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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5.1.11 Sivinski's Fleabane lEriaeron sivinskij)

Sivinski"s fleabane is a Service species of concern. This small (0.4-1 in. tall), perennial bears
white ray-flowers surrounding a yellow disc in May and June. Sivinski's fleabane is found on
Chinle Shale within pinyon-juniper woodlands and Great Basin desert scrub. It has been found in
McKinley County, NM and Apache, County, AZ (~~1RPTC 1999).

The project is not expected to affect Sivinski's fleabane. This species was not found during
surveys of the project area and populations are currently known from south of the affected area
(~MRPTC 1999; ERI 2002).

5.1.12 Zuni Fleabane (Eriaeron rhizomatusl

Zuni fleabane is protected as threatened under the ESA and NESA. This rhizomatous, perennial,
fleabane bears white to violet tinged ray flowers surrounding a yellow disc from May to June. It
has been found in the Chinle and Baca formations and is found on barren clay hillsides. This
plant has been found in 3 locations in the Zuni ::Ylountains near Fort Wingate, 28 locations
(probably more) in the Sawtooth and northwest Datil mountains, and 1 location in the Red
Valley/Cove area on the ~avajo Indian Reservation in Arizona (NMRPTC 1999).

The project is not expected to affect Zuni fleabane. ~one of the known locations for this species
occur within affected project areas and Zuni fleabane was not found during sUlveys of the project
area (ERI 2002).

5.2 Insects

5.2.1 New Mexico Silverspot Butterflv (Sl)everia nokomis nitocris)

The ~e\v Mexico silverspot butterfly is a Service species of concern. This large (2.5-3 in.
wingspan), orange, cream and black butterfly relies on the host plant Viola nephropphylla to feed
its laf\'ae. Adults feed on flower nectar, including that of thistles and are known from alpine
meadow habitats (AZGF 2002). The New Mexico silverspot butterfly is found in New Mexico,
Catron, Cibola and Grant Counties, I\~1 and is also known from Colorado and Arizona (BISON
2002).

The l\G\VSP is not expected to affect the New Mexico silverspot butterfly. The larval host plant
for this butterfly is not known within affected project areas. Alpine meadows that provide habitat
for this butterfly will not be affected by project activities.

5.2.2 San Juan Checkers pot Butterflv (Eul)hvdrvas anicia chuskae)

The San Juan checkerspot butterfly is a Service species of concern. This butterfly breeds within
!\ew ylexico, ylcKinley, San Juan, Rio Arriba and Sandoval counties in New Mexico and
Apache County, Arizona (BISON 2(02).

The presence of the San Juan checkerspot butterfly is undocumented within the project area;
however, the NGWSP may temporarily affect habitats that could be used by this species. Such
habitats will be rehabilitated following ground disturbance and are expected to support butterflyouse within two to three years. Thus, effects on this species are anticipated to be minimal.

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSt...1ENT
NAVAJO GALLUP WATER SUPPLY PROJECT
September 3. 2004

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