WSPC12741

• File Number: 8064.200.A
• Description: Indian Water Rights - Gallup-Navajo
• Date: 9/3/2004
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Biological Assessment, Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project - Report and Appendices
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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1999). No brack hardwall cacti are known within the project area (ERI 2(02). Potential habitat
for this cacms occurs within the project area on appropriate soils.

The NG\VSP is not likely to affect Brack hardwall cacms. Searches of the project area did not
detect this species (ERI 2002). Following construction, potential habitat for this species should
remain suitable.

5.1.5 Gooding's Onion (Allium aooddinaii)

Gooding's onion is a Service species of concern and is protected as a Navajo group 3 species.
This onion occurs within mixed conifer and spruce-fIr zones, generally (but not always) in north-
trending drainages at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 11,250 ft and is most frequently found in
forested drainage bonoms associated with perennial and ephemeral stream courses (USDA
Forest Service 1997). Gooding's onion is not known to occur in the project area and appropriate
habitats do not occur within affected areas; thus, the project is not expected to affect this species.

5.1.6 Knowlton Cactus (Pediocactus knowltonii)

Knmdton cacms is protected as endangered under the ESA. This tiny (0.4-1 in diameter), low-
growing cacms bears white to magenta flowers from April to May. Knowlton cactus is known
only from its type locality in San Juan County, New Mexico near the Los Pinos River. Here, it is
found on rolling, gravelly hills in a pinon-juniper-sagebrush community (NMRPfC 1999).
Habitat for this species does not occur within the project area; thus, the proposed project is not
expected to affect this species.

5.1.7 Mancos Milkvetch (Astraaalus humillimus)

Mancos millrvetch is protected as endangered under the ESA and NESA. This diminutive, tufted,
perennial bears lavender to purple flowers from late April to early May. Mancos milkvetch is
found exclusively on Point L.()okout Sandstone within cracks and eroded depressions on rimrock
ledges and mesa tops. This species has been found in San Juan County, New Mexico and
~10ntezuma County, Colorado and ranges from Mancos Canyon, Colorado to just south of the
San Juan River in New ~lexico (~llvlRPTC 1999). Mancos milkvetch has been found within one
mile of the proposed western lateral and additional potential habitat occurs in this area (NNHP
2003). Mancos milkvetch has not been found during surveys of the proposed pipeline alignment
(ERI 2002).

The :KGWSP will not affect Mancos milkvetch. This species was not found during surveys of the
proposed alignment (ERI 2002). It has been found within one mile of the proposed western
lateral and additional potential habitat occurs in this area; however, the western lateral follows
High\\-ay 491 and construction will not dismrb rimrock ledges or mesa tops (NNHP 2(03).

5.1.8 Mesa Verde Cactus (Sclerocactus mesa-verdae)

The Mesa Verde cactus is protected as a threatened species under the ESA and l'ItsA. It is found
in San Juan Counry, Kew Mexico and Montezuma Counry, Colorado (NMRPTC 1999). Mesa
Verde cacti grow in highly alkaline, gypsiferous soils on low, rolling hills formed by the Mancos
and Fruitland shale formations at 4,900 to 5,500 ft. This cactus usually grows as a solitary
depressed ovoid to globose stem with 13-17 ribs. Rowers are yellow/cream to pink and appear
from late April to ~lay. Plants are small (1.3-4.3 in) and retreat into the soil during dry periods,

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
NAVAJO GALLUP WATER SUPPLY PROJECT
September 3. 2004

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