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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I becoming difficult to detect. The growth of Shiprock, ~~1, oil and gas development, and off-road vehicle use threaten populations of the Mesa Verde cactus (l\"1vIRPTC 1999). Kavajo :\aroral Heritage Program records indicate populations of Mesa Verde cacros within one mile of the western pipeline lateral C"T~1IP 2003). During field surveys along the western pipeline route adjacent to H\vy 491, fewer than 100 individual Mesa Verde cacti were documented in one population. The population is located south-southeast of the junction of US Highway 491 and Kavajo Route 1\36 and is within the boundary of the proposed pipeline alignment. Three additional areas of potential habitat were documented (1) south of the junction of Hw-y 491 and N36 for approximately 15 miles to the vicinity of Little Water, J\TM (2) north of Navajo Route N36 and west of the Hogback (3) immediately east of the Hogback from the Amarillo Canal to Highway 491. During the spring and early summer of 2002 additional surveys were conducted in these areas (ERI 2002). Approximately 150 acres were surveyed. No Mesa Verde cacti were observed, however the area has experienced a prolonged drought. During drought conditions cacti recede into the ground and become very difficult to distinguish. The proposed project may adversely affect populations of Mesa Verde cacros. One population is documented within the boundary of the western lateral and an associated pumping plant. Additional habitat is found along the western lateral and several populations are found within a mile of the alignment in this area (:i\1\lfP 2003). Project implementation will include the following to protect populations of the Mesa Verde cacms: (1) 'Vhere possible, refine the pipeline alignment to avoid individual cacti and populations as a whole. (2) Select an alternate site for the pumping plant currently planned for the intersection of Highways 491 and 1\36. (3) Mark cacti with protective cones when construction activity occurs in their vicinity. (4) '\lIere conflicts are unavoidable, prior to disrorbing areas where cacti are growing dig up susceptible plants, place in a safe area, and replant these cacti without delay once construction in the area is complete. (5) Consult with a qualified local botanist during marking and/or transplant of cacti. 5.1.9 Parish's Alkali-Grass (Puccinellia lJarish;;) Parish's alkali-grass was proposed for listing as endangered in 1994; this proposal was withdrawn in 1998. Parish's alkali-grass is a Service and :Kavajo species of concern. This dwarf (2-6 in. tall), annual grass occurs in alkali seep areas and in areas where grazing has eliminated competitive species (Sivinski 1995). The species requires continuously damp soils during its late winter to spring growing period (NMRPTC 1999). Parish's alkali-grass is found in California, Arizona, Colorado and ~ew ~lexico. \Vithin New Mexico it has been found in Catron, Cibola, Grant, Hidalgo, McKinley, Sandoval and San Juan Counties (J\"}"IRPTC 1999). On the Navajo Reservation, Parish's alkali-grass has been found to the west of the project area, between Shiprock ~yl and Kayenta, AZ (KMRPTC 1999). Parish's alkali-grass was nor detected during surveys; thus, the project is nor expected to affect this species. 5.1.10 Santa Fe Cholla (OlJuntia viridiflora) Santa Fe cholla is a Service species of concern. This large (6 feet diameter), shrubby cacros bears green to purple-brown flowers in July. Santa Fe cholla is endemic to Santa Fe County, New Mexico and does nor occur in affected project areas (NMRPTC 1999). BIOLOGiCAL ASSESSrv1ENT NAVAJO GAllUP WATER SUPPLY PROJECT September 3, 2004 Page 32