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Prescott National Forest

APS/Waste Management Gray Wolf 12kV

Wildlife, Fisheries, & Rare Plants (WFRP) Specialist Report/Biological Evaluation

CONTENTS: A – Proposed Action B – Affected Environment C – No action and other action alternatives D – Environmental effects E – Projects contributing to cumulative effects F –Endangered Species Act – NEPA analysis for federally listed species & habitats G –Biological Evaluation effects determination for federally listed species & habitats under ESA H –Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act – Assessment of protected species I – Bald & Golden Eagle Act determination J – Migratory Bird Treaty Act – Assessment of relevant species K – Regional Forester Forest Service sensitive species – NEPA analysis L – Biological Evaluation effects determination for sensitive species M – Forest Plan Management Indicator Species analysis APPENDICES: Appendix A – Federally listed Plants and Animals of the Prescott National Forest Appendix B – Regional Forester’s Sensitive Plant and Animal’s Species List Appendix C – Prescott National Forest’s Management Indicator Species Appendix D – Maps Appendix E – Glossary of terms and definitions ******************************************************************************************************************

Table 1. Summary of Effects for terrestrial species

Species Status Determination Page #

Endangered Species Act: 3

Mexican spotted owl Threatened No affect 5

MSO Critical Habitat --------------- No affect 5

Southwestern willow flycatcher Endangered No affect 5

SWWF Critical Habitat --------------- No affect 5

Colorado pikeminnow E/EXPN No affect 5

Gila chub Endangered No affect 5

GC Critical habitat --------------- No affect 5

Gila topminnow Endangered No affect 5

Gila trout Threatened No affect 5

Loach minnow Threatened No affect 5

LM Critical habitat --------------- No affect 5 Razorback sucker Endangered No affect 5

RBS Critical habitat --------------- No affect 5

Spikedace Threatened No affect 5

SD Critical habitat --------------- No affect 5

Western yellow-billed cuckoo Candidate No Affect 5

Morafka’s desert tortoise Candidate No Affect 5

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act: 6

Bald & Golden eagles Protected No Take 7

Migratory Bird Treaty Act: 8

Migratory birds ------------- Compliance 12

FS Handbook & FS Manuals – Regional Forester’s Sensitive species 13

All Sensitive species Sensitive No trend toward listing 17

Forest Plan Management Indicator Species analysis 18-19

EXPN – Experimental/nonessential

3/26/12 ST Verde RD /Prescott NF Page 2 of 25

APS/Waste Management Gray Wolf 12kV – WSR/BE

F:\Working_dox\PCS\GrayWolfWSR_final_26mar2012_nef.doc

A – Proposed Action: Arizona Public Service Company (APS) proposes to build a 6.43-mile new

underground 12kV distribution line to serve Waste Management’s Gray Wolf Landfill located just south of Highway 169, 11.5 miles east of Dewey, Yavapai County, Arizona. The proposed distribution line would be located within a 20-foot corridor located along the southern edge of Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Highway 169 right-of-way (ROW) between Mile Posts (M.P.) 4.90 through M.P. 11.33. Short sections of the proposed distribution line construction ROW would be wider than 20 feet to accommodate for rock outcroppings and other topographic features. The project would involve the installation of an underground distribution line and replacement of four existing telephone poles with powerline distribution poles that span Ash Creek and an unnamed wash at approximately M.P. 8.7. Hackberry Wash located at approximately M.P. 9.7 will be bored under rather than trenched. The proposed distribution line route extends across portions of Sections 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12 of T13N, R2E; Sections 7 and 8 of T13N, R3E; and Section 33 of T14N, R2E. The line would cross Prescott National Forest (PNF; 5.34 miles, 13.90 acres) and private (1.09 miles, 2.64 acres) lands (See Map in Appendix D). All access for the construction of the proposed distribution line would utilize existing dirt roads.

B – Affected Environment: The entire project area occurs in the Interior Chaparral biotic community (Brown 1994), with shrub live oak (Quercus turbinella) as the dominant species, which occurs in dense stands throughout the project area except for drainage crossings. Other common species include skunk bush (Rhus trilobata) and three awn grass (Aristida sp.). Drainage crossings are vegetated with scattered trees and shrubs such as netleaf hackberry (Celtis reticulate) and other shrubs (Baccharis spp). No U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Region 3 invasive plant species were observed during the biological field survey. Substrates vary from granitic sand to granite outcrops. Soils are coarse sand. Numerous gullies and well-developed drainages intersect the project area. Drainage substrates and soils vary from coarse sand to coarse sand with granitic and/or basaltic cobbles. The project area traverses gently rolling country and low ridges between these drainages. A several existing dirt roads cross the project area.

C – No action and other action alternatives:

No Action: Under the “No Action” alternative the construction of a 6.43-mile x 20-foot underground

12kV distribution line would not take place along the southern edge of ADOT Highway 169 ROW between M.P. 4.90 through M.P. 11.33. As a result, Waste Management’s Gray Wolf Landfill would not be provided the additional electrical service that is required to operate its facility. Alternatives: No other action alternatives are being considered.

D– Environmental effects (physical environment):

Proposed Action: Approximately 16.54 acres of land will be disturbed and cleared to trench and install the proposed underground distribution line. The installation of each of the four power poles will impact an area approximately 10-foot x 10-foot in size. Expected effects to the environment include removal of vegetation within the 20-foot-wide corridor during trenching. Temporary disturbance in the ROW from construction activities will also occur. Vegetation associated with drainage crossings at Ash Creek and an unnamed wash at approximately M.P. 8.7 will be minimal due to the installation of overhead distribution lines. Hackberry Wash, which will be bored under, is expected to have minimal effects to vegetation as well. APS will re-seed the trenched ROW upon completion of the proposed action with a PNF approved seed mix. To prevent the introduction of invasive species, all earth-moving and hauling equipment shall be washed at the contractor’s storage facility prior to entering the construction site.

No Action: Under the no action alternative there will be no effect to the physical environment.




E – Projects contributing to cumulative effects to WFRP resources: Upon review of the PNF’s Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA), there is no indication of any other ground disturbing projects within approximately 3 miles of the project site; therefore, there are no cumulative effects to be considered.

F– ESA species and habitats – NEPA analysis: Table 2 compares the known habitat and distribution for each species with the project area and proposed action.

Table 2. Federally listed species and habitats under the Endangered Species Act. Species Common name Scientific Name

Status Species background information The known distribution or habitat association for the species.

Project Information The project area is in the Interior Chaparral biotic community (Brown 1994). No riparian habitat occurs within the project area. The project is at an elevation ranging from 4452 feet to 4880 feet (Appendix D). The project is in the Agua Fria Watershed (azwater.gov).

Birds: Mexican spotted owl Strix occidentalis lucida

T The MSO is known to nest in high elevation ponderosa pine/Gambel oak and mixed conifer and canyon lands.

Suitable habitat is not present. Neither the species nor its habitat is known to occur within the project area or be impacted by the project.

Mexican spotted owl Critical Habitat

---- Designated on the Bradshaw RD of the PNF in the Prescott Basin and Crown King areas.

The project area does not occur in or near designated Critical Habitat for the Mexican spotted owl.

Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus

E This flycatcher breeds principally in (at low elevations) dense willow, cottonwood, and tamarisk thickets and woodland along streams and rivers, and (at high elevations) pure, streamside stands of Geyer willow. Breeding success may be affected by brown-headed cowbird egg-parasitism. They are known to occur along the Verde River. Critical habitat has been designated along the Verde River.

Suitable habitat is not present. The project scope will have no affect on the species.

Southwestern willow flycatcher Critical Habitat

---- Critical habitat has been designated along the Verde River.

The project area does not occur in designated Critical Habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher.

Western yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus occidentalis

C This species is associated with mature stands of cottonwood-willow riparian deciduous forest. It is also known to use dense thickets comprised of mixed hardwoods species with tamarisk included. Known to occur at confluence of Verde River & Sycamore Creek, on Sycamore Creek, at Duff Spring, and at Perkinsville.


Fish: Colorado pikeminnow Ptychocheilus lucius

E, EXPN

Experimental nonessential populations have been reintroduced into the Verde and Salt rivers in Arizona. This species occurs in rivers with high silt content, warm water, turbulence, and variable flow by season.

Suitable habitat is not present. No riparian habitat exists within the project area. The project scope will have no affect on the species.




Table 2. Federally listed species and habitats under the Endangered Species Act. Species Common name Scientific Name

Status Species background information The known distribution or habitat association for the species.


Gila Chub Gila intermedia

E Gila chub occur in Sycamore Creek, Little Sycamore Creek, and Indian Creek in the Agua Fria River drainage on the PNF. They also occur in Williamson Valley Wash downstream of forestlands in the Verde River drainage. Gila chub commonly inhabit pools in smaller streams, cienegas, and artificial impoundments throughout its range.


Gila chub Critical Habitat

---- Designated critical habitat occurs in Sycamore Creek, Little Sycamore Creek, and Indian Creek in the Agua Fria River drainage on the PNF.

The project area does not occur in or near designated Critical Habitat for the Gila chub.

Gila topminnow Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis

E There are no extant populations on the forest from introductions made in the early 1980’s. Occurs in small streams, springs, and cienegas below 1,350 m (4,500 ft) elevation, primarily in shallow areas with aquatic vegetation and debris for cover.


Gila trout Oncorhynchus gilae

T Gila trout were introduced into Grapevine Creek within the Grapevine Springs Botanical Area in 2009.


Loach Minnow Tiaroga cobitis

T They are extirpated from the Verde River drainage. Found in moderate to swift flow velocities with shallow water with gravel and cobble substrates.


Loach minnow Critical Habitat

Critical habitat has been proposed for 74-miles along the Verde River from the confluence of Beaver Creek upstream to Sullivan Dam.

The project area does not occur in designated Critical Habitat for the loach minnow.

Razorback sucker Xyrauchen texanus

E Populations have been reintroduced into the Verde River. Found in backwaters, flooded bottomlands, pools, side channels and other slower moving habitats.


Razorback sucker Critical Habitat

---- Critical habitat is designated for 124 miles of the Verde River from Perkinsville downstream to Horseshoe Dam.

The project area does not occur in designated Critical Habitat for the Razorback sucker.

Spikedace Meda fulgida

T In the upper Verde River, spikedace have become rare to nonexistent. Found in moderate to large perennial streams, where it inhabits slow to moderate velocity waters over gravel and rubble substrates.


Spikedace Critical Habitat

---- Critical habitat has been proposed along 107-miles of the Verde River from the confluence with Fossil Creek upstream to Sullivan Dam.

The project area does not occur in designated Critical Habitat for the spikedace.

Reptiles: Morafka’s desert tortoise Gopherus morafkaii (Sonoran POP)

C The Sonoran population of the desert tortoise occurs primarily on rocky slopes and bajadas of Mojave and Sonoran desertscrub. Caliche caves in incised, cut banks of washes (arroyos) are also used for shelter sites. Shelter sites are rarely found in shallow soils. (HDMS)

Although Morafka’s desert tortoise has been known to occur in interior chaparral, no scat, burrows, shell, bone or other sign of this species were observed. Neither the species nor its habitat is known to occur within the project area or be impacted by the project.




* Status Definitions: ♦ E Listed Endangered under the ESA: Any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion

of its range. (Appendix A)

♦ T Listed Threatened under the ESA: Any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. (Appendix A)

♦ C Candidates are those species for which the Fish and Wildlife Service has enough information on file to propose listing as threatened or endangered, but listing has been precluded by other agency priorities.

♦ EXPN Experimental population, non-essential

********************************************************************************************************************

Environmental Consequences (wildlife & their habitats): Species (status): No federally protected threatened or endangered species will be directly or indirectly affected by the proposed project. No suitable habitat or Critical Habitat is present for any federally listed threatened or endangered species. Suitable habitat may exist for Morafka’s desert tortoise, but no tortoises or their sign were observed during field surveys. Any potential loss of habitat for Morafka’s desert tortoise is minor considering the abundantly available habitat immediately adjacent to the project area.

a) Proposed Action: a. Direct & Indirect effects: No affect b. Cumulative effects: No affect

b) No Action: a. Direct & Indirect effects: No affect b. Cumulative effects: No affect

∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗

G– ESA species and habitats – Biological evaluation & determination of effects: The purpose of this biological assessment is to document the determination of effects of the proposed action, the no action, and other action alternatives on plants, animals, and habitats federally listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Based on the effects analyses above, � I find that this project will have no effect to ESA species and habitats based on the lack

of species and their habitats within or near the project area.

Signatures: Prepared by:

3-26-12

Stephanie Treptow Date Senior Consultant EnviroSystems Management Inc. Reviewed & Approved by:

March 26, 2012

Noel Fletcher Date Wildlife Biologist Prescott NF




Bald &Golden Eagle Protection Act species and habitats – Assessment: The purpose of this assessment is to document if there is “take of eagles” with the proposed action, the no action, or other action alternatives on bald and golden eagles protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (B&GEPA). In the B&GEPA “take” is defined to include “pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, or molest or disturb.” The FWS (USDA Fish and Wildlife Service) subsequently defined “disturb” as follows: “Disturb means to agitate or bother a bald eagle or golden eagle to a degree that causes, or is likely to cause, based on the best scientific information available, (1) injury to an eagle, (2) a decrease in its productivity, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior, or (3) nest abandonment, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior.” (Federal Register Vol.72/No.107/page31132 June 5, 2007) Table 3 compares the known habitat and distribution for each species with the project area and proposed action.

Table 3. Federally protected species under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 as amended. Species Common name Scientific Name

Species background information The known distribution or habitat association for the species.

Project Information The project area is in the Interior Chaparral biotic community (Brown 1994) along the Highway 169 ROW corridor. No riparian habitat occurs within the project area. The project is at an elevation ranging from 4452 feet to 4880 feet (Appendix D). The project is in the Agua Fria Watershed (azwater.gov).

Birds:

Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

A small resident population of approximately 40 pairs nests primarily along the Salt and Verde rivers. Lynx Lake is a nesting site.

Suitable nesting habitat is not present. Species may occur within the project area incidentally, but the project scope will not result in take to the species.

Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos canadensis

Within the Prescott NF the AZGFD HDMS shows several locations for the species along the Verde River and one location in the vicinity of Woodchute Mtn.

Suitable nesting habitat is not present. Species may occur within the project area incidentally, but the project scope will not result in take to the species.

Bald eagle:

a) Affected environment within the project area: No suitable habitat is present for bald eagle nesting within the project area. The affected environment does not provide any habitat of value to the bald eagle that would not be available in abundance immediately adjacent to the project area.

b) Proposed Action: Assessment of Take/Disturb – No Take/Disturb. c) No Action: Assessment of Take/Disturb – No Take/Disturb.

Golden eagle: a) Affected environment within the project area: No suitable habitat is present for golden eagle

nesting within the project area. The affected environment does not provide any habitat of value to the golden eagle that would not be available in abundance immediately adjacent to the project area.

b) Proposed Action: Assessment of Take/Disturb – No Take/Disturb. c) No Action: Assessment of Take/Disturb – No Take/Disturb.




********************************************************************************************* I – Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act assessment: Based on the effects analyses above,

� I find that this project will not result in take to federally protected bald and golden eagles.

Signatures:

Prepared by:

3-26-12

_________________________________________________________________________________

Stephanie Treptow Date Senior Consultant EnviroSystems Management Inc. Reviewed & Approved by:

March 26, 2012





K – Migratory bird species analysis: In accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Executive Order 13186, and the MOU signed December 2008, this project was evaluated for its effects on migratory birds. A total of 92 species of migratory birds were assessed for their potential to occur on the PNF (PNF 2011).

� 14 species of migratory birds are addressed elsewhere based on status such as federally listed under ESA, federally protected under the Eagle Act, Forest Service sensitive, or Forest Plan MIS. All of these species are considered to occur on the PNF.

� 20 other species would be expected to occur on the Prescott NF. � 13 species are not known whether or not they would occur on the PNF. � 12 species could potentially or possibly occur on the PNF. � 32 species would not be expected to occur on the PNF. � 2 species are yet to be determined regarding their status on the PNF.

This table is sorted by PNF/Reference/Species. The 14 species analyzed above due to federal, regional sensitive, or MIS status have been removed from the table. The 32 species that would not be expected to occur on the PNF have also been removed. This table contains 46 species that may occur within the project area. Nesting and foraging information was taken from The Birder’s Handbook (Ehrlich, et. al. 1988) except where noted. TABLE 4. Migratory Bird Species Review and Assessment

Species Habitat Type PNF? Reference Nesting substrate Diet

Band-tailed Pigeon

Madrean pine/oak

Yes BBA In tree at fork Acorns, seeds,

berries, grains

Black-chinned Sparrow

Dry chaparral & PJ

Yes BBA In sage brush or shrub

Insects, seeds

Black-throated Gray Warbler

PJ & oak woodlands

Yes

BBA AF – Passage UV – Breeding Tritle

Out on branch of tree or shrub

Insects

Canyon Towhee Chaparral, open PJ, and open evergreen oak

Yes BBA

0.5 – 10.5 ft in cacti, brush or tree (AZBBA)

Mostly seeds on the ground (BNA)

Grace's Warbler Open, mature pine Yes

BBA AF – Mention Tritle

On smaller horizontal branches or in crown of tree

Gleans insects from conifer foliage (BNA)

Gray Flycatcher Pinyon-juniper Yes

BBA AF – Breeding TZ - Mention

In crotch of juniper or sage, near base of thornbush

Exclusively insects

Gray Vireo Open PJ Yes

BBA AF - Passage

Rim suspended from forked twig

Little known but presumably almost entirely insects

Olive Warbler Pine and mixed conifer

Yes BBA Usually in pine tree Little known, but

largely insects

Phainopepla Open woodlands w/ mistletoe

Yes BBA Often in upright crotch of mistletoe

Especially mistletoe berries in deserts

Pinyon Jay Pinyon-juniper

Yes BBA UV - nonbreeding

In juniper of pine, occasionally oak

Pine nuts, conifer and other seeds, fruits, insects, bird eggs and nestlings.

Purple Martin Sonoran Desertscrub & Pine

Yes BBA TZ - Mention

In tree hole, cliff niche or other cavity

Occasionally feeds on ground taking ants and other insects




TABLE 4. Migratory Bird Species Review and Assessment


Virginia's warbler

Chaparral

Yes

BBA AF – Passage TZ – Mention Tritle

Hidden by vegetation

Entirely insectivorous

Yellow Warbler (sonorana ssp.)

Cottonwood/willow riparian Yes

BBA AF/UV - Breeding

Usually in compact shrub

Few berries

Cordilleran Flycatcher

Pine, mixed conifer

Yes

BBA - Forest-wide AF – Passage TZ – Mention Tritle

Ledges with overhead cover, aspen cavities/bark, human structures (AZBBA)

Almost exclusively insects (BNA)

Brewer’s Sparrow

Cold desertscrub

Yes

BBA - Williamson Valley – BCR 16 AF/TZ - Passage

In shrub or low tree Includes few spiders; seeds of forbs and grass

Bell's Vireo (c) Low elevation riparian with willows, mesquite & dense shrubs

Yes

HDMS/BBA - Along Verde River AF – Breeding TZ - Mention

1’ – 5’ shrub, suspended by rim between two twigs

Some fruit taken after July

Swainson’s Hawk

High elevation grassland

Yes Known from Chino Valley AF - Passage

Deciduous tree 20’ – 30’, Cliff 6’ – 70’

Small vertebras, insects also rabbits, lizards, frogs, toads, birds

Red-faced Warbler

Mixed conifer and riparian forest

Yes

Known from field observations on PNF

Ground nest occasionally beneath overhanging bank

Exclusively insects

Flammulated Owl

Dry coniferous forests

Yes Known on PNF – from field observations

Snags, uses abandoned woodpecker holes

Insects also other arthropods

Ferruginous Hawk

High elevation grassland

Unknown - None reported but would expect them

HDMS/BBA BCR 16 UV – Nonbreeding, passage

Conifer 20’ – 40’, cliff 6’ – 55’ with commanding view

Birds, reptiles, insects. Almost exclusively small mammals

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Pine & Mixed Conifer

Unknown BBA AF - Mention

Conifer 5’ – 75’ often high in tree

Exclusively insects

Sage Sparrow Cold desert scrub

unknown BBA AF - Mention

Ground usually in sagebrush

Insects, seeds, young fed insects

Black rosy-finch Unknown

Unknown BCR 16

Ground, cliff 0’-25’. Occasionally on human built structures

Seeds, buds, insects. Especially seeds of grass and forbs.

Brown-capped rosy-finch

Unknown

Unknown BCR 16

Ground, cliff 0’-25’. Occasionally on human built structures

Seeds, buds, insects. Especially seeds of grass and forbs

Chestnut-collared Longspur (nb)

Unknown

Unknown BCR 16

Ground, in shallow depression

Insects, seeds, including spiders, grass, forbs and sedge seeds






Black skimmer Sonoran & Mojave Deserts

Unknown

BCR 33 Ground Fish, squid,

including crustaceans

Gull-billed tern Sonoran & Mojave Deserts

Unknown

BCR 33 Ground, floating Insects, aquatic

inverts, fish. Mostly insects

Le Conte’s Thrasher

Sonoran Desertscrub

Unknown BCR 33

Shrub 2’ – 4’. Mostly in dense, thickly branching cholla cactus, palo verde , creosote bush

Insects including other terrestrial arthropods, occasionally small verts.

Marbled godwit Sonoran & Mojave Deserts

Unknown BCR 33 WW - Passage

Ground, usually dry spot in shortgrass prairie wetland

Aquatic Invertebrates, insects

Whimbrel Sonoran & Mojave Deserts

Unknown

BCR 33

Ground, unconcealed usually near perch in dry portion of wet lands

Insects, berries, aquatic inverts

Gila woodpecker

Sonoran desert Unknown

BCR 33 – Sonoran & Mojave Desert

Cactus, Saguaro hole usually not used in year

Omnivore, insects, bird eggs, fruit (esp cactus) berries

Burrowing Owl High elevation grassland

Potentially

HDMS/BBA - BCR 33 – Sonoran & Mojave Desert

Ground in mammal burrow

Insects, rodents, lizards, birds

Cassin’s Sparrow

Semidesert grassland

Possibly BBA - Camp Verde

Ground, shrub to 1’ Insects during breeding season, grass and forb seeds during rest of year

Bendire's Thrasher

Open desert scrub

Possible BBA AF - Nonbreeding

Shrub 2’ – 4’ In dense willows, mesquite, sagebrush

Insects, fruit. Mostly insects, inverts, small verts. Less than 10% fruits and berries

Elf Owl Saguaros & sycamore cavities

Possible BBA Cactus 15’ – 35’. In abandoned woodpecker hole

Insects, also other arthropods, rarely lizards and snakes

Lark Bunting (nb)

Desert and grassland Possible

BBA AF - Passage

Ground Insects, seeds. Especially grasshoppers

MacGillivray’s Warbler

High elevation riparian

Possible

BBA AF/UV – Passage TZ - Mention

Shrub 2’ – 3’. Usually close to ground in thick shrubbery

Insects (Little known)

Red-naped Sapsucker

Aspen and mixed conifer

Possible

BBA AF/UV – Passage TZ - Mention

Deciduous tress 10’ – 20’. Prefers live berch, cottonwood, aspen, often near water

Insects, tree sap. Also cambium , fruit, berries, Pine pitch often used instead of sap from deciduous trees

Sage Thrasher Cold desert scrub

Possible

BBA AF – Nonbreeding UV - Passage

Ground. Concealed in or occasionally beneath sagebrush

Insect, fruit including berries






Gilded Flicker Sonoran Desertscrub

Possible BBA – BCR 33

Snag 6’ – 15’. Will use variety of cavities: poles and posts houses, banks, haystacks, boxes.

Insects. Especially ants. Also occasionally sees, acorns, nuts, grain

Costa’s Hummingbird

Sonoran Desertscrub

Possible BBA – BCR33 AF - Breeding

Deciduous 3’ – 5’. Also in yucca

Nectar and spiders

Prairie falcon Deserts, grasslands, & cliffs

Possible BCR 16 & 33 - BBA

On cliff edge, occasionally in rock crevice, always facing open habitat

Birds, small mammals, insects and lizards

Lawrence’s goldfinch

Riparian Possible BCR 33 – BBA AF - Nonbreeding

Deciduous shrub 8’ – 15’

Variety of native plant seeds

Pine Grosbeak Spruce-fir Not likely BBA

Conifer 2 ‘ – 25’ Seeds, buds, fruit, insects

Grasshopper Sparrow

Semi-desert and high elevation grasslands, with scattered mesquite & mimosa

Nearby?

No – HDMS/BBA - Southern AZ BCR 16 AF - Mention

Ground, sunk in slight depression

Insects, seeds, including inverts, grass and forb seeds.

Least bittern Tavaci Marsh Nearby?

BCR 33 – BBA TZ - Breeding

Ground, usually near or over water

Fish, aquatic inverts, insects

References:

• BBA – Breeding Bird Atlas

• HDMS – Heritage Database Management System (AZGFD Database)

• BCR – Bird Conservation Region – BOCC

• BNA – Birds of North America (online)

• AF – Aqua Fria IBA Species List

• TZ – Tuzigoot IBA Species List

• UV – Upper Verde IBA Species List

• WW – Watson/Willow Lakes IBA Species List

• Tritle – Michael Nicosia – Field notes

Based on the vegetation types within the project area, black-chinned Sparrow, canyon towhee (2 individuals were observed during the biological field survey), Virginia's warbler, Brewer’s sparrow, Bell’s vireo, and olive-sided flycatcher, sage sparrow, may be expected to occur within the project area. Impacts to migratory bird habitat include minimal loss of potential nesting habitat, marginal loss of foraging habitat, and marginal loss of cover. No snags occur within the project area. Removal and/or destruction of vegetation used by migratory birds are NOT a taking under the MBTA. Habitat within the highway ROW corridor is not likely high quality habitat. There would not be any discernible impacts to any species or populations of migratory birds from this project.

3/26/12 ST Verde RD/Prescott NF Page 12 of 25

APS/Waste Management, Gray Wolf 12kV – WSR/BE


Important Bird Areas:

The Watson and Willow Lake Ecosystem Important Bird Area is the nearest IBA approximately 15 miles N-NW of the project area. Given the distance between the project area and the surrounding IBA’s, this project would not have any impact to the Conservation issues for any IBAs.




J– Regional Forester Sensitive species – NEPA analysis: Table 5 compares the known habitat and distribution for each species with the project area and proposed action. For those species for which “Neither the habitat nor the species occur within the project area nor would be impacted by this project”, there is no further discussion of those species. Species with shading in the row are discussed in further detail following the table.

Table 5. Regional Forester Forest Service sensitive species. Species Common name Scientific Name



Birds: Abert’s towhee Pipilo aberti

Typically associated in or near habitats where the understory is dense and the soil is often damp. They reach their highest densities in lowland riparian thickets containing cottonwoods, willows and mesquite.

Suitable habitat is not present. Species may occur within the project area incidentally, but the project scope will have no affect on the species

American peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus

The species nests at cliffs throughout the state, even at some distance from water. Nesting sites are known at Mormon Pocket along the Verde River, in Sycamore Canyon, on Granite Mountain, and Thumb Butte.

Neither the species nor its habitat is known to occur within the project area or be impacted by the project.

Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

A small resident population of approximately 40 pairs nests primarily along the Salt and Verde rivers. Lynx Lake is a nesting site.

Suitable habitat is not present. Species may occur within the project area incidentally, but the project scope will have no affect on the species

Common black hawk Buteogallus anthracinus

Lowland forest, swamps and mangroves, in both moist and arid habitats but generally near water (along rivers and streams), also foraging often on tidal flats or in open woodland. Often nests in woodlands near water; in U.S., nests in tall gallery forest trees, mostly cottonwoods supported by flowing water.


Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Nests locally in coniferous forests of the mountains and high mesas in the northeastern half of Arizona. This is a MIS for late seral stage ponderosa pine vegetation type. Goshawk PFAs occur in Prescott Basin, from Campwood west and north toward Apache Creek Wilderness and on Mingus Mountain.


Western yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus occidentalis

This species is associated with mature stands of cottonwood-willow riparian deciduous forest. It is also known to use dense thickets comprised of mixed hardwoods species with tamarisk included. Known to occur at confluence of Verde River & Sycamore Creek, on Sycamore Creek, at Duff Spring, and at Perkinsville.

Suitable habitat is not present. The project scope will have no affect on the species. No riparian areas exist within the project area.

Amphibians and aquatic reptiles: Arizona Toad Anaxyrus (Bufo) microscaphus

Known from southwest UT and southeast NV, and along Mogollon Rim of southwest NM and central AZ. Usually found along rocky stream courses from desert up to conifer forest elevations.





Species Common name Scientific Name



Lowland leopard frog Lithobates (Rana) yavapaiensis

This species is generally restricted to permanent waters below elevations of 3,000 feet. It is found in small to medium streams, and occurs in small springs, stock ponds, and occasionally in large rivers. Populations typically occur in aquatic systems with surrounding desert scrub, semi-desert grassland, or evergreen woodland. Known in several small streams on the forest. LLF may occur along the Verde River.


Mexican garter snake Thamnophis eques megalops

Occurs primarily in permanent marshes and streams at middle elevations in central, south-central and southeastern Arizona. This species occurs in the Verde River.


Narrowheaded garter snake Thamnophis rufipunctatus

Highly aquatic species, associated with riffle/pool complexes of cool, clear, rocky mountain streams. Known at Mormon Pocket on the Verde River and on Oak Creek.


Fish: Desert sucker Catostomus latipinniis

Found in rapids and flowing pools of streams and rivers primarily over bottoms of gravel-rubble with sandy silt in the interstices. Elevational range from 480 to 8,840 feet. Adults live in pools, moving at night to swift riffles and runs to feed. Young inhabit riffles throughout the day. Occurs in the Verde River, and Indian Creek, Sycamore Creek, Little Sycamore Creek, and Little Ash Creek (Agua Fria River Basin) on the PNF.


Longfin dace Agosia chrysogaster

This species is wide ranging, from intermittent hot low-desert streams to clear and cool brooks at higher elevations. Commonly found in shallow water habitats. Known in the Verde River and Sycamore, Little Sycamore, Little Ash, Indian, and Cienega creeks on the PNF.


Roundtail chub Gila robusta

Commonly found in pool habitats and near instream cover. Known only in the Verde River on the PNF.


Sonora sucker Catostomus insignis

Commonly found in pool habitats. Known only in the Verde River on the PNF.


Springsnails: Brown springsnail Pyrgulopsis sila

Total range: Endemic to Brown Spring, Yavapai County, northwestern Arizona. Spring is located on private lands. Known only on Prescott NF.


Verde Rim springsnail Pyrgulopsis glandulosa

Total range: Nelson Place Spring complex that form the headwaters of Sycamore Creek, Yavapai County, central Arizona. Known only on Prescott NF.

Suitable habitat is not present. The project scope will have no affect on the species

Mammals: Pale Townsend’s big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens

Uses abandoned mines for roosting habitat. Suitable roosting habitat is not present. The project scope will have no affect on the species.







Pocketed free-tailed bat Nyctinomops femorosaccus

Arid lower elevations usually around high cliffs and rugged rock outcrops. Roosts in crevices during the day may also use human built structures (HDMS). May occur in Yavapai county.

Suitable roosting habitat is not present. The project scope will have no affect on the species.

Western red bat Lasiurus blossevillii

This species is associated with broad-leaf deciduous riparian forests and woodlands. Roosts by day in trees. Suitable habitat may occur along the Verde River. Red bats feed on moths. (HDMS)

Suitable roosting habitat is not present. The project scope will have no affect on the species.

Plains harvest mouse Reithrodontomys montanus

These mice appear to prefer climax, or nearly climax, well-drained grassland. Known from the Chino, Skull, and Verde valleys (Hoffmeister).

Suitable habitat is not present. The project scope will have no affect on the species

Reptiles: Morafka’s desert tortoise Gopherus morafkaii (Sonoran POP)

The Sonoran population of the desert tortoise occurs primarily on rocky slopes and bajadas of Mojave and Sonoran desertscrub. Caliche caves in incised, cut banks of washes (arroyos) are also used for shelter sites. Shelter sites are rarely found in shallow soils. (HDMS)


Plants: Arizona phlox Phlox amabilis

Endemic to north central and eastern AZ 4790-6900 ft elevation. Open, exposed, limestone-rocky slopes within pinyon-juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine-gambel oak communities. Known to occur on Chino Valley RD.


Broad-leafed lupine Lupinus latifolius spp leucanthus

Habitat: Mostly restricted to Santa Maria and Bradshaw Mountains. Moist places in woods, shady to open areas, many plant communities between 4800 and 7000', coast to montane coniferous forest. Only known on Prescott NF.


Cochise sedge Carex ultra (= C. spissa var. ultra)

This plant grows in saturated soil near perennial seeps, streams, and springs. Also on: Coc, Cor, Ton NFs


Eastwood alum root Heuchera eastwoodiae

Heuchera eastwoodiae is known only from central Arizona and is found on moist slopes in ponderosa pine forests and canyons.


Flagstaff beardtongue Penstemon nudiflorus

This plant is restricted to small scattered limestone and sandstone outcrops of relatively undisturbed habitat sat elevations arranging from 4,500 to 7,000 ft. Associated vegetation includes ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, blue grama, and alligator juniper. Responded well to low intensity fire.


Flagstaff pennyroyal Hedeoma diffusum

This species is endemic to Northern Arizona and is found on the Coconino and Prescott National Forests. It grows primarily on dolomitic limestone outcrops or soils derived from dolomitic limestone. However, it has been found on sandstone in Prescott National forest. Known to occur in Sycamore Canyon on Chino Valley RD.


Greene milkweed Asclepias uncialis spp. uncialis

Broad range but is always rare and has small populations. Reported to prefer stable climax or near climax plains grassland communities. Reported to no tolerate competition from weedy annuals.








Heathleaf wild buckwheat Eriogonum ericifolium var. ericifolium

This species is known only from northern and central Arizona on the Coconino and Prescott National Forests. The type specimen for this species was collected near Fort Whipple, which is now Prescott in 1865. It also occurs in the Verde basin northwest of Clarkdale. The plant is restricted to a limestone substrate described as white or chalky gray and powdery, which is an old lakebed deposit.


Hualapai milkwort Polygala rusbyi

This species is known only from northern and central Arizona on the Coconino and Prescott National Forests. The species is known only from central Arizona at elevations of 5000 to 6500 feet. Habitat given on a specimen in 1985 was on the Verde formation with Canotia and Juniper as associated plants. This location was a few miles northeast of Cottonwood, Arizona. Other locations include areas around Camp Verde and Montezuma Well National Monument.


Mearns sage Salvia dorii spp. mearnsii

Endemic to central Arizona in portions of Yavapai and Coconino counties. Occurs at elevations of approximately 3,120 to 5,120 feet in open desertscrub or pinyon-juniper woodland with sparse vegetative cover. Occurs on powdery gypseous limestone soils of Tertiary lakebed deposits and on red-brown clay and sandy soil of the Supai/Hermit Formation. Known from the Verde Valley, Sedona, and along Oak Creek.


Metcalfe’s tick-trefoil Desmodium metcalfei

oak/ pinyon woodlands (NM Rare Plant book) Suitable habitat is not present. The project scope will have no affect on the species.

Mt. Dellenbaugh sandwort Arenaria aberrans

This species is known only from northern and north-central Arizona. The type specimen is from Mount Dellanbaugh north of Grand Canyon. The habitat for this species is meadows within oak and pine forests at elevations between 5500 - 9000 feet.


Phillips agave Agave phillipsiana

Sandy to gravelly places with desert scrub (FNA), associated with archaeological sites


Ripley wild buckwheat Eriogonum ripleyi

This species is known only from northern and central Arizona on the Coconino and Prescott National Forests. This species occurs on sandy-clay to gravelly, rocky, medium textured soils on sandstone bedrock; and on white calcareous soil of tertiary lakebed deposits. It is found in the creosote community of the Sonoran desert shrub and pinyon-juniper woodland of Great Basin conifer woodland. The elevation range of this species is 2,000 to 6,000 feet. Known to occur on the Chino Valley RD.


Rock fleabane Erigeron saxatalis

This species is known only from northern and central Arizona on the Coconino, Kaibab and Prescott National Forests. The habitat is canyon walls with moist north-facing slopes between 4400 and 7000 feet.








Tonto Basin agave Agave delamateri

This species is often found in association with archeological features, including multi-room foundations, check dams and alignments. It is usually found on the tops of benches, edges of slopes, and on gentle slopes overlooking major drainages and perennial streams. Sonoran desert scrub 2800-3400 ft.


********************************************************************************************************************

Environmental Consequences: Species:

a) Affected environment within the project area: The vegetation and existing disturbance along the highway ROW corridor in the affected environment do not provide any suitable habitat for Regional Forester sensitive species.

b) Proposed Action: a. Direct & Indirect effects: No affect. b. Cumulative effects: No affect.

c) No Action: a. Direct & Indirect effects: No affect. b. Cumulative effects: No affect.

∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ J – Regional Forester Sensitive species – Biological Evaluation & determinations of effects: The purpose of this biological evaluation is to document the determination of effects of the proposed action, the no action, and other action alternatives on Regional Forester sensitive plant and animal species.

Based on the effects analyses above, � I find that this project is not likely to trend toward listing any Regional Forester

sensitive species on the Prescott National Forest.

Signatures: Prepared by:

3-26-12

Stephanie Treptow Date Senior Consultant EnviroSystems Management Inc. Reviewed by:

March 26, 2012





************************************************************************************************* J – Management Indicator Species analysis: The purpose of this report is to disclose the impacts to PNF Management Indicator Species (MIS). For MIS, effects to habitat may be used as a proxy for effects to MIS. Forest level population trends for MIS were discussed in Forest Level Analysis of MIS for the PNF, October 2010. Monitoring of game species populations such as mule deer and pronghorn is conducted by the AGFD. This project analysis assesses the impacts of this project to the habitat quantity and quality within the project area and effects to forest-wide habitat and population trends.

Table 6. Forest Plan Management Indicator Species. Species Common name Scientific Name



Birds: Turkey Meleagris gallopavo

This is a MIS for late seral stage ponderosa pine vegetation type. Population trend - Increasing

Suitable habitat is not present.

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Nests locally in coniferous forests of the mountains and high mesas in the northeastern half of Arizona. This is a MIS for late seral stage ponderosa pine vegetation type. Goshawk PFAs occur in Prescott Basin, from Campwood west and north toward Apache Creek Wilderness and on Mingus Mountain. Population Trend - Decreasing


Hairy woodpecker Picoides villosus

This is the MIS for snag component in ponderosa pine vegetation type. Population trend - Stable


Pygmy nuthatch Sitta pygmaea

This is a MIS for late seral stage ponderosa pine vegetation type. Population trend - Stable


Juniper (Plain) titmouse Baeolophus ridgwayi

This is the MIS for late seral pinyon juniper and for the snag component in pinyon juniper. Population trend - Decreasing


Spotted (Rufous-sided) towhee Pipilo maculatus

This is the MIS for late seral stage chaparral vegetation type. Population trend - Decreasing

Suitable habitat is present.

Lucy’s warbler Vermivora luciae

This is the MIS for late seral riparian habitat. It is a secondary cavity nester. This species may occur along the Verde River. Population trend - Increasing


Mammals: Antelope Antilocapra americana

This is the MIS for early and late seral stage grassland/desert shrub vegetation types. Population trend - Declining








Abert squirrel Sciurus aberti

This is the MIS for early seral stage ponderosa pine vegetation type. Population trend - Stable.

Suitable habitat is not present. .

Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus

This is the MIS for early seral stage pinyon-juniper and chaparral vegetation types. Population trend - Decreasing


Aquatic Invertebrates: Macroinvertebrates

This is the MIS for late seral riparian and aquatic habitats. Population trend - stable


Environmental effects relative to MIS: The affected environment does not provide any

habitat for MIS except for the Spotted (Rufous-sided) towhee due to lack of riparian areas within the project and incorrect vegetation communities. The spotted (Rufous-sided) towhee will have a marginal loss of roadside habitat within the project area; however this habitat is also widely abundant in areas directly adjacent to the project area.

Vegetation type Forestwide Acres Project Acres Project % of Forest Wide

Ponderosa pine 115,535 0 0%

Pinyon/juniper 683,795 0 0%

Chaparral 304,780 16.54 0.005%

Grassland/Desert scrub 240,580 0 0%

Riparian & aquatic 17,160 0 0% TOTAL ACRES 1,372,053

1 16.54 0.005%

Species – vegetation type – seral stage:

a) Affected environment within the project area: Late seral stage Interior Chaparral biotic community (Brown 1994).

b) Proposed Action: a. Project level habitat quantity and quality: Interior Chaparral (Brown 1994), 0.005%

loss of forest wide total. No discernible change in habitat quantity or quality from this project.

b. Forest level habitat trend: no change for any MIS c. Forest level population trend: no change for any MIS

c) No Action: a. Project level habitat quantity and quality: Interior Chaparral (Brown 1994), forest wide

habitat quantity and quality will remain the same. b. Forest level habitat trend: no change for any MIS c. Forest level population trend: no change for any MIS

1 Acre estimates include private land inholdings.




******************************************************************************************************************** Literature cited:

Brown, D.E. 1994. Biotic Communities of the Southwest. Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. University of Arizona Press, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ehrlich, Paul R., D. S. Dobkin, and D. Wheye. 1988. The birder’s handbook: a field guide to the natural history of North American birds. Simon & Schuster Inc. 785p.

Hoffmeister, D.F. 1986. Mammals of Arizona. The University of Arizona Press. 602p.

Latta, M.J., C.J. Beardmore, and T.E. Corman. 1999. Arizona Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan. Version 1.0. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Technical Report 142. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona.

USDA Forest Service. 2010. Prescott National Forest. Forest Level Analysis of Management Indicator Species (MIS) for the Prescott National Forest, 2009 update. October 2010.

******************************************************************************************************************** References: AGFD HDMS web page: http://www.azgfd.com/pdfs/wildlife_conservation/hdms/COUNTY%20SPEC%20STAT%20LIST.pdf NMDGF BISON web page: http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/index.htm The Birds of North America, Cornell Lab of Ornithology http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna

Arizona Department of Water Resources http://www.azwater.gov/AzDWR/StatewidePlanning/WaterAtlas/CentralHighlands/Water/AguaFria.htm




APPENDIX A FEDERALLY LISTED PLANTS AND ANIMALS

OF THE PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST January 2012

Scientific name Common name ESA Status Migratory Bird status

Birds:

Empidonax traillii extimus

Southwestern willow flycatcher E PIF

Strix occidentalis lucida Mexican spotted owl T PIF Coccyzus americanus occidentalis

Western yellow-billed cuckoo C BOCC/PIF

Fish:

Gila intermedia Gila chub E NA Poeciliposis occidentalis occidentalis

Gila topminnow E NA

Ptychocheilus lucius Colorado pikeminnow E, EXPN NA Xyrauchen texanus Razorback sucker E NA Meda fulgida Spikedace T NA Oncorhynchus gilae

Gila Trout T

NA

Tiaroga cobitis Loach Minnow T NA Reptiles: Gopherus morafkaii Morafka’s desert tortoise C NA Critical Habitats:

Strix occidentalis lucida Mexican spotted owl Empidonax traillii extimus Southwestern willow flycatcher Gila intermedia Gila chub Meda fulgida Spikedace Xyrauchen texanus Razorback sucker Tiaroga cobitis Loach Minnow

* Status Definitions: ♦ E Listed Endangered under the ESA: Any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion

of its range. (Appendix A)

♦ T Listed Threatened under the ESA: Any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. (Appendix A)

♦ C Candidates are those species for which the Fish and Wildlife Service has enough information on file to propose listing as threatened or endangered, but listing has been precluded by other agency priorities.

♦ EXPN Experimental population, non-essential

♦ BCC Birds of Conservation Concern – FWS National Priority List

♦ PIF Partners in Flight priority bird species (Latta, 1999) Federally listed species on the USFWS website for Yavapai County that have no record of occurring on the PNF:

Z Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) – DM, Endangered

Z Page springsnail (Pyrgulopsis morrisoni) – Candidate

Z Lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae) - Endangered

Z Chiricahua leopard frog (Lithobates chiricahuensis) – Threatened (Sredl, 2003) Federally listed species previously listed for the PNF that do not occur on the PNF:

Z Desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularis macularis) - Endangered

Z Woundfin (Plagopterus argentissimus) - Endangered

Z Arizona cliffrose (Purshia subintegra) – Endangered

Sredl, M. 2003. Personal communication between M. Sredl, AG&FD, and Mike Leonard, PNF, on March 3, 2003.




APPENDIX B REGIONAL FORESTER'S SENSITIVE ANIMAL AND PLANT

SPECIES LIST FOR THE PRESCOTT NF

ANIMALS: Birds Migratory bird status Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle BOCC Accipiter gentilis Northern goshawk BOCC, PIF Buteogallus anthracinus Common black hawk BOCC, PIF Falco peregrinus American peregrine falcon BOCC Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Western yellow-billed cuckoo BOCC, PIF Pipilo aberti Abert’s towhee Amphibians & aquatic reptiles Anaxyrus (Bufo) microscaphus Arizona Toad Lithobates (Rana) yavapaiensis Lowland leopard frog Thamnophis eques megalops Mexican garter snake Thamnophis rufipunctatus Narrowheaded garter snake Fish Gila robusta Roundtail chub Catostomus clarki Desert sucker Agosia chrysogaster Longfin dace Catostomus insignis Sonora sucker Reptiles Gopherus agassizii Sonoran desert tortoise Snails Pyrgulopsis glandulosa Verde Rim springsnail Pyrgulopsis sila Brown springsnail Mammals Lasiurus blossevillii Western red bat Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Pale Townsend’s big-eared bat Nyctinomops femorosaccus Pocket free-tailed bat Reithrodontomys montanus Plains harvest mouse PLANTS: Agave delamateri Tonto Basin agave Agave phillipsiana Phillips agave Arenaria abberrans Mt. Dellenbaugh sandwort Asclepias incialis ssp. uncialis Greene milkweed Carex ultra (=C.spissa var.ultra) Cochise sedge Desmodium metcalfei Metcalfe’s tick-trefoil Erigeron saxatalis Rock fleabane Eriogonum ericofolium var. ericofolium Heathleaf wild buckwheat Eriogonum ripleyi Ripley wild buckwheat Hedeoma diffusum Flagstaff pennyroyal Heuchera eastwoodiae Eastwood alum root Lupinus latifolius spp. leucanthus Broad-leafed lupine Penstemon nudiflorus Flagstaff beardtoungue Phlox amabilis Arizona phlox Polygala rusbyi Hualapai milkwort Salvia dorii spp. mearnsii Mearns sage * Status Definitions: ♦ BOCC Birds of Conservation Concern – FWS National Priority List

♦ PIF Partners in Flight priority bird species (Latta, 1999)




APPENDIX C

Prescott National Forest Management Indicator Species

Excerpted from the FEIS for PNF FLMP, November 1986, Page 95 Pertinent portions of Table 28. Indicator Species

Vegetation

Early Seral Late Seral Snag Component

Ponderosa Pine Abert Squirrel Goshawk (BOCC, PIF) P. Nuthatch Turkey

Hairy Woodpecker

Pinyon Juniper Mule Deer Plain Titmouse (PIF) Plain Titmouse

Chaparral Mule Deer Rufous-Sided Towhee N/A

Grassland/ Desert Shrub

Antelope Antelope N/A

Riparian ---------- Lucy’s Warbler (PIF) N/A

Aquatic ---------- Macroinvertebrates N/A


Management Indicator Species Excerpted from the Forest Level Analysis of Management Indicator Species (MIS) for

the Prescott National Forest, 2009 update. October 2010.

TABLE 9. MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES,

TRENDS (2009 MIS REPORT)

SPECIES HABITAT POPULATION TREND

Turkey Ponderosa pine, late seral Increasing

Goshawk Ponderosa pine, late seral Decreasing

Hairy woodpecker

Ponderosa pine, snags Stable

Pygmy nuthatch Ponderosa pine, late seral Stable

Tassel-eared squirrel Ponderosa pine, early seral Stable

Juniper (Plain) titmouse

Pinyon/juniper snags Decreasing

Mule deer Pinyon/juniper/chaparral, early seral

Decreasing

Pronghorn antelope

Grassland, desert shrub Declining

Spotted (Rufous-sided) towhee

Chaparral, late seral Decreasing

Lucy’s warbler

Riparian, late seral Increasing

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Riparian, aquatic, late seral Stable

* Status Definitions: ♦ BOCC Birds of Conservation Concern – FWS National Priority List

♦ PIF Partners in Flight priority bird species (Latta, 1999)




APPENDIX D – MAPS




APPENDIX E – Glossary of terms and Definitions

Wildlife, Fish, and Rare Plant Specialist Report: The purpose of this report is to document the effects of the proposed action and the alternatives on plant and terrestrial animal species that have the following status: Federally listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) – Critical habitat

Specific geographic areas, whether occupied by a listed species or not, that are essential for its conservation and that have been formally designated by rule published in the Federal Register.

Endangered species An animal or plant species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range

Threatened species An animal or plant species likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range

Proposed species A species of animal or plant that is proposed in the Federal Register to be listed under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act

Candidate species Candidates are those species for which the Fish and Wildlife Service has enough information on file to propose listing as threatened or endangered, but listing has been precluded by other agency priorities.

Protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act 1940: This report assesses if the project is in compliance with the Eagle Act and determines whether the project will “take” an eagle, bald or golden.

Migratory birds - In accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), EO (Executive Order) 13186, and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed December 2008, this project was evaluated for its effects on migratory birds.

Regional Forester’s Sensitive (FSM 2670.5) – Sensitive Species

Those plant and animal species identified by a regional forester for which population viability is a concern, as evidenced by:

a. Significant current or predicted downward trends in population numbers or density.

b. Significant current or predicted downward trends in habitat capability that would reduce a species' existing distribution.

Prescott National Forest Management Indicator Species (MIS) – Management Indicator Species

These are species that were identified to monitor the conditions of the environment (PNF LRMP 1986).

Documents

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