West Mojave Plan FEIR/S - Desert Managers Group

the MGS is restricted to about 7,000 mi 2 . The literature indicates that this is the smallestrange for any full species of mammal in the United States.Although it is not possible to produce a relatively accurate range map for the MGS, thisproblem is somewhat alleviated by available data. Several different studies corroboratethe hypothesis that the MGS is a generalist, equally likely to occur in creosote bush scrubas in saltbush scrub. Its distribution is likely restricted by elevation limits (i.e., probablynot above about 5,600 feet) and geomorphologic factors (i.e., absent from non-vegetatedplaya surfaces, and likely less common on steep, rugged terrain, although young MGSmay disperse through such areas).Implications for Conservation Strategy: Given this lack of information, any conservationstrategy must necessarily rely on protecting as much quality habitat within the range as possible,regardless of current occupancy. Available data suggest that local MGS populations follow a“boom and bust” cycle, where they expand into habitats when conditions are favorable, andshrink back into core areas when conditions are less favorable, particularly when conditions suchas drought occur over a several-year period. Therefore, one critical difference betweenconservation of the tortoise and that of the MGS is that proactive conservation measures for theMGS must be applied to its habitat; they cannot be applied to animals only, and still succeed.MGS conservation requires that a substantial portion of its known range is protected to allow fornatural fluctuations in local and regional populations in response to climatic factors, particularlywetter and drier conditions.3.3.3.6 Regulatory Protection of the Mohave Ground SquirrelAs a State-listed species with no federal status, there is limited regulatory protection forthe MGS compared to the tortoise. For example, although tortoise management programs atEdwards AFB and China Lake minimize habitat loss and degradation of MGS habitat, the AirForce and Navy are not obligated to manage the installations to preserve State-listed species.The CDFG has no habitat designation that is analogous to federally designated critical habitat.Even so, CDFG works closely with county and city jurisdictions to ensure that habitatsare assessed for potential impacts to the MGS. CDFG is also given the opportunity to reviewbase management plans for the three installations within the known range. Currently, privateproponents must trap a proposed development site to confirm absence of the MGS, or assumepresence, obtain a 2081 incidental take permit, and mitigate and compensate accordingly.MGS also receives protection in several existing parks, wilderness areas, and BLMcrucial habitat areas within the known range. These areas are managed in such a way that one ormore known impacts to squirrels and habitats is somewhat minimized. For example, none of theareas discussed below is likely to be developed for either urban or agricultural uses. These landsconstitute the most protected areas (outside military installations) within the known range.However, none of them is completely isolated from potential impacts to squirrels and habitateither. These areas include the following:Chapter 3 3-167