2011-05-12_PERMIT FILE - M2011028 (2)

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CHAPTER 3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES measures are included in the project plan. The conservation measures (for example, operation of Navajo Reservoir to mimic a natural hydrbgraph, preventing non-native fish escapement from Ridges Basin Reservoir, monitoring bioaccumulation of trace elements in bald eagle prey, and other factors) (see Volume 2, Attachment G) have been included in the project plan. 3.7.3 Affected Environment The sections below discuss existing special status species that could occur in the areas potentially affected by Refined Alternatives 4 and 6. The affected environment for the No Action Alternative has not been defined because the actions that could take place under the No Action Alternative are not fully known. However, many of the eventual actions that may occur as a result of the No Action Alternative would likely take place within the same geographic setting as that of Refined Alternative 4. 3.7.3.1 Federally Listed Plants The most recent Service list of protected plant species that may occur in the ALP Project study area includes three federally listed species and one federal candidate species (Table 3.7-1). Table 3.7-1 Special Status Plant Species Potentially Occurring Within the Colorado and New Mexico Region of the Project Area Common Name Scientific Name Federally Listed Species Mancos Milk-Vetch Astragalus humillimus Knowlton's Cactus Pediocactus knowltoni Mesa Verde Cactus Sclerocactus mesae-verdae Federal Candidate Species Sleeping Ute Milk-Vetch Astragalus tortipes Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (June 23, 1999 memorandum) 3.7.3.1.1 Mancos Milk-Vetch The range for this species is from Montezuma County, Colorado, southward into northwestern New Mexico. It occurs at 5,500 to 5,850 feet elevation in Colorado and 5,000 to 6,500 feet elevation in New Mexico on Point Lookout sandstone and on rock ledges in pion -Juniper woodlands. In 1976, floral field surveys conducted in the region of Refined Alternative 4 (Ridges Basin area) failed to identify the presence of any proposed, threatened, or endangered plant species with ranges potentially extending into the area. The Point Lookout sandstone and pinon juniper soil/vegetation combination does not occur within the Florida, Pine, Mancos, La Plata, and McElmo River Basin areas potentially affected by Refined Alternative 6. V?F ;minuche Construction ALItho ,? y P-0. Box AA - Towaoc, CO 813334 ??mF?S 6tActE.t2.,?p.AvEL.. E34AtP-7 tT t4 - P"C t{ - 84 3-111 3.7 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES