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WILCLIF'c EYALUATICN FCR THE NORTH 9EFM1I Cf THE CARGL ANN PIT!AINV:G iITE <br />• and forbs, or even bare ground were poor, alkaline soils and dry conditions prevail. Foliage <br />of low palatability and low moisture are features of this ecosystem with which herbivores <br />must contend (Fitzgerald et a1.,1994). <br />A list of vegetation and wildlife species observed are presented in Table 1. The listed <br />wildlife species are only those that were directly observed at the time of the field effort. <br />There is the potential for other wildlife to occur in response to the types of habitat that are <br />present. Photographs taken of each segment within the north berm are provided in <br />Figures 2 through 5. The following provides a summary of the results of the field <br />investigation. <br />Vegetation. The vegetation communities within the berm area occur in response to the <br />amount of available water. Two of the four segments (segments C and D) would be best <br />described as an upland-dry ecosystem characterized by species with extensive tap-root <br />systems and are accustomed to low moisture content soils. The dominant vegetation species <br />are sage, rabbit brush, grasses and juniper. Other species include thistle, prickly pear cactus, <br />and bind weed. This area has abundant exposed soil as a result of loose soil integrity <br />(attributable to the high sand and gravel content, lack of vegetation and low moisture <br />content). Evidence of cattle grazing activity is apparent. <br />The remaining two segments demonstrate progressive occurrence of more dense shrub and <br />tree stands. Segment B encompasses the spring which provides the water source to a <br />wetland occurring on the lower terrace. Stands of cottonwood, currant and service berry <br />surround the spring. The remaining area contains sage and rabbitbrush as the dominant <br />• vegetation species. Grasses and currant and interspersed throughout. <br />Segment A contains stands of cottonwood, several mature shrubs of currant, service berry, <br />and choke cherry. However, these mid- to upper-story vegetation types comprise <br />approximately 20 percent of the entire area (please refer to field data sheets in the <br />Attachment). The remaining area is characterized by the presence of sage, rabbitbrush, and <br />grasses (60 percent of the total area within segment A) and open/bare ground (20 percent of <br />the total area). <br />Wildlife. Sign of deer and burrowing rodents was observed within the berm area. There <br />were no observations of bird nests, however bird activity was noted in the larger shrubs <br />and trees. Species of warbler, the American robin and the Magpie were observed within the <br />berm area. <br />Due to their elusive behavior, wildlife is not always observable. A review of species lists in <br />literature was conducted to determine other potential species that may occur. Inferences can <br />be drawn regarding the types of species that could be expected given the site habitat <br />conditions. The area is predominantly an open, dry, upland ecosystem with intermittent <br />mid-to over story vegetation canopy. The dominant vegetation is sage which does not <br />provide a preferred palatable forage source. Species that occur in these areas include song <br />birds, small burrowing animals and reptiles. The birds would forage on available fruits and <br />seeds predominantly provided by any occurring grasses or shrubs. Similarly, the small <br />mammals would rely upon available forage typically in the form of grasses and forbs. <br />Reptiles would feed upon available prey of insects or small mammals. <br />• Jurisdictional habitats were previously surveyed and evaluated by Savage and <br />Savage(1996). The remaining ecological resources of jurisdictional interest would be any <br />CEWB6i4.DCC <br />