2024-12-19_PERMIT FILE - M2024059 (6)

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olive trees (Elaeagnus angustifolia),which are on the State noxious weed list and which are rampant throughout the lower Colorado River valley. This species of scrubby tree provides little wildlife value, and is a strong competitor with all of the native tree and shrub species in the valley. Wetland areas on the Property contain mainly grass-grasslike and forb vegetation,though some areas of scrub/shrub wetland areas are present,particularly adjacent to the river. A significant amount of the identified wetland areas are agriculturally-induced due to flood irrigation and seepage from the main lateral ditches on the Property. The dominant vegetation of the wetland areas consists of Arctic rush(Juncus arcticus), small-wing sedge(Carex microptera), clustered field sedge (Carex praegracilis), inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata)and tall scouring rush(Equisetum hyemale). Some of the lowest ditches have stands of reed canarygrass(Phalaris arundinacea), broadleaf cattail (Typha lattifolia),hardstem bulrush(Schoenoplectus acutis),water sedge(Carex aquatilis) and creeping spikerush(Eleocharis palustris). There is a small contingent of Hawthorn (Crataegus erythropoda), Coyote willow(Salix exigua), Wood's rose(Rosa woodsii) and Skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata) also scattered through the property,though the Russian olives are rapidly excluding these more desirable species. A list of plant species encountered on the property is provided in Table 1. Soils Soils encountered on the site were comprised of Wann sandy loams 1-3% slopes, Halaquepts,nearly level, and Torrifluvents,nearly level, as mapped by the NRCS. All of these soils are alkali-affected to varying degrees,which, combined with flood-irrigation practices, accounts for the patches of Inland saltgrass, greasewood and other species adapted to such conditions. The soils ranged from fine silty barns to cobbly-sandy loams,which varied from weli- drained to somewhat-poorly drained, depending on location. Most areas have a very shallow overburden of soils and extensive alluvial deposits of mixed aggregate material, which makes this site extremely attractive for sand and gravel extraction. 5.0 Significant Wildlife Use of the Property Records searches and the site visits revealed a number of wildlife species known to use the Property. Despite the generally degraded condition of most of the upland areas, a diverse array of species frequent the Property, including coyote, red fox, cottontail rabbit, and other small mammals. A diverse variety of bird species utilize the area, at least seasonally, including a wide range of songbirds,waterfowl and raptor species. Further, several amphibian species and reptiles can be found on the Property,and the wet areas host a tremendous variety of insects,which are the basis of the food chain for many of the species listed above. 5