Draft terrestrial resources biological assessment

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Purpose and Need 1

1.2 Project Background 1

1.3 Species and Critical Habitat 4

1.4 Project History 6

1.5 Consultation Requirement 6

1.6 Consultation History 8

2.0 Project Description 10

2.1 Description of Project Activities 10

2.1.1 Build Alternatives 10

2.1.2 Common Design Features of the Build Alternatives (Commerce Drive to Dutton Road) 13

2.1.3 Local Street Modifications 17

2.2 Construction Phasing 18

2.2.1 JTA Phase Design 18

2.2.2. Future Phases 19

2.2.3. Staging Areas and Access 20

2.3 Interdependent and Interrelated Actions 20

2.4 Mitigation and Monitoring 21

2.5 Project Area and Action Area 21

3.0 Environmental Baseline 25

3.1 Existing Baseline Conditions within the Agate Desert Region 25

3.2 Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp 28

3.2.1 Relevant Habitat Unit: Vernal Pool Complexes within the Action Area 28

3.2.2 Shelter 29

3.2.3 Feeding 29

3.2.4 Reproduction 30

3.2.5 Habitat Connectivity and Migration 30

3.3 Plant Species 31

3.3.1 Relevant Habitat Unit: Vernal Pool Complexes within the Action Area 32

3.3.2 Vernal Pool Complexes and Vegetative Community Associations 32

3.3.3 Soil 32

3.3.4 Hydrology 32

3.3.5 Pollinators 33

4.0 Natural History and Species Occurrence 34

4.1 California / Nevada Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp 34

4.1.1 Site Specific Biological Requirements and Project Context 34

4.1.2 Critical Habitat within the Action Area 34

4.1.3 Site Specific Limiting Factors for Recovery 37

4.2 Pacific Region Cook’s Lomatium 38

4.2.1 Site Specific Biological Requirements and Project Context 38

4.2.2 Site Specific Critical Habitat Availability and Project Context 38

4.2.3 Site Specific Limiting Factors for Recovery 44

4.3 Pacific Region Large-Flowered Woolly Meadowfoam 45

4.3.1 Site Specific Biological Requirements and Project Context 45

4.3.2 Site Specific Critical Habitat Availability and Project Context 45

4.3.3 Site Specific Limiting Factors for Recovery 46

4.4 Southern Oregon Buttercup 46

4.4.1 Site Specific Biological Requirements and Project Context 46

4.4.2 Site Specific Critical Habitat Availability and Project Context 47

4.4.3 Site Specific Limiting Factors for Recovery 47

5.0 Analysis of Effect of the Action 48

5.1 Direct Effects 49

5.1.1 California / Nevada Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp 51

5.1.2 Pacific Region Cook’s Lomatium 52

5.1.3 Pacific Region Large-Flowered Woolly Meadowfoam 53

5.2 Indirect Effects 53

5.2.1 Estimate of Indirect Impact to Vernal Pool Complex Habitat 54

5.2.2 Habitat Fragmentation and Hydrologic Separation 55

5.2.3 Spread of Invasive Species / Noxious Weeds 55

5.2.4 Sedimentation 56

5.2.5 Stormwater-Induced Surface Water Contamination 56

5.2.6 Disruption to Vernal Pool Complex Hydrology 57

5.3 Effect of the Proposed Action on Tribal Resources or Interests 57

5.4 Estimating Take 58

5.4.1 Mitigation 59

5.5 Cumulative Effects 60

5.5 Cumulative Effects 62

6.0 Avoidance, Minimization and Conservation Measures 63

6.1 Standard Specifications 63

6.2 Special Provisions Specifications 64

6.3 Non-Contractual Obligations and Agreements 67

6.4 Summary of Avoidance, Minimization and Conservation Measures 70

6.4.1 Avoidance and Minimization Measures 70

6.4.1.1 Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp 70

6.4.1.2 Threatened and Endangered Plants 71

6.4.1.3 Mound-Vernal Pool Habitat Complexes 71

6.4.2 Conservation Recommendations 73

7.0 Finding of Effect 74

7.1 California / Nevada Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp 74

7.1.1 Summary of Effects on California / Nevada Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp 74

7.1.2 Summary of Effects on Designated Critical Habitat of California / Nevada Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp 75

7.2 Pacific Region Cook’s Lomatium 75

7.3 Pacific Region Large-Flowered Woolly Meadowfoam 76

7.3.1 Summary of Effects on Pacific Region Large-Flowered Woolly Meadowfoam 76

7.3.2 Summary of Effects on Designated Critical Habitat of Pacific Region Large- Flowered Woolly Meadowfoam 76

8.0 References 78

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Terrestrial BA -> Draft Terrestrial Resources Biological Assessment oregon highway 62 corridor solutions project