Draft terrestrial resources biological assessment
Pacific Region Large-Flowered Woolly Meadowfoam
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- 4.3.1 Site Specific Biological Requirements and Project Context
- 4.3.2 Site Specific Critical Habitat Availability and Project Context
- 4.3.3 Site Specific Limiting Factors for Recovery
- 4.4 Southern Oregon Buttercup
- 4.4.1 Site Specific Biological Requirements and Project Context
- 4.4.2 Site Specific Critical Habitat Availability and Project Context
- 4.4.3 Site Specific Limiting Factors for Recovery
4.3 Pacific Region Large-Flowered Woolly MeadowfoamThe large-flowered woolly meadowfoam is listed as endangered under the both the state and federal ESA. There are nine known occurrences of woolly meadowfoam within the project action area, two of which are located either directly within or immediately adjacent to the project footprint (USFWS 2011). Within the project action area, critical habitat for the Pacific Region large-flowered woolly meadowfoam is also associated with the VPCs There are six mapped areas of DCH within the action area, all north of Gregory Road. One area, approximately 80 acres in size, is bisected by the project footprint. 4.3.1 Site Specific Biological Requirements and Project ContextLarge-flowered woolly meadowfoam is an annual species in the meadowfoam family (Limnanthaceae). Plants measure 2 to 6 inches tall and pubescence is sparse on the stems and leaves. The flowers, especially the calyx (set of outermost flower leaves), are pubescent. Flowering typically occurs from March through mid-April (USFWS 2011). This species prefers to grow within the inner, wetter ring of vernal pools. The Agate Road populations are described by OBIC as having “excellent estimated viability” for fairly diverse vernal pools. This population segment is located within the WMA. The West Dutton Road populations identified by OBIC are described as having “poor estimated viability” on somewhat disturbed land. ODOT field surveys conducted in 2008 identified three relatively intact vernal pools containing large-flowered woolly meadowfoam (approximately 251 plants between three pools) (ODOT 2008c). 4.3.2 Site Specific Critical Habitat Availability and Project ContextDCH for woolly meadowfoam is located within the action area, adjacent to Agate Road in the area of the Denman Wildlife Refuge and along West Dutton Road, north of the VA hospital complex (USFWS 2009). Refer to Figure 5-5. PCEs for woolly meadowfoam critical habitat are similar to those listed for Cook’s lomatium and include: 1) “Vernal pools and adjacent upland margins that hold water for a sufficient length of time to sustain meadowfoam germination, growth and reproduction, occurring the Agate Desert vernal pool landscape. These pools are seasonally inundated but do not necessarily fill with water every year. They support native plant populations and are likely to have the following characteristics: a) occurring at elevations between 1,220 feet to 1,540 feet, b) associated with dominant native plants, and c) comprise a minimum area of 20 acres to provide intact hydrology and protection from development and weed sources. 2) The hydrologically functional system of interconnected pools within a matrix of surrounding uplands that together form vernal pool complexes within the greater watershed. Associated features may include: pool basin or depression; intact hardpan subsoil; and, surrounding uplands including mound topography and other geographic features that support these systems. 3) Soils described by the NRCS as those in the Agate-Winlo complex, Coker clay, Carney clay, Provig-Agate complex or Winlo very gravelly loam soils. 4) No or negligible presence of competitive nonnative invasive plant species”. The Service further states that all of the above described PCEs do not have to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute critical habitat (USFWS 2011). Forty-one patches of woolly meadowfoam, totaling approximately 800 individuals, were identified within an area approximately 1,050 feet long along the Medco Haul Road, between Aviation Way and Commerce Drive during the 1999 MB&G field survey (MB&G 2000). This area is not a USFWS designated critical habitat for meadowfoam, however it does coincide with vernal pool complexes and designated critical habitat associated with Cook’s lomatium referenced under Section 4.2.2. 4.3.3 Site Specific Limiting Factors for RecoveryAs with Cook’s lomatium, the Service describes limiting factors for woolly meadowfoam to include, primarily, habitat (VPCs) as described in Section 4.1.3 for VPFS habitat. Specific factors include destruction by development, including road, utility and power line construction and maintenance. Also indicated is agricultural conversion, certain grazing practices, off-road vehicle use and competition with non-native species. A draft recovery plan has been prepared by USFWS for several species that utilize VPCs, including Cook’s lomatium (USFWS 2006). 4.4 Southern Oregon ButtercupThe Southern Oregon buttercup is not federally-listed and is a state candidate for listing under the state ESA. No individuals of this species were located within the project footprint during earlier plant surveys, and none were noted during the June 28-29, 2004 field reconnaissance. Areas outside of the project footprint but within the action area for this assessment have not been surveyed. 4.4.1 Site Specific Biological Requirements and Project ContextSouthern Oregon buttercup is only known to occur in central Jackson County, Oregon. This species prefers damp or dry grassy loam slopes and low-lying wet meadows that dry out in summer. It prefers elevations between 150 and 200 feet above sea level and is known to flower from mid-April to late May. This species is distinguished from other buttercups by its purple veins on the undersides of the petals (USFWS 2011). It is reported to be restricted to the Upper Rogue River Valley in Jackson County. Populations of this species are located within the project action area, south of Lone Pine Creek and OR Highway 62 but not within the project footprint (MB&G 2000). 4.4.2 Site Specific Critical Habitat Availability and Project ContextThe 1999 field surveys identified a large population of Southern Oregon buttercup south of Highway 62 along both sides of Whittle Avenue (MB&G 2008). While within the action area, these individuals are outside of the project footprint. Suitable habitat is also present in this area, although no plant surveys or stem counts have been conducted since the original surveys in 1999. 4.4.3 Site Specific Limiting Factors for RecoveryLimiting factors to species recovery include: impacts to suitable habitat due to development (i.e.,quantity or quality of runoff, elimination of habitat, trash or other unnatural debris), introduction of non-native species (i.e.,noxious weeds), certain grazing practices, and off-road vehicle use (USFWS 2005). 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