Chapters 1 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Environmental Consequences
5.5.3.4 Effects to Salt Marsh Bird’s-Beak
Wildlife and Habitat Management
Under Alternative C, potential sites for the establishment of one or more populations of the salt
marsh bird’s-beak would be evaluated during the development of restoration plans for the area
north of Case Road Pond, as well as for the area along the western edge of the Refuge. If
appropriate locations are identified in one or both of these areas, actions to establish salt marsh
bird’s-beak would be initiated. The site would then be monitored for successful germination and
plant development. If seeding is successful and plants produce flowers and set seeds, the site
would be monitored annually to record the size and quality of the population at each site.
Establishment of salt marsh bird’s-beak at this location would represent a benefit to the species.
Pest Management
Herbicides, such as oryzalin (USEPA 1994), that have an acute risk to non-target plants, including
threatened and endangered plants, would not be applied in proximity to any where attempts are
being made to reestablish salt marsh bird’s-beak. Additionally, implementation of the BMPs
included in the IPM Plan would reduce the potential for unintended impacts to this species as a
result of herbicide use on the Refuge.
If salt marsh bird’s-beak is reestablished on the Refuge, the SUP prepared for annual mosquito
monitoring and control would prohibit access to those areas where salt marsh bird’s-beak is
present. This would avoid any potential direct impacts to the species.
Public Use
Currently, no salt marsh bird’s-beak is present on the Refuge; therefore, no adverse or beneficial
effects to this species would result from the expanded public use program proposed under
Alternative C. If establishment of this species on the Refuge is successful, appropriate measures
would be implemented to keep the public out of areas where these plants are present.
5.5.3.5 Effects to Eastern Pacific Green Turtles
Wildlife and Habitat Management
Incorporation of the measures described in Section 5.5.1.5 into the scope of the restoration and
enhancement projects proposed under Alternative C would minimize the potential for impacts to
sea turtles.
Pest Management
Implementation of the BMPs included in the IPM and Mosquito Management Plans would
minimize the potential for impacts to sea turtles.
Public Use
No adverse or beneficial effects to Pacific green sea turtle would result from the public use
program carried out under Alternative B.
5.5.3.6 Effects to Belding’s Savannah Sparrow
Wildlife and Habitat Management
The effects to the Belding’s savannah sparrow of implementing the actions described in
Alternatives A and B would also be realized under Alternative C. Implementation of actions to
protect other species, such as removing the drop tower and improving the quality of the cordgrass
habitat on the Refuge, would occur outside of the breeding season and would be implemented in a
manner that would minimize impacts to existing native habitat. No significant adverse effects to
the Belding’s savannah sparrow are anticipated as a result of implementing these actions.
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 5-65