2010-11-16_PERMIT FILE - C1996083A (27)

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6. Site 6 is a change in topography and vegetation to the north and south of the line. It is the beginning of extensive orchards on the north and small pastures mixed with fruit trees, juniper, boxelders, cottonwoods and oakbrush on the south. To the northeast of the orchazds is a large pasture and hay meadow. The Bowie Siding leaves the orchards and starts out into the meadows at this location. Diversity in agricultural practices has resulted in diverse habitat types. A variety of flowering fruit trees, shrubs and water availability is indicated by some of the bird species observed such as orioles, indigo buntings, cedaz waxwings, spotted towhees, eastern and western kingbirds, mourning doves, house wrens and numerous warblers. Kestrels were prevalent as well. Several small juniper and fruit tree snags are present in this area. Recommendations: Minimize the right-of--way on the north in the orchard area before it enters the pasture. Leave as much of the orchard intact as possible to buffer noise and sights. 7. Site 7 is dominated by pasture with intermixing fringes of cottonwoods, boxelders, juniper and Gambel oak. There should be minimal impacts on wildlife immediately north or south of the proposed tracks. Further to the south the landscape and existing line butts • up close to Highway 133. The extension of the gradual slope from the pasture extends across the existing line and abruptly drops off next to the highway. This area was historically irrigated. There aze remnants of old fruit trees and pasture. Currently cheatgrass, invasive weeds and shrubs such as Wood's rose, sumac and snowberry exist in addition to juniper, Gambel oak and boxelder. Most of the wildlife species noted eazlier were observed at this site. A pair of turkey vultures was observed in the area during the second survey. Recommendations: Most of the impact will be in the middle of the pasture at this site. Revegetation on both sides of the siding should be done using shrub and tree species mentioned previously for vertical buffering. Native grass and forb species should be used throughout the corridor for soil stabilization and noxious weed control. 8. Site 8 is significantly different than 7. On the easterly end, small alfalfa fields surrounded by junipers, Gambel oak, boxelder and cottonwoods are prevalent. A farmhouse and outbuildings aze in northeast corner of the proposed siding. This area has many man-made features within a few hundred yards of the siding including the Fire Mountain Canal, old and new Highway 133 and the existing rail line. Even with all these developments there is significant vegetative and wildlife diversity. Cliffs to the north are within the 1/2-mile survey radius of the siding. Small amounts of white wash were detected, but no raptor nests or bird sightings were made. South of the existing line is an outstanding wetland complex. This is the only potential habitat along the Bowie Siding for the southwest willow flycatcher. The wetlands are on the fringe of the southeasterly • 500-foot survey perimeter and are buffered by existing trees and the topographical drop south of the existing line. No southwest willow flycatchers were heard or observed.