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

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CHAPTER 3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 3.7.3.1.2 Knowlton's Cactus This cactus occurs in northwestern New Mexico, San Juan County and eastern portions of the Colorado Plateau Province in southern Colorado, La Plata County. Habitat of the species is associated with tertiary alluvial deposits overlying the San Jose Formation. These deposits are typically characterized by rolling gravelly hills with pinon juniper woodlands and sagebrush plant communities. Surveys for the presence/absence for Knowlton's cactus are documented for a proposed pipeline in northern New Mexico and near the Florida River in southern Colorado. No cactus plants were found during these surveys. In addition, during the 1999 surveys in Ridges Basin and along the route of the NNMP, no Knowlton's cactus plants were found. Based on habitat associations, the species is likely to be absent from the areas within the Florida, Pine, Mancos, La Plata River Basins, and McElmo Creek potentially affected by Refined Alternative 6. 3.7.3.1.3 Mesa Verde Cactus This species is sparsely distributed on dry areas consisting of shale or adobe clay within the Mancos and Fruitland Formations in Montezuma County, Colorado and northwestern New Mexico. Elevation distribution is between 4,000 and 5,000 feet. The plant is most likely to be present within the McElmo Creek area. Based on habitat conditions, however, there is a low probability that the species is located on the irrigated lands within the affected environment of Refined Alternative 6. 3.7.3.1.4 Sleeping Ute Milk-Vetch Sleeping Ute milk-vetch is only known from the southern flank of Sleeping Ute Mountain where it grows in mixed desert shrub communities on Mancos Shale badlands. This species has not been found within Ridges Basin. Most of the proposed route of the NNMP crosses previously disturbed land, and much of the route parallels structures (roads or canals). In September 1999, field surveys for the species were conducted in the undisturbed regions along the proposed pipeline route. No endangered species were found. 3.7.3.2 Federally Listed Animals 3.7.3.2.1 Terrestrial Wildlife Table 3.7-2 identifies special status wildlife species identified by the Service as having the potential to occur within areas potentially affected by Refined Alternatives 4 and 6. Bald Eagle Perearine Falcon and Black-Footed Ferret In 1976, two studies identified the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) as the only threatened or endangered terrestrial species present in the project area. No peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) or black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), both of which were protected species at the time, were found. q Historically, both species have been found in the project area. The Biological Opinion, prepared by the it Service in 1996 under formal ESA consultation with Reclamation, concluded that the project may affect € the bald eagle but is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species. The 2000 Biological I Opinion (Service 2000a) concluded, however, that Refined Alternative 4 was not likely to adversely affect the peregrine falcon or the black-footed ferret, provided that prairie dog communities are not affected. .a.N %rnA s cLActEAL Q2Av F_L_ EKEtt P.,rT l4 -PA6E R -8S oV `m.inuche Construction Aufho-r--,j P AA 3-112 0. Box - Towaoc, Co ?l?u t 3.7 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES ~- 1