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6.4.8 Exhibit H -Wildlife Information • 6.4.8.1 WILDLIFE HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS Ecological characteristics of the site were determined during a field reconnaissance on April 28, 2004. The proposed permit area is currently managed for agriculture. There are several small fields planted in wheat, hay, alfalfa, and trees. There are also two fallow fields. Approximately 10-acres on the northern end of the site is highly disturbed by current mining activities. The site contains a single wetland totaling 1.7 acres. The wetland is dominated primarily by cattails (Typha sp.) and teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) There are five ponds on the site. Two of which were dry during the April 28 reconnaissance. The two dry ponds were associated with a wetland. Two of the remaining ponds each have a narrow band of wetland vegetation along their banks. The remaining pond appeared to be ephemeral. It was on the edge of a fallow field and had no vegetation associated with it. 6.4.8.2 COMMON WILDLIFE SPECIES IN THE AREA r~ L ~~ When water is present, the ponds on the site provide loafing and feeding habitat for waterfowl and other aquatic birds. The most common waterfowl that use the site are mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Other aquatic birds that may use the site include great blue herons (Ardea herodias), American white pelicans (Pe/ecanus erhthrorhynchos), and California gulls (Carus califorincus). A wide variety of other aquatic birds are likely to use the ponds during spring and fall migrations. A great blue heron was observed flying over the site during the April 28, reconnaissance. Canada geese and a tern {Sterna sp.) were observed on a pond just north of the site at County Road 3'/, and 1650 Rd. Nesting opportunities for aquatic birds are poor, because adequate cover is lacking in the proposed permit area. Upland portions of the site are agricultural fields and an existing gravel mine. These areas provide habitat for a variety of common upland species such as lark bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys), western meadowlark (Sternella neglecta), and deer mouse (Peromyscus manicu/atus). Nesting habitat quality for upland birds is considered low, because harvest schedules are likely to cause nest failures. The agricultural fields also provide a potential forage source for deer (Odocoileus sp). The landowner has reported that deer occasionally feed on the site (File, 2004). Large trees that would provide potential raptor nest sites are not present on the site. However, raptors may hunt over the site. Red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) were observed in the project vicinity during the April 28 reconnaissance. 6.4.8.3 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES Three wildlife species listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and one candidate for listing potentially occur on or near the site. The listed species include two threatened species, Preble's File Pit 112 DMG Permit Application Page 13 of 27