Draft EIS_072312.pdf - Middle Fork American River Project ...

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Species Name Status Habitat Occurrence Notes
Reptiles
Western pond turtle
(Actinemys
marmorata)
FSS
CSC
Perennial wetlands and slowmoving
creeks and ponds with
overhanging vegetation up to
6,000 feet; suitable basking sites
such as logs and rocks above the
waterline.
Although species-specific surveys were not conducted
for reptiles, western pond turtles were observed during
other field surveys. Suitable habitat was recorded
during other aquatic amphibian and fish surveys.
Several off-channel pond and wetland habitats were
identified during California red-legged frog surveys.
Potential nesting habitat occurs along bypassed and
peaking river reaches, but nesting habitat on project
reservoirs was limited due to steep slopes, vegetation,
and rocky soils.
During amphibian and fish relicensing surveys, six
western pond turtles were observed in the Middle Fork
American River or tributaries downstream of Ralston
afterbay (peaking reach), including two hatchlings in
Otter Creek and two in the North Fork American
River.