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

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CHAPTER 3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES Reclamation a memorandum concurring with the No Effect Determination for the loggerhead shrike I (Service 1995). Southwestern Willow Flycatcher On July 23, 1993, the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), one of at least four subspecies of willow flycatcher, was proposed for federal listing as endangered. Since that time, the species has been listed. In 1994, Reclamation contracted with the National Biological Service (NBS) to conduct willow flycatcher surveys along the Animas, La Plata, and Mancos River drainages. Only six willow flycatchers, of indeterminate subspecies, were detected, all on the La Plata River in areas predicted to not be impacted by the project. The survey results suggest that very few willow flycatchers occur on these drainages, either during the breeding season or in migration. The Service has concluded that Refined Alternative 4 may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the southwestern willow flycatcher (Service 2000a). The entire route_of the proposed NNMP was surveyed within a 200-foot wide corridor in October 1999. No endangered species were observed, although habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher is present at the proposed San Juan River crossing. Any potential impacts to southwestern willow flycatchers would be related to impacts to wetland/riparian vegetation along rivers, creeks, irrigation canals, and other areas supporting willow, cottonwood, or riparian shrub vegetation. Such areas include irrigated lands in the Pine River, Florida River, La Plata River, Mancos River, and McElmo Creek basins. Canada Lynx Mountain Plover and Boreal Toad The Service, in its June 23, 1999 memorandum, provided a list of endangered, threatened, proposed, and candidate species which may be affected by the project. Three of these species-Canada lynx, mountain plover, and boreal toad-are new to the list since the 1996 FSFES was completed. The Service believes it is unlikely that Canada lynx, mountain plover, or boreal toad occur within the project area. On rare occasions, lynx (recently reintroduced in mountainous northern and central Colorado) may travel across northern portions of the project area, but resident animals are improbable because the habitat is far from ideal for lynx, which prefer cooler, moister, more forested habitats. Therefore, the project would be unlikely to adversely affect the Canada lynx. In Colorado, the mountain plover occurs only in the northwestern corner of the state and would therefore be unlikely to be affected by the project. The boreal toad is found only in montane wetlands, none of which occur in the project area; therefore, the project would not affect the boreal toad. 3.7.3.2.2 Fish The Service provided a list of endangered and threatened species that may be affected by project implementation. In its June 23, 1999 memorandum, the Service identified two aquatic endangered species (Table 3.7-3). The Service has concluded in their Biological Opinion (Service 2000a) that Refined Alternative 4 may affect the Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker but is not likely to jeopardize their continued existence nor destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat considering the conservation measures that are included in the project plan. 3.7 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES P.O. Box V", C-0, ANIMAS e..GAG(t"12- aaAV?Z 3-114 Gu-rk??T k- - PA& E td -99 "7