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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Species that appear only on the NESL are reported separately in an addendum to this Biological Assessment as they are not under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 5.1 Vegetation 5.1.1 Acoma Fleabane (Eriaeron acomanus) Acoma fleabane is a Service species of concern and is protected within group three under the NESA. This taprooted, mat-forming, peremrial bears white ray flowers surrounding a yellow disc in July. Acoma fleabane is found within the Entrada Sandstone Formation on sandy slopes and benches. It is endemic to Cibola and McKinley Counties, Nrvl (I\MRPTC 1999). Acoma fleabane occurs to the south of the project area and has not been found within affected areas; thus, the project is not expected to affect this species. 5.1.2 Beautiful Gilia (Gilia formosa) Beautiful gilia (also known as ..<\ztec gilia) is a Service species of concern and is found only in San Juan County on soils derived from the :!'lacimiento Formation. It grows in association with desen salt scrub communities at elevations from 5,000 to 6,000 ft. Beautiful gilia reaches 12 in. tall with multiple branching stems and entire, pointed leaves. Flowers are trumpet shaped, pinkish-purple and appear in April and May (NMRPTC 1999). The NG\VSP has potential to adyersely affect one population of beautiful gilia. Approximately 100 plants are documented east of the proposed pipeline route centerline, about 1,000 ft south of Cuner Dam (ERI 2002). These plants may be disturbed or displaced by the water treatment facility planned for the base of Cuner Dam. The pipeline exiting Cuner Dam may also disturb this population. Beautiful gilia populations on disturbed sites appear to recover over time (::\MRPTC 1999). Protection measures that will be included as a pan of the construction commitments for beautiful gilia include delineating and avoiding plants where possible. 5.1.3 Bisti Fleabane (Eriaeron bistiensis) Bisti fleabane is a Service species of concern and a Navajo group 4 species. It is found only in San Juan County, primarily on ~avajo lands. Fewer than 1,000 individuals have been identified, and are found on ridge tops and slopes of white to tan colored sands derived from the Ojo Alamo Sandstone Formation and the Nacimiento Formation. Bisti fleabane is a perennial herb with multiple stems 2.8 to 6 in. tall and narrow, basal gray-green leaves. White ray flowers are borne singly at the tops of stems from May through June (l'l""MRPTC 1999). This species is found on slopes above Hunter \Vash, approximately two miles east of the proposed pipeline route. This location suppons the only known population and the type locality for the species (NNHP 2(03). The project is not expected to affect Bisti fleabane because the only known population is not within the affected project area. 5.1.4 Brack Hardwall Cactus (Sclerocactus cloveriae ssp. brackiil Brack hardwall cactus is a Service species of concern. This small (1-3 in. by 0.75-2.75 in.), ovoid, cactus bears purple to pink-purple blooms in May. It is found within sparse shadscale scrub in sandy clay soils of the Nacimiento Formation. The subspecies is endemic to San Juan County, I\M, and has been found in limited areas on both sides of the San Juan River Valley (NMRPfC BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT NAVAJO GALLUP WATER SUPPLY PROJECT September 3. 2004 Page 30