. A soil pit was dug in each representative wetland feature. Soil pits were dug to a depth sufficient to document the presence or confirm the absence of hydric soil or hydrology indicators. Soils were examined in order to assess field indicators of hydric soils. Positive indicators of hydric soils were observed in the field in accordance with the criteria outlined in Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States (Vasilas et al. 2010). Soil colors were determined using a Munsell® soil color chart. The hydric status of each soil map unit occurring in the study area was reviewed using the Web Soil Survey (Natural Resources Conservation Service 2013). At least one set of data points was selected to best represent the wetland feature type and the adjacent uplands. Data points were also placed in suspect areas to confirm wetland or upland status.
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Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project Delineation of Waters of the United States
Other waters are traditional navigable waters and their tributaries. Delineation of other waters was based on presence of an OHWM as defined in Corps regulations (33 CFR 328.3 and 33 CFR 328.4) and whether the feature qualified as tributary to waters of the United States. Physical characteristics of an OHWM include, but are not limited to, a natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in the character of the soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, presence of litter and debris, disturbed or washed away leaf litter, scour, deposition, presence of bed and bank, and water staining. At least one data point was selected to best represent the OHWM of other waters for each other waters type. Six data points were selected to characterize and document each wetland or water feature type, and the adjacent upland. Field observations were conducted on May 20, 2013. Routine wetland determination data forms are presented in Appendix A. Representative photographs of the delineated features and data point locations are presented in Appendix B. The boundaries of delineated features and the associated data points were mapped using a Trimble Pathfinder Pro XH Global Positioning System (GPS) capable of sub-foot accuracy. Where the use of the GPS was not practicable or satellites were not available, the features were delineated by hand onto ortho-rectified color aerial photographs. All data points were also mapped using the Trimble GeoXH GPS unit. The GPS and hand-drawn location data were overlaid onto an aerial photograph of the study area to develop the delineation map (Figure 3).
5.
Results
The boundaries and acreages of waters of the United States within the study area are illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. Waters of the United States within the study area occupy a total of 0.776 acre and include perennial stream (Hurdygurdy Creek), riparian wetland, and intermittent stream. An acreage summary of waters of the United States is presented in Table 1. Routine wetland data forms are provided in Appendix A and representative photographs of waters of the United States are provided in Appendix B. Table 1. Acreage Summary of Waters of the United States Waters of the United States
Total Acreage
Total Linear Feet
Perennial Stream
0.660
1,540
Intermittent Stream
0.012
170
Riparian Wetland
0.104
N/A
Total Waters of the United States
0.776
1,710
Other Waters
Wetlands
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5.1
Characterization of Delineated Features
5.1.1 Other Waters Perennial Stream Perennial streams are natural drainages that convey waters during the whole year (as compared to intermittent streams that are dry during the late summer and fall). These features exhibit indicators of being frequently flooded for long-duration or very long-duration during the growing season. Hurdygurdy Creek was flowing during the May 20, 2013 field delineation and is assumed to flow year around based on mapping symbols used on the Cant Hook Mountain, California 7.5-minute USGS quadrangle, the size of the watershed, the large amount of regional annual precipitation, and the moist condition of forests within the watershed. Within the study area, the stream substrate varies from sand and gravel to boulder and bedrock. The streambanks are steep, with cliffs on the outside of creek bends where the stream has eroded into bedrock, and more gradual slopes on the inside, deposition areas, of creek bends. The active channel is approximately 60 to 80 feet wide. During this survey, the flowing stream was about 40 to 50 feet wide and is thought to represent the low-flow channel. High flows during winter months are evidenced by scour around the bridge piling foundations and drift in the streamside vegetation. The gravel bars and streambanks within the frequently flooded areas are scoured free of vegetation, but near the OHWM elevation the channel becomes vegetated with white alder and willows. The nearest stream gauge is on the South Fork Smith River approximately 2.0 miles upstream from the confluence with the Smith River (see Figure 1). This location is approximately 14 miles downstream from the study area and the peak flows depicted on the South Fork Smith River hydrograph are likely significantly higher than those for Hurdygurdy Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Smith River. However, the hydrograph is useful in that it reflects the timing of peak flows in Hurdygurdy Creek. Based on the hydrograph, high flows occurred within the watershed in early December 2012, and relatively minor flows occurring throughout the rest of the winter season (Graph 1). When compared to the hydrograph of 12 years of flow (Graph 2), it appears that flows similar to the December 81,100 cfs maximum flows have occurred in 6 of the past 13 years, which equates to a 50 percent occurrence probability. This 50 percent probability is what is consistent with the definition of ordinary high flows. Indicators (e.g., drift and scour) of the December 2012 high flow were observed in the field, and compared to other indicators such as scour, deposition, a line incised into the bank, and the OHWM was delineated at the upper extent of these indicators.
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C:\GISProjects\51374 Hurdygurdy\Hurdygurdy_WUS.mxd Created: 06-03-2013 MMcPherson
Study Area (5.46 Ac)
! .
3-Parameter Data Point Ordinary High Water Mark Roads/Utilities Trees > 6" DBH Contour Data Hurdgygurdy Creek Contours Appx. 100-YR Floodplain
Wetlands Riparian Wetland (0.104 Ac) Other Waters Perennial Stream (0.660 Ac) Intermittent Stream (0.012 Ac) DP 3 (UPL)
! . ! .
DP 4 (RW)
RW 2
GUR HURDY
EE DY CR
RW 3
K
RW 1
PS1 IS 1
DP 2 (UPL)
! .! .
! . ! . DP 6 (UPL)
D AT ROA BIG FL
Summary of Waters of the United States Wetlands Label Type RW 1 Riparian Wetland RW 2 Riparian Wetland RW 3 Riparian Wetland Wetland Totals
DP 1 (Perennial Stream)
DP 5 (Intermittent Stream)
Existing double barrel culvert
Acreage 0.065 0.025 0.014 0.104
Other Waters Label Type Length (ft) Width (ft) Acreage IS 1 Intermittent Stream 170 3 0.012 PS 1 Perennial Stream 1540 Varies 0.660 Other Waters Total 1710 0.672 Totals of Waters the United States Prepared by:
Notes: Delineator: Julian Colescott Delineation Date: May 20, 2013 Aerial Photograph Dated: NAIP 2012 This delineation of waters of the United States is subject to verification by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). NSR advises all parties that the delineation is preliminary until the Corps provides a written verification.
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement
±
5000 Bechelli Lane Suite 203 Redding, CA 96002 Phone (530) 222-5347 Fax (530) 222-4958 www.nsrnet.com
Prepared for: Del Norte County Community Development Department Engineering Division 981 H Street Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-7729
0
50
100
200 Feet
Figure 3 Waters of the United States June 3, 2013
0.776
C:\GISProjects\51374 Hurdygurdy\Hurdygurdy_WUS_BW.mxd Created: 06-03-2013 MMcPherson
Study Area (5.46 Ac)
! .
3-Parameter Data Point Ordinary High Water Mark Roads/Utilities Trees > 6" DBH Contour Data Hurdgygurdy Creek Contours Appx. 100-YR Floodplain
Wetlands Riparian Wetland (0.104 Ac) Other Waters Perennial Stream (0.660 Ac) Intermittent Stream (0.012 Ac) DP 3 (UPL)
! . ! .
DP 4 (RW)
RW 2
GUR HURDY
EE DY CR
RW 3
K
RW 1
PS1 IS 1
DP 2 (UPL)
! .! .
! . ! . DP 6 (UPL)
D AT ROA BIG FL
Summary of Waters of the United States Wetlands Label Type RW 1 Riparian Wetland RW 2 Riparian Wetland RW 3 Riparian Wetland Wetland Totals
DP 1 (Perennial Stream)
DP 5 (Intermittent Stream)
Existing double barrel culvert
Acreage 0.065 0.025 0.014 0.104
Other Waters Label Type Length (ft) Width (ft) Acreage IS 1 Intermittent Stream 170 3 0.012 PS 1 Perennial Stream 1540 Varies 0.660 Other Waters Total 1710 0.672 Totals of Waters the United States Prepared by:
Notes: Delineator: Julian Colescott Delineation Date: May 20, 2013 Aerial Photograph Dated: NAIP 2012 This delineation of waters of the United States is subject to verification by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). NSR advises all parties that the delineation is preliminary until the Corps provides a written verification.
Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement
±
5000 Bechelli Lane Suite 203 Redding, CA 96002 Phone (530) 222-5347 Fax (530) 222-4958 www.nsrnet.com
Prepared for: Del Norte County Community Development Department Engineering Division 981 H Street Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-7729
0
50
100
200 Feet
Figure 4 Waters of the United States June 3, 2013
0.776
Graph 1. The hydrograph of flow in the South Fork Smith River from September 2012 through May 2013 at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (JED) approximately 14 miles downstream from the study area. The data show the timing of high water events within the drainage basin.
Graph 2. The hydrograph of flow in the South Fork Smith River from September 1, 2000 to May 28, 2013 at JED. The data show that in six of the past 13 years, flows of 81,000 cfs or higher have occurred at the gageing station, and that the December 2012 flows occur at a 50 percent probability.
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Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project Delineation of Waters of the United States
The approximate 100-year flood line estimated as part of the planning process for this project (Quincy Engineering 2012) is also depicted on Figure 3. Because the OHWM generally coincides with flows between the 2-year flood intervals, the 100-year flood line is well above the frequently flooded zone, and is located in the transitional zone from montane riparian to Douglas fir forest type.
Intermittent Stream The intermittent stream within the study area is an approximately three-foot wide stream that crosses the southern end of the alignment. The stream drains the hillside to the east and crosses Big Flat Road through two 16-inch culverts. On the east side, the stream channel is moderately incised and sparsely vegetated with five-finger fern (Adiantum aleuticum), miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata), radish-root woodsorrel, and common madia (Madia elegans). These non-hydrophytic species provide approximately 50 percent cover. The substrate is moss-covered gravel and cobble sized rocks. The moss is not present in the active channel. On the west side of Big Flat Road, discharge from the culverts has created a very incised channel that falls precipitously to Hurdygurdy Creek. The presence of the ordinary high water mark, scour and deposition, and other evidence of flow supports a determination that the feature is a water of the United States, but it is not a wetland based on the lack of hydrophytic plants.
5.1.2 Wetlands Riparian Wetland Riparian wetland is restricted to a vegetated gravel bar and stream bank habitat that is located within the OHWM. The riparian wetland is characterized as a sparse to dense stand of young white alder arroyo willow and dusky willow (see data sheet 4) that are rooted in the active channel. Other species within this feature include California blackberry (Rubus ursinus), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), and sweet vernalgrass (Anthoxanthum odoratum). This feature is frequently flooded, as evidenced by drift deposits in the alder and willow branches, scour and deposition, and watermarks on the bridge foundations. Hydric soil criteria for this feature are met based on the problematic hydric soil indicator for vegetated sand/gravel bars, and the frequent flooding conditions.
5.2
Conclusion
Waters of the United States delineated within the study area occupy a total of 0.776 acre and include: perennial stream, riparian wetland, and intermittent stream. The determinations concerning waters of the United States, including wetlands, were based on current conditions, (i.e., normal circumstances) and made in accordance with relevant U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Corps guidance. The determinations are subject to verification by the Corps. NSR advises all interested parties to treat the information contained herein as preliminary pending written verification of jurisdictional boundaries by the Corps.
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6.
References
Baldwin, B. G., D. H. Goldman, R. P. D. J. Keil, T. J. Rosatti, and D. H. Wilken. 2012. The Jepson manual: vascular plants of California. 2nd ed. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. California Department of Fish and Game. 2002. Atlas of Biodiversity of California. California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento California. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Report No. Y-87-1. Lichvar, R. W. 2012. The National Wetland Plant List (ERDC/CRREL TR-12-11): U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. Mayer, K. E., and W. F. Laudenslayer, Jr., eds. 1988. A guide to wildlife habitats of California. Sacramento: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013. Web soil survey. Elk Valley, California. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ cited May 23, 2013. Quincy Engineering, Inc. 2012. Project plans for construction on county road in Del Norte County near Big Flat at Big Flat Road (CR 405) bridge across Hurdygurdy Creek. Prepared in May 2012 for Del Norte County Department of Community Development Engineering Division. Seaber, P. R., F. P. Kapinos, G. L. Knapp. 1987. Hydrological Unit Maps: U. S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 2294. United States Government Printing Office. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional supplement to the Corps of Engineers wetland delineation manual: western mountains, valleys, and coast region (version 2.0): U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. Vasilas, L. M., G. W. Hurt, and C. V. Noble, eds. 2010. Field indicators of hydric soils in the United States. A guide for identifying and delineating hydric soils. Version 7.0 ed: USDA, NRCS in cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils. Western Regional Climate Center. 2013. Elk Valley, California (049026) climate summary, 7/1/1948 to 11/30/1976. www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmnca.html cited May 23, 2013.
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Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project Delineation of Waters of the United States
Appendix A Routine Wetland Delineation Data Forms
Appendix B Representative Photographs Photographs were taken on May 20, 2013
Photograph 1. Looking northeast (upstream) at data point (DP) 1 in the gravel bar on the river right. The bridge is behind the photographer. The white lines represent the OHWM.
Photograph 2. Looking north at DP 1 and the OHWM. DP 2 is at the black arrow. The white line represents the OHWM.
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Photograph 3. Looking northeast from near DP 1. The white line represents the OHWM on the river left. The gravel bar on the river right (left side of photograph) is below the OHWM.
Photograph 4. Looking downstream (west) from near DP 1.
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Photograph 5. DP 3 (black arrow) and 4 (white arrow) document the riparian upland (above the OHWM) which is not a water of the United States, and the adjacent riparian wetland feature within the OHWM.
Photograph 6. Looking west down the line of alder trees that occur within the riparian wetland feature. The riparian wetland is a narrow feature that occurs along a natural levee above the frequently scoured and unvegetated channel.
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Photograph 7. Cover photograph, looking upstream (east) from near DP 4.
Photograph 8. Intermittent tributary stream to Hurdygurdy Creek. This stream (documented by DP 5), is located on the south end of the study area and crosses the alignment through a double culvert.
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Photograph 9. Inflow to the double culvert under Big Flat Road.
Photograph 10. Outflow of the double culvert is to a very steep hillslope that drops precipitously to Hurdygurdy Creek.
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Hurdygurdy Creek Bridge Replacement Project Delineation of Waters of the United States
Appendix D Plants Observed
Plant List: Hurdygurdy Creek Observer: Sarah Tona Visit Dates: 6/25/12 and 9/12/12
Plant Name
Common Name
Acer macrophyllum Adiantum aleuticum Agoseris parviflora Aira caryophyllea Alnus rhombifolia Anthoxanthum odoratum Aquilegia formosa Aruncus dioicus var. pubescens Bromus orcuttianus Claytonia perfoliata Corylus cornuta var. californica Cynosurus echinatus Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus Eriogonum nudum Festuca arundinacea Heuchera micrantha Hieracium albiflorum Holcus lanatus Hypericum perforatum Lonicera sp. Hypochaeris radicata Madia elegans Maianthemum racemosum Osmorhiza berteroi Oxalis pilosa Phacelia sp. Physocarpus capitatus Polygala cornuta Polypodium glycyrrhiza Polystichum imbricans ssp. imbricans Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens Ranunculus occidentalis Rubus armeniacus Rubus parviflorus Rubus ursinus Salix lasiolepis Salix melanopsis Sambucus sp. Streptopus amplexifolius var. americanus Torilis arvensis Toxicodendron diversilobum Trientalis latifolia Triteleia bridgesii Umbellularia californica Vaccinium ovatum
BIGLEAF MAPLE FIVE-FINGER FERN LACE-LEAVED SHORT-BEAKED SILVER EUROPEAN HAIRGRASS WHITE ALDER SWEET VERNAL GRASS CRIMSON COLUMBINE GOATS BEARD ORCUTT'S BROME MINER’S LETTUCE CALIFORNIA HAZELNUT HEDGEHOG DOGTAIL SLENDER WHEATGRASS NAKED ERIOGONUM TALL FESCUE CREVICE ALUMROOT WHITE-FLOWERED HAWKWEED COMMON VELVET GRASS KLAMATHWEED HONEYSUCKLE ROUGH CAT'S-EAR COMMON MADIA FALSE SOLOMON'S SEAL MOUNTAIN SWEET-CICELY RADISH-ROOT WOODSORREL PHACELIA NINEBARK SIERRA MILKWORT LICORICE FERN NARROW-LEAVED SWORD FERN DOUGLAS-FIR WESTERN BRACKEN FERN WESTERN BUTTERCUP HIMALAYAN BLACKBERRY THIMBLEBERRY CALIFORNIA BLACKBERRY ARROYO WILLOW DUSKY WILLOW ELDERBERRY AMERICAN STREPTOPUS FIELD HEDGE-PARSLEY POISON OAK STARFLOWER BRIDGES' BRODIAEA CALIFORNIA BAY CALIFORNIA HUCKLEBERRY
Family Aceraceae Pteridaceae Asteraceae Poaceae Betulaceae Poaceae Ranunculaceae Rosaceae Poaceae Montiaceae Betulaceae Poaceae Poaceae Polygonaceae Poaceae Saxifragaceae Asteraceae Poaceae Hypericaceae Caprifoliaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Ruscaceae Apiaceae Oxalidaceae Boraginaceae Rosaceae Polygalaceae Polypodiaceae Dryopteridaceae Pinaceae Dennstaedtiaceae Ranunculaceae Rosaceae Rosaceae Rosaceae Salicaceae Salicaceae Adoxaceae Liliaceae Apiaceae Anacardiaceae Primulaceae Liliaceae Lauraceae Ericaceae
