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Sacramento Municipal Utility District Upper American River Project

FERC Project No. 2101

UARP License Application PDEA 5 – Environmental Consequences 06/17/2005 Copyright © 2005 Sacramento Municipal Utility District Page 5-245

5.3.5 Wildlife Resources

The wildlife resources that could potentially be affected by the Proposed Action include the terrestrial invertebrates and reptiles, birds, and mammals in the UARP area. This section first describes the affected environment, detailing the state of the various species in the UARP area, which forms the baseline for the discussion of the effects of the Proposed Action. Effects on the valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus; VELB) and bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are discussed in Section 5.3.6 (Threatened and Endangered Species).

This section also analyzes the environmental effects of the Proposed Action. It first looks at the effects to the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis), waterfowl, and other birds and concludes that operations, maintenance, and recreation will have a less-than-significant effect on these species. Second, electrocution and collision effects are considered and also found to be less-than-significant as there is no available evidence of bird mortality and the majority of SMUD’s electric transmission and distribution system generally meets APLIC standards. In addition, SMUD considered the effects of the Proposed Action on mammals and again found less-than-significant effects to these resources. Lastly the effects of the construction and operation of the Iowa Hill Development on terrestrial wildlife resources were evaluated and found to be less-than-signicant.

5.3.5.1 Pertinent Technical Reports

For the purpose of the UARP relicensing, SMUD prepared 18 technical reports that pertain to wildlife resources. These are:

• Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle Technical Report (DTA 2004w) – This report provides results of surveys for elderberry (Sambucus spp.), obligate host plant for the federally-listed threatened VELB at project areas other than the Iowa Hill Development. Details of this study are addressed in Section 5.3.6, Threatened and Endangered Species.

• Waterfowl Nesting Habitat Technical Report (DTA 2004y) – This report describes waterfowl observations and habitat assessments conducted during 2002 and 2003 at UARP reservoirs with an emphasis on Union Valley and Gerle Creek reservoirs. Union Valley Reservoir was emphasized because it has the greatest amount of annual fluctuation in water levels of the UARP reservoirs, the most miles of shoreline and therefore the greatest potential for effects to nesting waterfowl. Gerle Creek Reservoir was emphasized because it provides shallow and deep-water habitat and experiences daily fluctuations that may affect nesting habitat suitability. Potential nesting and foraging habitats for waterfowl at Union Valley Reservoir were characterized and monitored throughout the range of reservoir levels in effect during the 2002 and 2003 nesting seasons. Sites were visited at least once each month between April and July and photographs were taken at fixed stations to document changes in habitat relative to reservoir levels. Habitat conditions were also evaluated qualitatively at other project reservoirs with consideration given to size, depth, and shape of reservoir; availability and structures of nesting cover/substrate; availability of forage; and proximity of

Sacramento Municipal Utility District Upper American River Project FERC Project No. 2101

PDEA 5 – Environmental Consequences UARP License Application 06/17/2005 Page 5-246 Copyright © 2005 Sacramento Municipal Utility District

disturbances. Potential habitats were inspected for evidence of nesting and foraging activity. To determine waterfowl availability as a prey resource for bald eagles, visual estimates of waterfowl abundance were also conducted periodically at other project reservoirs within the Crystal Basin. For purposes of this study, “waterfowl” refers to water-dependent species within the following avian families: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Swans), Gaviidae (Loons), Pelicanidae (Pelicans), and Podicipedidae (Grebes).

• Bald Eagle and Osprey Technical Report (DTA 2004a) – This report provides results of intensive monitoring of bald eagle and incidental observations of osprey nesting activity within the UARP area during 2002-2004. The bald eagle monitoring component of this study is summarized in Section 5.3.6, Threatened and Endangered Species. Incidental observations of osprey nesting activity are reported below.

• Northern Goshawk Technical Report (DTA 2004s) – This report provides the results of surveys for northern goshawk and a spatial analysis of Protected Activity Centers (PACs) relative to project facilities. The study area included all suitable habitat above 2,500 feet elevation (e.g., above Camino Powerhouse) and within 0.25-mile of project facilities. Study methods conformed to Survey Methodology for Northern Goshawks in the Pacific Southwest Region, U.S. Forest Service (pgs. 1-18, USDA Forest Service 2000). Broadcast Acoustical Surveys at 83 call points were conducted during the nestling and fledgling periods each year in 2002 and 2003.

• California Spotted Owl Technical Report (DTA 2004e) – This report provides the results of surveys for California spotted owl and a spatial analysis of PACs relative to project facilities. The study area included all suitable habitat above 1,000 feet elevation (e.g., above White Rock Powerhouse) and within 0.25-mile of UARP facilities. Study methods conformed to Survey Methodologies for Spotted Owls in Proposed Management Activity Areas and Habitat Conservation Areas, U.S. Forest Service (pgs. 1-19, USDA Forest Service 1993). Three complete broadcast call surveys at 18 call points were conducted in 2002 and 2003.

• Bird-Powerline Associations Technical Report (DTA 2004c) – This report compared the existing design specifications of the UARP electric transmission line to the standards and guidelines developed by the Avian Powerline Interaction Committee (APLIC) for the protection of birds from electrocutions and collisions. As of this writing, the key standard for avoidance of bird electrocutions is to achieve a minimum spacing of 60 inches between energized hardware or between energized hardware and a grounding source (pg. 48, APLIC 1996). The key management options for minimizing risk of collision mortality are avoidance of major bird flight paths, marking of lines to increase their visibility to birds, and removal of overhead ground wires (Chapter V, APLIC 1994).

• Willow Flycatcher Nesting Habitat Technical Report (DTA 2004z) – This report provides the results of surveys for little willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii brewsteri) and an assessment of potential habitat within the project area. Habitat surveyed was identified in collaboration with the ENF, Pacific Ranger District, and included three meadow




complexes at the northwest side of Union Valley Reservoir and a small complex at the upper end of Rubicon Reservoir. Study methodologies followed standard protocols (pgs. 1-23, Bombay et al. 2000). Broadcast call surveys for willow flycatcher and nesting habitat assessments were conducted at Union Valley Reservoir and Rubicon Reservoir in 2002.

• Bats Technical Report (DTA 2004b) – This report provides the results of surveys for bats conducted during 2002 and 2003 for relicensing of the project. Trapping using mist nets and acoustic surveys using AnaBat II were conducted at 19 locations in the study area from July 15-25, 2002 and on August 13-14, 2003. Captured bats were identified as to species, sex, age, length, weight, and examined for reproductive status. To facilitate species identification, echolocation calls were made of foraging bats near trap sites and of captured bats upon their release (i.e., voucher calls). Roost inspections were conducted at 43 project facilities, developed recreation facilities, and non-project bridges.

• Mesocarnivores Technical Report (DTA 2004q) – This report addresses the spatial relationship between suitable habitat and project facilities for four species of mesocarnivores of particular interest to project stakeholders: Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator), American marten (Martes americana), fisher (Martes pennanti), and California wolverine (Gulo gulo luteus). The report includes Geographic Information System (GIS) maps that delineate the gross distribution of suitable habitat above 4,000 feet elevation and within 0.5-mile of UARP facilities as per the study plan. The report also includes a general description of standard project operation and maintenance activities, including helicopter flights into Desolation Wilderness.

• Black Bear Technical Report (DTA 2004d) – This report describes the results of an evaluation of the potential effects of the project on black bear (Ursus americanus). SMUD met with bear experts from the CDFG to determine if this agency, which has responsibility for managing black bear populations in California, had any concerns with project-related effects of winter recreation on denning bears.

• Mule Deer Technical Report (DTA 2004r) – This report provides the results of an evaluation of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) habitat and potential impediments to deer migration and movements relative to the project. The spatial relationship of project facilities and the summer range, winter range, fawning habitat, holding areas, and general migration corridors of the Pacific Deer Herd (pgs. 8-16, Hinz 1981) were delineated on GIS maps. The Gerle Canal and ditch below the Rockbound Tunnel were evaluated for their potential to entrap and drown deer, availability of suitable crossings, and reasonable opportunities for deer and other wildlife to escape these conveyances. Aboveground penstocks were evaluated to identify locations that may impede mule deer movements using a 24-inch clearance standard as the height necessary for deer to pass unimpeded beneath penstocks. Road kill mortality along Ice House Road was evaluated using returns on survey cards distributed to USFS and SMUD personnel who visit the area frequently and also through a weekly road survey conducted from September 3 to November 18, 2002.



• Iowa Hill Development Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle Technical Report (DTA 2004n) - This report provides results of surveys for elderberry, host plant for VELB, at the new Iowa Hill Development. Details of this study are addressed in Section 5.3.6, Threatened and Endangered Species.

• Iowa Hill Development Bald Eagle Technical Report (DTA 2005a) – This report provides results of surveys for wintering and breeding bald eagles in the vicinity of the proposed Iowa Hill Development during 2004-2005. Details of this report are addressed in Section 5.3.6, Threatened and Endangered Species.

• Iowa Hill Development Northern Goshawk Technical Report (DTA 2004k) – This report provides the results of surveys for northern goshawk and a spatial analysis of PACs relative to the proposed Iowa Hill Development. Study methods conformed to Survey Methodology for Northern Goshawks in the Pacific Southwest Region, U.S. Forest Service (pgs. 1-18, USDA Forest Service 2000). Broadcast Acoustical Surveys at 78 call points were conducted during the nestling and fledgling periods each year in 2004 and 2005.

• Iowa Hill Development California Spotted Owl Technical Report (DTA 2004i) – This report provides the results of surveys for California spotted owl and a spatial analysis of PACs relative to the proposed Iowa Hill Development. The study area included all suitable habitat within 1.5 miles of the development as directed by the ENF. Study methods conformed to Survey Methodologies for Spotted Owls in Proposed Management Activity Areas and Habitat Conservation Areas, U.S. Forest Service (pgs. 1-19, USDA Forest Service 1993). Three complete broadcast call surveys at 27 call points were conducted each year in 2004 and 2005.

• Iowa Hill Development Bats Technical Report (DTA 2004h) – This report provides the results of surveys for bats conducted during 2004 at the proposed Iowa Hill Development. Trapping using mist nets and harp traps were conducted at four locations from July 12-15, 2004. Acoustic surveys using AnaBat II were also conducted at one of these locations and recorded sonograms were analyzed for determination of species present.

• Iowa Hill Development Mule Deer Technical Report (DTA 2004j) – This report describes the results of a habitat suitability study for mule deer at the proposed Iowa Hill Development. Vegetation data were collected from 25-foot diameter circular sample plots placed randomly in the study area, including along a preliminary alignment for the appurtenant transmission line, but stratified among cover types. Data recorded included: percent cover and forage value of browse species; herbaceous cover; hiding cover; canopy cover; thermal cover; and evidence of mule deer occurrence.

• Iowa Hill Vegetation Mapping and Wildlife Habitat Characterization Technical Report (DTA 2004o) – This report describes the results of vegetation mapping and characterization of existing wildlife habitats within the proposed Iowa Hill Development



UARP License Application PDEA 5 – Environmental Consequences 06/17/2005 Copyright © 2005 Sacramento Municipal Utility District -249

area including the intake structure, transportation and construction access routes, temporary spoils sites, laydown areas, and a preliminary alignment for the appurtenant transmission line. The study was performed in 2003 and was based on 2002 digitized aerial photos covering nearly 520 acres, intensive field data collection at 45 randomly selected sites, and the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships (CWHR) System software (Version 8).

Each of these technical reports is appended to this PDEA. Key findings from the reports are summarized below.

5.3.5.2 Affected Environment

The project area is comprised of a mosaic of forests, shrublands, grasslands, wetlands, agriculture, and other vegetation cover types ranging in elevation from roughly 6,500 feet at Rubicon Reservoir to less than 450 feet above sea level at Folsom Junction, the terminus of the UARP transmission line. Detailed descriptions of vegetation types within this area are provided in Section 5.3.4. These lands support a diverse terrestrial fauna with an estimated 337 terrestrial wildlife species known or believed to occur in the vicinity of the project based on a compilation of the following sources:

• CWHR System (CDFG 2004) • California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) (CDFG 2004) • ENF Land and Resource Management Plan (pgs. 3-136 to 3-142 and Appendix H, USDA

Forest Service 1988) • Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (pgs. 134-172, USDA Forest Service 2004) • Regional field guides (Burt and Grossenheider 1964, Ingles 1965, Sibley 2000, Stebbins

1966) • Consultations with resource agency biologists, and observations by wildlife specialists

engaged in relicensing studies.

Eighty-six of the estimated 337 terrestrial species that may occur in the project area are afforded one or more special-status12 designations, not including hunted species (Table 5.3.5-1).

Table 5.3.5-1. Special-status terrestrial wildlife species known or with the potential to occur within the Upper American River Project area. (Asterisk [*] indicates species observed during relicensing studies)

Common Name (Scientific Name) Status Designations1 Valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus)

FT

California horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum frontale) FSC, CSC, CP Common loon (Gavia immer)* FSC, CSC, MNBMC American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)* CSC Double-crested cormorant (Plalacrocorax auritus) * CSC

12 The term "special status" as used in this document refers to species that are believed to be either imperiled (e.g., threatened, endangered, species of concern) or have a management designation (i.e., management indicator species). See the legend on Table 5.3.5-1 for a description of special-status designations used in the text.




Common Name (Scientific Name) Status Designations1 Great egret (Ardea alba) * CDFS Snowy egret (Egretta thula) FSC, USBC Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) * CDFS Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) FSC, CSC, BLMS Barrow’s goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) CSC Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) * CSC, CDFS White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) * FSC, FP, MNBMC Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)* FTPD, CE, MIS, FP, CDFS Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus)* CSC Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus)* CSC Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperi)* CSC Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)* FSC, CSC, FSS, MIS, CDFS, MNBMC Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) FSC, CT, FSS, USBC, Audubon-Y Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) FSC, CSC, MNBMC, BLMS, Audubon-Y Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)* CSC, FP, BLMS, CDFS Merlin (Falco columbarius) CSC American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) FSC, CE, FP, MNBMC, MIS, FSS, CDFS Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus)* CSC Mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus)* MIS, Audubon-Y Blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)* Audubon-Y Greater sandhill crane (Grus canadensis tabida)* CT, FP, FSS Mountain plover (Charadrius montanus) FSC, CSC, MNBMC, USBC, Audubon-R Long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus) FSC, CSC, MNBMC, USBC, Audubon-R California gull (Larus californicus)* CSC Black tern (Chlidonias niger) FSC, CSC, MNBMC Western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis)

FC, CE, FSS, MNBMC

Band-tailed pigeon (Columba fasciata)* Audubon-Y Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) FSC, CSC, BLMS, MNBMC California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis)* FSC, CSC, FSS, MIS, MNBMC, BLMS, USBC,

Audubon-R Great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) CE, FSS, CDFS Flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus)* FSC, Audubon-Y Long-eared owl (Asio otus) CSC Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) CSC, MNBMC, USBC, Audubon-Y Black swift (Cypseloides niger) FSC, CSC, MNBMC, USBC, Audubon-Y Vaux’s swift (Chaetura vauxi) FSC, CSC, MNBMC White-throated swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)* Audubon-Y Rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) FSC, MNBMC, Audubon-Y Allen’s hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) FSC, MNBMC, USBC, Audubon-Y Calliope hummingbird (Stellula calliope)* Audubon-Y Lewis’ woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis)* FSC, USBC, MNBMC, Audubon-Y Nuttal’s woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii)* FSLC, Audubon-R White-headed woodpecker (Picoides alborlarvatus)* FSC, Audubon-Y Red-breasted sapsucker (Sphyrapicus rubber)* FSC, MNBMC Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)* MIS Olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)* FSC, MNBMC, USBC, Audubon-Y





Common Name (Scientific Name) Status Designations1 Little willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii brewsteri) FSC, CE,FSS, MIS, USBC, Audubon-Y Pacific-slope flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis)* FSC, MNBMC Yellow-billed magpie (Pica nuttalli)* Audubon-Y American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)* FSLC Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) FSC, CSC, MNBMC Oak titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus)* FSC, Audubon-Y Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata) Audubon-Y California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum) FSC, Audubon-Y California horned lark (Eremophila alpestris actia)* CSC Purple martin (Progne subis) CSC Bank swallow (Riparia riparia) FSC, CT Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia brewsteri) CSC Hermit warbler (Dendroica occidentalis)* FSC, Audubon-Y Yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens) CSC, MNBMC Tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) FSC, CSC, MNBMC, USBC, BLMS, Audubon-Y Lawrence’s goldfinch (Carduelis lawrencei) FSC, USBC, MNBMC, Audubon-R Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes)* FSC, BLMS, WBWG Yuma myotis (Myotis yumaensis)* FSC, BLMS Long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis) FSC, BLMS Long-legged myotis (Myotis volans) FSC, BLMS, WBWG Western small-footed myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum) FSC, BLMS Western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii) FSS, WBWG Spotted bat (Euderma maculatum) FSC, CSC, BLMS, WBWG, Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) FSC, CSC, FSS, BLMS, WBWG Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) CSC, FSS, BLMS, WBWG Western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis) FSC, CSC, BLMS, WBWG Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus tahoensis)* FSC, CSC Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica) FSC, CSC Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) CT, FSC, FSS Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) FP Black bear (Ursus americanus)* MIS California wolverine (Gulo gulo luteus) CT, FSC, FSS, FP American marten (Martes americana)* FSC, FSS




Common Name (Scientific Name) Status Designations1 Fisher (Martes pennanti) FSC, CSC, FSS, BLMS Mountain lion (Felis concolor)* CSPM Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)* MIS ¹Status: Audubon = Audubon Watch List species (R = Red List: Declining rapidly, have very small populations and face major

conservation threats; Y = Yellow List: Declining but a slower rate than Red List species. BLMS = Bureau of Land Management Sensitive Species CDFS = California Division of Forestry Sensitive Species

CE = Listed as Endangered under the California Endangered Species Act CP = Reptiles protected under CDFG sport fishing regulations CSC = California Department of Fish and Game Species of Concern CSPM = Specially protected mammal under the California Fish and Game Code CT = Listed as Threatened under the California Endangered Species Act FC = Federal (USFWS) Candidate Species (former Category 1)

FE = Listed as Endangered under the Federal ESA FP = Fully protected species under the California Fish and Game Code FSC = Federal (USFWS-Sacramento Office) Species of Concern FSLC = Federal (USFWS-Sacramento Office) Species of Local Concern FSS = United States Forest Service Sensitive Species FT = Listed as Threatened under Federal ESA FTPD = Listed as Threatened under Federal ESA but proposed for de-listing MIS = U.S. Forest Service Management Indicator Species MNBMC = USFWS designated migratory nongame bird of management concern USBC = United States Bird Conservation Watch List WBWG = Western Bat Working Group designation for high priority bat species

Terrestrial Invertebrates

There is a general lack of site-specific information on species distribution and habitat associations of terrestrial invertebrates for the project area. With respect to insects, there are approximately 100,000 known species in California with about 12 percent endemic to the state, and only about 0.9 percent endemic to the Sierra Nevada (pg. 735, Kimsey 1996). Most Sierran terrestrial endemic insect species belong to the families of wasps and bees (Hymenoptera), and of grasshoppers (Orthoptera). One species, the valley elderberry longhorn beetle (VELB, a coleopteran), is a federally listed threatened species and was of sufficient interest to relicensing participants to warrant a focused study (DTA 2004n and 2004w). The VELB’s obligate host plant, Sambucus spp., occurs within the UARP transmission line corridor as detailed in Section 5.3.6, Threatened and Endangered Species.

Terrestrial Reptiles

Thirty-two species of reptiles are reported to occur in the Sierra Nevada (pg. 720, Graber 1996). Of these, 23 are known or believed to occur in the project area and 11 species were observed by biologists engaged in relicensing studies during 2002-2005 including: western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), northern alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus coeruleus), gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), western aquatic garter snake (Thamnophis couchi), and western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). One terrestrial reptile species, California horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum frontale), has special status (Table 5.3.5-1), but no terrestrial reptiles in the UARP area are protected under the California or Federal Endangered Species Acts. One




other special-status reptile, the western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata), may occur in the project area but, because it is primarily aquatic, is discussed in Section 5.3.3 (Aquatic Resources).

Birds

An estimated 230 species of birds are known or believed to occur in the vicinity of the project. Biologists engaged in relicensing studies during 2002-2005 observed 150 of these species. Of the 230 species that could occur in the project vicinity, 64 species are afforded one or more special-status designations (see Table 5.3.5-1), not including waterfowl, upland game birds, or other wildlife classified solely as “harvest species.”

Waterbirds

Project reservoirs, streams, and shorelines provide potential foraging, resting, and breeding habitat for at least 50 species of waterbirds (i.e., loons, grebes, pelicans, cormorants, egrets, herons, geese, ducks, swans, rails, coots, shorebirds, and gulls). Of these, 36 species were observed during relicensing studies including: common loon (Gavia immer), pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), eared grebe (Podices nigricollis), American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), great blue heron (Ardea herodius), Canada goose (Branta canadensis), wood duck (Aix sponsa), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), blue-winged teal (Anas discors), bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), common merganser (Mergus merganser), ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), American coot (Fulica americana), spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia), and ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) (pg. 7-22 and Appendix B, DTA 2004y). Waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) were of sufficient interest to relicensing participants to warrant a focused study (DTA 2004y). Based on this study, the greatest diversity of waterfowl recorded at project reservoirs was at Union Valley Reservoir with 14 species, followed by Gerle Creek and Ice House reservoirs with six species each. Common merganser was the species recorded most frequently while Canada goose was the most abundant species. Three species were documented to breed in the area: Canada goose, mallard, and common merganser. In general, waterfowl occurrence and habitat utilization in the area appear consistent with that reported in the published literature and in predictive models such as the CWHR system administered by CDFG. An “at risk” special-status designation is afforded to 13 of the approximate 50 species of waterbirds that could occur in the project area (see Table 5.3.5-1). These species are: common loon, American white pelican, double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), great egret (Ardea alba), snowy egret (Egretta thula), great blue heron, harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus), Barrow’s goldeneye (Bucephala islandica), greater sandhill crane (Grus canadensis tabida), long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus), California gull (Larus californicus), black tern (Chlidonias niger), and American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus). Of these special-status waterbirds, only the greater sandhill crane is listed as threatened or endangered under the California Endangered Species Act and none are listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Additional information on the greater sandhill crane is provided below.



Greater Sandhill Crane

Historically, the greater sandhill crane was a fairly common breeder on California's northeastern plateau (Grinnell and Miller 1944). In the Sierra Nevada, the greater sandhill crane now occurs only on the Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, and Tahoe National Forests during the summer breeding season and during migration. These birds winter primarily in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys from Tehama County south to Kings County (Grinnell and Miller 1944), where they frequent annual and perennial grasslands, moist croplands with rice or corn stubble, and open, emergent wetlands.

The checklist of birds for the ENF (USDA Forest Service 1995) lists the sandhill crane as “accidental” in spring and there are no breeding records from the ENF. During 2002-2005 relicensing studies, large flocks were observed flying at high altitudes over the western portion of the UARP transmission line near the Folsom Junction during spring migration between their wintering and breeding grounds. However, no sandhill cranes were observed on land or water within the project area.

Raptors

The diverse vegetation types within the project area provide habitat for at least 29 species of raptors (i.e., vultures, hawks, eagles, falcons, owls). Of these, 18 species were observed in the project area during 2002-2005 relicensing studies including: turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), osprey, white-tailed kite, bald eagle, northern goshawk, red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), barn owl (Tyto alba), flammulated owl, great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), and California spotted owl. Special-status designations are afforded to 18 raptor species (see Table 5.3.5-1) including the following of sufficient interest to stakeholders involved in this relicensing to warrant focused studies: bald eagle and osprey (DTA 2004a and DTA 2005a), northern goshawk (DTA 2004k and 2004s), and California spotted owl (DTA 2004e and 2004i). These species are discussed in more detail below. In addition, bald eagle, the only federally-listed raptor species in the project area, is addressed in detail in Section 5.3.6, Threatened and Endangered Species. The bald eagle is also one of four raptor species listed as threatened or endangered by the state of California; the other three species being Swainson’s hawk, American peregrine falcon, and great gray owl (see Table 5.3.5-1). These state-listed species are also discussed below in greater detail.

Osprey

Incidental observations obtained during relicensing studies indicate that ospreys are common in suitable habitat throughout the project area from early spring through late summer (pg. 41, DTA 2004a). The earliest calender-year observation of an osprey during relicensing studies was a single bird flying over Big Hill on March 26, 2003. Seven active osprey nests with undetermined outcome were recorded in the study area in 2002 and four active nests were recorded in 2003. At Union Valley Reservoir, these nests were located at the top of dominant snags, primarily along the south shore within the area burned by the Cleveland Fire in 1992, and in the South Fork Silver Creek (SFSC) arm of Junction Reservoir. Several of these snags fell during the winter of 2002-2003, likely because of rotting combined with high winds and snow




loading. Nesting was also confirmed at Ice House Reservoir and suspected but not confirmed at Loon Lake Reservoir.

Northern Goshawk

On the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, the northern goshawk breeds from about 2,500 feet in elevation in the ponderosa pine/mixed-conifer vegetation types up to approximately 10,000 feet in the red fir and lodgepole pine types. They are generally year-round residents in suitable habitat but some limited seasonal altitudinal movements may occur. Relicensing studies and the results of monitoring by the ENF indicate that northern goshawks nest in the vicinity of the project and spatial analysis determined that three Protected Activity Centers (PACs) (G11_04; G11_06; and G22_12) are within 0.25-mile of existing project facilities (pg. 7, DTA 2004s). PACs were assumed to be occupied and were excluded from the area surveyed during protocol surveys of the UARP area as stated in the approved study plan for the species. Broadcast calling surveys at 83 call points near existing project facilities failed to elicit a response from any goshawks (pg. 6, DTA 2004s). However, goshawks were observed incidentally at two locations near Jaybird Springs Road and these birds may have been associated with PAC G22_09. In 2004-2005, broadcast calling surveys at 78 call points associated with the Iowa Hill Development failed to elicit any responses from goshawks (pg. 5, DTA 2004k). The nearest designated PAC to the development is G23_03, located approximately 0.93-mile southeast of the eastern end of the proposed transmission line that will service the development.

Swainson’s Hawk

The Swainson's hawk nests in California in portions of the Central Valley and the Great Basin, although some birds may wander into the Sierra Nevada foothills adjacent to the Central Valley. About two-thirds of the statewide population nest in the southern Sacramento Valley and northern San Joaquin Valley regions. Swainson’s hawk is not known to nest in the project area and none were observed by biologists engaged in relicensing studies. Potential, albeit low-quality, foraging and nesting habitat currently exists along the western end of the project transmission line. However, open grassland habitats in this area are rapidly being converted to residential and commercial developments.

American Peregrine Falcon

The peregrine falcon has made a dramatic recovery across its range since the ban on the use of the organochlorine DDT. As a result, the USFWS removed the subspecies (i.e., de-listed) from the federal list of threatened and endangered species on August 25, 1999 (Federal Register 1999). The species remains listed as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act.

Several formal surveys for peregrines and suitable nesting habitat have been conducted in the ENF since 1980. Boyce and White (1980) surveyed 13 cliffs within the ENF and determined that only five of these had potential to support nesting peregrines. Of these potential sites, only one has been occupied in recent years: a site at Salt Springs Reservoir approximately 22 miles southeast of Ice House Reservoir. Aulman (1993, 1994) surveyed seven sites within the ENF including cliffs near Union Valley Reservoir and along the Rubicon River but no nesting activity



was found. Based on this information, peregrine falcons are not likely to nest in the vicinity of the project, although marginal cliff habitat exists. Wintering birds and migrants can be expected to occur throughout the project on a regular basis.

California Spotted Owl

The California spotted owl ranges from south of the Pit River in Shasta County, throughout the entire Sierra Nevada, and the south and central Coast Range as far north as Monterey. Relicensing studies and ENF monitoring data indicate that California spotted owl nests in the vicinity of the UARP and spatial analysis determined that 14 PACs have been designated within 0.25-mile of existing UARP facilities (pg. 7, DTA 2004e). PACs were assumed to be occupied and were excluded from the area surveyed during protocol surveys of the UARP area as stated in the approved study plan for the species. Broadcast calling surveys in 2002 yielded responses from two adults and one juvenile in the vicinity of Long Canyon, southeast of Slab Creek Reservoir (pg. 6, DTA 2004e). In 2003, responses were obtained from two adults and two juveniles near Union Valley Dam. Also in 2003, four responses were obtained from adult owls presumed to be the pair recorded in 2002 in Long Canyon. All responding birds appear to be associated with known PACs. In 2004-2005, broadcast calling surveys at 27 call points within 1.5 miles of the Iowa Hill Development elicited responses from two adults and one juvenile in the vicinity of Long Canyon near the eastern end of the proposed transmission line for the Development (pgs. 5-8, DTA 2004i). This pair is presumed to be associated with PAC ED_034. Additional responses were obtained from adult owls (breeding status undetermined). One PAC is located within 0.25-mile of the Iowa Hill Development footprint but no PACs have been designated within 0.25-mile of the proposed transmission line.

Great Gray Owl

In the Sierra Nevada, the great gray owl has a restricted distribution centered on Yosemite National Park, with scattered pairs occurring on the Stanislaus, Sierra, Inyo, and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests (USDA Forest Service 2004). Most occurrences are between 4,500 and 7,500 feet elevation (Zeiner et al., 1990). They require a unique combination of habitats and habitat elements and generally occupy mixed conifer and red fir forests adjacent to meadows where they feed mostly on voles and gophers. This owl is an altitudinal migrant depending on prey and weather conditions and depends on high quality foraging habitat (meadows) throughout their range in the Sierra Nevada (USDA Forest Service 2004).

No observations of the great gray owl are known in the vicinity of the project or within the ENF, and no PACs have been designated. However, the ENF has delineated several areas offering potential habitat including several sites near project features. These sites include meadow complexes around Rubicon Reservoir, upper Gerle Creek, Tells Creek, Bassi Fork, the north side of Union Valley Reservoir, and Bosworth Meadows near the southeast corner of Union Valley Reservoir.




Other Birds

In addition to waterbirds and raptors, the UARP area provides habitat for a diversity of upland game birds, pigeons and doves, swifts and hummingbirds, woodpeckers, passerines, and other avifauna. Representative species observed during 2002-2005 relicensing studies include: wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus), band-tailed pigeon (Columba fasciata), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), Lewis’ woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis), white-headed woodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus), northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), pileated woodpecker (dryocopus pileatus), Steller’s jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), western scrub-jay (Aphelocoma californica), common raven (Corvus corax), cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota), mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli), common bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), brown creeper (Certhia americana), canyon wren (Catherpes mexicanus), golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa), western bluebird (Sialia mexicana), American robin (Turdus migratorius), yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata), Macgillvray’s warbler (Oporornis tolmiei), Wilson’s warbler (Wilsonia pusilla), western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana), spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus), lark sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), black-headed grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), and red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra). An “at risk” special-status designation is afforded to 32 of these non-waterbird and non-raptor bird species (see Table 5.3.5-1) including one species, little willow flycatcher, of sufficient interest to relicensing participants to warrant a focused study during this relicensing (DTA 2004z). In addition to the little willow flycatcher, two other non-waterbird/non-raptor bird species that could occur in the project area are listed as threatened or endangered by the state of California: western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) and bank swallow (Riparia riparia). These three species are discussed below.

Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo

The historic breeding range of the western yellow-billed cuckoo in California included the coastal valleys from the Mexican border to Sebastopol, Sonoma County and the Central Valley from Bakersfield and Weldon, Kern County, north to Redding, Shasta County, and in Surprise Valley, Modoc County. Populations were also found in suitable habitat east of the Sierra Nevada in the Owens Valley and along the Colorado and Mojave rivers (Laymon 1998). Current breeding populations of greater than five pairs that persist each year in California are limited to the Sacramento River from Red Bluff to Colusa and the South Fork Kern River from Isabella Reservoir to Canebrake Ecological Reserve (Laymon 1998). There are estimated to be less than 40 breeding pairs in California at only two major locations (Laymon 2000).

No nesting records are available for the project area and large tracts of suitable riparian habitat for nesting are not known to occur. In addition, the project is well above the elevation range of known nesting locations in the Central Valley and the species is not expected to occur in the project area.



Little Willow Flycatcher

Historically, the willow flycatcher nested throughout California wherever thickets of riparian deciduous shrubs, primarily willow (Salix spp.) occurred (Grinnell and Miller 1944). In the Sierra Nevada, the willow flycatcher historically occured from the foothills up to about 6,000 feet elevation, but numerous records also exist from above 6,000 feet (USDA Forest Service 2004). In the last four decades, breeding populations have been extirpated from most lower elevation riparian areas in California. It appears that the species no longer breeds at elevations below 3,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, and populations above 3,000 feet have declined as well.

Three willow flycatcher subspecies breeds in California, Empidonax traillii adastus, Empidonax traillii brewsteri, and Empidonax traillii extimus. Of these three subspecies, only the range of Empidonax traillii brewsteri includes the project area. Suitable nesting habitat is comprised of shrubby vegetation (specifically willows) in meadow and riparian communities. The shrub layer is typically 6.5 to 13 feet in height, with the lower 6.5 feet comprised of dense woody vegetation. Meadows used for nesting range in size from 1 to 716 acres, with a mean of 80 acres (USDA Forest Service 2004). Most of the known nest sites are between 4,000 and 8,000 feet and there is usually some surface water or saturated soil within defended territories during the early part of the nesting season (Valentine 1987). Relicensing studies conducted in 2002 indicated that suitable nesting habitat for the species is absent from the project area and no individuals were detected during protocol surveys (pgs. 6-8, DTA 2004z).

Bank Swallow

The bank swallow is a neotropical migrant found primarily in riparian and other lowland habitats in California (Zeiner et al. 1990). In summer, the bank swallow is restricted to riparian, lacustrine, and coastal areas with vertical banks, bluffs, and cliffs with fine-textured or sandy soils, into which it digs nesting holes. Suitable banks may be present along rivers, in quarries, natural cliffs, and road cuts. They are found in alluvial flood plains, so any substantial valley within the Sierra Nevada has the potential to have bank swallows if the other habitat criteria exist. However, the Sierra Nevada is considered to be on the periphery of the species' range (USDA Forest Service 2004). Approximately 75 percent of the current breeding population in California occurs along the banks of the Sacramento and Feather rivers in the northern Central Valley. The species is not known to occur in the vicinity of the project nor is suitable habitat known to exist within the ENF (USDA Forest Service 2004). However, individuals may occur in the project area during migration.

Mammals

An estimated 83 species of native and introduced terrestrial mammals are known or believed to occur in the project vicinity. Biologists engaged in relicensing studies during 2002-2005 observed 32 species. Of the total number of mammals that may occur, 20 species are afforded one or more “at risk” special-status designations (see Table 5.3.5-1), including the following of sufficient interest to relicensing participants because of their possible nexus to the project to warrant focused studies.




Bats

The Sierra Nevada provides roosting and foraging habitat for an estimated 17 species of bats (pg. 714, Graber 1996), including 10 species that may occur within the project area and are afforded multiple “at risk” special-status designations (see Table 5.3.5-1). None of these species are listed as threatened or endangered pursuant to either the California or Federal Endangered Species Acts. Bats can be found in all vegetation types and elevation zones present in the project area, foraging extensively on insects taken in flight over aquatic and upland locations or gleaned from foliage. Suitable roosts vary by species and include a variety of natural (e.g., caves, trees, cliffs) and man-made (e.g., buildings, bridges, powerhouses, mines) structures. Because of interest in potential effects of project on bats, focused relicensing studies were conducted during 2002-2004 (DTA 2004b). Five species of bats were captured around existing project features (pgs. 7-10, DTA 2004b): fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes), Yuma myotis (Myotis yumaensis), California myotis (Myotis californicus), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), and Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliense). Yuma myotis were captured at the most locations and in the greatest number. A large night roost, used primarily by Brazilian free-tailed bats, was discovered at White Rock Powerhouse. Smaller roosts were found under non-project bridges along Ice House Road at the crossings of Tells Creek, Big Silver Creek, and Jones Fork Silver Creek, which are located 0.26 to 0.48 miles upstream of the maximum surface elevation (high water line) of Union Valley Reservoir. A fourth roost was found under the Ice House Road Bridge crossing of SFSC, approximately 0.82 miles downstream from Ice House Reservoir.

Mesocarnivores

Mesocarnivores (a.k.a. forest carnivores) typically refer to Sierra Nevada red fox, fisher, American marten, and wolverine. This group has received considerable attention for the past several decades, including major efforts to assess their population status and distribution in the Sierra Nevada (pg. 714, Graber 1996; Zielinski et al. 1997a; pgs. 372-392, Zielinski et al. 1997b). Each is afforded special-status (see Table 5.3.5-1) and the Sierra Nevada red fox and California wolverine are listed as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act.

Sierra Nevada Red Fox

The Sierra Nevada red fox is believed to range from 4,000 to 12,000 feet elevation but they are seldom sighted below 5,000 feet, and most often above 7,000 feet. The preferred habitat of the red fox is thought to be openings and meadows in red fir and lodgepole pine forests in the subalpine and alpine zones of the Sierra Nevada. Low prey availability and competition from other predators for this limited prey resource might be important factors that limit population densities, and it is likely that this species was never common. Dense vegetation, hollow logs, burrows, and rocky crevices are used for cover and den sites. Sierra Nevada red fox typically move downslope in winter into ponderosa pine and mixed conifer, moving upslope in summer to lodgepole pine, subalpine conifer, and red fir habitats. There are no records available for Sierra Nevada red fox in the project area, although suitable habitat is present at higher elevations and the species is expected to occur (pg. 7, DTA 2004q).



American Marten

American marten is currently distributed throughout the Sierra Nevada and Cascades (pgs. 7-37, Buskirk and Ruggiero 1994; pg. 17, Buskirk and Zielinski 1997). The species' core elevation range is from 5,500 to 10,000 feet, and they are most often found in the Sierra Nevada above 7,200 feet. Marten distribution in the Sierra Nevada generally conforms to their known historical distribution (pgs. 96-103, Kucera et al. 1995). They prefer coniferous forests with large diameter trees and snags, large down logs, moderate-to-high canopy closure, and an interspersion of riparian areas and meadows. Important habitat attributes are: 1) vegetative diversity, with predominantly mature forest; snags; 2) dispersal cover; and 3) large woody debris (pgs. 164-179, Allen 1987). The marten selects stands with 40 to 60 percent canopy closure for both resting and foraging and tend to avoid stands with less than 30 percent canopy closure (pgs. 1181-1186, Spencer et al. 1983). They generally avoid habitats that lack overhead cover, presumably because these habitats do not provide protection from avian predators (pgs. 164-179, Allen 1987; Bissonette et al. 1988; pgs. 283-296, Buskirk and Powell 1994; pgs. 1181-1186, Spencer et al. 1983). Various studies in the Sierra Nevada indicate that the marten has strong preferences for forest-meadow edges, and riparian forests appear to be important foraging habitats (pgs. 1181-1186, Spencer et al. 1983; Martin 1987). Natal dens are typically found in cavities in large trees, snags, stumps, logs, burrows, caves, rocks, or crevices in rocky areas. The ENF reports numerous observations of marten throughout the forest with most of these observations from the southwest corner of the Desolation Wilderness; however, observations have also been recorded from near Ice House Road, upper Tells Creek, and the SFAR below Fresh Pond (pgs. 9-10, DTA 2004q). A highly unusual incidental observation of marten was also recorded on October 16, 2003, by a wildlife biologist engaged in relicensing studies. This animal was observed at close range at roughly 670 feet elevation along the SFAR near the confluence with Hastings Creek. This relatively low-elevation sighting is unusual but not unique as the species has been documented at other low-elevation sites in the northern Sierra Nevada in recent years (pers. comm., Dr. Reginald Barrett, University of California, Berkeley, October 22, 2003).

Fisher

The fisher generally uses forest or woodland landscape mosaics that include conifer-dominated stands and avoid entering open areas that have no overstory or shrub cover (pgs. 283-296, Buskirk and Powell 1994). Riparian corridors (Heinemeyer and Jones 1994) and forested saddles between major drainages (Buck 1983) may provide important dispersal habitat or landscape linkages. The distribution of the fisher has declined substantially from its historic range (pgs. 372-392, Zielinski et al. 1997b). Recent surveys indicate that the fisher is absent from their former range for a distance of about 240 miles in the central and northern Sierra Nevada, from Yosemite National Park northward (pgs. 104-112, Zielinski et al. 1995). There are no recent records for fisher within the ENF, although potential habitat does exist in mid-elevation forest stands in the vicinity of the project (pg. 10, DTA 2004q).

California Wolverine

The persistence of California wolverine in the Sierra Nevada is a topic of debate among scientists. Reports of sightings continue to be filed by mostly inexperienced observers, and none




have been documented by photograph, track, or carcass. This is in spite of an intensive, multi-year cooperative research effort throughout suitable habitat in the central Sierras that employed Trailmaster camera bait stations; a technique that has been successful in other states with wolverine populations (pgs. 23-33, Copeland and Kucera 1997). Although they use coniferous forest types predominantly, their significant use of non-forest alpine habitats distinguishes them from the fisher and marten (pgs. 99-127, Banci 1994; Copeland 1996). Because forests provide important cover for the wolverine, the connectivity and distribution of dense forest conditions is assumed to be important, especially in the northern Sierra Nevada (USDA Forest Service 2004). This region may be an important linkage between habitat in California and habitat in Oregon and Washington; however, the region lacks the alpine zones that can buffer the wolverine from human activity. Instead, the wolverine must use forested habitat to move north and south, and these areas are managed for timber harvest and have numerous small communities, which subject the wolverine to potential disturbance. The CNDDB has one recent record from 1994 of a possible wolverine sighting at Island Lake in the Desolation Wilderness Area approximately 10 miles east of Union Valley Reservoir. The ENF provided one record from July 7, 1994, near the north shore of Loon Lake Reservoir (ENF 1999). Although, potential habitat exists in the higher elevations of the project area (pgs. 7-8, DTA 2004q), the absence of verified reports in recent years suggests that the wolverine may be extirpated from the region or occur in only extremely low numbers (USDA Forest Service 2004).

Large Mammals

At least three species of special-status large mammals are native, relatively common, and widely distributed within the project area: black bear, mountain lion (Felis concolor), and mule deer. Two of these species, black bear and mule deer, were identified as being of particular interest to relicensing participants and warranted focused studies to address potential effects that the project could have on these species. The results of these studies for black bear and mule deer are presented in Section 5.3.5.3 (Environmental Effects). A synopsis of each species occurrence in the project area follows.

Black Bear

The black bear is widespread and relatively common throughout the Sierra Nevada, from foothill habitats to alpine zones. They generally occur in fairly dense, mature stands of many forest habitats, valley foothill riparian habitat, and wet meadow. The black bear is a legally hunted species in California with an estimated 2,277 animals taken in 1999. Suitable habitat for this species is distributed throughout most of the project area and bears are known to be common and increasing in number in the region.

Mule Deer

Mule deer in the vicinity of the project are considered to be part of the Pacific Deer Herd, with the exception of those deer in the westernmost portion of the project area. The Pacific Deer Herd Management Plan (Hinz 1981) defines long-standing, albeit in some cases outdated, management goals and objectives for this herd.



The Pacific Deer Herd encompasses all of the Pacific Ranger District of the ENF, and portions of the herd extend into the Georgetown and Placerville Ranger Districts. The herd occupies approximately 353 square miles of public and private lands within El Dorado County and that portion of Placer County south of the Rubicon River. The majority of deer in the herd are migratory and occur west of the Sierra Nevada crest. The herd is defined by the Rubicon River on the north, the SFAR on the south, and roughly a north-south line above 2,500 feet elevation, paralleling Highway 49 between Placerville and Georgetown.

The Pacific Deer Herd has four significant habitat designations: critical summer range, fawning habitat, holding areas, and winter range (Figure 4.2-1, Appendix A, DTA 2004r). Based on the existing information provided by CDFG and the ENF, the critical summer ranges, fawning habitat, and holding areas of the herd occur from the mid to upper elevations of the Crystal Basin within the ENF, usually above 4,000 feet in elevation. These critical areas are found east of Ice House Reservoir, north and east of Union Valley Reservoir and north of Loon Lake Reservoir. The known winter range of the herd lies mainly on south facing slopes between 2,000 and 4,500 feet elevation and between the South Fork American River and Peavine Ridge Road from the town of Kyburz and westward to Hwy 49. The Pacific Deer Herd utilizes the major east-west trending ridges (Poho, Telephone, and Peavine) of the ENF as primary migration corridors between high- and low-elevation habitats (Hinz 1981). The winter range lies mainly on south facing slopes between 2,000 and 4,500 feet elevation. Intermediate range generally extends from 4,000 to about 6,000 feet elevation, and is used primarily during spring and fall migration. Most of this intermediate range consists of east-west parallel ridges used as migration routes, especially Peavine, Poho, and Telephone ridges. The summer range lies mainly above 5,000 feet.

The Pacific Deer Herd typically resides on their summer range until they are stimulated to move down slope to their wintering areas (Loft et al. 1989). Habitat quality and quantity, temperature, day length and weather conditions all play a part in determining when these deer initiate and complete their fall migrations. Generally, from mid-October, or later, any significant winter storm has the potential to cause some migratory deer to move from summer range to lower elevations. If those storms are mild, some deer may delay in intermediate habitat (between 4,000 and 6,000 feet elevation) seeking acorns, leaf mast and other available fall forage. Severe storms may trigger an en-masse migration of deer from higher elevations down slope to winter range habitat. In contrast, spring migration usually occurs as a gradual upward drift that may span two months as deer delay in holding areas where cover and forage are abundant (Loft et al. 1989).

Other Mammals

In addition to bats, mesocarnivores, and large mammals, the project area provides habitat for a diversity of insectivores, rabbits and hares, chipmunks, tree squirrels, gophers, mice, weasels, skunks, and other mammalian species. Representative species observed during 2002-2005 relicensing studies include: Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginanus), desert cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttalli), black-tailed hare (Lepus californicus), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), golden-mantled ground squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis), western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus), Douglas’ squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii), beaver (Castor




candensis), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), porcupine (Erithizon dorsatum), coyote (Canis latrans), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), river otter (Lutra canadensis), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and bobcat (Lynx rufus). Three other species, Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus tahoensis), Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica), and ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) have designated special status as “at risk” species (see Table 5.3.5-1) and are known to occur in the project area but are not protected under either the California or Federal Endangered Species Acts.

Iowa Hill Development

The proposed Iowa Hill Development is located on the southeast slope of the Slab Creek Reservoir, north of Iowa Canyon. The site ranges in elevation from approximately 2,000 feet at Slab Creek Reservoir near the proposed intake structure to about 3,100 feet at the site of the upper reservoir. The upper reservoir site is characterized by generally flat or moderately sloping terrain with a west-northwest aspect. In 2003, SMUD conducted a focused study to map vegetation and characterize wildlife habitat at the site (DTA 2004o). SMUD identified and mapped nearly 520 acres of existing vegetation with Sierran Mixed Conifer being predominant with smaller amounts of Ponderosa Pine, Mixed Chaparral, and Montane Hardwood. Based on the type, size, and age-class of existing vegetation, the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships (CWHR) software (CDFG 2004) was used to predict the potential occurrence of 256 species of terrestrial vertebrates within or adjacent to the study area based on a low threshold of habitat suitability. Of the total, 209 species were primarily associated with Sierran Mixed Conifer or Ponderosa Pine forest, 26 were associated only with Mixed Chaparral, and 46 were associated with adjacent aquatic habitat found on Slab Creek Reservoir, but not terrestrial habitats. The CWHR-generated species list was amended to correct for likely errors of omission and commission inherent when this broad-scale model is used for localized applications. The amended list identified 34 terrestrial vertebrate species (20 birds, 8 bats, and 6 other mammals) afforded special-status, including two listed as threatened or endangered under the Federal or California Endangered Species Acts: bald eagle and peregrine falcon. The development also is within the documented range of the valley elderberry longhorn beetle (VELB), a federally-listed threatened invertebrate species. As directed by the UARP Terrrestrial Resource TWG and Plenary Group, and in consultation with the ENF and CDFG, additional focused studies were performed at Iowa Hill for the following species of particular interest: VELB (DTA 2004n), bald eagle (DTA 2005a), northern goshawk (DTA 2004k), California spotted owl (DTA 2004i), special-status bats (DTA 2004h), and mule deer (DTA 2004j). The results of these surveys are summarized below.

Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle

The Iowa Hill Development site was surveyed for presence of elderberry, host plant for the VELB. No elderberry plants were found in the study area and it is unlikely that VELB is present (DTA 2004n).



Bald Eagle

SMUD is in the process of completing the Iowa Hill Development Bald Eagle Study and expects to file a report with FERC by late 2005.

Northern Goshawk

Surveys for northern goshawk were performed according to USDA, Forest Service (2000) protocols. The survey area included all suitable habitat within 1.5 miles of the Iowa Hill Development. Broadcast acoustical surveys were conducted at 78 call points during 2004 and are scheduled to be repeated in spring/summer 2005. First-year sampling in 2004 yielded no responses from any of the 78 call points. Spatial analysis indicated that no ENF-designated PACs exist within 0.25 miles of the development. The closest PAC (G23_03) is approximately 0.9 miles southeast of the eastern end of the proposed transmission line (Figure 3.1-1, DTA 2004k). SMUD is in the process of completing the Iowa Hill Development Northern Goshawk Study and expects to file a report with FERC by late 2005.


Surveys for California spotted owl were performed according to USDA, Forest Service (1993) protocols. The survey area included all suitable habitat within 1.5 miles of the Iowa Hill Development. Broadcast acoustical surveys were conducted at 27 call points during 2004 and are scheduled to be repeated in spring/summer 2005. First-year sampling in 2004 yielded responses from two adult owls and one juvenile in the vicinity of Long Canyon (Figure 3.1.1, DTA 2004i). This pair is presumed to be associated with a local PAC (ED_034). Multiple responses were obtained from other adult owls in the vicinity of the proposed transmission line and in the vicinity of PAC ED_123. While the breeding status of these individuals is currently unknown, there may be one or more resident un-paired (single) owls in this area. Spatial analysis demonstrated the existence of one ENF-designated PAC within 0.25 miles of the upper reservoir site and no PACs within 0.25 miles of the proposed transmission line. SMUD is in the process of completing the Iowa Hill Development California Spotted Owl Study and expects to file a report with FERC by late 2005.

Special-Status Bats

Bat trapping and acoustic sampling was also performed at the proposed Iowa Hill Development in 2004 (pgs. 6-8, DTA 2004h). This effort resulted in the capture of two bat species, California myotis and big brown bat, and the acoustic detection of bats belonging to the 40 kHz Myotis group, which includes: long-legged myotis (Myotis volans), little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), and small-footed myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum). Recorded sonograms also suggest the presence of either silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivigans) or big brown bat, whose echolocation characteristics overlap making exact species determination difficult.




Mule Deer

Habitat suitability for mule deer was assessed at the site of the Iowa Hill Development (DTA 2004j). Data were collected from circular sample plots (25 feet in diameter) placed randomly in the study area, but stratified among cover types throughout both the site of the upper reservoir and berm, along a preliminary alignment for the appurtenant transmission line, and for comparison, at several locations within the existing UARP transmission line corridor adjacent to the development. Categories of data that were recorded in each plot included: percent coverage and forage value of each shrub or tree available for browse; coverage of grasses and forbs (herbaceous vegetation); the percentage of a cover pole concealed from view (hiding cover); the canopy cover of trees; the presence of suitable thermal cover; and evidence of mule deer occurrence. A majority of the sample plots in the upper reservoir area and in the preliminary alignment of the proposed transmission line corridor had relatively low value as forage cover associated with sparse shrub cover. Localized areas of superior forage cover were found, mostly concentrated on the north side of the upper reservoir site. Hiding cover in the plots was also generally insufficient within the upper reservoir site to conceal a standing deer. The site provides potential thermal cover but the distance to quality foraging habitat may minimize the value of these habitats for thermal cover. In contrast, most of the plots in the proposed transmission line corridor had high quality foraging habitat comprised of dense shrubs. Herbicide effects in some plots suggest that a new transmission line corridor could be managed for even higher levels of forage value. Hiding cover sufficient to hide a standing deer was found at only two plots, but concealment was generally higher than in the site of the upper reservoir and berm. Although the existing transmission line corridor does not provide thermal cover, forage cover in the corridor is closely adjacent to thermal cover in the adjacent forests.

5.3.5.3 Environmental Effects of the Proposed Action

To determine the environmental effects of the Proposed Action on wildlife resources, SMUD compared the effects of the Proposed Action on these resources with the baseline condition. The Proposed Action would be considered to have a significant effect if it changed the quantity or quality of habitat in the UARP area in such a way as to result in a significant adverse effect to these resouces. Here, however, there was no such change and the Proposed Action will have a less-than-significant effect on wildlife resources. Our analysis of such environmental effects addresses the key issues of concern as determined by the UARP Relicensing Terrestrial Resources TWG and Plenary Group. Note that environmental effects relating to species that are federally listed or proposed for listing as threatened or endangered are addressed in Section 5.3.6 (Threatened and Endangered Species).

The Proposed Action includes several proposals to protect wildlife resources, including an annual employee environmental awareness program for special status wildlife species; annual



review of special status wildlife lists, and the preparation of study plans and studies, if necessary; and for the construction of the Iowa Hill Development, a Wildlife Protection Plan, which will be incorporated into the Iowa Hill Development Construction Plan.

These combined measures are expected to ensure that the Proposed Action’s effects on wildlife resources are less-than-significant.


Effects of the Proposed Action on valley elderberry longhorn beetle are discussed in detail in the (draft) Biological Assessment (Appendix D) and summarized in Section 5.3.6 (Threatened and Endangered Species).

Bald Eagle and Osprey

This section focuses on the effects of the Proposed Action on osprey. The effects of the Proposed Action on bald eagle are discussed in detail in the (draft) Biological Assessment (Appendix D) and summarized in Section 5.3.6 (Federal Threatened and Endangered Species). UARP reservoirs provide osprey with valuable foraging habitat and are a key component of suitable nesting habitat. In general, water impoundments have allowed ospreys to expand both their range and numbers in North America (Swenson 1981; Henny and Anthony 1989; Detrich 1989; Poole 1989). Twenty percent of California’s osprey population was estimated to nest near reservoirs in the late 1980s (Poole 1989) and that percentage has almost certainly increased.

UARP Operation and Maintenance

Maintenance activities at the UARP are compatible with osprey nesting and foraging activities. Maintenance activities are typically restricted to the immediate vicinity of existing facilities, do not result in habitat loss, and are infrequent, of low intensity, and limited in duration. Occasionally, SMUD uses helicopters for facility inspection and maintenance activities, which has the potential to disturb osprey if the overflights are in the vicinity of active nests. Data specific to the UARP are unavailable on the response of nesting ospreys to approaching helicopters, but studies have shown that such responses can range from no visible response to nest abandonment (Carrier and Melquist 1976, Thomas 1999). Such flights, however, are infrequent and expected to only rarely approach active nests. The significance of such disturbance to individual birds is considered negligible at the population level as osprey populations have expanded greatly in California in recent years (Jurek, CDFG, unpublished data). We conclude that maintenance activities, including occasional helicopter flights will, under the Proposed Action, continue to have a less-than-significant effect on osprey populations in the UARP area.

Stream Flows and Reservoir Drawdown

Under the release schedule of the Proposed Action, SMUD will increase releases in all years at most project dams. Many of the bypass reaches will experience higher and more consistent flows than the natural streams entering into the project reservoirs, which in dry years often drop




to very low levels during summer and fall months. The continuing release of higher than background flows will maintain the existing benefit to osprey that forge in stream reaches. The incremental increase in project reach flows associated with the Proposed Action will not significantly change forging habitat, but it will enhance fish populations on which osprey feed. Also, under the Proposed Action, storage reservoirs will not be lowered to extreme levels except for extraordinary circumstances such as the consecutive Critical Dry water year (see Figures 5.3.1-11 through 5.3.1-25, Section 5.3.1.3 – Environmental Effects, Water Quantity). Severe drawdowns in drought years have the potential to reduce numbers and availability of fish prey, increase the distance from a nest site to foraging habitat, and increase the potential for reproductive failure. However, drought-induced severe drawdowns are rare and uncontrollable events, and their effects on osprey at the population level are negligible, making this a less-than-significant effect.

UARP-related Recreation

As part of the Proposed Action, SMUD proposes several measures to reconstruct or otherwise improve recreation facilities to better accommodate the recreation needs of visitors to the project. These improvements could increase visitor densities and recreation activities along the reservoir shorelines, which may affect nesting and foraging osprey (Hamann et al. 1999). Shoreline nest locations have lower energetic demands on osprey than nests located inland where osprey must fly further to obtain food and deliver it to a nest. Osprey may avoid preferred shoreline locations when these areas are subjected to high levels of human activity (e.g., boat traffic). Human disturbance may cause ospreys to flush from their nest and remain off of the nest when they would otherwise be incubating eggs or brooding their young. Extended periods of nest inattentiveness may result in death of eggs or young due to exposure to excessive heat or cold (Van Daele and Van Daele 1982). However, osprey are generally considered to be relatively tolerant of human activity, especially if such activity is ongoing at the start of the nesting season (Van Daele and Van Daele 1982). Osprey habituate readily to sustained activity, and often forage and nest near recreation areas with no apparent adverse effects on normal behavior or overall health of the population (Levenson and Koplin 1984; Henny and Anthony 1989; Poole 1989). This is supported by relicensing studies that show osprey occurrence and nesting activity are stable or increasing at project reservoirs. We conclude that adverse effects of UARP-related recreation on osprey are less-than-significant at the population level.

Mercury Ingestion in Osprey

SMUD sampled for mercury in fish tissue collected at five UARP reservoirs reservoirs: Loon Lake, Gerle Creek, Union Valley, Ice House, and Slab Creek (see Section 5.3.1.2 Affected Environment, Water Quality). Fish collected from Union Valley and Slab Creek reservoirs contained the highest levels of mercury at 0.42 and 0.59 ppm, respectively. No information exists on mercury concentrations in ospreys or other piscivorous birds that forage on fish at project reservoirs. However, studies conducted in the late 1960s at locations in Connecticut and Maryland with known high ambient levels of mercury found mercury concentrations to be uniformly low in



eggs, with no levels greater than 0.25 ppm (Wiemeyer et al. 1976). Other studies have demonstrated negligible effects on ospreys or viability of their eggs at concentrations (as determined from egg analysis) of less than about 1.0 ppm (Poole 1989), which is well above levels obtained from fish collected in UARP reservoirs. Ingestion of mercury can adversely affect piscivorous (fish-eating) birds such as ospreys because it is soluble in fat and blood, it concentrates rapidly in aquatic food webs (often absorbed directly from water to blood through gill membranes), and it is very toxic at low levels (NRC 1978). However, birds excrete mercury with some efficiency by dumping substantial quantities from blood to growing feathers (Berg et al. 1966), thus removing the toxin to an inert portion of the body where it can eventually be molted. When feathers are not growing, however, or when levels in a bird’s diet are particularly high, mercury accumulates in body tissues or eggs, potentially harming both (Poole 1989). Weimeyer et al. (1980) indicated that some osprey in the eastern United States might have died from mercury accumulation. Research has shown that mercury contamination is a localized phenomenon (Poole 1989). As discussed in Section 5.3.1.3, SMUD is unaware of any specific project operation and maintenance activity that would result in increased mercury concentrations in fish. As described elsewhere, anoxic conditions in the hypolimnion of project reservoirs, which can leach metals from bottom sediments into the water column, do not occur. As a result, the effect of the Proposed Action is less-than-significant.

Northern Goshawk and California Spotted Owl


Project maintenance activities are generally restricted to the immediate vicinity of existing facilities, do not result in habitat loss, and are infrequent, of low intensity and limited in duration. Some activities (e.g., road maintenance, vegetation management, helicopter flights, recreation improvements), however, have moderate potential to adversely affect northern goshawk and California spotted owl through temporary displacement from otherwise suitable habitat, disruption in normal foraging or nesting behavior, and on very rare occasions, possible nest abandonment. As part of an annual Employee Environmental Awareness Program, SMUD proposes to consult with the ENF on future maintenance or ground-disturbing actions to determine if the action is within 0.25 miles of a known nest and has the potential to adversely affect nesting northern goshawk or California spotted owl. If the ENF determines that such an effect is likely, SMUD will comply with ENF directives for management of PACs that pertain to implementation of Limited Operating Periods (LOP) and inform its employees of the restriction during the annual Employee Environmental Awareness Program. Forest Service directives for management of PACs are considered sufficient to protect northern goshawk and California spotted owl from significant effects. LOPs prohibit activities within approximately 0.25 miles of a nest site during the breeding season as follows: northern goshawk - February 15 through September 15; California spotted owl – March 1 through August 31. LOPs can be waived if surveys confirm that the nest is not active, if an individual project is of




limited scope and duration, or when a biological evaluation determines that a project is unlikely to disturb breeding birds. The extent of the LOP buffer distance may be reduced if the evaluation determines that a nest site will be shielded from planned activities by topographic features. LOPs do not apply to existing road and trail use, maintenance, or continuing recreation use, except where a determination is made that such activities are likely to disturb a nest. We conclude that with the implementation of the annual employee environmental awareness program, operation and maintenance activities will have less-than-significant effects on the northern goshawk and California spotted owl.


As noted in Section 5.3.5.2 (Affected Environment), at least three northern goshawk PACs (DTA 2004s) and 14 spotted owl PACs (DTA 2004e) are currently located within 0.25 miles of existing UARP-related recreation facilities. Increased levels of recreational activities such as dispersed camping near these PACs have the potential to effect resident goshawk and owls. As early-season nesting species, both northern goshawk and spotted owl may establish nests in the vicinity of recreation facilities prior to snowmelt and the onset of the recreation season. As the season progresses, subsequent increases in recreation activity (e.g., hiking, OHV use, camping) near active nests could adversely affect nesting success by causing avoidance of habitat, abandonment of nests, or inattentiveness by adults to incubation and brooding requirements (Hamann et al. 1999).

Under the Proposed Action, SMUD will implement a Recreation Plan in partnership with the ENF for the reconstruction of existing and construction of new recreation facilities. The plan also includes the implementation of engineering solutions to deal with dispersed recreation occurring within the FERC Project Boundary. A key component of the plan is the concept of four-year cycles, whereby SMUD and the ENF will, through the next license term, regularly revisit and update plans for reconstruction, construction and engineering solutions. This adaptive plan will ensure flexibility in recreation planning and development with consideration given to avoiding sensitive habitats and responding to changing distributions of special-status species. Therefore, the Proposed Action will have a less-than-significant effect on northern goshawk and California spotted owl.

Waterfowl


Under the Proposed Action, water levels at storage reservoirs will generally follow the same seasonal fluctuation that occurs with current operations. The project reservoirs provide extensive areas of feeding, resting, and breeding habitats for a variety of waterfowl (DTA 2004y). In a general sense, reservoir operations affect water elevations and may result in indirect effects on nesting waterfowl. Specifically, rising water levels in spring often coincide with the period when early-breeding waterfowl (Canada goose and mallard) establish nests; as a result, nests in water fluctuation zones may be flooded before incubation is completed. Conversely, declining water levels in late spring and early summer could expose waterfowl nests on reservoir islands to predation or other disturbances. This effect is potentially greatest at Union Valley Reservoir,



which provides more potential nesting habitat and has a wider range of water level fluctuations than other project reservoirs. Under the Proposed Action, water elevations at Union Valley Reservoir will generally rise slowly during the nest building and incubation stages of the breeding cycle (see Figures 5.3.1-15 through 5.3.1-19 of Section 5.3.1.3 – Environmental Effects, Water Quantity). Historically, the 23-year monthly average surface elevations for April (early nest building period for most waterfowl species in the area) and June (late incubation period for most species) are 4,828 feet and 4,845 feet, respectively – a difference of 17 feet (DTA 2004y). Based on USGS topographic maps, a 17-foot vertical change in surface water elevation can result in 500 to 1,000 feet of horizontal movement in the water line in some of the low-gradient coves at Union Valley Reservoir. Under such conditions, nests established near the water line in April when water levels are low would be flooded before incubation was completed. Despite these fluctuations, the potential for nest flooding is minimized by the nearly complete absence of suitable nesting cover below the high water mark, thereby precluding most nest building by waterfowl in water fluctuation zones. For example, Canada geese and mallards (two of the three species confirmed to breed in the UARP area) typically require at least some degree of herbaceous vegetation for ground nests, which is limited below the high water mark of Union Valley Reservoir. Common merganser (the third species known to breed in the area) nests predominantly in tree cavities and would not be subject to nest flooding. Therefore, we conclude that the operation of UARP reservoirs under the Proposed Action will have a less-than-significant effect on waterfowl habitat and reproduction when viewed at the population level.


The Proposed Action includes measures to reconstruct or otherwise improve recreation facilities at UARP reservoirs to better accommodate the recreation needs of visitors to the project. These improvements could increase visitor densities and recreation activities along the reservoir shorelines. Boating, hiking, fishing and other recreation pursuits can adversely affect normal foraging, resting, and nesting behavior through avoidance of otherwise suitable habitat. Related potential effects of recreation disturbance include nest abandonment, reduction in hatching success, or even direct mortality of waterfowl though encounters with boats and pets (Hamann et al. 1999). However, the number of birds that may be adversely affected by recreation activities in the UARP area is negligible relative to the overall waterfowl population of the Sierra Nevada and the Pacific Flyway, therefore, the effect of the Proposed Action is less-than-significant.

Willow Flycatcher

As stated previously in Section 5.3.5.2 (Affected Environment – Other Birds), relicensing studies indicated that suitable nesting habitat for willow flycatcher is absent from the vicinity of the UARP and no individuals were detected during protocol surveys (pgs. 6-8, DTA 2004z). Therefore, the Proposed Action will have no effect on this species.




Bird/Powerline Associations

With the exception of the Iowa Hill Development, the Proposed Action does not cause any change from baseline conditions. Transmission lines for the Iowa Hill Development are addressed separately below. Therefore, electrocution or collisions associated with the existing UARP electric transmission and distribution system are not considered a significant effect of the Proposed Action under NEPA. Nonetheless, in the course of stakeholder meetings, SMUD agreed to evaluate the issues of bird/powerline associations.

Electrocution

No bird electrocutions have been recorded along the UARP electric transmission and distribution system, nor were birds observed perching on any high-risk support structures for these lines during relicensing studies. These factors indicate that the risk of future electrocution is minimal. Despite these observations, it is generally accepted that birds, especially large species, are at risk of electrocution due to contact with electric transmission and distribution systems. Extensive research has been performed on the causes of and potential solutions to, this mortality (APLIC 1996, CEC 1995). This research has prompted state and federal resource agencies working with the electric utility industry to adopt various design and siting guidelines for avoidance or minimization of bird electrocutions. The key guideline for avoidance of bird electrocutions is to achieve a minimum spacing of 60 inches between energized phases (i.e., electric conductors) or between a phase and a grounding source. The UARP electric transmission and distribution system includes both 230 kV and 69 kV transmission lines, and a 12 kV tap line (DTA 2004c). This system contains over 300 support structures for approximately 150 miles of circuits within 60 linear miles of rights-of-way. The majority (85%) of the support structures within the UARP transmission system meet the 60-inch minimum separation guideline established by APLIC to prevent electrocution of large birds such as eagles. Fifteen (15%) support structures (all 69 kV) have spacing between certain components that is marginally less than the 60-inch APLIC guidline (DTA 2004c). Most bird electrocutions occur on lower-voltage (e.g., < 69 kV) distribution lines than on higher voltage sub-transmission or transmission lines. The 1.2-mile long Brush Creek 12 kV tap line is the only lower-voltage distribution line within the UARP system. The Brush Creek tap line is a 3-phase line with several different support structure configurations including: 1) transformer poles with extensive energized hardware such as lightning arrestors, fused cutouts, exposed bushings and jumpers; and 2) poles with horizontal cross-arms with two phases on the same side of the cross-arm spaced less than 30 inches apart. Phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground spacing on these configurations is insufficient to prevent bird electrocution based on APLIC (1996) guidelines. However, SMUD has no knowledge that any such electrocutions have occurred on the Brush Creek tap line. The potential for electrocution of raptors and other large birds is dependent on both biological and electrical/design factors. Avian species that occupy forests, perch or nest primarily on the ground, or are of small size and are rarely electrocuted (APLIC 1996). Maximum size (e.g.,



wingspan, head-to-tail length) is by far the most crucial factor in determining susceptibility of birds to electrocution. Such risk is greatest: 1) on lower voltage lines where phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground separation is minimal; 2) when feathers are wet, thereby increasing conductivity, and 3) for immature and subadult birds that are less skilled at flying and at landing on power poles. Other factors that affect susceptibility to electrocution include location and abundance of prey, habitat diversity, wind speed and direction, topography, excreta streams, and proclivity to nest and perch on support structures (APLIC 1996). Although some structures within the UARP transmission and distribution system do not meet APLIC guidelines, these structures represent a limited and localized area of potential effect. Furthermore, bird electrocutions have not been recorded at these high-risk lines, nor were birds observed perching at these locations during the relicensing studies. Thus, we conclude the potential for bird electrocution at the project transmission system is minimal, will not differ from baseline conditions, and any electrocution that does occur would have a less-than-significant effect at the population level. In the unlikely event of a future bird electrocution, provisions of the following laws could apply depending on the species affected and its status:

• Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 (16 U.S.C. 668-668d, 54 Stat. 250) as amended • Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703-712, 40 Stat. 755) as amended • Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 87 Stat. 884), as amended

Collision

There is no evidence of bird mortality due to collisions with the project transmission and distribution system and the risk of future collision mortality appears minimal. Bird collisions with power lines generally become biologically significant only in very specific localized situations as determined by species, environmental, and powerline design characteristics (APLIC 1994). The most critical biological factor in determining collision potential is the frequency that birds in flight must cross a powerline within their daily use area. For instance, where feeding and nesting/roosting areas for a species are on the same side of a line, encounters are few; when the line bisects the two areas, encounters and risk increase. Other important factors in determining risk of collisions are: species size and maneuverability; height at which a species typically flies; time of day and related light/visibility; presence of distracting lighting at night; adverse weather conditions; local habitat characteristics; and flocking behavior (increasing risk with denser groupings) (APLIC 1994). Finally, line placement, orientation, and configuration can influence collisions. The key design and siting standards for minimizing risk of collision mortality by birds are removal of overhead groundwires and avoidance of major bird flight paths. Groundwires are generally constructed on the tops of transmission or distribution support structures in areas subject to lightning to protect the lines against lightning-caused outages, which can be costly to repair and affect service reliability (APLIC 1994). Although birds seem to recognize and avoid large support structures and conductors, they often collide with the much smaller groundwires,




which are only about 0.4-0.5 inches in diameter and can be nearly invisible in dim light. On the project transmission system, groundwires exist currently throughout most of the higher elevation segments of the transmission line from Loon Lake Powerhouse to just west of Camino Powerhouse, including the Jones Fork-Union Valley transmission line segment (DTA 2004c). An isolated segment with groundwires also occurs over an approximate 3.0-mile segment near White Rock Powerhouse. The project transmission and distribution system does not cross any major flight paths. We conclude the potential for bird collision mortality due to future operation of the project transmission and distribution system is a less-than-significant effect. Moreover, any future bird collisions would be subject to the laws identified under the above discussion of electrocution.

Bats

Construction of the UARP has resulted in lands and facilities within the FERC Project Boundary that contain many of the physical and biological components needed to satisfy the foraging and roosting requirements of a variety of bats (DTA 2004b). Reservoirs, open areas surrounding project facilities, and the project transmission line corridor provide attractive foraging habitat for insectivorous bats. Powerhouses, intake structures, and tunnels offer potential for roosting. However, noise, lights, and human activity associated with operation and maintenance of project facilities may disturb roosting bats and potentially result in abandonment of a roost. The sensitivity of bats to human disturbance at roost sites is well documented (Humphrey and Kunz 1976, Pierson and Rainey 1994, Hickman et al. 1999). However, inspections confirmed that most project facilities are well sealed, with few openings of sufficient size to allow access by bats. Concentrations of roosting bats, where they occur at UARP facilities, such as beneath the substation deck at the White Rock Powerhouse, may pose a potential hazard to human health. Considering the limited number of bats roosting at project facilities relative to the number of natural roost sites in the area and the benefit of minimizing risks to human health, any potential adverse effects on bats due to the Proposed Action are considered to be less-than-significant.

Black Bear

Relicensing stakeholders discussed whether or not the UARP and UARP-related recreation could have any significant adverse effects on bear harvest (both legal and illegal) or on bears occupying dens during winter. Consultations with black bear experts with the CDFG resulted in a determination that there were no known adverse effects from the project on bear harvest or denning behavior (pgs. 3-4, DTA 2004d). However, these experts expressed concern over increasing numbers of bear/human interactions in developed project campgrounds, particularly at Loon Lake Reservoir. Black bears are attracted to recreational areas (e.g., campgrounds and picnic areas) associated with the project where food is improperly stored or food wastes are concentrated and accessible. Visitation by bears poses a threat to human safety, can result in damage to campground facilities and personal property, and may ultimately require killing of bears by law enforcement and conservation officers when a real threat to human safety exists.



Under the Proposed Action, SMUD will implement a cooperative Recreation Plan in partnership with the ENF for the reconstruction of existing and construction of new recreation facilities. Another component of the plan involves a $211,000 annual contribution from SMUD to the ENF for the administration, operation, maintenance, and component replacement of UARP-related recreation facilities, and administration of recreation within the FERC Project Boundary. Under this plan, SMUD and the ENF will work cooperatively with CDFG on mechanisms to reduce the potential for bear/human interactions at recreation facilities. Consideration will be given to the following:

• Installing bear-proof garbage containers and food storage lockers at all campgrounds • Establishing adequate garbage disposal services at all campgrounds • Establishing and enforcing rules and procedures for the use of garbage containers, food

storage lockers, and backcountry food canisters by recreationists • Ensuring that contracts with concessionaires mandate compliance with the rules and

procedures.

The effect of the Proposed Action on black bear and bear/human interactions at recreation facilities is less-than-significant.

Mesocarnivores

As noted above, at least two species of mesocarnivores (American marten and ringtail) occur in proximity to the project. Suitable habitat also exists in the vicinity of the project for Sierra Nevada red fox, fisher, and wolverine, although there is little or no empirical evidence of their occurrence. To the extent that sensitive mesocarnivores occur in the UARP area, the continued operation and maintenance of existing facilities will not result in loss of habitat or alter existing opportunities for movement or dispersal of mesocarnivores. Noise and human activity associated with project operation and maintenance could cause animals to avoid areas of otherwise suitable habitat. This would be a direct, but less-than-significant effect of the Proposed Action. Forest Service directives for management of forest carnivore den sites (USDA Forest Service 2004) are designed to protect fisher and marten from significant effects. Fisher den sites are 700-acre buffers comprised of the highest quality habitat surrounding verified fisher birthing and kit rearing dens in the largest, most contiguous blocks available. Marten den sites are 100-acre buffers of the highest quality habitat surrounding a verified den site. These den site buffers are protected from disturbance by applying, where appropriate, limited operating periods (LOPs), prohibiting activities within fisher buffers from March 1 through June 30, and within marten buffers from May 1 through July 31, as long as the habitat remains suitable or until the Forest Service adopts another management strategy. The LOPs may be waived for individual projects of limited scope and duration or if a biological evaluation documents that such projects are




unlikely to result in breeding disturbance considering their intensity, duration, timing, and specific location. There are currently no verified den sites for fisher or marten in the vicinity of the UARP and, therefore, no buffer zones have been established. However, as part of an annual employee environmental awareness program, SMUD will consult with the ENF on future maintenance or ground-disturbing actions to determine if any new den site buffers have been established that encompass the area affected by the action. If a buffer has been designated, or the ENF determines that the action could affect potential denning habitat but no surveys for dens have been conducted, SMUD will either implement the appropriate LOP or conduct a biological evaluation to establish that the action is unlikely to disturb breeding individuals. Based on the absence of verified den sites in the project vicinity and the existence of ENF management strategies to protect forest carnivores, future maintenance or ground-disturbing activities associated with the Proposed Action will be less-than-significant.

Mule Deer

Because the Proposed Action, excluding the Iowa Hill Development (discussed below), does not cause any change from baseline, it will not affect deer migration, canal drowning, and road kills associated with the UARP for the purposes of NEPA. Nonetheless, in the course of stakeholder meetings, SMUD agreed to evaluate these issues and the UARP Terrestrial Resources TWG established three types of potential effects of particular concern that warranted a focused study: 1) the extent and significance of deer fatalities due to drowning in the Gerle Canal and Rockbound Ditch, the ditch below the outlet of the Rockbound Tunnel; 2) the availability of suitable crossing points for deer along project penstocks that bisect a primary movement corridor; and 3) the extent and timing of deer road kills along certain primary access roads to UARP facilities (DTA 2004r).

Canal Drowning Potential

Gerle Canal

SMUD records for the operation and maintenance of the Gerle Canal showed that no deer mortalities have ever been recorded in the canal (pers. comm, J. Haak, D. Newton, J. Noble and L. Maier, SMUD). The canal has varied widths and bank angles classified as either Type I or Type II (Figure: 4.3-1, Appendix B, DTA 2004r). The Type I classification consists of a left bank (i.e., facing downstream) slope of 1:1, a right bank slope of 2:1, and a bottom width of 22 feet. The Type II classification consists of a left bank slope of 1.5:1 a right bank angle of 2:1, and a bottom width of 19 feet. Overall the bank-to-bank width of the canal exceeds 50 feet. Steeper banks (1:1) are sealed with a vary course lining of gunnite, while the shallower banks (2:1) remain as native rock and soil from the hillside from which the canal was cut. A road roughly 12-feet in width is located on top of the right berm. The slope that abuts the left bank is fairly shallow and rarely exceeds an estimated angle of 20°. The Gerle Canal is rated for a maximum flow of 1,120 cfs, but is typically operated at lower than maximum flows depending on generation at Loon Lake Powerhouse. Based on slope angle, substrate, and typical flows, numerous egress opportunities for deer exist along the entire length of the canal. In addition, at



least five backwater sites along the canal offer easy egress opportunities under all flow conditions (Figure 4.3-1, Appendix B, DTA 2004r). Four of these backwater areas are associated with small drainages intersecting the left bank of the canal (Photographs 4.3.1 through 4.3-4, Appendix C, DTA 2004r). The fifth point is a small boat ramp located near the terminus of the canal at Robbs Peak Reservoir. Opportunities for deer and other wildlife to cross the Gerle Canal are afforded in part by three bridges located from 1.1 miles to 0.18 miles apart (Figure 4.3-1, Appendix B; Photographs 4.3-5 through 4.3-7, Appendix C, DTA 2004r). Tracks of mule deer, black bear, and coyote were observed on these bridges after a fresh snowfall on April 8, 2003, confirming that wildlife utilize bridges for crossing the canal when necessary. In addition, tracks of black bear and mule deer were observed entering the canal on the right bank and exiting on the left bank during a field visit on April 8, 2003.

Rockbound Ditch

The Rockbound Ditch is approximately 480 feet in length with bank slopes that vary from 1:1.5 to 1.5:1 on the right bank to 1.5:1 to 4:1 on the left bank. The ditch resembles a natural stream channel over most of its length with large granite outcroppings, boulder/cobble banks, and a bed comprised of small and medium sized cobble (Photograph 4.3-8, Appendix C). Adjacent to the canal, granitic cliffs/outcroppings, knobs, and small drainages dominate the surrounding topography.

From 1976 through 1998, flow through the Rockbound Ditch averaged less than 50 cfs for the nine-month period from July through March. During the spring and early summer runoff period (April through July) flow through the ditch typically ranges from 100 cfs to 500 cfs. The lower flows measured between July and March overlap the typical migration period of the Pacific Deer Herd. Therefore, flows within Rockbound Ditch do not impede migration.

In summary, the potential for wildlife to become entrapped and drown in an open water conduit depends on such factors as canal dimensions, steepness of grade, adjacent topography and substrate, and velocity of water. Deep canals with vertical walls, steep uphill slopes, and high water velocity generally pose the greatest threat to wildlife. In contrast, the Gerle Canal and Rockbound Ditch have gradually-sloped sides composed of rough gunnite or natural rock substrate, and moderate peak flows. In addition, these conduits offer multiple opportunities for egress and crossing. As a result, the potential for wildlife drowning mortality in UARP open water conduits is considered to be a less-than-significant effect on deer populations of the project area.

Penstock Crossings

Linear facilities such as penstocks and other pipelines have the potential to impede deer movements when constructed without adequate clearance to allow animals to pass beneath them. Dalton (1985) and Yoakum et al. (1980) indicate that adequate clearance for deer exceeds 16 inches for fawns and approximately 20 inches for adult mule deer. UARP penstocks, however, provide clearance greater than 24 inches over most of their length and have numerous sections




providing greater than 60 inches of aboveground clearance. As a result, the potential for these penstocks to be a significant impediment to deer passage is considered a less-than-significant effect on deer populations of the project area. The evaluation of each penstock is summarized below.

Robbs Peak Penstock

The Robbs Peak Penstock (Figure 4.3-1, Appendix B, DTA 2004r) transports water from the Robbs Peak Tunnel to the Robbs Peak Powerhouse at the northeast corner of Union Valley Reservoir. The penstock is 2,235 feet in length. Approximately 86 percent of the penstock is elevated 24 inches or greater above ground (Photograph 4.4-1, Appendix C, DTA 2004r) with some segments elevated up to 10 feet above ground. Only two segments of the penstock are less than the 24-inch clearance criterion agreed to by the UARP Terrestrial Resources Technical Working Group for reasonable passage of mule deer. These are: 1) The first 264 feet of the penstock as measured from the tunnel adit; and 2) the final 60 feet of the penstock prior to the point where the penstock goes underground to connect with Robbs Peak Powerhouse.

Jones Fork Penstock

The Jones Fork Penstock transports water 1.6 miles from the Jones Fork Tunnel to the Jones Fork Powerhouse on the southeast arm of Union Valley Reservoir (Figure 4.3-1, Appendix B, DTA 2004r). The penstock is above ground and supported by concrete pedestals, except where the penstock goes underground as it crosses Ice House Road. Approximately 7,650 feet (90 percent) of the penstock is elevated at least 24 inches above ground, the minimum clearance standard agreed to by the UARP Terrestrial ResourcesTechnical Working Group for reasonable deer passage (Photograph 4.4-2, Appendix C, DTA 2004r). The topography along the penstock is relatively flat. The section of the penstock between Ice House Reservoir and Ice House Road contains at least five locations that are elevated a minimum of 60 inches above the ground. The distance between these raised penstock segments ranges from 0.15 to 0.26 mile. The penstock section between Ice House Road and Jones Fork Penstock contains two raised segments that exceed 60 inches aboveground with one segment estimated to be over 40 feet above ground (Photograph 4.4-3, Appendix C, DTA 2004r). These two sections are located 0.27-mile apart. During the field investigation deer tracks were abundant in the vicinity of the penstock, including under all locations elevated above 60 inches above ground. Biologists also observed an adult male deer with antlers pass rapidly under a section of penstock just west of Ice House Road that was estimated to be approximately 24 inches above ground.

Union Valley Penstock

The Union Valley Penstock is located entirely underground and, therefore, was not evaluated as a potential barrier to deer movements.

Jaybird Penstock

The Jaybird Penstock transports water 0.5-mile from Jaybird Tunnel at 4,300 feet elevation downhill to Jaybird Powerhouse at 2,950 feet elevation. The steepness of the slope



(approximately 31°) combined with numerous vertical cliffs along the length of the penstock presents a potential topographical barrier to normal deer movements. Safety concerns precluded field personnel from measuring exact penstock aboveground clearances. However, visual observations from a distance indicate that the penstock exceeds the 24-inch clearance criterion over most of its length (Photograph 4.4-4, Appendix C, DTA 2004r).

Camino Penstock

The Camino Penstock transports water 1,560 feet from the Camino Tunnel to the Camino Powerhouse. As with the Jaybird Penstock, the Camino Penstock is located on a relatively steep slope with cliff bands and rock outcroppings, which present a topographical deterrent to normal deer movements (Photograph 4.4-5, Appendix C, DTA 2004r). Over 90 percent of the penstock is situated 24 inches or greater above ground (Photographs 4.4-6 and 4.4-7, Appendix C, DTA 2004r) with some sections as much as 15 feet above ground. About 75 feet of the penstock near its junction with the Camino Tunnel is elevated less than 24 inches above ground. Nonetheless, two “wildlife” trails were observed crossing under the penstock, with deer tracks prevalent on both trails (Photograph 4.4-7, Appendix C, DTA 2004r).

White Rock Penstock

The White Rock Penstock transports water 1,675 feet from the White Rock Tunnel to the White Rock Powerhouse. Canyon walls constrained satellite reception and use of GPS equipment for recording clearance points along the penstock. Field crews estimated that over 90 percent of the White Rock Penstock is elevated greater than 24 inches above ground (Photographs 4.4-8 and 4.4-9, Appendix C, DTA 2004r) and in several locations the penstock exceeds a height of 10 feet above ground (Photograph 4.4-9, Appendix C, DTA 2004r). Only the top 75 feet of the penstock near the junction with the White Rock Tunnel fails to meet the 24-inch aboveground clearance criterion.

Road Kills

SMUD conducted a focused study of road kill mortality along primary project access roads (DTA 2004r). Three deer fatalities due to vehicle collisions were documented on these roads during the study period. The road kills were found on June 6, 2003, July 1, 2003, and July 17, 2003. The June 6 report involved a 1-2 year old female. The doe was found under the Jones Fork Silver Creek Bridge on Ice House Road. The carcass was estimated to be three days old. The July 1 road kill was discovered approximately 500 feet south of the turnoff to Fashoda-Sunset campground on Ice House Road. This deer was identified as a 3-4 year old female and the carcass was estimated to be less than one day old. The July 17 report involved a young male approximately 1-2 years old discovered on Ice House Road approximately 1.4 miles northeast of the Ice House Road/ Peavine Ridge Road intersection. The carcass was estimated to be less than a day old. All three of the road kills were found on sunny days with dry road conditions. In addition to deer fatalities, deer were observed regularly crossing roads within the study area.

Ice House Road is the main thoroughfare for access to and from UARP facilities, recreation and logging in the UARP and bisects all known migration routes of the Pacific Deer Herd. Ice House




Road is classified by El Dorado County as a rural minor collector road, designed for moderate traffic (pers. comm., J. Breesin, El Dorado County Department of Transportation 2004). In 2002 the El Dorado County Department of Transportation (DOT) conducted a vehicle count on Ice House Road that showed an average of 1,444 vehicles per day during the first week of July (the peak of summer recreation season). Assuming that traffic levels during the first week of July 2003 were comparable to the first week of July 2002, then over 10,000 cars traveled Ice House Road during a seven-day period when SMUD conducted a focused study to evaluate the extent of road kills. During that period, one vehicle-caused deer fatality was reported on Ice House Road (report from July 1, 2003). El Dorado County DOT has no equivalent traffic data from Ice House Road corresponding to the fall migration period for deer, but vehicle use declines significantly after the Labor Day weekend, which represents generally the end of the summer recreation season.

Only three deer road-kills were recorded on primary project access roads during the study period. All three fatalities occurred during summer 2003, none occurred during peak spring and fall migration periods, and none were caused by vehicles involved with operation and maintenance of the project. This mortality rate is low in spite of relatively high traffic levels on Ice House Road during peak recreation season. As a result, the potential for deer fatalities due to vehicle collisions is a less-than-significant effect of the project.

Iowa Hill Development

The UARP Terrestrial Resources TWG and Plenary Group identified specific interest in the potential effects of construction and operation of the proposed Iowa Hill Development on the following wildlife taxa: VELB, bald eagle, northern goshawk, California spotted owl, bats, mule deer, and special-status species in general. As a result, SMUD conducted focused studies to address these taxa and presented the results of these studies in separate technical reports as described previously in Section 5.3.5.1. These results and analyses of effects are summarized below as they pertain to construction and operation of the Iowa Hill Development.

Proposed Measure ─ Wildlife Protection Plan

Under the Proposed Action, SMUD will clear and grade approximately 141.5 acres of land that currently provides habitat for wildlife. Approximately 121.1 acres will be permanently changed; 20.4 acres will be temporarily affected. This acreage includes approximately: 1) 95.4 acres associated with the upper reservoir, berm, and switchyard that will be permanently altered and unavailable for future use by wildlife; 2) 22.3 acres associated with the preliminary alignment of the appurtenant transmission line, which will be cleared and subsequently managed for low-growing vegetation compatible with operation, maintenance, and safety requirements; 3) 3.4 acres of new road prism; and 4) 20.4 acres of temporary use areas (e.g., laydown, field office, and soil storage areas), all of which will be cleared and subsequently revegetated with native species as described in the Conceptual Revegetation Plan (MWH 2004b).

As part of the Proposed Action, a Wildlife Protection Plan will be developed and implemented to minimize effects on wildlife during the construction of the Iowa Hill Development. During clearing operations, mobile wildlife such as birds and large mammals, will be capable of



avoiding the disturbance. These animals will be permanently displaced from the site of the upper reservoir and berm but could occupy other areas following revegetation. The survivorship of animals displaced into adjacent habitats will depend on the suitability of these habitats for each species and whether or not these habitats are below, at, or exceeding carrying capacity. Animals with limited mobility, such as some small mammals, bird nestlings, and some reptiles and amphibians may perish during construction activities. Noise and human activity during clearing, grading, and facility construction could cause some animals to avoid adjacent habitats. Clearing may also provide some benefits to species adapted to “edge conditions” or early seral stage habitat. The Wildlife Protection Plan will include a variety of measures intended to minimize adverse effects of construction on wildlife, as well as measures to restore and enhance non-developed areas upon completion of the Iowa Hill Development. Potential measures to be considered when developing the Wildlife Protection Plan include:

• An Annual Employee Environmental Awarness Program for SMUD staff and contractors working on the project. The Program will instruct workers on the basic biology and identification techniques for special-status species that may occupy the area, state and federal regulations for protection of these species, the requirements of the Wildlife Protection Plan and penalties for non-compliance with the plan, and all relevant license conditions.

• Tree felling will be avoided during a March 1 to August 31 Limited Operating Period

(LOP). This represents the LOP designated by the USFS for the California spotted owl and will provide a secondary benefit of minimizing disturbance to other breeding birds and mammals. Alternatively, this LOP may be waived if SMUD elects to conduct two-year protocol surveys for California spotted owl and northern goshawk immediately prior to tree felling and no active nest is identified within 0.25-mile of the area to be cleared.

• Clearing operations will be confined to the minimum area required for development of

the project. The boundary of areas to be cleared will be flagged or otherwise marked in the field and the restrictions on clearing conveyed to workers as part of the Annual Employee Environmental Awareness Program.

• All construction-related vehicle traffic will be restricted to designated access roads and

posted speed limits; the speed limits on unimproved access roads shall be restricted to speeds of 20 mph or less.

• Project personnel will be instructed to not bring dogs to the construction site to prevent

harassment or killing of wildlife. • Project personnel will be prohibited from bringing firearms to the construction site. • Project personnel will be instructed to deposit all food-related trash in closed containers

or remove it daily from the work sites.




• An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan will be implemented. • An Invasive Weeds Management Plan and a Revegetation Plan will be implemented at all

non-developed sites. This plan will incorporate native plant species offering high forage and cover value to wildlife.

• A qualified biologist will be present during site clearing to ensure compliance with

measures identified in the Wildlife Protection Plan. The biological monitor will be empowered by SMUD to halt site-clearing activities, if necessary, to prevent adverse effects to sensitive wildlife species. In the event that the biological monitor halts site-clearing activities, the details of the incident will be incorporated in SMUD’s construction reporting to the FERC.

In summary, permanent loss of habitat during construction of the Iowa Hill Development is considered an unavoidable effect on wildlife; however, it is not expected to have a significant effect on the populations of these species. Temporary habitat loss or degradation is considered a less-than-significant effect with mitigation incorporated. The specific effects on wildlife of particular interest to relicensing partipants are discussed below.


As described in Section 5.3.5.2, neither VELB nor its host plant (elderberry) were discovered during focused surveys of the Iowa Hill Development site. As a result, the species will not be affected by construction of the facility.

Bald Eagle

SMUD is in the process of completing the Iowa Hill Development Bald Eagle Study and expects to file a report with FERC by late 2005.

Northern Goshawk

Relicensing studies (DTA 2004k, 2004o) indicate that most of the Iowa Hill Development area offers suitable nesting and foraging habitat for northern goshawk; however, the nearest ENF-designated PAC is located approximately one mile distant from the easternmost boundary of the development and no goshawks were detected in the area of the development during two years of protocol surveys. SMUD is in the process of completing the Iowa Hill Development Northern Goshawk Study and expects to file a report with FERC by late 2005. Construction of the Iowa Hill Development will result in the permanent loss of approximately 121.1 acres of potential foraging and nesting habitat, temporary loss of approximately 20.4 acres of habitat, and the temporary avoidance of habitat surrounding the site due to the effects of noise and human activity. These effects are expected to be less-than-significant, given that these habitats are well



represented in the regional landscape, do not provide any unique life requisites to northern goshawk in the area, and SMUD will develop a Wildlife Protection Plan.


Relicensing studies (DTA 2004i, 2004o) indicated that suitable habitat exists at the site of the Iowa Hill Development. The site also overlaps an ENF-designated PAC and multiple spotted owls, both pairs and single birds, were detected during two years of protocol surveys. However, no nests were confirmed to occur within the area to be developed. SMUD is in the process of completing the Iowa Hill Development California Spotted Owl Study and expects to file a report with FERC by late 2005. Construction of the Iowa Hill Development will result in the permanent loss of approximately 121.1 acres of potential foraging and nesting habitat, temporary loss of approximately 20.4 acres of habitat, and the temporary avoidance of habitat surrounding the site due to the effects of noise and human activitity. These effects are expected to be less-than-significant, given that these habitats are well represented in the regional landscape, do not provide any unique life requisites to California spotted owl in the area, and SMUD will develop a Wildlife Protection Plan.

Bats

Construction of the Iowa Hill Development will result in permanent loss of suitable roosting and foraging habitat for several species of bats (DTA 2004h). Tree-roosting species (e.g., long-eared myotis, hoary bat, western red bat) will be most affected by clearing and grading of the site. Although species that forage in forests and by gleaning insects from foliage (e.g, long-eared myotis) may be adversely affected by the permanent loss of foraging habitat on the site, many other species that forage over water and open areas may benefit from the creation of new foraging habitat following construction of the upper reservoir and other facilities. These effects are expected to be less-than-significant, given that these habitats are well represented in the regional landscape, do not provide any unique life requisites to bats in the area, and SMUD will develop a Wildlife Protection Plan.

Mule Deer

Construction of the Iowa Hill Development will result in the permanent loss of approximately 121.1 acres of potential foraging and nesting habitat, temporary loss of approximately 20.4 acres of habitat, and the temporary avoidance of habitat surrounding the site due to the effects of noise and human activity. Clearing of mature forest during construction of the appurtenant transmission line will eventually result in establishment of an earlier seral stage habitat with higher value forage than the baseline condition. Construction of the upper reservoir will also result in some level of habitat fragmentation and hinder deer movements and migration along Iowa Hill. These effects are expected to be less-than-significant, given that these habitats are well represented in the regional landscape, do not provide any unique life requisites to mule deer in the area, and SMUD will develop a Wildlife Protection Plan.




Operation

Operation of the Iowa Hill Development will have negligible effects on wildlife. Human activity and associated noise levels are expected to be low and animals are likely to adapt quickly to typical patterns of operation. Daily fluctuation of Slab Creek Reservoir is also unlikely to have a measurable effect on terrestrial wildlife, including piscivorous birds. The transmission line is expected to conform to current design guidelines for minimizing risk of bird electrocution mortality (APLIC 1994, 1996), and as a result will have a less-than-significant effect on birds.

5.3.5.4 Environmental Effects of the UARP-Only Alternative

Under the UARP-only Alternative, all components of the Proposed Action will be in place except those dealing with the addition of the 400 MW Iowa Hill Development. SMUD will operate the existing UARP facilities in a manner identical to the Proposed Action, with few exceptions. All project reservoirs, except Slab Creek Reservoir, will be operated in the same manner described in Exhibit B of the License Application; the seasonal changes in water levels of the three project storage reservoirs (e.g., Figures 5.3.1-11 through 5.3.1-25 of Section 5.3.1.3), will occur under the alternative. However, the increased frequency of water level fluctuation at Slab Creek Reservoir described under the Proposed Action will not occur under the UARP-only Alternative. Slab Creek Reservoir water level fluctuations, under this alternative, will be the same as baseline. The release schedule for the ten project dams will be the same as the Proposed Action. Thus, the quantity of water stored in project reservoirs (with seasonal and daily changes) and the volume of water passing through project reaches will be the same as the Proposed Action. All environmental measures contained in the Proposed Action will occur under the UARP-only Alternative, except for those pertaining to the Iowa Hill Development. This includes the implementation of: 1) an annual Employee Environmental Awareness Program; 2) an annual review of special-status wildlife lists, and, 3) a Vegetation Management Plan. The effects of the UARP-only Alternative on wildlife resources will be, in large measure, identical to those described for the Proposed Action in Section 5.3.5.3. In general, operation of the UARP under this alternative will have the same reservoir release schedule as the Proposed Action. This alternative, like the Proposed Action, will not significantly affect important bird species such as osprey, northern goshawk, California spotted owls, and waterfowl, as well as mammals, including bats, black bear, mesocarnivores, and mule deer. Because this alternative does not include the construction of the Iowa Hill Development, the permanent loss of 98.8 acres of mixed-conifer forest, the conversion of another 22.3 acres of forest to montane shrub, and the temporary loss of 20.4 acres will not occur. The potential for the construction activities to negatively affect wildlife, in particular northern goshawk and California spotted owls, will also not exist. Without the 400 MW of capacity from the Iowa Hill Development, SMUD will have to meet future peak generation needs with less efficient simple-cycle peaking plants rather than power purchased from the energy market, which would likely be produced by a more efficient mix of fossil fuel generation sources.

5.3.5.5 Unavoidable Adverse Impacts

None

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