1992-11-30_REPORT - M1981302 - Laserfiche WebLink

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INTERIM SURVEY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPIRANTHES DILUVIALIS November 23, 1992 These survey requirements supersede any and all previous versions. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has established the following interim requirements and guidelines for surveys to determine the presence or absence of the federally threatened plant species Soiranthes diluvialis, Ute Ladies'—tresses orchid. These guidelines were developed by the Service in consultation with biologists and ecologists knowledgeable about. the species. These guidelines and recommendations are designed to supplement, not substitute for, professional methods, expertise, and judgement typically used to conduct rare plant surveys. Because the species is so rare, very little is known about its habitat preferences and population ecology. These interim survey requirements have been developed in order to gain more information about the species, identify potential habitat, and streamline and standardize survey procedures. As more information becomes available through these surveys, the interim requirements will be revised and simplified as appropriate. Documentation of compliance with these requirements and recommendations is accomplished through submission to the Service of a survey report. The Service will respond with a letter indicating acceptance of the report. All Federal agencies have a responsibility under section 7(a) (1) of the Endangered Species Act to conserve federally listed threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages all federal agencies to review their properties and projects and make funds available to conduct surveys in all appropriate potential habitat, including habitat outside the areas specified in these guidelines. 1. INTRODUCTION Soiranthes diluvialis occurs in seasonally moist soils and wet meadows near springs, lakes, or perennial streams and their associated flood plains below 6,500 feet elevation in Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. Typical sites include old stream channels and alluvial terraces, subirrigated meadows, and other sites where the soil is saturated to within 18" of the surface at least temporarily during the spring or summer growing seasons . Associated vegetation typically falls into the Facultative Wet wetland vegetation classification category (from the National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands developed by the Service) . The species occurs primarily in areas where the vegetation is relatively open and not overly dense, overgrown, or overgrazed. Although very rare now, it is estimated that it was once common in low elevation riparian areas in Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. The moist soil conditions and vegetation composition of known Soiranthes sites suggest that wetlands regulated under the Clean Water Act qualify as potential Soiranthes habitat. Therefore, jurisdictional wetlands, as well as other drier sites matching the description above, should be surveyed. 1