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

20120723-4002 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 07/23/2012
risk. Construction and staging areas for modification of existing facilities or construction
of new facilities would be located in already disturbed, graveled, or paved areas.
3.3.4 Threatened and Endangered Species
3.3.4.1 Affected Environment
During relicensing studies, a list of potentially occurring threatened and
endangered species was developed in consultation with the agencies. In total, one
federally listed plant species, one listed invertebrate, one federally listed amphibian
species, and one mammal that is a candidate for listing potentially occur in the vicinity of
the project.
Layne’s Ragwort
Layne’s ragwort (Senecio layneae, also known as Layne’s butterweed) is a
perennial herb in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is listed as federally threatened,
state-listed as rare, and a CRPR 1B.2 (rare, threatened, or endangered in California and
elsewhere; fairly endangered in California). Layne’s ragwort is endemic to California
and found in Butte, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Tuolumne, and Yuba Counties. It
blooms from April through August. Layne’s ragwort typically occurs in chaparral and
cismontane woodland on rocky, gabbroic, or serpentine soils in elevations ranging from
650 to 3,300 feet. Based on habitat preferences, Layne’s ragwort has the potential to
occur within the vicinity of the project; however, this species was not observed during the
relicensing special-status plant surveys.
Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle
The valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmorcerus californicus dimorphus) is
federally listed as threatened under the ESA. There is no FWS-designated critical habitat
for valley elderberry longhorn beetle within the project (45 FR 52803). The valley
elderberry longhorn beetle is associated with various species of elderberry (Sambucus
spp.) throughout the Central Valley and foothills below 3,000 foot elevation. During the
terrestrial, aquatic, and riparian relicensing surveys, blue elderberry was documented at
North Fork Long Canyon Creek, below the diversion (at about 4,600 foot elevation).
This species is unlikely to occur within the project because relicensing surveys did not
document elderberry shrubs on project lands below 3,000 feet in elevation.
California Red-legged Frog
The California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) is federally listed as threatened
under the ESA, and is also a California species of special concern. There is no FWS
designated critical habitat for California red-legged frog in the immediate vicinity of the
project. The closest critical habitat units are the ELD-1 unit, in El Dorado County about
30 miles south of the project, and the NEV-1 unit, in Nevada County about 40 miles to
the northwest of the project.
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