West Mojave Plan FEIR/S - Desert Managers Group

3.3.8.8 Kern BuckwheatLife History: Kern buckwheat is found on ridge tops in poorly draining depressions inwhite bentonite clay soils thought to be from volcanic ash. These depressions have pebbles,gravel and rock cemented into the soil surface.Population Status in the Planning Area: All of the known populations are within theplanning area. There are two to four populations on public land and one or two on private land.All are located in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in Kern County either west of MiddleKnob and south of Pine Tree Canyon, or on Sweet Ridge. There are four populations east ofSand Canyon described as follows:• Population A - "Near" Zond Windfarms transmitting Station; a 2-5 acre site in a basinbelow the station.• Population B - On Zond property; a 1 acre site, bisected by the road.• Population C - On BLM managed land ca. 1/2 mile south of population B; a 2-3 acre site,bisected by the road.• Population D - On BLM managed land about 3 miles south of population C; perhaps 4 to5 acres.Regulatory Status: BLM SensitiveThreats Affecting the Kern Buckwheat: Maintenance of wind energy facilities poses athreat to this species. Other potential threats are off highway vehicle (OHV) use, futureconstruction and grazing.3.3.8.9 Lane Mountain MilkvetchLife History: Lane Mountain milkvetch is an herbaceous perennial that grows up withina host plant, which it uses for support. Plants occur on granitic substrates with shallow soils.Population Status in the Planning Area: The Lane Mountain milkvetch is a very localendemic species found primarily on public and military land. Its entire known range is withinthe western Mojave Desert between Goldstone and Barstow, San Bernardino County, in an areano more than 13 miles in diameter.In 2001 and 2002 the Army conducted extensive surveys for Lane mountain milkvetchand found four primary population areas. These are found on public (BLM) lands, on Fort IrwinNational Training Center, at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, and onprivate lands on the Coolgardie Mesa. The Fort Irwin population is fenced, and most trainingactivities take place outside the fence.Chapter 3 3-189