[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 185 (Tuesday, September 24, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59884-60039]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-23241]
[[Page 59883]]
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Part II
Department of the Interior
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Fish and Wildlife Service
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50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat
Designation for Four Vernal Pool Crustaceans and Eleven Vernal Pool
Plants in California and Southern Oregon; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 185 / Tuesday, September 24, 2002 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 59884]]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
RIN 1018-AI26
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat
Designation for Four Vernal Pool Crustaceans and Eleven Vernal Pool
Plants in California and Southern Oregon
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose
designation of critical habitat for 4 vernal pool crustaceans and 11
vernal pool plants with a total area being proposed of approximately
672,920 hectares (ha) (1,662,762 acres (ac)). The proposed designation
of critical habitat is for Conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta
conservatio) 165,820 ha (409,735 ac), longhorn fairy shrimp
(Branchinecta longiantenna) 40,605 ha (100,333 ac), vernal pool fairy
shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi) 457,556 ha (1,130,605 ac), and vernal pool
tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi) 291,370 ha (719,965 ac)
(collectively referred to as ``vernal pool crustaceans'' in the
remainder of this document), and Butte County meadowfoam (Limnanthes
floccosa ssp. californica) 16,320 ha (40,326 ac), Contra Costa
goldfields (Lasthenia conjugens) 14,499 ha (38,297 ac), Hoover's spurge
(Chamaesyce hooveri) 81,744 ha (201,987 ac), succulent (or fleshy)
owl's-clover (Castilleja campestris ssp. succulenta) 125,217 ha
(309,407 ac), Colusa grass (Neostapfia colusana) 132,608 ha (327,670
ac), Greene's tuctoria (Tuctoria greenei) 142,984 ha (353,308 ac),
hairy Orcutt grass (Orcuttia pilosa) 65,671 ha (162,272 ac), Sacramento
Orcutt grass (Orcuttia viscida) 24,632 ha (60,865 ac), San Joaquin
Valley Orcutt grass (Orcuttia inaequalis) 101,059 ha (249,714 ac),
slender Orcutt grass (Orcuttia tenuis) 71,035 ha (175,524 ac), and
Solano grass (Tuctoria mucronata) 7,345 ha (18,149 ac) (collectively
referred to as ``vernal pool plants'' in the remainder of this
document), pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended
(Act). Because many of the units proposed for different species
overlap, the total critical habitat area we are proposing is much less
than the sum of the areas for each species. The proposed units are in
39 counties in California and one county in southern Oregon.
If this proposed rule is made final, section 7 of the Act would
prohibit destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat by any
activity funded, authorized, or carried out by any Federal agency.
Section 4 of the Act requires us to consider economic and other impacts
of specifying any particular area as critical habitat.
We solicit data and comments from the public on all aspects of this
proposal, including data on the economic and other impacts of the
designation. We may revise or further refine critical habitat
boundaries prior to final designation based on habitat and additional
plant and animal surveys, public comments on the proposed critical
habitat rule, the completion and approval of Habitat Conservation Plans
(HCPs), and new scientific and commercial information, and data
concerning potential economic impacts from the proposed designation.
DATES: We will accept comments from all interested parties until
November 25, 2002. Public hearing requests must be received by November
8, 2002.
ADDRESSES: If you wish to comment, you may submit your comments and
materials concerning this proposal by any one of several methods.
1. You may mail written comments and information to the Field
Supervisor, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605, Sacramento, CA 95825.
2. You may hand deliver written comments to our Sacramento Fish and
Wildlife Office at the address given above.
3. You may send comments by electronic mail (e-mail) to [email protected]. See the Public Comments Solicited section below for
file format and other information about electronic filing.
Comments and materials received, as well as supporting
documentation used in the preparation of this proposed rule, will be
available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business
hours at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arnold Roessler or Susan Moore, at the
Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office address above (telephone 916/414-
6600; facsimile 916/414-6710). Information regarding this proposal is
available in alternate formats upon request.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The vernal pool crustaceans and plants addressed in this proposed
rule live in vernal pools (shallow depressions that hold water
seasonally), swales (shallow drainages that carry water seasonally),
and ephemeral freshwater habitats. None are known to occur in riverine
waters, marine waters, or other permanent bodies of water. The vernal
pool habitats of the four vernal pool crustaceans and eleven plants
addressed in this proposed rule have a discontinuous distribution west
of the Sierra Nevada that extends from southern Oregon through
California into northern Baja California, Mexico (Holland and Jain
1978, 1988, Eriksen and Belk 1999).
Vernal pools are a unique kind of wetland ecosystem. Central to
their distinctive ecology is the fact that they are vernal or
ephemeral, occurring temporarily--typically during the spring--and then
disappearing until the next year. They are wet long enough to be
different in character and species composition from the surrounding
upland habitats, and yet their prolonged annual dry phase prevents the
establishment of species typical of more permanent wetlands. In
California, where extensive areas of vernal pool habitat developed over
long periods of time, unique suites of species specially adapted to the
unusual conditions of vernal pools have evolved. Fish and other
predators are among the species excluded by vernal pools' annual
drying, so vernal pool communities have developed and flourished in the
absence of many predators. California vernal pools are also renowned
for their showy displays of wildflowers, blooming in concentric rings
about the pools in spring. Centres of Plant Diversity, a project of the
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and IUCN--The World Conservation
Union, has identified the vernal pools of California and Baja
California, Mexico, as a center of plant diversity and endemism in
North America, and considers them to be severely threatened (WWF and
IUCN 2002).
Many areas in California and portions of southern Oregon have the
combination of environmental conditions that favors the development of
vernal pools (Keeley and Zedler 1998). The climate is of a type
classified as Mediterranean, with a wet season when rainfall exceeds
evaporation, filling the pools, and a dry season when evaporation is
greater, drying the pools. Rainfall is relatively meager even in most
wet seasons, so erosion by overflowing waters does not dissect the
topographic irregularities that form vernal pool basins. Temperatures
during the winter-spring wet season are mild, so plants and animals can
grow, mature, and reproduce.
[[Page 59885]]
A second major factor in the development of vernal pools is soil.
Vernal pools form where there is a soil layer below or at the surface
that is impermeable or nearly impermeable to water (Smith and Verrill
1998). Precipitation and surface runoff become trapped or ``perched''
above this layer. In California, the restrictive soil layers underlying
vernal pools are of four main types--hardpans, claypans, volcanic
flows, and non-volcanic rock. Volcanic flows include basaltic lavas and
cemented mudflows, and are most common along the lower western slope of
the Sierra Nevada. Hardpans are formed by leaching, redeposition, and
cementing of silica minerals from high in the soil profile to a lower
(``B'') horizon (Hobson and Dahlgren 1998, Smith and Verrill 1998).
Claypans are formed by another redeposition process--fine clay
particles are transported to the B horizon and accumulate there.
Claypans may also be augmented by redeposition of saline or alkaline
compounds. Hardpans and claypans both develop gradually over thousands
of years, and can be a meter (yard) or more thick. Smith and Verrill
(1998) list many of the soil series associated with vernal pools in the
Central Valley.
A third factor, related to soil and climate, is topography or
relief. Vernal pools typically occur in landscapes that, at a broad
scale, are shallowly sloping or nearly level, but on a fine scale may
be quite bumpy. Complex micro-relief results in shallow, undrained
depressions that form vernal pools. Some vernal pool landscapes are
dotted with numerous, rounded soil mounds, referred to as mima mounds,
after the well-developed mounds of the Mima Prairie in Thurston County,
Washington (Scheffer 1947). Scientists still argue about the origins of
these mounds, which have been attributed to forces as disparate as
gophers acting over millennia (Scheffer 1947, Cox and Gakahu 1983) and
the pressures of soil swelling and shrinkage during wetting and drying
cycles (Hallsworth et al. 1955, Hobson and Dahlgren 1998)--as well as
other hypotheses, many much less plausible. Focusing on the troughs
rather than the mounds, Californians long referred to vernal pools as
``hog wallows,'' but unlike the buffalo wallows of the Great Plains,
these wetlands have little to do with hogs or wallowing. From the air,
vernal pool landscapes often show characteristic patterning, produced
by plant responses to mound and trough micro-relief. This patterning
has allowed detailed mapping of vernal pool habitats throughout
California's Central Valley and adjacent areas (Holland 1998).
Vernal pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from a square
meter (yard) to a hectare (2.5 ac) or more. Some larger vernal
wetlands, such as the 36 ha (90 ac) Olcott Lake in the Jepson Prairie
Preserve in Solano County, are also referred to as vernal lakes or
playa pools or lakes. Playa pools with high alkalinity are termed
alkali sinks. These larger wetlands contain many of the same animals
and plants of smaller vernal pools, including many rare and endangered
species.
Since appropriate combinations of climate, soil, and topography
often occur over continuous areas rather than in isolated spots, vernal
pools in California, particularly in the Central Valley, tend to occur
in clusters, called ``complexes.'' A landscape that supports a vernal
pool complex is typically a grassland, with areas of obstructed
drainage that form the pools. Vernal pools can also be found in a
variety of other habitats, including woodland, desert, and chaparral.
The pools may be fed or connected by low drainage pathways called
``swales.'' Swales are often themselves seasonal wetlands that remain
saturated for much of the wet season, but may not be inundated long
enough to develop strong vernal pool characteristics. Vernal pool
complexes have historically been considered poor farmland, because of
their shallow, seasonally saturated or inundated and sometimes alkaline
soils, and their root-restricting subsurface layer. For the same
reasons, trees are relatively rare in most vernal pool complexes.
California's vernal pools begin to fill with the fall and winter
rains. Before ponding occurs, there is a period during which the soil
is wetted and the local water table may rise. Some pools have a
substantial watershed that contributes to their water inputs; others
may fill almost entirely from rain falling directly into the pool
(Hanes and Stromberg 1998). Although exceptions are not uncommon, the
watershed generally contributes more to the filling of larger or deeper
pools, especially playa pools. Even in pools filled primarily by direct
precipitation, Hanes and Stromberg (1998) report that subsurface
inflows from surrounding soils can help dampen water level fluctuations
during late winter and early spring. Vernal pools exhibit four major
phases--the wetting phase, when vernal pool soils become saturated; the
aquatic phase, when a perched water table develops and the vernal pool
contains water; a water-logged drying phase, when the vernal pool
begins loses water as a result of evaporation and loss to the
surrounding soils but soil moisture remains high; and the dry phase,
when the vernal pool and underlying soils are completely dry (Keeley
and Zedler 1998). Upland areas associated with vernal pools are also an
important source of nutrients to vernal pool organisms (Wetzel 1975).
Vernal pool habitats derive most of their nutrients from detritus which
is washed into the pool from adjacent uplands, and these nutrients
provide the foundation for vernal pool aquatic communities food chain.
Detritus is a primary food source for the vernal pool crustaceans
addressed in this proposed rule (Eriksen and Belk 1999).
Both the amount and timing of rainfall in California vary greatly
from year to year. As a result, pools may fill to different extents at
different times. The duration of ponding of vernal pools also varies,
and in certain years some pools may not fill at all. Many
characteristics of vernal pool plants and animals are adaptations to
the highly variable and unpredictable nature of vernal pools (Holland
1976, Holland and Dains 1990, King et al. 1996, Hanes and Stromberg
1998).
California's vernal pools are rich in species composition compared
to vernal pools worldwide and contain many species that are endemic to
the region (found nowhere else). In addition, while most of
California's grasslands are now dominated by non-native grasses and
other introduced plants, vernal pools remain a haven for native
species. Invasive non-native plants have been introduced into
California and have so successfully spread and reproduced in upland
habitats that it is not unusual for non-natives to account for a third
of the species and more than 90 percent of the biomass in a California
grassland. Vernal pools have dramatically resisted this invasion with
75 to 95 percent of plant species found in vernal pools being native;
and natives dominate in biomass as well as number (Holland and Jain
1978, Jokerst 1990, Spencer and Rieseberg 1998). Vernal pool
communities dominated by natives persist even though they are
surrounded by seas of grassland raining the seed of non-native plants.
Vernal pool plant communities are able to resist invasion because of
the severe ecological constraints on plants living in vernal pool
environments.
The animal communities that live in vernal pools also contain
diverse groups of highly specialized species. The freshwater crustacean
communities of vernal pools are particularly well developed (Simovich
1998). The most visible crustaceans in vernal pools are the large
branchiopods (literally, ``gill-
[[Page 59886]]
foots''), about 27 species in California, of which perhaps 10 are
endemic (Helm 1998, Belk and Fugate 2000) and 6 are federally listed as
threatened or endangered. The large branchiopods are easily visible to
the naked eye, ranging up to 5 centimeters (cm) (2 inches (in)) in
length, depending on the species. They include the fairy shrimps
(Anostraca), tadpole shrimps (Notostraca), and clam shrimps
(Conchostraca). Smaller crustaceans that are common in California
vernal pools, many large enough to see without magnification, are water
fleas (Branchiopoda--Cladocera), copepods (Copepoda), and seed shrimp
(Ostracoda).
Amphibians and many insect species also live in vernal pools. The
Pacific tree frog (chorus frog) (Hyla (Pseudacris) regilla) and western
toad (Bufo boreas) are common and abundant in and around vernal pools.
Two rarer amphibians native to vernal pools are the California tiger
salamander (Ambystoma californiense) and the western spadefoot toad
(Scaphiopus (Spea) hammondii) (Morey 1998). While dispersing bullfrogs
(Rana catesbeiana), which are not native to California, are sometimes
found in vernal pools, they do not successfully breed there because
bullfrog tadpoles require two years to mature and cannot survive the
dry season. These voracious introduced predators will sometimes be
found resting and feeding in vernal pools close to more permanent
water, frequently associated with human modifications of the landscape.
Fish likewise do not inhabit vernal pools, except where temporarily
introduced by humans (e.g., mosquitofish (Gambusia sp.)) or by flooding
of permanent waters.
The insect fauna of vernal pools is numerous, varied and primarily
native, including aquatic beetles (Coleoptera--Dytiscidae,
Hydrophilidae, Gyrinidae, Halipidae, Hydraenidae), aquatic bugs,
including backswimmers (Hemiptera--Notonectidae), water boatmen
(Corixidae), and water striders (Gerridae), springtails (Collembola),
mayflies (Ephemeroptera), dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata), and
various flies with aquatic larvae, including midges (Diptera--
Chironomidae), crane flies (Tipulidae) and mosquitoes (Culicidae).
Rogers (1998) found that mosquitoes generally made up less than 2
percent of the total macroscopic invertebrate population in natural and
two-year old constructed pools--perhaps because many of the other
insects listed above are predators. Vernal pool crustaceans are an
important food source for a number of aquatic and terrestrial species.
Aquatic predators include insects such as backswimmers (Family
Notonectidae) (Woodward and Kiesecker 1994), predaceous diving beetles
and their larvae (Family Dystictidae), and dragonflies and damselfly
larvae (Order Odonate). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp are another
significant predator of fairy shrimp.
The plants, invertebrate and vertebrate animals of vernal pools,
and vernal pool landscapes in general, are important providers of food
and habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, toads, frogs, and
salamanders (Proctor et al. 1967, Krapu 1974, Swanson 1974, Morin 1987,
Simovich et al. 1991, Silveira 1996). There is evidence that vernal
pool crustaceans were used as a food source for Native Americans in
California's Central Valley (Silveira 1998). During the spring,
waterfowl feed on vernal pool crustaceans and other invertebrates,
which are sources of protein and calcium needed for migration and egg-
laying (Proctor et al. 1967, Silveira 1998). Vernal pool complexes
contribute to continuity of wetland habitats along the Pacific Flyway
(a major bird migration route). Many species feed or nest near vernal
pools, for example, cliff swallows (Hirundo fulva) glean mud from
vernal pool beds for their nests, lesser nighthawks (Chordeiles
acutipennis) nest in dry vernal pool beds, burrowing owl (Athene
cunicularia) and gopher (Thomomys sp.) burrows are found in mima
mounds, and many species graze or hunt along vernal pool shorelines.
Before their populations were nearly eliminated by hunting and habitat
alteration, elk (Cervus sp.) and pronghorn antelope (Antilocarpa
americana) undoubtedly grazed vernal pool landscapes, and have been
replaced by cattle. Fishing net weights found near vernal pools
suggests that California's first human populations also made use of
vernal pool resources, as do hunters today (Silveira 1998).
Classification of Vernal Pools
The variability of vernal pool types has led many researchers to
try and classify these ephemeral habitats. (i.e., Holland (1986),
Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995), Ferren et al. (1996), Smith and Verrill
(1998)). Most of these efforts have focused on classifying vernal pools
based on the factors that influence variation in their physical
features. Primary physical features that influence vernal pool size,
depth, and soil and water chemistry include soil type, geologic
formation, and landform. Landforms are physical attributes of the
landscape resulting from geomorphological processes such as erosion and
deposition, and include features such as alluvial terraces and basins;
and volcanic mudflows and lava flows.
The types and kinds of species that are found in vernal pools are
largely determined by these physical factors, including pool size,
depth, area, and water and soil chemistry (Holland and Griggs 1976,
Zedler 1987, Holland and Dains 1990, Eng et al. 1990, Simovich 1998).
The physical characteristics of the vernal pool influences the life
history characteristics of vernal pool species, such as the speed with
which a species can mature and reproduce, the amount of soil moisture
required for germination of plant seeds or hatching of invertebrate
eggs or cysts, as well as tolerance to turbidity, total dissolved
solids, and other aspects of vernal pool water chemistry.
Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995) classified vernal pools according to
a number of physical, geographic, and biological characteristics. They
identified several general vernal pool types which correspond to the
nature of the impermeable layer that underlay the vernal pool and
assisted the pool to form. The vernal pools were identified as Northern
Hardpan, Northern Claypan, Northern Basalt Flow, Northern Volcanic
Mudflow, and Northern Ashflow vernal pools. Northern Hardpan vernal
pools are generally formed on alluvial terraces with silicate-cement
soil layers. These pool types are generally on acidic soils, and
exhibit well developed mima mound topography found on the eastern
margins of the Central Valley. Northern Claypan vernal pools are
generally formed on impermeable surfaces created by an accumulation of
clay particles. These pool types are often found on basin and basin rim
landforms and tend to occur in the central portion of the Central
Valley and tend to be alkaline. Vernal pools identified as Northern
Volcanic Mudflow, Northern Basalt Flow, and Northern Volcanic Ashflow,
are generally formed by an impervious bedrock layer of volcanic origin.
These pool types are found on the eastern and coastal portions of the
Central Valley, and tend to be small and restricted in distribution.
Northern Basalt Flow vernal pools occur at greater elevations than
other vernal pool types.
Vernal Pool Crustaceans Background
Conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio), longhorn fairy
shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna), and vernal pool fairy shrimp
(Branchinecta lynchi) are members of the aquatic crustacean order
Anostraca. Vernal pool tadpole shrimp
[[Page 59887]]
(Lepidurus packardi) is a member of the aquatic crustacean order
Notostraca. Vernal pool fairy shrimp are found in California and
southern Oregon while the other three shrimp species are found only in
California. These species have all evolved similar adaptations to the
unique habitat conditions of their vernal pool habitats. The general
appearance and life history characteristics of these four species will
be described in combination below.
Longhorn fairy shrimp, vernal pool fairy shrimp, and Conservancy
fairy shrimp (fairy shrimp) have delicate elongate bodies, large
stalked compound eyes, and 11 pairs of phyllopods, or gill-like
structures that also serve as legs. They swim or glide gracefully
upside down by means of complex beating movements that pass in a wave-
like anterior to posterior direction. Fairy shrimp are filter feeders,
and consume algae, bacteria, protozoa, rotifers, and bits of detritus
as they move through the water. The second pair of antennae in fairy
shrimp adult males are greatly enlarged and specialized for clasping
the females during copulation. The females carry eggs in an oval or
elongate ventral sac (brood sac). Once fertilized, the eggs are coated
with a protective protein layer that allows them to withstand heat,
cold, and prolonged dehydration. The fully developed eggs are either
dropped to the pool bottom or remain in the brood sac until the female
dies and sinks. These dormant eggs are also known as cysts, and they
can remain viable in the soil for decades after deposition (Eriksen and
Belk, 1999). When the pools refill in the same or subsequent seasons,
some, but not all, of the cysts may hatch (Eriksen and Belk, 1999). The
cyst bank in the soil may consist of cysts from several years of
breeding. The cysts that hatch may do so within days after the vernal
pools fill, and rapidly develop into adults within weeks. In pools that
persist for several weeks to a few months, fairy shrimp may have
multiple hatches during a single season.
Vernal pool tadpole shrimp have dorsal compound eyes, a large
shield-like carapace (shell) that covers most of their body and a pair
of long cercopods or appendages at the end of the last abdominal
segment. They are primarily benthic (living on the bottoms of the
pools) animals that swim with their legs down. Vernal pool tadpole
shrimp climb or scramble over objects, and plow along bottom sediments
as they forage for food. Their diet consists of organic detritus
(decaying matter) and living organisms, such as fairy shrimp and other
invertebrates (Fryer 1987). The females deposit eggs on vegetation and
other objects on the pool bottom. Like fairy shrimp, vernal pool
tadpole shrimp pass the summer months as dormant cysts in the soil.
Some of the cysts hatch as the vernal pools are filled with rainwater
in the next or subsequent seasons, while other cysts may remain dormant
in the soil for many years. When winter rains refill inhabited pools,
tadpole shrimp reestablish from dormant cysts and may become sexually
mature within three to four weeks after hatching (Ahl 1991, Helm 1998).
Mature adults may be present in pools until the habitats dry up in the
spring (Ahl 1991, Gallagher 1996).
All of the vernal pool crustacean species addressed in this
proposed critical habitat designation have evolved unique physical
adaptations to survive in vernal pools. The timing and duration of wet
and dry phases can vary significantly from year to year, and in some
years vernal pools may not inundate at all. In order to take advantage
of the short inundation phase, vernal pool crustaceans have evolved
short reproduction times and high reproductive rates. Most of the
species addressed in this proposed rule hatch within a few days after
their habitats fill with water, and can start reproducing within a few
weeks (Eng et al. 1990, Helm 1998, Eriksen and Belk 1999). Vernal pool
crustaceans can complete their entire life cycle in a single season,
and some species may complete several life cycles. Vernal pool
crustaceans can also produce thousands viable cysts when environmental
conditions are favorable.
To survive the prolonged heat and dessication of the vernal pool
dry phase, vernal pool crustaceans have developed a dormant stage.
After vernal pool crustacean eggs are fertilized in the female's brood
sac, the embryos develop a thick, usually multi-layered shell. When
embryonic development reaches a late stage, further maturation stops,
metabolism is drastically slowed, and the egg, now referred to as a
cyst, enters a dormant state called diapause. The cyst is then either
dropped to the pool bottom or remains in the brood sac until the female
dies and sinks. Once the cyst is desiccated, it can withstand
temperatures near boiling (Carlisle 1968), fire (Wells et al. 1997),
freezing, and anoxic conditions without damage to the embryo. The cyst
wall cannot be affected by digestive enzymes, and can be transported in
the digestive tracts of animals without harm (Horne 1967). Most fairy
shrimp cysts can remain viable in the soil for a decade or longer (Belk
1998).
Although the exact signals that cause crustacean cysts to hatch are
unknown, factors such as soil moisture, temperature, light, oxygen, and
osmotic pressure may trigger the embryo's emergence from the cyst
(Brendonck 1996). Because the cyst contains a well developed embryo,
the animal can quickly develop into a fully mature adult. This allows
vernal pool crustaceans to reproduce before the vernal pool enters the
dry phase, sometimes within only a few weeks (Helm 1998, Eriksen and
Belk 1999). In some species, cysts may hatch immediately without going
through a dormant stage, if they are deposited while the vernal pool
still contains water. These cysts are referred to as quiescent, and
allow the vernal pool crustacean to produce multiple generations in a
single wet season as long as their habitat remains inundated.
Another important adaptation of vernal pool crustaceans to the
unpredictable conditions of vernal pools is the fact that not all of
the dormant cysts hatch in every season. Simovich and Hathaway (1997)
found that only 6 percent of San Diego fairy shrimp cysts hatched after
initial hydration, and only 0.18 percent of Riverside fairy shrimp
cysts hatched. The cysts that don't hatch remain dormant and viable in
the soil. These cysts may hatch in a subsequent year, and form a cyst
bank much like the seed bank of annual plants. The cyst bank may be
comprised of cysts from several years of breeding, and large cyst banks
of viable resting eggs in the soil of vernal pools containing fairy
shrimp have been well documented (Belk 1998). Based on a review of
other studies (e.g., Belk 1977, Gallagher 1996, Brendonck 1996),
Simovich and Hathaway (1997) concluded that species inhabiting more
unpredictable environments, such as smaller or shorter lived pools, are
more likely to have a smaller percent of their cysts hatch after their
vernal pool habitats fill with water. This strategy reduces the
probability of complete reproductive failure if a vernal pool dries up
prematurely. This kind of ``bet-hedging strategy'' has been suggested
as a mechanism by which rare species may persist in unpredictable
environments (Chesson and Warner 1981, Chesson and Huntly 1989, Ellner
and Hairston 1994).
Although the vernal pool crustaceans, and particularly the fairy
shrimp, addressed in this proposed rule are not often found in the same
vernal pool at the same time, when coexistence does occur, it is
generally in deeper, longer lived pools (Eng et al. 1990, Thiery 1991,
Gallagher 1996, Simovich 1998). In larger pools, closely related
species of fairy shrimp may coexist by hatching at different
temperatures, and by
[[Page 59888]]
developing at different rates (Thiery 1991, Hathaway and Simovich
1996). Vernal pool crustacean species may also be able to coexist by
utilizing different physical portions of the vernal pool, or by eating
different food sources (Daborn 1978, Mura 1991, Hamer and Appleton
1991, Thiery 1991).
The primary historic dispersal mechanisms for the vernal pool
crustaceans probably consisted of large scale flooding resulting from
winter and spring rains, and dispersal by migratory birds. As a result
of widespread flood control and agricultural water diversion projects
developed during the twentieth century, large scale flooding is no
longer a major form of dispersal for the vernal pool crustaceans. When
being dispersed by migratory birds, the eggs of these crustaceans are
either ingested (Krapu 1974, Swanson 1974, Driver 1981, Ahl 1991) and/
or adhere to the bird's legs and feathers where they are transported to
new habitats. Cysts may also be dispersed by a number of other species,
such as salamanders, toads, cattle, and humans (Eriksen and Belk 1999).
The vernal pool crustaceans addressed in this proposed rule are
generally confined to habitats that are low to moderate in alkalinity
and dissolved salts, when compared with other aquatic systems (Ericksen
and Belk 1999). Although potentially moderated by soil type, vernal
pools are generally unbuffered and exhibit wide fluctuations in pH and
dissolved oxygen (Keeley and Zedler 1998). Vernal pool water ion
concentrations, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorine, and
magnesium, also experience large daily and seasonal variations. These
variations are due to the concentration of ions due to evaporation, and
the dilution of ions with additional rainfall throughout the wet season
(Barclay and Knight 1981). How vernal pool crustacean species adapt to
these fluctuations in water chemistry varies. Definitive conclusion on
why the species has certain water chemistry habitat preferences is
generally unknown due to the anecdotal nature of observations.
Additional information specific to each of the four individual
vernal pool crustacean species described in this proposed rule is
provided below.
Conservancy Fairy Shrimp
Conservancy fairy shrimp were first described in 1990 by Eng, Belk,
and Eriksen. The type specimens were collected in 1982 at Olcott Lake,
Solano County, California. Conservancy fairy shrimp are currently known
from only eight disjunct areas--Vina plains and vicinity in southern
Tehama and northern Butte County; Jepson Prairie in Solano County;
Suisun Slough in southern Solano County; Sacramento National Wildlife
Refuge in Glenn County; near Caswell Memorial State Park in Stanislaus
County; Haystack Mountain Area in eastern Merced County; San Luis
National Wildlife Refuge Complex in central Merced County, and the
Mutau Flat area in the Los Padres National Forest area of northern
Ventura County.
Conservancy fairy shrimp look similar to other fairy shrimp
species, but can be distinguished by characteristics of the male second
antenna. The second antennae of Conservancy fairy shrimp males have a
distal segment which is about 30 percent shorter than the basal
segment, and has a tip bent medially about 90 degrees (Eng et al.
1990). The female brood pouch is tapered at each end, typically extends
to abdominal segment 8, and has a terminal opening (Eng et al. 1990).
Males may be from 14 to 27 millimeters (mm) (0.6 to 1.1 in) in length,
and females have been measured between 14.5 and 23 mm (0.6 and 0.9 in)
long.
Further discussion on the life history and habitat requirements of
Conservancy fairy shrimp can be found in the final rule to list this
species (59 FR 48136).
Longhorn Fairy Shrimp
Longhorn fairy shrimp were first collected in 1937, but were not
formally described until 1990 by Eng, Belk, and Eriksen. The type
specimen was collected from a sandstone outcrop pool on the Souza Ranch
in Contra Costa County, California. Longhorn fairy shrimp are extremely
rare, and are only known from three widely separated locations; the
Altamont Pass area in Contra Costa and Alameda counties; the western
and northern boundaries of Soda Lake on the Carrizo Plain in San Luis
Obispo County; and Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge in the San
Joaquin Valley in Merced County. Vernal pool crustacean surveys
conducted by Sugnet (1993) found only 3 occurrences of longhorn fairy
shrimp out of 3,092 locations surveyed, and Helm (1998) found
occurrences of longhorn fairy shrimp in only 9 of 4,008 wetlands
sampled.
Longhorn fairy shrimp are distinguished from other fairy shrimp by
the male's very long second antennae, which is about twice as long,
relative to its body, as the second antennae of other species of
Branchinecta. Longhorn fairy shrimp antennae range from 6.7 to 10.4 mm
(0.3 to 0.4 in) in length (Eriksen and Belk 1999). Females can be
recognized by their cylindrical brood pouch, which extends to below
abdominal segments 6 or 7. Mature males have been measured between 12
and 21 mm (0.5 to 0.8 in) in length, and females range from 13.3 to
19.8 mm (0.5 to 0.8 in) in length (Eng et al. 1990).
Further discussion on the life history and habitat requirements of
longhorn fairy shrimp can be found in the final rule to list this
species (59 FR 48136).
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp
Vernal pool fairy shrimp were first described by Eng et al. in 1990
from a type specimen that was collected in 1982 at Souza Ranch, Contra
Costa County, California. The species occurs in disjunct fragmented
habitats distributed across the Central Valley of California from
Shasta County to Tulare County and the central and southern coast
ranges from northern Solano County to Ventura County, California.
Additional disjunct populations have been identified in southern
California and in Oregon. In Oregon, the species' distribution is
limited to the vicinity of an approximately 82.9 square kilometer (sq
km) (32 square mile (sq mi)) area known as the Agate Desert in Jackson
County, north of Medford. In southern California the distribution is
equally limited with populations occurring in three areas in Riverside
County.
Vernal pool fairy shrimp are characterized by the presence and size
of several bulges on the male's antenna, and by the female's short,
pyriform or pear shaped, brood pouch. Vernal pool fairy shrimp vary in
size, ranging from 11 to 25 mm (0.4 to 1.0 in) in length (Eng et al.
1990).
Vernal pool fairy shrimp are currently found in 27 counties across
the Central Valley and coast ranges of California, inland valleys of
southern California, and southern Oregon. Although vernal pool fairy
shrimp are distributed more widely than most other fairy shrimp
species, they are generally uncommon throughout their range, and rarely
abundant where they do occur (Eng et al. 1990, Eriksen and Belk 1999).
Further discussion on the life history and habitat requirements of
vernal pool fairy shrimp can be found in the final rule to list this
species (59 FR 48136).
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp
Vernal pool tadpole shrimp were initially described by Simon in
1886, and named Lepidurus packardi. After subsequent reclassification
by Longhurst (1955), the species was given a subspecies status based
primarily on the lack of apparent geographic boundaries between L. apus
and L. packardi populations. Lynch (1972)
[[Page 59889]]
resurrected L. packardi to full species status based on further
examination of specimens and this is the currently accepted taxonomic
status of vernal pool tadpole shrimp. Vernal pool tadpole shrimp
inhabit sites in California's Central Valley and San Francisco Bay
area. The geographic range of this species includes disjunct
populations found in the Central Valley from Shasta County to northern
Tulare County and in the central coast range from Solano County to
Alameda County.
Vernal pool tadpole shrimp are distinguished by a large, shield-
like carapace, or shell, that covers the anterior half of their body.
Vernal pool tadpole shrimp have 30 to 35 pairs of phyllopods, a
segmented abdomen, paired cercopods or tail-like appendages, and fused
eyes. Vernal pool tadpole shrimp will continue to grow as long as their
vernal pool habitats remain inundated, in some cases for six months or
longer. They periodically shed their shells, which can often be found
along the edges of vernal pools where vernal pool tadpole shrimp occur.
Mature vernal pool tadpole shrimp range in size from 15 to 86 mm (0.6
to 3.4 in) in length.
Vernal pool tadpole shrimp have relatively high reproductive rates.
Ahl (1991) found that fecundity increases with body size. Large
females, greater than 20 mm (0.8 in) carapace length, could deposit as
many as 6 clutches, averaging 32 to 61 eggs per clutch, in a single wet
season.
Further discussion on the life history and habitat requirements of
vernal pool tadpole shrimp can be found in the final rule to list this
species (59 FR 48136).
The habitat of the four vernal pool crustaceans is imperiled by a
variety of activities, primarily by urban development, water supply and
flood control activities, and conversion of land to agricultural use.
Habitat loss occurs from direct destruction and modification of pools
due to filling, grading, discing, leveling, and other activities, as
well as modification of surrounding uplands. Vernal pool crustaceans
and their habitat also are threatened by altered flood regimes,
degraded water quality, siltation, erosion, grazing, improper burning,
military operations, off-road vehicles, pollution, vandalism, road and
trail maintenance, and introduction of non-native predators. Further
discussion on threats to the vernal pool crustaceans can be found in
the final rule to list these species (59 FR 48136).
Vernal Pool Plants Background
The vernal pool plants described in this proposed rule have
developed a suite of highly specialized adaptations which allow them to
survive in vernal pool habitats. All eleven species are annuals,
meaning they germinate, grow, and reproduce within a single year. This
allows the vernal pool plants to complete their life cycles during the
relatively short inundation and drying periods of their vernal pool
habitat.
Another adaptation of vernal pool plants is production of dormant
seeds. This adaptation allows vernal pool plants to survive the hot
summer months in the soil. The seeds may remain viable in the soil for
many years. The number of plants present above ground may fluctuate
dramatically from year to year. However, much of the population of
these species exists as seeds in the soil. Vernal pool plant seeds
generally germinate after winter rains in response to a complex set of
environmental cues that are not well understood, but that generally
include temperature and soil moisture. Specific germination cues differ
greatly among species and are discussed in more detail in the
individual species descriptions below. Not all of the dormant seeds
will germinate in any given year. This strategy reduces the probability
of local extirpation if environmental conditions change, for example if
a vernal pool dries up prematurely. This kind of ``bet-hedging
strategy'' has been suggested as a mechanism by which rare species may
persist in unpredictable environments (Chesson and Warner 1981, Chesson
and Huntly 1989, Ellner and Hairston 1994).
Tolerance to inundation differs greatly among species (Zedler
1987). The zonation of vernal pool plants which forms the
characteristic rings of flowers around vernal pools is a result of this
differential tolerance to inundation. Species that are the least
tolerant to inundation grow along the margins of the pool, while those
that can tolerate extended periods of inundation grow in the center of
the pools.
Information on the appearance and life history of each of the
eleven individual vernal pool plant species described in this proposed
rule is provided below.
Butte County Meadowfoam
Butte County meadowfoam (Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica) was
first collected in 1917 at a site 16 kilometers (km) (10 mi)) north of
Chico (Service 1991b), although it was recognized as a separate
subspecies at that time. Kalin-Arroyo (1973) determined that Butte
County meadowfoam was a distinct taxon and gave it the scientific name
Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica. The type locality is in Butte
County between Chico and Oroville, near the intersection of state
Highway 99 and Shippee Road (Kalin-Arroyo 1973).
Butte County meadowfoam is a small annual of the meadowfoam or
false mermaid family (Limnanthaceae). It has erect stems less than 25
cm (9.8 in) tall. The stem and leaves are densely pubescent (covered
with short hairs). The alternate leaves are pinnately compound (divided
into distinct segments which are arranged featherlike on either side of
a rachis), up to 8 cm (3.1 in) long, and consist of five to eleven
leaflets on a long petiole. A single flower arises in the axil (angle
between the base of a leaf and the stem) of each upper leaf. The
flowers are white with yellow veins, cup or bowl-shaped, and consist of
five petals, five sepals, five pistils (female reproductive structures
of a flower), and ten stamens (male reproductive structures of a
flower) on a long flower stalk (Kalin-Arroyo 1973, McNeill and Brown
1979, Ornduff 1993b).
Butte County meadowfoam seedlings can tolerate short periods of
submergence (Jokerst 1989, Dole and Sun 1992). The seedlings develop
into rosettes (clusters of leaves near the ground), which do not begin
producing flowering stems immediately (McNeill and Brown 1979, Ritland
and Jain 1984). Butte County meadowfoam typically begins flowering in
February, reaches peak flowering in March, and may continue into April
if conditions are suitable. Nutlets are produced in March and April,
and the plants die back by early May (Jokerst 1989, Dole and Sun 1992).
Butte County meadowfoam is predominantly self fertilized (Dole and
Sun 1992). Nutlets of Butte County meadowfoam apparently are dispersed
by water; they can remain afloat for up to 3 days (Hauptli et al.
1978). Limnanthes taxa that grow in wet sites have larger tubercles
than those adapted to dry sites. Hauptli et al. (1978) speculated that
the tuberculate surface of such nutlets may aid in flotation by
trapping air. However, most meadowfoam nutlets are dispersed only short
distances. Thus, Butte County meadowfoam nutlets would not be expected
to disperse beyond their pool or swale of origin. Birds and livestock
are potential sources of long-distance seed dispersal, but specific
instances of dispersal have not been documented (Jain 1978).
Butte County meadowfoam has always been confined to the Butte
County (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998). In her original description, Kalin-
Arroyo
[[Page 59890]]
(1973) mentioned six collections, including the type locality. Five of
those ranged from the original collection site southeast to Oroville,
and the sixth was from Table Mountain north of Oroville. However,
Jokerst (1983) did not find Butte County meadowfoam on Table Mountain
and later suggested that the specimen had been misidentified (Service
1992a).
All 13 of the occurrences described by the CNDDB (2001) had been
reported by 1988 (Kalin-Arroyo 1973, McNeill and Brown 1979, Dole 1988,
Jokerst 1989). Five were in northern and northeastern Chico near the
municipal airport, four (including the type locality) were from the
area around Shippee (northwest of Oroville), and three from
southeastern Chico. The other occurrence, northeast of the town of
Nord, contained only one plant that was of questionable identity (CNDDB
2001). However, the area indicated would be in the same vicinity as the
1917 collection.
Jokerst (1989) identified ``north'' and ``south'' races of Butte
County meadowfoam in the Chico ``sphere of influence'' based on
morphology. Later, in studies of enzyme systems, Dole and Sun (1992)
confirmed that these races differed genetically. They also identified
genetically distinct races that they called ``northeast'' and
``southwest,'' with the latter referring to the type locality. They
found that 96 percent of genetic diversity in Butte County meadowfoam
existed among populations and that little variability was evident
within populations. Dole and Sun (1992) used mathematical formulas to
estimate an average generation time of 2 years for Butte County
meadowfoam and to predict that a seed would be transferred between
populations only once every 100 to 200 years. Although considerable
morphological variability has been observed within populations, it
apparently is attributable to differences in environmental response by
plants of the same genetic makeup (Jain 1976, Jokerst 1989).
Two occurrences of Butte County meadowfoam have been extirpated,
one each in northern and southeastern Chico (Jokerst 1989, Dole and Sun
1992, Service 1992a, CNDDB 2001). Some of the other 11 occurrences have
been reduced in extent (CNDDB 2001). The most recent reports are from
1992 and additional losses could have occurred since then.
Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995) mentioned Butte County meadowfoam as
only associated with Northern Basalt Flow vernal pools; however, this
pool type was likely based on the erroneous Table Mountain occurrence.
Butte County meadowfoam occurs primarily in vernal swales and to a
lesser extent on the margins of vernal pools (Kalin-Arroyo 1973, Dole
1988, Jokerst 1989, BioSystems Analysis, Inc. 1993, CNDDB 2001). Swales
vary in width from narrow channels to broad, pool-like areas (LSA
Associates, Inc. 1994). They may connect in branching, tree-like
patterns or in net-like patterns around low mounds. Occupied swales are
inundated periodically by water from the surrounding uplands, causing
the soil to become saturated. However, Butte County meadowfoam does not
persist in pools or swales that are inundated for prolonged periods or
remain wet during the summer months, nor in drainages where water flows
swiftly (Jokerst 1989, Kelley and Associates Environmental Sciences
1993). BioSystems Analysis Inc. (1993) only found it in the wettest
swales in 1992 during the drought. Occupied swales are less than 10 cm
(3.9 in) deep (LSA Associates, Inc. 1994) and pools are typically less
than 30 m (100 ft) long (Jokerst 1989). In both swales and pools, Butte
County meadowfoam may grow along the edges or in the bottom (Kalin-
Arroyo 1973, Jokerst 1989). In a study of the Shippee area population
(BioSystems Analysis, Inc. 1993) Butte County meadowfoam was found
growing more often on pool margins than in the bottom of pools but the
pattern was reversed in swales, with the plants more often growing in
the center. It typically occurs in long, narrow bands in connected
swales or on pool margins but can be found in irregular clusters in
isolated drainages (Crompton 1993). Butte County meadowfoam has been
found occasionally in disturbed areas such as drainage ditches,
firebreaks, and graded sites (McNeill and Brown 1979, Jokerst 1989,
Kelley and Associates Environmental Sciences 1992, BioSystems Analysis,
Inc. 1993, Kelley and Associates Environmental Sciences 1993).
Further discussion on Butte County meadowfoam's life history and
habitat characteristics can be found in the final rule to list the
species (62 FR 54807).
Contra Costa Goldfields
Greene (1888) first described Contra Costa goldfields, as Lasthenia
conjugens, from specimens collected near Antioch, California. Hall
(1914) later lumped Contra Costa goldfields in with the common species
Fremont's goldfields, which at that time was called Baeria fremontii.
Ferris (1958) proposed the name Baeria fremontii var. conjugens to
recognize the distinctiveness of L. conjugens. Finally, Ornduff (1966)
restored Greene's original name and rank, returning this species to the
genus Lasthenia.
Contra Costa goldfields is a showy spring annual in the aster
family (Asteraceae). Its stems are 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12 in) tall,
somewhat fleshy, and usually are branched. The leaves are opposite and
narrow; the lower leaves are entire, but stem leaves have one or two
pairs of narrow lobes. The daisy-like flower heads are solitary (Greene
1888, Ornduff 1993a).
As a vernal pool annual, seeds of Contra Costa goldfields would be
expected to germinate in response to autumn rains, with the plants
maturing in a single growing season, setting seed, and dying back
during the summer. However, detailed research on the life cycle has not
been conducted. Contra Costa goldfields flower from March through June
(Ornduff 1966, Ornduff 1979, Skinner and Pavlik 1994). The flowers are
self-incompatible (Crawford and Ornduff 1989). Insect visitors to
flowers of Lasthenia belong to five orders--Coleoptera, Diptera,
Hemiptera (true bugs), Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps), and
Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) (Thorp and Leong 1998). Most of
these insects are generalist pollinators. Some Lasthenia are pollinated
by specialist solitary bees (family Andrenidae); including two bee
species in the subgenus Diandrena (Andrena submoesta and A. puthua) and
five or six species in the subgenus Hesperandrena (Andrena baeriae, A.
duboisi, A. lativentris, and two or three undescribed species) (Thorp
and Leong 1998). The extent to which pollination of Contra Costa
goldfields depends on host-specific bees or more generalist pollinators
is currently unknown.
Seed dispersal mechanisms in Contra Costa goldfields are unknown.
However, the lack of a pappus or even hairs on the achenes makes wind
dispersal unlikely (Ornduff 1976). Seed longevity, survival rates,
fecundity, and other demographic parameters have not been investigated.
However, as with other vernal pool annuals, population sizes have been
observed to vary by up to four orders of magnitude from year to year
(CNDDB 2001).
By far the greatest concentration of this species is in Solano
County where Contra Costa goldfields are found in the area east and
south of the City of Fairfield. Other areas that support populations of
this species include the central coast between Monterey and Alameda
counties, including Fort Ord in Monterey County, San Francisco Bay
National Wildlife Refuge, and near Fremont, in Alameda County. The
Santa Barbara County occurrence has probably been lost due to habitat
alteration
[[Page 59891]]
(CNDDB 2001). Contra Costa goldfields also occurs near Manchester in
Mendocino County, and at Suscol Ridge in Napa County. Another Napa
County site, Milliken Canyon, contained only a single plant in 1987 and
may or may not be still in existence (CNDDB 2001). The other existing
occurrence is near Rodeo in Contra Costa County (CNDDB 2001).
Further discussion on Contra Costa goldfields' life history and
habitat characteristics can be found in the final rule to list the
species (62 FR 33037).
Hoover's spurge
Hoover's spurge (Chamaesyce hooveri) was originally named Euphorbia
hooveri based on a specimen collected by Hoover in Yettem, Tulare
County (Wheeler 1940). Koutnik (1985) placed the species in the genus
Chamaesyce as Chamaesyce hooveri.
Hoover's spurge is an annual herb of the spurge family
(Euphorbiaceae). Hoover's spurge trails along the ground, forming gray-
green mats 5 to 100 cm (2.0 to 39.4 in) in diameter (Broyles 1987,
Stone et al. 1988). The stems are hairless and contain milky sap. The
tiny (2 to 5 mm (0.08 to 0.20 in)) leaves are opposite, rounded to
kidney-shaped, with an asymmetric base and a toothed margin. In the
genus Chamaesyce, the structures that appear to be flowers actually are
groups of flowers; each group is referred to as a cyathium (Koutnik
1993).
Few details of the life history of Hoover's spurge are known. Seeds
of Hoover's spurge germinate after water evaporates from the pools; the
plants cannot grow in standing water (Alexander and Schlising 1997).
The indeterminate growth pattern allows the plants to continue growing
as long as sufficient moisture is available. The proportion of
seedlings surviving to reproduction has not been documented; in years
of below normal rainfall, seedling survival was characterized as
``low'' (Stone et al. 1988). The phenology (timing of various stages in
the life cycle of a plant) varies among years and among sites, even for
those populations in close proximity (Stone et al. 1988). Populations
in Merced and Tulare counties typically flower from late May through
July, whereas those in Stanislaus County and the Sacramento Valley
flower from mid-June into October (Alexander and Schlising 1997, CNDDB
2001, J. Silveira USFWS pers. comm.). Seed set apparently begins soon
after flowering. Seed production has not been quantified or studied in
relation to environmental factors, but Stone et al. (1988) reported
that large plants may produce several hundred seeds. Horned larks
(Eremophila alpestris) have been observed eating seeds of Hoover's
spurge and thus may assist in seed dispersal (Alexander and Schlising
1997).
Demographic data suggest that seeds of Hoover's spurge can remain
dormant until the appropriate temperature and moisture conditions
occur. This is evident from the fact that plants can be absent from a
given pool for up to four years and then reappear in substantial
numbers. Although certain years appear to be more favorable for
Hoover's spurge than others, population trends vary from pool to pool,
even within the same year in the same area. Moreover, a particular year
may be favorable for Hoover's spurge at one site and unfavorable at
another. For example, Hoover's spurge was extremely abundant on the
Vina Plains Preserve in 1995, but reached a 7-year low at Sacramento
National Wildlife Refuge that year. Five occurrences of Hoover's spurge
have numbered 5,000 or more plants at their maximum size. Four of those
five occur on the Vina Plains, and the other occurs in Tulare County
(Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001).
Hoover's spurge probably is pollinated by insects. Related species
in the spurge family are pollinated by flies (Heywood 1978, Stone et
al. 1988). Also, glands on the plant produce nectar (Wheeler 1941),
which is attractive to insects. Beetles, flies, bees and wasps, and
butterflies and moths (order Lepidoptera) have been observed visiting
the flowers of Hoover's spurge and may potentially serve as pollinators
(Stone et al. 1988, Alexander and Schlising 1997). Related species in
the genus Euphorbia typically are cross-pollinated because the female
flowers on each plant mature before the male (Heywood 1978, Stone et
al. 1988), which may or may not be the case for Hoover's spurge.
For decades, Hoover's spurge was known from only three localities--
near Yettem and Visalia in Tulare County, and near Vina in Tehama
County. Collections were made from these three areas in the late 1930's
and early 1940's (Wheeler 1941, Munz and Keck 1959, Stone et al. 1988).
From 1974 through 1987, 21 additional occurrences of Hoover's spurge
were reported. The majority of these (15) were in Tehama County. One to
three occurrences were discovered during this period in each of Butte,
Merced, Stanislaus, and Tulare counties (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB
2001).
The CNDDB (2001) now includes 30 occurrences of Hoover's spurge. In
addition to those known historically, six occurrences were discovered
in 1992 (three each in Glenn and Tulare counties). Of the 30
occurrences, one each in Tehama and Tulare counties are classified as
extirpated; two others, in Butte and Tehama counties, are ``possibly
extirpated'' because this species was not observed for two consecutive
years (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001). Of the 26 occurrences presumed
to be extant, only 12 have been observed within the past decade (CNDDB
2001).
The main area of concentration for Hoover's spurge is within the
northeastern Sacramento Valley. The Vina Plains of Tehama and Butte
counties contains 14 (53.8 percent) of the 26 extant occurrences for
Hoover's spurge (CNDDB 2001) in an area approximately 91 sq km (35 sq
mi) in extent (Stone et al. 1988). One other site in the same region is
near Chico in Butte County. Seven of the extant occurrences are in
Southern Sierra Foothills Vernal Pool Region, including five in the
Visalia-Yettem area of Tulare County and two in the Hickman-La Grange
area of Stanislaus County. Three other occurrences are on the
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in Glenn County, which is in the
Solano-Colusa Vernal Pool Region. The one other extant occurrence is on
the Bert Crane Ranch in Merced County, which is within the San Joaquin
Valley Vernal Pool Region (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998, CNDDB 2001).
Further discussion on Hoover's spurge's life history and habitat
characteristics can be found in the final rule to list the species (62
FR 14351).
Succulent Owl's-Clover
Succulent (or fleshy) owl's-clover was first described by Hoover
(1936a) as Orthocarpus campestris var. succulentus. The type specimen
had been collected at Ryer, in Merced County. Hoover (1968)
subsequently raised succulent owl's-clover to the rank of species and
assigned it the name Orthocarpus succulentus. Chuang and Heckard (1991)
reconsidered the taxonomy of Orthocarpus and related genera. Based on
floral morphology (external structure or form), seed morphology, and
chromosome number, they transferred many species into the genus
Castilleja. Furthermore, they determined that the appropriate rank for
succulent owl's-clover was as a subspecies of Castilleja campestris
(field owl's-clover). The scientific name currently assigned to the
plant is Castilleja campestris ssp. succulenta (Chuang and Heckard
1991).
Succulent owl's-clover is a hemiparasitic (partly parasitic) annual
herb belonging to the snapdragon family (Scrophulariaceae). It has
erect or
[[Page 59892]]
decumbent stems up to 30 cm (11.8 in) long. The stems are usually
unbranched and without hairs. The leaves at the base of the stem are
small and scalelike, whereas those on the upper stem are lance-shaped,
not lobed, thick, fleshy, brittle, and easily broken. The bracts (leaf-
like structures in the flowering structure) are green, similar to but
shorter than the upper leaves, and longer than the flowers. Overall,
the inflorescence (entire flowering structure of a plant) may occupy as
much as half of the plant's height (Hoover 1936a, Hoover 1937, Hoover
1968, Chuang and Heckard 1991, Chuang and Heckard 1993).
As with many related species, succulent owl's-clover is a
hemiparasite, meaning that it obtains water and nutrients by forming
root grafts with other host plants but manufactures its own food
through photosynthesis (Chuang and Heckard 1991). Research on
hemiparasitism has focused on related species of Castilleja, but not
specifically on succulent owl's-clover. Many different plants can serve
as hosts for a single species or even a single individual of
Castilleja. Seeds do not require the presence of a host to germinate,
and form root connections only after reaching the seedling stage. Some
seedlings can survive to maturity without attaching to a host's roots,
but in general reproduction is enhanced by root connections (Atsatt and
Strong 1970).
The conditions necessary for germination of succulent owl's-clover
seeds have not been studied, nor has the timing of seed germination
been documented. Flowering occurs in April and May (Skinner and Pavlik
1994). Although many related taxa of Castilleja are pollinated by
generalist bees (Superfamily Apoidea) (Chuang and Heckard 1991),
succulent owl's-clover is thought to be self-pollinating. Among close
relatives that do not require insect pollinators, flower structure and
timing of stigma receptivity maximize the chances for self-
fertilization and seed set. Even so, insects may transfer some pollen
among individual plants and species occurring in the same area. Self-
pollinating species of Castilleja typically occur as widely scattered
individuals, rather than in dense colonies (Atsatt 1970). Succulent
owl's-clover follows this pattern in part, often occurring in many
pools within a complex but with fewer than 100 plants per pool.
However, succulent owl's-clover also may occur in large populations
within a single pool (California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB)
2001). Little is known about the demography of succulent owl's-clover,
although population size can fluctuate greatly from year to year. In
the few populations where population size was reported for more than 1
year, fluctuations up to two orders of magnitude were noted (CNDDB
2001).
Succulent owl's-clover is known from vernal pool habitats along the
Southern Sierra Foothills ranging from Madera County to a disjunct
occurrence in northern San Joaquin County. The highest density of
occurrences of succulent owl's-clover occurs in Merced County, but the
species is also known from Fresno, Madera, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin
counties.
Further discussion on succulent owl's-clover life history and
habitat characteristics can be found in the final rule to list the
species (62 FR 14351).
Orcuttieae Tribe
Colusa grass, hairy Orcutt grass, Solano grass, Greene's tuctoria,
Sacramento Valley Orcutt grass, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass, and
slender Orcutt grass belong to the tribe Orcuttieae in the grass
family, Poaceae (Reeder 1965). Many life history characteristics are
common to all members of the Orcuttieae. All are wind pollinated, but
pollen probably is not carried long distances between populations
(Griggs 1980, Griggs 1981, Griggs and Jain 1983). Local seed dispersal
is by water, which breaks up the inflorescence (Reeder 1965, Crampton
1976, Griggs 1980, Griggs 1981). Long distance dispersal is unlikely
(Service 1985c) but seed may have been carried occasionally by
waterfowl (family Anatidae), tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannoides), or
pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in historical times (Griggs 1980).
The seeds can remain dormant for an undetermined length of time, but at
least for 3 or 4 years, and germinate underwater after they have been
immersed for prolonged periods (Crampton 1976, Griggs 1980, Keeley
1998a). Unlike typical terrestrial grasses that grow in the uplands
surrounding vernal pools, members of the Orcuttieae flower during the
summer months (Keeley 1998a).
All members of the Orcuttieae tribe have large soil seed banks that
may often be 50 times or more larger in numbers than the above ground
population in any given year. In general, years of above average
rainfall promote larger populations of Orcuttieae, but population
responses vary by pool and by species (Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain
1983). Population sizes have been observed to vary by one to four
orders of magnitude among successive years and to return to previous
levels even after 3 to 5 consecutive years when no mature plants were
present (Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain 1983, Holland 1987). Thus, many
years of observation are necessary to determine whether a population is
stable or declining.
All members of the Orcuttieae are endemic to vernal pools. Although
the various species have been found in pools ranging widely in size,
the vast majority occur in pools of 0.01 ha (0.03 ac) to 10 ha (24.7
ac) (Stone et al. 1988). Larger pools retain water until May or June,
creating optimal conditions for Orcuttieae (Crampton 1959, Crampton
1976, Griggs 1981, Griggs and Jain 1983). Orcuttieae occur in patches
within the pools that are essentially devoid of other plant species
(Crampton 1959, Crampton 1976). Typically, plants near the center of a
pool grow larger and produce more spikelets than those near the
margins, but patterns vary depending on individual pool characteristics
and seasonal weather conditions (Griggs 1980).
The specific life history requirements and distribution of each of
the seven Orcuttieae species are provided below.
Colusa Grass
Colusa grass (Neostapfia colusana) was first described by Davy
(1898), and given the Latin name Stapfia colusana. He had collected the
type specimen near the town of Princeton in Colusa County. Davy soon
realized that the name Stapfia had already been assigned to a genus of
green algae and therefore changed the scientific name of Colusa grass
to Neostapfia colusana (Davy 1899). Two other taxonomists proposed
alternate Latin names for the genus in the same year, but neither is
accepted today. No other species of Neostapfia are known (Reeder 1982,
Reeder 1993).
Unlike terrestrial grasses, Colusa grass has pith filled stems,
lacks distinct leaf sheaths and ligules, and produces exudate
(aromatic, sticky fluid discharged from the plant surface). Colusa
grass stems and inflorescence (flower cluster) differs from other
members of the Orcuttieae. The plant is pale green when young (Davy
1898) but becomes brownish as the exudate darkens (Reeder 1982, Reeder
1993).
Existing populations of Colusa grass are concentrated northeast of
the city of Merced in Merced County and east of Hickman in Stanislaus
County. Colusa grass also occurs in central Merced County, in
southeastern Yolo County, and in central Solano County (Stone et al.
1988, Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998, CNDDB 2001). This species has been
extirpated from Colusa County (CNDDB 2001).
[[Page 59893]]
In the 50 years after its initial discovery (Davy 1898), Colusa
grass was reported from only three sites other than the type locality;
these were in Merced and Stanislaus counties. By the mid-1970's Colusa
grass had been reported from a total of 11 sites in Colusa, Merced,
Solano, and Stanislaus counties (Hoover 1936b, Hoover 1940, Crampton
1959, Medeiros 1976, Reeder 1982). During the 1980's, many new
populations of Colusa grass were located during extensive surveys. As
of 1989, 40 occurrences were extant and 11 already had been extirpated.
Of the 51 occurrences known up to that point, 26 were in Merced County,
22 were in Stanislaus County, 2 were in Solano County, and one was in
Colusa County (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001). Currently, the CNDDB
(2001) considers 48 occurrences of Colusa grass to be ``presumed
extant'' and 11 others as known or possibly extirpated.
Further discussion on Colusa grass's life history and habitat
characteristics can be found in the final rule to list the species (62
FR 14338).
Greene's Tuctoria
Greene's tuctoria (Tuctoria greenei) was originally assigned its
name by Vasey (1891) as Orcuttia greenei. Greene had collected the type
specimen in 1890 ``on moist plains of the upper Sacramento, near Chico,
California'' (Vasey 1891), presumably in Butte County (Hoover 1941,
Crampton 1959). Citing differences in lemma morphology, arrangement of
the spikelets, and other differences, Reeder (1982) segregated the
genus Tuctoria from Orcuttia and created the new scientific name
Tuctoria greenei for this species.
Greene's tuctoria is an erect to low growing annual with fragile
stems that easily break apart at the nodes, which are often purplish.
The leaves are flat and curve outward and the plants are sparsely
hairy. The inflorescence is crowded near the tip with the lower
spikelets more or less separated. Optimum germination of Greene's
tuctoria seed occurs when the seed is exposed to light and anaerobic
(lacking oxygen) conditions after stratification (Keeley 1988).
Germination occurs several months after initial inundation (Keeley
1998a). Tuctoria seedlings do not develop floating juvenile leaves, as
does Orcuttia (Griggs 1980, Keeley 1998a). The adult plants apparently
do not tolerate inundation; all five Greene's tuctoria plants in a
Glenn County pool died when the pool refilled during late spring rains
in 1996 (Silveira in litt. 1997). Greene's tuctoria flowers from May to
July (Skinner and Pavlik 1994), with peak flowering in June and July
(Griggs 1981, Broyles 1987).
As with other vernal pool annuals, population size in Greene's
tuctoria can vary enormously from year to year, and populations that
have no visible plants one year can reappear in large numbers in later
years. Population fluctuations may be due to annual variations in
weather, particularly rainfall, to changes in management, or to a
combination of the two. Such fluctuations were observed at scattered
sites in Butte and Tehama counties during the 1970's (Griggs 1980,
Griggs and Jain 1983) and at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, where
the population in the single occupied pool ranged from zero to 60
plants between 1994 and 1999 (Silveira in litt. 2000). Fluctuations of
as much as three orders of magnitude were documented on the Vina Plains
Preserve during the 1980's and 1990's (Alexander and Schlising 1997)
After its discovery in Butte County in 1890, Greene's tuctoria was
not seen again for over 40 years. During extensive surveys in the late
1930's, Hoover (1937, 1941) found the species at sites in Fresno,
Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tehama, and Tulare counties.
In fact, he described it as the most common of all Orcuttia species,
with which it was classified at the time. By the end of the 1980's,
Greene's tuctoria had been reported from a total of 36 occurrences in
the same 8 counties (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001).
Three additional occurrences of Greene's tuctoria have been
discovered during the past decade, bringing the reported total to 39
occurrences (Oswald and Silveira 1995, CNDDB 2001). However, 19 of the
historical occurrences apparently have been extirpated. The other 20
occurrences are presumed to be still in existence, although 6 of those
have not been verified for more than a decade (Alexander and Schlising
1997, CNDDB 2001).
Sixty percent of the extant occurrences of Greene's tuctoria are in
the Vina Plains area of Tehama and Butte counties. Eastern Merced
County has about 30 percent of the known occurrences. Other occurrences
are located in Glenn (Oswald and Silveira 1995) and Shasta counties
(CNDDB 2001). Greene's tuctoria has been extirpated from Fresno,
Madera, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare counties (Stone et al.
1988, Skinner and Pavlik 1994, CNDDB 2001).
Further discussion on Greene's tuctoria's life history and habitat
characteristics can be found in the final rule to list the species (62
FR 14338).
Hairy Orcutt Grass
Hoover (1941) described hairy Orcutt grass as (Orcuttia pilosa)
from specimens he collected in Stanislaus County, ``12 miles east of
Waterford'' in 1937. Hairy Orcutt grass grows in tufts consisting of
numerous stems. The stems are decumbent (laying on the ground with the
tip turned upward) or erect and branch from only the lower nodes.
Almost the entire plant is pilose or hairy, giving it a grayish
appearance. The spikelets near the tip of the inflorescence are crowded
together, whereas those near the base are more widely spaced.
Griggs (1974 cited in Stone et al. 1988) found that stratification
followed by temperatures of 15 to 32[deg]C (59 to 90[deg]F) was
necessary for seed germination in hairy Orcutt grass. Flowering period
for the plant is mid-April through July. Seed production has not been
studied extensively in hairy Orcutt grass, but Griggs and Jain (1983)
did note that one individual produced more than 10,000 seeds. Although
the predominant pollination agent for all Orcutt grasses is wind,
native bees (Halictidae) have been observed visiting the inflorescence
of hairy Orcutt grass to gather pollen (Griggs 1974 cited in Stone et
al. 1988).
Like other vernal pool annuals, the size of hairy Orcutt grass
populations fluctuates dramatically from year to year. Population sizes
have varied by as much as four orders of magnitude over time (Griggs
1980, Griggs and Jain 1983, Alexander and Schlising 1997). In fact, two
populations that had no visible plants for three successive years
exceeded 10,000 plants in the fourth year (Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain
1983).
Hairy Orcutt grass is known from sites in the southern portion of
the Sacramento Valley and the southern Sierra foothills (Keeler-Wolf et
al. 1998). The species has been found in Tehama, Stanislaus, Madera,
and Merced counties (Hoover 1941, Crampton 1959, Reeder 1982, Stone et
al. 1988, CNDDB 2001). Hairy Orcutt grass also was collected in Glenn
County, in 1937 (CNDDB 2001); the specimen has since been lost but may
have been misidentified as California Orcutt grass (Silveira in litt.
2000). During the late 1980's, Stone et al. (1988) determined that 12
historical occurrences had been extirpated but they and others
discovered three additional populations in Madera, Stanislaus, and
Tehama counties. One other occurrence from Madera County was previously
considered to be hairy Orcutt grass and is listed as such in the CNDDB
(2001); however, this population since has been
[[Page 59894]]
identified as San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass (Stone in litt. 1992).
Within the past decade, hairy Orcutt grass has been discovered in
additional areas in Glenn, Madera, and Tehama counties (CNDDB 2001).
Hairy Orcutt grass has also been discovered in another pool at the Vina
Plains Preserve in Tehama County (Alexander and Schlising 1997). Of the
38 element occurrences listed by the CNDDB (2001), not counting the
misidentified population of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass, 24 natural
occurrences are presumed to be still in existence. Nineteen of those
occurrences have been confirmed as existing within the past decade
(CNDDB 2001).
Further discussion on hairy Orcutt grass's life history and habitat
characteristics can be found in the final rule to list the species (62
FR 14338).
Sacramento Orcutt Grass
Hoover (1941) first described Sacramento Orcutt grass (Orcuttia
viscida) as Orcuttia californica var. viscida based on the type
specimen he collected from ``7 miles south of Folsom'' in Sacramento
County. Reeder (1980) determined that the differences in morphology,
seed size, and chromosome number were sufficient grounds to elevate
Sacramento Orcutt grass to the species level as Orcuttia viscida.
In basic form, Sacramento Orcutt grass resembles other members of
the tribe and genus. Although all members of the Orcuttieae produce
exudate, Sacramento Orcutt grass is particularly viscid even when
young. The plants are densely tufted, bluish green, and covered with
hairs. The stems are erect or spreading, 3 to 10 cm (1 to 4 in) long,
and do not branch. The inflorescence occupies the upper one third to
one half of the stem and consists of between 5 and 15 spikelets. The
spikelets are closely spaced, and although distichous (arranged in two
opposing rows) are oriented towards one side of the stem.
Sacramento Orcutt grass flowers in May and June (Griggs 1977,
Skinner and Pavlik 1994, Cochrane in litt. 1995a) and sets seed in June
and July (Holland 1987). Seeds likely do not disperse far under natural
conditions. In a 6-year period, an experimental population spread at
most 3 m (10 ft) from the seed source, and 95 percent of plants were
within 30 cm (12 in) of the source (Holland in litt. 1986). A
demographic study conducted from 1974 to 1978 (Griggs 1980, Griggs and
Jain 1983) indicated that Sacramento Orcutt grass produced an average
of 500 seeds per plant. At one site in 1978, 88 percent of plants
survived to maturity. The size of the seed bank stored in the soil was
approximately 44 times as great as the population of growing plants
(Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain 1983). The number of plants varies with
rainfall. Large numbers of plants grow only in years when seasonal
rainfall exceeds 40 cm (16 in), particularly when heavy rains begin in
November and continue through the end of April (Holland 1987). This
species is less likely to germinate in years of below normal
precipitation than are other members of the tribe (Griggs 1980, Griggs
and Jain 1983).
Sacramento Orcutt grass is endemic to the southeastern Sacramento
Valley (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998) and always has been restricted to
Sacramento County. The earliest collection was from 1936 near Phoenix
Field. Three other occurrences documented in 1941 and 1958 extended the
range north to Orangevale and south to near Sloughhouse. Sacramento
Orcutt grass was introduced to Phoenix Park, in Sacramento County, in
1978. Three additional natural occurrences were discovered in the late
1980's, including one in extreme southeastern Sacramento County near
State Highway 104. Thus, by 1990 this species was known from a total of
seven natural occurrences and one introduction (Stone et al. 1988,
CNDDB 2001).
Within the past decade, Sacramento Orcutt grass has been discovered
at one new site in Sacramento County, within the previously known
range. However, one entire occurrence and a portion of another have
been extirpated. Thus, eight of the nine occurrences are still in
existence. Five occurrences, comprising more than 70 percent of the
occupied habitat, are concentrated into a single small area east of
Mather Field. Two other occurrences are adjacent to each other-Phoenix
Field Ecological Reserve and the introduced population at Phoenix Park.
The eighth existing occurrence is near Rancho Seco Lake (Stone et al.
1988, Cochrane in litt. 1995a, CNDDB 2001).
Further discussion on Sacramento Orcutt grass life history and
habitat characteristics can be found in the final rule to list the
species (62 FR 14338).
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt Grass
Hoover (1936b) described San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass (Orcuttia
inaequalis) based on a collection from ``Montpellier [sic], Stanislaus
County.'' Hoover (1941) subsequently reduced this taxon to a variety of
Orcuttia californica, using the combination Orcuttia californica var.
inaequalis. Based on differences in morphology, seed size, and
chromosome number, Reeder (1980) restored the taxon to species status.
Mature plants of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass grow in tufts of
several erect stems. The plant is grayish-green due to the long hairs
on the stem and leaves and produces exudate. Orcuttia plants grow
underwater for 3 months or more and have evolved specific adaptations
for aquatic growth (Keeley 1998a).
The earliest collection of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass was made
in 1927 from the Fresno-Madera County border near Lanes Bridge (CNDDB
2001). Hoover (1941) mentioned collections from eight sites in Fresno,
Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and Tulare counties. A total of 20
occurrences had been reported by the mid 1970's, all in the same five
counties (Crampton 1959, CNDDB 2001), but none remained as of the late
1970's (Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain 1983). However, since that time
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass has been discovered in Merced, Madera,
and Fresno counties, and recently additional occurrences of San Joaquin
Valley Orcutt grass have been found, including sites in Tulare County.
Of the 47 occurrences of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass reported in
CNDDB (2001), 27 are presumed to be still in existence; 17 are
certainly extirpated and 3 others are possibly extirpated because the
habitat has been modified (CNDDB 2001). However, only 12 of the
occurrences presumed still in existence have been revisited within the
past decade, so even the most recent information is outdated. This
species has been completely extirpated from Stanislaus County but
remains in Fresno, Madera, Merced, and Tulare counties (Stone et al.
1988, Skinner and Pavlik 1994, CNDDB 2001).
Further discussion on San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass's life
history and habitat characteristics can be found in the final rule to
list the species (62 FR 14338).
Slender Orcutt Grass
Slender Orcutt grass (Orcuttia tenuis) was first named by Hitchcock
(1934). The type specimen of slender Orcutt grass was collected in
Goose Valley, Shasta County, in 1912. Slender Orcutt grass grows as
single stems or in small tufts consisting of a few stems. The plants
are sparsely hairy and branch only from the upper half of the stem.
Although the stems typically are erect, they may become decumbent if
many branches form near the stem tip (Reeder 1982). The inflorescence
comprises more than half of the plant's height, and the spikelets are
more or less evenly spaced throughout the inflorescence.
Optimal germination of slender Orcutt grass is achieved through
stratification
[[Page 59895]]
followed by warm days and mild nights (Griggs 1974 in Stone et al.
1988). Peak flowering of this species typically occurs in May in the
Central Valley (Griggs 1981, Reeder 1982) but not until June or July on
the Modoc Plateau (Schoolcraft in litt. 2000). Unlike hairy Orcutt
grass and Greene's tuctoria, slender Orcutt grass is not likely to die
when pools are flooded by late spring or summer rains (Griggs 1980,
Griggs and Jain 1983). Conversely, drought has been known to cause 100
percent mortality (Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain 1983).
Similar to other vernal pool annuals, slender Orcutt grass
populations can vary greatly in size from year to year. Fluctuations of
up to four orders of magnitude have been documented in Lake and Shasta
counties (Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain 1983). At the Vina Plains
Preserve, the single population ranged in size from 1,000 to 147,700
individuals during the five times it was reported over a 13 year period
(Stone et al. 1988, Alexander and Schlising 1997). However, slender
Orcutt grass populations do not always fluctuate in size. Among five
populations of slender Orcutt grass that Griggs tracked from 1973 to
1979, two in the Dales area remained at the same order of magnitude for
the entire period. None of the other five species of Orcuttieae
included in the study remained stable for the full 7 years (Griggs
1980, Griggs and Jain 1983).
By the mid 1980s, slender Orcutt grass was known from only 18
localities in Lake, Sacramento, Shasta, and Tehama counties (Reeder
1982, Stone et al. 1988). During the late 1980s, Stone et al. (1988)
and others (CNDDB 2001) discovered 34 additional occurrences of slender
Orcutt grass. Slender Orcutt grass was found primarily in Tehama
County, in the vicinity of Dales and on the Vina Plains. The species
was also found in the Stillwater and Millville Plains of Shasta County,
and at additional sites in Shasta, Siskiyou, Lake, and Sacramento
counties (Griggs and Jain 1983, Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001). During
the past decade, 27 new occurrences of slender Orcutt grass have been
reported. In addition to the counties where it was reported
historically, slender Orcutt grass is now known from Lassen and Plumas
counties. The extirpated occurrences of slender Orcutt grass were near
Reading Airport and Stillwater Plains in Shasta County and additional
possibly extirpated occurrences were near Goose Valley and Battle Creek
in Tehama and Shasta counties.
Further discussion on slender Orcutt grass's life history and
habitat characteristics can be found in the final rule to list the
species (62 FR 14338).
Solano Grass
Solano grass (Tuctoria mucronata) was originally described under
the name Orcuttia mucronata based on specimens collected ``12 miles due
south of Dixon, Solano County'' (Crampton 1959, p. 108). Reeder (1982)
transferred this species to a new genus, Tuctoria, resulting in the
currently accepted name Tuctoria mucronata.
Solano grass is grayish-green, pilose, and sticky. The tufted stems
are decumbent and do not branch. The long leaves are rolled inward and
have pointed tips. The base of the inflorescence is partially hidden by
the uppermost leaves. As is characteristic of the genus, the spikelets
are arranged in a spiral; the spikelets in the inflorescence of Solano
grass are crowded together.
Solano grass typically flowers in June and sets seed during July
(Holland 1987). The demography of Solano grass has not been
investigated in detail. Annual estimates or counts at Olcott Lake
(Holland 1987, CNDDB 2001) indicated that population sizes for this
species fluctuate dramatically from year to year, as do other members
of the Orcuttieae. Solano grass was not observed at Olcott Lake from
1976 through 1980, then reappeared in 1981 (Holland 1987), indicating
that viable seeds can persist in the soil for a minimum of 5 years.
Apparently both drought years and years of excessively high rainfall
are unfavorable for Solano grass; the largest populations were observed
after seasons of 45 to 60 cm (17.7 to 23.6 in) of precipitation
(Holland 1987).
Prior to 1985, Solano grass was known only from Olcott Lake in
Solano County, which is believed to be the type locality (Crampton
1959, CNDDB 2001). A second occurrence was discovered in 1985
approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest of Olcott Lake (CNDDB 2001).
Solano grass is presumed to remain at the type locality, although only
four individual plants have been found within the last decade, all in
1993 (CNDDB 2001). The other Solano County site is still in existence.
A third occurrence, comprising the largest population known, was
discovered in 1993 on a Department of Defense (DOD) communications
facility in Yolo County (CNDDB 2001).
Further discussion on Solano grass's life history and habitat
characteristics can be found in the Delta Green Ground Beetle and
Solano Grass Recovery Plan (Service 1985c).
The vernal pool plants are threatened by habitat loss and
degradation due to urbanization, agricultural land conversion, off road
vehicle use, flood control projects, highway projects, altered
hydrology, landfill projects, and competition from weedy nonnative
plants. The habitat of these species has been reduced and fragmented
throughout their respective ranges as vernal pools continue to be
eliminated. Further discussion on threats to the vernal pool plants can
be found in the final rules to list these species (62 FR 34029, 62 FR
14338, 57 FR 24192, 43 FR 44810) and in the criteria section of this
proposed rule.
Previous Federal Action (Vernal Pool Crustaceans)
Ms. Roxanne Bittman petitioned us to list Conservancy fairy shrimp,
longhorn fairy shrimp, vernal pool fairy shrimp, and California
linderiella (Linderiella occidentalis) as endangered species on
November 19, 1990. Ms. Dee Warneycia petitioned us to list vernal pool
tadpole shrimp as an endangered species on April 28, 1991. On May 8,
1992, we published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (57 FR
19856) to list the four fairy shrimp and vernal pool tadpole shrimp as
endangered. On September 19, 1994, we published a final rule in the
Federal Register (59 FR 48136) determining endangered status for
Conservancy fairy shrimp, longhorn fairy shrimp and vernal pool tadpole
shrimp and threatened status for vernal pool fairy shrimp. We withdrew
the California linderiella as a species proposed for listing based on
additional information received during the public review and comment
period indicating that during the review period this species was more
abundant than previously known.
On April 17, 1995, the Building Industry Association of Superior
California (BIAC) and Marvin L.Oates (Plaintiffs) filed a lawsuit in
Federal District Court for the District of Columbia against Bruce
Babbit (Secretary, Department of the Interior) et al. (Defendants) and
Environmental Defense Center and Butte Environmental Council
(Defendent-Intervenors) arguing that the listing of four vernal pool
crustaceans (Conservancy fairy shrimp, longhorn fairy shrimp, vernal
pool fairy shrimp, and vernal pool tadpole shrimp) violated the Act,
the Administrative Procedures Act, the Fifth Amendment, the Tenth
Amendment, and the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution
(Building Industry Association of Superior California, et al. v. Babbit
et al., CIV 95-0726 PLF). On
[[Page 59896]]
July 25, 1997, the district court granted the defendant's motion for
summary judgement on all aspects except the decision not to designate
critical habitat. The plaintiffs later amended their complaint to drop
the claim relating to the designation of critical habitat and the
district court vacated its ruling regarding this matter. On April 12,
2000, the Butte Environmental Council filed suit, alleging that our
failure to establish critical habitat for the four vernal pool
crustaceans violated the Endangered Species Act and the Administrative
Procedures Act (Butte Environmental Council v. White CIV S-00-797 WES
GGH). On February 9, 2001, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern
District of California granted the plaintiff's motion for summary
judgement and required the defendants, to the maximum extent prudent
and determinable, to designate critical habitat for the four vernal
pool crustaceans within six months.
On July 23, 2001, the district court approved a settlement
agreement between the parties which extended the deadline for
designation of critical habitat to August 15, 2002. As a condition of
the settlement, we agreed to also designate critical habitat, to the
maximum extent prudent and determinable, for the eleven vernal pool
plants addressed in this proposed rule by the same date.
Previous Federal Action (Vernal Pool Plants)
Section 12 of the Act directed the Secretary of the Smithsonian
Institution to prepare a report on plant species which were or might
become endangered or threatened. The resulting report, dated January 9,
1975, reviewed the status of 3,100 vascular plants. The report
categorized as endangered six of the eleven vernal pool plants under
consideration here, and categorized two others as threatened. The six
plants considered endangered were hairy Orcutt grass, Sacramento Orcutt
grass, slender Orcutt grass, Colusa grass, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt
grass, and succulent owl's clover. The two threatened plants were
Contra Costa goldfields and Hoover's spurge. On July 1, 1975, the
Director of the Department of the Interior published a notice (40 FR
27823) accepting the Smithsonian Institution's report as a listing
petition within the context of section 4(c)(2) of the Act (petition
provisions are now found in section 4(b)(3)), and of his intention to
review the status of the plants covered by the report. On June 16,
1976, based on both the Smithsonian report and on public comments and
data pertaining to it, we published a proposed rule (41 FR 24523) to
determine approximately 1,700 vascular plants as endangered pursuant to
section 4 of the Act. The 1,700 plants included all eleven vernal pool
plants considered here.
We published a final rule to list Solano grass (along with four
other plants) as endangered on September 28, 1978 (43 FR 44810). A
recovery plan for Solano grass and the delta green ground beetle
(Elaphrus viridis) was subsequently approved on September 11, 1985
(Service 1985c). We failed to complete final listing rules for the
other ten vernal pool plants within three years of the proposed
listing, however, despite amendments to the Act in 1978 requiring us to
withdraw proposed rules which were more than two years old (with a one-
year grace period). Accordingly, on December 10, 1979, we withdrew the
proposal to list the ten remaining vernal pool plants (44 FR 70796).
We established the remaining vernal pool plants as category 1
candidate species in a Notice of Review (NOR) for plants published
December 15, 1980 (45 FR 82480). Category 1 candidates were those
species for which data in our possession was sufficient to support
proposals to list. In a subsequent NOR published November 28, 1983 (48
FR 53640), we downgraded the status of Contra Costa goldfields, slender
Orcutt grass and Colusa grass to category 2. Category 2 candidates were
defined as species for which data in our possession indicated listing
was possibly appropriate, but for which we lacked substantial data on
biological vulnerability and threats to support listing proposals.
Another NOR on September 27, 1985, left the status of the remaining
vernal pool plants unchanged (50 FR 39526).
On February 2, 1988, we received a petition from the California
Native Plant Society (CNPS) to emergency list Butte County meadowfoam
as endangered. We published a 90-day administrative finding that the
requested action might be warranted on December 30, 1988 (53 FR 53030).
On February 15, 1991, we published a proposal to list Butte County
meadowfoam as an endangered species (56 FR 6345), and on June 8, 1992,
we published a final determination that Butte County meadowfoam was
endangered (57 FR 24192).
On February 22, 1990, we published a new NOR which re-established
Colusa grass and Contra Costa goldfields as category 1 candidate
species (55 FR 6184). In 1991 and 1992, we received additional
information regarding threats to succulent owl's-clover, and so
returned this species to category 1 status on August 5, 1993 (58 FR
41700), in the same notice proposing to list succulent owl's clover and
seven other vernal pool plants under the Act.
On August 5, 1993, we published a proposal to list San Joaquin
Valley Orcutt grass, hairy Orcutt grass, Sacramento Orcutt grass, and
Greene's tuctoria as endangered; and to list succulent owl's-clover,
Hoover's spurge, Colusa grass, and slender Orcutt grass as threatened
was published on August 5, 1993 (58 FR 41700). This proposal was
primarily based on information supplied by reports to the CNDDB, the
Status Survey of the Grass Tribe Orcuttieae and Hoover's Spurge in the
Central Valley of California (Stone et al. 1988), and observations by
numerous botanists. Prior to publishing the final rule on these eight
plants, we published another NOR on September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144),
indicating that the current status of the vernal pool plants as
category 1 candidates remained unchanged. We subsequently published a
proposal to list Contra Costa goldfields as endangered on December 19,
1994 (59 FR 65311). Then on March 26, 1997, we published the final rule
(62 FR 14338) for the eight plants proposed for listing in 1993. The
final rule listed San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass as threatened, rather
than endangered as had originally been proposed, because we determined
the threats to its existence to be smaller and less immediate than had
previously been thought. All seven other plants were listed as
proposed, resulting in a listing of hairy Orcutt grass, Sacramento
Orcutt grass and Greene's tuctoria as endangered; and San Joaquin
Valley Orcutt grass, succulent owl's clover, Hoover's spurge, Colusa
grass and slender Orcutt grass as threatened. Later that same year
(June 18, 1997) we published the final rule to list Contra Costa
goldfields, the last of the vernal pool plants considered here, as
endangered (62 FR 34029).
We did not identify critical habitat in the final listing rules for
any of the vernal pool plants or crustaceans considered here because we
determined that the threats of increased vandalism and collection of
listed species in the areas thus identified would make it imprudent to
do so. Based on the interpretation of section 4 of the Act in a number
of judicial decisions issued after the not prudent findings for these
species were made, however, we have reconsidered those determinations
and now consider the designation of critical habitat for the fifteen
vernal pool species to be prudent. We are therefore proposing to
designate critical habitat here, for the four vernal pool
[[Page 59897]]
crustaceans and eleven vernal pool plants covered by the July 23, 2001,
court approved settlement agreement in that case.
On August 14, 2002, we filed a motion in Butte Environmental
Council seeking to modify the deadline of August 15, 2002, for issuance
of final critical habitat determinations. We were unable to meet that
deadline, and have asked the court to approve a new deadline of
September 30, 2003.
Critical Habitat
Critical habitat is defined in section 3(5)(A) of the Act as: (i)
The specific areas within the geographic area occupied by a species at
the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found
those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation
of the species and (II) that may require special management
considerations or protection; and (ii) specific areas outside the
geographic area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon a
determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the
species. ``Conservation'' means the use of all methods and procedures
that are necessary to bring an endangered or threatened species to the
point at which listing under the Act is no longer necessary.
Critical habitat receives protection under section 7 of the Act
through the prohibition against destruction or adverse modification of
critical habitat with regard to actions carried out, funded, permitted,
or authorized by a Federal agency. Section 7 also requires conferences
on Federal actions that are likely to result in the destruction or
adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. Aside from the added
protection that may be provided under section 7, the Act does not
provide other forms of protection to lands designated as critical
habitat. Because consultation under section 7 of the Act does not apply
to activities on private or other non-Federal lands that do not involve
a Federal nexus, critical habitat designation would not afford any
additional regulatory protections under the Act.
Critical habitat also provides non-regulatory benefits to the
species by informing the public and private sectors of areas that are
important for species recovery and where conservation actions would be
most effective. Designation of critical habitat can help focus
conservation activities for a listed species by identifying areas that
contain the physical and biological features essential for the
conservation of that species, and can alert the public as well as land-
managing agencies to the importance of those areas. Critical habitat
also identifies areas that may require special management
considerations or protection, and may help provide protection to areas
where significant threats to the species have been identified, by
helping people avoid causing accidental damage to such areas.
In order to be included in a critical habitat designation, the
habitat must first be ``essential to the conservation of the species.''
Critical habitat designations identify, to the extent known and using
the best scientific and commercial data available, habitat areas that
provide at least one of the physical or biological features essential
to the conservation of the species (primary constituent elements, as
defined at 50 CFR 424.12(b)). Section 3(5)(C) of the Act states that
not all areas that can be occupied by a species should be designated as
critical habitat unless the Secretary determines that all such areas
are essential to the conservation of the species. Our regulations (50
CFR 424.12(e)) also state that, ``The Secretary shall designate as
critical habitat areas outside the geographic area presently occupied
by the species only when a designation limited to its present range
would be inadequate to ensure the conservation of the species.''
Section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires that we take into consideration
the economic impact, and any other relevant impact, of specifying any
particular area as critical habitat. We may exclude areas from critical
habitat designation when the benefits of exclusion outweigh the
benefits of including the areas within critical habitat, provided the
exclusion will not result in extinction of the species.
Our Policy on Information Standards Under the Endangered Species
Act, published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34271), provides criteria,
establishes procedures, and provides guidance to ensure that our
decisions represent the best scientific and commercial data available.
It requires that our biologists, to the extent consistent with the Act
and with the use of the best scientific and commercial data available,
use primary and original sources of information as the basis for
recommendations to designate critical habitat. When determining which
areas are critical habitat, a primary source of information should be
the listing rule for the species. Additional information may be
obtained from a recovery plan, articles in peer-reviewed journals,
conservation plans developed by States and surveys and studies, and
biological assessments or other unpublished materials.
Section 4 of the Act requires that we designate critical habitat
based on what we know at the time of designation. Habitat is often
dynamic, and species may move from one area to another over time.
Furthermore, we recognize that designation of critical habitat may not
include all of the habitat areas that may eventually be determined to
be necessary for the recovery of the species. For these reasons,
critical habitat designations do not signal that habitat outside the
designation is unimportant or may not be required for recovery. Areas
outside the critical habitat designation will continue to be subject to
conservation actions that may be implemented under section 7(a)(1) of
the Act and to the regulatory protections afforded by the section
7(a)(2) jeopardy standard and the section 9 prohibitions, as determined
on the basis of the best available information at the time of the
action. Federally funded or assisted projects affecting listed species
outside their designated critical habitat areas may still result in
jeopardy findings. Similarly, critical habitat designations made on the
basis of the best available information at the time of designation will
not control the direction and substance of future recovery plans, HCPs,
or other species conservation planning efforts if new information
available to these planning efforts calls for a different outcome.
The action of designating critical habitat does not automatically
lead to recovery of a listed species, but it may contribute to species
recovery. Critical habitat units are not target preserve areas:
designation does not target and establish specific preserves and their
boundaries. Critical habitat is designated to make Federal agencies
aware that these areas are critical to the species. Although the
designation of critical habitat can identify areas where a variety of
conservation strategies may be developed to ensure the survival and
recovery of target species, the development of these strategies are
most appropriately taken through local planning efforts, such as the
development of HCPs. The action of designating critical habitat does
not result in the creation of management plans, establish numerical
population goals, and/or prescribe specific management actions, whether
inside or outside of such designated critical habitat. Specific
management recommendations for areas designated as critical habitat are
most appropriately addressed in recovery, conservation, and management
plans, and through consultations and permits under section 7 and
section 10 of the Act.
[[Page 59898]]
Prudency Redetermination
Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing
regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent
and determinable, we designate critical habitat at the time the species
is determined to be endangered or threatened. At the time of the final
listing determination (62 FR 34029, 62 FR 14338, 59 FR 48136, 57 FR
24192), we found that designation of critical habitat was not prudent
for the vernal pool crustaceans and plants (excluding Solano grass). At
the time of final listing of Solano grass (43 FR 44810), we did not
make any determination about whether or not designation of critical
habitat was prudent. Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that
designation of critical habitat is not prudent when one or both of the
following situations exist--(1) The species is threatened by taking or
other human activity, and identification of critical habitat can be
expected to increase the degree of such threat to the species, or (2)
such designation of critical habitat would not be beneficial to the
species. In our final listing rules for the vernal pool crustaceans and
plants (excluding Solano grass), we believed that publication of
precise maps and descriptions of critical habitat for the vernal pool
crustaceans and plants could make these species more vulnerable to
incidents of vandalism or other human activities such as discing,
grading, or filling (62 FR 34029, 62 FR 14338, 59 FR 48136, 57 FR
24192). In addition, we determined that publication of precise maps and
descriptions of critical habitat for the vernal pool plants would
increase the vulnerability of these species to incidents of collection
(62 FR 34029, 62 FR 14338, 57 FR 24192). Therefore, we determined that
the designation of critical habitat would increase the degree of threat
to the vernal pool crustaceans and plants. We also determined that
designation of critical habitat was not beneficial for the vernal pool
plant species (excluding Solano grass) because many populations of
these species were found on private lands (62 FR 34029, 62 FR 14338, 57
FR 24192). For Butte County meadowfoam and Contra Costa goldfields, we
believed that Federal involvement in the areas where these plant
species occurred could be identified without designation of critical
habitat (62 FR 34029, 57 FR 24192). For eight of the vernal pool plant
species (succulent owl's-clover, Hoover's spurge, Colusa grass, San
Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass, hairy Orcutt grass, slender Orcutt grass,
Sacramento Orcutt grass, and Greene's tuctoria), we believed that
Federal agencies were aware of the species' presence and were already
addressing conservation efforts where the species were found on Federal
lands (62 FR 14338).
In 1995, the CDFG received a grant from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to map vernal pools in particular areas for
conservation purposes (Vendlinski 2000). As a result of this effort,
the CDFG published a report which delineated 17 vernal pool regions
throughout California (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998). In 1997, Robert
Holland's original 1973-1974 map of vernal pools in the Central Valley
was updated and the results were documented Holland (1998). In 1998, we
published the Recovery Plan for Vernal Pools of Southern California
(Service 1998) which outlined recovery strategies for seven vernal pool
species (two vernal pool crustaceans and five vernal pool plants)
including the San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). The
release of these data resulted in the widespread distribution of
information about vernal pool habitat and its location to the public
and to local jurisdictions for planning purposes. Since the release of
these data, we have not documented an increase in the threats to the
species addressed in this rule through vandalism, collection, habitat
destruction, or other means. In contrast, we have witnessed an increase
in public interest in the species and their conservation through survey
efforts by species experts, scientific research, regional and local
planning, and educational outreach. Since listing of the vernal pool
crustaceans and plants, several vernal pool conservation planning
efforts have been initiated by public agencies and non-government
organizations. For example, in 1997 the Framework Agreement for the
Interagency Vernal Pool Stewardship Initiative was signed by a number
of Federal and State agencies; this agreement encourages coordination
of vernal pool conservation efforts on a regional scale between the
signatory agencies.
Based on the lack of an increase in vandalism threats, we have
reconsidered our evaluation of our original prudency determination. We
have determined that the threats to the vernal pool crustaceans and
plants and their habitat from the specific instances of habitat
destruction we identified in the final listing rules do not outweigh
the broader educational, regulatory, and other possible benefits that a
designation of critical habitat would provide for these species. The
instances of likely vandalism, though real, have been relatively
isolated. Consequently, we conclude that designating critical habitat
will not increase incidences of habitat vandalism above current levels
for these species. In the absence of finding that critical habitat
would increase threats to a species, if there are any benefits to
critical habitat designation, then a prudent finding is warranted. The
potential benefits include: (1) Triggering consultations under section
7 of the Act in new areas where it would not otherwise occur because,
for example, it is or has become unoccupied or the occupancy is in
question; (2) focusing conservation activities on the most essential
areas; (3) providing educational benefits to State or county
governments or private entities; and, (4) preventing people from
causing inadvertent harm to the species. Therefore, we conclude that
the benefits of designating critical habitat on lands essential for the
conservation of the vernal pool crustaceans and plants outweigh the
risks of increased vandalism resulting from such designation. Critical
habitat for the 4 vernal pool crustaceans and 11 vernal pool plants
addressed herein is prudent and we are subsequently proposing critical
habitat for them in this proposed rule.
All of the proposed critical habitat units contain one or more of
the primary constituent elements for the vernal pool crustaceans or
plants addressed in this proposed rule. However, as stated earlier,
vernal pool crustaceans and plants occur in ephemeral pools that may
not be present throughout a given year or from year to year.
In summary, in determining areas that are essential to conserve the
species addressed in this proposed rule, we used the best scientific
information available to us. The critical habitat areas described below
constitute our best assessment of areas needed for the species'
conservation.
Methods
In determining critical habitat for vernal pool crustaceans and
vernal pool plants we used the best scientific and commercial data
available. This included data and information contained in the final
rules listing the 15 species addressed herein, research and survey
observations published in peer reviewed articles, the Vernal Pools of
Southern California Final Recovery Plan (Service 1998), data collected
for the development of HCPs, reports submitted by biologists holding
section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permits, data collected for the
development of a
[[Page 59899]]
Wetland Conservation Plan in Oregon, reports and documents that are on
file in the Service's field offices, and personal discussions with
experts outside of the Service with extensive knowledge of vernal pool
species and habitats.
We utilized Geographic Information System (GIS) data derived from a
variety of Federal, State, and local agencies, and from private
organizations and individuals. To identify where vernal pool species
and habitats occur we evaluated GIS data of vernal pool habitats by
Holland (1998 and 2002), and species occurrences information from the
CNDDB (2001). We presumed occurrences identified in CNDDB to be extant
until we received documentation that the occurrences have been
extirpated. We also relied on unpublished species occurrence data
contained within our files. We produced preliminary maps using GIS
information that plotted species occurrences and vernal pool habitats
superimposed on SPOT imagery (CNES/SPOT Image Corporation 1993-2000).
The use of SPOT imagery allowed us to identify landmarks such as roads,
cities, rivers, and urban areas.
Because the minimum mapping unit of the Holland (1998 and 2002)
vernal pool habitat data was 16 ha (40 ac) and the resolution of the
SPOT imagery did not allow us to identify all vernal pool habitat
areas, we then refined unit boundaries based on additional GIS data
layers when necessary and available, including soils information from
the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) data bases (U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) 1998-2001), and the California State Soil Geographic
(STATSGO) data bases (USDA 1994). We used geologic information
developed by the California Department of Mines and Geology (CDMG)
(2000) and Liss (2001). To identify the extent of flat or gently
sloping topography where vernal pools are found we evaluated Digital
Elevation Models from the U.S. Geologic Survey (2000).
We also used a number of local GIS data sets for specific areas,
including information developed through the Riverside Multiple Species
HCP and the Vernal Pools of Southern California Final Recovery Plan
(Service 1998), habitat mapping for Butte County (EPA 1994), Tehama
County (2001), Shasta County (2001) Placer County (Glazner 2001),
Solano County (2000), Yolo County (1995), Sacramento County (1999) and
San Joaquin County (2000) in California, and by the Rogue Valley
Council of Governments in Oregon (Evans 2000). Other smaller scale
mapping efforts were reviewed from Solano County Farmlands and Open
Space (2000) and East Bay Regional Parks District (2001). The specific
layers used and the methodology employed for each unit is described
within the unit descriptions. To determine land ownership within each
unit we used data from the State of California (Davis et al. 1998) and
the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs in Sacramento, California (2001).
Primary Constituent Elements
In accordance with section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act and regulations at
50 CFR 424.12, in determining which areas to propose as critical
habitat, we consider those physical and biological features (primary
constituent elements) that are essential to the conservation of the
species and that may require special management considerations or
protection. These features include, but are not limited to--space for
individual and population growth, and for normal behavior; food, water,
air, light, minerals, or other nutritional or physiological
requirements; cover or shelter; sites for breeding, reproduction, and
dispersal; and habitats that are protected from disturbance or are
representative of the historic geographical and ecological
distributions of a species.
When considering the designation of critical habitat for vernal
pool crustaceans, we focused on the principal biological and physical
features that support vernal pool crustacean feeding, growth, breeding,
reproduction, and dispersal. Vernal pool crustaceans are found only in
ephemeral wetland habitats that contain water during the winter, when
temperatures are suitable for cyst hatching and juvenile development.
Individuals have never been found in riverine, marine, or other
permanent bodies of water.
Generally, we identified two primary constituent elements for all
four vernal pool crustacean species addressed in this proposed rule.
Each species has primary constituent elements that differ slightly from
these general elements discussed in later sections of this rule. We
determined that these proposed primary constituent elements of critical
habitat provide for the physiological, behavioral, and ecological
requirements of the vernal pool crustaceans.
The first primary constituent element provides the aquatic
environment required for cyst incubation and hatching, growth and
maturation, reproduction, feeding, sheltering, and dispersal, and the
appropriate periods of dessication for cyst dormancy and to eliminate
predators such as bullfrogs, fish, and other aquatic predators that
depend on year round inundation of wetland habitats to survive. We
conclude this element is essential to the conservation of vernal pool
crustaceans because these species are ecologically dependent on
seasonal fluctuations, such as absence or presence of water during
specific times of the year, and duration of inundation (59 FR 48136).
They cannot persist in perennial wetlands or wetlands that are
inundated for the majority of the year, nor can they persist without
periodic seasonal inundation.
The second primary constituent element is essential to maintain the
aquatic phase of the vernal pool habitat. The entire vernal pool
complex, including the pools, swales, and associated uplands, is
essential to support the aquatic functions of the vernal pool habitat.
Although the uplands are not actually occupied by vernal pool
crustaceans, they nevertheless are essential to the conservation of
vernal pool habitat and crustaceans because they maintain the aquatic
phase of vernal pools and swales. Associated uplands are also essential
to provide nutrients that form the basis of the vernal pool food chain,
including a primary food source for the vernal pool crustaceans.
We have used vernal pool complexes as the basis for determining
populations of vernal pool crustaceans since the species were first
proposed for listing. The final rule to list the four vernal pool
crustaceans states that ``[t]he genetic characteristics of the three
fairy shrimp and vernal pool tadpole shrimp, as well as ecological
conditions, such as watershed contiguity, indicate that populations of
these animals are defined by pool complexes rather than by individual
vernal pools' (Fugate 1992, Fugate 1998, King 1996). Therefore, the
most accurate indication of the distribution and abundance of the four
vernal pool crustaceans is the number of inhabited vernal pool
complexes. Individual vernal pools occupied by the four species listed
herein are most appropriately referred to as ``subpopulations'' (59 FR
48137). Our use of vernal pool complexes to define populations of the
four listed crustaceans was upheld by the U.S. District Court in post-
listing challenge to the listing (Building Industry Association of
Superior California). The July 25, 1997, decision stated: ``The Court
finds that the plaintiffs were on notice that the FWS would consider
vernal pool complexes as a basis for determining fairy shrimp
populations. The Court also concludes that the use of this methodology
was neither arbitrary nor capricious.'' The Court of Appeals
[[Page 59900]]
for the D.C. Circuit upheld the district court's decision, and the
Supreme Court has declined to hear the case.
In identifying specific primary constituent elements for each of
the four vernal pool crustaceans, we expanded upon the general primary
constituent elements described above and focused on the specific
habitat requirements of each individual vernal pool crustacean species.
These habitat requirements and the specific primary constituent
elements for each vernal pool crustacean are described below.
Conservancy Fairy Shrimp Primary Constituent Elements
The Conservancy fairy shrimp is uniquely adapted to the ephemeral
conditions of its vernal pool habitat. Helm (1998) found that the life
span and maturation rate of Conservancy fairy shrimp did not differ
significantly from other fairy shrimp species under the conditions he
observed. Helm (1998) found that Conservancy fairy shrimp reached
maturity in an average of 46 days, and lived for as long as 154 days.
However, aquatic invertebrate growth rates are largely controlled by
water temperature and can vary greatly (Eriksen and Brown 1980, Helm
1998). Eriksen and Belk (1999) observe that Conservancy fairy shrimp
produce large cohorts of offspring, and is an ``especially hyperactive
swimmer and filter feeder.'' Conservancy fairy shrimp have only been
observed to produce one cohort of offspring each wet season (Eriksen
and Belk 1999).
Observations suggest this species is generally found in pools that
are relatively large and turbid (King et al. 1996, Helm 1998, Eriksen
and Belk 1999). Helm (1998) found that most Conservancy fairy shrimp
occurrences were generally within vernal pools formed on fertile, basin
rim soils. These pool types may be over several acres in size, and are
often alkaline. Soil types where the species is known to occur include
Anita, Pescadero, Riz, Solano, Edminster, San Joaquin, and Peters soil
series.
Conservancy fairy shrimp occur with several other vernal pool
crustaceans, including vernal pool fairy shrimp, California
linderiella, and vernal pool tadpole shrimp (King et al. 1996, Eriksen
and Belk 1999, Helm 1998). In general, Conservancy fairy shrimp have
very large populations within a given pool, and is usually the most
abundant fairy shrimp when more than one fairy shrimp species is
present (Helm 1998, Eriksen and Belk 1999). Conservancy fairy shrimp
are eaten by vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Alexander and Schlising 1997),
as well as a variety of insect and vertebrate predator species.
When considering the designation of critical habitat for
Conservancy fairy shrimp, we focused on the principal biological and
physical features that support Conservancy fairy shrimp feeding and
growth, breeding and reproduction, and dispersal. These primary
constituent elements are found in areas that support vernal pools,
swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions, and their associated
uplands. The primary constituent elements for Conservancy fairy shrimp
include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths that typically become
inundated during winter rains and hold water for sufficient lengths of
time necessary for Conservancy fairy shrimp incubation, reproduction,
dispersal, feeding, and sheltering, including but not limited to large,
playa vernal pools often on basin rim landforms and alkaline soils, but
which are dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill with water
every year; and
(2) The geographic, topographic, and edaphic features that support
aggregations or systems of hydrologically interconnected pools, swales,
and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions within a matrix of
surrounding uplands that together form hydrologically and ecologically
functional units called vernal pool complexes. These features
contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pool, and maintain
suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture
for vernal pool crustacean hatching, growth and reproduction, and
dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for Conservancy fairy shrimp. We determined the
primary constituent elements of critical habitat for Conservancy fairy
shrimp based on studies on their habitat and population biology
including but not limited to--Eng et al. 1990, Gallagher 1996,
Alexander and Schlising 1997, Helm 1998, Eriksen and Belk 1999.
Longhorn Fairy Shrimp Primary Constituent Elements
Longhorn fairy shrimp are known only from three general locations,
and each of these sites contain very different types of vernal pool
habitats. Longhorn fairy shrimp in Contra Costa and Alameda counties
live in small, clear, sandstone outcrop pools. These sandstone pools
have a pH near neutral, and very low alkalinity and conductivity
(Eriksen and Belk 1999). Water temperatures in these pools have been
measured between 10 and 18[deg]C (50 and 64[deg]F). In the other two
locations in Merced and San Luis Obispo counties where longhorn fairy
shrimp occur, they are found in turbid, alkaline, grassland vernal
pools (Helm 1998, Eriksen and Belk 1999). Water temperatures in these
grassland vernal pools tend to be warmer, between 10 and 28[deg]C (50.0
to 82.0[deg]F). However, no experimental studies have been conducted to
determine the specific habitat requirements of longhorn fairy shrimp,
and until research addressing the tolerance of longhorn fairy shrimp to
a range of temperatures and water chemistries, its potential to occur
in other types of vernal pool habitats cannot be ruled out.
Like other fairy shrimp, longhorn fairy shrimp are highly adapted
to the variable conditions of vernal pool habitats. Longhorn fairy
shrimp require a minimum of 23 days, but averaged 43 days, to reach
maturity in artificial pools described by Helm (1998). However, Helm
(1998) found no significant differences between the life span or
reproductive rate of longhorn fairy shrimp and other species of fairy
shrimp he studied.
When considering the designation of critical habitat for longhorn
fairy shrimp, we focused on the principal biological and physical
features that support longhorn fairy shrimp feeding and growth,
breeding and reproduction, and dispersal. These primary constituent
elements are found in areas that support vernal pools, swales, or other
ephemeral ponds and depressions and their associated uplands. The
primary constituent elements for the longhorn fairy shrimp include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths that typically become
inundated during winter rains and hold water for sufficient lengths of
time necessary for longhorn fairy shrimp incubation, reproduction,
dispersal, feeding, and sheltering, including but not limited to
sandstone outcrop pools and turbid alkaline pools, but which are dry
during the summer and do not necessarily fill with water every year;
and
(2) The geographic, topographic, and edaphic features that support
aggregations or systems of hydrologically interconnected pools, swales,
and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions within a matrix of
surrounding uplands that together form hydrologically and ecologically
[[Page 59901]]
functional units called vernal pool complexes. These features
contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pool, and maintain
suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture
for vernal pool crustacean hatching, growth and reproduction, and
dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for longhorn fairy shrimp. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for longhorn fairy shrimp
based on studies on their habitat and population biology including but
not limited to-- Eng et al. 1990, Fugate 1992, Gallagher 1996, Fugate
1998, Helm 1998, and Eriksen and Belk 1999.
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Primary Constituent Elements
Vernal pool fairy shrimp generally will not hatch until water
temperatures drop to below 10[deg]C (50[deg]F) (Gallagher 1996, Helm
1998). Vernal pool fairy shrimp are capable of hatching multiple times
within a single wet season if conditions are appropriate. Helm (1998)
observed 6 separate hatches of vernal pool fairy shrimp within a single
wet season, and Gallagher (1996) observed 3 separate hatches of vernal
pool fairy shrimp in vernal pools in Butte County.
Vernal pool fairy shrimp have been documented to live for as long
as 147 days Helm (1998), but their life cycle and longevity is
dependant upon water temperature as well as other environmental
factors. Vernal pool fairy shrimp can reproduce in as few as 18 days at
optimal conditions of 20[deg]C (68[deg]F) and can complete their life
cycle in as little as 63 days (Gallagher 1996, Helm 1998). However,
maturation and reproduction rates of vernal pool crustaceans are
controlled by water temperature and can vary greatly (Eriksen and Brown
1980, Helm 1998). Helm (1998) observed that vernal pool fairy shrimp
did not reach maturity until 41 days at water temperatures of 15[deg]C
(59[deg]F). Vernal pool fairy shrimp have been collected at water
temperatures as low as 4.5[deg]C (40[deg]F) (Eriksen and Belk 1999),
however, the species has not been found in water temperatures above
about 23[deg]C (73[deg]F) (Helm 1998, Eriksen and Belk 1999).
Vernal pool fairy shrimp occupy a variety of different vernal pool
habitats, from small, clear, sandstone rock pools to large, turbid,
alkaline, grassland valley floor pools (Eng et al. 1990, Helm 1998,
CNDDB 2001). The pool types where the species has been found include
Northern Hardpan, Northern Claypan, Northern Volcanic Mud Flow, and
Northern Basalt Flow vernal pools which formed on a variety of geologic
formations and soil types (CNDDB 2001). Although vernal pool fairy
shrimp have been collected from large vernal pools, including one
exceeding 10 ha (25 ac) in area (Eriksen and Belk 1999), they are most
frequently found in pools measuring less than 0.02 ha (0.05 ac) in area
(Helm 1998, Gallagher 1996). The species occurs at elevations from 10 m
(33 ft) to 1,220 m (4,003 ft) (Eng et al. 1990), and is typically found
in pools with low to moderate amounts of salinity or total dissolved
solids (Keeley 1984, Syrdahl 1993). Vernal pools are mostly rain fed,
resulting in low nutrient levels and dramatic daily fluctuations in pH,
dissolved oxygen, and carbon dioxide (Keeley and Zedler 1998). Although
there are many observations of the environmental conditions where
vernal pool fairy shrimp have been found, there have been no
experimental studies investigating the specific habitat requirements of
this species.
When considering the designation of critical habitat for vernal
pool fairy shrimp, we focused on the principal biological and physical
features that support vernal pool fairy shrimp feeding and growth,
breeding and reproduction, and dispersal. These primary constituent
elements are found in areas that support vernal pools, swales, or other
ephemeral ponds and depressions and their associated uplands. The
primary constituent elements for vernal pool fairy shrimp include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths that typically become
inundated during winter rains and hold water for sufficient lengths of
time necessary for vernal pool fairy shrimp incubation, reproduction,
dispersal, feeding, and sheltering, including but not limited to
Northern Hardpan, Northern Claypan, Northern Volcanic Mud Flow, and
Northern Basalt Flow vernal pools formed on a variety of geologic
formations and soil types, but which are dry during the summer and do
not necessarily fill with water every year; and
(2) The geographic, topographic, and edaphic features that support
aggregations or systems of hydrologically interconnected pools, swales,
and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions within a matrix of
surrounding uplands that together form hydrologically and ecologically
functional units called vernal pool complexes. These features
contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pool, and maintain
suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture
for vernal pool crustacean hatching, growth and reproduction, and
dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for one of these species. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for vernal pool fairy shrimp
based on studies on their habitat and population biology including but
not limited to--Eng et al. 1990, Fugate 1992, Gallagher 1996, Fugate
1998, Helm 1998, and Eriksen and Belk 1999.
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp Primary Constituent Elements
Although the vernal pool tadpole shrimp is adapted to survive in
ephemeral vernal pool habitat, the species has a relatively long life
span compared to other vernal pool crustaceans. Helm (1998) found that
vernal pool tadpole shrimp lived significantly longer than any other
species observed under the same conditions except California
linderiella (Linderiella occidentalis). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp
continue growing throughout their lives, periodically molting their
shells. These shells can often be found in vernal pools where the
species occurs. Helm (1998) found that vernal pool tadpole shrimp took
a minimum of 25 days to mature and the mean age at first reproduction
was 54 days. Other researchers have observed that vernal pool tadpole
shrimp generally take between 21 to 28 days to mature (Ahl 1991, King
1996). Ahl (1991) found that reproduction did not begin until
individuals were larger than 10 mm (0.39 in) carapace length. Variation
in growth and maturation rates may be a result of differences in water
temperature, which strongly influences the growth rates of aquatic
invertebrates.
Vernal pool tadpole shrimp occur in a wide variety of vernal pool
habitats (Helm 1998). They have been found in pools with water
temperatures ranging from 10[deg]C (50[deg]F) to 29[deg]C (84[deg]F)
and pH ranging from 6.2 to 8.5 (Syrdahl 1993, King 1996). However,
vernal pools exhibit daily and seasonal fluctuations in pH,
temperature, dissolved oxygen, and other water chemistry
characteristics (Syrdahl 1993, Scholnick 1995, Keeley 1998a).
Determining vernal pool tadpole shrimp habitat requirements is not
possible based on anecdotal evidence, and the tolerances of this
species to specific environmental conditions have yet to be determined.
Although vernal pool tadpole shrimp are found on a variety of geologic
[[Page 59902]]
formations and soil types, Helm (1998) found that over 50 percent of
vernal pool tadpole shrimp occurrences were on high terrace landforms
and Redding and Corning soils. Platenkamp (1998) found that vernal pool
tadpole shrimp presence differed significantly between geomorphic
surfaces at Beale Air Force Base and the species was most likely to be
found on Riverbank formation.
When considering the designation of critical habitat for vernal
pool tadpole shrimp, we focused on the principal biological and
physical features that support vernal pool tadpole shrimp feeding and
growth, breeding and reproduction, and dispersal. These primary
constituent elements are found in areas that support vernal pools,
swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions and their associated
uplands. The primary constituent elements for vernal pool fairy shrimp
include:
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths that typically become
inundated during winter rains and hold water for sufficient lengths of
time necessary for vernal pool tadpole shrimp incubation, reproduction,
dispersal, feeding, and sheltering, but which are dry during the summer
and do not necessarily fill with water every year; including but not
limited to vernal pools on Redding and Corning soils on high terrace
landforms, and
(2) The geographic, topographic, and edaphic features that support
aggregations or systems of hydrologically interconnected pools, swales,
and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions within a matrix of
surrounding uplands that together form hydrologically and ecologically
functional units called vernal pool complexes. These features
contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pool, and maintain
suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture
for vernal pool crustacean hatching, growth and reproduction, and
dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for vernal pool tadpole shrimp. We determined the
primary constituent elements of critical habitat for vernal pool
tadpole shrimp based on studies on their habitat and population biology
including but not limited to--Longhurst 1955, Lynch 1966, Ahl 1991,
King 1996, and Helm 1998.
General Primary Constituent Elements for Vernal Pool Plants
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for vernal
pool plants are those habitat components that are essential for the
primary biological needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and
dispersal. All of the vernal pool plants addressed in this proposed
rule are found only in ephemeral wetlands including vernal pools and
swales. None of these species are known to occur in permanent wetlands,
and none are found in strictly upland areas that are never inundated.
Generally, we identified two primary constituent elements for all
eleven vernal pool plants addressed in this proposed rule. Each species
has primary constituent elements that differ slightly from these
general elements discussed in later sections of this rule. We
determined that these proposed primary constituent elements of critical
habitat provide for the physiological and ecological requirements of
the vernal pool plants.
The first primary constituent element provides the necessary soil
moisture and aquatic environment required for seed germination, growth
and maturation, reproduction, and dispersal, and the appropriate
periods of dry-down for seed dormancy. Both the wet and dry phases of
the vernal pool help to reduce competition with strictly terrestrial or
strictly aquatic plant species. The wet phase provides the necessary
cues for germination and growth, while the drying phase allows the
vernal pool plants to flower and produce seeds. We conclude this
element is essential to the conservation of the vernal pool plants
because these species are ecologically dependent on seasonal
fluctuations, such as absence or presence of water during specific
times of the year, and duration of inundation and the rate of drying of
their habitats. They cannot persist in perennial wetlands or wetlands
that are inundated for the majority of the year, nor can they persist
without periodic seasonal inundation.
The second primary constituent element is essential to maintain
both the aquatic phase and the drying phase of the vernal pool habitat.
Although the vernal pool plants addressed in this proposed rule do not
occur in the strictly upland areas surrounding vernal pools, they are
dependent on these upland areas to maintain the aquatic and drying
phases of the vernal pool. The germination of vernal pool plants is
dependant on the timing and length of inundation of the vernal pool.
The rate of vernal pool drying, during which vernal pool plants must
flower and produce seeds, is also largely controlled by interactions
between the vernal pool and the surrounding uplands (Hanes et al. 1990,
Hanes and Stromberg 1998).
In identifying specific primary constituent elements for each of
the eleven vernal pool plant species addressed in this proposed rule,
we expanded upon the general primary constituent elements described
above to focus on the specific habitat requirements of each of the
eleven individual species. These habitat requirements and the specific
primary constituent elements for each species are described below.
Butte County Meadowfoam Primary Constituent Elements
The swales and vernal pools where Butte County meadowfoam grows are
on intermediate fan terraces (Kelley and Associates Environmental
Sciences 1992) in annual grasslands with a mima mound topography. Large
cobbles are present throughout the pools and swales (Jokerst 1989).
These pools are associated with Tuscan, Redbluff, Riverbank, and
Modesto geologic formations, and most of them occur on soils of the
Tuscan-Anita and the Redding-Igo complexes. Anita and Igo soils are
confined to the pools and swales. Tuscan and Redding soils are
restricted to the mounds. Anita soils can be up to 50 cm (19.7 in)
deep, whereas Igo soils are no more than 18 cm (7.1 in) deep; the two
soils are underlain by iron-silica cemented and indurated hardpan,
respectively (Kelley and Associates Environmental Sciences 1993). Butte
County meadowfoam has been observed on Anita clay soils annually
regardless of rainfall but appears on Igo soils only in years of above
average rainfall (Kelley and Associates Environmental Sciences 1992a,
Crompton 1993, Schonholtz in litt. 1995), presumably because the former
can hold approximately twice as much moisture (Kelley and Associates
Environmental Sciences 1993). Confirmed occurrences have been found at
50 to 90 m (165 to 300 ft) in elevation (McNeill and Brown 1979, CNDDB
2001).
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for Butte
County meadowfoam are those habitat components that are essential for
the primary biological needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and
dispersal. These primary constituent elements are found in areas that
support vernal pools, swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions
and their associated uplands. The primary constituent
[[Page 59903]]
elements for Butte County meadowfoam include:
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Butte County meadowfoam
germination, growth and reproduction, including but not limited to
vernal pool swales and the margins of vernal pools on the Tuscan,
Redbluff, Riverbank, and Modesto geologic formations underlain by
Tuscan-Anita and Igo-Redding complex soils among others. These habitats
typically become inundated during winter rains, but are dry during the
summer and do not necessarily fill with water every year; and
(2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Butte County meadowfoam germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for Butte County meadowfoam. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for Butte County meadowfoam
based on studies of their habitat and population biology including but
not limited to--Kalin-Arroyo 1973, Dole 1988, Jokerst 1989, Kelley and
Associates Environmental Sciences 1992a, and Crompton 1993.
Contra Costa Goldfields Primary Constituent Elements
Contra Costa goldfields typically grows in vernal pools, swales,
moist flats, and depressions within a grassland matrix (CNDDB 2001).
However, several historical collections were from populations growing
in the saline-alkaline transition zone between vernal pools and tidal
marshes on the eastern margin of the San Francisco Bay (Baye USFWS in
litt. 2000a). The herbarium sheet for one of the San Francisco Bay
specimens notes that the species also grew in evaporating ponds used to
concentrate salt (Baye in litt. 2000b). The vernal pool types from
which this species has been reported are Northern Basalt Flow, Northern
Claypan, and Northern Volcanic Ashflow (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995).
The landforms and geologic formations for sites where Contra Costa
goldfields occurs have not yet been determined. Most occurrences of
Contra Costa goldfields are at elevations of 2 to 61 m (6 to 200 ft),
but the recently discovered Monterey County occurrences are at 122 m
(400 ft) and one Napa County occurrence is at 445 m (1,460 ft)
elevation (CNDDB 2001).
The soil types that maintain these vernal pool habitats for Contra
Costa goldfields have not yet been identified for most localities. The
soil series from which it is known are Aiken, Antioch, Concepcion,
Conejo, Crispin, Haire, Linne, Los Robles, Rincon, Solano, and San
Ysidro, plus the Arnold-Santa Ynez, Hambright-rock outcrop, and Los
Osos complexes. Soil textures, where known, are clays or loams. At
least in Solano County and on the shores of San Francisco Bay, Contra
Costa goldfields grows in alkaline or saline-alkaline sites (Baye in
litt. 2000a, Baye in litt. 2000b, CNDDB 2001).
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for Contra
Costa goldfields are those habitat components that are essential for
the primary biological needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and
dispersal. These primary constituent elements are found in areas that
support vernal pools, swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions
and their associated uplands. The primary constituent elements for
Contra Costa goldfields include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, moist flats, and other ephemeral wetlands
and depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Contra Costa goldfields
germination, growth and reproduction, including, but not limited to,
vernal pools on clay soils from a variety of soils series, rock outcrop
pools on basalt flows, and vernal pools in saline alkaline transition
zones with tidal marsh habitats. All of these habitats typically become
inundated during winter rains, but are dry during the summer and do not
necessarily fill with water every year; and
(2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Contra Costa goldfields germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for Contra Costa goldfields. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for Contra Costa goldfields
based on studies on their habitat and population biology including but
not limited to--Ornduff 1966, Ornduff 1979, Crawford and Ornduff 1989,
Skinner and Pavlik 1994.
Hoover's Spurge Primary Constituent Elements
Vernal pools from which Hoover's spurge has been reported are
classified as Northern Hardpan and Northern Claypan vernal pools
(Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995). The pools supporting this species vary
in size from 0.19 to 243 ha (0.47 to 600 ac), with a median area of
0.58 ha (1.43 ac) (Stone et al. 1988). Many occurrences consist of
multiple pools that vary in area and in depth, yet not all pools at a
site support Hoover's spurge. Deeper pools apparently provide better
habitat for this species because the duration of inundation is longer.
This species may occur along the margins or in the deepest portions of
the dried pool bed (Stone et al. 1988, Alexander and Schlising 1997). A
particularly important feature of Hoover's spurge microhabitat, at
least in the deeper pools, is that it is nearly devoid of other
vegetation, and thus competition from other plants is reduced (Stone et
al. 1988).
Vernal pools supporting Hoover's spurge occur mostly on alluvial
fans or terraces of ancient rivers or streams, with a few on the rim of
the Central Valley basin. Hoover's spurge is found on a wide variety of
soils, which range in texture from clay to sandy loam. Soil series from
which it has been reported include Anita, Laniger, Lewis, Madera,
Meikle, Riz, Tuscan, Whitney, Willows. All of these soils may not be
equally suitable for this species, however. For example, in one Vina
Plains pool, Hoover's spurge grew primarily in the portion that was
underlain by Tuscan loam and was nearly absent from the portion
underlain by Anita clay (Alexander and Schlising 1997).
In the Sacramento Valley occupied pools are on acidic soils over
iron-silica cemented hardpan. Most pools supporting Hoover's spurge in
the San Joaquin Valley are on neutral to saline-alkaline soils over
lime-silica cemented hardpan or claypan (Broyles 1987, Stone et al.
1988, Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995, CNDDB 2001). Occurrences of
[[Page 59904]]
Hoover's spurge have been reported from elevations ranging from 26 m
(85 ft) in Glenn County to 128 m (420 ft) in Tehama County (CNDDB
2002).
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for Hoover's
spurge are those habitat components that are essential for the primary
biological needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and dispersal.
These primary constituent elements are found in areas that support
vernal pools, swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions and
their associated uplands. The primary constituent elements for Hoover's
spurge include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Hoover's spurge germination,
growth and reproduction, including but not limited to vernal pools
formed on neutral to saline-alkaline soils over lime-silica cemented
hardpan or claypan, or on acidic soils over iron-silica cemented
hardpan, that typically become inundated during winter rains, but are
dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill with water every
year; and
(2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Hoover's spurge germination, growth and reproduction,
and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for Hoover's spurge. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for Hoover's spurge based on
studies on their habitat and population biology including but not
limited to--Broyles 1987, Stone et al. 1988, and Alexander and
Schlising 1997.
Succulent Owl's-Clover Primary Constituent Elements
Succulent owl's-clover is known mostly from vernal pools occurring
on alluvial terrace landforms. These pool types have been described as
both Northern Claypan and Northern Hardpan vernal pools (Sawyer and
Keeler-Wolf 1995) within annual grassland communities (CNDDB 2001).
However, it is found on Northern Basalt Flow vernal pools on Hideaway
soils series at one location in the San Joaquin Valley. It is known
from both small and large pools (EIP Associates 1999). Although not all
pools occupied by this taxon have been studied in detail, Stebbins et
al. (1995) collected data on six occupied pools in Fresno and Madera
counties. Some were typical ``bowl-like'' pools, whereas others were
more similar to swales. This subspecies has been reported from pools
with both long and short inundation periods (EIP Associates 1999) and
from both shallow and ``abnormally deep vernal pools,'' but approximate
depth of these pools was not given (CNDDB 2001).
Soil series supporting succulent owl's-clover include Amador,
Anderson, Corning, Fallbrook, Keyes, Pentz, Ramona, Redding, San
Joaquin, Vista, and Yokohl, as well as the Pollasky-Montpellier
complex. Soil textures at those sites range from extremely stony loam
to loamy clay. In the proposed UC Merced campus and community area, the
species is found primarily on Redding gravelly loam; however, Corning,
Keyes, and Pentz soils also contain occurrences of the species (EIP
Associates 1999). Populations of succulent owl's-clover have been
reported from elevations of 24 m (80 ft) at the San Joaquin County site
to 700 m (2,300 ft) at Kennedy Table in Madera County (CNDDB 2001).
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for succulent
owl's-clover are those habitat components that are essential for the
primary biological needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and
dispersal. These primary constituent elements are found in areas that
support vernal pools, swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions
and their associated uplands. The primary constituent elements for
succulent owl's-clover include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain succulent owl's-clover
germination, growth and reproduction, including but not limited to
hardpan vernal pools on alluvial terraces and San Joaquin, Redding,
Corning, Keyes, and Pentz soils series, among others, and northern
basalt flow vernal pools on Hideaway soils series, that typically
become inundated during winter rains, but are dry during the summer and
do not necessarily fill with water every year; and
(2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for succulent owl's-clover germination, growth,
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for succulent owl's-clover. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for succulent owl's-clover
based on studies of their habitat and population biology including but
not limited to--Hoover 1968, Chuang and Heckard 1991, Chuang and
Heckard 1993, and EIP Associates 1999.
Colusa Grass Primary Constituent Elements
Colusa grass has the broadest ecological range among the
Orcuttieae. It occurs on the rim of alkaline basins in the Sacramento
and San Joaquin valleys, as well as on acidic soils of alluvial fans
and stream terraces along the eastern margin of the San Joaquin Valley
and into the adjacent foothills (Stone et al. 1988). Colusa grass has
been found in Northern Claypan and Northern Hardpan vernal pool types
(Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995) within rolling grasslands (Crampton
1959). This species typically grows in the deepest portion of the pool
(Crampton 1959) but also may occur on the margins (Hoover 1937, Stone
et al. 1988). Deeper pools are most likely to provide the long
inundation period required for germination (EIP Associates 1999).
Several soil series maintain the vernal pool habitats where Colusa
grass is found. Solano and Yolo county sites where Colusa grass grows
contain vernal pools formed by soils in the Pescadero series, whereas
those in central Merced County are formed by soils in the Landlow and
Lewis series (Silveira in litt. 2000). The eastern Merced County and
Stanislaus County sites include vernal pool habitats formed by the Bear
Creek, Corning, Greenfield, Keyes, Meikle, Pentz, Peters, Raynor,
Redding, and Whitney series (Stone et al. 1988, EIP Associates 1999,
CNDDB 2002). The type and composition of impermeable layers underlying
occupied vernal pools also vary, ranging from claypan in the Sacramento
Valley to lime-silica cemented hardpan in the San Joaquin Valley
basins, to iron-silica cemented hardpan in the eastern margin of the
San Joaquin Valley. Tuffaceous
[[Page 59905]]
alluvium underlies some eastern San Joaquin Valley pools and
intermittent streams where Colusa grass grows (Stone et al. 1988).
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for Colusa
grass are those habitat components that are essential for the primary
biological needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and dispersal.
These primary constituent elements are found in areas that support
vernal pools, swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions and
their associated uplands. The primary constituent elements for Colusa
grass include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Colusa grass germination,
growth and reproduction, and that typically become inundated during
winter rains, including but not limited to vernal pools formed on the
rim of alkaline basins in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, as
well as on acidic soils of alluvial fans and stream terraces along the
eastern margin of the San Joaquin Valley and into the adjacent
foothills. All of these pool types are dry during the summer and do not
necessarily fill with water every year; and
(2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Colusa grass germination, growth and reproduction,
and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for Colusa grass. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for Colusa grass based on
studies on their habitat and population biology including but not
limited to--Crampton 1976, Griggs 1980, Reeder 1982, Griggs and Jain
1983, Keeley 1998a, and Stone et al. 1988.
Greene's Tuctoria Primary Constituent Elements
Greene's tuctoria has been found in three types of vernal pools:
Northern Basalt Flow, Northern Claypan, and Northern Hardpan (Sawyer
and Keeler-Wolf 1995, Stone et al. 1988). Occupied pools are or were
underlain by iron-silica cemented hardpan, tuffaceous alluvium, or
claypan (Stone et al. 1988). Of pools where the species was known to be
extant in 1987, the median size was 0.6 ha (1.5 ac), with a range of 50
m2 (0.01 ac) to 3.4 ha (8.4 ac) (Stone et al. 1988). Stone et al.
(1988) noted that Greene's tuctoria grew in shallower pools than other
members of the tribe or on the shallow margins of deeper pools, but
they did not quantify pool depth. At the Vina Plains, Greene's tuctoria
grew in pools of ``intermediate'' size, which dried in April or early
May of 1995 (Alexander and Schlising 1997). The Central Valley pools
containing Greene's tuctoria are (or were) in grasslands; the Shasta
County occurrence is surrounded by pine forest (CNDDB 2001). Occupied
pools in the Central Valley are (or were) at elevations of 33.5 to 134
m (110 to 440 ft) (Stone et al. 1988), whereas the Shasta County
occurrence is at 1,067 m (3,500 ft) (CNDDB 2001).
In Tehama and Butte counties, Greene's tuctoria grows mostly on
Anita clay and Tuscan loam soils, with one occurrence on Tuscan stony
clay loam. Soil types are not certain for several other occurrences in
this region; one is on either the Rocklin or the San Joaquin series,
and the others are unknown. The single occurrence in the central
portion of the Central Valley, near the Glenn and Colusa county line,
is on strongly saline-alkaline Willows clay (Silveira in litt. 2000).
On the eastern margin of the San Joaquin Valley, Greene's tuctoria is
known to grow on a number of different soil series including
Archerdale, Bear Creek, Exeter, Meikle, Ramona, Raynor, Redding, and
San Joaquin.
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for Greene's
tuctoria are those habitat components that are essential for the
primary biological needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and
dispersal. These primary constituent elements are found in areas that
support vernal pools, swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions
and their associated uplands. The primary constituent elements for
Greene's tuctoria include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Greene's tuctoria
germination, growth and reproduction, including but not limited to
Northern Claypan, Northern Hardpan and Northern Basalt flow vernal
pools, that typically become inundated during winter rains, but are dry
during the summer and do not necessarily fill with water every year;
and
(2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Greene's tuctoria germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for Greene's tuctoria. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for Greene's tuctoria based on
studies on its habitat and population biology including but not limited
to--Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain 1983, Stone et al. 1988, Keeley 1988,
and Alexander and Schlising 1997.
Hairy Orcutt Grass Primary Constituent Elements
This species is found within vernal pools formed on high or low
stream terraces and alluvial fans (Stone et al. 1988). The median size
of occupied pools measured in the late 1980's was 1.7 ha (4.2 ac), with
a range of 0.34 to 250 ha (0.8 to 617.5 ac) (Stone et al. 1988). At the
Vina Plains, hairy Orcutt grass was found growing only in pools that
held water until May, June, or July in 1995, not in those that dried in
April (Alexander and Schlising 1997). This species is known from
elevations of 26 m (85 ft) in Glenn County to 123 m (405 ft) in Madera
County (CNDDB 2001).
Hairy Orcutt grass is found on both acidic and saline-alkaline
soils, in pools with an iron-silica cemented hardpan or claypan. In
Tehama and Butte counties, pools supporting hairy Orcutt grass occur on
the Anita and Tuscan soil series (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001). At
one pool in the Vina Plains that spans both Anita clay and Tuscan loam
soils, hairy Orcutt grass was found growing primarily on the Anita clay
(Alexander and Schlising 1997). At the Sacramento National Wildlife
Refuge, hairy Orcutt grass occurs on the Willows and Riz soil series
(Silveira in litt. 2000), whereas in the Southern Sierra Foothills
Vernal Pool Region it occurs on the Cometa, Greenfield, Hanford,
Meikle, and Whitney soil series (Stone et al. 1988).
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for hairy
Orcutt grass are those habitat components that are essential for the
primary biological
[[Page 59906]]
needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and dispersal. These
primary constituent elements are found in areas that support vernal
pools, swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions and their
associated uplands. The primary constituent elements for hairy Orcutt
grass include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain hairy Orcutt grass
germination, growth and reproduction, including but not limited to
features occurring on both acidic and saline-alkaline soils, with an
iron-silica cemented hardpan or claypan, and that typically become
inundated during winter rains, but are dry during the summer and do not
necessarily fill with water every year; and
(2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for vernal pool plant germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for hairy Orcutt grass. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for hairy Orcutt grass based
on studies on their habitat and population biology including but not
limited to--Crampton 1959, Medeiros, 1976, Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain
1983, Stone et al. 1988, Durgarian 1995, and Alexander and Schlising
1997.
Sacramento Orcutt Grass Primary Constituent Elements
Sacramento Orcutt grass has been found in Northern Hardpan and
Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995).
It occurs on high terrace sites (Stone et al. 1988) at elevations of 46
to 82 m (150 to 270 ft) (CNDDB 2001). Occupied pools occur in blue oak
woodland and annual grassland (Crampton 1959, Griggs 1977, CNDDB 2002).
Among occupied pools discovered prior to 1988, the median area was 0.28
ha (0.69 ac) and ranged from 0.1 ha (0.25 ac) to 0.82 ha (2.03 ac).
Soils underlying pools where Sacramento Orcutt grass grows are acidic
with an iron-silica hardpan (Stone et al. 1988), and the pools contain
numerous cobbles (Crampton 1959, Stone et al. 1988). Four of the known
occurrences are on soils in the Redding series, two are on Red Bluff-
Redding complex soils, two are (or were) on Xerarents-urban land-San
Joaquin complex, and one is on Corning complex soils.
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for Sacramento
Orcutt grass are those habitat components that are essential for the
primary biological needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and
dispersal. These primary constituent elements are found in areas that
support vernal pools, swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions
and their associated uplands. The primary constituent elements for
Sacramento Orcutt grass include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Sacramento Orcutt grass
germination, growth and reproduction, including but not limited to
vernal pools on high terrace landforms on acidic soils such as Red
Bluff, Redding, and Corning soil series. These habitats typically
become inundated during winter rains, but are dry during the summer and
do not necessarily fill with water every year; and
(2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Sacramento Orcutt grass germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for Sacramento Orcutt grass. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for Sacramento Orcutt grass
based on studies on their habitat and population biology including but
not limited to--Crampton 1959, Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain 1983,
Holland 1987, and Stone et al. 1988.
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt Grass Primary Constituent Elements
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass occurs on alluvial fans, high and
low stream terraces (Stone et al. 1988), and tabletop lava flows
(Stebbins et al. 1995, CNDDB 2001). This species has been reported in
Northern Claypan, Northern Hardpan, and Northern Basalt Flow vernal
pools (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995) within rolling grassland (Crampton
1959). Occupied pools range in surface area from 0.014 to 4.9 ha (0.05
to 12.1 ac), with a median area of 0.62 ha (1.54 ac) (Stone et al.
1988). San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass has been reported from
elevations of 30 to 755 m (100 to 2,475 ft); the highest elevation
sites are those on the volcanic tabletops of Fresno and Madera counties
(Stebbins et al. 1995, CNDDB 2001).
The pools where San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass is known to occur
form on acidic soils that vary in texture from clay to sandy loam. Soil
series represented include the Hideaway series on Fresno-Madera County
volcanic tabletops, and Amador, Cometa, Corning, Greenfield, Los
Robles, Madera, Peters, Pollasky-Montpellier complex, Raynor, Redding,
and San Joaquin soil series elsewhere in the range. The impermeable
layer at historical or extant occurrences included iron-silica cemented
hardpan, tuffaceous alluvium, and basaltic rock from ancient volcanic
flows (Stone et al. 1988, Stebbins et al. 1995, EIP Associates 1999,
CNDDB 2001).
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for San
Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass are those habitat components that are
essential for the primary biological needs of germination, growth,
reproduction, and dispersal. These primary constituent elements are
found in areas that support vernal pools, swales, or other ephemeral
ponds and depressions and their associated uplands. The primary
constituent elements for San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain San Joaquin Orcutt grass
germination, growth and reproduction, including but not limited to
vernal pools on alluvial fans, high and low stream terraces, and
tabletop lava flows. These habitats typically become inundated during
winter rains, but are dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill
with water every year; and
(2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool
[[Page 59907]]
basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in extent
depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan or
claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass germination, growth
and reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass. We determined the
primary constituent elements of critical habitat for San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass pools based on studies on their habitat and population
biology including but not limited to--Crampton 1959, Griggs 1980,
Griggs and Jain 1983, Stone et al. 1988, Stebbins et al. 1995, Keeley
1998a, and EIP Associates 1999.
Slender Orcutt Grass Primary Constituent Elements
Slender Orcutt grass is found primarily on substrates of volcanic
origin (Crampton 1959, Corbin and Schoolcraft 1989). Vernal pools in
which slender Orcutt grass grows are classified as Northern Volcanic
Ashflow and Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools (Sawyer and Keeler-
Wolf 1995). Impervious layers range from iron-silica hardpan to bedrock
(Stone et al. 1988, Corbin and Schoolcraft 1989, CNDDB 2001). Among the
populations studied by Stone and others (1988), the median area of
pools occupied by slender Orcutt grass was 0.65 ha (1.6 ac) and ranged
from 0.08 to 45 ha (0.2 to 111 ac). On the Modoc Plateau, occupied
pools known as of 1989 ranged in size from 2 to 40 ha (5 to 100 ac) and
were typically at least 30 cm (11.8 in) deep; this species was
restricted to the deepest areas of these pools (Corbin and Schoolcraft
1989). Slender Orcutt grass occurs through a wide range of elevations
corresponding to its broad geographical range. The lowest reported
elevation was 27 m (90 ft) in Sacramento County (Stone et al. 1988) and
the highest was 1,756 m (5,761 ft) in Plumas County (Corbin in litt.
1999).
Soil types supporting vernal pools where slender Orcutt grass is
known to occur are diverse, ranging from slightly to strongly acidic
(Stone et al. 1988) and from clay to sandy, silty, or cobbly loam
(Corbin and Schoolcraft 1989, CNDDB 2001). The soil series has not been
reported for all slender Orcutt grass sites but the species has been
reported on Collayomi-Aiken-Whispering complex and the Konocti-
Hambright complex soils. Modoc Plateau occurrences occur on the Gooval,
Lasvar, Lasvar-Pitvar complex, and Nosoni soil series, whereas
occurrences in northeastern Sacramento Valley are on the Anita, Guenon,
Inks, Inskip, Laniger, Moda, Redding, Toomes, and Tuscan soil series.
The Redding soil series also supports slender Orcutt grass in
Sacramento County (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001).
Vegetation types in which the occupied pools occur are diverse,
ranging from grassland and oak woodland to mixed conifer forest, silver
sagebrush (Artemisia cana) flats, and sedge meadows (Crampton 1959,
CNDDB 2001). Associated species vary throughout the range of slender
Orcutt grass. Although slender Orcutt grass grows in the same vernal
pool complexes as hairy Orcutt grass in Tehama County (including the
Vina Plains Preserve) and Sacramento Orcutt grass in Sacramento County,
it has not been found to share any pools with either species (Stone et
al. 1988, Cochrane in litt. 1995a, Alexander and Schlising 1997, CNDDB
2001).
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for slender
Orcutt grass are those habitat components that are essential for the
primary biological needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and
dispersal. These primary constituent elements are found in areas that
support vernal pools, swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions
and their associated uplands. The primary constituent elements for
slender Orcutt grass include--
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain slender Orcutt grass
germination, growth and reproduction, including but not limited to
Northern Volcanic Ashflow and Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools
(Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995) with iron-silica and bedrock hardpan
impervious layers, and that typically become inundated during winter
rains, but are dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill with
water every year; and
(2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for slender Orcutt grass germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for slender Orcutt grass. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for slender Orcutt grass based
on studies on their habitat and population biology including but not
limited to--Griggs 1980, Griggs 1981, Reeder 1982, Griggs and Jain
1983, Stone et al. 1988, Corbin and Schoolcraft 1989, and Alexander and
Schlising 1997.
Solano Grass Primary Constituent Elements
Solano grass has been found only in the Northern Claypan type of
vernal pool (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995) within annual grassland
(CNDDB 2001). Pools where Solano grass occurs tend to be milky from
suspended sediments (Holland 1987). The occupied pools in Solano County
are more properly described as alkaline playas or intermittent lakes
due to their large surface area (Crampton 1959), whereas those at the
Yolo County site are ``relatively small'' (Witham in litt. 2000a).
Soils underlying known Solano grass sites are saline-alkaline clay or
silty clay in the Pescadero series (Crampton 1959, CNDDB 2001). Known
occurrences are at elevations of approximately 5 to 11 m (15 to 35 ft)
(CNDDB 2001).
The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for Solano
grass are those habitat components that are essential for the primary
biological needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and dispersal.
These primary constituent elements are found in areas that support
vernal pools, swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions and
their associated uplands. The primary constituent elements for Solano
grass include:
(1) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Solano grass germination,
growth and reproduction, including but not limited to Northern Claypan
vernal pools (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995) on saline-alkaline clay or
silty clay in the Pescadero soil series that typically become inundated
during winter rains, but are dry during the summer and do not
necessarily fill with water every year; and
[[Page 59908]]
(2) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Solano grass germination, growth and reproduction,
and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
All of the above described primary constituent elements do not have
to occur simultaneously within a unit for the unit to constitute
critical habitat for Solano grass. We determined the primary
constituent elements of critical habitat for Solano grass based on
studies on their habitat and population biology including but not
limited to--Griggs 1980, Holland 1987, and Stone et al. 1988.
Criteria Used To Identify Critical Habitat
In accordance with section 3(5)(A)(I) of the Act and regulations at
50 CFR 424.12 in determining which areas to propose as critical
habitat, we are required to base critical habitat determinations on the
best scientific and commercial data available and to consider those
physical and biological features that are essential to the conservation
of the species and that may require special management considerations
or protection. Such requirements include but are not limited to: space
for individual and population growth, and for normal behavior; food,
water, air, light, minerals, or other nutritional or physiological
requirements; cover or shelter; sites for breeding, reproduction,
rearing of offspring; and habitats that are protected from disturbance
or are representative of the historic geographical and ecological
distributions of a species. Our implementing regulations at 50 CFR
424.12(e) indicate that the Secretary shall designate as critical
habitat areas outside the geographical area presently occupied by a
species only when a designation limited to its present range would be
inadequate to ensure the conservation of the species.
The primary objective in designating critical habitat is to
identify areas that are considered essential for the conservation of
the species, and to highlight specific areas where special management
considerations or protections are necessary. The Act defines the term
``conservation'' to mean ``the use of all methods and procedures which
are necessary to bring any endangered species or threatened species to
the point at which the measures provided pursuant to this Act are no
longer necessary. Such methods and procedures include, but are not
limited to, all activities associated with scientific resources
management such as research, census, law enforcement, habitat
acquisition and maintenance, propagation, live trapping, and
transplantation * * * '' Section 4(f)(1) of the Act provides for the
development and implementation of recovery plans ``for the conservation
and survival of endangered species and threatened species,'' and
directs that such plans incorporate ``a description of such site-
specific management actions as may be necessary to achieve the plan's
goal for the conservation and survival of the species;'' and
``objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a
determination * * * that the species be removed from the list.''
General Criteria
The Service currently is preparing a draft recovery plan that will
describe measures and actions necessary for the conservation and
survival of the vernal pool species addressed in this proposed rule. In
determining the size, number, and location of areas to propose as
critical habitat we have considered the features necessary for
conservation of each species as recommended by the vernal pool recovery
team, other vernal pool experts, peer reviewed literature, scientific
reports, and other information in our files. We do not, however,
anticipate that these areas include all of the habitat areas that may
eventually be determined to be necessary for the conservation of the
species addressed herein. For these reasons, critical habitat
designations do not signal that habitat outside the designation is
unimportant or may not be required for recovery.
The conservation of species addressed in this rule depends on
removing and alleviating the factors that threaten them, including
factors that led to their population decline and subsequent Federal
listing. Most species addressed in this proposed rule are threatened by
common factors because they occupy the same vernal pool ecosystems.
Holland (1998) estimated that almost three-quarters of vernal pool
habitats in the Central Valley of California had been lost by 1997.
Loss of habitat has been even more complete in areas outside of the
Central Valley. In the central coast area, at least 90 percent of
historic vernal pools have been destroyed, and most remaining pools
have been degraded (Ferren and Pritchett 1988). In southern California
estimated loss of vernal pool habitat ranges from 95 percent to nearly
total (Bauder 1986, 1987, Bauder and McMillan 1998). In Oregon, 60
percent of vernal pool habitats have been destroyed, and only 18
percent of the remaining habitats are considered intact (Oregon Natural
Heritage Program 1997, Borgias and Patterson 1999). As a result of
widespread habitat loss, most of the species addressed in this rule are
now limited to a fraction of their former ranges.
Beginning around the mid-1800s, vernal pool habitats were destroyed
as a result of conversion to agriculture and water diversion and
impoundment projects (Frayer et al. 1989, Holland 1998, Kreissman
1991). In more recent years, vernal pool habitats have been lost
primarily as a result of widespread urbanization (Bauder 1986, Bauder
and McMillan 1998). Much of the loss of habitat was the result of
residential, commercial, and industrial development projects. The
construction of infrastructures associated with urbanization has also
contributed greatly to loss of vernal pool habitats, including the
construction of highways, wastewater treatment plants, sewer lines,
water supply projects, and other utility projects associated with
urbanization in California.
In some areas, conversion of vernal pool habitats to intensive
agricultural uses continues to contribute to the decline of vernal pool
habitats and the species that inhabit them. From 1992 to 1998, 50,825
ha (125,591 ac) of grazing land were converted to other agricultural
uses in the Central Valley of California (California Department of
Conservation 2001). It is likely that much of this land supported
vernal pools. Holland estimated that more than 12,950 ha (32,000 ac) of
vernal pool habitats had been lost in the San Joaquin valley vernal
pool region from the late 1980s until 1997, mostly as a result of
agricultural conversion (Holland 1998). Through consultation under
section 7 of the Act, we reviewed projects converting more than 6,070
ha (15,000 ac) of vernal pool habitats to intensive agricultural uses.
Vernal pool species are also threatened by other activities that
indirectly destroy vernal pool ecosystems and render them unsuitable
for vernal pool species, including activities that alter hydrology,
introduce contaminants, cause erosion or sedimentation, and introduce
non-native species into vernal pool ecosystems. Maintaining habitat
integrity was identified by the vernal pool recovery team as an
important consideration in planning recovery strategies for the species
addressed in
[[Page 59909]]
this proposed rule (Vernal Pool Recovery Team in litt. 1996). The
recovery of the species addressed in this proposed rule will depend on
the development of recovery strategies that eliminate or minimize these
threats so that populations can stabilize, and future declines will be
minimized.
Alteration of vernal pool hydrology can dramatically degrade vernal
pool habitats. Vernal pool hydrology can be altered by a variety of
activities, including the construction of roads, trails, ditches, or
canals that can block the flow of water into, or drain water away from,
vernal pools and vernal pool complexes (CNDDB 2001). Runoff from
irrigated agricultural lands, storm water drains, or developed areas
covered with concrete, asphalt, or irrigated lawns can dramatically
alter the hydrology of adjacent vernal pools (Bauder 1987, Clark et al.
1998). As described in the primary constituent element section of this
rule, all of the species addressed herein depend on specific timing and
duration of inundation to complete their life cycles. Altered vernal
pool hydrology can harm vernal pool species by preventing germination
or hatching, preventing growth and maturation, and by preventing
reproduction and disrupting gene flow and dispersal. Altered hydrology
can also allow invasion of habitats and extirpation of vernal pool
species by dominant upland or aquatic species.
Vernal pool species have also declined as a result of water
contamination. Vernal pool crustaceans, in particular are highly
sensitive to the water chemistry of their vernal pool habitats, and
contamination of vernal pools may injure or kill them (Belk 1977, Eng
et al. 1990, Gonzalez et al. 1996). Toxic chemicals, such as petroleum
products, pesticides, herbicides, adjuvants, fertilizers, and soap may
wash into vernal pools during development of adjacent areas. Vernal
pools adjacent to existing developments may also be contaminated from
roadway contaminants in surface runoff (e.g., grease, oil, and heavy
metals). Contamination may result from discharge of fertilizers and
pesticides into surface waters from golf courses, irrigated
agricultural lands, or landscaped residential areas (Petrovic 1990). In
addition to altered hydrology and contamination, vernal pool species
have declined as a result of a variety of other incompatible land uses
including off road vehicle use, dumping, vandalism, erosion and
sedimentation (Service 1994c, CNDDB 2001).
Additional threats to vernal pool species include the negative
effects of fragmentation and isolation on populations that were once
part of larger interconnected habitats, and the effects of small
population sizes and loss of genetic diversity that result from habitat
fragmentation. Fragmentation threatens the elimination of some
populations with unforeseen natural and anthropogenic catastrophic
events. Vernal pool species in these small habitat patches are also
vulnerable to random fluctuations in habitat availability due to annual
weather patterns and other environmental factors. They are also more
vulnerable to extirpation from random fluctuations in demographic
factors, such as birth rates and death rates (Lesica and Allendorf
1995).
Fragmentation of vernal pool complexes could contribute
significantly to the loss of genetic diversity among vernal pool
species and reduce the likelihood of recolonization events following
population extinction by limiting opportunities for dispersal (King
1996, Fugate 1998). The fragmentation of vernal pool habitats may
decrease the ability of avian species to move between remaining patches
of vernal pool habitats (Silveira 1998), which would contribute to the
isolation of vernal pool crustacean populations by reducing cyst
dispersal between remaining vernal pool habitat patches (Proctor 1964,
Krapu 1974, Swanson 1974, Driver 1981, Ahl 1991). Fragmentation of
vernal pool areas could reduce the availability of habitat for
pollinator species, and decrease or eliminate seed production of many
vernal pool plants (Thorp and Leong 1998).
As described in the Primary Constituent Element section of this
proposed rule, the conservation of the wetted area of the vernal pool
alone is not sufficient to provide the hydrologic conditions necessary
for the reproduction, feeding, sheltering, and dispersal of the vernal
pool species addressed in this proposed rule. To maintain the integrity
of the vernal pool habitat and prevent extirpation of vernal pool
species resulting from altered hydrology, contamination, sedimentation,
and other factors which originate in the uplands surrounding the vernal
pools it is equally necessary to conserve the surrounding micro-
watershed and associated uplands that directly surround and feed the
wetted area of the vernal pool or pool complex.
The boundaries of vernal pool complexes, including vernal pools,
swales, and the associated uplands, where vernal pool species are known
to occur in California have been mapped by Holland (1998, 2002) and by
a number of local and state organizations throughout California and in
Oregon. The soil types and geologic formations which support vernal
pools have also been mapped, and the associated landforms have been
identified. We utilized these boundaries to identify areas that support
vernal pools, swales, and the associated uplands that comprise the
hydrological unit of the vernal pool complex necessary for vernal pool
crustacean growth, reproduction, feeding, and dispersal and vernal pool
plant germination, growth, and reproduction. We relied on these mapped
boundaries to identify vernal pool complexes as intact, hydrologically
functioning units. We did not dissect or fragment existing complexes
within this designation. However, we do not believe the entire
watershed of vernal pool habitats, as depicted by CALWATER or other
watershed mapping efforts, is essential to the conservation of the
species, and we are not proposing to designate entire watersheds as
critical habitat.
Maintaining the range of habitat types in which a species is known
to occur has been identified as an important element in species
recovery (Vernal Pool Recovery Team in litt. 1996). Protecting
environmental variability will reduce the chance of losing populations
that are important for their genetic uniqueness and adaptation to local
environmental conditions (Fugate 1992, King 1996, Linhart and Grant
1996, Fugate 1998). Environmental factors such as hydrology, soil
composition and chemistry, pool size, and water chemistry, play a major
role in determining species presence and composition in vernal pool
plants (Holland and Griggs 1976, Holland and Dains 1990, Jokerst 1990,
Stallings and Warren 1996). The presence and species composition of
vernal pool crustaceans is also largely determined by physical factors
such as pool size, depth, area, and water chemistry (Eng et al. 1990,
Gonzales et al. 1996, Hathaway and Simovich 1996, Simovich and Hathaway
1997, Platenkamp 1998, Simovich 1998, Helm 1998). Variation in these
factors contributes to the wide range of life history strategies
observed in vernal pool crustaceans and plants, and to the high levels
of species diversity observed in vernal pool ecosystems in general.
Various efforts to classify vernal pools, including Sawyer and Keeler-
Wolf 1995, Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998, Smith and Verrill 1998, have
identified the locations and distributions of these different pool
types. We consulted these sources of information to ensure we have
accurately identified the range of
[[Page 59910]]
habitats in which each of the 15 species addressed in this proposed
rule are known to occur.
Special Management Considerations
In proposing critical habitat, we also have considered how this
designation highlights habitat that needs special management
considerations or protection. For example, we have many regional HCPs
under development, and this designation will be useful in helping
applicants determine what vernal pool habitat areas should be highest
priority for special management or protection, and where there may be
more flexibility in conservation options. This designation will guide
them and us in ensuring that all local habitat conservation planning
efforts are consistent with conservation objectives for these species.
Once a vernal pool habitat has been protected from direct filling,
it is still necessary to ensure that the habitat is not rendered
unsuitable for vernal pool species because of factors such as altered
hydrology, contamination, non-native species invasions, or other
incompatible land uses. Even the best designed vernal pool preserve may
still be susceptible to alterations that render it unsuitable for
vernal pool species. Many of the factors that cause the decline and
extirpation of vernal pool species can be controlled through special
management actions. Examples of special management actions that may be
necessary to prevent further declines and loss of populations of
species addressed in this rule include--
(1) Actions to prevent or reduce competition of vernal pool plants
with invasive species. Many of the species addressed in this rule are
threatened by invasion of non-native species (CNDDB 2001). Special
management actions can be taken to reduce the negative effects of such
invasions. For example, grazing can be effectively used to control a
variety of upland exotic plants. However, the timing and intensity of
grazing is critical to its success as a management tool, and these
factors should be closely monitored. Alternatively, inappropriate
grazing can also pose a threat to many of the vernal pool plant species
(CNDDB 2001). Prescribed burning is another management tool that may be
effective in controlling non-native plant species (Pollack and Kan
1998). Fire must also be appropriately timed and fire frequency is
important. The potential for alteration of nutrient cycling must be
also considered. Other management techniques for control of invasive
species include mowing, hand removal, and selective herbicide
applications. Any technique employed must be carefully controlled and
monitored to ensure that it does not negatively affect the vernal pool
species.
(2) Actions to restore vernal pool hydrology. Alteration of natural
hydrology threatens many of the species addressed in this proposed rule
(CNDDB 2001). In many cases other threats, such as the invasion of non-
native species or contamination, are facilitated by alterations of
natural vernal pool hydrology. Special management actions, such as the
removal of dams or other structures which artificially increase the
length of vernal pool inundation, the removal of ditches that
artificially drain vernal pools, or the construction of berms or
reconstruction of culverts to prevent water from flowing artificially
into vernal pools from adjacent areas, can be taken to restore natural
vernal pool hydrology. Modification of grazing regimes may also restore
natural vernal pool hydrology (Barry 1998). Monitoring of vernal pool
hydrology is important to ensure that restoration actions are
successful.
(3) Actions to reduce human degradation of vernal pools. Special
management actions such as fencing, trail building, and posting signs
can help to reduce human activities that threaten vernal pool species.
These actions may reduce the damage resulting from off-road vehicle
use, dumping, and vandalism that threatens many of the species
addressed in this proposed rule.
(4) Actions to restore severely degraded habitats. Active
restoration of highly degraded vernal habitats may be necessary in some
areas. Such restoration may involve earth moving activities designed to
restore historic pool and swale topography and to reestablish natural
vernal pool hydrology (e.g., Ferren and Hubbard 1998, Black and Zedler
1998). These types of actions are extremely complex, and require
diligent planning and monitoring to ensure their success. Active
restoration is only recommended for seriously degraded habitats that
otherwise would not maintain natural vernal pool ecosystem processes.
Summary of Proposed Designation
Table 1 shows approximate areas of proposed critical habitat, by
unit and species. Because of overlap between units established for
different species, the total of all critical habitat proposed is much
less than the sum of critical habitat areas proposed for each species.
Lands proposed are under private, State, and Federal ownership and
divided into 128 Critical Habitat Units. The table provides separate
columns for privately owned land subject to conservation easements or
agreements and other privately owned lands.
Table 1.--Approximate Areas of Proposed Critical Habitat for the Vernal Pool Crustaceans and Plants in California and Oregon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal State and local Private Private (other) Total
-------------------------------------------- (conservation) --------------------------------------------
Critical habitat units ----------------------
Hectares Acres Hectares Acres Hectares Acres Hectares Acres Hectares Acres
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conservancy Fairy Shrimp
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 0 0 0 0 6,747 16,672 13,799 34,097 20,546 50,769
2........................................ 5,187 12,816 0 0 0 0 531 1,313 5,718 14,129
3........................................ 241 596 329 814 1,072 2,648 8,285 20,471 9,927 24,529
4........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 603 1,490 603 1,490
5........................................ 299 739 0 0 0 0 3 7 302 746
6........................................ 427 1,056 11 26 4,566 11,283 58,746 145,160 63,750 157,525
7........................................ 12,765 31,542 3,096 7,649 1,119 2,765 29,163 72,060 46,142 114,016
8........................................ 18,042 44,581 0 0 0 0 789 1,950 18,831 46,531
------------
Species Total........................ 36,961 91,330 3,435 8,489 13,504 33,368 111,919 276,548 165,820 409,735
------------------------------------------
Longhorn Fairy Shrimp
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 A-B.................................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 321 794 321 794
[[Page 59911]]
2........................................ 9,413 23,258 3,096 7,651 1,119 2,765 16,189 40,003 29,817 73,677
3........................................ 6,293 15,549 94 233 0 0 4,079 10,080 10,466 25,862
------------
Species Total........................ 15,705 38,807 3,191 7,884 1,119 2,765 20,590 50,877 40,605 100,333
------------------------------------------
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 A-G.................................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 862 2,130 862 2,130
2 A-E.................................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 911 2,251 911 2,251
3 A-C.................................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 931 2,301 931 2,301
4 A-B.................................... 175 432 0 0 0 0 186 460 361 892
5........................................ 17 42 0 0 53 130 1,779 4,397 1,849 4,569
6........................................ 0 0 175 433 0 0 18,386 45,432 18,562 45,865
7........................................ 0 0 0 0 6,747 16,672 17,136 42,343 23,883 59,015
8........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,760 14,233 5,760 14,233
9........................................ 76 187 0 0 7 17 1,374 3,394 1,456 3,598
10....................................... 5,187 12,816 0 0 0 0 531 1,313 5,718 14,129
11....................................... 2,035 5,028 0 0 0 0 818 2,021 2,853 7,049
12....................................... 0 0 0 0 64 157 19,324 47,748 19,387 47,905
13....................................... 6 16 0 0 0 0 14,859 36,717 14,866 36,733
14....................................... 0 0 630 1,557 4,014 9,918 21,956 54,253 26,600 65,728
15....................................... 0 0 60 149 0 0 1,563 3,863 1,624 4,012
16....................................... 1,015 2,507 1,038 2,564 1,137 2,809 31,721 78,381 34,910 86,261
17....................................... 0 0 170 420 0 0 486 1,201 656 1,621
18....................................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 7,105 17,55 77,105 17,557
19 A-C................................... 0 0 64 157 288 711 3,004 7,424 3,356 8,292
20....................................... 299 739 0 0 0 0 3 7 302 746
21....................................... 7 17 25 61 0 0 25,285 62,479 25,317 62,557
22....................................... 3 8 11 26 3,464 8,559 40,628 100,391 44,106 108,984
23....................................... 13,943 34,452 3,096 7,649 1,119 2,765 37,753 93,287 55,911 138,153
24 A-B................................... 0 0 0 1 0 0 17,231 42,578 17,232 42,579
25....................................... 65 161 0 0 0 0 929 2,295 994 2,456
26 A-C................................... 0 0 348 861 0 0 2,845 7,030 3,193 7,891
27 A-B................................... 2,742 6,776 490 1,210 1,325 3,274 3,285 8,117 7,842 19,377
28....................................... 1,581 3,906 2 5 0 0 46,542 115,004 48,125 118,915
29 A-C................................... 20,586 50,868 0 0 0 0 20,468 50,576 41,054 101,444
30....................................... 6,293 15,549 94 233 0 0 4,079 10,080 10,466 25,862
31....................................... 2,236 5,526 0 0 0 0 6,163 15,228 8,399 20,754
32....................................... 18,042 44,580 0 0 0 0 790 1,951 18,831 46,531
33 A-C................................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,319 5,730 2,319 5,730
34....................................... 0 0 761 1,880 830 2,052 127 314 1,718 4,246
35....................................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 97 239 97 239
------------
Species Total........................ 74,307 183,610 6,963 17,206 19,047 47,064 357,239 882,725 457,556 1,130,605
------------------------------------------
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 17 42 0 0 53 130 1,779 4,397 1,849 4,569
2........................................ 6,226 15,383 437 1,081 6,320 15,617 7,463 18,441 20,446 50,522
3........................................ 0 0 0 0 6,747 16,672 17,136 42,343 23,883 359,015
4........................................ 127 313 0 0 84 208 15,764 38,953 15,975 39,474
5........................................ 5,187 12,816 0 0 0 0 531 1,313 5,718 14,129
6........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 526 1,299 526 1,299
7........................................ 2,035 5,028 0 0 0 0 818 2,021 2,853 7,049
8........................................ 6 16 0 0 0 0 14,859 36,717 14,866 36,733
9........................................ 0 0 630 1,557 4,039 9,981 24,393 60,275 29,063 71,813
10....................................... 130 321 0 0 0 0 62 153 192 474
11....................................... 760 1,879 1,038 2,565 1,136 2,808 31,675 78,269 34,610 85,521
12....................................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 603 1,490 603 1,490
13....................................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 9,408 23,246 9,408 23,246
14....................................... 10 24 0 0 0 0 448 1,108 458 1,132
15....................................... 3 8 11 26 4,566 11,283 66,496 164,309 71,076 175,626
16....................................... 13,943 34,452 3,096 7,649 1,119 2,765 37,753 93,287 55,911 138,153
17....................................... 85 209 174 430 259 639 223 551 740 1,829
18....................................... 0 0 348 861 0 0 2,845 7,030 3,193 7,891
------------
Species Total........................ 28,528 70,491 5,734 14,169 24,324 60,103 232,784 575,202 291,370 719,965
------------------------------------------
[[Page 59912]]
Butte County Meadowfoam
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 6,105 15,086 6,105 15,086
2........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 3,508 8,667 3,508 8,667
3........................................ 9 22 0 0 0 0 1,687 4,169 1,696 4,191
4........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,011 12,382 5,011 12,382
------------
Species Total........................ 9 22 0 0 0 0 16,311 40,304 16,320 40,326
------------------------------------------
Colusa Grass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 130 322 0 0 0 0 62 152 192 474
2........................................ 94 233 258 637 1,137 2,809 5,664 13,996 7,153 17,675
3........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 16,475 40,709 16,475 40,709
4........................................ 0 0 0 0 1 2 35,133 86,812 35,134 86,814
5........................................ 0 0 25 61 0 0 19,825 48,988 19,850 49,049
6........................................ 427 1,055 11 26 0 0 45,204 111,698 45,642 112,779
7 A-B.................................... 1,422 3,514 0 0 0 0 6,741 16,656 8,163 20,170
------------
Species Total........................ 2,074 5,124 293 724 1,138 2,811 129,104 319,011 132,608 327,670
------------------------------------------
Contra Costa Goldfields
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,067 2,637 1,067 2,637
2........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 411 1,016 411 1,016
3........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 274 678 274 678
4........................................ 1,954 4,828 122 301 0 0 5,809 14,355 7,885 19,484
5 A-B.................................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 410 1,014 410 1,014
6........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 242 599 242 599
7........................................ 0 0 291 718 0 0 1,088 2,688 1,378 3,406
8........................................ 448 1,108 0 0 0 0 10 24 458 1,132
9........................................ 3,370 8,326 2 4 0 0 0 1 3,372 8,331
------------
Species Total........................ 5,772 14,262 414 1,023 0 0 9,313 23,012 15,499 38,297
------------------------------------------
Greene's Tuctoria
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 903 2,231 0 0 0 0 70 172 972 2,403
2........................................ 0 0 0 1 7,096 17,534 4,577 11,310 11,674 28,845
3........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 979 2,418 979 2,418
4........................................ 0 0 0 0 4 9 295 729 299 738
5........................................ 5,187 12,816 0 0 0 0 531 1,313 5,718 14,129
6........................................ 0 0 0 0 1 2 36,413 89,976 36,414 89,978
7........................................ 427 1,056 11 26 4,566 11,283 68,703 169,762 73,707 182,127
8........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 13,222 32,670 13,222 32,670
------------
Species Total........................ 6,517 16,103 11 27 11,667 28,828 124,789 308,350 142,984 353,308
------------------------------------------
Hairy Orcutt Grass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 0 0 0 0 6,219 15,366 2,530 6,251 8,748 21,617
2........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 979 2,418 979 2,418
3........................................ 5,187 12,816 0 0 0 0 531 1,313 5,718 14,129
4........................................ 7 17 25 61 0 0 25,286 62,482 25,318 62,560
5........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 9,085 22,448 9,085 22,448
6........................................ 0 0 4 10 0 0 15,820 39,090 15,824 39,100
------------
Species Total........................ 5,194 12,833 29 71 6,219 15,366 54,231 134,002 65,671 162,272
------------------------------------------
Hoover's Spurge
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 0 0 0 1 7,096 17,534 4,577 11,310 11,674 28,845
2........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 979 2,418 979 2,418
3........................................ 5,187 12,816 0 0 0 0 531 1,313 5,718 14,129
4........................................ 0 0 0 0 1 2 16,838 41,607 16,839 41,609
5........................................ 0 0 24 60 0 0 19,826 48,989 19,850 49,049
6........................................ 3,232 7,985 0 0 0 0 11,078 27,374 14,310 35,359
7 A-D.................................... 13 33 355 877 0 0 12,007 29,668 12,375 30,578
------------
[[Page 59913]]
Species Total........................ 8,432 20,834 380 938 7,097 17,536 65,836 162,679 81,744 201,987
------------------------------------------
Sacramento Orcutt Grass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 0 0 3 7 0 0 26 65 29 72
2........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 8,853 21,875 8,853 21,875
3........................................ 0 0 247 610 3,135 7,747 12,368 30,561 15,750 38,918
------------
Species Total........................ 0 0 250 617 3,135 7,747 21,247 52,501 24,632 60,865
------------------------------------------
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt Grass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 427 1,056 11 26 3,464 8,559 41,742 103,142 45,643 112,783
2........................................ 0 0 0 0 433 1,070 21,062 52,044 21,495 53,114
3........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 20,936 51,733 20,936 51,733
4........................................ 0 0 0 1 0 0 3,233 7,989 3,234 7,990
5 A-B.................................... 150 370 0 0 263 650 1,310 3,238 1,723 4,258
6 A-B.................................... 0 0 199 491 0 0 7,829 19,345 8,028 19,836
------------
Species Total........................ 577 1,426 210 518 4,160 10,279 96,113 237,491 101,059 249,714
------------------------------------------
Slender Orcutt Grass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 A-I.................................... 18,527 45,780 37 92 0 0 4,702 11,618 23,266 57,490
2 A-C.................................... 33 81 0 0 53 130 5,014 12,390 5,100 12,601
3........................................ 6,226 15,384 437 1,080 6,320 15,617 7,463 18,441 20,446 50,522
4........................................ 0 0 0 1 7,096 17,534 4,577 11,310 11,674 28,845
5 A-B.................................... 0 0 5 13 78 192 1,613 3,986 1,696 4,191
6........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 8,853 21,875 8,853 21,875
------------
Species Total........................ 24,786 61,245 480 1,186 13,547 33,473 32,222 79,620 71,035 175,524
------------------------------------------
Solano Grass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 130 321 0 0 0 0 62 153 192 474
2........................................ 94 233 257 636 1,137 2,809 5,665 13,997 7,153 17,675
------------
Species Total........................ 224 554 257 636 1,137 2,809 5,727 14,150 7,345 18,149
------------------------------------------
Succulent Owl's Clover
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,051 2,598 1,051 2,598
2........................................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 14,131 34,917 14,131 34,917
3 A-B.................................... 427 1,056 11 26 4,566 11,283 58,348 144,177 63,353 156,542
4........................................ 5 13 56 139 0 0 33,009 81,565 33,071 81,717
5........................................ 0 0 0 1 0 0 11,888 29,374 11,888 29,375
6 A-B.................................... 150 371 174 429 259 639 1,141 2,819 1,723 4,258
------------
Species Total........................ 583 1,440 241 595 4,825 11,922 119,569 295,450 125,217 309,407
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Specific Criteria
After developing the general criteria described previously, we
conducted a species by species review based on the specific habitat
requirements, primary constituent elements, and individual threats to
each species addressed in this proposed rule. The specific unit
description for each species is described below.
Conservancy Fairy Shrimp Criteria
In proposing critical habitat units for Conservancy fairy shrimp,
we evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species
described in the background section of this rule, the primary
constituent elements described in the primary constituent element
section of this rule, and the threats to the species described above,
in addition to those described below. This information allowed us to
determine which areas are likely to contribute to the conservation of
Conservancy fairy shrimp and to delineate units so that threats to
these species might be minimized.
Conservancy fairy shrimp are known only from eight disjunct areas:
the Vina Plains area and vicinity in southern Tehama and northern Butte
County; Jepson Prairie and Suisun Slough in southern Solano County;
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in Glenn and Colusa counties; near
Caswell Memorial State Park in Stanislaus County; near Haystack
Mountain in Merced County; at the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
Complex in western Merced County, and at the Mutau Flat area in the Los
Padres National Forest area of northern Ventura County.
Conservancy fairy shrimp continues to be threatened by all of the
factors which lead to the original listing of this species, primarily
habitat loss through agricultural conversion and
[[Page 59914]]
urbanization. Helm (1998) found that most Conservancy fairy shrimp
occurrences were on Anita, Pescadero or Peters Clay soils. These
fertile, basin rim soils were among the first areas converted to
agriculture in the 19th century, suggesting that a disproportionate
amount of Conservancy fairy shrimp habitat may have been lost early in
California's history (Helm 1998).
In addition to direct habitat loss, almost one third of the known
occurrences of Conservancy fairy shrimp are threatened by alterations
of hydrology, including the construction of drainage channels, diking,
and inappropriate water diversion within managed wetland areas in
Merced and Solano counties (CNDDB 2002). Other threats include possible
introduction of predators (e.g., bullfrogs, crayfish, fish) either
directly or through alteration of drainage patterns (CNDDB 2002). Off-
road vehicles also represent a threat to the continued survival of
Conservancy fairy shrimp populations (Hathaway et al. 1996). In some
cases, special management actions may be necessary to prevent these
threats from extirpating occurrences of Conservancy fairy shrimp.
Conservancy Fairy Shrimp Review
We conducted a regional review across the range of Conservancy
fairy shrimp to evaluate and select areas that are essential to the
conservation of the species and that may require special management
actions. Important factors we considered were the known presence of the
species and the presence of the primary constituent elements essential
to the conservation of the species. A specific description of each area
is outlined below.
Unit 1, Vina Plains Unit, Butte and Tehema Counties (20,546 ha (50,769
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Conservancy fairy
shrimp because it contains occurrences of the species (CNDDB 2002)
within vernal pools found on Anita clay and Tuscan loam soils (EPA
1994, Holland 1998, Tehama County 1999, USDA 2001). These soils support
pool types that remain inundated for sufficient periods of time to
allow Conservancy fairy shrimp to hatch, mature, and reproduce, but do
not contain water during the summer preventing the invasion of predator
species such as bullfrogs and fish. This unit represents the northern
extent of Conservancy fairy shrimp range.
Conservancy fairy shrimp in this area occupy vernal pools that are
classified as Northern Hardpan by Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995) and
occur on the Tuscan, Red Bluff, and Riverbank geologic formations.
Within this unit vernal pools occur in complexes with a range of pool
sizes, from over several acres to less than a tenth of an acre, in
areas of hummocky ground on old terraces above recent river flood
plains below the foothills (Alexander and Schlising 1997, Keeler-Wolf
et al. 1998). The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include
the interconnected pools, swales, and interconnected uplands mapped by
Holland (1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal
pools where Conservancy fairy shrimp occur, and maintain suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for
Conservancy fairy shrimp hatching, growth and reproduction, and
dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
This unit includes relatively undisturbed, hydrologically intact
vernal pool habitats, that will likely continue to support natural
vernal pool ecosystem processes and maintain suitable habitat
conditions for Conservancy fairy shrimp. This area also provides
seasonal habitat for waterfowl and other migratory bird species which
aid in the dispersal of Conservancy fairy shrimp among vernal pools
within the unit, and between other habitats across the species range.
The majority of the lands included within this unit are privately
owned. This unit contains TNC's Vina Plains preserve as well as other
TNC lands 2,264 ha (5,660 ac) and conservation easements 4,348 ha
(10,870 ac). The NRCS also holds WRP conservation easements or
agreements on 57 ha (142 ac). The preserve contains over 300 species of
plants, and diverse communities of aquatic invertebrates. Since the
1960's, the Vina Plains area has been the focus of a number of research
projects, including long-term adaptive management and monitoring
efforts evaluating of the effects of grazing and fire on vernal pool
plants, animals, and ecosystems (Griggs 2000). Much of the basic life
history information known about vernal pool crustaceans was collected
at Vina Plains (e.g. Lanway 1974, Ahl 1991, Syrdahl 1993, Gallagher
1996). The results of this research have provided crucial information
to guide management and monitoring of vernal pool ecosystems and to
identify factors which influence population dynamics of a number of
endangered species, including Conservancy fairy shrimp. The Vina Plains
is open to the public and provides excellent outreach and educational
opportunities. In addition to TNC, the importance of vernal pool
habitats in this area has been recognized by the CDFG, the Service, the
EPA, the CNPS, the NRCS's WRP, and by researchers at the CSU at Chico,
who have all supported research and conservation efforts for
Conservancy fairy shrimp and other vernal pool species within this
unit. Urban development north of Chico and the conversion of grazed
lands to more intensive agricultural uses threaten vernal pool habitat
within this unit.
The Vina Plains Unit extends from south of Deer Creek to north of
Rock Creek and the Chico Airport near the City of Chico. State Highway
99 bisects this unit. The western boundary generally parallels the
Southern Pacific Railway line. The eastern boundary of this unit
extends to the boundary of the East Red Bluff watershed. This unit
overlaps Unit 7 for vernal pool fairy shrimp and Unit 3 for vernal pool
tadpole shrimp and contains part of Unit 1 for hairy Orcutt grass, Unit
2 for Greene's tuctoria, Unit 1 for Hoover's spurge, and Unit 4 for
slender Orcutt grass. Additional sensitive species occurring in this
unit include California linderiella and Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop.
Unit 2, Colusa Unit, Sacramento Valley, Glenn and Colusa Counties
(5,718 ha (14,129 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Conservancy fairy
shrimp because it contains occurrences of the species within large,
alkaline vernal pools formed on the Modesto geologic formation on
Willows and Riz soils that provide the primary constituent elements
essential to the conservation of the Conservancy fairy shrimp (Holland
1998, Silveira 2000, CNDDB 2002). Conservancy fairy shrimp in this area
occupy pools that are often large, shallow and alkaline. They may
display white salt deposits following pool drying. These pool types
remain inundated for sufficient periods of time to allow Conservancy
fairy shrimp to hatch, mature, and reproduce, but do not contain water
during the summer, preventing the invasion of predator species such as
bullfrogs and fish. This area is important to maintain the diversity of
habitats in which Conservancy fairy shrimp occur.
This unit is primarily located on the Sacramento National Wildlife
Refuge (5,126 ha (12,816 ac)). Any additional lands within this unit
are privately owned. The refuge supports over 355 native plant taxa,
including a number of rare alkaline species (Oswald and Silveira 1995).
Vernal pool habitats on the refuge are specifically managed for
[[Page 59915]]
the conservation of listed species, and to promote habitat for
migratory birds and waterfowl. As a result this unit also provides
essential habitat for avian species that aid in the dispersal of
Conservancy fairy shrimp and other vernal pool crustacean cysts. The
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge contains the only remnants of the
widespread Colusa Plains vegetation that once covered the entire Colusa
Basin (Silveira 2000). Vernal pool habitats within the area have become
greatly fragmented and isolated from other habitats in the region.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and interconnected uplands mapped by
Holland (1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal
pools where Conservancy fairy shrimp occur, and maintain suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for
Conservancy fairy shrimp hatching, growth and reproduction, and
dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
This unit occupies vernal pool habitat east of Interstate 5 to the
Colusa Trough from Riz Road on the north and Delevan Road on the south.
This unit coincides with vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 10, vernal pool
tadpole shrimp Unit 5, Unit 3 for hairy Orcutt grass, and Unit 3 for
Hoover's spurge. Other rare vernal pool species found in this unit
include pappose spikeweed, Fremont's goldfields, alkali goldfields,
Scribe's popcorn flower, Hoover's downingia, folded downingia,
Heckard's peppergrass, heartscale, brittlescale, San Joaquin
spearscale, Ferris' milk-vetch, spike-primrose, sessile mousetail, and
the federally listed as endangered palmate-bracted bird's beak.
Unit 3, Jepson Prairie Unit, Solano County (9,927 ha (24,529 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Conservancy fairy
shrimp because it includes numerous occurrences of the species within
one of the most pristine, intact vernal pool ecosystems remaining in
California (Holland 1998, Solano County 1999, Solano County Farmland
and Open Space 2001, CNDDB 2002). The unit boundary was drawn to
include the vernal pools where Conservancy fairy shrimp occur,
including the 32 ha (80 ac) Olcott Lake and other large playa pools
associated with Solano Loam and Pescadero soil series. Conservancy
fairy shrimp in this unit occupy vernal pool complexes extending from
Jepson Prairie west towards the City of Fairfield. Within these
complexes larger pools often occur with smaller pools and hogwallow
depressions. Together the pools, swales, and associated uplands
maintain the necessary timing and frequency of inundation for
Conservancy fairy shrimp hatching, growth, and reproduction, but are
dry during the summer. The relatively undisturbed, hydrologically
intact condition of the Jepson Prairie increases the likelihood that it
will continue to support natural vernal pool ecosystem processes and
maintain suitable habitat conditions for Conservancy fairy shrimp. This
unit also provides habitat for avian species that aid in the dispersal
of Conservancy fairy shrimp and other vernal pool crustacean cysts.
In addition to Conservancy fairy shrimp, the greater Jepson Prairie
grassland area supports a diverse community of native plants and
animals, including the only known occurrence of Delta green ground
beetle, and occurrences of Solano grass, Colusa grass, California tiger
salamander, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, vernal pool fairy shrimp,
alkali milk-vetch, Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, legenere, California
linderiella, and midvalley fairy shrimp. The southwestern portion of
this unit contains vernal pool habitats near the Potrero Hills south of
Travis Air Force Base. These vernal pool habitats occur in close
proximity to tidal marshes and contain habitat for Contra Costa
goldfields.
This unit includes the Jepson Prairie Preserve, jointly managed by
the Solano County Farmlands and Open Space Foundation and the UC
Reserve System. Jepson Prairie has long been recognized as an
outstanding example of vernal pool ecosystems. In 1987 NPS named Jepson
Prairie a National Natural Landmark, a designation given to sites that
provide high quality habitat for threatened or endangered species.
Jepson Prairie is the target of ongoing conservation planning efforts
and active management. As part of the UC Reserve System, this area
provides critical research opportunities for scientists to study
Conservancy fairy shrimp, and to determine their response to different
management regimes. Conducting this research is essential to ensure the
conservation of Conservancy fairy shrimp and other vernal pool species.
This unit also contains land owned by the CDFG (319 ha (797 ac)), and
State Land Commission (7 ha (17 ac)), as well as conservation easements
held by TNC (623 ha (1,090)) and by NRCS under the WRP program (436 ha
(1,090 ac). The unit also includes portions of Travis Air Force Base
(DOD lands totaling 238 ha (596 ac)). Within the greater Jepson Prairie
grassland area, existing vernal pools are threatened by agricultural
conversion, landfill expansion, power plant construction, and utility
maintenance. Urbanization in the vicinity of Fairfield and Suisun, and
landfill expansion projects in the vicinity of the Protero Hills,
threaten vernal pool habitats in the area.
This unit occurs in the southern portion of Solano County, east and
south of the City of Fairfield, south and southwest of the City of
Dixon, and north of Nurse Slough and the confluence of the Sacramento
and San Joaquin rivers. This unit contains Unit 3 for Colusa grass,
Unit 2 for Solano grass, and overlaps with Unit 4 for Contra Costa
goldfields. This unit is encompassed by Unit 11 for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp and Unit 16 for vernal pool fairy shrimp.
Unit 4, Montezuma Unit, Solano County (603 ha (1,490 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Conservancy fairy
shrimp because it contains vernal pools that support the necessary
timing, frequency, and duration of inundation essential for Conservancy
fairy shrimp feeding, sheltering, reproducing, and dispersing (Lipton
in litt. 2002, Levine Fricke Restoration Corp 2000). This is the most
recently discovered occurrence of Conservancy fairy shrimp, and one of
the only areas where this species occurs in the saline-alkaline
transition zone between vernal pools and tidal marshes.
Most of the habitats within this unit are on private land, although
portions of the Hill Slough Wildlife Area managed by the CDFG are also
included within this unit. The primary threats to vernal pool habitats
within this unit are alterations to hydrology from filling, diking, and
dredging activities which may occur in the tidal marsh. This unit is
also proposed so that special management actions may be taken to
prevent the degradation of Conservancy fairy shrimp occurrences through
alteration of the hydrology of their vernal pool habitats.
This unit is located near the Suisun Marsh in southern Solano
County, east of Montezuma Slough and west of Collinsville Road; the
northernmost portion of this unit is bisected by Birds Landings Road.
Portions of this unit coincide with Unit 12 for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp. In addition to Conservancy fairy shrimp, this unit contains
occurrences of other rare vernal pool species including vernal pool
fairy shrimp, alkali milk-vetch and dwarf downingia.
[[Page 59916]]
Unit 5, Northern San Joaquin Valley Unit, Stanislaus County (302 ha
(746 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Conservancy fairy
shrimp because it contains the species within alkali sink vernal pools
formed on Fresno series soils (CNDDB 2002). The unit boundary was
designated to include the vernal pool complex mapped by Holland (1998)
that maintains the necessary timing and frequency of inundation for
Conservancy fairy shrimp hatching, growth, and reproduction, but is dry
in the summer. The minimum mapping unit of Holland (1998) of 16 ha (40
ac) did not allow us to exclude all non-vernal pool areas from within
the unit boundary. However, the entire unit is located within the San
Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge and restoration is currently the
focus of conservation planning efforts by the Service. Additional
restoration designed to enhance habitat for riparian species, as well
as migratory birds and waterfowl, is also currently underway. This unit
is proposed so that special management actions, including appropriate
wetland management, can be taken to maintain the natural hydrology of
the vernal pools where Conservancy fairy shrimp are known to occur.
This unit is over 70 km (43 mi) from the nearest unit to the south and
over 40 km (25 mi) from the nearest unit to the north. Such isolated
populations may have genetic characteristics essential to overall long-
term conservation of the species (i.e. they may be genetically
different than more central populations) (Lesica and Allendorf 1995,
Fugate 1998).
Lands within this unit form a mosaic of riparian habitat, wetlands,
and grasslands. The San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge is the
primary wintering site of 98 percent of the Aleutian Canada geese that
winter in the Valley (October--April), and it is a major wintering and
migration area for lesser and greater sandhill cranes, cackling Canada
geese, and white-fronted geese. These migratory birds act as dispersal
agents for Conservancy fairy shrimp and other vernal pool crustacean
species.
This unit is situated west of the City of Modesto and east of the
confluence of the San Joaquin and Stanislaus rivers. Caswell Memorial
State Park lies just north of this unit. This unit is bisected by the
Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct and State Highway 132. This unit overlaps vernal
pool fairy shrimp Unit 20. It is also contains California linderiella
and California tiger salamander occurrences, in addition to a number of
rare non-vernal pool species including the federally listed endangered
riparian wood rat and riparian brush rabbit.
Unit 6, Merced Unit, Merced and Mariposa Counties (63,750 ha (157,525
ac)
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Conservancy fairy
shrimp because it contains occurrences of the species within large,
playa vernal pools found on Raynor Cobbly clay soils on the Mehrten
Formation (CNDDB 2001, EIP Associates 1999). These pool types provide
the necessary length and timing of inundation essential for the
conservation of Conservancy fairy shrimp. The Merced Unit encompasses
the largest block of pristine, high density vernal pool grasslands
remaining in California (Vollmar 1999). The relatively undisturbed,
hydrologically intact condition of the unit increases the likelihood
that it will continue to support natural vernal pool ecosystem
processes and maintain suitable habitat conditions for Conservancy
fairy shrimp. Genetic analyses of vernal pool tadpole shrimp revealed
that occurrences in this unit were genetically different from other
occurrences in California, and that this area was isolated from other
vernal pool habitats (King 1996). Given that Conservation fairy shrimp
and vernal pool tadpole shrimp are dispersed in similar ways, it is
reasonable to assume that Conservancy fairy shrimp occurrences in this
areas are also isolated from other occurrences throughout its range,
and may also have unique genetic characteristics.
Vernal pool habitats in eastern Merced County are seriously
threatened by irrigated agriculture, upland housing development, and
the proposed UC Merced campus and associated development. Effects
associated with the UC campus and associated community could result in
loss and degradation of vernal pool habitats within this unit. However,
the recent draft biological opinion for the UC Merced campus and
community developed environmental parameters which should reduce
impacts to vernal pool habitats. Merced County and the CDFG are
currently gathering data on presence, distribution, and microhabitat
preferences of vernal pool crustaceans to aid in developing long-term
conservation planning strategies for eastern Merced County. There is
interest among ranch owners to establish conservation easements that
will support rangeland and vernal pool conservation. The Conservancy
fairy shrimp occurrence at the Flying M Ranch is already being managed
through a conservation easement with TNC that conserves over 2,023 ha
(5,000 ac) of vernal pool and upland habitat. Land ownership within the
unit includes approximately 419 ha (1,048 ac) of DOD, (3 ha (8 ac) of
BLM, and 10 ha (26 ac) of California State Parks. TNC has a total of
4,513 ha (11,283 ac) of conservation easements within this unit.
A majority of the vernal pool habitat in the Merced Unit is in
eastern Merced County. The eastern edge of the unit overlaps into
western Mariposa County and in the south it extends to Deadman Creek.
The northern boundary parallels the Merced River. The unit is located
east of Highway 99 and the City of Merced, Planada, and Le Grand. The
eastern boundary extends into the low elevation foothills of the Sierra
Nevada. The boundaries of this unit overlap with San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass Units 2 and 3, Colusa grass Units 7, Greene's tuctoria
Unit 6, succulent owl's-clover Units 3B, vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit
22, and vernal pool tadpole shrimp Unit 15. Other sensitive vernal pool
species found within this unit include California tiger salamander,
shining navarretia, dwarf downingia, Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, western
spadefoot toad, and California linderiella.
Unit 7, Grassland Ecological Unit, Madera, Merced and Stanislaus
Counties (46,142 ha (114,016 ac))
We propose this area as critical habitat for Conservancy fairy
shrimp because it supports multiple occurrences of the species within
large, playa vernal pools of the Edminstor and Kesterson soil series
(Holland 1998, USDA 2001, CNDDB 2002). The unit boundary was drawn to
include Conservancy fairy shrimp and the vernal pool complexes mapped
by Holland (1998) where the species is known to occur. These features
maintain the necessary length and timing of inundation for Conservancy
fairy shrimp hatching, maturation, and reproduction, but are dry in the
summer and do not support aquatic species such as fish or bullfrogs.
Conservancy fairy shrimp are found in large numbers throughout this
unit, making this area a potential source for propagules dispersing to
Conservancy fairy shrimp habitats to the south in Ventura County, to
the east in eastern Merced County, and to the north in Stanislaus
County. This unit is also proposed as critical to ensure that special
management actions are taken to prevent or reverse changes in
hydrology, contamination from adjacent land use, and invasion by
aquatic species that threaten Conservancy fairy shrimp occurrences
within this unit.
[[Page 59917]]
This area contains the largest intact vernal pool habitat for
Conservancy fairy shrimp in the San Joaquin Valley (Holland 1998). This
unit also provides essential habitat for migratory waterfowl that aid
in the dispersal of Conservancy fairy shrimp and other vernal pool
crustacean cysts. The Grassland Ecological Unit includes Kesterson, San
Luis, and Merced National Wildlife Refuges (12,765 ha (31, 542 ac)),
CDFG lands (1,703 ha (4,257 ac)), CDFG administration lands (1,052 ha
(2,631 ac)), California State Parks (1,358 ha (3,394 ac)), and private
lands protected by WRP easements or agreements (54 ha (134 ac)).
Combined, these lands are known as the Grasslands Ecological Area, a
66,773 ha (160,000 ac) area which supports the largest remaining areas
of several rare valley floor habitats within the San Joaquin valley,
including examples of alkali grasslands, alkali scrublands, wild rye
grasslands, cotton wood riparian forests, vernal marshes, relict dune
lands, and high quality vernal pool habitats.
The unit lies north of the City of Los Banos, southwest of the City
of Merced, and is bisected by the San Joaquin River. This unit
represents Unit 23 for vernal pool fairy shrimp and Unit 16 for vernal
pool tadpole shrimp. The western half of this unit represents Unit 2
for longhorn fairy shrimp and the eastern half represents Unit 8 for
Colusa grass, and Unit 6 for Hoover's spurge. In addition to the
species mentioned above, vernal pool smallscale, alkali milk-vetch,
western spadefoot toad, and California linderiella are present within
this unit as well.
Unit 8, Ventura County Unit, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles
Counties (18,831 ha (46,531 ac))
The Ventura County unit consists of one area in the north-central
portion of Ventura County. Vernal pool fairy shrimp and Conservancy
fairy shrimp are known to co-occur at relatively high elevation
([sim]1,700 m (5,500 ft)) forested sites within the Los Padres National
Forest. All of this unit is owned by the USFS. Almost all of the known
localities that possess these two species within the state of
California exist at much lower elevations in grassland habitats. The
map polygon perimeter consists of an area that is known to contain
vernal pool and Conservancy fairy shrimp occurrences and isolated pools
that provide habitat for the two species. The Ventura County unit is
essential for the conservation of Conservancy fairy shrimp because it
contains high elevation ([sim] 1,700 m (5,500 ft)) ephemeral aquatic
environments that are rarely associated with fairy shrimp. The Ventura
County sites that are occupied by Conservancy fairy shrimp are 124 km
(200 m) from other species occurrences in the Great Central Valley,
thereby suggesting that the Ventura County population(s) is
geographically isolated from the population(s) that occur farther east
and north. Such isolated and peripheral populations may have genetic
characteristics that are different than more central populations, and
may be important for conservation (Lesica and Allendorf 1995, Fugate
1998).
Longhorn Fairy Shrimp Criteria
In proposing critical habitat units for longhorn fairy shrimp we
evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species
described in the background section of this rule, the primary
constituent elements described in the primary constituent element
section of this rule, and the threats to the species described under
vernal pool crustaceans above and additional threats described below.
This information allowed us to determine which areas are likely to be
essential to the conservation of these species.
Longhorn fairy shrimp are currently known from three locations,
Altamont Pass area at the Contra Costa and Alameda county line, San
Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex in western Merced County, and the
Soda Lake area in San Luis Obispo County. Longhorn fairy shrimp near
Soda Lake occur both on protected land within the Carrizo National
Monument, and on private land. The occurrences on private land are
threatened by proposed development of ranchettes, production of animals
used in biotechnology industries, and road construction. Longhorn fairy
shrimp occurrences in the Altamont Pass area in Contra Costa and
Alameda counties have been heavily impacted by wind energy development,
although some of these occurrences are currently protected from
development on land owned by the East Bay Regional Parks District
(EBRPD) (Eng et al. 1990, EBRPD 2001). Longhorn fairy shrimp are
protected from development on the Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge in
Merced County, however, these occurrences are threatened by wetland
management practices that have led to prolonged inundation of longhorn
fairy shrimp habitats and inadvertent introduction of fish and
bullfrogs (CNDDB 2001).
In areas where longhorn fairy shrimp habitats have been protected,
the species may be still be threatened if adequate monitoring and
management is not conducted. Management and monitoring are necessary to
recognize and protect populations from indirect effects, such as
changes in hydrology, contamination, siltation, erosion, competition
with non-native species, and human-related disturbance, such as off
road vehicle use.
Longhorn Fairy Shrimp Unit Review
We conducted a review of the currently known range of longhorn
fairy shrimp to evaluate and select areas that are essential to the
conservation of the species and that may require special management.
Important factors we considered were the presence of the species and
the primary constituent elements essential to the conservation of the
species. A specific description of each area is outlined below.
Unit 1, Altamont Hills Unit A and B, Contra Costa and Alameda Counties
(322 ha (795 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for longhorn fairy shrimp
because it supports occurrences of the species within clear depression
pools in sandstone outcrops (Eriksen and Belk 1999, EBRPD 2001, CNDDB
2002). These pool types become inundated during winter rains and hold
water for sufficient lengths of time necessary for longhorn fairy
shrimp incubation, reproduction, dispersal, feeding, and sheltering,
but are dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill with water
every year; This is an unique habitat for longhorn fairy shrimp, and
helps to maintain a diversity of habitats for the species. The Altamont
Hills Unit is an important area for longhorn fairy shrimp because it
represents the northern limit of the species range, and is one of only
3 locations where the species is known to occur throughout their entire
range. Longhorn fairy shrimp in the Altamont Hills Unit are located
about 100 km (60 mi) northwest of the next known occurrence at
Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge in Merced County (Eriksen and Belk
1999). It is likely these occurrences have genetic characteristics that
differ from other occurrences in other portions of the species range,
and these characteristics may be important for the conservation of
longhorn fairy shrimp (Fugate 1992, 1998). Each of these locations
reduces the probability that a chance event would result in the
extinction of the species.
This unit is located primarily on EBRPD and Contra Costa Water
District land. This unit is located in Altamont Hills north and
northeast of the City of Livermore, and consists of two subunits, both
near the Contra Costa and Alameda county line. Subunit A is located in
Contra Costa County directly north of
[[Page 59918]]
the Alameda County line near the Vasco Caves. Subunit B is located
directly in Alameda County just south of the Contra Costa County line
in the vicinity of Brushy Peak. A large number of federally listed and
sensitive species are found within this area, including the California
red legged frog, San Joaquin kit fox, California tiger salamander and
California linderiella.
Unit 2, Grassland Ecological Unit, Madera, Merced and Stanislaus
Counties (29,817 ha (73,677 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for longhorn fairy shrimp
because it contains turbid alkaline vernal pools on Edminster loam and
Turlock sandy loam that support occurrences of the species (USDA 2001,
Holland 1998, CNDDB 2002). This is the only location where longhorn
fairy shrimp occur in the Central Valley of California. Longhorn fairy
shrimp within this unit are threatened by altered hydrology and
invasion of aquatic predators. This unit is also designated so that
special management actions can be taken to maintain the appropriate
timing, frequency, and duration of inundation of longhorn fairy shrimp
habitat essential to the conservation of longhorn fairy shrimp within
managed wetland areas.
This unit is over 209 km (130 mi) from the longhorn fairy shrimp
occurrence to the south, and over 80 km (50 mi) from longhorn fairy
shrimp occurrences to the north. This occurrence is likely genetically
different from the two other occurrences (Fugate 1992, 1998). Longhorn
fairy shrimp are known from only 3 locations, and each of these
locations is important to the conservation of this species by providing
a buffer against catastrophic or stochastic events which could
extirpate any one occurrence and seriously reduce the likelihood of
survival and recovery of the species as a whole.
This unit includes natural habitats within the San Joaquin River
watershed. The Grassland Ecological Unit includes Kesterson, San Luis,
and Merced National Wildlife Refuges (9,303 ha (23, 258 ac)), CDFG
lands (1,703 ha (4,257 ac)), CDFG administration lands (1,052 ha (2,631
ac)), California State Parks (1,358 ha (3,394 ac)), private lands
protected by WRP easements or agreements (54 ha (134 ac)), and numerous
other Federal and private conservation easements. Combined, these lands
are known as the Grasslands Ecological Area, a 66,773 ha (160,000 ac)
area which supports the largest remaining areas of several rare valley
floor habitats within the San Joaquin valley, including examples of
alkali grasslands, alkali scrub lands, wild rye grasslands, cotton wood
riparian forests, vernal marshes, relict dune lands, and high quality
vernal pool habitats. Threats to vernal pool habitats in this unit
include agricultural conversion, changes in hydrology, contamination
from adjacent land use, and invasion by aggressive plants.
The unit lies north of the City of Los Banos, southwest of the City
of Merced, and is bisected by the San Joaquin River. This unit overlaps
Unit 23 for vernal pool fairy shrimp, Unit 16 for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp, and Unit 7 for Conservancy fairy shrimp. In addition to the
species mentioned above, vernal pool smallscale, Alkali milk-vetch,
western spadefoot toad, and California linderiella are present within
this unit as well.
Unit 3, Carrizo Plain Unit, San Luis Obispo, Kern, and Monterey
Counties (10,466 ha (25,862 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for longhorn fairy shrimp
because it contains occurrences of the species living within Northern
Claypan type vernal pools as described by Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995)
(CNDDB 2001). Longhorn fairy shrimp in the Carrizo Unit are found in
shallow alkaline vernal pools within a Valley Saltbush Scrub matrix
adjacent to the 1214 ha (3,000 ac) Soda Lake, the largest alkali
wetland in central and southern California, which provides a winter
haven for thousands of migratory birds.
The Carrizo Plain Unit represents the southern extent of the range
of longhorn fairy shrimp. Longhorn fairy shrimp in the Carrizo Plain
Unit are located 235 km (146 mi) southeast of the closest known
occurrences at Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge in Merced County
(Eriksen and Belk 1999). Such isolated populations may have genetic
characteristics essential to overall long-term conservation of the
species (Fugate 1998). The Carrizo Plain contains examples of native
bunch grass, needle grass, and blue grass grasslands, as well as
populations of federally listed San Joaquin kit fox, blunt nosed
leopard lizard, giant kangaroo rat, California jewel flower, Lost Hills
salt brush, Kern mallow and San Joaquin wooly threads (The Nature
Conservancy 2001). North of the Carrizo Plain, vernal pools that occur
along the San Andreas fault are small sag pond types surrounded by
annual grassland or Interior Coast Range Saltbush Scrub (Keeler-Wolf et
al. 1998). The Carrizo Plain Unit contains portions of the Carrizo
Plain National Monument administered by the BLM, TNC, and the CDFG. The
BLM lands within the unit total approximately 6,220 ha (15,549 ac) and
the CDFG lands total approximately 93 ha (233 ac). Other vernal pool
habitats in the unit are located on private land.
This unit is located in the vicinity of California Valley and Soda
Lake. State Highway 58 is located north of the unit. Most of the
habitat is east of Soda Lake Road, however, Soda Lake Road crosses
through the western edge of the unit in several areas. To the east, the
unit is bordered by the San Andreas Rift Zone. This unit coincides with
vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 25.
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Criteria
In proposing critical habitat units for vernal pool fairy shrimp we
evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species, the
primary constituent elements, and the current threats to the species.
This information allowed us to determine which areas are likely to
contribute to the conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp and to
delineate units so that threats to these species might be minimized.
The historic range of vernal pool fairy shrimp extended throughout
the low and mid-elevation regions of the Central Valley into southern
and coastal California and southern Oregon Agate Desert. Vernal pool
fairy shrimp have been extirpated from a number of their historic
occurrences as a result of urban development and conversion to
agriculture. Rapid urbanization in Placer, Sacramento, and Tehama
counties, California, has accounted for the majority of recent vernal
pool fairy shrimp extirpations, although conversion to agriculture in
San Joaquin, Merced, and other counties also has contributed to the
continued decline of this species.
Remaining vernal pool fairy shrimp occurrences continue to be
threatened by all of the factors that historically led to the decline
of this species. CNDDB (2001) estimates that 34 percent of the
remaining occurrences of this species are threatened by development and
agricultural conversion. Another 15 percent are threatened by military
activities (CNDDB 2001). An additional 15 percent are threatened by
operations and maintenance activities within utility and transportation
right-of-ways, including grading, discing, and trenching activities
which destroy the topographical features necessary for vernal pool
habitats to support occurrences of vernal pool fairy shrimp (CNDDB
2001). Pesticide and herbicide use within utility easements also
threaten many occurrences of vernal pool fairy shrimp (CNDDB 2001).
Other vernal pool fairy shrimp occurrences are
[[Page 59919]]
threatened by off road vehicle use, logging, mining, vandalism,
dumping, and expansion of landfills (CNDDB 2001).
Numerous occurrences of vernal pool fairy shrimp are threatened by
altered hydrology. In some cases vernal pools have been altered so that
they contain water year round, allowing predators such as bullfrogs and
fish to colonize vernal pool habitats (CNDDB 2001). In other cases
artificial run off has resulted in the delivery of materials that
destroy vernal pool water quality, including sediment from cement
plants, pesticides from vineyards and other irrigated agricultural
lands, pesticides from golf courses, and sediment from surrounding
developments (CNDDB 2001).
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Unit Review
We conducted a regional review across the range of vernal pool
fairy shrimp to evaluate and select vernal pool habitats that are
essential to the conservation of the species and that require special
management. Important factors we considered were the known presence of
vernal pool fairy shrimp and the presence of vernal pools and vernal
pool complexes supporting the hydrological characteristics necessary to
provide the primary constituent elements essential to the conservation
of the species.
We identified areas that support high numbers of vernal pool fairy
shrimp occurrences identified by CNDDB (2002) within vernal pool
complexes containing the primary constituent elements for the species
mapped by Holland (1998) and a number of other sources throughout the
range of the species. We have identified areas necessary to conserve
the species by maintaining a portion of the species current range and
distribution and including some of the different kinds of habitats in
which the species is known to occur. However, as is the case with all
critical habitat designations, areas outside of this designation may
still prove to be necessary to the recovery of this species. A
description of each area is outlined below.
Oregon
Vernal pool fairy shrimp are the only species addressed in this
proposed rule that occur in Oregon. Four units in Oregon are proposed
as essential to the conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp. The
Oregon units occur approximately 200 km (125 mi) north of the nearest
unit proposed for this species in California.
Unit 1A, B, C ,D, E, F, and G, North Agate Desert Unit, Jackson County
(862 ha (2,130 ac))
This unit consists of seven subunits, all located to the north of
Little Butte Creek. Three of the subunits are west of the Rogue River,
and the remaining four are to the east. All but one of these subunits
are located to the south of U.S. Route 234 (Sam's Valley Highway). The
one remaining unit is located to the east of the Rogue River, about 2.4
km (1.5 mi) north of the confluence with Reese Creek. This unit
represents the northern limit of the species' distribution and
therefore may contribute significantly to the species' genetic
diversity (Lesica and Allendorf 1995). It is of sufficient size to
sustain the natural ecosystem processes (e.g., fires) that have
historically influenced vernal pool habitat and is disjunct from the
nearest other unit proposed for Oregon, Unit 4, by over 3.2 km (2 mi).
Unit 2A, B, C, D, and E, White City East Unit, Jackson County (911 ha
(2,251 ac))
This unit consists of five subunits, located east of U.S. Route 62
(Crater Lake Highway) and south and southeast of Dutton Road. The
largest and easternmost of the subunits occurs just to the east and
north of Agate Lake. This unit provides the easternmost extent of the
species' range in Oregon. It represents a significant component of the
species' original range in the state and is of a sufficient size to
sustain the natural ecosystem processes (e.g., fires) that have
historically influenced vernal pool habitat. It is disjunct by more
than 1.6 km (1 mi) from Unit 3, White City West, and by approximately
5.6 km (3.5 mi) from the North Agate Desert Unit.
Unit 3A, B, and C, White City West Unit, Jackson County (931 ha (2,301
ac))
This unit consists of three subunits, located west of Agate Road,
south of the Rogue River, and east of Bear Creek. This unit contains
the best remaining examples of the original Agate Desert mounded
prairie habitat. It is of sufficient size to sustain the natural
ecosystem processes (e.g., fires) that have historically influenced
vernal pool habitat; it is disjunct from the White City East Unit by
more than 1.6 km (1 mi) and from the Table Rocks Unit by over 2.4 km
(1.5 mi).
We believe that, taken together, the proposed Agate Desert units
(Units 1-3) comprise a functional vernal pool complex consisting of
vernal pools, mounded prairie and associated uplands, where natural
processes, including connectivity, function within or near the natural
range of variability. Each of the three proposed Agate Desert units is
essential to the conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp populations
in the Agate Desert.
Unit 4A and B, Table Rocks Unit, Jackson County (361 ha (892 ac))
This unit consists of two subunits, located on two flat-topped
mesas known as Upper and Lower Table Rocks, situated north and west of
the Rogue River. These rimrock features are remnants of ancient lava
flows that filled portions of the Rogue River nearly 10 million years
ago (Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 1998). Subsequent erosion of
softer geologic layers has left these harder, andesite (volcanic rock)
formations rising some 245 m (800 ft) above the present Rogue Valley.
Vernal pools on the Table Rocks differ from those of the Agate Desert,
in that they are formed over an impervious layer of bedrock. This unit
represents a unique habitat for vernal pool fairy shrimp in Oregon;
Table Rocks fairy shrimp populations differ ecologically from fairy
shrimp populations in the Agate Desert. The Table Rocks Unit is
disjunct from the North Agate Desert Unit by over 3.2 km (2 mi), and
from the White City West Unit by approximately 2.4 km (1.5 mi).
California
Unit 5, Redding Unit, Shasta County (1,849 ha (4,569 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it contains the largest intact vernal pool habitat in
the northern portion of vernal pool fairy shrimp's range in California.
Occurrences of the species (CNDDB 2002) within vernal pools mapped by
Holland (1998) are found on old alluvial terraces above the Sacramento
River and often on Redding and Corning soil complexes (Shasta County
2001). Generally these pools are small in size, although the Stillwater
Plains area supports unique pools which are several acres in size.
These vernal pools provide feeding and sheltering habitat for the
species and remain inundated for sufficient lengths of time to allow
vernal pool fairy shrimp to hatch, mature, and reproduce.
The boundaries of the unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where vernal pool fairy shrimp occur, and which maintain suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal
pool fairy shrimp hatching, growth, reproduction, and dispersal.
[[Page 59920]]
This unit supports systems of hydrologically interconnected pools
and swales within a matrix of surrounding uplands that together form
hydrologically and ecologically functional units called vernal pool
complexes. These features contribute to the filling and drying of the
vernal pool, and maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water
quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool crustaceans to complete
their life-cycle.
This unit represents contains all of the primary constituent
elements for the species and comprises the northern extent of the
species range in California. Because occurrences within this unit are
at the limit of the species range in California they may have genetic
characteristics essential to overall long-term conservation of the
species (i.e., they may be genetically different than more central
populations) (Fugate 1992, 1998, Lesica and Allendorf 1995).
Most of the land included within this unit is privately owned. The
BLM owns 17 ha (42 ac) within this unit and a further 52 ha (130 ac) is
private land protected under conservation easement or agreement as part
of the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The Stillwater Plains
Conservation Bank, specifically established to contribute to the
recovery of vernal pool fairy shrimp, is located within this unit. The
City of Redding and other local and state planning organizations are
currently developing a HCP to provide for the conservation of vernal
pool fairy shrimp. This unit would provide an area where conservation
efforts for vernal pool fairy shrimp could take place.
This unit is located in the area east of the Redding Municipal
Airport between Airport Road to the west and Deschutes Road to the
east. The unit extends to Dersch Road in the south and towards Lassen
Park Highway in the north. This unit comprises a portion of the
Stillwater Plains. This unit overlaps slender Orcutt grass Unit 2B and
vernal pool tadpole shrimp Unit 1. Other sensitive species occurring
within this unit include Red Bluff dwarf rush (Juncus leiospermus var.
leiospermus), California linderiella (Linderiella occidentalis),
Henderson's bent grass (Agrostis hendersonii), and four angled spike
rush (Eleocharis quadrangulata).
Unit 6, Red Bluff Unit, Tehama County (18,562 ha (45,865 ac)
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it contains the species (CNDDB 2002) within vernal pools
mapped by Holland (1998) and the pools contain water for sufficient
periods of time necessary for vernal pool fairy shrimp incubation,
reproduction, dispersal, feeding, and sheltering. Vernal pool fairy
shrimp within this unit occur within vernal pools formed on alluvial
terraces west of the Sacramento River and associated with Newville/
Corning and Redding/Corning soil complexes (USDA 2001) exhibiting well
developed mima mound topography. The vernal pools within this unit are
generally small and may not be inundated long enough to support other
longer-lived vernal pool species.
The boundaries of the unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where vernal pool fairy shrimp occur, and which maintain suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal
pool fairy shrimp hatching, growth, reproduction, and dispersal. This
unit contains several large (i.e., over (4,068 ha) 10,000 ac) vernal
pool habitat complexes. These areas are relatively undisturbed,
hydrologically intact vernal pool habitats that will likely continue to
support natural vernal pool ecosystem processes and maintain suitable
habitat conditions for vernal pool fairy shrimp. This unit also
provides essential habitat for migratory waterfowl that aid in the
dispersal of vernal fairy shrimp and other vernal pool crustacean
cysts.
The majority of the lands included within this unit are privately
owned. The CDFG owns 175 ha (433 ac) within this unit. Urban expansion
from the city of Red Bluff, and agricultural conversion in other
portions of the unit, threaten existing vernal pool fairy shrimp
habitats throughout this unit. However, this unit also contains large
private conservation areas established specifically to contribute to
the recovery of vernal pool fairy shrimp and compensate for the loss of
vernal pool habitat, including the 2,023 ha (5,000 ac) Tehama Fiber
Farm mitigation area. CDFG's Thomes Creek Ecological Reserve is also
located within this unit.
This unit extends from southwest of Red Bluff at Red Bank Creek
south to Thomes Creek. The eastern boundary includes the vernal pool
habitat from the Southern Pacific Railroad near Coyote Creek south
paralleling Interstate 5 to Thomes Creek. Other vernal pool species
occurring within this unit include Boggs Lake hedge-hyssop (Gratiola
heterosepela), Baker's navarretia (Navarretia leucocephala ssp.
bakeri), Red Bluff dwarf rush, Douglas' pogogyne (Pogogyne douglasii),
western spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus hammondi), legenere (Legenere
limosa), California linderiella, Ahart's paronychia (Pyronychia
ahartii), Henderson's bent grass, and dwarf downingia (Downingia
pusilla).
Unit 7, Vina Plains Unit, Tehama, and Butte Counties (23,883 ha (59,015
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat because it contains
vernal pool fairy shrimp (CNDDB 2001) living within large vernal pool
grassland areas that support aggregations or systems of hydrologically
interconnected pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions within a matrix of surrounding uplands that together form
hydrologically and ecologically functional units (EPA 1994, Holland
1998, Tehama County 1999). The boundaries of this unit were delineated
to include the interconnected pools, swales, and uplands mapped by
Holland (1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal
pools where vernal pool fairy shrimp occur, and maintain suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal
pool fairy shrimp to complete their life-cycles.
The vernal pools within this unit contain water during the winter,
and provide the necessary length and timing of inundation, water
quality, and freedom from predation that allow vernal pool fairy shrimp
to hatch, feed, reproduce, and shelter. Vernal pool fairy shrimp in
this unit occur within Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools, these
pools are generally small and tend to be inundated for relatively short
periods of time. Vernal pool fairy shrimp are also found within larger
vernal pools forming on hardpans within this unit. These pools tend to
be larger and longer lasting than Northern Volcanic Mudflow pools, and
may also support occurrences of other, longer lived species such as
Conservancy fairy shrimp.
The pool types within this unit maintain the diversity of habitats
in which vernal pool fairy shrimp are known to occur and provide
relatively undisturbed, hydrologically intact vernal pool habitats that
will likely continue to support natural vernal pool ecosystem processes
and maintain suitable habitat conditions for vernal pool fairy shrimp.
This unit also provides habitat for migratory waterfowl that aid in the
dispersal of vernal pool fairy shrimp and other vernal pool crustacean
cysts.
The majority of the lands included within this unit are privately
owned. This unit contains The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) Vina Plains
preserve as well as other TNC lands 2,264 ha (5,660 ac) and
conservation
[[Page 59921]]
easements 4,348 ha (10,870 ac). Other ownership within this unit
includes 57 ha (142 ac) of private land protected under conservation
easement or agreement under the Natural Resource Conservation
Services's (NRCS) Wetland Reserve Program (WRP). The Vina Plains area
has been the focus of a number of research projects, including long-
term adaptive management and monitoring efforts evaluating the effects
of grazing and fire on vernal pool plants, animals, and ecosystems
(Griggs 2000). Much of the basic life history information known about
vernal pool crustaceans was collected at Vina Plains (e.g., Lanway
1974, Ahl 1991, Syrdahl 1993, Gallagher 1996). The importance of the
Vina Plains area has been recognized by a number of state, local, and
Federal agencies, and they have been the focus of several conservation
planning efforts. TNC, CDFG, the Service, the EPA, the CNPS, the NRCS
WRP, and researchers from California State University (CSU) at Chico
have all supported research and conservation efforts for vernal pool
species within this unit.
This unit is located in the northeastern portion of the Sacramento
Valley from Deer Creek in Tehama County to Chico in Butte County. The
unit extends south and east of the Sacramento River paralleling the low
elevation foothill region of the Sierra Nevada and represents the
northeastern extent of vernal pool fairy shrimp's range in California.
This unit coincides with Unit 3 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and
incorporates Unit 1 for Conservancy fairy shrimp, Unit 4 for slender
Orcutt grass, Unit 2 for Greene's tuctoria, Unit 1 for hairy Orcutt
grass, Unit 1 for Hoover's spurge, and Units 1 and 2 for Butte County
meadowfoam. Other vernal pool species occurring within this unit
include Boggs Lake hedge-hyssop, Red Bluff dwarf rush, Douglas'
pogogyne, western spadefoot toad, legenere, California linderiella,
California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense), Ahart's
paronychia, Henderson's bent grass, Sanford's arrowhead (Sagittaria
sanfordii), and dwarf downingia.
Unit 8, Orland Unit, Tehama County (5,760 ha (14,233 ac)
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it contains occurrences of the species and vernal pools,
swales, and associated uplands that support vernal pool fairy shrimp
(Holland 1998, Tehama County 2001, CNDDB 2002). Vernal pool fairy
shrimp in this unit are found in vernal pools formed on alluvial
terraces west of the Sacramento River and associated with Anita clay
and Tuscan loam soils (USDA 1994). These vernal pools are generally
small, and exhibit well developed mima mound topography. They contain
water for sufficient periods of time necessary for vernal pool fairy
shrimp incubation, reproduction, dispersal, feeding, and sheltering.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where vernal pool fairy shrimp occur, and maintain suitable periods of
pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool fairy
shrimp hatching, growth and reproduction, and dispersal, but not
necessarily every year. These features contribute to the filling and
drying of the vernal pool, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool crustacean
hatching, growth and reproduction, and dispersal.
This unit contains large vernal pool habitat areas in the
northwestern portion of the range of vernal pool fairy shrimp. These
areas provide relatively undisturbed, hydrologically intact vernal pool
habitats that will likely continue to support natural vernal pool
ecosystem processes and maintain suitable habitat conditions for vernal
pool fairy shrimp. These vernal pool habitats support systems of
hydrologically interconnected pools and swales within a matrix of
surrounding uplands that together form hydrologically and ecologically
functional units called vernal pool complexes.
This unit extends from the Tehama/Glenn county border in the south,
west of Ingrahm Road and east of the Black Butte Reservoir, to the
vicinity of Rice Creek in the north. This unit also contains a Pacific
Gas and Electric (PG&E) pipeline mitigation area established
specifically for the conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp. Other
vernal pool species occurring within this unit include Baker's
navarretia, western spadefoot toad, Ahart's paronychia, and dwarf
downingia. All the lands within this unit are privately owned.
Unit 9, Oroville Unit, Butte County (1,456 ha (3,598 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it supports vernal pools, swales, and associated uplands
mapped by Holland (1998) and by the EPA (1994) and contains vernal pool
fairy shrimp (CNDDB 2001). Vernal pool fairy shrimp within this unit
live within pools occurring primarily on the Tuscan geologic formation
(Liss 2001, Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998), which are some of the few
remaining examples of Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools described
by Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995). Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal
pools are generally small and tend to be inundated for relatively short
periods of time. These pool types are essential to maintain the
diversity of habitats in which vernal pool fairy shrimp are known to
occur. Vernal pool fairy shrimp are also found living in Northern
Hardpan vernal pools within this unit. These pools tend to be larger
and longer lasting than the Northern Volcanic Mudflow pools.
The boundaries of the unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where vernal pool fairy shrimp occur, and which maintain suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal
pool fairy shrimp hatching, growth, reproduction, and dispersal. The
majority of the lands included within this unit are privately owned.
This unit contains Service lands (76 ha (187 ac)) and 7 ha (17 ac) of
CDFG administered land. This unit contains a few areas that have been
preserved within the City of Chico. However, the amount of vernal pool
habitat currently protected within the unit is very small. Urban
expansion, particularly in the vicinity of Chico, is the greatest
threat to existing vernal pool habitats throughout this unit.
This unit occupies an area from near Chico south to near the
intersection of Highway 99 and State Route 149 in Butte County. The
unit extends southeast of the Sacramento River paralleling the low
elevation foothill region of the Sierra Nevada. This unit is part of
Unit 4 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and incorporates Unit 3 for
Greene's tuctoria, Unit 2 for hairy Orcutt grass, Unit 2 for Hoover's
spurge, and Unit 3 for Butte County meadowfoam. Other vernal pool
species occurring within this unit include Boggs Lake hedge-hyssop, Red
Bluff dwarf rush, Douglas' pogogyne, western spadefoot toad, legenere,
California linderiella, California tiger salamander, Ahart's
paronychia, Henderson's bent grass, Sanford's arrowhead, and dwarf
downingia.
[[Page 59922]]
Unit 10, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Unit, Glenn and Colusa
Counties (5,718 ha (14,129 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it contains occurrences of the species (CNDDB 2002)
within the vernal pools and swales mapped by Holland (1998). Vernal
pool fairy shrimp in this unit live within Northern Claypan vernal
pools, as defined by Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995). These vernal pools
are associated with alkaline soils, such as Willows and Riz soils
series, and typically form alkali playas which are larger and contain a
more diverse species composition than the hardpan pools further south
(Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998). These pools are inundated for a sufficient
period of time to support all of the life history requirements of
vernal pool fairy shrimp. Vernal pools on the Sacramento National
Wildlife Refuge Complex , are often large, shallow and alkaline
(Silveira 2000). Vernal pool habitats on the refuge are specifically
managed for the conservation of listed species, and to promote habitat
for migratory birds and waterfowl.
The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge contains the last remnants
of the widespread Colusa Plains vegetation that once covered the entire
Colusa Basin (Silveira 2000). Vernal pool habitats within the area have
become greatly fragmented and isolated from other habitats in the
region due to land conversion to agriculture. This unit is important to
maintain opportunities for vernal pool fairy shrimp dispersal between
units to the north, over 50 km (31 mi) distant, and those to the south,
over 110 km (68 mi) distant. Without this unit, vernal pool fairy
shrimp occurrences to the north and south would be more than 160 km
(100 mi) distant from one another, a distance at which genetic evidence
indicates they are effectively isolated (Fugate 1992, 1998).
The boundaries of the unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) and identified by the Service (Silveira 2000) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pools where vernal pool fairy
shrimp occur, and which maintain suitable periods of pool inundation,
water quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool fairy shrimp hatching,
growth, reproduction, and dispersal.
This unit is primarily located on the Sacramento National Wildlife
Refuge (5,126 ha (12,816 ac)). Any additional lands within this unit
are privately owned. This unit overlaps with Unit 6 for Greene's
tuctoria, Unit 3 for hairy Orcutt grass, Unit 3 for Hoover's spurge,
and Unit 2 for Conservancy fairy shrimp. Other important vernal pool
and associated upland species found in the unit include pappose
spikeweed (Hemizonia parryi ssp. rudis), Fremont's goldfields
(Lasthenia fremontii), alkali goldfields (Lasthenia platycarpha),
Scribe's popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys scriptus), Hoover's downingia
(Downingia bella), folded downingia (Downingia ornatissima var.
ornatissima), Heckard's peppergrass (Lepidium latipes var. heckardii),
heartscale (Atriplex cordulata), brittlescale (Atriplex depressa), San
Joaquin spearscale (Atriplex joaquiniana), Ferris' milkvetch
(Astragalus tender var. farrisiae), spike-primrose (Boisduvalia
stricta), sessile mousetail (Myosurus sessilis), and palmate-bracted
bird's beak (Cordylanthus palmatus).
Unit 11, Beale Unit, Yuba and Placer Counties (2,853 ha (7,049 ac))
We propose the Beale Unit as essential for the conservation of
vernal pool fairy shrimp because it contains large, relatively
undisturbed vernal pool grassland habitats and a diversity of vernal
pool habitat types supporting vernal pool fairy shrimp (CNDDB 2001,
Jones and Stokes 1997b, Jones and Stokes 2002, Platenkamp 1998). Vernal
pool fairy shrimp within this unit are found throughout several large
vernal pool complexes. These complexes occur on four major geologic
formations: the Modesto Formation; the Riverbank Formation; the Laguna
Formation; and the Mehrten Formation (Platenkamp 1998). These habitats
provide the hydrological characteristics necessary for vernal pool
fairy shrimp growth, reproduction, dispersal, and other primary
constituent elements essential to the conservation of this species.
Different geologic formations provide a diversity of habitats for
vernal pool fairy shrimp primarily through their effects on pool size
and depth (Platenkamp 1998, Helm 1998).
This unit contains DOD land (419 ha (1,048 ac)) at Beale Air Force
Base and BLM (3 ha (8 ac)) lands. Other lands within this unit are
located on private property, and are threatened by agricultural
conversion, urban expansion, and the expansion of Highway 70 and other
transportation projects planned in the region. This unit is found east
of Yuba City and State Highway 65, generally south of Hammonton Road
and north of South Beale Road and 6th Street. The unit includes the
western portion of Beale Air Force Base, west of Erle Street and
Doolittle Drive. Other rare vernal pool species found within this unit
include vernal pool tadpole shrimp and California linderiella.
Unit 12, Western Placer County Unit (19,387 ha (47,905 ac))
The Western Placer Unit was identified as critical habitat for
vernal pool fairy shrimp because it contains numerous occurrences of
the species (CNDDB 2001). The unit boundary was drawn to include these
occurrences and the vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped
by Holland (1998) and Glazner (2001) and as visible on SPOT imagery.
These complexes form interconnected hydrologic units of pools, swales
and uplands that together maintain the timing and duration of
inundation necessary for vernal pool fairy shrimp to hatch, mature, and
reproduce. Vernal pool fairy shrimp within this unit occur in both
Northern Hardpan and Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools as
described by Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995). This unit also supports
vernal pool fairy shrimp found in vernal pools on Exchequer soils on
the Mehrten geologic formation, a rare type of Northern Volcanic
Mudflow vernal pool which has been reduced to only a few acres in
extent. The pools are relatively short lived and do not provide habitat
for most other species of fairy shrimp (CNDDB 2001).
This unit includes a large number of conservation areas established
specifically to contribute to the recovery of vernal pool fairy shrimp
partly established through conservation efforts under section 7 of the
Act. These include the Ahart Preserve, one of the few remaining
examples of Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools in the region, as
well as the Orchard Creek Conservation Bank. This conservation bank was
established for the protection of vernal pool fairy shrimp and to
compensate for the loss of thousands of acres of vernal pool grassland
habitats throughout Placer and Sacramento counties. Additional smaller
conservation areas in this unit are located within the cities of
Lincoln and Roseville, and in Placer County. Approximately 20 percent
of all mitigation areas established for the long-term protection of
vernal pool fairy shrimp are found within this unit. Placer County is
currently developing a HCP for the conservation of vernal pool fairy
shrimp in this area. A WRP easement of 63 ha (157 ac) is within this
unit.
The Western Placer Unit contains 70 percent of the remaining vernal
pool habitats in Placer County. TNC identified this area as one of the
[[Page 59923]]
outstanding vernal pool sites remaining in the Sacramento Valley.
Vernal pool habitats within this unit are threatened by the development
of large transportation projects, the development of a university and
associated infrastructure, residential developments, gravel mining
operations, and agricultural conversion in the western portion of
Placer County.
This unit generally occurs in western Placer County immediately
north of the Sacramento County line, north of the City of Roseville and
the City of Rocklin. The northern boundary occurs just north of the
City of Lincoln. This unit occurs mostly west of State Highway 65. This
unit provides habitat for sensitive vernal pool species such as Bogg's
Lake hedge-hyssop, Red Bluff dwarf rush, western spadefoot toad,
legenere, California linderiella, Ahart's paronychia, and dwarf
downingia. A number of riparian species are also found in this unit in
the vernal pool grasslands that border Coon Creek.
Unit 13, Mather Unit, Sacramento County (14,866 ha (36,733 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it contains occurrences of the species and vernal pool
habitats that sustain the necessary timing and length of inundation
required for the species to hatch, mature, reproduce, disperse, and
enter dormancy (Holland 1998, Sacramento County 1999, CNDDB 2001).
Vernal pool fairy shrimp in this unit occur within a diversity of
vernal pool habitats, including young or low terrace vernal pools on
the Riverbank Formation, old or high terrace vernal pools on the Laguna
and Arroyo Seco geologic formations, and Northern Volcanic Mudflow
vernal pools on the Mehrten and Valley Springs geologic formations.
This unit includes several conservation areas established by
private entities, including the Sunrise Douglas Conservation Bank, the
Arroyo Seco Conservation Bank, the Churchill Downs mitigation area, and
Teichert mitigation areas. These areas were established specifically to
contribute to the conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp, and
represent compensation measures for the loss of thousands of acres of
vernal pool fairy shrimp habitat within Sacramento County. The
continued functioning of these areas is essential to the conservation
of vernal pool fairy shrimp and other vernal pool species. The
boundaries of the unit were delineated to include the interconnected
pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland (1998) that
contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools where vernal
pool fairy shrimp occur, and which maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool fairy
shrimp hatching, growth, reproduction, and dispersal.
This area supports a diversity of vernal pool species and habitats,
and is the focus of numerous conservation planning efforts. This area
has been identified by the Sacramento Valley Open Space Conservancy,
the CNPS, and TNC as an excellent example of vernal pool grasslands,
supporting a rich and diverse community of vernal pool endemic plants
and animals within Sacramento County. This unit contains areas on
private, county, and Federal land, including lands leased or owned by
Sacramento County at Mather Regional Park, the former Mather Air Force
Base, and at the county landfill. BLM owns 6 ha (18 ac) within this
unit. Vernal pool habitats in this unit are threatened by urbanization
from the expanding cities of Sacramento and Elk Grove. Conversion to
intensive agriculture, particularly vineyards, is also a significant
threat to vernal pool fairy shrimp in this unit.
This unit includes the area to the southeast of the City of
Sacramento in Sacramento County, east of Highway 99 and south of
Interstate 80. The unit is generally east of Bradshaw Road, northwest
of Grant Line Road, west of Scott Road, and includes a portion of
Mather Field. The unit is bisected by the Folsom South Canal. This unit
also represents Unit 8 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and contains
Unit 6 for slender Orcutt grass and Unit 2 for Sacramento Orcutt grass.
In addition to these species, this unit contains occurrences of many
other rare, endemic vernal pool species including midvalley fairy
shrimp (Branchinecta mesovalliensis), Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, western
spadefoot toad, legenere, California linderiella, and Ahart's
paronychia.
Unit 14, Cosumnes Unit, Sacramento County (26,600 ha (65,728 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it supports the species (CNDDB 2001) and its habitat
(Holland 1998, Sacramento County 1999). The unit boundary was drawn to
include several large vernal pool complexes mapped by Holland (1998)
and numerous individual vernal pools mapped by Sacramento County (1999)
and visible on SPOT imagery. Together, these identified habitats
represent some of the largest remaining vernal pool complexes in the
Sacramento Valley that provide the necessary timing and duration of
inundation for vernal pool fairy shrimp hatching, growth, and
reproduction. Vernal pool fairy shrimp within this unit are found in a
diversity of pool types, including Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal
pools on Pardee and Pentz soils, vernal pools occurring on low terrace
landforms associated with San Joaquin soils, and vernal pools occurring
on high terrace landforms associated with Redding and Corning soils.
These pool types provide a diversity of habitats for this species. The
large vernal pool complexes found within this unit provide relatively
undisturbed, hydrologically intact vernal pool habitats that support
natural vernal pool ecosystem processes and maintain suitable habitat
conditions for vernal pool fairy shrimp.
Many areas within this unit include actively restored and created
vernal pools that support occurrences of vernal pool fairy shrimp
(CNDDB 2001). This unit is also proposed as critical habitat to
encourage that special management actions will be taken so that these
areas continue to provide the necessary timing and length of inundation
for vernal pool fairy shrimp survival. In many cases, the special
management action necessary will simply be to monitor vernal pool
hydrology to verify the success of the restoration effort.
This unit contains a number of conservation areas established
specifically to contribute to the conservation of vernal pool fairy
shrimp, and to compensate for the loss of thousands of acres of vernal
pool grassland habitats throughout the Sacramento Valley. Many areas
within this unit are managed specifically to provide habitat for
migratory waterfowl, this unit also provides essential habitat for
avian species that aid in the dispersal of vernal pool fairy shrimp and
other vernal pool crustacean cysts.
This unit contains state and federally owned land, as well as
private properties. Portions of the Cosumnes River Preserve occur
within this unit. The Cosumnes River Preserve is jointly owned and
managed by a variety of state, local, and Federal agencies including
the BLM , CDFG, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., California Department of Water
Resources, Sacramento Co. Dept. of Regional Parks, Open Space, and
Recreation, TNC, and the Wildlife Conservation Board. The Cosumnes
River Preserve encompasses and protects thousands of acres of wetlands
and adjacent uplands, oak woodlands, and riparian forests along the
Cosumnes River, the only undammed river on the west slope of the
Sierra. The Cosumnes floodplain is a haven for tens of thousands of
migratory waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors, a large portion of
[[Page 59924]]
the Central Valley's population of greater sandhill cranes, and for
rare reptiles and mammals like the river otter and threatened giant
garter snake. Several large, diverse, vernal pool landscapes are
protected within this unit including the Howard Ranch and Valensin
Ranch. The Clay Station Mitigation Bank, Laguna Creek Mitigation Bank,
and the Borden Ranch Mitigation site are included in this unit, as well
as a number of smaller conservation areas including the Rancho Seco
Preserve. Land ownership and protection within the unit includes CDFG
(630 ha (1,557 ac)), TNC (3,988 ha (9,970 ac)) lands and WRP easements
(4 ha (11 ac)). This area has been identified by the Sacramento Valley
Open Space Conservancy, the CNPS, and TNC as an excellent example of
vernal pool grasslands, supporting a rich and diverse community of
vernal pool endemic plants and animals within Sacramento County. Urban
expansion, conversion from grazing to other agricultural practices,
particularly vineyards, have greatly affected existing vernal pool
habitats throughout this unit.
This unit for vernal pool fairy shrimp occupies the area south of
Deer Creek and Cosumnes River to just north of the Sacramento and San
Joaquin county line near Simmerhorn Road. The eastern boundary is the
low elevation foothills near the Amador county line. The western limit
follows Dillard Road south to Colony Road near Herald. This unit also
coincides with Unit 10 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and Unit 3 for
Sacramento Orcutt grass. Other sensitive species found within this unit
include Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, western spadefoot toad, legenere,
California linderiella, California tiger salamander, Ahart's
paronychia, Henderson's bent grass, Sanford's arrowhead, pincushion
navarretia (Navarretia myersii ssp. deminuta), and dwarf downingia.
Unit 15 Vacaville Unit, Solano County (1,624 ha (4,012 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat because it contains
vernal pool fairy shrimp within large vernal pool complexes (Holland
1998, Solano County 2000, CNDDB 2001). This unit contains vernal pool
fairy shrimp occurring within vernal pools and swales formed on Corning
gravelly loam soil series, which form Northern Hardpan vernal pools
(Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995). These pool types maintain the necessary
conditions for vernal pool fairy shrimp hatching, feeding,
reproduction, and dispersal (CNDDB 2001).
The Vacaville Unit supports the only examples of Northern Hardpan
vernal pool types, including high terrace vernal pools on Corning
soils, on the western side of the valley. These unique habitats are
necessary to maintain the diversity of habitats in which vernal pool
fairy shrimp are known to occur. This unit is located primarily on
private land although the State Land Commission owns approximately (60
ha (149 ac)) within this unit. Vernal pool habitats within this unit
are threatened by urbanization from the expanding City of Vacaville.
Solano County is currently developing a HCP which will address the
conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp in this area.
The Vacaville Unit is situated north and northeast of the City of
Vacaville. The eastern boundary parallels Interstate 80, the northern
boundary parallels Midway Road, and the western boundary is near Browns
Valley Road. This unit also provides habitat for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp, dwarf downingia, as well as Swainson's hawks (Buteo swainsoni)
and burrowing owls.
Unit 16, Jepson Prairie Unit, Solano County (34,910 ha (86,261 ac))
We propose this area as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it supports numerous occurrences of the species (CNDDB
2001) living within systems of hydrologically interconnected pools and
swales within a matrix of surrounding uplands that together form
hydrologically and ecologically functional vernal pool complexes. These
features contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools where
vernal pool fairy shrimp are known to occur, and maintain suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal
pool fairy shrimp hatching, growth and reproduction, and dispersal.
These features have been identified and mapped by Solano County (2000),
Holland (1998), and the Solano County Farmlands and Open Space (2000).
The Jepson Prairie Unit encompasses the greater Jepson Prairie
grassland area, one of the most pristine, intact vernal pool ecosystems
remaining in California. Jepson Prairie contains large, playa-like
vernal pools which may be over several acres in size, including the 32
ha (80 ac) Olcott Lake. These larger pools often occur in complexes
with smaller pools and hogwallow depressions.
This unit includes one of only two large contiguous areas of
habitat remaining for vernal pool fairy shrimp on the floor of the
Central Valley. The relatively undisturbed, hydrologically intact
condition of the Jepson Prairie increases the likelihood that it will
continue to support natural vernal pool ecosystem processes and
maintain suitable habitat conditions for vernal pool fairy shrimp. This
unit also provides essential habitat for migratory waterfowl that aid
in the dispersal of vernal pool fairy shrimp and other vernal pool
crustacean cysts. Vernal pool fairy shrimp in the Jepson Prairie
grassland area inhabit unique combinations of low terrace and basin rim
landform vernal pools on a diversity of soil types.
Jepson Prairie has long been recognized as an outstanding example
of vernal pool ecosystems. In 1987 the National Park Service (NPS)
named Jepson Prairie a National Natural Landmark, a designation given
to sites that provide high quality habitat for threatened or endangered
species. Jepson Prairie is the target of ongoing conservation planning
efforts and active management. As part of the UC Reserve System, this
area also provides critical research opportunities for scientists to
study vernal pool species, including vernal pool fairy shrimp.
The unit contains 1,038 ha (2,564 ac) owned and or administered by
CDFG. Additional lands are owned by DOD (760 ha (1,879 ac)), California
State Parks (15 ha (38 ac)), and the State Land Commission (109 ha (273
ac)). NRCS holds easements or agreements protecting 436 ha (1,090 ac)
of private land in the unit under the WRP program. TNC also holds a
conservation easement on 623 ha (1,558 ac) in the unit. The Jepson
Prairie Preserve is jointly managed by the Solano County Land Trust and
the UC Reserve System. CDFG owns several ecological reserves in the
vicinity of Jepson Prairie. This unit also contains several privately
owned mitigation areas, and portions of Travis Air Force Base. Within
the greater Jepson Prairie grassland area, existing vernal pools are
threatened by agricultural conversion, landfill expansion, power plant
construction, and utility maintenance.
This unit is located in the southern portion of Solano County,
southeast of Interstate 80 and the cities of Fairfield and Vacaville,
north of Grizzly Bay and Montezuma Slough, west of the Sacramento River
and the Solano and Sacramento County line, and south of Midway Road and
the City of Dixon. The unit is bisected by Highway 13. This unit is
also described as Unit 11 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp. This unit
contains Unit 3 for Colusa grass, Unit 2 for Solano grass, Unit 3 for
Conservancy fairy shrimp, and Unit 4 and portions of Unit 5 for Contra
Costa goldfields. Other rare vernal pool species which occur in
[[Page 59925]]
this unit include alkali milk-vetch (Astragalus tener var. tener),
Ferris's milk-vetch, vernal pool small scale (Atriplex persistens),
dwarf downingia, Delta green ground beetle (Elaphrus viridus), Bogg's
Lake hedge-hyssop, Ricksecker's water scavenger beetle (Hydrochara
rickseckeri), California linderiella, midvalley fairy shrimp, legenere,
and California tiger salamander.
Unit 17, Napa River Unit, Napa and Sonoma Counties (656 ha (1,621 ac))
We propose this unit as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it contains vernal pools where vernal pool fairy shrimp
are known to occur (CNDDB 2001). The boundaries of this unit were
designed to include vernal pool complexes mapped by Holland (1998) and
within the Fagan Marsh Ecological Area owned by the CDFG (420 ha (901
ac)) that contribute to the inundation patterns, water quality, and
soil moisture for vernal pool fairy shrimp hatching, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year. The
minimum mapping unit of Holland (1998) of 16 ha (40 ac) and the
resolution of the SPOT imagery did not allow us to identify all vernal
pool habitat areas which provide the primary constituent elements for
vernal pool fairy shrimp in this area. The unit boundary was designated
to exclude tidal marsh habitats in the south, and urban and
agricultural areas along the northern and eastern boundaries. The Napa
River parallels the western boundary of this unit.
This unit represents the western extent of vernal pool fairy shrimp
range. Such isolated and peripheral populations may be essential to the
conservation of this species because of their genetic uniqueness
(Fugate 1992, 1998, Lessica and Allendorf 1995). This unit represents
the only area where vernal pool fairy shrimp occur in vernal pool
habitats forming a transition zone with tidal marshes. This unit is
located on private and CDFG land, including the Napa-Sonoma Marsh and
Fagan Marsh Wildlife Areas. Habitats within this unit are primarily
threatened by urbanization from the City of Napa.
Most of this unit is situated south and southwest of the City of
Napa; primarily west of Highway 29, south of Highway 12, and east of
Highway 121. This unit forms a narrow strip following the northwestern
banks of the Napa River and extending westward along Hudeman and Schell
sloughs. This unit is also identified as Unit 3 for Contra Costa
goldfields. Other rare vernal pool species found in this unit include
the alkali milk-vetch.
Unit 18, San Joaquin Unit, San Joaquin County (7,105 ha (17,557 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it contains vernal pool habitats identified by Holland
(1998) and San Joaquin County (1998) that support populations of vernal
pool fairy shrimp (CNDDB 2001). This unit contains vernal pool fairy
shrimp occurrences found within Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools
on the Laguna geologic formation, as well as high terrace pools on the
Valley Springs geologic formation. The Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal
pools tend to be short-lived, and are a relatively rare habitat type
for vernal pool fairy shrimp. This unit contains the largest vernal
pool complex remaining in San Joaquin County and the southern
Sacramento Valley, and contains the necessary geographic, topographic,
and edaphic features to support vernal pool fairy shrimp occurrences
found within this unit. San Joaquin County has completed a HCP, which
includes measures to protect conversion of vernal pool fairy shrimp
habitat from vernal pools grasslands to vineyards. Conversion from
grazing to other agricultural practices have greatly reduced the
remaining acreage of vernal pool habitats throughout this unit.
This unit occupies the area from the Calaveras River south to Duck
Creek. The eastern boundary extends to near Valley Springs at the
intersection of State routes 12 and 26. The western boundary extends to
near Tully Road east of the City of Lodi. This unit also coincides with
Unit 14 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp. Other sensitive vernal pool
species found within this unit include western spadefoot toad and
California tiger salamander. All the land within this unit is privately
owned.
Unit 19A, B, and C, Altamont Hills Unit, Contra Costa and Alameda
counties (3,356 ha (8,292 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool fairy shrimp
because it contains vernal pool habitats mapped by Holland (1998) and
East Bay Regional Parks District (2001) supporting vernal pool fairy
shrimp occurrences identified by CNDDB (2001). Vernal pool fairy shrimp
have been discovered in very small (less than 1 m (3.3 ft) in diameter)
clear water depression pools in sandstone outcrops in the area (Eriksen
and Belk 1999). The unit represents the only known location that
supports vernal pool fairy shrimp within sandstone outcrop pools
(Eriksen and Belk 1999).
Vernal pool fairy shrimp in the Altamont Hills Unit are located
over 60 km (40 miles) from the closest known occurrence to north in
Solano County and to the south in Stanislaus County, and over 60 km (40
mi) from the next occurrence to the west in San Joaquin County. These
populations may be genetically different from other vernal populations
because of their relative isolation (Fugate 1998).
The unit is comprised of three subunits in the general vicinity of
Mount Diablo and Morgan Territory Regional Park. The unit primarily
consists of private land, with 64 ha (157 ac) owned by the state and an
additional 288 ha (711 ac) administered by the California Department of
Fish and Game for conservation purposes.
This unit overlaps Unit 7 for Contra Costa goldfields. The unit
lies north of Corral Hollow Road, west of Clifton Court Forebay, east
of the City of Danville, southeast of Concord, and south of Antioch. It
includes vernal pool habitat within the Altamont Hills, around the
northern and eastern boundaries of the City of Livermore, and east of
the Altamont Hills and west of Clifton Court Forebay. The unit includes
Fricke Lake which supports a large population of California tiger
salamanders.
Unit 20, Caswell Unit, Stanislaus County (302 ha (746 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it contains vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral
wetlands and depressions of appropriate sizes and depths that typically
become inundated for sufficient lengths of time necessary for vernal
pool fairy shrimp incubation, reproduction, dispersal, feeding, and
sheltering, but which are dry during the summer (Holland 1998, CNDDB
2001). This unit also supports aggregations or systems of
hydrologically interconnected pools, swales, and other ephemeral
wetlands and depressions within a matrix of surrounding uplands that
together form hydrologically and ecologically functional units called
vernal pool complexes (Holland 1998). These features contribute to the
filling and drying of the vernal pool, and maintain suitable periods of
pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool fairy
shrimp hatching, growth and reproduction, and dispersal, but not
necessarily every year. This unit includes vernal pool complexes mapped
by Holland (1998) where vernal pool fairy shrimp have been documented
by CNDDB (2001).
This unit is located within the San Joaquin River National Wildlife
Refuge
[[Page 59926]]
and efforts to restore vernal pool habitats are currently underway.
Additional restoration designed to enhance habitat for riparian
species, as well as migratory birds and waterfowl, is also being
conducted. The San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge is the
primary wintering site of 98 percent of the Aleutian Canada geese that
winter in the Central Valley (October-April), and it is a major
wintering and migration area for lesser and greater sandhill cranes,
cackling Canada geese, and white-fronted geese. These migratory birds
act as important dispersal agents for vernal pool fairy shrimp. Lands
within this unit form a mosaic of riparian habitat, wetlands, and
grasslands.
This unit is over 75 km (47 mi) from the nearest unit to the north.
Such isolated populations may have genetic characteristics essential to
overall long-term conservation of the species (i.e. they may be
genetically different than more central populations) (Fugate 1992,
1998). This unit may be threatened by agricultural development, oil and
natural gas exploration and development, and conversion from grazing to
other agricultural practices. Water management practices may also
threaten vernal pool fairy shrimp in this unit if natural vernal pool
hydrology is altered.
This unit is situated west of the City of Modesto and east and
southeast of the confluence of the San Joaquin and Stanislaus rivers.
Caswell Memorial State Park lies just north of this unit and is not
included. The San Joaquin River forms the western boundary of the unit.
The unit is bisected by the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, State Highway 132,
and the Tuolumne River. Roughly the northern one-third of this unit
overlaps with Unit 5 for Conservancy fairy shrimp. It is also contains
California linderiella and California tiger salamander occurrences, in
addition to a number of rare non-vernal pool species, including the
federally listed endangered riparian wood rat and riparian brush
rabbit.
Unit 21, Stanislaus Unit, Stanislaus and Merced Counties (25,317 ha
(62,557 ac))
This area is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it contains occurrences of the species within large,
relatively intact, and contiguous vernal pool complexes ranging from
the floor of the valley to the low elevation foothills (Holland 1998,
CNDDB 2001). These areas are essential to the conservation of vernal
pool fairy shrimp because they provide relatively undisturbed,
hydrologically intact vernal pool habitats that will likely continue to
support natural vernal pool ecosystem processes and maintain suitable
habitat conditions for vernal pool fairy shrimp. This unit contains
vernal pool fairy shrimp living within hardpan pools that occur on
soils of alluvial fans and terraces forming numerous small pools and
swales on mima mound topography. Soils supporting these vernal pools
are typically older than those of the alluvial terraces in the
Sacramento area. These pools provide the necessary timing and length of
inundation for vernal pool fairy shrimp to complete their life cycle,
reproduce, and disperse.
The Stanislaus Unit is in the northern portion of the chain of
vernal pools that runs through the southern Sierra Nevada foothills,
within the Southern Sierra Foothill vernal pool region described by
Keeler-Wolf et al. (1998). This vernal pool region contains 35 percent
of all remaining vernal pool habitat in the Central Valley, and is
extremely important to the conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp and
other vernal pool species. Land ownership within this unit includes the
BLM (7 ha (17 ac)) and the California State Parks (25 ha (61 ac)). The
well-known Hickman pools in Stanislaus County are located within this
unit. Not only does the Hickman pool complex contain one of the largest
vernal lakes in California at more than 121 ha (300 ac), but it also
exhibits tremendous biodiversity, including one of the largest
concentrations of imperiled amphibians (Medeiros 2000). However, the
watershed containing the Hickman vernal pools has been breached by
hundreds of acres of orchards that have been planted upstream. While
most of the watershed has been managed over the years in a trust of the
Fred Robinson family, the integrity of the vernal pool ecosystem is
threatened by agricultural development and potential biocide pollution
(Medeiros 2000).
The Stanislaus Unit is located in the southeast corner of
Stanislaus County and the northeast corner of Merced County. It lies
between the Tuolumne River and the Merced River. The Mariposa County
line is located east of the unit. Turlock Lake and Dawson Lake are
adjacent to the northern boundary. County Road J9 and the High Line
Canal are west of the unit. This unit coincides with vernal pool
tadpole shrimp Unit 16. It includes succulent owl's-clover Unit 3,
hairy Orcutt grass Unit 5, Colusa grass Unit 6, and Hoover's spurge
Unit 5. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit
include western spadefoot toad, dwarf downingia, California
linderiella, California tiger salamander, and Hartweg's golden sunburst
(Pseudobahia bahiifloia).
Unit 22, Merced Unit, Merced and Mariposa Counties (44,106 ha (108,984
ac)
We propose this unit as critical habitat for vernal pool fairy
shrimp because it encompasses the largest block of pristine, high
density vernal pool grasslands supporting the species remaining in
California (Holland 1998, Vollmar 1999, CNDDB 2001). These habitats
provide the primary constituent elements essential for vernal pool
fairy shrimp. There are more documented occurrences of vernal pool
fairy shrimp in this unit than any other area throughout the species
range (CNDDB 2001). Almost 15 percent of all remaining vernal pool
habitats in the Central Valley are located within this unit (Holland
1998).
The Merced Unit is located midway in a chain of vernal pool
complexes that straddles the valley floor and the foothills of the
southern Sierra Nevada. This unit helps to maintain connectivity
between vernal pool fairy shrimp habitats on the valley floor and
habitats to the north and south of the Merced Unit. Genetic analyses of
vernal pool tadpole shrimp revealed that occurrences in this unit were
genetically different from other sampled occurrences in California, and
that this area had likely been isolated from other vernal pool habitats
for a significant period of time (King 1996). Given that vernal pool
fairy shrimp and vernal pool tadpole shrimp are dispersed in similar
ways, it is reasonable to assume that vernal pool fairy shrimp
occurrences in this area are also isolated from other occurrences
throughout its range.
This unit contains habitat for three listed branchiopods, six
listed plants, and a suite of sensitive species. Forty percent of
vernal pool habitats in the Southern Sierra Foothill vernal pool region
are found within this unit. The integrity of the vernal pool complexes
in eastern Merced is seriously threatened by irrigated agriculture,
upland housing development, and the proposed UC Merced Campus and
associated development. Construction of facilities to educate and serve
twenty-five thousand UC students as well as faculty, staff, and their
families within the vernal pool complexes in eastern Merced County
could have a major impact on vernal pool fairy shrimp occurrences.
However, the recent draft biological opinion for the UC Merced campus
and community developed environmental parameters which should reduce
impacts to vernal pool habitats. Indirect and cumulative impacts of the
[[Page 59927]]
proposed 1,673 ha (4,133 ac) campus and associated community may be
minimized with the creation of a 2,036 ha (5,030 ac) preserve intended
to protect sensitive vernal pool habitat, to be purchased with money
donated by the Packard Foundation.
A majority of vernal pool habitat in the Merced Unit is in Merced
County. The eastern edge of the unit overlaps into Mariposa County.
Bear Creek flows along the southern boundary of the unit, crossing
through it in several locations. The City of Merced is south of the
unit, Bear Reservoir is southeast of the unit and the Castle Airport is
located outside of the southwest boundary. The northern boundary
parallels the Merced River. The entire unit is located east of Highway
99. Land ownership within the unit includes approximately 3 ha (8 ac)
of BLM, and 10 ha (26 ac) of California State Parks. TNC has a total of
4,513 ha (11,283 ac) of conservation easements within this unit. The
Merced Unit coincides with vernal pool tadpole shrimp Unit 13,
succulent owl's-clover Unit 4, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass Unit 2,
Colusa grass Unit 7, and Conservancy fairy shrimp Unit 6. Other
sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit include the
California tiger salamander, shining navarretia (Navarretia
nigelliforms ssp radians), dwarf downingia, Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop,
western spadefoot toad, and California linderiella.
Unit 23, Grassland Ecological Unit, Merced County (55,910 ha (138,153
ac))
We propose this unit as critical based upon the presence of vernal
pools and vernal pool fairy shrimp. This unit supports numerous
occurrences of vernal pool fairy shrimp within a diversity of vernal
pools supported by a number of different soil types, including Delhi-
Dello-Himar, Solano-Caypay-Willows, Rossi-Waukena, and Lewis-Landlow
soils (CNDDB 2001, USDA 2001). This diversity of soils creates a wide
range of vernal pool shapes, sizes, and physical characteristics which
provide the essential timing, frequency, and length of inundation
necessary for the conservation of the species. This unit contains
numerous large, intact vernal pool grasslands, and is one of only two
areas on the floor of the Central Valley that provide expansive areas
of vernal pool complexes within which vernal pool fairy shrimp can
hatch, mature, and reproduce. These areas will likely continue to
support natural vernal pool ecosystem processes and maintain suitable
habitat conditions for vernal pool fairy shrimp. This unit also
provides habitat for migratory waterfowl that aid in the dispersal of
vernal pool fairy shrimp and other vernal pool crustacean cysts. This
is the only area where all four vernal pool crustaceans addressed in
this proposed rule are known to co-occur.
The Grasslands Unit includes Kesterson, San Luis, and Merced
National Wildlife Refuges, as well as several Federal and State
conservation easement areas, lands owned by the California State Parks
and Wildlife Areas, and private lands. Land ownership within the unit
includes the Service (13,943 ha (34,452 ac)), CDFG lands (1703 ha
(4,257 ac)), California State Parks (1,357 ha (3,392 ac)), CDFG
administered lands (1,052 ha (2,631 ac)) and WRP conservation easements
(54 ha (134 ac)). All other lands within this unit are privately owned.
Together, these areas are known as the Grasslands Ecological Area. This
area supports diverse wetland habitats including seasonally flooded
marshlands, semi-permanent marsh, riparian habitat, wet meadows, vernal
pools, native uplands, pastures, and native grasslands. Wetlands within
this area, including seasonal marsh and open water habitats, constitute
30 percent of the remaining wetlands in California's Central Valley and
are extremely important to Pacific Flyway waterfowl populations. Over
60 million duck use-days and 3 million goose use-days occur annually in
this unit. This habitat also supports a diversity of other migratory
birds, including raptors, shorebirds, wading birds, and other wildlife
species.
This unit contains over 50 percent of the remaining vernal pool
habitats within the San Joaquin Valley identified by Holland (1998).
This area is an important portion of the geographic distribution of
vernal pool fairy shrimp within the San Joaquin Valley. Threats to
vernal pool fairy shrimp within this unit include conversion to
agriculture, changes in hydrology, invasion by aggressive plants, and
certain wetland management practices.
The unit lies north of the City of Los Banos, southwest of the City
of Merced, and is bisected by the San Joaquin River. This unit also
represents Unit 24 for tadpole shrimp. The western half of this unit
also represents Unit 2 for longhorn fairy shrimp and the eastern half
represents Unit 8 for Colusa grass, Unit 8 for Hoover's spurge, and
Unit 7 for Conservancy fairy shrimp. In addition to the species
mentioned above, other sensitive vernal pool species occur within the
unit including Hispid's bird beak, Sanford's arrowhead, heartscale,
brittlescale, vernal pool smallscale, delta button celery, alkali milk-
vetch, California tiger salamander, western spadefoot toad, and
California linderiella.
Unit 24A and B, Madera Unit, Madera and Fresno Counties (17,232 ha
(42,579 ac))
The Madera Unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool
fairy shrimp because it contains occurrences of the species living
within hardpan vernal pool complexes composed of numerous small pools
and swales on mima mound topography (Holland 1998, Keeler-Wolf et al.
1998, CNDDB 2001). These vernal pools occur on alluvial fans and
terraces and provide the necessary timing and duration of inundation
essential to the conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp. South of
this unit in Fresno County these pools become less common as the soils
that support them are less widespread (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998).
Located in western Madera County, this unit is located between the
Fresno River and San Joaquin River. Land ownership within this unit
includes 0.4 ha (1 ac) of CDFG lands. All other land within this unit
is privately owned. All vernal pools in this unit are located east of
Highway 99 and the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad, extending
east toward the low elevation foothill region of the Sierra Nevada.
State Route 145 bisects the unit. The Madera Unit encompasses San
Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass Unit 5a, hairy Orcutt grass Unit 7, and
succulent owl's-clover Unit 7a. Other sensitive vernal pool species
found within this unit include California linderiella, California tiger
salamander, and western spadefoot toad.
This unit consists of two subunits. Subunit A contains vernal pool
habitats south of Millerton Lake. The western boundary of this unit is
bordered by the San Joaquin River. Gordon Road cuts through the
southernmost tip of the unit. Owens Mountain and Table Mountain
Rancheria are located east of the Unit. The Friant Kern Canal crosses
through the unit in a southeasterly direction. Subunit B is located
mostly west of State Route 41 along Little Dry Creek and Cottonwood
Creek.
Unit 25, Kennedy Table Unit, Madera County (994 ha (2,456 ac))
We propose this unit as critical habitat because it contains vernal
pools and vernal pool fairy shrimp (Holland 1998, CNDDB 2001). Vernal
pool fairy shrimp within this unit live within rare Northern Basalt
Flow vernal pool complexes that provide the necessary topographic and
edaphic conditions essential to the conservation of the species.
Northern Basalt Flow vernal
[[Page 59928]]
pools within this unit are perched on narrow, sinuous basalt mesas
above the surrounding low-lying terrain, and typically contain small,
irregularly clustered pools with ``flashy hydrology'' (pools fill and
dry quickly) (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998). These pool types provide the
necessary timing and length of inundation for vernal pool fairy shrimp
to hatch, mature, and reproduce, but do not stay inundated long enough
to allow the invasion of aquatic species (CNDDB 2001). The Kennedy
Table Unit is over 50 km (31 mi) from the next closest unit to the
south and over 65 km (40 mi) from the nearest unit to the north. Such
peripheral populations may have genetic characteristics essential to
overall long-term conservation of the species (i.e., they may be
genetically different than more central populations) (Fugate 1998).
This unit is located north and west of the Fresno County line on
Kennedy Table in Madera County. It is northeast of Millerton Lake, and
the San Joaquin River flows east and south of it. Land ownership within
this unit includes 65 ha (161 ac) of BLM lands. All other land within
this unit is privately owned. This unit coincides with vernal pool
tadpole shrimp Unit 19, succulent owl's-clover Unit 8A and B, San
Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass units 5B and 6A, and hairy Orcutt grass
Unit 10. In addition to these federally listed species other sensitive
vernal pool species found within this unit include California
linderiella, California tiger salamander, and the western spadefoot
toad. In addition to these, the federally endangered Hartwig's golden
sunburst also occurs within this unit.
Unit 26A, B, and C, Cross Creek Unit, Tulare and Kings Counties (3,193
ha (7,891 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool fairy shrimp
because it contains vernal pools that support occurrences of the
species (Holland 1998, CNDDB 2001). Vernal pool fairy shrimp in this
area occur in vernal pools formed on Lewis and Youd soils (USDA 2001).
This area represents the southern extent of vernal pool fairy shrimp
range along the eastern margin of the Central Valley, and is the
largest contiguous vernal pool habitat in this region (Holland 1998,
CNDDB 2001).
This unit contains the CDFG's Sequoia Field and Stone Corral
Ecological Reserves in Tulare County. These reserves are one of the few
vernal pool conservation areas in the eastern portion of the San
Joaquin Valley, and they have been the focus of several monitoring and
management efforts. Land ownership within this unit includes 348 ha
(861 ac) of CDFG lands. All other land within this unit is privately
owned. TNC, Tulare County, and the Sierra Los Tulares Land Trust have
identified this area as one of the best remaining examples of vernal
pool habitats in the region. Much of the vernal pool habitat within
Tulare County has been severely degraded and converted. The conversion
of habitat adjacent to this unit to urbanized areas, orchards, and
other forms of irrigated agriculture continues to threaten the long-
term viability of the vernal pools within this unit.
This unit is comprised of three subunits. Subunit A is located in
northwest Tulare County and contains vernal pool habitat located west
of Seville. The Friant Kern Canal is north of the unit and the
Cottonwood Creek Levee is south of the unit. Road 140 runs west of the
unit. Subunit B contains vernal pools in northeastern Kings County and
northwestern Tulare County. Highway 99 and St. Johns River cut through
the unit in a southeasterly direction. Cross Creek and Cottonwood Creek
cut through the unit in a southwesterly direction. Road 112 is east of
the unit and the Lakeland Canal is west of the unit. The towns of
Goshen and Visalia are south of the unit and Traver and London are
north of the unit. Subunit C is known as Sequoia Field Unit and is
located in northwestern Tulare County. This unit is south of County
Road J36. Road 112 crosses through the western edge of the unit, Avenue
352 crosses through the southern edge, and State Route 63 crosses
through the eastern edge. The Cross Creek Unit coincides with vernal
pool tadpole shrimp Unit 20 and contains portions of San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass Unit 8 and Hoover's spurge Unit 9. Other sensitive vernal
pool species found within this unit include the California tiger
salamander, spiny-sepaled button-celery, and western spadefoot toad.
Unit 27A and B, Pixley Unit, Tulare County (7,842 ha) 19,377 ac))
This unit is proposed for vernal pool fairy shrimp because it
contains the largest contiguous area of habitat for the species in the
southern portion of the San Joaquin Valley, and supports vernal pools
that provide the necessary timing and length of inundation essential to
the conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp (Holland 1998, CNDDB
2001). Vernal pool fairy shrimp in this area occur within Northern
Claypan vernal pools that tend to be alkaline and larger than other
vernal pool fairy shrimp habitats, such as those found on the eastern
margin of the San Joaquin Valley.
This unit contains wintering areas for migratory waterfowl,
shorebirds, marsh, and waterbirds in the southern San Joaquin Valley,
and include natural valley grasslands and developed marsh habitats
within the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge complex (2,742 ha (6, 776
ac)). Other ownership within this unit include CDFG (490 ha (1,210 ac))
and TNC lands (1,309 ha (3,274 ac)). All other lands within this unit
are privately owned. These habitats are important for migratory
waterfowl that aid in the dispersal of vernal pool fairy shrimp and
other vernal pool crustacean cysts. This unit represents one of only
three areas designated for vernal pool fairy shrimp in the San Joaquin
Valley vernal pool region described by Keeler-Wolf et al. (1998). The
refuge also provides habitat for the endangered San Joaquin kit fox and
the blunt-nosed leopard lizard. Vernal pool fairy shrimp within this
unit are threatened by agricultural development, oil and natural gas
exploration and development, subdivision of ranches and land grants,
urban expansion, and conversion from grazing to other agricultural
practices.
This unit consists of two subunits that lie south of the Cities of
Hanford and Lemoore, north of the City of Wasco, and east of the City
of the Tulare. In addition to vernal pool fairy shrimp, western
spadefoot toad and California tiger salamander are present within this
unit.
Unit 28, San Benito County Unit, San Benito and Monterey Counties
(48,125 ha (118,915 ac))
The San Benito County unit is located in the southwestern portion
of San Benito County and the eastern-most portion of Monterey County.
This unit consists of a distinct collection of seasonally flooded
wetlands west of the Great Central Valley, and overlaps a portion of
the Central Coast vernal pool region that has been delineated by the
CDFG (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998). The proposed critical habitat unit
contains a minimum of 13 vernal pool complexes that are 7 to 144 ha (17
to 356 ac) in size, and also includes a number of unmapped vernal pools
or pool complexes that are less than 4 ha (10 ac) in size. Focused
surveys for vernal pool fairy shrimp have not been conducted within the
proposed critical habitat unit, and it is therefore likely that this
species is present in many, if not most, of the vernal pool complexes
that have not been censussed due to habitat similarity to where the
occurrences have been documented. This conclusion is supported by the
fact that two-thirds of vernal pool fairy shrimp occurrences
[[Page 59929]]
that have been documented within the critical habitat unit were not
located within large vernal pool complexes, but were instead found in
smaller, unmapped vernal pools. Land ownership within this unit
includes BLM (1,581 ha (3,906 ac)) and State Land Commission (2 ha (5
ac)). All other lands within this unit are privately owned. The
critical habitat unit perimeter is defined by the presence of low slope
areas within watershed boundaries that are known to contain vernal pool
fairy shrimp occurrences and vernal pool habitats. Conservation of
vernal pools in the San Benito County unit is necessary to maintain and
restore occurrences of vernal pool fairy shrimp that are disjunct from
other listed fairy shrimp localities in the Great Central Valley.
Unit 29A, B, and C, Central Coastal Ranges Unit, Monterey and San Luis
Obispo Counties (41,054 ha (101,444 ac))
The Central Coastal Ranges Unit includes three subunits that occur
in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. The three subunits include
areas at or adjacent to Fort Hunter Liggett, Camp Roberts, and the city
of Paso Robles. The vast majority of the Fort Hunter Liggett subunit
overlaps the military reservation, and also includes a small portion of
privately owned land east of the military base. Land ownership within
this unit includes DOD (20,585 ha (50,866 ac)) and BLM (1 ha (2 ac)).
All other lands within this unit are privately owned. Intensive surveys
on Fort Hunter Liggett have documented the occurrence of listed fairy
shrimp in a minimum of 65 different pools within the base boundary
(Fort Hunter Liggitt 2000). Several additional pools in restricted
access areas on the base have not been surveyed, and some of these are
also likely to possess listed fairy shrimp. The majority of the Camp
Roberts subunit includes land within that military base boundary, and
includes a limited amount of privately owned land north and southeast
of the military base. Surveys on Camp Roberts have documented the
presence of vernal pool fairy shrimp at 61 sites (Jones and Stokes
1997a). One hundred and nineteen additional sites were also found to
possess unidentified juvenile fairy shrimp, and the inability to
document the presence of other fairy shrimp taxa on the base suggests
that these pools are therefore likely to contain listed species. The
Paso Robles subunit consists of a polygon that is 3.2 to 24 km (2 to 15
mi) northeast of the city boundary. A limited number of surveys for
fairy shrimp within the subunit have been conducted by California
Department of Transportation staff along State Highway 46. These
surveys have documented the occurrence of vernal pool fairy shrimp
within the subunit (Mitch Dallas, California Department of
Transportation, pers. comm.). The Paso Robles subunit possesses several
large vernal pool complexes that are 42,314 ha (105,776 ac) in size.
The discovery of vernal pool fairy shrimp in the area 6 km (4 mi) east
of the city suggests that the species is likely to be widely dispersed
in remnant vernal pools or complexes that still exist within the
critical habitat subunit. The Fort Hunter Liggett subunit occurs within
the Central Coast vernal pool region that has been delineated by the
CDFG (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998), and the Camp Roberts and Paso Robles
subunits occur within the Carrizo vernal pool region. The subunit
perimeters are defined by the presence of low slope areas within
watershed boundaries that are known to contain vernal pool fairy shrimp
and vernal pool habitats. Conservation of vernal pools in the region is
necessary to stabilize and recover remnant populations of vernal pool
fairy shrimp in the central coastal county area of southern California.
Unit 30, Carrizo Plain Unit, San Luis Obispo County (10,466 ha (25,862
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool fairy shrimp
because it contains vernal pool habitats identified by Holland (2002)
and that support occurrences of vernal pool fairy shrimp (CNDDB 2001).
Vernal pool fairy shrimp found in the Carrizo Plain live within
Northern Claypan vernal pools (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995) which occur
in numerous shallow alkaline depressions within a Valley Saltbush Scrub
matrix. These pools provide all of the primary constituent elements
essential for the conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp, as well as
the edaphic and geologic features necessary to maintain the hydrology
of the vernal pool complexes.
Many vernal pools in the region are adjacent to the 1,214 ha (3,000
ac) Soda Lake, the largest alkali wetland in central and southern
California, which provides a winter haven for thousands of migratory
birds. Vernal pool fairy shrimp in the Carrizo Plain Unit are located
235 km (146 mi) southeast of the closest known occurrences at Kesterson
National Wildlife Refuge in Merced County. Such isolated and peripheral
populations may have genetic characteristics that are different than
more central populations, and may be important for conservation (Lesica
and Allendorf 1995, Fugate 1998). The Carrizo Plain Unit is the only
area where vernal pool fairy shrimp are known from saline salt brush
scrub vernal pool habitats.
The Carrizo Plain contains examples of native bunch grass, needle
grass, and blue grass grasslands, as well as populations of federally
listed San Joaquin kit fox, blunt nosed leopard lizard, giant kangaroo
rat, California jewel flower, Lost Hills salt brush, Kern mallow and
San Joaquin wooly threads. Most of the habitat within this unit is part
of the Carrizo Plain National Monument, which is administered by the
BLM, TNC, and the CDFG. The BLM lands within the unit total
approximately 6,220 ha (15,549 ac) and the CDFG lands total
approximately 93 ha (233 ac). Other vernal pool habitats in the unit
are located on private land.
This unit includes vernal pool habitat in the interior basin of the
Carrizo Plain. It encompasses California Valley and Soda Lake. State
Highway 58 is located north of the unit. Most of the habitat is east of
Soda Lake Road, however, Soda Lake Road crosses through the western
edge of the unit in several areas. To the east, the unit is bordered by
the San Andreas Rift Zone. This unit coincides with longhorn fairy
shrimp Unit 3.
Unit 31, Lake Cachuma Area, Santa Barbara County (8,399 ha (20,754 ac))
The Lake Cachuma critical habitat unit is located within a 16 km
(10 mi) radius of the northwestern portion of Lake Cachuma in central
Santa Barbara County. The unit boundary has been delineated to include
hydrologic units that contain vernal pool fairy shrimp and vernal pool
habitats. Vernal pool complexes within the unit vary in size from 16 to
81 ha (40 to 199 ac). Surveys for fairy shrimp species have rarely been
conducted within the unit. A portion of the unit overlaps the Santa
Barbara vernal pool region that has been delineated by the CDFG
(Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998). The Lake Cachuma unit is essential for the
conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp because it contains seasonally
flooded aquatic environments that contain markedly disjunct species
occurrences. Landownership within this unit includes U.S. Forest
Service (USFS) (2,199 ha (5,434 ac)) and BLM (37 ha (92 ac)). Other
land within this unit is privately owned.
Unit 32, Ventura County Unit, Ventura County (18,831 ha (46,531 ac))
The Ventura County unit is located in the north-central portion of
Ventura County. All the lands within this unit are owned by the USFS.
Vernal pool
[[Page 59930]]
fairy shrimp and Conservancy fairy shrimp are known to co-occur at
relatively high elevation ([tilde]1700 m (5500 ft)) forested sites
within the Los Padres National Forest. Almost all of the known
localities that possess these two species within the state of
California exist at much lower elevations in grassland habitats. The
critical habitat perimeter consists of an area that is known to contain
vernal pool and Conservancy fairy shrimp occurrences and isolated pools
that provide habitat for the two species. Fairy shrimp surveys have
rarely been conducted in the proposed critical habitat unit. The
Ventura County unit is essential for the conservation of vernal pool
fairy shrimp because it contains ephemeral aquatic environments that
are rarely associated with fairy shrimp, and the occupied sites
represent markedly disjunct occurrences for the species.
Unit 33A, B, and C San Jacinto-Hemet Unit, Riverside County (2,319 ha
(5,730 ac)).
This unit lies in the southern portion of the San Jacinto Valley
and contains two primary subunits (San Jacinto and Hemet), the latter
of which is itself divided into two smaller subunits (33B and 33C).
Unit 33 consists of the remnant alkali playa associated with the San
Jacinto River (subunit A) and the upper Salt Creek drainage (subunits B
and C). Large portions of the alkali willow soils associated with these
watercourses have been historically altered by drainage projects and
agriculture resulting in the degradation or destruction of vernal pool
habitat. The unit consists of areas where vernal pool fairy shrimp
remain extant and/or where essential hydrology and alkali soils are
intact supporting vernal pool and alkali playa habitat. All the lands
within this unit are privately owned.
The San Jacinto primary subunit (subunit 33A) consists of lands
along the San Jacinto River floodplain from the Ramona Expressway
westward past Interstate 215 to the upper reaches of the northern
portion of Railroad Canyon Reservoir. The lands delimited by this
subunit represent the largest remaining contiguous alkali playa/vernal
pool habitat within the historic range of vernal pool fairy shrimp in
southern California. The subunit contains multiple extant vernal pools
and complexes scattered along the river floodplain with intact water
circulation processes and alkaline soil substrates preferred by vernal
pool fairy shrimp.
A presence/absence survey for federally listed fairy shrimp was
conducted in a portion of the pools in this subunit in the spring of
2000. No listed fairy shrimp were detected. However, not all vernal
pool basins filled in the spring of 2000, and of those that did, not
all retained water throughout the sample period. Additionally, no
survey for fairy shrimp cysts (dry season survey) has been conducted.
Therefore, the survey effort is inconclusive for the presence of listed
fairy shrimp species. However, the common versatile fairy shrimp
(Branchinecta lindahli) was detected in these pools (Bomkamp 2000).
Further, the threatened spreading navarretia (Navarretia fossalis), the
threatened thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia), and the
endangered San Jacinto Valley crownscale (Atriplex coronatum var.
notatior) have also been documented within this subunit. These species
are all associated with vernal pool and alkali playa habitats.
Even though the presence of vernal pool fairy shrimp in the San
Jacinto River floodplain has not been established, the vernal pool
alkali playa habitat of subunit 33A is considered to be essential for
the conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp in southern California. As
previously indicated, these pools contain the largest remaining
contiguous alkali playa/vernal pool habitat within the historic range
of vernal pool fairy shrimp in southern California, as well as
appropriate water circulation patterns, alkali soils, and relatively
close proximity to the occupied Hemet primary subunit.
The Hemet primary subunit (subunits 33B and 33C) include the west
Hemet vernal pool complex along Florida Avenue (subunit 33B), as well
as a small area east of Warren Road and north of Tres Cerritos (subunit
33C). Vernal pool fairy shrimp have been documented in the southwestern
portion of the vernal pool complex. The remainder of this proposed
subunit contains lands within the watershed of the occupied pool
complex and other vernal pools in the basin. Lands within the watershed
have been included to maintain the integrity of the surface flow and
water quality to the pool complexes and playa overall.
In addition to vernal pool fairy shrimp, several federally listed
plants including the threatened spreading navarretia, the threatened
thread-leaved brodiaea, the endangered California Orcutt grass
(Orcuttia californica), and the endangered San Jacinto Valley
crownscale have also been documented within this subunit. These species
are all associated with vernal pool and alkali playa habitats.
Unit 33 includes areas where vernal pool fairy shrimp are extant
and recovery value for this species is high because of appropriate
hydrology, soils and alkali vernal pool habitat. The alkali soils and
their associated hydrology in the unit are essential to the
conservation of vernal pool fairy shrimp in southern California
(Service 1998).
Unit 34, Santa Rosa Plateau Unit, Riverside County (1,718 ha (4,246
ac))
The Santa Rosa Plateau critical habitat unit is on a large mesa
made of basaltic and granitic substrates within the Santa Rosa Plateau
Ecological Reserve. The unit contains one of the largest remaining
vernal pool complexes in southern Riverside County and includes a
series of large and small pools in which several sensitive or federally
listed fairy shrimp have been documented. These include the vernal pool
fairy shrimp (Angelos 1998), the endangered Riverside fairy shrimp
(Streptocephalus woottoni) (Service 2001), and the Santa Rosa fairy
shrimp (Linderiella santarosae) (Angelos 1998). Additionally, the
federally endangered California Orcutt grass is documented from the
pool complex (Service 1998). This unit was designated as critical
habitat for the Riverside fairy shrimp on May 30, 2001 (66 FR 29384).
This vernal pool complex represents the southwestern limit of occupied
vernal pool fairy shrimp habitat. It is also a unique habitat for
vernal pool fairy shrimp, therefore, the fairy shrimp in these pools
may have genetic characteristics important to the overall long-term
conservation of the species (i.e., they may be genetically different
from more centrally located populations) (Lesica and Allendorf 1995).
Conservation of this vernal pool basin and its associated watershed is
essential to the conservation of the vernal pool fairy shrimp, and the
Riverside fairy shrimp in southern California, as indicated in the
Vernal Pools of Southern California Recovery Plan (Service 1998).
Property ownership and protection within this unit includes CDFG (761
ha (1,880 ac)), TNC (77 ha (1,902 ac)), and TNC conservation easements
(150 ha (375 ac)).
Unit 35, Skunk Hollow Unit, Riverside County (97 ha (239 ac))
The Skunk Hollow vernal pool complex consist of a single, large
(approximately 14 ha (35 ac)) vernal pool and its essential associated
watershed in western Riverside County. All the lands within this unit
are privately owned. Several federally listed species have been
documented from the Skunk Hollow vernal pool basin. These include the
threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp (Simovich in Litt 2001), the
endangered Riverside fairy shrimp
[[Page 59931]]
(Service 2001), the threatened spreading navarretia, and the endangered
California Orcutt grass (Service 1998). The vernal pool complex and
watershed is currently protected as part of a reserve established
within an approved mitigation bank in the Rancho Bella Vista Habitat
Conservation Plan (HCP) area and as part of the conservation measures
contained in the Assessment District 161 Subregional HCP. While neither
HCP include the vernal pool fairy shrimp as a covered species, both
HCPs provide protection for the vernal pool complex and its associated
watershed in perpetuity. Further, the HCPs address the endangered
Riverside fairy shrimp as a covered species. Because we believed that
the management and protections afforded the vernal pool complex and the
Riverside fairy shrimp were adequate for the long-term conservation of
this complex and this species, and it is in the long-term survival
interest of the species to preserve the partnerships that we had
developed with the local jurisdiction and project proponents in the
development of the HCPs, we excluded the Skunk Hollow vernal pool
complex from critical habitat for the Riverside fairy shrimp. We do not
believe that this exclusion from critical habitat would result in the
extinction of this Riverside fairy shrimp.
Even though the two HCPs do not have the vernal pool fairy shrimp
listed as a covered species, we believe that the protections and
management afforded the Skunk Hollow vernal pool complex and the other
listed vernal pool species through the terms and conditions of those
HCPs are adequate to ensure the long-term conservation of the vernal
pool fairy shrimp as well. Therefore similar to the Riverside fairy
shrimp, we believe that the benefits of the exclusion of the Skunk
Hollow vernal pool complex from critical habitat for the vernal pool
fairy shrimp outweighs the benefit of its inclusion. Additionally, we
do not believe that this exclusion would result in the extinction of
the vernal pool fairy shrimp.
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp Criteria
In proposing critical habitat units for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
we evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species,
the primary constituent elements, and the threats to the species. This
information allowed us to determine which areas are likely to
contribute to the conservation of vernal pool tadpole shrimp and to
delineate units so that threats to this species might be minimized.
CNDDB (2001) estimates that 32 percent of the remaining occurrences
of this species are threatened by development and agricultural
conversion. Other vernal pool tadpole shrimp occurrences are threatened
by off road vehicle use, road construction and maintenance, mining, and
landfill construction (CNDDB 2001). Several occurrences are threatened
by intentional discing and draining of their habitats (CNDDB 2001).
Vernal pool tadpole shrimp occurrences have been extirpated as a result
of urban development, primarily in Sacramento and Tehama counties.
Numerous occurrences of vernal pool tadpole shrimp are threatened
by altered hydrology. In some cases vernal pool tadpole shrimp habitat
has been altered so that it contains water year round, allowing
predators such as bullfrogs and fish to colonize the areas (CNDDB
2001). In other cases artificial run off has resulted in the delivery
of materials that destroy vernal pool water quality, including
pesticides from vineyards and other irrigated agricultural lands,
pesticides from golf courses, and sediment from surrounding
developments (CNDDB 2001). Several vernal pool tadpole shrimp
occurrences are threatened by wetland management activities that are
designed to transform their vernal pool habitats into permanent marshes
for the benefit of other species (CNDDB 2001). Several other
occurrences are threatened by the construction of drainage ditches,
which artificially drain vernal pool tadpole shrimp habitats (CNDDB
2001).
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp Unit Review
We conducted a regional review across the current range of vernal
pool tadpole shrimp to evaluate and select areas that are essential to
the conservation of the species and that may require special management
actions. Important factors we considered were the presence of vernal
pool tadpole shrimp and the presence of the primary constituent
elements essential to the conservation of the species. We identified
areas that support vernal pool tadpole shrimp occurrences identified by
CNDDB (2002) within large vernal pool complexes mapped by Holland
(1998) and other local sources throughout the range of the species. We
have identified the areas necessary to maintain vernal pool tadpole
shrimp range and distribution and to include some of the different
kinds of habitats in which the species is known to occur. A specific
description of each area is outlined below.
Unit 1, Stillwater Plains Unit, Shasta County (1,849 ha (4,569 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp because it contains the species (CNDDB 2002) within vernal pools
mapped by Holland (1998) which are found on old alluvial terraces above
the Sacramento River, often on Redding and Corning soil complexes
(Shasta County 2001). Generally these pools range in size, from small
(10 m\2\) (30 sq ft.) to several ha (ac) in size at the Stillwater
Plains area. These vernal pools provide feeding and sheltering habitat
for the species and remain inundated for sufficient lengths of time to
allow vernal pool fairy shrimp to hatch, mature, and reproduce.
This unit represents critical habitat for vernal pool fairy shrimp
because it contains all of the primary constituent elements for the
species, and supports systems of hydrologically interconnected pools
and swales within a matrix of surrounding uplands that together form
hydrologically and ecologically functional units called vernal pool
complexes. These features contribute to the filling and drying of the
vernal pool, and maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water
quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool crustaceans to complete
their life cycles.
The vernal pool tadpole shrimp within this unit were found to be
genetically different from other populations, particularly those in the
foothills of the Sierra Nevada (King 1996). This unit also comprises
the northern extent of the species range in California, and such
isolated populations may be essential to the overall long-term
conservation of the species (Fugate 1992, 1998, Lesica and Allendorf
1995). The boundaries of the unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where vernal pool fairy shrimp occur, and which maintain suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal
pool tadpole shrimp hatching, growth, reproduction, and dispersal.
This unit includes the Stillwater Plains Conservation Bank. The
Stillwater Plains Conservation Bank was established specifically for
the conservation of vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and has been used as
mitigation for the destruction of other vernal pool tadpole shrimp
habitats throughout the northeastern Sacramento Valley area. Most of
the land included within this unit is privately owned, but 52 ha (130
[[Page 59932]]
ac) of that is protected by WRP easements or agreements. The BLM owns
17 ha (42 ac). Urban expansion from the Redding Area, and conversion
from grazing to other agricultural practices continue to threaten
vernal pool tadpole shrimp occurrences throughout this unit.
This unit is located in the area east of the Redding Municipal
Airport between Airport Road to the west and Deschutes Road to the
east. The unit extends to Dersch Road in the south and towards Lassen
Park Highway in the north. This unit comprises a portion of the
Stillwater Plains. This unit overlaps slender Orcutt grass Unit 2B and
vernal pool fairy shrimp unit 5. Other sensitive species occurring
within this unit include Red Bluff dwarf rush (Juncus leiospermus var.
leiospermus), California linderiella (Linderiella occidentalis),
Henderson's bent grass (Agrostis hendersonii), and four angled spike
rush (Eleocharis quadrangulata).
Unit 2, Dales Unit, Shasta and Tehama Counties (20,446 ha (50,522 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp because it contains the species and vernal pools, swales, and
other ephemeral wetlands and depressions of appropriate sizes and
depths necessary for vernal pool tadpole to complete their life cycle
(Holland 1998, CNDDB 2001). This unit is one of the few areas where
vernal pool tadpole shrimp are known to occur in Northern Mudflow
vernal pools. Northern Mudflow vernal pools are generally small and
tend to be inundated for relatively short periods of time (Keeler-Wolf
et al. 1998).
The boundaries of the unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where vernal pool fairy shrimp occur, and which maintain suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal
pool tadpole shrimp hatching, growth, reproduction, and dispersal.
This unit contains some of the largest remaining vernal pool
complexes supporting vernal pool tadpole shrimp in the northern portion
of the species range, including the Dales Plains. These areas provide
relatively undisturbed, hydrologically intact vernal pool habitats that
will likely continue to support natural vernal pool ecosystem processes
and maintain suitable habitat conditions for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp. This unit also provides habitat for migratory waterfowl that
aid in the dispersal of vernal pool tadpole shrimp and other vernal
pool crustacean cysts.
Land ownership within this unit includes BLM (6,226 (15,383 ac)),
CDFG (392 ha (981 ac)), State Land Commission (40 ha (100 ac)). The
CDFG administers approximately 17 ha (42 ac) and the TNC has
conservation easements on 6,230 (15,575 ac) within this unit. The
remaining lands included within this unit are privately owned. The CDFG
has protected some vernal pool areas at Dales Lake Ecological Reserve.
The importance of these vernal pool habitats has been recognized by a
number of state, local, and Federal agencies, and they have been the
focus of several conservation planning efforts. Portions of the CDFG
Battle Creek Wildlife Area are found within this unit but the amount of
vernal pool habitat currently protected within the unit is very small.
Vernal pool habitats within this unit are fragmented and threatened by
urban expansion, subdivision of ranches and land grants, and conversion
from grazing to other agricultural practices.
This unit is located from Battle Creek on the Shasta/Tehama County
line south of Balls Ferry to Paynes Creek near Dales. The vernal pool
habitats west of Inskip Hill are included in this unit, as well as the
area west of the Sacramento River known as Table Mountain and Table
Mountain Lake. This unit coincides with Unit 3 for slender Orcutt
grass. Other vernal pool species occurring within this unit include
Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, Red Bluff dwarf rush, legenere, California
linderiella, Ahart's paronychia, Henderson's bent grass, and Sanford's
arrowhead.
Unit 3, Vina Plains Unit, Tehama and Butte Counties (23,883 ha (59,015
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat because it contains
occurrences of vernal pool tadpole shrimp (CNDDB 2001) living within
large vernal pool grassland areas that support aggregations or systems
of hydrologically interconnected pools, swales, and other ephemeral
wetlands and within a matrix of surrounding uplands that together form
hydrologically and ecologically functional units (EPA 1994, Holland
1998, Tehama County 1999). These features contribute to the filling and
drying of the vernal pool, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp hatching, growth and reproduction, and dispersal. This unit is
one of the few areas where vernal pool tadpole shrimp are known to
occur in Northern Basalt Flow vernal pools. Northern Basalt Flow vernal
pools are limited to ancient terraces and hilltops that comprise some
of the oldest geologic formations in California. This unit also
provides habitat for migratory waterfowl that aid in the dispersal of
vernal pool tadpole shrimp and other vernal pool crustacean cysts.
This unit contains the vernal pool grassland area known as Vina
Plains, which is managed by TNC. The Vina Plains area has been the
focus of a number of research projects, including long-term adaptive
management and monitoring efforts evaluating the effects of grazing and
fire on vernal pool plants, animals, and ecosystems (Griggs 2000). Much
of the basic life history information known about vernal pool
crustaceans was collected at Vina Plains (e.g., Lanway 1974, Ahl 1991,
Syrdahl 1993, Gallagher 1996).
The majority of the lands included within this unit are privately
owned. This unit contains TNC's Vina Plains preserve as well as other
TNC lands 2,264 ha (5,660 ac) and conservation easements 4,348 ha
(10,870 ac). The unit also includes 57 ha (142 ac) of private lands
protected by WRP easements or agreements. This unit is located in the
northeastern portion of the Sacramento Valley from Deer Creek in Tehama
County to Big Chico Creek north of Chico in Butte County. This unit is
one of only two vernal pool tadpole shrimp units within the
Northeastern Sacramento Valley vernal pool region identified by CDFG
(Keeler Wolf et al. 1998). The unit extends south and east of the
Sacramento River paralleling the low elevation foothill region of the
Sierra Nevada. This unit coincides with Unit 7 for vernal pool fairy
shrimp, and incorporates Unit 1 for Conservancy fairy shrimp, Units 4
for slender Orcutt grass, Unit 2 for Greene's tuctoria, Unit 1 for
hairy Orcutt grass, Unit 1 for Hoover's spurge, and Units 1 and 2 for
Butte County meadowfoam. Other vernal pool species occurring within
this unit include Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, Red Bluff dwarf rush,
Douglas' pogogyne, western spadefoot toad, legenere, California
linderiella, California tiger salamander, Ahart's paronychia,
Henderson's bent grass, Sanford's arrowhead , and dwarf downingia.
Unit 4, Oroville Unit, Butte and Yuba Counties (15,975 ha (39,474 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp because it contains occurrences of the species and vernal pools,
swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions of appropriate
sizes and depths necessary for vernal pool tadpole shrimp to complete
their life cycle (Holland 1998, CNDDB 2001, Silveira
[[Page 59933]]
2000). This unit contains some of the few areas where vernal pool
tadpole shrimp are found in Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools,
including vernal pools found on the Tuscan and Lovejoy Basalt geologic
formations. Vernal pool tadpole shrimp also occur within Northern
Hardpan vernal pools in this unit, including pools formed on the
Riverbank and Modesto geologic formations. King (1996) found that
vernal pool tadpole shrimp at this site were genetically distinct from
vernal pool tadpole shrimp at other locations.
The majority of the lands included within this unit are privately
owned. Ownership and protected lands within the unit includes BLM (48
ha (119 ac)), USFS (78 ha (194 ac)), WRP easements (14 ha (35 ac)), and
CDFG administered lands (69 ha (173 ac)). The CDFG has some vernal pool
areas protected at the Oroville Wildlife Area, and some vernal pool
habitats are protected within the City of Chico. However, the amount of
vernal pool habitat currently protected within the unit is very small.
Vernal pools in this unit are highly threatened due to their location
on the lower elevation slopes adjacent to agricultural and urban
development. Urban expansion, particularly in the vicinity of Chico, is
the greatest threat to existing vernal pool habitats throughout this
unit.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where vernal pool tadpole shrimp occur, and maintain suitable periods
of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool
tadpole shrimp to hatch, feed, and reproduce.
This unit occupies the northeastern portion of the Sacramento
Valley from near Chico south to the Yuba River in Yuba County. This
area represents one of only two vernal pool tadpole shrimp units within
the Northeastern Sacramento Valley vernal pool region identified by
CDFG (Keeler Wolf et al. 1998). The unit extends southeast of the
Sacramento River paralleling the low elevation foothill region of the
Sierra Nevada. This unit incorporates portions of Unit 2 for Butte
County meadow foam and fully incorporates Unit 9 for vernal pool fairy
shrimp, Units 3 for Greene's tuctoria, Unit 2 for hairy Orcutt grass,
Unit 2 for Hoover's spurge, and Unit 4 for Butte County meadowfoam.
Other vernal pool species occurring within this unit include Bogg's
Lake hedge-hyssop, Red Bluff dwarf rush, Douglas' pogogyne, western
spadefoot toad, legenere, California linderiella, California tiger
salamander, Ahart's paronychia, Henderson's bent grass, Sanford's
arrowhead, and dwarf downingia.
Unit 5, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Unit, Glenn and Colusa
Counties (5,718 ha (14,129 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
because it contains the primary constituent elements necessary for the
conservation of the species, and supports occurrences of the species
(Holland 1998, Silveira 2000, CNDDB 2001). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp
within this unit live within Northern Claypan and Northern Hardpan
vernal pools, as defined by Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995). The edaphic
features that support the formation of these vernal pools include the
Modesto geologic formation and Willows and Riz soils series. These
vernal pools occur on alkaline soils and typically form alkali playas
which are larger and contain a more diverse species composition than
the hardpan pools further south (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998). They may
resemble small alkali playas, and display white salt deposits following
pool drying.
This unit is primarily located on the Sacramento National Wildlife
Refuge (5,126 ha (12,816 ac)); however, additional private lands were
included within this unit. The refuge supports over 355 native plant
taxa, including a number of rare alkaline species. The Sacramento
National Wildlife Refuge contains the only remnants of the widespread
Colusa Plains vegetation that once covered the entire Colusa Basin
(Silveira 2000). Vernal pool habitats on the refuge are specifically
managed for the conservation of listed species, and to promote habitat
for migratory birds and waterfowl. These avian species likely aid in
the dispersal of vernal pool tadpole shrimp and other vernal pool
crustacean cysts. Vernal pool habitats within the area have become
greatly fragmented and isolated from other habitats in the region due
to agricultural and urban land conversion.
This unit occurs east of Interstate 5 to the Colusa Trough from Riz
Road on the north and Delevan Road on the south. This unit coincides
with Unit 1 for Colusa grass, Unit 6 for Greene's tuctoria, Unit 3 for
hairy Orcutt grass, Unit 3 for Hoover's spurge, and Unit 2 for
Conservancy fairy shrimp. Other important vernal pool and associated
upland species found in the unit include pappose spikeweed, Fremont's
goldfields, alkali goldfields, Scribe's popcorn flower, Hoover's
downingia, folded downingia, Heckard's peppergrass, heartscale,
brittlescale, San Joaquin spearscale, Ferris' milk-vetch, spike-
primrose, sessile mousetail, and palmate-bracted bird's beak.
Unit 6, Dolan Unit, Glenn and Colusa Counties (526 ha (1,299 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
because it contains the primary constituent elements necessary for the
conservation of the species and supports occurrences of the species
(Holland 1998, Silveira 2000, CNDDB 2001). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp
within this unit live within Northern Claypan vernal pools, as defined
by Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995). These vernal pools occur on alkaline
soils and typically form alkali playas which are larger and contain a
more diverse species composition than the hardpan pools further south
(Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998). They may display white salt deposits
following pool drying.
This unit is primarily located on the Dolan Ranch Conservation
bank. This area supports a number of rare alkaline species, and
contains remnants of the widespread Colusa Plains vegetation that once
covered the entire Colusa Basin (Silveira 2000). Vernal pool habitats
on Dolan Ranch are specifically managed for the conservation of listed
species. Vernal pool habitats within the area have become greatly
fragmented and isolated from other habitats in the region due to urban
and agricultural land conversions. This unit occurs east of Interstate
5 and the Sacramento River, south of the City of Colusa, and west of
the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. All the lands within this unit are
privately owned.
Unit 7, Beale Unit, Yuba and Placer Counties (2,853 ha (7,049 ac))
The Beale Unit is proposed as essential because it contains vernal
pool tadpole shrimp occurrences within large vernal pool complexes that
maintain the primary constituent elements essential for the
conservation of the species (Holland 1998, CNDDB 2001, Jones and Stokes
2002). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp within the Beale Unit live within
large, relatively undisturbed vernal pool grassland habitats and a
diversity of vernal pool habitat types. Beale Air Force Base contains
8,000 ha (19,800 ac) of vernal pool grasslands occurring on four major
geologic formations: the Modesto Formation; the Riverbank Formation;
the Laguna Formation; and the Mehrten Formation. Different geologic
formations provide a diversity of habitats for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp primarily through their effects on pool size and depth
(Platenkamp 1998, Helm 1998). King
[[Page 59934]]
(1996) found that vernal pool tadpole shrimp within this unit were
genetically different than occurrences in other portions of the species
range, particularly those on the floor of the Central Valley. This unit
is also designated to ensure that special management actions are taken
to protect vernal pool habitats within the unit, including vernal pools
created and restored throughout the unit which require long-term
monitoring and management to ensure they continue to function as viable
vernal pools. This unit is also important to maintain an opportunity
for long distance dispersal of vernal pool tadpole shrimp cysts the
nearest unit to the north is over 45 km (28 mi), and the nearest unit
to the south is over 65 km (40 mi) away.
This unit contains DOD land (2,006 ha (5,016 ac) at Beale Air Force
Base and 5 ha (13 ac) of BLM land. Other lands within this unit are
located on private property. Remaining vernal pool habitats in this
unit are threatened by agricultural conversion and by urban expansion.
Vernal pool habitats in this area are also threatened by the expansion
of Highway 70 and other transportation projects planned in the region.
The Beale Unit is located in southwestern Yuba County, south of the
Yuba River and Yuba Goldfields, east of State Route 70, and north of
the Bear River. The northwestern boundary of the unit borders the City
of Marysville. Other rare vernal pool species found in this unit
include vernal pool fairy shrimp, California linderiella, legenere, and
dwarf downingia.
Unit 8, Mather Unit, Sacramento County (14,866 ha (36,733 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp because it contains 15 percent of all known occurrences of the
species (CNDDB 2001) and vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral
wetlands and depressions mapped by Sacramento County (1999) and Holland
(1998) of appropriate sizes and depths for vernal pool tadpole to
complete their life cycle. These areas have been identified by the
Sacramento Valley Open Space Conservancy, the CNPS, and TNC as
excellent examples of vernal pool grasslands, supporting a rich and
diverse community of vernal pool endemic plants and animals including
vernal pool tadpole shrimp.
This unit supports vernal pool tadpole shrimp occurrences within a
diversity of vernal pool habitats, including young or low terrace
vernal pools on the Riverbank Formation, old or high terrace vernal
pools on the Laguna and Arroyo Seco geologic formations, and Northern
Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools on the Mehrten and Valley Springs
geologic formations. This unit is one of the few remaining areas where
vernal pool tadpole shrimp occur on low terrace landforms on the
eastern side of the Central Valley, and is important to maintain a
diversity of habitats for the species. The boundaries of this unit were
delineated to include the interconnected pools, swales, and associated
uplands mapped by Holland (1998) that contribute to the filling and
drying of the vernal pools where vernal pool tadpole shrimp occur, and
maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil
moisture for vernal pool tadpole shrimp to hatch, mature, and produce
cysts.
This unit includes several conservation areas established by
private entities, including the Sunrise Douglas Conservation Bank, the
Arroyo Seco Conservation Bank, the Churchill Downs mitigation area, and
Teichert mitigation areas. These areas were established specifically to
contribute to the conservation of vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and
represent compensation measures for the loss of thousands of acres of
vernal pool tadpole shrimp habitat within Sacramento County. The
continued functioning of these areas is essential to the conservation
of vernal pool tadpole shrimp and other vernal pool species. This unit
contains areas on private, county, and Federal land, including lands
leased or owned by Sacramento County at Mather Regional Park, the
former Mather Air Force Base, and at the county landfill. Approximately
6 ha (16 ac) within this unit are BLM lands. Vernal pool habitats in
this unit are threatened by urbanization from the expanding cities of
Sacramento and Elk Grove. Conversion to intensive agriculture,
particularly vineyards, is also a significant threat to vernal pool
tadpole shrimp in this unit.
This unit includes areas to the east and south of the cities of
Sacramento and Elk Grove in Sacramento County. The Cosumnes River forms
part of the southwestern boundary of the unit and State Highway 16 lies
just south of the southeastern boundary of the unit. The northern
boundary is south of State Highway 50 and the American River. The
eastern boundary of this unit lies just west of Latrobe Road. The unit
is bisected by the Folsom South Canal. This unit also represents Unit
13 for vernal pool fairy shrimp, and contains Unit 6 for slender Orcutt
grass and Unit 2 for the Sacramento Orcutt grass. In addition to vernal
pool tadpole shrimp, this unit contains occurrences of many other rare
endemic vernal pool species including midvalley fairy shrimp, legenere,
Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, Ahart's dwarf rush, western spadefoot toad,
and California linderiella.
Unit 9, Cosumnes Unit, Sacramento, Amador, and San Joaquin Counties
(29,063 ha (71,813 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp because it contains the primary constituent elements necessary
for the species survival, including over 30 percent of the remaining
vernal pool habitats in the southern Sacramento Valley area (Holland
1998, Sacramento County 1999). These habitats provide the necessary
timing, length, and frequency of inundation necessary for the survival
of vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and this unit supports numerous
occurrences of the species (CNDDB 2001). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp
within this unit occur on a diversity of pool types, including Northern
Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools on the Mehrten and Valley Springs
geologic formation overlain by Pardee and Pentz soils, vernal pools
occurring on low terrace landforms associated with San Joaquin soils,
and high terrace landforms associated with Redding and Corning soils
(USDA 2001). King (1996) found that vernal pool tadpole shrimp within
this unit were genetically most similar to occurrences in Stanislaus
County and nearby in Sacramento County. However, vernal pool tadpole
shrimp within this unit were generally different from occurrences at
other sites sampled throughout the species range, and were very
different from vernal pool tadpole shrimp sampled at sites found
further to the west on the floor of the Central Valley, for example at
Jepson Prairie or Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge (King 1996).
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where vernal pool tadpole shrimp occur, and maintain suitable periods
of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool
tadpole shrimp to complete their life cycles.
This unit contains state and federally owned land, as well as
private properties. Portions of the Cosumnes River Preserve occur
within this unit. The Cosumnes River Preserve is jointly owned and
managed by a variety of state, local, and Federal agencies including
the BLM , CDFG, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., California Department
[[Page 59935]]
of Water Resources, Sacramento Co. Dept. of Regional Parks, Open Space,
and Recreation, TNC, and the Wildlife Conservation Board. The Cosumnes
River Preserve encompasses and protects thousands of acres of wetlands
and adjacent uplands, oak woodlands, and riparian forests along the
Cosumnes River, the only undammed river on the west slope of the
Sierra. The Cosumnes floodplain is a haven for tens of thousands of
migratory waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors, for a large portion of the
Central Valley's population of greater sandhill cranes, and for rare
reptiles and mammals like the endangered giant garter snake and the
river otter. These areas provide habitat for migratory waterfowl and
other avian species that aid in the dispersal of vernal pool tadpole
shrimp and other vernal pool crustacean cysts.
Several large, diverse, vernal pool landscapes are protected within
this unit including the Howard Ranch, and Valensin Ranch. The Clay
Station Mitigation Bank, Laguna Creek Mitigation Bank, and the Borden
Ranch Mitigation site are included in this unit, as well as a number of
smaller conservation areas including the Rancho Seco Preserve. The
conservation areas contained within this unit have been established
specifically to contribute to the survival of vernal pool tadpole
shrimp, and to compensate for the loss of thousands of acres of vernal
pool grassland habitats throughout the Southeastern Sacramento Valley
vernal pool region. This area has been identified by the Sacramento
Valley Open Space Conservancy, the CNPS, and TNC as an excellent
example of vernal pool grasslands, supporting a rich and diverse
community of vernal pool endemic plants and animals within Sacramento
County. Land ownership and protection within the unit includes CDFG
(630 ha (1,557 ac)), TNC (3,988 ha (9.970 ac)) lands and WRP easements
(4 ha (11 ac)). Vernal pool habitats in this unit are threatened by
urbanization from the expanding cities of Sacramento and Elk Grove.
Conversion from grazing to other agricultural practices, particularly
vineyards, is also a significant threat to vernal pool tadpole shrimp
in this unit.
This unit occupies the area south of Deer Creek and the Cosumnes
River to just south of the Sacramento and San Joaquin County line near
Liberty and Collier roads. The eastern boundary is the low elevation
foothills of western Amador County. The western limit is the Sacramento
River. This unit also coincides with Unit 19 for vernal pool fairy
shrimp, and incorporates Unit 1 for succulent owl's-clover, and Unit 3
for Sacramento Orcutt grass. Other sensitive species found within this
unit include Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, Ahart's dwarf rush, Henderson's
bent grass, legenere, Sanford's arrowhead, pincushion navarretia, dwarf
downingia, California tiger salamander, western spadefoot toad, and
California linderiella.
Unit 10, Davis Communications Annex Unit, Yolo County (192 ha (474 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical based on the presence of vernal
pool tadpole shrimp (CNDDB 2001) and vernal pools, swales, and other
ephemeral wetlands and depressions of appropriate sizes and depths that
typically become inundated during winter rains and hold water for
sufficient lengths of time necessary for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
incubation, reproduction, dispersal, feeding, and sheltering, but which
are dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill with water every
year (Yolo County 1995, Holland 1998, Yolo County Parks 2001). Vernal
pool tadpole shrimp within this unit are found on claypan type vernal
pools. These pools are generally larger and stay inundated for
relatively longer periods than vernal pools on alluvial terraces or
volcanic mudflows and lava flows. This unit contains DOD (128 ha (321
ac)) and county owned land. Vernal pool habitats in this unit are
currently the focus of conservation planning efforts by Yolo County
(Yolo County Parks 2001).
This unit coincides with Unit 2 for Colusa grass and Unit 1 for
Solano grass. Other rare and special status species that occur in this
unit are Baker's navarretia, western spadefoot toad, California tiger
salamander, brittlescale, San Joaquin saltbrush, alkali milk-vetch,
palmate-bracted bird's beak, and the Heckard's pepper grass.
Unit 11, Jepson Prairie Unit, Solano County (34,610 ha (85,521 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
because it includes one of the largest contiguous areas of habitat
remaining for the species (Holland 1998, Solano County 2000, Solano
County Farmlands and Open Space 2000, CNDDB 2001). Vernal pool tadpole
shrimp at Jepson Prairie occur in large, playa-like vernal pools which
may be over several acres in size, including the 32 ha (80 ac) Olcott
Lake. The species can also be found in smaller pools and hogwallow
depressions that also occur within this unit. The Jepson Prairie area
supports vernal pool tadpole shrimp within unusual combinations of low
terrace and basin rim landform vernal pools on a diversity of soil
types, maintaining a diversity of habitats for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp.
The relatively undisturbed, hydrologically intact condition of the
Jepson Prairie increases the likelihood that it will continue to
support natural vernal pool ecosystem processes and maintain suitable
habitat conditions for vernal pool tadpole shrimp. This unit also
provides habitat for migratory waterfowl that aid in the dispersal of
vernal pool tadpole shrimp and other vernal pool crustacean cysts. King
(1996) found that vernal pool tadpole shrimp within this unit were
genetically distinct from sampled occurrences in other portions of the
species' range, including those just a few miles to the east in
Sacramento County.
Jepson Prairie has long been recognized as an outstanding example
of vernal pool ecosystems. In 1987, the NPS named Jepson Prairie a
National Natural Landmark, a designation given to sites that provide
high quality habitat for threatened or endangered species. Jepson
Prairie is the target of ongoing conservation planning efforts and
active management. As part of the UC Reserve System, this area also
provides critical research opportunities for scientists to study vernal
pool species, including vernal pool tadpole shrimp.
The unit contains lands totaling 2,248 ha (901 ac) owned and
approximately 64 ha (160 ac) administered by CDFG. Additional lands are
owned by DOD (760 ha (1,879 ac)), California State Parks (15 ha (38
ac)), and the State Land Commission (109 ha (273 ac)). TNC has a
conservation easement on 623 ha (1,558 ac) within this unit, and NRCS
holds WRP conservation easements or agreements for 436 ha (1,090 ac).
The Jepson Prairie Preserve is jointly managed by the Solano Land Trust
and the UC Reserve System. Vernal pool tadpole shrimp on private land
within this unit are threatened by agricultural conversion, range
improvement programs, landfill expansion, power plant construction, and
utility maintenance.
This unit is located in the southern portion of Solano County,
southeast of Interstate 80 and the cities of Fairfield and Vacaville,
north of Grizzly Bay and Montezuma Slough, west of the Sacramento River
and the Solano and Sacramento county line, and south of Midway Road and
the City of Dixon. The unit is bisected by Highway 13 and Highway 12.
This unit is also described as Unit 16 for vernal pool fairy shrimp.
This unit contains Unit 3 for Colusa grass, Unit 2 for Solano grass,
Unit 3 for Conservancy fairy shrimp, and Unit 4 and portions of Unit 5
for Contra Costa goldfields. Other rare vernal pool
[[Page 59936]]
species which occur in this unit include alkali milk-vetch, Ferris's
milk-vetch, vernal pool small scale, dwarf downingia, Delta green
ground beetle, Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, Ricksecker's water scavenger
beetle, California linderiella, midvalley fairy shrimp, legenere, and
California tiger salamander.
Unit 12, Suisun Marsh Area Unit, Solano County (603 ha (1,490 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
because it contains vernal pools that support the necessary timing,
frequency, and duration of inundation essential for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp life history requirements including feeding, sheltering,
reproducing, and dispersing (Levine Fricke 2000, CNDDB 2001). This unit
is one of only two areas where vernal pool tadpole shrimp occur in the
saline-alkaline transition zone between vernal pools and tidal marshes,
and helps to maintain a diversity of habitat types for this species.
All of the habitats within this unit are on private land. The primary
threats to vernal pool habitats within this unit are alterations to
hydrology from filling, diking, and dredging activities which may occur
in the tidal marsh.
This unit is located near the Suisun Marsh in southern Solano
County, east of Montezuma Slough and west of Collinsville Road; the
northernmost portion of this unit is bisected by Birds Landings Road.
Portions of this unit coincide with Unit 4 for Conservancy fairy
shrimp. This unit also contains occurrences of other rare vernal pool
species including alkali milk-vetch and dwarf downingia.
Unit 13, Stanislaus Unit, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Mariposa, and Merced
Counties (9,408 ha (23,246 ac)
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
because it contains hardpan pools that occur on soils of alluvial fans
and terraces of appropriate sizes and depths that become inundated
during winter rains and hold water for sufficient lengths of time
necessary for vernal pool tadpole shrimp incubation, reproduction,
dispersal, feeding, and sheltering, but which are dry during the summer
and do not necessarily fill with water every year (Holland 1998, CNDDB
2001). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp in this unit occur within numerous
small pools and swales on mima mound topography, supported by soils
that are typically older than those of the alluvial terraces in the
Sacramento area. This unit contains almost 25 percent of vernal pool
habitats found along the eastern margin of the San Joaquin Valley. King
(1996) found that vernal pool tadpole shrimp within this unit, although
similar to vernal pool tadpole shrimp in eastern Sacramento County,
were genetically different from other tadpole shrimp occurrences
sampled throughout the species' range, particularly those on the floor
of the Central Valley.
The Stanislaus Unit contains very high quality, hydrologically
intact vernal pool complexes. The well-known Hickman pools in
Stanislaus County are located within this unit. Not only does the
Hickman pool complex contain one of the largest vernal lakes in
California at more than 121 ha (300 ac), but it also exhibits
tremendous biodiversity, including one of the largest concentrations of
imperiled amphibians (Medeiros 2000). However, the watershed containing
the Hickman vernal pools has been breached by hundreds of acres of
orchards that have been planted upstream. While most of the watershed
has been managed over the years in a trust of the Fred Robinson family,
the integrity of the vernal pool ecosystem is threatened by
agricultural development and potential biocide pollution (Medeiros
2000).
The Stanislaus Unit is bordered by the Stanislaus River to the
north and Dry Creek to the south and southeast. This unit coincides
with vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 22. It also encompasses succulent
owl's-clover units 3 and 4, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass units 1 and
2, hairy Orcutt grass units 4 and 5, Colusa grass units 5 and 6,
Hoover's spurge units 4 and 5, Greene's tuctoria units 8 and 9, and
Conservancy fairy shrimp units 4 and 6. Other sensitive vernal pool
species found within this unit include western spadefoot toad, dwarf
downingia, California linderiella, California tiger salamander, and
Hartweg's golden sunburst. All the land within this unit is privately
owned.
Unit 14, San Francisco Bay Unit, Alameda and Santa Clara Counties (458
ha (1,132 ac)
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp because it contains occurrences of the species living within
vernal pools that are inundated for sufficient periods of time for
vernal pool tadpole shrimp hatching, growth, and reproduction, but are
dry during the summer to prevent the establishment of aquatic predators
such as bullfrogs and fish (Holland 1998, CNDDB 2001). The unit
boundary was identified based on the distribution of vernal pool
tadpole shrimp and the presence of these primary constituent elements,
including vernal pools mapped by Holland (1998) and vernal pool areas
delineated by Wetlands Research Associates (1999). The southern and
western boundaries were delineated to exclude estuarine habitats and
urban areas visible on SPOT imagery. This unit is also designated so
that special management actions will be taken within vernal pool
creation areas occurring within this unit. These areas have been
created specifically to contribute to the conservation of vernal pool
tadpole shrimp. Monitoring and management of these created pools will
be necessary to ensure their continued suitability for vernal pool
tadpole shrimp. We own approximately 10 ha (24 ac) within this unit.
This area represents the only location where vernal pool tadpole
shrimp occur in the San Francisco Bay region. Vernal pool tadpole
shrimp within this unit are found in a unique tidal marsh estuary area
that represents an unusual habitat type for the species. This unit
represents the western extent of the species range, and is disjunct
from other vernal pool tadpole shrimp populations elsewhere within the
species' range in central California. This unit is over 60 km (37 mi)
from the nearest unit to the north, and over 90 km (56 mi) from the
nearest units to the east and south. Peripheral populations such as
these may have genetic characteristics essential to overall long-term
conservation of the species (i.e., they may be genetically different
than more central populations) (Lesica and Allendorf 1995).
This unit is situated south of the cities of Fremont and Newark,
west of Interstate 880 and north of Mud Slough. This unit is a portion
of Unit 8B for Contra Costa goldfields. Portions of this unit occur
within the boundaries of San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
This unit includes a preserve established as conservation measures for
vernal pool tadpole shrimp as part of the Pacific Commons development
project (Service 2000b). This subunit also supports a large population
of the California tiger salamander.
Unit 15, Merced Unit, Merced and Mariposa Counties (71,076 ha (175,626
ac)
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
because it contains more documented occurrences of the species than any
other area throughout the species range (CNDDB 2001). The vernal pool
tadpole shrimp in this area occur in the largest block of pristine,
high density vernal pool grasslands remaining in California (Vollmar
1999). These vernal pools provide the primary constituent elements
essential for the conservation of vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and
[[Page 59937]]
supports multiple large vernal pool tadpole shrimp occurrences that are
capable of producing large numbers of cysts in good years, which is
important for this species to survive through a variety of natural and
environmental changes, as well as stochastic (random) events. The
Merced Unit contains almost 15 percent of all remaining vernal pool
habitats in the Central Valley, and 40 percent of vernal pool habitats
along the eastern margin of the San Joaquin Valley (Holland 1998).
Genetic analyses of vernal pool tadpole shrimp revealed that
occurrences in this unit are genetically different from other sampled
occurrences (King 1996). Of all occurrences studied, King (1996) found
these to be the most highly divergent.
The integrity of the vernal pool complexes in eastern Merced is
seriously threatened by irrigated agriculture, upland housing
development, and the proposed UC Merced Campus and associated
development. Construction of facilities to educate and serve twenty-
five thousand UC students as well as faculty, staff, and their families
within the vernal pool complexes in eastern Merced County, could have a
major impact on vernal pool tadpole shrimp occurrences. However, the
recent draft biological opinion for the UC Merced campus and community
developed environmental parameters which should reduce impacts to
vernal pool habitats. Indirect and cumulative impacts of the proposed
1,673 ha (4,133 ac) campus and associated community may be minimized
with the creation of a 2,036 ha (5,030 ac) preserve intended to protect
sensitive vernal pool habitat, to be purchased with money donated by
the Packard Foundation. Land ownership within the unit includes
approximately 3 ha (8 ac) of BLM, and 11 ha (26 ac) of California State
Parks. TNC has a total of 4,513 ha (11,283 ac) of conservation
easements within this unit.
A majority of the vernal pool habitat in the Merced Unit is in
Merced County. The eastern edge of the unit generally follows the
Mariposa County line. The Chowchilla River in Madera County flows along
the southern boundary of the unit. The northern boundary parallels the
Merced River. The entire unit is located east of Highway 99. The Merced
Unit coincides with vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 22, succulent owl's-
clover units 3B, Greene's tuctoria Unit 6, Conservancy fairy shrimp
Unit 6, Colusa grass Unit 7, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass units 2
and 3. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit
include the California tiger salamander, shining navarretia, dwarf
downingia, Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, western spadefoot toad, California
linderiella, and spiny-sepaled button celery (Eryngium spinosepalum).
Unit 16, Grassland Ecological Unit, Madera, Merced and Stanislaus
Counties (55,910 ha (138,153 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
because it supports seven percent of the known occurrences of the
species (CNDDB 2001) within large vernal pool complexes mapped by
Holland (1998). This is the only area where vernal pool tadpole shrimp
occur on the floor of the San Joaquin Valley, and contains over 50
percent of the remaining vernal pool habitats within this region
(Holland 1998). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp within this unit occur on
Northern Claypan vernal pools formed by a diversity of vernal pool soil
types, including Delhi-Dello-Himar, Solano-Caypay-Willows, Rossi-
Waukena, and Lewis-Landlow soils (Silveira 2000). Many of the vernal
pools supporting vernal pool tadpole shrimp within this unit are large
(over several acres in size), turbid, and alkaline. All of these pool
types provide the necessary timing and length of inundation for vernal
pool tadpole shrimp hatching, growth, and reproduction.
This unit boundary was drawn to include the large, intact vernal
pool grasslands supporting hydrologically interconnected pools, swales,
and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions within a matrix of
surrounding uplands where vernal pool tadpole shrimp are known, as
mapped by Holland (1998) and as visible on SPOT imagery. However, the
16-ha (40-ac) minimum mapping unit of Holland (1998), and the
resolution of SPOT imagery, did not allow us to exclude all
agricultural areas from within this unit. These features, which
comprise the vernal pool complex, contribute to the filling and drying
of the vernal pools, and maintain suitable periods of pool inundation,
water quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
hatching, growth and reproduction, and dispersal. This unit also
provides essential habitat for migratory waterfowl that aid in the
dispersal of vernal pool tadpole shrimp and other vernal pool
crustacean cysts. King (1996) found that vernal pool tadpole shrimp
occurrences within this unit, although most similar to occurrences at
Sequoia Field in Tulare County, are genetically different from other
vernal pool tadpole shrimp throughout the species range. The vernal
pool tadpole shrimp in this unit genetically very different from
sampled occurrences less than 12 km (7 mi) to the east in the foothills
of the Sierra Nevada.
The Grassland Ecological Unit includes Kesterson, San Luis, and
Merced National Wildlife Refuges (13,943 ha (34, 452 ac)), CDFG lands
(1,703 ha (4,257 ac)), CDFG administration lands (1,052 ha (2,631 ac)),
California State Parks (1,358 ha (3,392 ac)), and WRP easements (54 ha
(134 ac)). Together, these areas are known as the Grasslands Ecological
Area. This area supports diverse wetland habitats including seasonally
flooded marshlands, semi-permanent marsh, riparian habitat, wet
meadows, vernal pools, native uplands, pastures, and native grasslands.
Wetlands within this area, including seasonal marsh and open water
habitats, constitute 30 percent of the remaining wetlands in
California's Central Valley and are extremely important to Pacific
Flyway waterfowl populations. Over 60 million duck use-day and 3
million goose use-days occur annually in this unit. This habitat also
supports a diversity of other migratory birds, including raptors,
shorebirds, wading birds, and other wildlife species.
The unit lies north of the City of Los Banos, southwest of the City
of Merced, and is bisected by the San Joaquin River. This unit overlaps
Unit 23 for vernal pool fairy shrimp and Unit 7 for Conservancy fairy
shrimp. The western half of this unit also represents Unit 2 for
longhorn fairy shrimp, and the eastern half represents Unit 8 for
Colusa grass, and Unit 6 for Hoover's spurge. In addition to the
species mentioned above, vernal pool smallscale, alkali milk-vetch,
western spadefoot toad, and California linderiella are other special
status vernal pool species present in this unit.
Unit 17, Table Mountain Unit, Fresno County (740 ha (1,829 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
because it supports occurrences of vernal pool tadpole shrimp (CNDDB
2001) and extensive vernal pool complexes (Holland 1998, Keeler-Wolf et
al. 1998). The unit also contains Northern Basalt Flow vernal pools
that provide the necessary timing, frequency, and length of inundation
necessary for the species to hatch, mature, reproduce, and complete its
life cycle. The basalt flow vernal pools within this unit are found on
narrow, sinuous basalt mesas above the surrounding low-lying terrain.
Basalt flow vernal pools are a very rare habitat type for vernal pool
tadpole shrimp and the habitats within this unit are important for
maintaining the range of ecological conditions in which the
[[Page 59938]]
species occurs. They typically contain small, irregularly clustered
pools with ``flashy hydrology'' (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998). The
occurrences of vernal pool tadpole shrimp in this unit are genetically
different from occurrences in other portions of the species range,
particularly those occurring on the floor of the Central Valley (King
1996). Big Table Mountain, an ancient basalt mesa near Millerton Lake,
is found within this unit and is owned and managed by CDFG, TNC, BLM.
Land ownership within the unit includes BLM (84 ha (209 ac)), CDFG
lands (172 ha (430 ac)), and TNC conservation easements (256 ha (639
ac)). All other lands within this unit are privately owned.
Located in Fresno County, this unit contains vernal pool habitats
east and south of the San Joaquin River and east of Millerton Lake. The
unit is west of Marshall Station and North of Table Mountain Rancheria.
This unit coincides with succulent owl's-clover Unit 6A and San Joaquin
Valley Orcutt grass Unit 6B. Other sensitive vernal pool species found
within this unit include the Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, Molestan blister
beetle (Lytta molesta), California linderiella, California tiger
salamander, and the western spadefoot toad.
Unit 18 A, B and C, Tulare Unit, Tulare County (3,193 ha (7,890 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for vernal pool tadpole shrimp
because it supports occurrences of the species (CNDDB 2001) within
vernal pools that provide the essential primary constituent elements
essential for vernal pool tadpole shrimp conservation (Holland 1998).
The unit boundary was delineated to include vernal pool tadpole shrimp
occurrences (CNDDB 2001) and the vernal pool complexes in which they
occur (Holland 1998). However, the 16-ha (40-ac) minimum mapping unit
of Holland (1998), and the resolution of SPOT imagery, did not allow us
to exclude all agricultural or developed areas from within this unit.
Vernal pool tadpole shrimp in this area are found within pools formed
on San Joaquin, Cometa, and Madera soils, among others. This unit
represents the southern extent of vernal pool tadpole shrimp's range.
The Sequoia Field occurrence was most closely related to occurrences at
Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge, and was generally more similar to
other occurrences on the valley floor than occurrences found on the
eastern margin of the valley in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. However,
King (1996) found that vernal pool tadpole shrimp within this unit were
genetically different from other populations studied.
These pools are the focus of ongoing conservation efforts by CDFG,
who manage vernal pool habitats at the Stone Corral and Sequoia Field
Ecological Reserves found within this unit. Keeler-Wolf et al. (1998)
identified the vernal pools in these areas as ``high quality hardpan
pools.'' Much of the area within this unit is owned by CDFG (348 ha 861
ac)) or occurs on private land. Agricultural conversion of range or
barren land, particularly for orchards and feed lots, as well as
residential and commercial development, have greatly reduced the amount
of vernal pool habitat in Tulare County and threatens remaining
habitats on private land in this unit.
This unit is comprised of three subunits. Subunit A is located in
northwest Tulare County and contains vernal pool habitat located west
of Seville. The Friant Kern Canal is north of the unit and the
Cottonwood Creek Levee is south of the unit. Road 140 runs west of the
unit. Subunit B contains vernal pools in northeastern Kings County and
northwestern Tulare County. Highway 99 and St. Johns River cut through
the unit in a southeasterly direction. Cross Creek and Cottonwood Creek
cut through the unit in a southwesterly direction. Road 112 is east of
the unit and the Lakeland Canal is west of the unit. The towns of
Goshen and Visalia are south of the unit and Traver and London are
north of the unit. Subunit C is known as Sequoia Field Unit and is
located in northwestern Tulare County. This unit is south of County
Road J36. Road 112 crosses through the western edge of the unit, Avenue
352 crosses through the southern edge, and State Route 63 crosses
through the eastern edge. The Cross Creek Unit coincides with vernal
pool fairy shrimp Unit 26 and contains portions of San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass Unit 8 and Hoover's spurge Unit 9. Other sensitive vernal
pool species found within this unit include the California tiger
salamander, spiny-sepaled button-celery, and western spadefoot toad.
Butte County Meadowfoam
In proposing critical habitat units for Butte County meadowfoam, we
evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species, the
primary constituent elements, the threats to the species. This
information allowed us to determine which areas are likely to
contribute to the conservation of these species and to delineate units
so that threats to this species might be minimized.
Butte County meadowfoam is restricted to a single county in
California. The species is only known from 11 extant occurrences. An
additional two occurrences are considered extirpated. Butte County
meadowfoam is found in four centers of concentration. One center of
concentration is the Shippee Road area between Chico and Oroville,
while the other three centers of concentration are in the vicinity of
the City of Chico.
An important consideration for designating Butte County meadowfoam
critical habitat is to minimize the threat of habitat fragmentation.
All of the Chico area populations have been fragmented by the
construction of roads or canals; several of the now separate
occurrences may well have been continuous in the past. The roads and
canals also altered the drainage patterns at many sites, reducing their
suitability for Butte County meadowfoam by creating conditions too dry
or too wet for its survival (Dole 1988, Jokerst 1989, Kelley and
Associates Environmental Sciences 1992). Although some plants still
remained at the type locality as of 1989, the site had been severely
degraded by grading, agricultural use, and off-road vehicles (Jokerst
1989, Dole and Sun 1992, 2000). Several populations have been reduced
in size by surface disturbances such as grading and removal of topsoil
(Jokerst 1989, Service 1992a).
Another important criterion is that critical habitat units minimize
the potential for alterations in hydrology. Changes in hydrology
throughout the range of Butte County meadowfoam are possible from
developments adjacent to extant populations, from further construction
of roads and canals, and from grading or other surface disturbances.
Moreover, subtle hydrological changes that already have taken place are
likely to continue reducing Butte County meadowfoam, leading to the
eventual extirpation of populations such as one occurrence north of the
Chico Municipal Airport.
Special management actions may be necessary in some areas to
promote occurrences of Butte County meadowfoam. Light grazing may help
to control competing plant species and prevent thatch accumulation
(Jokerst 1989). Competition from medusa head (Taeniatherum caput-
medusae) apparently has reduced population size and seed set in Butte
County meadowfoam at the Doe Mill Preserve (Center for Natural Lands
Management 1997), and invasion of grasses and other weedy non-native
plants poses a potential problem at three other occurrences (CNDDB
2002) including
[[Page 59939]]
the occurrence at the Chico airport and an occurrence in the southern
portion of the species range near Shippee Road.
Butte County Meadowfoam Unit Review
We conducted a regional review across the range of Butte County
meadowfoam to evaluate and select vernal pool habitats that are
essential to the conservation of the species and may require special
management. Important factors we considered were the known presence of
Butte County meadowfoam and the presence of the primary constituent
elements essential to the conservation of the species. A specific
description of each area is outlined below.
Unit 1, Rock Creek Unit, Butte, and Tehama Counties (6,105 ha (15,086
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Butte County meadowfoam
because it contains the species identified by CNDDB (2002) within
vernal pools, swales, and complexes mapped by Holland (1998) and the
EPA (1994). These habitats contain the primary constituent elements
necessary for the species survival and long-term conservation,
including vernal pools on the Tuscan formation, which typically contain
water for shorter periods of time than other types of vernal pools.
This unit represents the northern extent of Butte County
meadowfoam's range, and includes occurrences from the northern race of
Butte County meadowfoam. This race is genetically different from the
southern race (Jokerst 1989, Dole and Sun 1992), and is important to
maintain genetic diversity within the species. An introduced occurrence
also occurs within this unit, although this occurrence represents
individuals thought to be of the southern race. This unit represents
one of only four areas where Butte County meadowfoam occurs throughout
its entire range. Each unit is likely important to allow the species to
tolerate natural and environmental changes, as well as random
(stochastic) events.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and to maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Butte County
meadowfoam germination and reproduction. The majority of the lands
included within this unit are privately owned. Urban development,
agricultural conversion, and hydrologic disruptions or modifications
have greatly disturbed vernal pool habitats and restricted Butte County
meadowfoam's distribution in this unit.
This unit for Butte County meadowfoam occupies an area north of the
City of Chico and includes vernal pool habitats east of Highway 99
along the Sierra foothills from near Pine Creek southeast to Rock
Creek. This unit overlaps Unit 1 for Conservancy fairy shrimp, Unit 7
for vernal pool fairy shrimp, and Unit 3 for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp. All the lands within this unit are privately owned.
Unit 2, Chico Unit, Butte County (3,508 ha (8,667 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Butte County meadowfoam
because the species is present and represents a large portion of the
species range (CNDDB 2002). Vernal pools and swales that have the
primary constituent elements necessary for the conservation of Butte
County meadowfoam occur throughout this unit, including vernal pool
habitats on Tuscan-Anita soils and the Tuscan, Riverbank, Redbluff, and
Modesto geologic formations (EPA 1994, Holland 1998, Liss 2001, CNDDB
2001). This unit contains individuals from the northern race of the
species, which is genetically different from the southern race (Jokerst
1989, Dole and Sun 1992) and is important to maintain the species
genetic diversity. This unit is also designated so that special
management actions, such as grazing, will be taken to reduce the
negative effects of invasion of non-natives on occurrences of Butte
County meadowfoam. This unit is one of only four units for Butte County
meadowfoam across its entire range. Each unit is important to allow the
species to tolerate a variety of natural and environmental changes, as
well as random (stochastic) events.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Butte County
meadowfoam germination and reproduction. The majority of the lands
included within this unit are privately owned. Portions of the Chico
County Airport are included within this unit. A protected area has been
set up at Foothill Park. Urban development, agricultural conversion,
and hydrologic disruptions or modifications have greatly disturbed
vernal pool habitats and reduced Butte County meadowfoam's distribution
throughout this unit.
This unit for Butte County meadowfoam occupies an area directly
northeast and adjacent to the City of Chico. The unit extends south
from Rock Creek and the Chico Airport to near Big Chico Creek. Highway
99 is located west of this unit. This unit is within Unit 7 for vernal
pool fairy shrimp, and Unit 3 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp. Other
sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit include California
linderiella and western spadefoot toad.
Unit 3, Doe Mill Unit, Butte County (1,696 ha (4,191 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Butte County meadowfoam
because the species is found living within vernal pools that provide
the necessary timing and duration of inundation for Butte County
meadowfoam growth, reproduction, and dispersal, including vernal pools
underlain by the Tuscan geologic formation on Igo-Redding soils (EPA
1994, Holland 1998, Liss 2001, CNDDB 2001). This unit is also
designated so that special management actions, including grazing or
other forms of thatch removal, will be taken to reduce the negative
effects of invasion of non-natives on occurrences of Butte County
meadowfoam. Plants within this unit are of the southern race of Butte
County meadowfoam (Jokerst 1989, Dole and Sun 1992) and comprise a
significant portion of the species genetic diversity.
The Doe Mill Preserve (6 ha (15 ac)), managed by the City of Chico,
is within this unit. Approximately 8.8 ha (22 ac) are public lands
owned by the USFS. The remaining lands within this unit are privately
owned. Urban development, agricultural conversion, and hydrologic
disruptions or modifications have greatly disturbed vernal pool
habitats and Butte County meadowfoam occurrences throughout this unit.
The distribution of the species and vernal pool habitats within the
Chico area have become highly fragmented and isolated from each other.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
and swales where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of
pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Butte Count
meadowfoam germination and reproduction. This unit occupies an area
directly southeast and adjacent to the City of Chico. This unit is
within Unit 9 for vernal pool fairy shrimp, and Unit 4 for vernal pool
tadpole shrimp.
[[Page 59940]]
Unit 4, Oroville Unit, Butte County (5,011 ha (12,382 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Butte County meadowfoam
because it contains vernal pools and swales on the Tuscan, Red Bluff
and Riverbank geologic formations where the species is found (EPA 1994,
Holland 1998, Liss 2001, CNDDB 2001). This unit contains individuals
from the southern race of Butte County meadowfoam and represents an
important component of the species genetic diversity. This unit also
represents the southern extent of Butte County meadowfoam's range. The
``Shipee Site'' has been described as the type locality for the species
and is located within this unit. This unit is also designated so that
special management actions, such as grazing, will be taken to reduce
the negative effects of invasion of non-natives on occurrences of Butte
County meadowfoam. This unit represents one of only four units for
Butte County meadowfoam across its entire range. All four of these
units are essential for the species to endure through a variety of
natural and environmental changes, as well as random (stochastic)
events.
The lands included within this unit are privately owned. Urban
development, highway expansion and construction, agricultural
conversion, and hydrologic disruptions or modifications have greatly
impacted vernal pool habitats and restricted Butte County meadowfoam's
distribution throughout this unit. The distribution of the species and
vernal pool habitats within the Chico area have become highly
fragmented and isolated from each other.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Butte County
meadowfoam germination and reproduction. This unit occupies an area
northwest of the City of Oroville. The unit is located south of Dry
Creek near State Route 70 southeast to the Thermalito Diversion Pool.
This unit is within Unit 4 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and
encompasses part of Unit 5 for Greene's tuctoria.
Contra Costa Goldfields
In proposing critical habitat units for Contra Costa goldfields, we
evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species, the
primary constituent elements, and the current threats to the species.
This information allowed us to determine which areas are essential to
the conservation of this species and to delineate units so that threats
to this species might be minimized.
Of the 30 occurrences of Contra Costa goldfields that were
documented between 1884 and 1999, 19 are probably extant. The
uncertainty is due in part to the difficulty of relocating sites based
on vague descriptions. In addition, this species may reappear on a site
after several years even if it is absent during a given survey. Contra
Costa goldfields is known from disjunct locations in the coastal
regions of California. By far the greatest concentration of this
species is in the area east of Fairfield in Solano County. Additional
occurrences are extant at Fort Ord in Monterey County, the San
Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and near Fremont in Alameda
County, near Rodeo in Contra Costa County, near Manchester in Mendocino
County, and at Suscol Ridge and Milliken Canyon in Napa County (CNDDB
2001).
Urban and residential development are believed to be responsible
for the loss of at least four Contra Costa goldfields occurrences east
of San Francisco Bay. Although the original collection sites cannot be
pinpointed from the descriptions given on specimen labels, the areas in
question (Antioch, Concord, Newark, San Jose, and Walnut Creek) are
highly developed. One site in Fremont (near Newark) was degraded by
cultivation and operation of a racetrack, but Contra Costa goldfields
reappeared approximately a decade after the fields were abandoned (Baye
in litt. 2000a). Urbanization is presumed to have extirpated one or
more occurrences near Santa Barbara. One Napa County occurrence was
destroyed by conversion to a vineyard. At least four former occurrence
sites in Solano County have been degraded by surface disturbances,
including discing and creek channelization, which removed some habitat,
altered the hydrology, and allowed invasion of non-native, upland
plants. Contra Costa goldfields has not grown at three of these sites
during the past 10 years (CNDDB 2002).
Urbanization is the greatest threat to Contra Costa goldfields.
Except for Travis Air Force Base, the entire concentration area in
Solano County is in the Fairfield sphere of influence and is subject to
development under the city's general plan. Development also threatens
one of the two remaining Alameda County/San Francisco Bay occurrences.
Another serious threat is conversion to vineyards. The largest Napa
County occurrence, at Suscol Ridge (CNDDB 2001), is threatened by
vineyard conversion.
Invasion of non-native plants, particularly Italian ryegrass,
threatens at least eight occurrences, several of which are also
targeted for development (CNDDB 2001). Encroachment by non-native
plants often follows surface-disturbing activities such as discing,
grading, filling, and off-road vehicle use, which can alter hydrology
and microhabitat conditions. Such surface disturbances are apparent at
nine sites, four of which do not yet have reported problems with non-
native species (CNDDB 2001). The CNDDB (2001) cites livestock grazing
as a threat to seven occurrences. However, grazing may help to control
invasion of non-native plants under certain conditions. Contra Costa
goldfields persisted through horse grazing on Travis Air Force Base,
but several small colonies disappeared when horses were excluded. Even
moderately heavy grazing can be compatible with Contra Costa goldfields
if it is suspended during critical growth periods. Occurrences of
Contra Costa goldfields in the Fort Ord area of Monterey County exist
at locations that have or potentially contain ordinance and explosives
that are byproducts of military training activities. Efforts at the
former military base have been underway to remove and dispose of these
items. Clearance of ordinance and explosives may involve selectively
removing vegetation, digging to expose buried objects, burning, and
clearing of the ground surface. Project personnel have and will
continue to implement measures that are designed to minimize and
mitigate adverse effects to Contra Costa goldfields as ordinance and
explosive removal activities proceed, but a potential exists that some
plants and habitat may be affected by the clean up activities.
Contra Costa Goldfields Unit Review
We conducted a regional review across the range of Contra Costa
goldfields to evaluate and select areas that are essential to the
conservation of the species and that may require special management.
Important factors we considered were the presence of the species and
the primary constituent elements essential to the conservation of the
species. A specific description of each area is outlined below.
Unit 1, Manchester Unit, Mendocino County (1,067 ha (2,637 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Contra Costa
goldfields because it contains the last known occurrence of Contra
Costa goldfields in Mendocino County and is the northern
[[Page 59941]]
and western limit of the species range (CNDDB 2002). Vernal pools in
which Contra Costa goldfields are found occur on Crispin loam soils,
which provide the necessary timing and length of inundation to meet the
life history requirements of Contra Costa goldfields. This is also the
only location where Contra Costa goldfields is found on this soil type.
This unit represents the only occurrence of Contra Costa goldfields
in the Mendocino coast area. This unit is over 140 km (87 mi) from the
closest Contra Costa goldfields unit to the south. Peripheral
populations such as this may have genetic characteristics essential to
the overall long-term conservation of the species (i.e., they may be
genetically different from more central populations) (Lesica and
Allendorf 1995).
The boundaries of this unit were delineated by using SPOT imagery
and elevation contours to include the open flat areas associated with
the vernal pool habitat and associated uplands that contribute to the
filling and drying of the vernal pools where the Contra Costa
goldfields occur. The unit includes area sufficient to maintain
suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture
for Contra Costa goldfields to germinate, grow, and reproduce.
This unit is on private land and threats to this unit include
conversion to vineyards, erosion, draining, and residential
development. This unit is located in the vicinity of the town of
Manchester just north of the Garcia River and east of the Pacific
Ocean. State Highway 1 bisects this unit and Brushy Creek forms the
northern and northeastern boundary of the unit.
Unit 2, Berryessa Unit, Napa County (411 ha (1,016 ac))
This area is proposed as critical habitat for Contra Costa
goldfields because the species is found (CNDDB 2002) within rock
outcrops pools on soils derived from Rhyolite lava flows, within
chaparral ecosystems (Holland 1998, USDA 2001, CNDDB 2002). These pools
provide the necessary primary constituent elements essential for the
conservation of Contra Costa goldfields. This is the only unit where
Contra Costa goldfields occurs on Northern Basalt Flow vernal pools,
and this area is important to maintain the range of habitats in which
the species is known to occur.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated by using SPOT imagery,
elevation contours, and CNDDB (2002) data which identified Northern
Basalt Flow vernal pool habitat within the unit. The unit includes the
open flat areas associated with the vernal pool habitat and associated
uplands that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the Contra Costa goldfields occur. The unit includes area
sufficient to maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water
quality, and soil moisture for Contra Costa goldfields to germinate,
grow, and reproduce.
This unit represents some of the last remaining vernal pool
habitats in the north bay foothills, and is the only unit for Contra
Costa goldfields in this area. This unit is over 25 km (15 mi) from the
nearest Contra Costa goldfields unit.
This unit is located south of Lake Berryessa and lies in the
Milliken Canyon area east of the City of Yountville and northeast of
the City of Napa. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within this
unit include dwarf downingia, and few-flowered navarretia. All the
lands within this unit are privately owned.
Unit 3, Napa River Unit, Napa and Sonoma Counties (275 ha (678 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Contra Costa goldfields
because the species is found within vernal pool habitats that support
the primary constituent elements essential to the conservation of
Contra Costa goldfields (CNDDB 2002). This unit is located on private
land, including the Suscol Ridge area, which is threatened by vineyard
conversion. This unit is located directly east of the Napa River
adjacent to the salt marsh areas of the lower Napa River. Other rare
vernal pool species found in this unit include alkali milk-vetch.
Unit 4, Travis and Fairfield Unit, Solano County (7,885 ha (19,484 ac))
This unit is proposed as essential for the conservation of Contra
Costa goldfields because it contains 30 percent of the known
occurrences of this species within vernal pools in alkaline and saline-
alkaline sites, as well as those on San Ysidro and Antioch soil series
(Holland 1998, USDA 2001, Solano County 1999, CNDDB 2002). The unit
boundary was delineated to include Contra Costa goldfields occurrences
and the vernal pool complexes in which they occur. These complexes
contribute to the filling and drying of Contra Costa goldfields
habitats, and maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water
quality, and soil moisture for Contra Costa goldfields germination,
growth and reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
The eastern boundary of this unit was identified by the Elmira
watershed boundary to exclude vernal pool habitats in the Jepson
Prairie area that are outside the currently known range of Contra Costa
goldfields.
This unit is located primarily on private land, but also includes
DOD property at Travis Air Force Base (1,931 ha (4,828 ac)), CDFG land
(117 ha (292 ac)), and State Land Commission Property (4 ha (9 ac)).
Conservation areas have been established for Contra Costa goldfields at
Travis Air Force Base, and these occurrences are the subject of on-
going research projects addressing the restoration and management of
this and other vernal pool species and their habitats. Vernal pool
habitats within this unit are threatened by urbanization from the
cities of Fairfield and Suisun City, and by large-scale transportation
projects, such as Jepson Parkway. The remaining vernal pool habitats
within the City of Fairfield and Suisun City are currently the subject
of conservation planning efforts by local agencies.
This unit occurs in the southern portion of Solano County,
northeast of the City of Fairfield, southwest of the City of Vacaville,
and north of the Potrero Hills and Nurse Slough. This unit overlaps
with Unit 3 for Conservancy fairy shrimp, and is a portion of Unit 11
for vernal pool tadpole shrimp and Unit 16 for vernal pool fairy
shrimp. Other rare vernal pool species which occur in this unit include
alkali milk-vetch, legenere, and California tiger salamander.
Unit 5 A and B, Suisun Marsh Area Unit, Solano County (411 ha (1,014
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Contra Costa
goldfields because it contains occurrences of the species within vernal
pools in the saline-alkaline transition zone between vernal pools and
tidal marshes on Rincon soil series (USDA 1994, CNDDB 2002). The
boundaries of this unit includes the vernal pool complexes mapped by
Holland (1998) and the grassland habitats mapped by Solano County
(2001) where Contra Costa goldfields occurs (CNDDB 2001). These
habitats provide the necessary timing and length of inundation for
Contra Costa goldfields germination, maturation, reproduction, and
dispersal (CNDDB 2001).
The primary threats to Contra Costa goldfields habitats within this
unit are alterations to hydrology from filling, diking, and dredging
activities which may occur in the tidal marsh. Most of the habitats
within this unit are on private land, although portions of the Hill
Slough Wildlife Area managed by the CDFG are also included within this
unit. Subunits in the vicinity of
[[Page 59942]]
Fairfield and Suisun City are also threatened by urbanization.
This unit consists of two subunits in the Suisun Marsh area of
southern Solano County. Subunit 5A is the westernmost subunit and is
located south and east of the City of Cordelia and the junction of
Interstate Highways 80 and 680; this subunit is bisected by the
Southern Pacific Railroad line. Subunit 5B is located southwest of the
City of Fairfield and west of the City of Suisun City; this subunit is
bisected by the Southern Pacific Railroad line. In addition to vernal
pool fairy shrimp and vernal pool tadpole shrimp, this unit contains
occurrences of other rare vernal pool species including alkali milk-
vetch and dwarf downingia.
Unit 6, Rodeo Creek Unit, Contra Costa County (243 ha (599 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Contra Costa
goldfields because it supports occurrences of the species within vernal
pool habitats formed on Conejo clay loam soils (USDA 2001, CNDDB 2002).
The unit boundary was delineated to include the features that
contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools where Contra
Costa goldfields occurs, and that maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Contra Costa
goldfields' germination, growth and reproduction, and dispersal, but
not necessarily every year. It is the only area where the species
occurs in the vicinity of the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta. This unit
is over 25 km (16 mi) from the closest unit to the north, and almost 50
km (32 mi) from the closest unit to the south.
This unit is situated along Rodeo Creek and adjacent to State
Highway 4. The unit lies southeast of the City of Rodeo and northeast
of the City of Hercules. The unit contains a 3.94 ha (9.74 ac)
conservation easement area established in 1999 to protect three known
locations of Contra Costa goldfields along Rodeo Creek from highway
construction activities along State Route 4. Other rare species which
occur in this unit include the federally threatened California red-
legged frog and another sensitive species, the western pond turtle
(Clemmys marmorata). All the lands within this unit are privately
owned.
Unit 7, Byron Hot Springs Unit, Contra Costa County (1,379 ha (3,406
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Contra Costa
goldfields because it contains the only remaining extant occurrence of
Contra Costa goldfields in southeastern Contra Costa County (CNDDB
2001). This occurrence within vernal pools formed on Linne clay loam
soils, and has been characterized as alkaline meadow (USDA 2001, CNDDB
2002). This habitat provides the timing and frequency of inundation
essential to the germination, growth, and reproduction of Contra Costa
goldfields, and this area includes a unique habitat type for this
species. The unit boundary includes vernal pool complexes mapped by
Holland (1998) where Contra Costa goldfields is known to occur (CNDDB
2002). This unit is over 35 km (22 mi) from the closest unit to the
north, and almost 50 km (32 mi) from the closest unit to the south.
This unit is in the vicinity of Byron Hot Springs and Byron Airport
and lies directly west of Clifton Court Forebay. This unit mostly
includes habitat in low-lying areas east of Altamont Hills, but also
includes habitat within a small portion of Altamont Hills. A small
portion of this unit overlaps with Unit 19B for vernal pool fairy
shrimp. Approximately 232 ha (581 ac) within this unit are owned by the
CDFG and 55 ha (137 ac) are owned by the State Land Commission the rest
is privately owned.
Unit 8, Southeastern San Francisco Bay Unit, Alameda and Santa Clara
Counties (458 ha (1,132 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Contra Costa goldfields
because it contains occurrences of this species within vernal pools,
swales, moist flats, and other ephemeral wetlands in saline alkaline
transition zones with tidal marsh habitats that sustain Contra Costa
goldfields germination, growth and reproduction (CNDDB 2002, Holland
1998). The unit boundary was identified based on the distribution of
Contra Costa goldfields and the presence of these primary constituent
elements, including vernal pools mapped by Holland (1998) and vernal
pool areas delineated by Wetland Research Associates (1999). The
southern and western boundaries were delineated to exclude estuarine
habitats and urban areas visible on SPOT imagery.
This unit contains a 180 ha (450 ac) preserve established
specifically to contribute to the recovery of Contra Costa goldfields
(Service 2000b, Wetland Research Associates 1999) and 443 ha (1,108 ac)
of this unit is owned by the Service. This unit is over 50 km (31 mi)
from the nearest units to the north, and almost 100 km (62 mi) from the
nearest Contra Costa goldfields unit to the south.
This unit occurs in southeastern San Francisco Bay and also
represents Unit 14 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp. The unit lies
between the northernmost and southernmost subunits and is situated
south of the cities of Fremont and Newark and north of Mud Slough.
Portions of this unit is found within the boundaries of San Francisco
Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the rest is privately owned.
Unit 9, Fort Ord Unit, Monterey County (3,372 ha (8,331 ac))
The Fort Ord unit includes seasonally flooded pool habitats and
mima mound grassland areas that are within the boundary of an area that
was previously managed as the Fort Ord Army Base. These lands are now
or will be managed by a number of Federal and local governments
following a transfer from the DOD. Approximately 2,894 ha (7,234 ac) of
this unit are currently owned by the DOD, 437 ha (1,093 ac) by BLM, and
2 ha (4 ac) by Monterey County. The critical habitat unit includes a
number of seasonally-flooded wetland habitats and at least four
locations that possess Contra Costa goldfields. Monitoring activities
at two of the four locations suggest that listed plant numbers vary on
an annual basis, and that differences in species abundance may be
attributable to differences in annual rainfall totals and water
duration in ponded areas (Harding Lawson Associates 2001). The total
combined population estimates for the two areas where monitoring
occurred in 1998, 1999, and 2000 were 500-1500, 56,000, and 162,500
individuals, respectively. The areas on the former military base that
contain Contra Costa goldfields are being transferred to the BLM as a
habitat reserve Natural Resource Management Area. Contra Costa
goldfields in Monterey County are located 60 miles south of other
locations where the species has been documented. This unit is essential
to the conservation of Contra Costa Goldfields because it contains the
southern-most extant occurrence of the species.
Hoover's Spurge Criteria
In proposing critical habitat units for Hoover's Spurge we
evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species, the
primary constituent elements, and the current threats to the species.
This information allowed us to determine which areas are likely to
contribute to the conservation of these species.
The CNDDB (2001) includes 30 occurrences of Hoover's spurge, six of
which were discovered in 1992 (three each in Glenn and Tulare
counties). Of the 30 occurrences, one each in Tehama and Tulare
counties are classified as extirpated; two others, in Butte and
[[Page 59943]]
Tehama counties, are ``possibly extirpated'' because this species was
not observed for 2 consecutive years (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001).
Of the 26 occurrences presumed to be extant, only 12 have been observed
within the past decade (CNDDB 2001).
The main area of concentration for Hoover's spurge is within the
Vina Plains area of Tehama and Butte counties, which contains over half
of the 26 presumed extant occurrences for Hoover's spurge (CNDDB 2001).
One other site in the same region is near Chico in Butte County. Other
extant occurrences of the species are found in the Visalia-Yettem area
of Tulare County, the Hickman-La Grange area of Stanislaus County, the
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in Glenn County, and on the Bert
Crane Ranch in Merced County (CNDDB 2001).
One population of Hoover's spurge in Tulare County and another in
Tehama County were destroyed when the areas were converted for
agricultural use (CNDDB 2002). Agricultural conversion continues to
threaten Hoover's spurge, particularly in Stanislaus County (Stone et
al. 1988). However, more subtle factors such as changes in hydrology,
invasion by aggressive plants, and inappropriate livestock grazing
regimes constitute a greater threat to survival of the species at this
time. Five of the remaining occurrences of Hoover's spurge are subject
to obvious hydrologic threats; four of the five are in the San Joaquin
Valley and the fifth is in the Vina Plains. Hydrology has been altered
by (1) construction of levees and other water barriers and (2) by
runoff from adjacent agricultural operations, roads, and culverts. Due
to these changes, some pools receive insufficient water and others
remain flooded for too long to allow growth of Hoover's spurge.
Although no occurrences have been completely extirpated due to
hydrologic changes, the species has been eliminated from one or more
individual pools at several sites and a number of the remaining
populations appear to be declining (Stone et al. 1988, Stebbins et al.
1995, CNDDB 2002).
Competition from invasive native or non-native plant species
threatens nine of the extant occurrences, including eight in the Vina
Plains and one on the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in Glenn
County. Native competitors of Hoover's spurge include coyote-thistle,
alkali mallow (Malvella leprosa, a noxious weed according to Hill
1993), lippia (Phyla nodiflora), hard-stemmed tule (Scirpus acutus var.
occidentalis), alkali bulrush (Scirpus maritimus), and cocklebur. Non-
native competitors include bindweed (a noxious weed according to
Dempster 1993) and swamp grass (Crypsis schoenoides) (Silveira in litt.
2000, CNDDB 2001). On the Vina Plains Preserve, the pools with Hoover's
spurge also had the highest frequency of bindweed, at least in 1995
(Alexander and Schlising 1997). Increasing dominance by these
competitors may be associated with changes in hydrology and livestock
grazing practices (Stone et al. 1988, Alexander and Schlising 1997,
CNDDB 2002).
The issue of livestock grazing effects on Hoover's spurge is
complex. In general, moderate levels of grazing appear to be compatible
with Hoover's spurge and presumably benefit the species by reducing
competition from other plants (Stone et al. 1988). Livestock do not eat
Hoover's spurge because it grows so close to the ground and possibly
because the milky sap is toxic (Wheeler 1941, Stone et al. 1988).
During 1986 and 1987, Stone et al. (1988) deemed the intensity of
cattle grazing at most Hoover's spurge sites to be appropriate. In
fact, several species experts (Stone et al. 1988, Silveira in litt.
2000) have cautioned that decreases in grazing intensity could be
detrimental to Hoover's spurge. On the other hand, cattle trampling has
seriously reduced Hoover's spurge populations at one site each in Butte
and Stanislaus counties (Stone et al. 1988), and increased summer
stocking rates at other sites could similarly damage those populations.
Populations with small numbers of plants may be more vulnerable to
extirpation from random events (Shaffer 1981, Menges 1991). This may be
the case for at least four of the known occurrences, which total fewer
than 100 individuals even in favorable years (CNDDB 2002).
Hoover's Spurge Unit Review
We conducted a review across the range of Hoover's spurge to
evaluate and select areas that are essential to the conservation of the
species and that may require special management. Important factors we
considered were the documented presence of the species and the presence
of the primary constituent elements essential to the conservation of
the species. A specific description of each area is outlined below.
Unit 1, Vina Plains Unit, Tehama and Butte Counties (11,673 ha (28,845
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Hoover's spurge because it
supports numerous occurrences of the species within vernal pools on
acidic soils over iron-silica cemented hardpan, including Anita and
Tuscan soils (USDA 2001, Holland 1998, CNDDB 2002). The Vina Plains
Unit contains over 50 percent of the known occurrences of Hoover's
spurge, including several large, stable occurrences (CNDDB 2002). This
area represents the northern extent of the species range.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Hoover's spurge
germination and reproduction.
The majority of the lands included within this unit are privately
owned. This unit contains TNC's 1862 ha (4,600 ac) Vina Plains
preserve. The preserve contains over 300 species of plants and diverse
communities of aquatic invertebrates. Since the 1960s, the Vina Plains
area has been the focus of a number of research projects, including
long-term adaptive management and monitoring efforts evaluating of the
effects of grazing and fire on vernal pool plants (Griggs 2000). Much
of the basic life history information known about Hoover's spurge was
collected at Vina Plains (e.g., Stone et al. 1988, Alexander and
Schlising 1997). The results of this research have provided crucial
information to guide management and monitoring of vernal pool
ecosystems and to identify factors which influence population dynamics
of a number of endangered species.
The Vina Plains is open to the public and provides excellent
outreach and educational opportunities. In addition to TNC, the
importance of vernal pool habitats in this area has been recognized by
the CDFG, the Service, the EPA, the CNPS, the NRCS's WRP, and by
researchers at the CSU at Chico, who have all supported research and
conservation efforts for Hoover's spurge and other vernal pool species
within this unit. Urban development north of Chico and the conversion
of grazed lands to more intensive agricultural uses threaten vernal
pool habitat within this unit.
This unit for Hoover's spurge occupies the area south of Toomes
Creek and north of Pine Creek to near Cana Highway. State Route 99
bisects this unit and the western boundary generally parallels the
Southern Pacific Railway line. This unit overlaps Unit 7 for vernal
pool fairy shrimp, Unit 3 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, Unit 1 for
Conservancy fairy shrimp, Unit 2 for Greene's tuctoria, Unit 1 for
Hoover's spurge, and Unit 4 for slender Orcutt grass. Additional
sensitive vernal pool
[[Page 59944]]
species occurring in this unit include California linderiella and
Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop. Property ownership and protection within this
unit includes CDFG (0.4 ha (1 ac)), CDFG administration (0.4 ha (1
ac)), TNC (2,295 ha (5,738 ac)), TNC easements (4,661 ha (11,653)), and
WRP easements and agreements (57 ha, 142 ac)).
Unit 2, Butte Unit, Butte County (979 ha (2,418 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Hoover's spurge
because it supports the species within vernal pools on acidic Tuscan
soils over iron-silica cemented hardpan (CNDDB 2002, Liss 2001, USDA
2001, Holland 1998, EPA 1994) and the vernal pool habitat remains
inundated for sufficient periods of time to allow Hoover's spurge to
complete its life-cycle. This unit represents one of only three areas
where Hoover's spurge is known to occur in the Sacramento Valley, and
is over 225 km (140 mi) from the nearest occupied areas to the south.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Hoover's spurge
germination and reproduction. Hoover's spurge is known from only seven
general locations across its entire range, and each of these locations
is essential to the conservation of this species.
This unit for Hoover's spurge occupies the area north of the
intersection of State Route 99 and Route 149 in Butte County. The
eastern boundary extends up the watershed of Clear Creek and the
western boundary extends south paralleling State Route 99 to Little Dry
Creek. This unit is within Unit 9 for vernal pool fairy shrimp and Unit
4 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and coincides with Unit 3 for
Greene's tuctoria and Units 2 and 3 for hairy Orcutt grass. All the
land within this unit is privately owned.
Unit 3, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Unit, Glenn and Colusa
Counties (5,718 ha (14,129 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Hoover's spurge
because it contains multiple occurrences of the species within alkaline
vernal pools on Willows and Riz soil types (Holland 1998, Silveira
2000, CNDDB 2002). The vernal pool habitat remains inundated for
sufficient periods of time to allow Hoover's spurge to complete its
life cycle. This habitat contributes to the diversity of environmental
conditions in which Hoover's spurge is known to occur. This area
represents one of only three general locations where Hoover's spurge is
found in the Sacramento Valley, and is one of only seven areas across
its entire range where Hoover's spurge is known to occur. This unit is
over 40 km (25 mi) from the nearest unit to the northeast, and over 225
km (140 mi) from the nearest unit to the south. Hoover's spurge
occurrences at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge have been
monitored annually since 1992 (Silveira in litt. 2000).
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Hoover's spurge
germination and reproduction to take place.
This unit for Hoover's spurge occupies the vernal pool habitat and
surrounding area east of Interstate 5 to the Colusa Trough from Riz
Road on the north and Delevan Road on the south. The area encompasses a
portion of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (5,126 ha (12,816
ac)). The remaining portions of the unit are privately owned. This unit
is also part of vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 10, and vernal pool
tadpole shrimp Unit 5, and coincides with Unit 2 for Conservancy fairy
shrimp, Unit 1 for Greene's tuctoria, and Unit 3 for hairy Orcutt
grass. Other vernal pool and associated upland species found in the
unit include pappose spikeweed, Fremont's goldfields, alkali
goldfields, Scribe's popcorn flower, Hoover's downingia, folded
downingia, Heckard's peppergrass, heartscale, brittlescale, San Joaquin
spearscale, Ferris' milk-vetch, spike-primrose, sessile mousetail, and
palmate-bracted bird's beak.
Unit 4, Waterford Unit, Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties (16,839 ha
(41,609 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Hoover's spurge
because it supports the species within vernal pools on Whitney sandy
loam soils that maintain the necessary timing and duration of
inundation for Hoover's spurge germination, growth, and reproduction
(USDA 2001, CNDDB 2002). This unit contains soils that are typically
older than those of the alluvial terraces in the Sacramento area which
are estimated to be early Pleistocene.
The Waterford Unit contains very high quality, hydrologically
intact vernal pool complexes important for the conservation of Hoover's
spurge. Hoover's spurge is sparsely distributed in the southern Sierra
Nevada foothills, and these occurrences are highly disjunct from the
occurrences of Hoover's spurge in the northern portion of the species
range. This unit is over 225 km (140 mi) from the nearest units to the
north. The largest threat to Hoover's spurge in this unit is
agricultural conversion (Stone et al. 1988). Cattle trampling has also
impacted an occurrence of Hoover's spurge in the southeastern region of
the unit (CDNNB 2001). There are numerous deep pools in this area that
provide suitable habitat for Hoover's spurge because the duration of
inundation is generally longer than in shallow pools. These pools
contain habitat components that are essential for the primary
biological needs of germination, growth, reproduction, and dispersal of
the species.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery, as well as elevation contours in the
eastern foothill region and sub-watershed boundaries. The Waterford
Unit is bordered by the Tuolumne River to the south. The Modesto
Reservoir is adjacent to the southwest boundary of the unit.
Warnerville Road cuts through the northern portion of the unit. The
City of La Grange is located southeast of the unit. The eastern
boundary extends into the low elevation foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
Vernal pools in the Waterford Unit are located mainly in eastern
Stanislaus County, but overlap into western Tuolumne County. This unit
coincides with Colusa grass Unit 4, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass
Unit 1, and hairy Orcutt grass Unit 4. It overlaps succulent owl's-
clover Unit 2 and Greene's tuctoria Unit 6. Other sensitive vernal pool
species found within this unit include California tiger salamander,
western spadefoot toad, dwarf downingia, and California linderiella.
CDFG administers approximately 0.8 ha (2 ac) of this unit. The
remaining land within this unit is privately owned.
Unit 5, Turlock Unit, Stanislaus and Merced Counties (19,850 ha (49,049
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Hoover's spurge
because it contains occurrences of the species within large vernal
pools on Meikle soils, including two of the seven known occurrences of
Hoover's spurge on the eastern margin of the San Joaquin Valley
(Holland 1998, CNDDB 2002). One occurrence is within the well-known
Hickman pools in Stanislaus County.
[[Page 59945]]
Not only does the Hickman pool complex contain one of the largest
vernal lakes in California at more than 121 ha (300 ac), but it also
exhibits tremendous biodiversity (Medeiros 2002).
The Turlock Unit contains large intact and contiguous vernal pool
grassland areas that help maintain connectivity between hairy Orcutt
grass habitat to the north and south. There are numerous vernal pools,
swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions of appropriate
sizes and depths in this unit to sustain Hoover's spurge germination,
growth and reproduction. Hoover's spurge populations in Stanislaus
County typically flower from mid-June into October, whereas those in
Merced and Tulare counties typically flower from late May through July
(Alexander and Schlising 1997). The Hoover's spurge habitat in this
unit is important to conserve phenotypic variation within the species
and to maintain the geographic distribution of Hoover's spurge
throughout its range.
The largest threat to this species in this unit is agricultural
conversion (Stone et al. 1988). The watershed containing the vernal
pools has been breached by hundreds of acres of orchards that have been
planted upstream. East of the Hickman vernal pools, there is a large,
hydrologically intact vernal pool complex that likely contains other
occurrences of Hoover's spurge.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. The Turlock Unit is bordered by the
Tuolumne River to the north and the Merced River to the south. The unit
lies between the towns of La Grange and Snelling. County Road J9 runs
west of the unit and the eastern edge is located in the low elevation
foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Vernal pools in the Turlock Unit are
located in Stanislaus and Merced counties. This unit coincides with
Colusa grass Unit 6, hairy Orcutt grass Unit 5, succulent owl's-clover
Unit 3A, and vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 21. Other sensitive vernal
pool species found within this unit include California tiger
salamander, Hartweg's golden sunburst, and dwarf downingia. California
State Parks owns approximately 24 ha (60 ac) within this unit. The
remaining land within this unit is privately owned.
Unit 6, Grasslands Unit, Madera, Merced and Stanislaus Counties (14,310
ha (35,359 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Hoover's spurge
because it support occurrences of the species within saline-alkaline
vernal pools on Lewis soils (USDA 2001, CNDDB 2002). The unit boundary
was designated to include occurrences of Hoover's spurge and the vernal
pool complex in which they occur (Holland 1998). The vernal pools,
swales, and associated uplands within this unit contribute to the
filling and drying of Hoover's spurge habitat, and maintain suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for
Hoover's spurge germination, growth and reproduction, and dispersal.
The Grasslands Unit includes portions of the Kesterson, San Luis,
and Merced National Wildlife Refuges (3,232 ha (7,985 ac). The
remaining land within this unit is privately owned. This unit contains
a diversity of vernal pool types, including vernal pools occurring on
Delhi-Dello-Himar, Solano-Caypay-Willows, Rossi-Waukena, and Lewis-
Landlow soils (USDA 1994). This unit contains the majority of the
remaining vernal pool habitats in the San Joaquin Valley (Holland
1998). Threats to remaining vernal pool habitats within this unit
include agricultural conversion.
The unit lies north of the City of Los Banos, southwest of the City
of Merced, and is bisected by the San Joaquin River. This unit
represents Unit 23 for vernal pool fairy shrimp, Unit 7 for Conservancy
fairy shrimp, and Unit 16 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp. The western
half of this unit represents Unit 8 for Colusa grass. In addition to
the species mentioned above, vernal pool smallscale, alkali milk-vetch,
western spadefoot toad, and California linderiella are present in this
unit as well.
Unit 7 A, B, C, and D, Tulare Unit, Tulare County (12,375 ha (30,578
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Hoover's spurge
because it supports almost 20 percent of the known occurrences of the
species, including occurrences found within vernal pools on Lewis soils
(USDA 2001, CNDDB 2002). This unit comprises the southern extent of the
range of Hoover's spurge. Occurrences within this unit are more than
110 km (68 mi) distant from the nearest Hoover's spurge unit to the
north. Peripheral populations may have genetic characteristics
essential to overall long-term conservation of the species (i.e., they
may be genetically different than more central populations) (Lesica and
Allendorf 1995). Hoover's spurge populations in Tulare County typically
flower from late May through July, whereas those in Stanislaus and
Sacramento County typically flower from mid-June into October
(Alexander and Schlising 1997). This phenotypic variation also suggests
there may be regional differences between these and other occurrences
in other portions of the species range.
This unit includes several protected areas, including the Sequoia
Fields Ecological Reserve and the Stone Corral Ecological Reserve in
Tulare County managed by CDFG (355 ha (877 ac)) as well as 13 ha (33
ac) of BLM land. Other areas within this unit are privately owned, and
are threatened by conversion to irrigated agriculture of range. This
unit contains scattered vernal pool complexes in northwestern Tulare
County. This unit contains deeper pools that maintain suitable periods
of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for vernal pool
plant germination, growth and reproduction, and dispersal.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery, as well as elevation contours in the
eastern foothill region and sub-watershed boundaries. There are four
subunits within the Tulare Unit. The westernmost subunit is located
east of J19. Road 63 cuts through its eastern edge. St. Johns River is
south of the subunit and the Southern Pacific Railroad runs northeast
of the unit. The other three subunits are located east of Road 63. The
smallest subunit lies directly east of the westernmost subunit. Road
201 passes through both of the easternmost subunits. The subunit that
lies next to the easternmost subunit contains vernal pool habitat north
of Stokes Mountain. In the south it is bordered by Cottonwood Creek.
The easternmost subunit extends into the low elevation foothills of the
Sierra Nevada. Colvin Mountain is located within its southwest
boundary. Road 245 bisects this subunit and the south side of Red
Mountain is within its northeast boundary. Tulare Unit coincides with
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass Unit 7, and overlaps with vernal pool
tadpole shrimp Unit 18 and vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 26. Other
sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit include the
California tiger salamander, spiny-sepaled button-celery, and western
spadefoot toad.
[[Page 59946]]
Succulent Owl's-clover
In proposing critical habitat units for succulent owl's-clover we
evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species, the
primary constituent elements, and the threats to the species. This
information allowed us to determine which areas are likely to
contribute to the conservation of this species and to delineate units
so that threats to this species might be minimized.
Succulent owl's-clover is currently known from 63 occurrences, of
which one in Fresno County is considered to be ``possibly extirpated''
(CNDDB 2002) because the site had been disced when it was last visited
in 1981. Another site in Fresno County also may be extirpated. Among
the areas where succulent owl's-clover is known to occur, more than
half are in Merced County. Additional occurrences are found in Fresno,
Madera, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties (CNDDB 2001).
The current status of most succulent owl's-clover populations is
unknown because most sites have not been visited for decades.
Inappropriate cattle grazing and trampling degraded three occurrences
of succulent owl's-clover. One of the same sites plus three others were
degraded by discing. The CNDDB (2002) lists one of the latter as
``possibly extirpated'' due to discing. However, succulent owl's-clover
persisted at another site that had been disced, although the population
size was reduced by an order of magnitude (CNDDB 2001).
A wide variety of factors threaten the continued existence of
succulent owl's-clover, including urban development, year-round or
summer livestock grazing, changes in hydrology, agricultural
conversion, gravel mining, and small population size. Construction of
the proposed new UC campus in Merced County, plus the associated
residential community and access roads, threatens the extensive
population in that area. Different types of urban development that
threaten numerous known occurrences include planned housing
subdivisions in Fresno, Madera, and San Joaquin counties; a freeway
expansion in Madera County; and a proposed landfill in Fresno County
(Service 1997, Stebbins in litt. 2000, CNDDB 2001).
Approximately two-thirds of the reported occurrences, including
those at the UC Merced site, were subject to cattle grazing when they
were discovered (EIP Associates 1999, CNDDB 2001). However, grazing is
not necessarily detrimental to succulent owl's-clover. Winter and
spring grazing may be helping in controlling non-native grass invasions
(Barry 1998). Stebbins et al. (1995) noted that among the sites they
studied, those that were grazed ``did not appear to suffer long-term
damage due to grazing.'' Damage from livestock would be harmful when
pools are dry and during the time that the water is evaporating; thus
summer or year-round grazing poses a threat (Barry 1998).
Hydrological alterations can create conditions unsuitable for
succulent owl's-clover and other vernal pool plants by increasing or
decreasing the depth and duration of inundation. Threats due to
alterations in natural hydrology include the Merced County Stream
Channel Project proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps)(Service 1997a) and proposed enlargement of Burns Reservoir in
Merced County (CNDDB 2001), which collectively threaten seven
occurrences of succulent owl's-clover. Expansion of agricultural
operations threatens three occurrences in Fresno and Madera counties
that are surrounded by orchards, vineyards, or citrus groves (CNDDB
2001). Also, populations in grain fields already have been subject to
discing, as mentioned above. A proposed gravel mine threatens one
occurrence in Fresno County (Service 1997a).
Threats posed by small population size are less immediate but also
potentially significant. Random genetic, environmental, or other
processes can lead to the extirpation of small populations; adequate
populations would be in the range of thousands to millions (Shaffer
1981, Thomas 1990, Menges 1991). Species that are subject to extreme
fluctuations in population size from year to year are particularly
vulnerable to chance events (Thomas 1990). Among the 24 populations of
succulent owl's-clover for which size estimates were given, 10
consisted of fewer than 100 plants at their peak size (CNDDB 2001,
Stebbins in litt. 2000).
Succulent Owl's-Clover Unit Review
We conducted a regional review across the range of succulent owl's-
clover to evaluate and select areas that are essential to the
conservation of the species and that may require special management.
Important factors we considered were the presence of the species and
the primary constituent elements essential to the conservation of the
species. A specific description of each area is outlined below.
Unit 1, Southeast Sacramento Valley Unit, Sacramento and San Joaquin
Counties (1,052 ha (2,598 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for succulent owl's-
clover because it contains occurrences of the species living within
vernal pools occurring on San Joaquin soils that provide the necessary
timing and length of inundation for succulent owl's-clover germination,
growth, and reproduction (Holland 1998, Sacramento County 1999, CNDDB
2002).
The site is a ``Nature Study Area'' for the UC Cooperative
Extension (CNDDB 2001). This unit represents the northern most extent
of succulent owl's-clover range and is the only unit designated for
this species within the Sacramento Valley. The unit is isolated from
other succulent owl's-clover occurrences to the south in the San
Joaquin Valley by a distance of over 80 km (50 mi). Isolated and
peripheral populations such as this may have genetic characteristics
essential to the overall long-term conservation of the species (i.e.,
they may be different from more central populations) (Lesica and
Allendorf 1995).
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for succulent owl's-clover
germination and reproduction.
This unit for succulent owl's-clover occupies the area east of Galt
near Dustin and Liberty roads. All the lands included within this unit
are privately owned. Urban expansion and conversion from grazing to
other agricultural practices, particularly vineyards have greatly
affected existing vernal pool habitats throughout this area. Other
sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit includes the
California tiger salamander.
Unit 2, Waterford Unit, Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties (14,131 ha
(34,917 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for succulent owl's-
clover because it supports occurrences of the species within hardpan
vernal pools on alluvial terraces on Amador and Redding soils that
provide the necessary timing and length of inundation essential to the
conservation of the species (CNDDB 2002). This is the northernmost
extent of succulent owl's-clover's range within the San Joaquin Valley,
and is over 80 km (50 mi) from
[[Page 59947]]
the isolated occurrence to the north. This unit contains a variety of
pools and ephemeral habitats in which the plants are known to occur,
including shallow and deep pools and pools with both long and short
inundation periods. These pools contain appropriate conditions for
germination, growth, reproduction, and dispersal of succulent owl's-
clover. The Waterford Unit is important for the survival of succulent
owl's-clover because it represents large areas of contiguous habitat
with relatively intact hydrology. All the lands within this unit are
privately owned.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery, as well as elevation contours in the
eastern foothill region and sub-watershed boundaries. The Waterford
Unit is bordered by the Tuolumne River to the south. The Modesto
Reservoir is adjacent to the southwest boundary of the unit.
Warnerville Road cuts through the northern portion of the unit. The
City of La Grange is located southeast of the unit. The eastern
boundary extends into the low elevation foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
Vernal pools in the Waterford Unit are located mainly in eastern
Stanislaus County, but overlap into western Tuolumne County. This unit
overlaps with San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass Unit 1, hairy Orcutt
grass Unit 4, Colusa grass Unit 4, Hoover's spurge Unit 4, and Greene's
tuctoria Unit 6. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within this
unit include California tiger salamander, western spadefoot toad, dwarf
downingia, and California linderiella.
Unit 3A and B, Merced Unit, Merced County (63,352 ha (156,542 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for succulent owl's-
clover because it supports over 50 percent of the known occurrences of
the species, living within vernal pools on Redding, Corning, and Pentz
soil series that provide the primary constituent elements essential to
the conservation of the species (CNDDB 2002). This unit represents the
largest remaining habitat area for succulent owl's-clover, and includes
the largest block of pristine, high density vernal pool grasslands
remaining in California (Holland 1998, Vollmar 1999). This unit is
important to maintain a diversity of habitats for succulent owl's-
clover, and supports hydrologically intact vernal pool complexes that
are likely to maintain ecosystem processes important to the recovery of
succulent owl's-clover.
A majority of the land in this unit is privately owned, and is used
to graze cattle. The integrity of the vernal pool complexes in eastern
Merced is threatened by the proposed UC Merced Campus and associated
development. Succulent owl's-clover has been found in 296 vernal pools
in the proposed campus and community area, although only 34 percent of
the area was surveyed intensively (EIP Associates 1999). Construction
of facilities to educate and serve twenty-five thousand UC students as
well as faculty, staff, and their families within the vernal pool
complexes in eastern Merced County, could have a major impact on the
survival and recovery of succulent owl's-clover. However, the recent
draft biological opinion for the UC Merced campus and community
developed environmental parameters which should reduce impacts to
vernal pool habitats. Indirect and cumulative impacts of the proposed
1,673 ha (4,133 ac) campus and associated community may be minimized
with the creation of a 2,036 ha (5,030 ac) preserve intended to protect
sensitive vernal pool habitat, to be purchased with money donated by
the Packard Foundation.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery, as well as elevation contours in the
eastern foothill region and sub-watershed boundaries. The Merced Unit
is comprised of two subunits, Subunit A is located north of the Merced
River, and south of Dry Creek. Subunit B is located south of the Merced
River and north of Mariposa Creek Both subunits are located east of
State Highway 99. Approximately 419 ha (1,048 ac) is owned by the DOD,
3 ha (8 ac) by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), 10 ha (26 ac) by
California State Parks. TNC has 4,513 ha (11,283 ac) of easement lands
within this unit. The remaining lands within this unit are privately
owned. The Merced Unit overlaps with vernal pool tadpole shrimp Unit
15, vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 22, Conservancy fairy shrimp Unit 6,
hairy Orcutt grass Unit 5, Hoover's spurge Unit 5, Greene's tuctoria
Unit 7, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass Units 2 and 3, and Colusa grass
Units 5 and 6. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within this
unit include California linderiella, California tiger salamander,
shining navarretia, dwarf downingia, and Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop.
Unit 4, Madera Unit, Madera County (33,071 ha (81,717 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for succulent owl's-
clover because it supports multiple occurrences of the species within
hardpan vernal pools on soils of alluvial fans and terraces, including
San Joaquin soils (CNDDB 2002). This unit is important for the survival
of succulent owl's-clover because it represents large areas of
contiguous habitat with relatively intact hydrology. These pools are
typically found in vernal pool/swale complexes on mima mound
topography. This unit contains vernal pools and other ephemeral
features and associated watersheds that maintain suitable periods of
pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for succulent owl's-
clover germination, growth, reproduction, and dispersal.
Most of the area within this unit is on private land, although a
large population of succulent owl's-clover occurs on property acquired
by the California Department of Transportation for mitigation purposes
(CNDDB 2001). The integrity of vernal pool complexes and their
associated watersheds in the Madera Unit is threatened by agricultural
conversion and urban encroachment.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery, as well as elevation contours in the
eastern foothill region and sub-watershed boundaries. Located entirely
in Madera County, this unit contains vernal pool habitat extending from
the Chowchilla River in the north to the San Joaquin River in the
south. All vernal pools in this unit are located east of State Highway
99. Land ownership within the unit includes 3 ha (8 ac) by BOR, 2 ha (5
ac) by NPS, 47 ha (117 ac) by CDFG, and 9 ha (22 ac) by State Land
Commission. The Madera Unit overlaps hairy Orcutt grass Units 6 and 7,
Greene's tuctoria Unit 8, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass Units 4 and 5
and vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 24A. Other sensitive vernal pool
species found within this unit include spiny-sepaled button-celery,
California tiger salamander, western spadefoot toad and California
linderiella.
Unit 5, Fresno Unit, Fresno County (11,888 ha (29,375 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for succulent owl's-
clover because it contains occurrences of the species growing within
vernal pools formed on Fallbrook, Ramona, San Joaquin, Vista, and
Pollasky soil series
[[Page 59948]]
(CNDDB 2002). The diversity of vernal pool types found within the
Fresno Unit contributes to the range of ecological conditions in which
succulent owl's-clover occurs. This area represents the southern extent
of the species range. This unit contains suitable habitat within annual
grassland communities to enable the species to carry out its life-
cycle. Some habitat in this unit consists of typical ``bowl-like''
pools, whereas other areas are more similar to swales. Vernal pools
within this unit have been destroyed by conversion to irrigated
agriculture, as well as urban encroachment from the cities of Fresno
and Clovis.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. Located in Fresno County, this unit
contains vernal pool habitat extending from the San Joaquin River in
the north to Shaw Avenue in the south. The western boundary of this
unit lies east of Fresno and Clovis and the eastern boundary parallels
the low elevation foothill region of the Sierra Nevada. Property
ownership and protection within this unit includes CDFG (0.4 ha (1 ac))
and CDFG administered land (0.4 ha (1 ac)). The remainder of the
property within this unit is privately owned. The Fresno Unit overlaps
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass Unit 5 and vernal pool fairy shrimp
Unit 24B. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit
include California linderiella, California tiger salamander, and
western spadefoot toad.
Unit 6A and B, Table Mountain Unit, Fresno and Madera Counties, (1,723
ha (4,258 ac))
This area is proposed as critical habitat for succulent owl's-
clover because it supports occurrences of the species within Northern
Basalt Flow vernal pools (CNDDB 2002). This is the only area where
succulent owl's-clover is found on this vernal pool type. Northern
Basalt Flow pool complexes, such as Table Mountain, are extremely rare,
occurring only on ancient terraces and hilltops. Basalt tables are
perched on narrow, sinuous basalt mesas above the surrounding low-lying
terrain. They typically contain small, irregularly clustered pools with
``flashy hydrology'' (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998). They are less common
than hardpan and claypan pools that are typically found in this region,
and occur in complexes that are less dense than habitat in units
further north.
Three occurrences of succulent owl's-clover within this unit are
wholly or in part within designated reserves, which are on two
``tabletop'' mountains near Millerton Lake. The Sierra Foothill
Conservancy's Big Table Mountain Preserve includes one of these
occurrences and a portion of another, which is shared with the BLM. The
other is in the CDFG's Big Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. A fourth
occurrence, which is on a nearby tabletop, is partially under the
control of the BLM and partly in private ownership. A cooperative group
consisting of the CDFG, California Department of Parks and Recreation,
Sierra Foothill Conservancy, BLM and BOR has developed a management and
monitoring plan for Big Table Mountain. Initial efforts of the plan
will focus on grazing as a means to control non-native grasses while
comparing population trends of threatened and endangered species in
grazed and ungrazed portions of the tableland (Griggs in litt. 2000a).
BLM owns approximately 149 ha (371 ac) and CDFG owns approximately 429
ha (172 ac) of land within this unit. TNC has 256 ha (650 ac) of
conservation easements within this unit. The BLM has attempted to
protect the occurrence on the other tabletop mountain by erecting
fencing to prevent trespass by cattle (Franklin in litt. 1993).
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery, as well as elevation contours in the
eastern foothill region and sub-watershed boundaries. Unit 6 for
succulent owl's-clover is comprised of two subunits. Both subunits are
located east of Millerton Lake on basalt mesas above the San Joaquin
River. Subunit 6B is located on Kennedy Table in Madera County, and
Subunit 6A is directly south of this unit across the San Joaquin River
on Table Mountain in Fresno County. The Table Mountain Rancheria is
south of this unit. Unit 6 coincides with vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit
25, vernal pool tadpole shrimp Unit 17, and San Joaquin Valley Orcutt
grass units 6A and 6B. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within
this unit include Bogg's lake hedge-hyssop and California linderiella.
Colusa Grass Criteria
In proposing critical habitat units for Colusa grass, we evaluated
the life history and current distribution of the species, the primary
constituent elements, and the current threats to the species. This
information allowed us to determine which areas are most likely to
contribute to the conservation of Colusa grass.
Currently, the CNDDB (2001) includes 59 occurrences of Colusa
grass; 48 occurrences are presumed to be extant and 11 others are
either known or presumed to be extirpated. The extant populations occur
primarily in the foothills region of the San Joaquin Valley, where 80
percent known occurrences are found northeast of the city of Merced in
Merced County and east of Hickman in Stanislaus County. Of the
remaining extant occurrences, four are in central Merced County, and
two each occur in southeastern Yolo and central Solano counties (Stone
et al. 1988, Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998, CNDDB 2001). This species has
been extirpated from Colusa County (CNDDB 2001).
Colusa grass declined primarily because pools in which it occurred
were destroyed by conversion to irrigated agriculture, primarily to
orchards and vineyards (Crampton 1976, Medeiros 1976, CNDDB 2002).
Agricultural conversion continues to threaten Colusa grass. In eastern
Stanislaus County agricultural conversion threatens the 16 occurrences
(33 percent) there. Dry-land farming there is gradually being replaced
by irrigated agriculture; the former apparently is compatible with the
persistence of Colusa grass, but the latter is not (Crampton 1959,
Crampton 1976).
Other factors that extirpated populations of Colusa grass included
surface disturbances and degradation of vernal pool hydrology. At least
9, and possibly 11, occurrences have been extirpated as a result of
these factors, although several others most likely were eliminated
before being reported (Stone et al. 1988). Changes in natural
hydrology, such as draining pools or creating reservoirs, could create
unsuitable conditions for Colusa grass by decreasing or increasing
inundation periods. The two Yolo County occurrences are threatened by
herbicide run-off from adjacent agricultural operations (CNDDB 2002).
Additional factors threaten the survival of Colusa grass,
particularly the problem of small population size. Although populations
may drop to only a few visible plants in certain years, seven
populations consisted of fewer than 100 plants even at their peak
(CNDDB 2002) and thus are likely to be small populations. Non-native
plants and invasive native species could invade Colusa grass
occurrences and may be particular problems in combination with other
factors such as decreased inundation and inappropriate livestock
grazing (Stone et al. 1988, Witham in litt. 2000a). Grasshopper
foraging has been observed on Colusa
[[Page 59949]]
grass (Stone et al. 1988), but the extent of this threat is unknown.
Colusa Grass Unit Review
We conducted a regional review across the range of Colusa grass to
evaluate and select areas that are essential to the conservation of the
species and that may require special management. Important factors we
considered were the presence of the species and the presence of the
primary constituent elements essential to the conservation of the
species. A specific description of each area is outlined below.
Unit 1, Davis Communications Annex and Grasslands Area Unit, Yolo
County (192 ha (474 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Colusa grass because it
contains one of six areas where the species is known to occur (CNDDB
2002, Yolo County Parks 2001, EIP Associates 2001) within large vernal
playa pools of the Pescadero soil series (Holland 1998, USDA 2001, Yolo
County 1995).
The unit boundary was drawn to include the vernal pool complex
mapped by Holland (1998) and Yolo County Parks (2001) where Colusa
grass is known to occur. This vernal pool complex maintains suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Colusa
grass germination, growth and reproduction, and dispersal, but not
necessarily every year. Colusa grass in this unit is threatened by
altered hydrology, contamination, competition with invasive plant
species, and surface disturbances such as discing.
This unit is located southeast of the City of Davis and south of
the South Fork of Putah Creek. This unit's western boundary coincides
with the Solano and Yolo county line. This unit also represents Unit 1
for Solano grass, and is a portion of Unit 10 for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp. The unit contains land owned by Yolo County. Approximately 128
ha (322 ac) is owned by the DOD.
Unit 2, Jepson Prairie Unit, Solano County (7,153 ha (17,675 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Colusa grass because it
supports the species (CNDDB 2002) within large, alkaline, playa type
vernal pools (Holland 1998, USDA 2001, Solano County 2000, Solano
County Farmlands and Open Space 2000). These pools occur on Pescadero
and Antioch-San Ysidro soil series, and contribute to the diversity of
vernal pool types where the species is found. The unit boundary was
drawn to include the vernal pool complex where Colusa grass is known to
occur. The pools, swales, and adjacent uplands that comprise this
complex are essential to maintain the necessary timing and length of
pool inundation for Colusa grass germination, growth, pollination, seed
production, and dispersal. This unit includes one of the largest
contiguous areas of habitat remaining for the species. The relatively
undisturbed, hydrologically intact condition of the vernal pool
habitats within this unit increase the likelihood that it will continue
to support natural vernal pool ecosystem processes and maintain
suitable habitat conditions for Colusa grass.
This unit includes the Jepson Prairie Preserve (623 ha (1,558 ac),
jointly managed by the Solano County Farmlands and Open Space and the
UC Reserve System. Jepson Prairie contains large playa-like vernal
pools which may be over several acres in size, including the 32 ha (80
ac) Olcott Lake. These larger pools often occur in complexes with
smaller pools and hogwallow depressions. Jepson Prairie has long been
recognized as an outstanding example of vernal pool ecosystems. In
1987, the NPS named Jepson Prairie a National Natural Landmark, a
designation given to well preserved sites that illustrate a particular
type of natural feature and provide high quality habitat for threatened
or endangered species. Jepson Prairie is the target of ongoing
conservation planning and active management. As part of the UC Reserve
System, this area also provides critical research opportunities for
scientists to study vernal pool species, including Colusa grass. The
unit also contains lands totaling 248 ha (620 ac) owned and
approximately 64 ha (161 ac) administered by CDFG. Additional lands are
owned by DOD (93 ha (233 ac)), and the State Land Commission (7 ha (17
ac)), with another 436 ha (1,090 ac) of private land protected under
WRP easements or agreements. Within the greater Jepson Prairie
grassland area, existing vernal pools are threatened by agricultural
conversion, landfill expansion, power plant construction, and utility
maintenance.
This unit is situated east of the City of Fairfield, south of the
City of Dixon, and north of the Montezuma Hills and the confluence of
the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. This unit is also described as
Unit 2 for Solano grass. This unit is encompassed by Unit 3 for
Conservancy fairy shrimp, Unit 11 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and
Unit 16 for vernal pool fairy shrimp. This unit also supports a diverse
community of plants and animals, including the only known occurrence of
delta green ground beetle, and occurrences of California tiger
salamander, alkali milk-vetch, Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, legenere,
California linderiella, and midvalley fairy shrimp.
Unit 3, Farmington Unit, Stanislaus County (16,475 ha (40,709 ac)
This unit was identified as critical for Colusa grass because the
species is found (CNDDB 2002) within vernal pools on high terrace
landforms and Redding-Pentz-Peters soil complexes (USDA 2001). The
impermeable layers underlying these occupied vernal pools are generally
iron-silica cemented hardpan. The Farmington Unit contains pools,
swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions of appropriate
sizes and depths and the adjacent upland margins of these depressions
that sustain Colusa grass germination, growth, and reproduction.
Habitat in this unit includes deeper pools that are most likely to
provide the long inundation period required for germination of Colusa
grass (EIP Associates 1999). This unit is isolated from the other
Colusa grass units to the north by over 80 km (50 mi).
The Farmington unit is located in northeast Stanislaus County. It
is hydrologically separated from units to the south by the Stanislaus
River. The eastern boundary generally parallels the Calaveras County
Line. Woodward Reservoir and the town of Oakdale are all located
outside and to the west of the unit. The unit is generally south of
State Highway 4 and north of State Highway 108. The unit boundary was
drawn to include these species occurrences and the vernal pool
complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998) and as
visible on SPOT imagery. Lands within this unit are privately owned.
Unit 4, Waterford Unit, Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties (35,134 ha
(86,814 ac))
The Waterford Unit was identified as critical habitat for Colusa
grass because it contains large occurrences of Colusa grass.
Approximately one-fifth of all extant occurrences are found within this
unit (CNDDB 2002). These occurrences are found within vernal pools
formed on alluvial terraces and associated Whitney soils, among others.
These pool types provide the necessary timing and length of inundation
for Colusa grass to germinate, mature, and set seed. The Waterford Unit
contains very large vernal pool complexes that will likely continue to
support vernal pool ecosystem processes important to the conservation
of Colusa grass. This unit contains vernal pools, swales, and other
ephemeral wetlands and depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and
the
[[Page 59950]]
adjacent upland margins of these depressions that sustain Colusa grass
germination, growth and reproduction, and that typically become
inundated during winter rains, including, but not limited to vernal
pools formed on acidic soils of alluvial fans and stream terraces along
the eastern margin of the San Joaquin Valley and into the adjacent
foothills.
Agricultural conversion has resulted in the extirpation of at least
two documented Colusa grass occurrences in this unit. Although Colusa
grass has the ability to persist with dry-land farming, dry-land
farming is gradually being replaced by irrigated agriculture throughout
this unit.
The Waterford Unit is bordered by the Stanislaus River to the north
and the Tuolumne River to the south. The City of La Grange is located
southeast of this unit. County Road J9 runs west of the unit, and
Oakdale is located outside of the northwest corner. The eastern
boundary extends into the low elevation foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
Vernal pools in the Waterford Unit are mainly located in eastern
Stanislaus County, but overlap into southwestern Tuolumne county.
Approximately 0.8 ha (2 ac) of this unit are lands administered by the
CDFG. The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and
the vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland
(1998) and as visible on SPOT imagery. Watershed boundaries were also
used in the determination. This unit coincides with Hoover's spurge
Unit 4, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass Unit 1, and hairy Orcutt grass
Unit 4. It overlaps with Greene's tuctoria Unit 5, succulent owl's-
clover Unit 2, and vernal pool tadpole shrimp Unit 13.
Unit 5, Turlock Unit, Stanislaus and Merced Counties (19,850 ha (49,049
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Colusa grass because
it supports large, playa vernal pools where the species is found (CNDDB
2002, Holland 1998). The well-known Hickman pools in Stanislaus County
are located within this unit. These unusual pools provide a unique
habitat for Colusa grass, as well as a number of other vernal pool
species. Not only does the Hickman pool complex contain one of the
largest vernal lakes in California, occupying more than 121 ha (300
ac), but it also exhibits tremendous biodiversity, including one of the
largest concentrations of imperiled amphibians (Medeiros 2000). Other
habitat in this unit contains the primary constituent elements
essential to the conservation of Colusa grass, including soil type and
deeper pools that are more likely to provide the long inundation period
required for germination.
The watershed containing the Hickman Colusa grass occurrences has
been breached by hundreds of acres of orchards that have been planted
upstream. While most of the watershed has been managed over the years
in a trust of the Fred Robinson family, the integrity of the vernal
pool ecosystem is threatened by agricultural development and potential
biocide pollution (Medeiros 2000). Much of the irrigated farmland
habitat adjacent to the western edge of this unit was historically
vernal wetlands. Intensive agriculture poses the largest threat to
Colusa grass habitat in the Turlock Unit.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. The Turlock Unit is bordered by the
Tuolumne River to the north and the Merced River to the south. The unit
lies between the towns of La Grange and Snelling. County Road J9 runs
west of the unit and the eastern edge is located in the low elevation
foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Vernal pools in the Turlock Unit are
located in Stanislaus and Merced counties. Approximately 61 ha (24 ac)
of lands within this unit are owned by the California State Parks. This
unit coincides with hairy Orcutt grass Unit 5. Portions of this unit
overlap with Hoover's spurge Unit 5, vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 21,
and succulent owl's-clover Unit 3A.
Unit 6, Merced Unit, Merced and Mariposa Counties (45,641 ha (112,779
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Colusa grass because it
contains over 40 percent of all known Colusa grass occurrences (CNDDB
2002). This unit also contains a diversity of habitats for Colusa
grass, including the only locations where this species is known to
occur on Keyes-Pentz, Redding, and Keyes soils (USDA 2001). Although
many populations of Colusa grass have been extirpated in the past two
decades, populations in the Merced Unit are among the most robust
remaining (Holland 2000). The area within this unit encompasses the
largest block of pristine, high density vernal pool grasslands
remaining in California (Vollmar 1999). It contains habitat for three
listed branchiopods, six listed plants, and a number of rare species.
The majority of the land in this unit is privately owned and is
used to graze cattle. TNC is conserving three occurrences of Colusa
grass through a conservation easement on the Flying M Ranch located
northeast of the City of Merced. The integrity of the vernal pool
complexes in eastern Merced is seriously threatened by irrigated
agriculture, upland housing development, and the proposed UC Merced
Campus and associated development. Construction of facilities to
educate and serve 25,000 UC students as well as faculty, staff, and
their families within the vernal pool complexes in eastern Merced
County, could have a major impact on these vernal pools. However, the
recent draft biological opinion for the UC Merced campus and community
developed environmental parameters which should reduce impacts to
vernal pool habitats. Indirect and cumulative impacts of the proposed
1,673 ha (4,133 ac) campus and associated community may be minimized
with the creation of a 2,036 ha (5,030 ac) preserve intended to protect
sensitive vernal pool habitat, to be purchased with money donated by
the Packard Foundation.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. A majority of the vernal pool habitat
in the Merced Unit is in Merced County, although the eastern edge of
the unit overlaps into Mariposa County in the low elevation foothills
of the Sierra Nevada. The northern boundary parallels the Merced River,
and Bear Creek serves as the southern border. The entire unit is
located east of Highway 99. Approximately 419 ha (1,047 ac) of lands
within this unit are owned by the USAF, 3 ha (8 ac) by BLM, and 10 ha
(26 ac) by the California State Parks. The Merced Unit coincides with
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass Unit 2, Conservancy fairy shrimp Unit
6, vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 22, and Hoover's spurge Unit 6. It
overlaps with vernal pool tadpole shrimp Unit 15, Greene's tuctoria
Unit 6, and succulent owl's-clover Unit 3B.
Unit 7A and B, Grassland Ecological Unit, Madera, Merced and Stanislaus
Counties (8,163 ha (20,170 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Colusa grass because
it contains vernal pools that support numerous occurrences of the
species, including the only location where Colusa grass is found on
clay or silty clay loam soils in the Landlow and Lewis series (Silveira
in litt. 2000). The unit boundary was drawn to include these pool
types, swales and associated uplands that comprise the vernal pool
complexes mapped by Holland (1998)
[[Page 59951]]
where Colusa grass is known to occur. These vernal pool complexes
maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil
moisture for Colusa grass germination, growth and reproduction, and
dispersal, but not necessarily every year (CNDDB 2001). Remaining
vernal pool complexes in this unit, particularly in the eastern
subunit, have been fragmented by conversion to agriculture. These areas
were historically interconnected vernal pool complexes, and current
efforts are underway to restore wetland habitats in this area.
The Grassland Ecological Unit includes Arena Plains and the Merced
National Wildlife Refuges. We own and administer approximately 1,406 ha
(3,514 ac) within this unit. Our personnel have been monitoring Colusa
grass occurrences on National Wildlife Refuge lands within this unit
annually since 1993. This Arena Plains and Merced NWR area contains the
majority of vernal pool habitats remaining in the San Joaquin Valley
and is the only location where Colusa grass occurs on the San Joaquin
Valley floor. Threats to the vernal pools in this unit include
agricultural conversion, changes in hydrology, invasion by aggressive
plants, and inappropriate livestock grazing regimes.
The unit lies north of the City of Los Banos, southwest of the City
of Merced, and is bisected by the San Joaquin River. This unit overlaps
Unit 23 for vernal pool fairy shrimp and Unit 16 for vernal pool
tadpole shrimp. The western half of this unit also represents Unit 6
for Hoover's spurge, and portions of Unit 7 for Conservancy fairy
shrimp. In addition to the species mentioned above, vernal pool
smallscale, alkali milk-vetch, western spadefoot toad, and California
linderiella are present in this unit
Greene's Tuctoria
In proposing critical habitat units for Greene's tuctoria, we
evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species, the
primary constituent elements, and the current threats to the species.
This information allowed us to determine which areas are most likely to
contribute to the conservation of this species and to delineate units
so that threats to this species might be minimized.
Since Greene's tuctoria was first described, 19 of the 39 known
occurrences (50 percent of all occurrences) have been extirpated. The
other 20 occurrences are presumed to be extant, although 6 of those
have not been verified for more than a decade (Alexander and Schlising
1997, CNDDB 2001). Greene's tuctoria is currently known from the Vina
Plains area of Tehama and Butte counties, from portions of eastern
Merced County, and from isolated occurrences in Glenn and Shasta
counties (CNDDB 2001). The species is considered possibly extirpated
from Fresno, Madera, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare counties
(Stone et al. 1988, Skinner and Pavlik 1994, CNDDB 2001). The areas
that continue to support robust occurrences of the species include the
Vina Plains area of Tehama and Butte counties, and an area in eastern
Merced County. All other occurrences are considered declining and may
require special management actions to ensure their long-term
conservation.
One of the primary causes of extirpation for Greene's tuctoria has
been conversion to irrigated agriculture; 11 of 19 (57.9 percent)
extirpated occurrences were due at least in part to agricultural
conversions. Stanislaus and Fresno counties experienced the greatest
loss to agricultural conversion, with four and three such extirpations,
respectively. Excessive livestock grazing was the sole or partial cause
of extirpation for six populations (31.6 percent) (Stone et al. 1988,
CNDDB 2002).
Greene's tuctoria is less tolerant of livestock grazing and
competition than most of the other Orcuttieae, probably because it
occurs in portions of pools that dry early in the spring. Anecdotal
evidence of its lower tolerance to grazing is that Greene's tuctoria
has disappeared from one grazed site where Hoover's spurge still occurs
and from another site where Colusa grass remains (CNDDB 2002). Fifteen
of the 20 remaining populations are subject to cattle grazing and the
associated trampling, and at least 4 of those are declining (Stone et
al. 1988, CNDDB 2001). Four other occurrences on the Vina Plains
Preserve had been declining (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001), but
improved after grazing was discontinued. Invasion from weedy plants,
such as cocklebur (Xanthium sp.) and other non-native species,
apparently is reducing population vigor at six localities in the
Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys (Stone et al. 1988, Alexander in
litt. 1998, CNDDB 2001). Agricultural conversion remains a threat to
the Merced County populations, which are the only ones confirmed to be
remaining in the San Joaquin Valley. Grasshoppers have been documented
to consume entire populations of Greene's tuctoria before they set seed
(Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain 1983, Stone et al. 1988).
Finally, small populations of Greene's tuctoria (fewer than 100
plants) may limit persistence of several occurrences. One population in
Merced County consisted of only a single plant in 1987, and one in
Butte County contained 75 plants (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001). The
Shasta County population also may have declined to the point where it
is more vulnerable to extirpation by random events, such as fire, or by
other threats as previously discussed; the Shasta County population
consisted of 2,500 plants in 1993 and 1994, but declined to 120 in 1996
and 35 in 1998 despite favorable hydrological conditions. However,
additional investigation of all four populations is necessary to
determine whether or not larger soil seed banks exist.
Greene's Tuctoria Unit Review
We conducted a regional review across the range of Greene's
tuctoria to evaluate and select areas that are essential to the
conservation of the species and that may require special management.
Important factors we considered were the known presence of the species
and the presence of the primary constituent elements essential to the
conservation of the species. A specific description of each area is
outlined below.
Unit 1, Modoc Plateau Unit, Lassen, and Shasta Counties (973 ha (2,403
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Greene's tuctoria
because it contains the species within Northern Basalt Flow vernal
pools (CNDDB 2002) and the vernal pool habitat remains inundated for
sufficient periods of time to allow Greene's tuctoria to complete its
life cycle. These areas are not threatened by land conversion or
development at this time due to their remote location, however, grazing
activities may be contributing to the species decline in this area and
may require special management actions, such as reduction or
elimination of grazing, to prevent further decline and possible
extirpation of the occurrence within this unit (CNDDB 2001).
Greene's tuctoria within this unit are located within an area
described as a large vernal pool in an open flat in an eastside pine
forest. The occurrence is located at higher elevations and has the
coldest climatic conditions of any other occurrences and represents the
northern extent of the species range. This unit is over 110 km (68 mi)
disjunct from occurrences further south. Isolated and peripheral
populations such as this may be essential to the overall long-term
conservation of the species (i.e., may be genetically different from
other
[[Page 59952]]
populations in other parts of its range) (Lesica and Allendorf 1995).
The boundaries of this unit were delineated by using SPOT imagery
and elevation contours to include the open flat area associated with
the vernal pool including the adjacent uplands that contribute to the
filling and drying of the vernal pool where Greene's tuctoria occur,
and maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Greene's tuctoria to germinate and reproduce.
Approximately 892 ha (2,231 ac) of this unit is owned by the USFS. The
remaining lands within this unit are privately owned.
This unit for Greene's tuctoria occurs within the volcanic plateau
of northeastern California. The unit is located in the area surrounding
Murken Lake east of Hat Creek near Cinder Butte. Bidwell Road crosses
through the southern boundary. This is the only unit where Greene's
tuctoria occupies Northern Basalt Flow vernal pools. Maintaining this
ecologically distinct unit is essential to the conservation of the
species because it is the northern extent of its range, and is
essential to maintain the diversity of habitats in which Greene's
tuctoria is known to occur.
Unit 2, Vina Unit, Tehama and Butte Counties (11,673 ha (28,845 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Greene's tuctoria
because it contains occurrences of the species within vernal pools
(CNDDB 2002) and the vernal pool habitat remains inundated for
sufficient periods of time to allow Greene's tuctoria to complete its
life cycle. This unit is proposed as critical for Greene's tuctoria
because it includes 60 percent of the occurrences that are thought to
be extant (CNDDB 2001). Greene's tuctoria occurs within vernal pools
found on Anita and Tuscan soil series within this unit. These pool
types maintain the necessary timing and length of inundation for
Greene's tuctoria germination, growth, and reproduction (CNDDB 2002).
This unit represents one of only two areas throughout the species range
where Greene's tuctoria occurrences are not considered to be declining
(CNDDB 2001).
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Greene's tuctoria
germination and reproduction.
The majority of the lands included within this unit are privately
owned. This unit contains TNC's 1,862 ha (4,600 ac) Vina Plains
preserve. The preserve contains over 300 species of plants, and diverse
communities of aquatic invertebrates. Since the 1960's, the Vina Plains
area has been the focus of a number of research projects, including
long-term adaptive management and monitoring efforts evaluating of the
effects of grazing and fire on vernal pool plants, including Greene's
tuctoria (Griggs 2000). Much of the basic life history information
known about Greene's tuctoria was collected at Vina Plains (e.g., Stone
et al. 1988, Alexander and Schlising 1997). The results of this
research have provided crucial information to guide management and
monitoring of vernal pool ecosystems and to identify factors which
influence population dynamics of a number of endangered species,
including Greene's tuctoria. The Vina Plains is open to the public and
provides excellent outreach and educational opportunities. In addition
to TNC, the importance of vernal pool habitats in this area has been
recognized by CDFG, the Service, the EPA, the CNPS, the NRCS's WRP, and
by researchers at the CSU at Chico, who have all supported research and
conservation efforts for Greene's tuctoria and other vernal pool
species within this unit. Urban development north of Chico and the
conversion of grazed lands to more intensive agricultural uses threaten
vernal pool habitat within this unit. Property ownership and protection
within this unit includes CDFG (0.4 ha (1 ac)), CDFG administration
(0.4 ha (1 ac)), TNC (2,295 ha (5,738 ac)), TNC easements (4,661 ha
(11,653)), and WRP easements and agreements (57 ha, 142 ac)).
This unit for Greene's tuctoria occupies the area south of Toomes
Creek, and north of Pine Creek and the Cana Highway. State Route 99
bisects this unit and the western boundary generally parallels the
Southern Pacific Railway line. This unit is within Unit 7 for vernal
pool fairy shrimp and Unit 3 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and
encompasses part of Unit 1 for Conservancy fairy shrimp and Unit 1 for
Butte County meadowfoam. The unit coincides with Unit 1 for hairy
Orcutt grass, and Unit 4 for slender Orcutt grass and portions of Unit
1 for Hoover's spurge. Additional sensitive vernal pool species
occurring in this unit include California linderiella and Bogg's Lake
hedge-hyssop.
Unit 3, Butte Unit, Butte County (979 ha (2,418 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Greene's tuctoria
because it supports the species within large vernal pools on Tuscan
soils (EPA 1994, Holland 1998, CNDDB 2002). These pools have the
necessary timing and length of inundation for Greene's tuctoria
germination, growth, and reproduction that typically become inundated
during winter rains, but are dry during the summer. This occurrence may
be threatened by overgrazing, and is described as ``possibly
declining'' by CNDDB (2002).
Vernal pool habitats within this area have become greatly
fragmented and isolated from other habitats in the region. This area is
one of only four areas occupied by Greene's tuctoria in the Sacramento
Valley. This area is important to maintain the geographical
distribution of Greene's tuctoria through out the areas where it
occurs. The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Greene's tuctoria
germination and reproduction.
This unit for Greene's tuctoria occupies the area north of the
intersection of State Route 99 and Route 149 in Butte County. The
eastern boundary extends up the watershed of Clear Creek and the
western boundary extends south paralleling State Route 99 to Little Dry
Creek. This unit is within Unit 9 for vernal pool fairy shrimp and Unit
4 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and coincides with Unit 2 for hairy
Orcutt grass and Unit 2 for Hoover's spurge. All the property within
this unit is privately owned.
Unit 4, Richvale Unit, Butte County (299 ha (738 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Greene's tuctoria
because it contains occurrences of the species within vernal pools
found on Rocklin and San Joaquin soils (CNDDB 2002) and the vernal pool
habitat remains inundated for sufficient periods of time to allow
Greene's tuctoria to complete its life cycle. This is the only area
where Greene's tuctoria is found in vernal pools formed on these soil
types.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of
[[Page 59953]]
the vernal pools where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods
of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Greene's
tuctoria germination and reproduction.
Vernal pool habitats within this area have become greatly
fragmented and isolated from other habitats. This unit is over 200 km
(120 mi) from the nearest Greene's tuctoria occurrences to the south.
This occurrence of Greene's tuctoria helps to maintain the species
range in the Sacramento Valley. This unit for Greene's tuctoria
occupies the area west of the Thermalito Afterbay near the Richvale
Highway and directly west of the Oroville Wildlife Area managed by CDFG
(4 ha (9ac)). The remaining property within this unit is privately
owned.
Unit 5, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Unit, Glenn and Colusa
Counties (5,718 ha (14,129 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Greene's tuctoria because it
contains occurrences of the species within vernal pools that provide
the necessary timing and length of inundation essential to the
conservation of Greene's tuctoria, including alkaline vernal pools on
Willows soils (Silveira 2000). Greene's tuctoria has been declining
within this unit and we have taken management actions to prevent
extirpation of the species from the refuge lands (Silveira 2000).
This area is one of only four areas occupied by Greene's tuctoria
in the Sacramento Valley. This occurrence is important to maintain the
geographical distribution of Greene's tuctoria into the unique alkali
flat habitats of the Colusa Basin. The boundaries of this unit were
delineated to include the interconnected pools, swales, and associated
uplands mapped by Holland (1998) that contribute to the filling and
drying of the vernal pools where the species occur, and maintain
suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture
for Greene's tuctoria germination and reproduction.
This unit occurs predominantly on the Sacramento National Wildlife
Refuge (5,126 ha (12,816 ac)). It is the only known location where
Greene's tuctoria occurs on public land. It occurs east of Interstate 5
to the Colusa Trough from Riz Road on the north and Delevan Road on the
south. Other rare vernal pool species found in the unit include pappose
spikeweed, Fremont's goldfields, alkali goldfields, Scribe's popcorn
flower, Hoover's downingia, folded downingia, Heckard's peppergrass,
heartscale, brittlescale, San Joaquin spearscale, Ferris' milk-vetch,
spike-primrose, sessile mousetail, and palmate-bracted bird's beak.
This unit is also part of vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 10, and vernal
pool tadpole shrimp Unit 5, and coincides with Unit 2 for Conservancy
fairy shrimp, Unit 3 for Hairy Orcutt grass, and Unit 3 for Hoover's
spurge.
Unit 6, Waterford Unit, Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties (36,414 ha
(89,978 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Greene's tuctoria
because it supports occurrences of the species within vernal pools and
swales that maintain the necessary primary constituent elements
essential for its conservation, including the only vernal pools where
Greene's tuctoria is known to occur on slightly alkaline soils of the
Meikle and Paulsell series (CNDDB 2002, Holland 1998, USDA 2001). This
unit contains numerous pools with occurrences and associated watersheds
that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pool or
ephemeral wetland, and that maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for the germination,
growth, reproduction, and dispersal of Greene's tuctoria.
Agricultural conversion presents the greatest threat to habitat for
Greene's tuctoria in this unit, and several occurrences within this
unit have been extirpated or have severely declined as a result of
agricultural conversion and intensive grazing (CNDDB 2002). This unit
is over 200 km (120 mi) from the nearest Greene's tuctoria occurrences
to the north. All occurrences in this unit are on private lands.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery, as well as elevation contours in the
eastern foothill region and sub-watershed boundaries. The Waterford
Unit is bordered by the Stanislaus River to the north and the Tuolumne
River to the south. The City of La Grange is located southeast of the
unit. County Road J9 runs west of the unit, and the Oakdale Airport is
located outside of the northwest corner. The eastern boundary extends
into the low elevation foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Vernal pools in
the Waterford Unit are located mainly in eastern Stanislaus County, but
overlap into southwestern Tuolumne County. This unit overlaps with
vernal pool tadpole shrimp Unit 13, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass
Unit 1, hairy Orcutt grass Unit 4, Colusa grass Unit 5, Hoover's spurge
Unit 4, and succulent owl's-clover Unit 2. Other sensitive vernal pool
species found within this unit include California tiger salamander,
western spadefoot toad, dwarf downingia, and California linderiella.
Approximately 0.8 ha (2 ac) of this unit is administered by the CDFG.
The remaining lands within this unit are privately owned.
Unit 7, Merced Unit, Merced, Madera, and Mariposa Counties (73,707 ha
(182,127 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for Greene's tuctoria because it
contains numerous occurrences of the species within large,
hydrologically intact vernal pool grassland areas (Holland 1998,
Vollmar 1999), including pools Northern Hardpan vernal pools on
Redding, Raynor, and Bear Creek soils (USDA 2001, EIP 1999). Over 30
percent of the extant occurrences of Greene's tuctoria are in the
Merced Unit (CNDDB 2001). This unit contains the primary constituent
elements necessary for conservation of the species including
germination, growth, reproduction, and dispersal. This unit represents
one of only two areas throughout the species range where Greene's
tuctoria occurrences are not considered to be declining (CNDDB 2001).
Agricultural conversion presents a great threat to habitat for
Greene's tuctoria, particularly in areas along the western edge of this
unit on the valley floor where irrigated agriculture has encroached on
lands adjacent to occupied vernal pool complexes. The proposed UC
Merced Campus and associated development will also have a significant
impact on the long-term sustainability of vernal pool complexes. Other
significant threats to Greene's tuctoria include urban encroachment and
competition with non-native plants.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. A majority of the vernal pool habitat
in the Merced Unit is in Merced County. The eastern edge of the unit
overlaps into Mariposa County and in the south it extends to the
Chowchilla River in Madera County. The northern boundary parallels the
Merced River. The entire unit is located east of Highway 99. The Merced
Unit coincides with vernal pool tadpole shrimp Unit 15 and vernal pool
fairy shrimp Unit 22. It also encompasses hairy Orcutt grass Unit 6,
succulent owl's-clover units 3B and 4, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass
units 2 and 3, Colusa grass Unit 7, and Conservancy fairy shrimp Unit
6. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit include
the California tiger salamander, shining navarretia, dwarf downingia,
Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, western
[[Page 59954]]
spadefoot toad, and California linderiella. Approximately 419 ha (1,048
ac) is owned by the DOD, 3 ha (4 ac) by BLM, 10 ha (26 ac) by
California State Parks. TNC has 4,513 ha (11,283 ac) of easement lands
within this unit. The remaining lands within this unit are privately
owned.
Unit 8, Madera Unit, Madera County (13,222 ha (32,670 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Greene's tuctoria
because the area supports occurrences of the species (CNDDB 2002). This
occurrence represents the southern extent of the species currently
known range. All other historical or previously documented occurrences
to the south in Fresno and Tulare counties are considered extirpated
(CNDDB 2002). Although this site is considered possibly extirpated, it
is proposed as critical habitat until a determination of the current
status of the occurrence can be made. Greene's tuctoria has a highly
persistent soil seed bank, and it is likely that individuals exist in
the soil as seeds even if adult plants have not been observed at the
site in recent times. This unit contains areas that support vernal
pools, swales, or other ephemeral ponds and depressions and their
associated uplands. There are numerous wetland features that contain
suitable inundation periods for Greene's tuctoria to germinate, grow,
and reproduce. Vernal pools and their associated biota, particularly on
the western edge of this unit closer to the valley floor, are
progressively being degraded and replaced by irrigated agriculture and
invasive plant species.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. Located in Madera County, this unit
contains vernal pool habitat extending from the Chowchilla River in the
north to the Fresno River in the south. All vernal pools in this unit
are located east of State Highway 99 and extend into the low elevation
foothill region of the Sierra Nevada. The town of Madera borders the
unit on its southwest edge, Hensley Lake is east of the unit, and
Eastman Lake is northeast of the unit. The Madera Unit overlaps with
succulent owl's-clover Unit 4, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass units 3
and 4, and hairy Orcutt grass Unit 6, and vernal pool tadpole shrimp
Unit 15. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit
include California tiger salamander and California linderiella. All the
lands within this unit are privately owned.
Hairy Orcutt Grass
In proposing critical habitat units for hairy Orcutt grass, we
evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species, the
primary constituent elements, and the current threats to the species.
This information allowed us to determine which areas are likely to
contribute to the conservation of hairy Orcutt grass.
Of the 38 hairy Orcutt grass element occurrences listed by the
CNDDB (2001), not counting the misidentified population of San Joaquin
Valley Orcutt grass, 24 are presumed to be extant. Nineteen of those
occurrences have been confirmed as extant within the past decade (CNDDB
2001). Currently, the main area of concentration for hairy Orcutt grass
is the Vina Plains area in Tehama County. An isolated occurrence is
found nearby in central Butte County. Several other occurrences are
found in Madera County between the city of Madera and Millerton Lake.
There are several occurrences in eastern Stanislaus County. All four
extant occurrences in Glenn County occur on the Sacramento National
Wildlife Refuge. Hairy Orcutt grass apparently has been extirpated from
Merced County (Stone et al. 1988, Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998, CNDDB 2001).
Historically, habitat loss was the primary factor responsible for
the decline of hairy Orcutt grass. Of the 11 element occurrences
considered by the CNDDB (2002) to be extirpated, 4 in Stanislaus County
were converted to almond orchards or vineyards (Stone et al. 1988,
CNDDB 2002). Most of the conversion occurred prior to 1976 (Crampton
1959, Crampton 1976, Medeiros 1976, Reeder 1982). Two other occurrences
in Madera County were lost by development for residences and orchards.
The other five occurrences, which were in Madera, Merced, and
Stanislaus counties, are listed as extirpated because the habitat was
being used for irrigated pasture or dry farming or had been disced when
they were last visited in 1986 and 1987 (Stone et al. 1988). However,
continued field visits are advisable because another population
reappeared several years after discing (CNDDB 2001).
Hairy Orcutt grass no longer occurs in the Glenn County pool where
it was found in 1937 because the area is now a permanent pond (J.
Silveira pers. comm.). Inappropriate hydrology also may be responsible
for the loss of one other occurrence at the Sacramento National
Wildlife Refuge (Silveira in litt. 2000). The population consisted of
20 plants when it was first discovered in 1993, but those plants died
before setting seed due to flooding from a summer rainstorm, and none
have been seen since that time (Silveira in litt. 2000). The population
could reappear in future years if a substantial soil seed bank exists,
and thus it is presumed to be extant.
Habitat loss continues to pose a threat to the survival of hairy
Orcutt grass. Agricultural and residential development are proceeding
in the vicinity of the remaining Stanislaus and Madera county
occurrences and may lead to the destruction of additional populations
in the foreseeable future (Stone et al. 1988). Cattle grazing was an
ongoing land use at 20 occurrences when they were last visited,
including 6 where this species may already be extirpated (CNDDB 2002).
Three occurrences are believed to have been eliminated by ``excessive''
livestock grazing, and seven others were damaged by summer grazing or
overuse. However, ``moderate'' grazing in spring likely is compatible
(Stone et al. 1988) and may be beneficial. Invasion of non-native
plants is an increasing problem throughout the range of hairy Orcutt
grass (Stone et al. 1988). Several researchers (Stone et al. 1988,
Alexander and Schlising 1997) have suggested that cattle may have
carried in seeds of non-native plants, and disturbance from trampling
may have facilitated their establishment. Bindweed (Convolvulus sp.)
has increased in frequency in the Vina Plains since 1984, and cocklebur
is still present. Pools where hairy Orcutt grass grows had higher
frequencies of these invasive species than did other pools on the Vina
Plains Preserve in 1995 and altered hydrology may have contributed to
the presence of invasive plants in the pools (Alexander and Schlising
1997).
Hairy Orcutt Grass Unit Review
We conducted a regional review across the range of hairy Orcutt
grass to evaluate and select areas that are essential to the
conservation of the species and that may require special management.
Important factors we considered were the known presence of the species
and the presence of the primary constituent elements essential to the
conservation of the species. A specific description of each area is
outlined below.
Unit 1, Vina Plains Unit, Tehama and Butte Counties (8,748 ha (21,617
ac))
This area is proposed as critical habitat for hairy Orcutt grass
because it supports over 25 percent of all known occurrences of the
species and contains large vernal pools occurring on Tuscan and Anita
soils (USDA 2001, CNDDB
[[Page 59955]]
2002). The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for hairy Orcutt grass
germination and reproduction. This unit represents the northern extent
of the species range, and is over 40 km (25 mi) from the nearest
occurrence to the south. This area represents one of only two areas
where large hairy Orcutt populations are protected, and where long-term
monitoring of the species status has occurred.
Hairy Orcutt grass may be threatened by invasive species within
this unit (Alexander and Schlising 1997). In some areas special
management actions have been taken to counteract the negative effects
of invasive species on hairy Orcutt grass. For example, cocklebur, an
aggressive native plant, has been removed by hand from some of the Vina
Plains pools (Alexander and Schlising 1997), an effort that began in
1991 using funds from the California Endangered Species Tax Check-Off
Fund (CDFG 1991).
The majority of the lands included within this unit are privately
owned. This unit contains TNC's 1862-ha (4,600-ac) Vina Plains
preserve. The preserve contains over 300 species of plants, and diverse
communities of aquatic invertebrates. Since the 1960's, the Vina Plains
area has been the focus of a number of research projects, including
long-term adaptive management and monitoring efforts evaluating of the
effects of grazing and fire on vernal pool plants, including hairy
Orcutt grass (Griggs 2000). Much of the basic life history information
known about hairy Orcutt grass was collected at Vina Plains (e.g.,
Stone et al. 1988, Alexander and Schlising 1997). The results of this
research have provided crucial information to guide management and
monitoring of vernal pool ecosystems and to identify factors which
influence population dynamics of a number of endangered species,
including hairy Orcutt grass.
The Vina Plains is open to the public and provides excellent
outreach and educational opportunities. In addition to TNC, the
importance of vernal pool habitats in this area has been recognized by
the CDFG, the Service, the EPA, the CNPS, the NRCS's WRP, and by
researchers at the CSU at Chico, who have all supported research and
conservation efforts for hairy Orcutt grass and other vernal pool
species within this unit. Urban development north of Chico and the
conversion of grazed lands to more intensive agricultural uses threaten
vernal pool habitat within this unit.
This unit for hairy Orcutt grass occupies the area south of Deer
Creek and north of Pine Creek to near Cana Highway. State Route 99
bisects this unit and the western boundary generally parallels the
Southern Pacific Railway line. This unit is included within Unit 7 for
vernal pool fairy shrimp, Unit 3 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, Unit 1
for Conservancy fairy shrimp, Unit 2 for Greene's tuctoria, Unit 1 for
Hoover's spurge, and Unit 4 for slender Orcutt grass. Additional
sensitive vernal pool species occurring in this unit include California
linderiella and Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop. Land ownership within this
unit includes 2,264 ha (5,660 ac) by TNC and 57 ha (142 ac) of private
land protected by conservation easement or agreement under the WRP. TNC
has an additional 3,826 ha (9,564 ac) of conservation easements within
this unit.
Unit 2, Butte Unit, Butte County, California (979 ha (2,418 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for hairy Orcutt grass because it
supports the species within vernal pools on Tuscan soils (Holland 1998,
USDA 1994, 1999, CNDDB 2002). These pool types remain inundated for
sufficient periods of time to allow hairy Orcutt grass to complete its
life cycle. This area and Unit 1 are the only locations where hairy
Orcutt grass is found on the Tuscan soil types. This area comprises one
of only three areas where this species occurs in the Sacramento Valley,
and is important to maintain the species range and distribution. The
northern occurrences of hairy Orcutt grass are isolated from
occurrences in the southern part of the species range. This unit is
over 40 km (25 mi) from the nearest units to the north and west, and
over 225 km (140 mi) from the nearest unit to the south and is one of
seven known occurrences of the species. This unit represents some of
the last remaining lower elevation vernal pool habitats in Tehama and
Butte counties.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) and EPA (1994) that contribute to the filling and drying of the
vernal pools where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of
pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for hairy Orcutt
grass germination and reproduction.
This unit for hairy Orcutt grass occupies the area north of the
intersection of State Route 99 and Route 149 in Butte County. The
eastern boundary extends up the watershed of Clear Creek and the
western boundary extends south paralleling State Route 99 to Little Dry
Creek. This unit is within Unit 9 for vernal pool fairy shrimp and Unit
4 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and coincides with Unit 3 for
Greene's tuctoria and Unit 2 for Hoover's spurge. All the lands within
this unit are privately owned.
Unit 3, Sacramento Refuge Unit, Glenn and Colusa Counties (5,718 ha
(14,129 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for hairy Orcutt grass because it
contains multiple occurrences of the species within alkaline vernal
pools on the Willows and Riz soil series (CNDDB 2002) and the vernal
pool habitat remains inundated for sufficient periods of time to allow
hairy Orcutt grass to complete its life cycle. This area is one of only
three locations where hairy Orcutt grass is found in the Sacramento
Valley. This area represents one of only two areas where large hairy
Orcutt populations are protected, and where long-term monitoring of the
species status has occurred.
Habitat for hairy Orcutt grass is greatly fragmented in this
portion of its range, and this unit is over 40 km (25 mi) from the
nearest unit to the east, and over 225 km (140 mi) from the nearest
unit to the south. Hairy Orcutt grass is known from only 7 general
areas across its entire range, and each of these locations is essential
to the conservation of this species.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for hairy Orcutt grass
germination and reproduction.
This unit for hairy Orcutt grass occupies the vernal pool habitat
east of Interstate 5 to the Colusa Trough from Riz Road on the north
and Delevan Road on the south. The area encompasses the Sacramento
National Wildlife Refuge 5,126 ha (12,816 ac). This unit is also part
of vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 10, and vernal pool tadpole shrimp
Unit 5, and coincides with Unit 2 for Conservancy fairy shrimp, Unit 5
for Greene's tuctoria, and Unit 3 for Hoover's spurge. Other rare
vernal pool species found in the unit include pappose spikeweed,
Fremont's goldfields, alkali goldfields, Scribe's popcorn flower,
Hoover's downingia, folded downingia, Heckard's
[[Page 59956]]
peppergrass, heartscale, brittlescale, San Joaquin spearscale, Ferris'
milk-vetch, spike-primrose, sessile mousetail, and palmate-bracted
bird's beak. The remaining land within this unit is privately owned.
Unit 4, Turlock Unit, Stanislaus and Merced Counties (25,318 ha (62,560
ac))
The Turlock Unit is proposed as critical habitat for hairy Orcutt
grass because it contains occurrences of the species within large
vernal pools on Whitney and Meikle soils that provide the necessary
timing and length of inundation essential to the conservation of this
species (CNDDB 2001, Holland 1998, USDA 2001). This unit contains the
well known Hickman pools in Stanislaus County, and a high concentration
of hairy Orcutt grass occurrences (CNDDB 2001). The Hickman pool
complex contains one of the largest vernal lakes in California at more
than 121 ha (300 ac) and represents a unique habitat for hairy Orcutt
grass. This unit contains numerous vernal pools, swales, and other
ephemeral wetlands and depressions of appropriate sizes and depths to
sustain hairy Orcutt grass germination, growth, and reproduction.
This unit contains large, intact vernal pool grasslands that help
maintain the distribution of the species over its entire range. In
vernal pool grasslands south of this unit, two hairy Orcutt grass
occurrences are presumed extirpated as a result of agricultural
conversion and intensive cattle grazing. Extant hairy Orcutt grass
occurrences within this unit are threatened by altered hydrology,
overgrazing, and competition with invasive species (CNDDB 2002). The
watershed containing the Hickman vernal pools has been breached by
hundreds of acres of orchards that have been planted upstream. The
integrity of the vernal pool complexes in eastern Stanislaus and Merced
counties is seriously threatened by irrigated agriculture, upland
housing development, and the proposed UC Merced Campus and associated
development.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. The Turlock Unit is bordered by the
Tuolumne River to the north and the Merced River to the south. The unit
lies between the towns of La Grange and Snelling. County Road J9 runs
west of the unit and the eastern edge is located in the low elevation
foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Vernal pools in the Turlock Unit are
located in eastern Stanislaus and Merced counties. This unit coincides
with Hoover's spurge Unit 5, Colusa grass Unit 7, Greene's tuctoria
Unit 9 and succulent owl's-clover Unit 3A. It overlaps vernal pool
fairy shrimp Unit 21. Land ownership within this unit includes BLM (7
ha (17 ac)) and California State Parks (25 ha (61 ac)). The remaining
land within this unit is privately owned.
Unit 5, Madera Unit, Madera County (9,085 ha (22,448 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for hairy Orcutt grass
because it contains occurrences of the species within vernal pools
formed on Greenfield and Hanford soil series (Holland 1998, CNDDB
2002). These soils support vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral
wetlands and depressions of appropriate sizes and depths to sustain
germination, growth and reproduction of hairy Orcutt grass. To maintain
the full range of ecological conditions in which this species occurs,
conservation of hairy Orcutt grass populations and vernal pool habitat
in the Madera Unit is important.
The Madera Unit contains a California Department of Transportation
mitigation site which protects a small occurrence of hairy Orcutt
grass, and is the only conservation area for this species in the
Southern Sierra Foothills. However, vernal pool habitat in and adjacent
to this unit is progressively being eliminated and modified. An
occurrence of hairy Orcutt grass approximately 11 km (7 mi) east of
Madera has been extirpated due to residential development. The
development of ranch-style homes, small horse pastures, orchards and
new roads poses a serious threat to at least five other occurrences in
or adjacent to this unit. However, hairy Orcutt grass has successfully
been introduced into created vernal pools in this unit.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. Located in Madera County, this unit
contains vernal pool habitat extending from the Chowchilla River in the
north to the Fresno River in the south. The Fresno River separates this
unit from the Cottonwood Creek Unit to the south. All vernal pools in
this unit are located east of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe
Railroad and extend into the low elevation foothill region of the
Sierra Nevada. Berenda Creek bisects the unit. The town of Madera is
located southwest of the unit, Hensley Lake is east of the unit, and
Eastman Lake is northeast of the unit. The Madera Unit coincides with
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass Unit 4, succulent owl's-clover Unit 4,
and overlaps vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 24A. Other sensitive vernal
pool species found within this unit include California tiger salamander
and California linderiella. All the land within this unit is privately
owned.
Unit 6, Cottonwood Creek Unit, Madera County (15,824 ha (39,100 ac))
This area is proposed as critical habitat for hairy Orcutt grass
because it supports over 15 percent of the known occurrences of the
species within Northern Claypan vernal pools formed on Cometa,
Greenfield, Hanford soil series (CNDDB 2001, USDA 1994, Holland 1998).
These pool types provide the necessary timing, length of inundation,
water quality, and soil moisture for hairy Orcutt grass germination,
growth and reproduction. The Cottonwood Creek Unit represents the
southern extent of hairy Orcutt grass range. This unit contains large
intact and contiguous vernal pool grassland areas that help maintain
the distribution of the species through out its range.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery, as well as elevation contours in the
eastern foothill region and sub-watershed boundaries. Located in Madera
County, this unit contains vernal pool habitat extending from the
Fresno River in the north to the San Joaquin River in the south. The
Fresno River separates this unit from the Madera Unit to the north. All
vernal pools in this unit are located east of the Atchison, Topeka, and
Santa Fe Railroad, extending east into the low elevation foothill
region of the Sierra Nevada. Highway 41 bisects the eastern portion of
the unit. The Cottonwood Creek Unit overlaps succulent owl's-clover
Unit 4, San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass Unit 4, and vernal pool fairy
shrimp Unit 24A. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within this
unit include California linderiella, spiny-sepaled button-celery,
California tiger salamander, and western spadefoot toad. Approximately
4 ha (10 ac) are owned by the CDFG.
Sacramento Orcutt Grass Criteria
In proposing critical habitat units for Sacramento Orcutt grass we
evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species, the
primary constituent elements, and the current threats to the species.
This information allowed us to determine which areas are likely to
contribute to the conservation of Sacramento Orcutt grass.
[[Page 59957]]
Sacramento Orcutt grass is found only in Sacramento County. The
species was historically known from nine occurrences. However, one
entire occurrence and a portion of another have been extirpated. Thus,
eight of the nine occurrences are extant. Five occurrences, comprising
more than 70 percent of the occupied habitat, are concentrated into a
single area of approximately 6 sq km (2.3 sq mi) east of Mather Field.
Two other occurrences are adjacent to each other--Phoenix Field
Ecological Reserve and the introduced population at Phoenix Park. The
eighth extant occurrence is near Rancho Seco Lake (Stone et al. 1988,
Cochrane in litt. 1995a, Morey in litt. 1996, CNDDB 2002).
Sacramento Orcutt grass was extirpated from its historic occurrence
between Orangevale and Folsom by urban development. The species was
extirpated from one pool near Grant Line Road by changes in hydrology--
pool depth was increased artificially to provide a longer-lasting water
source for livestock, which created conditions unsuitable for
persistence of Sacramento Orcutt grass (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2002).
Even though they have not been extirpated, extant occurrences at the
Phoenix Field Ecological Reserve and the Phoenix Park Vernal Pool
Preserve have been degraded by off-road vehicles and alterations to
natural drainage patterns (Clark et al. 1998).
The remaining pools where Sacramento Orcutt grass grows are subject
to a wide variety of factors that threaten the species survival. Urban
encroachment and the associated increase in human activities, is the
primary factor. One occurrence in the primary area of concentration
could be destroyed by expansion of the county landfill (Cochrane in
litt. 1995a); the precise area of expansion has yet to be determined.
At present, trash from the landfill frequently blows into the pools
(Cochrane in litt. 1995b). An industrial park and road widening
threaten another one of the occurrences in the same area (Stone et al.
1988, Cochrane in litt. 1995a).
Competition from native plants such as pale spikerush (Heleocharis
sp.) and mannagrass (Glyceria sp.) could displace Sacramento Orcutt
grass (Stone et al. 1988, Cochrane in litt. 1995a, Cochrane in litt.
1995b, Clark et al. 1998). Livestock grazing during the growing season,
or overstocking during winter grazing, may degrade habitat for
Sacramento Orcutt grass; however, grazing may be useful in providing
control of competing plants if appropriate timing and stocking rates
can be determined (Griggs 1977, Stone et al. 1988, Cochrane in litt.
1995b).
Sacramento Orcutt Grass Unit Review
We conducted a regional review across the range of Sacramento
Orcutt grass to evaluate and select areas that are essential to the
conservation of the species and that may require special management.
Important factors we considered were the known presence of the species
and the presence of the primary constituent elements essential to the
conservation of the species. A specific description of each area is
outlined below.
Unit 1, Phoenix Field and Phoenix Park Unit, Sacramento County (29 ha
(72 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Sacramento Orcutt
grass because it supports 25 percent of the known occurrences (2 of 8),
including occurrences found within vernal pools on Red Bluff and
Redding soils (CNDDB 2002). These pool types provide the necessary
timing and frequency of inundation for Sacramento Orcutt grass
germination, growth, and reproduction. The unit boundary was drawn to
include Sacramento Orcutt grass and the vernal pool complexes in which
it occurs (Holland 1998, Sacramento County 1999). SPOT imagery was used
to exclude urban and developed areas, however, the resolution of this
imagery did not permit us to exclude all developed areas. This unit
represents the northern extent of the species range, and one of only
three areas where Sacramento Orcutt grass is known to occur.
The Phoenix Field Ecological Reserve and Phoenix Park occurrences
are affected by excess runoff from lawns, baseball fields, and roads;
by herbicide and fertilizer applied in adjacent areas (Griggs and Jain
1983, Holland in litt. 1986, Stone et al. 1988, Cochrane in litt.
1995a, Morey in litt. 1996, Clark et al. 1998); and by dumping of
landscape waste (Clark et al. 1998). Another threat at the Phoenix
Field Ecological Reserve is invasion of garden plants (Clark et al.
1998). Recreational activities such as rollerblading (Witham in litt.
2000a), biking, and horseback riding (Cochrane in litt. 1995a, Cochrane
in litt. 1995b, Clark et al. 1998) also are damaging the Phoenix Park
occurrence.
This unit is situated within the City of Fair Oaks, and lies east
of Hazel Avenue and northwest of Lake Natoma. This unit is bounded by
urban development except for the east side, which is adjacent to Folsom
Lake State Recreation Area. The City of Fair Oak's Phoenix Park,
Phoenix Field, and Jim David Park are included within the boundaries of
this unit. The unit consists primarily of public land and is frequently
visited by the public. Although surrounded by development, this unit
represents an important urban preserve for the species.
Unit 2, Southeast Sacramento Valley Unit, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento
County (8,853 ha (21,875 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Sacramento Orcutt
grass because it contains over 50 percent of the known occurrences (4
of 8) of the species within vernal pools on Redding and Redbluff soils
that contain the primary constituent elements essential for the
conservation of the species (USDA 2001, Holland 1998, Sacramento County
1999, CNDDB 2002). This unit also represents one of only three units
for the species across its entire range. This unit includes relatively
undisturbed, hydrologically intact vernal pool habitats as mapped by
Holland (1998), that may continue to support natural vernal pool
ecosystem processes and maintain suitable habitat conditions for
Sacramento Orcutt grass to complete germination and reproduction.
The Southeastern Sacramento Valley Unit for Sacramento Orcutt grass
occupies the area south and east of Mather Airport and Regional Park.
The Cosumnes River forms part of the southern and eastern boundary of
the unit. Urban areas in the cities of Sacramento and Rosemont form the
western boundary. Mather Airport and the dredge tailings northeast of
the airport form the northern boundary. The boundaries of this unit
were delineated to include the interconnected pools, swales, and
associated uplands mapped by Holland (1998) that contribute to the
filling and drying of the vernal pools where the species occur, and
maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil
moisture for Sacramento Orcutt grass germination and reproduction.
The majority of the lands included within this unit are privately
owned, including the Sunrise Douglas mitigation area, where several
occurrences of Sacramento Orcutt grass are known to occur. Other vernal
pool habitats in this area have been identified by the Sacramento
Valley Open Space Conservancy, the CNPS, and TNC as excellent examples
of vernal pool grasslands, supporting a rich and diverse community of
vernal pool endemic plants and animals within Sacramento County. Vernal
pool habitats in this unit are threatened by urbanization from the
expanding cities of Sacramento and Elk Grove.
[[Page 59958]]
Conversion to intensive agriculture, particularly vineyards, is also a
significant threat to Sacramento Orcutt grass habitat in this unit. The
unit is bisected by the Folsom South Canal and State Highway 16. This
unit is included in Unit 8 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp and Unit 13
for vernal pool fairy shrimp and coincides with Unit 6 for slender
Orcutt grass. Other sensitive vernal pool species located within this
unit include California linderiella, legenere, Bogg's Lake hedge-
hyssop, Ahart's dwarf rush, and western spadefoot toad.
Unit 3, Rancho Seco Unit, Sacramento and Amador Counties (15,750 ha
(38,918 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Sacramento Orcutt
grass because it supports occurrences of the species within high
terrace vernal pools on Corning soils that contain the primary
constituent elements and provide the necessary timing and frequency of
ponding that allow the species to germinate and reproduce (Holland
1998, USDA 2001, Sacramento County 1999, CNDDB 2002). This unit
represents one of only three areas where this species is known to
occur, and is the southern extent of the species range. All of these
areas are essential to the species by improving its chances of
surviving natural and environmental changes, as well as random or
stochastic events. This unit includes relatively undisturbed,
hydrologically intact vernal pool habitats, that may continue to
support natural vernal pool ecosystem processes and maintain suitable
habitat conditions for the species.
The western boundary of the unit was defined by the extent of high
terrace soils in the region, including Corning and Redding soils, which
generally comprise the extent of Sacramento Orcutt grass habitat. The
northern and southern boundaries of this unit were delineated to
exclude urban and agricultural areas. The majority of land within this
unit is privately owned. Some vernal pool areas are protected in this
unit on TNC's Howard Ranch Preserve and Schnider property near Meiss
Road. The Clay Station Mitigation Bank and the Borden Ranch mitigation
site are located within this unit, as well as a number of smaller
conservation areas including the Rancho Seco Preserve and the L.V.
Island Preserve. Approximately 247 ha (610 ac) is owned by the CDFG,
and 3,094 ha (7,736 ac) by TNC. An additional 5 ha (11 ac) of private
land is protected by WRP easements or agreements. Urban expansion and
conversion to vineyards threaten existing vernal pool habitats
throughout this unit.
This unit occupies the area south of Laguna Creek and north of the
Sacramento and San Joaquin county line along Dry Creek. The eastern
boundary is the low elevation foothills of western Amador County. The
western limit is bounded by urban and agricultural areas near the
cities of Galt and Elk Grove and along the foothill region of the
southeastern Sacramento Valley. This unit is a portion of Unit 13 for
vernal pool tadpole shrimp and Unit 19 for vernal pool fairy shrimp.
Other sensitive species found within this unit include Bogg's Lake
hedge-hyssop, Ahart's dwarf rush, Henderson's bent grass, legenere,
Sanford's arrowhead, pincushion navarretia, dwarf downingia, California
tiger salamander, western spadefoot toad, and California linderiella.
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt Grass Criteria
In proposing critical habitat units for San Joaquin Valley Orcutt
grass we evaluated the life history and current distribution of the
species, the primary constituent elements, and the current threats to
the species. This information allowed us to determine which areas are
most likely to contribute to the conservation of this species.
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass is restricted to the foothills of
the southern Sierra foothill region of the San Joaquin Valley. Of the
47 occurrences of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass ever reported, 27 are
presumed to be extant; 17 are certainly extirpated and 3 others are
possibly extirpated because the habitat has been modified (CNDDB 2001).
However, only 12 of the occurrences presumed extant have been revisited
within the past decade, so even the most recent information is
outdated. This species has been completely extirpated from Stanislaus
County but remains in Fresno, Madera, Merced, and Tulare counties
(Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001).
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass does not occur outside of the
Southern Sierra Foothills Vernal Pool Region (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998).
The primary area of concentration is northeast of Merced in Merced
County, with 14 occurrences (52 percent) on the Flying M Ranch and
adjacent lands (EIP Associates 1999, Witham in litt. 2000b, CNDDB
2001). The Lanes Bridge area of Madera and Fresno counties has the
second highest concentration of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass, with
seven occurrences (26 percent), including the introduced population.
The remaining six occurrences include three in the Le Grand area of
Merced County, two on the tabletops near the San Joaquin River in
Madera and Fresno counties, and one in northwestern Tulare County
(Stone et al. 1988, Stebbins et al. 1995, CNDDB 2001).
All of the habitat of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass in Stanislaus
County and much of that in Madera and Fresno counties has been
converted to irrigated agriculture, especially to almond orchards and
vineyards (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001). The majority of sites were
converted by the late 1970's (Griggs 1980, Griggs and Jain 1983).
Altered hydrology and development (residential, commercial, and
recreational) eliminated several other populations (Stone et al. 1988,
CNDDB 2001). Dryland grain farming has modified vernal pool habitats of
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass in Madera and Merced counties, and the
species is presumed to be extirpated from those occurrences (CNDDB
2001). However, Crampton (1959, 1976) indicated that San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass could persist despite dryland farming, and the species was
rediscovered at one such site after having been absent for several
years (CNDDB 2001). Summer livestock grazing or heavy use by cattle
damaged two populations each in Madera and Merced counties (Stone et
al. 1988, CNDDB 2001); their current status is not known.
The primary threats facing the remaining occurrences of San Joaquin
Valley Orcutt grass are altered livestock grazing regimes, agricultural
conversion, and small population size (Stone et al. 1988, CNDDB 2001).
Most extant populations are grazed currently. According to Stone et al.
(1988), moderate cattle grazing in spring is compatible with
persistence of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass, and possibly
beneficial, but increased stocking rates or summer or year-round
grazing would be detrimental. Conversion to irrigated agriculture is
most likely at sites that currently are dry-farmed. Small populations
are at risk of extirpation due to chance events (Menges 1991),
particularly those that fluctuate greatly from year to year (Thomas
1990). Omitting those described only as ``abundant,'' population size
has been estimated for 14 occurrences of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt
grass. Three numbered fewer than 10 plants each, even in favorable
years (Stone in litt. 1992, Stebbins et al. 1995, CNDDB 2001).
Additional threats to San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass are varied.
Four of the extant occurrences in Madera County are in the path of the
proposed extension of State Highway 41 (Stone in
[[Page 59959]]
litt. 1992). Three other occurrences in Madera and Fresno counties are
threatened by a proposed residential development (Stone et al. 1988,
Stebbins et al. 1995, CNDDB 2001). One occurrence could be destroyed by
construction of the proposed UC campus in Merced County (EIP Associates
1999). Altered hydrology, competition from other plants, and off-road
vehicles are potential threats at a few sites (Stone et al. 1988).
Foraging by grasshoppers (family Acrididae) and mice (order Rodentia)
occasionally poses problems (Stebbins et al. 1995, CNDDB 2001). In some
years, grasshoppers (family Acrididae) consumed entire populations of
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass before they set seed (Griggs and Jain
1983, Stone et al. 1988).
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt Grass Unit Review
We conducted a regional review of the known range of San Joaquin
Valley Orcutt grass to evaluate and select areas that are essential to
the conservation of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass and that may
require special management. Important factors we considered were the
presence of the species and the presence of the primary constituent
elements essential to the conservation of the species. A specific
description of each area is outlined below.
Unit 1, Merced Unit, Merced and Mariposa Counties (45,643 ha (112,783
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass because it supports over half of the known occurrences of
the species (CNDDB 2001). This unit contains the only area where San
Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass is found on vernal pools formed upon
Corning and Greenfield soils, and one of only two sites where it is
found on San Joaquin soils (Holland 1998, USDA 2001, EIP 1999). These
pool types maintain the timing and length of inundation necessary for
San Joaquin Orcutt grass germination, growth, and reproduction, and
provide a diversity of habitats for the species. This unit supports
some of the largest, most robust occurrences of the species (Holland
2000). The area within this unit encompasses the largest block of
pristine, high density vernal pool grasslands remaining in California
(Vollmar 1999).
A majority of the land in the Merced Unit is privately owned and is
used to graze cattle. Two occurrences on the Flying M Ranch are
protected under a conservation easement with TNC. The integrity of the
vernal pool complexes in eastern Merced is seriously threatened by
irrigated agriculture, upland housing development, and the proposed UC
Merced Campus and associated development. Construction of facilities to
educate and serve twenty-five thousand UC students as well as faculty,
staff, and their families within what is now high quality vernal pool
habitat in eastern Merced County could have a major impact on species
endemic to vernal pools. However, the recent draft biological opinion
for the UC Merced campus and community developed environmental
parameters which should reduce impacts to vernal pool habitats.
Indirect and cumulative impacts of the proposed 1,673 ha (4,133 ac)
campus and associated community may be minimized with the creation of a
2,036 ha (5,030 ac) preserve intended to protect sensitive vernal pool
habitat, to be purchased with money donated by the Packard Foundation.
Approximately 419 ha (1,048 ac) of this unit is owned by the DOD, 4 ha
(8 ac) by BLM, 10 ha (26 ac) by California State Parks. TNC has 3,424
ha (8,559 ac) of easement lands within this unit. The remaining lands
within this unit are privately owned.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. A majority of the vernal pool habitat
in the Merced Unit is in Merced County, although the eastern edge of
the unit overlaps into Mariposa County in the low elevation foothills
of the Sierra Nevada. The northern boundary parallels the Merced River,
and Bear Creek serves as the southern border. The entire unit is
located east of State Highway 99. The Merced Unit coincides with vernal
pool tadpole shrimp Unit 15 and vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 22. It
also overlaps hairy Orcutt grass Unit 6, Greene's tuctoria Unit 7,
succulent owl's-clover Unit 3B, Colusa grass Unit 6, and Conservancy
fairy shrimp Unit 6. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within
this unit include the California tiger salamander, shining navarretia,
dwarf downingia, Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, western spadefoot toad, and
California linderiella.
Unit 2, Le Grand Unit, Merced, Mariposa, and Madera Counties (21,495 ha
(53,114 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass because it supports occurrences of the species within
vernal pools formed on alluvial terraces on Raynor clay soils (CNDDB
2001). The Le Grand Unit is essential for the conservation of San
Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass because it contains large intact and
contiguous vernal pool grassland areas that provide connectivity
between units to the north and south. This unit contains vernal pools,
swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions of appropriate
sizes and depths and the adjacent upland margins of these depressions
that sustain San Joaquin Orcutt grass germination, growth,
reproduction, and dispersal. This unit is important to maintain the
range of habitats in which the species is known to occur.
This unit contains an area where San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass
was introduced into six created pools; it germinated and flowered in
five of them during the 2 years following its introduction (Durgarian
1995, Stebbins et al. 1995) and was still present in 2000 (Faubion in
litt. 2000). This site is now treated as an occurrence by the CNDDB
(2001). The Madera Irrigation District manages the property, which is
owned by the BOR (Stebbins et al. 1995). The integrity of vernal pool
complexes and their associated watersheds in the Le Grand Unit is
threatened by altered hydrology, competition from other plants,
irrigated agricultural conversion, particularly orchards and vineyards,
and urban encroachment. Several occurrences in this unit have been
extirpated as a result of intensive agriculture.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. A majority of the vernal pool habitat
in the Le Grand Unit is in Merced County. The eastern edge of the unit
overlaps into Mariposa County and in the south it extends to the Madera
County line. Bear Creek serves as the northern boundary. The entire
unit is located east of State Highway 99. The towns of Le Grand and
Planada are adjacent to the western edge of the unit. The Le Grand Unit
overlaps with vernal pool tadpole shrimp Unit 15, Greene's tuctoria
Unit 6, Conservancy fairy shrimp Unit 6, and succulent owl's-clover
Unit 6. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit
include California tiger salamander, shining navarretia, and western
spadefoot toad. TNC has 428 ha (1,070 ac) of easement lands within this
unit. The remaining lands within this unit are privately owned.
Unit 3, Madera Unit, Madera County (20,937 ha (51,733 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass because it supports occurrences of the species within
alluvial terrace
[[Page 59960]]
vernal pools that provide the necessary timing and length of inundation
for San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass germination, growth, and
reproduction (CNDDB 2001). This area is the only location where the
species is found on Cometa and San Joaquin soils (USDA 2001).
San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass is known from only eight general
areas along the eastern margin of the San Joaquin Valley. Historically,
vernal pools spanned from the low elevation Sierra Nevada foothills to
the valley floor where they connected with other large vernal pool
complexes. Today, only a fraction of the vernal pool habitat that was
historically in the greater watershed area remains. The integrity of
vernal pool complexes and their associated watersheds in the Madera
Unit is threatened by altered hydrology, competition from other plants,
irrigated agricultural conversion, particularly orchards and vineyards,
and urban encroachment.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. Located in Madera County, this unit
contains vernal pool habitat south of the Chowchilla River and abutting
the Fresno River. Berenda Creek is located northwest of the unit.
Habitat within this unit is located east of the Atchison, Topeka, and
Santa Fe Railroad and extends into the low elevation foothill region of
the Sierra Nevada. The town of Madera borders the unit on its southwest
edge, Hensley Lake is east of the unit, and Eastman Lake is northeast
of the unit. The Madera Unit coincides with hairy Orcutt grass Unit 7,
Greene's tuctoria Unit 7, succulent owl's-clover Unit 4 and vernal pool
fairy shrimp Unit 24A. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within
this unit include California tiger salamander and California
linderiella. All the land within this unit is privately owned.
Unit 4, Fresno Unit, Fresno County (3,233 ha (7,990 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass because it contains occurrences of the species growing
within vernal pools formed on Fallbrook, Ramona, San Joaquin, Vista,
and Pollasky soil series (CNDDB 2002). This unit contains vernal pools,
swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions of appropriate
sizes and depths and the adjacent upland margins of these depressions
that sustain San Joaquin Orcutt grass germination, growth, and
reproduction. This unit is significant geographically, as it may
contribute to dispersal to vernal pool habitats north and south of it.
The diversity of vernal pool types found within the Fresno Unit
contributes to the range of ecological conditions in which San Joaquin
Valley Orcutt grass occurs.
Due to edaphic variation, vernal pool habitat in this unit is less
dense than habitat in units further north. Vernal pools within this
unit have been destroyed by conversion to irrigated agriculture, as
well as urban encroachment from the cities of Fresno and Clovis.
Several known occurrences of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass within
this unit have been extirpated due to either hydrologic modifications
off-site, or land use modifications such as leveling of ``hog wallows''
for urban development such as near State Route 41 near Woodward Park in
Fresno.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery. Located in Fresno County, this unit
contains vernal pool habitat south of Millerton Lake and east of the
San Joaquin River. The unit is located north of Copper Road and the
city of Fresno is southwest of the unit. The eastern boundary parallels
the low elevation foothill region of the Sierra Nevada. Auberry Road is
east of the northern portion of the unit and passes through the
southern portion of the unit. CDFG has approximately 0.4 ha (1 ac) of
land within this unit. The Fresno Unit overlaps San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass Unit 5 and vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 24B. Other
sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit include California
linderiella, California tiger salamander, and western spadefoot toad.
Unit 5 A and B, Table Mountain Unit, Fresno and Madera Counties, (1,723
ha (4,258ac))
This area is proposed as critical habitat for San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass because it supports occurrences of the species within
Northern Basalt Flow vernal pools (Holland 1998, Keeler-Wolf et al.
1998, CNDDB 2002). This is the only area where San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass is known to occur within these pool types (CNDDB 2001).
Northern Basalt Flow vernal pool complexes are an extremely rare vernal
pool habitat occurring only on ancient terraces and hilltops above the
surrounding low-lying terrain. They typically contain small,
irregularly clustered pools with ``flashy hydrology'' (Keeler-Wolf et
al. 1998). The Kennedy Table occurrence of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt
grass was described as containing millions of plants in 1995 (CNDDB
2001).
This unit contains protected lands at the Big Table Mountain
Ecological Reserve. A cooperative group consisting of CDFG, California
Department of Parks and Recreation, Sierra Foothill Conservancy, BLM,
and BOR has developed a management and monitoring plan for Big Table
Mountain. BLM owns approximately 15 ha (370 ac) of land and TNC has 260
ha (650 ac) of conservation easements within this unit. Initial efforts
will focus on grazing as a means to control non-native grasses while
comparing population trends of threatened and endangered species in
grazed and ungrazed portions of the tableland (Griggs in litt. 2000a).
This unit also contains an occurrence of San Joaquin Valley Orcutt
grass that is partially on public land administered by the BLM. The
pool supports the second-largest population of the species known to be
extant. The BLM and conservation groups are hoping to acquire the
adjacent land to protect the entire pool (CNDDB 2001).
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery, as well as elevation contours in the
eastern foothill region and sub-watershed boundaries. Unit 5 for San
Joaquin Orcutt grass is comprised of two subunits. Both subunits are
located east of Millerton Lake on basalt mesas above the San Joaquin
River. Subunit 5B is located on Kennedy Table in Madera County, and
Subunit 5A is directly south of this unit across the San Joaquin River
on Table Mountain in Fresno County. The Table Mountain Rancheria is
south of this unit. Unit 5 coincides with vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit
25, vernal pool tadpole shrimp Unit 17, and succulent owl's-clover
units 6A and 6B. Other sensitive vernal pool species found within this
unit include Bogg's lake hedge-hyssop and California linderiella.
Unit 6A and B, Tulare Unit, Tulare County (8,028 ha (19,836 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical for San Joaquin Valley Orcutt
grass because it contains occurrences of the species within vernal
pools on Madera and Greenfield soils that provide the primary
constituent elements essential to the conservation of the species (USDA
2001, CNDDB 2001). This unit represents the southern extent of San
Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass range. San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass
occurs on CDFG land at Sequoia Fields Ecological Reserve (199 ha, (491
ac)); however, most of the area within this unit is
[[Page 59961]]
privately owned. This unit contains vernal pools and other ephemeral
wetlands and depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the
adjacent upland margins of these depressions that sustain San Joaquin
Valley Orcutt grass germination, growth and reproduction. Agricultural
conversion of range or barren land and urban development have greatly
reduced the amount of vernal pool habitat in this area.
The unit boundary was drawn to include species occurrences and the
vernal pool complexes in which they occur as mapped by Holland (1998)
and as visible on SPOT imagery, as well as elevation contours in the
eastern foothill region and sub-watershed boundaries. There are two
subunits within the Tulare Unit. This westernmost subunit, subunit A,
is located east of J19. Road 63 cuts through its eastern edge. St.
Johns River is south of the subunit and the Southern Pacific Railroad
runs northeast of the unit. Subunit B is located east of Road 63 and
Road 201 passes through it. It extends into the low elevation foothills
of the Sierra Nevada. Colvin Mountain is located within the southwest
boundary. Road 245 bisects subunit B and the south side of Red Mountain
is within the northeast boundary of this unit. The Tulare Unit
coincides with Hoover's spurge Unit 7, and it overlaps with vernal pool
tadpole shrimp Unit 18 and vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 26. Other
sensitive vernal pool species found within this unit include California
tiger salamander, spiny-sepaled button-celery, and the western
spadefoot toad.
Slender Orcutt Grass Criteria
In proposing critical habitat units for slender Orcutt Grass we
evaluated the life history and current distribution of the species
described in the background section of this rule, the primary
constituent elements described in the primary constituent element
section of this rule, and the current threats to the species described
below. This information allowed us to determine which areas are likely
to contribute to the conservation of this species and to delineate
units so that threats to this species might be minimized.
Slender Orcutt grass is currently known from 79 occurrences, of
which 73 are presumed to be extant (Corbin in litt. 1999, CNDDB 2001);
occurrences are presumed to be extant until the CNDDB receives
documentation that they have been extirpated. The primary area of
concentration for slender Orcutt grass is in the vicinity of Dales,
Tehama County. A secondary area of concentration for slender Orcutt
grass is the Modoc Plateau Vernal Pool Region in Lassen, Plumas,
Shasta, and Siskiyou counties. Additional occurrences of the species
are found in Shasta, Lake, and Sacramento counties.
Urban development in the vicinity of Redding has extirpated or
caused the severe decline of five slender Orcutt grass occurrences
through construction activities and hydrological alterations (Griggs
and Jain 1983, CNDDB 2001). Agricultural conversion apparently
eliminated the species from the type locality. Although the exact
location of the type collection is not known, the general area was
being used for crop fields and both irrigated and dry pastures as of
1987 (Stone et al. 1988). Urban development is continuing in the
vicinity of Redding and could eliminate the remaining populations in
that area.
A variety of other factors are contributing to the continued
decline of slender Orcutt grass including off-road vehicle use,
inappropriate livestock grazing, altered hydrology, and competition
from other plants (Stone et al. 1988, Corbin and Schoolcraft 1989).
Off-road vehicle use is a particular problem near Redding and in
forested areas of the Modoc Plateau. According to Stone et al. (1988),
``moderate'' livestock grazing in spring is compatible with slender
Orcutt grass but overstocking, summer grazing, and trampling pose
threats to several occurrences. However, grazing may be necessary to
control aggressive competitors such as the native species, pale
spikerush (Witham in litt. 2000a). Altered hydrology contributes to the
decline of slender Orcutt grass by creating conditions unsuitable for
its germination, growth, or reproduction, and by promoting the growth
of competing plant species.
Slender Orcutt Grass Unit Review
We conducted a regional review across the range of slender Orcutt
grass to evaluate and select areas that are essential to the
conservation of the species and that may require special management.
Important factors we considered were the known presence of the species
and the presence of the primary constituent elements essential to the
conservation of the species. A specific description of each area is
outlined below.
Unit 1 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I, Modoc Plateau Unit, Plumas,
Lassen, Shasta, Modoc, and Siskiyou Counties (23,266 ha (57,490 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for slender Orcutt grass
because it contains almost 25 percent of all known occurrences of the
species and the vernal pool habitat remains inundated for sufficient
periods of time to allow slender Orcutt grass to complete its life
cycle. The species is found growing within Northern Basalt Flow vernal
pools occurring on Gooval, Lasvar, Lasvar-Pitvar, and Nosoni soils that
provide the primary constituent elements essential to the conservation
of the species (CNDDB 2002). These occurrences are all found on the
Modoc Plateau, where they are located at higher elevations, and
experience the coldest climatic conditions of any other areas
throughout the species range. The occurrences are on Northern Basalt
Flow vernal pools (CNDDB 2002). This area represents the northern-most
extent of the range of slender Orcutt grass, and is over 50 km (32 mi)
from the nearest occupied areas to the south.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated by using SPOT imagery
and elevation contours to include the open flat area associated with
the vernal pool including the adjacent uplands that contribute to the
filling and drying of the vernal pool where slender Orcutt grass
occurs. The unit designates an area sufficient to maintain suitable
periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for
slender Orcutt grass to germinate, grow, and reproduce.
The Modoc Plateau area is not threatened by urban development at
this time due to its remote location, however off-road vehicle use and
overgrazing may threaten some occurrences in this area (CNDDB 2001).
Additional sensitive species found within this unit include Bogg's Lake
hedge-hyssop, and profuse flowered pogogyne (Pogogyne floribunda).
Although the majority of land within this unit is located either on
USFS (15,500 ha (38,750 ac)), NPS (58 ha (144 ac)), or BLM lands (2,754
ha (6,886 ac)). The California State Parks also has land within this
unit (37 ha (92 ac)).
This unit for slender Orcutt grass consists of nine subunits
largely within the volcanic plateau of northeastern California. The
nine subunits are identified as the Lake Almanor, Crater Lake Mountain,
Poison Lake, Badger Mountain, Lost Creek, Goose Valley, Long Valley,
Cayton Creek, and Timbered Crater subunits. The Lake Almanor subunit is
located in Plumas County, on the southwestern part of Lake Almanor
along Humbug Humboldt Cross Road and State Route 89. The area extends
from near the shoreline upslope to the watershed boundary. The land is
owned by the USDA and managed by the USFS. The Crater Lake Mountain
subunit is located along Route 44 and encompasses the northwestern
portion of Crater Lake Mountain as well as
[[Page 59962]]
Grays and Harvey valleys. The watershed boundary was used to determine
the extent of this subregion. The Poison Lake subunit north of State
Route 44 near Pittville Road adjacent to South Cabin Reservoir and Ebey
Lake. The western boundary is near Halls Flat Road. The Badger Mountain
subunit is located north of Badger Mountain and east of State Route 89
and South of Potato Butte. Little Bunch Grass Meadow is included in
this unit. The Lost Creek subunit is located south of Cinder Butte and
west of the Hat Creek Rim. Lost Creek near Wilcox Road is within this
subunit. The Goose Valley subunit is located in Shasta County northwest
of the intersection of State Route 299 and Route 89 in Goose Valley
north of Burney, California. The Long Valley subunit is located in Long
Valley west of Black Ranch Road south of Long Valley Mountain and east
of Lookout Mountain. The Cayton Creek subunit is located in Shasta
County north of Cayton Valley and Lake Britton east of Route 89. The
area includes the northwestern portion of the watershed boundary for
Fort Mountain along Red Mountain Road. The subunit is located in the
Shasta National Forest. The Timbered Crater subunit is located on the
Shasta/Modoc/Siskiyou county border near Little Hot Springs Valley. The
subunit includes the area adjacent to Timbered Crater up to the
Whitehorse Mountains and Day Road. The Timbered Crater subunit includes
an area which has been proposed to be designated by the BLM as a
Research Natural Area for vernal pools.
Unit 2 A, B, and C, Stillwater Plains Unit, Shasta County (5,100 ha
(12,601 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat because it contains many
occurrences of slender Orcutt grass (CNDDB 2001) living within large
vernal pool grassland areas that support aggregations or systems of
hydrologically interconnected pools, swales, and other ephemeral
wetlands and depressions within a matrix of surrounding uplands that
together form hydrologically and ecologically functional units (EPA
1994, Holland 1998, Shasta County 2001).
This area is comprised of old alluvial terraces above the
Sacramento River associated with Igo, Tuscan, Moda, and Redding soils
(CNDDB 2001), which provide vernal pool habitat for the species. These
pool types provide the necessary timing and duration of inundation
necessary for slender Orcutt grass growth, germination, and
reproduction. This unit represents the northern extent of the species
range in the Sacramento Valley. The majority of the lands included
within this unit are privately owned. Urban expansion from the city of
Redding has greatly affected existing vernal pool habitats throughout
this unit.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for slender Orcutt grass
germination and reproduction. The BLM owns 33 ha (81 ac) in the unit,
while the NRCS holds conservation easements or agreements on an
additional 52 ha (130 ac) through its WRP program.
The Stillwater Plains Unit 2 contains three subunits. These are
located in the area east and south of the city of Redding near the
Redding Municipal Airport encompassing Stillwater Plains to the
confluence of the Sacramento River and Cow Creek. This unit is also
part of vernal pool fairy shrimp Unit 5 and vernal pool tadpole shrimp
Unit 1. Other sensitive species occurring within this unit include Red
Bluff dwarf rush, California linderiella, and Henderson's bent grass.
Unit 3, Inskip Hill, Tehama and Shasta Counties (20,446 ha (50,522 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for slender Orcutt grass
because it supports occurrences of the species within vernal pools on
Guenon, Inskip, Inks, and Toomes soils (CNDDB 2002). The vernal pool
habitats remain inundated for sufficient periods of time to allow the
species to germinate, grow, and produce seed. The area supports over 40
percent of the known occurrences the species (CNDDB 2002) and is
important in maintaining a diversity of habitats for slender Orcutt
grass. This unit contains large vernal pool complexes that represent
some of the last remaining lower elevation vernal pool habitats in the
northern Sacramento Valley. These habitats are important to maintain
the geographical distribution of slender Orcutt grass in the area.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for slender Orcutt grass
germination and reproduction.
Land ownership within this unit includes BLM (6,226 (15,384 ac)),
CDFG (52 ha (130 ac)), State Land Commission (380 ha (950 ac)). The
CDFG administers approximately 17 ha (42 ac) and the TNC has
conservation easements on 6,230 (15,575 ac) within this unit. The
remaining lands included within this unit are privately owned and urban
development east of Redding threatens the vernal pool habitats within
this area. This unit occupies the area south of the Tehama/Shasta
county line south to Sevenmile Creek near the Tuscan Buttes. The
eastern boundary encompasses the vernal pool habitats along the lower
elevation bordering the Sacramento River. The western boundary roughly
follows the Sacramento River. Table Mountain west of the Sacramento
River north of Paynes Creek and Red Bluff is included in this unit.
This unit coincides within Unit 2 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp.
Unit 4, Vina Plains Unit, Tehama and Butte Counties (11,673 ha (28,845
ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for slender Orcutt grass
because it supports occurrences of the species within vernal pools on
Tuscan loam and Inks soils (CNDDB 2002) and the vernal pool habitats
provide the necessary timing and length of inundation for slender
Orcutt grass germination, growth, and reproduction. This area is over
160 km (100 mi) from the nearest area occupied by slender Orcutt grass
to the south.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated by using SPOT imagery
and elevation contours to include the open flat area associated with
the vernal pool including the adjacent uplands that contribute to the
filling and drying of the vernal pools where slender Orcutt grass
occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality,
and soil moisture for slender Orcutt grass to germinate and reproduce.
The majority of the lands included within this unit are privately
owned. This unit contains TNC's 1862 ha (4,600 ac) Vina Plains
preserve. The preserve contains over 300 species of plants, and diverse
communities of aquatic invertebrates. Since the 1960s, the Vina Plains
area has been the focus of a number of research projects, including
long-term adaptive management and monitoring efforts evaluating of the
effects of grazing and fire on vernal pool plants (Griggs 2000). Much
of the basic life history information known about slender Orcutt grass
was collected at Vina Plains (e.g., Stone et al. 1988, Alexander and
Schlising 1997). The results of this research have provided crucial
information to guide management and monitoring of vernal
[[Page 59963]]
pool ecosystems and to identify factors which influence population
dynamics of a number of endangered species, including slender Orcutt
grass. In addition to TNC, the importance of vernal pool habitats in
this area has been recognized by the CDFG, the Service, the EPA, the
CNPS, the NRCS's WRP, and by researchers at the CSU at Chico, who have
all supported research and conservation efforts for slender Orcutt
grass and other vernal pool species within this unit. Property
ownership and protection within this unit includes CDFG (0.4 ha (1
ac)), CDFG administered land (0.4 ha (1 ac)), TNC (77 ha (192 ac)), TNC
easements (4,661 ha (11,653)), and private land under WRP easements or
agreements (57 ha, 142 ac)).
This unit for slender Orcutt grass occupies the area south of
Toomes Creek, and north of Pine Creek and the Cana Highway. State Route
99 bisects this unit and the western boundary generally parallels the
Southern Pacific Railway line. This unit is within Unit 7 for vernal
pool fairy shrimp and Unit 3 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and
includes part of Unit 1 for Conservancy fairy shrimp and Unit 1 for
Hoover's spurge. The unit coincides with Unit 1 for hairy Orcutt grass
and Unit 2 for Greene's tuctoria. Additional sensitive vernal pool
species occurring in this unit include California linderiella, and
Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop.
Unit 5A and B, Bogg's Lake Unit, Clear Lake Area, Lake County (1,696 ha
(4,191 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for slender Orcutt grass
because it supports occurrences of the species within Northern Volcanic
Ashflow vernal pools (Keeler-Wolf et al. 1998, CNDDB 2002). This area
represents the western extent of the slender Orcutt grass's range, and
some of the last remaining vernal pool habitats in Lake County. This
unit is over 135 km (84 mi) from the nearest units to the north and
west. Isolated and peripheral populations such as this may have genetic
characteristics essential to the overall long-term conservation of the
species (i.e., they may be different from other populations in other
parts of its range) (Lesica and Allendorf 1995). This is the only unit
which contains examples of Northern Volcanic Ash Flow vernal pools and
has occurrences of slender Orcutt grass.
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for slender Orcutt grass
germination and reproduction.
The majority of lands within this unit are privately owned. TNC has
protected the area around Bogg's Lake south of Clear Lake, but most of
the area is not protected. Property ownership and protection within
this unit includes CDFG (5 ha (13 ac)) and TNC (77 ha (192 ac)) lands.
Threats to these subunits include conversion of rangeland to vineyards,
overgrazing, erosion, draining, and urban expansion.
This unit consists of two subunits that are both located south of
Clear Lake. The southernmost subunit includes Little High Valley. Other
sensitive species found within this unit include Loch Lomond button-
celery (Eryngium constancei), Burke's goldfields (Lasthenia burkei),
Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, many-flowered navarretia (Navarretia
leucocephala ssp. plieantha), few-flowered navarretia, and legenere.
Unit 6, Southeast Sacramento Valley Unit, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento
County (8,853 ha (21,875 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for slender Orcutt grass
because it supports occurrences of the species within vernal pools on
Redding soils and is the southern extent of the species range (CNDDB
2001, Holland 1998). This unit is over 170 km (105 mi) from the nearest
units to the north, and 100 km (62 mi) from the nearest unit to the
west. Isolated and peripheral populations such as this may have genetic
characteristics essential to the overall long-term conservation of the
species (i.e., they may be different from more central populations)
(Lesica and Allendorf 1995).
The boundaries of this unit were delineated to include the
interconnected pools, swales, and associated uplands mapped by Holland
(1998) that contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pools
where the species occur, and to maintain suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for slender Orcutt grass
germination and reproduction.
This unit occupies the area southeast of Mather Field of Laguna
Creek and north of the Sacramento and San Joaquin county line along Dry
Creek. The eastern boundary is near Scott Road. The western limit is
bounded by urban and agricultural areas near the cities of Galt and Elk
Grove. This unit also is included in Unit 8 for vernal pool tadpole
shrimp and Unit 13 for vernal pool fairy shrimp and coincides with Unit
2 for Sacramento Orcutt grass. Other sensitive vernal pool species
located within this unit include California linderiella, legenere,
Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, Ahart's dwarf rush, and western spadefoot
toad. All the lands within this unit are privately owned.
Solano Grass Criteria
In proposing critical habitat units for Solano Grass we evaluated
the life history and current distribution of the species, the primary
constituent elements, and the current threats to the species. This
information allowed us to determine which areas are likely to
contribute to the conservation Solano grass.
Solano grass is only known from two locations, Jepson Prairie in
Solano County, (consisting of two CNDDB occurrences, including the type
locality) and the Davis Communications Annex in Yolo County. Solano
grass is presumed to remain extant at the type locality, although only
four individual plants have been found within the last decade, all in
1993 (CNDDB 2001). The decline of this species at Olcott Lake is
attributed to two primary causes--hydrological alterations (Griggs in
litt. 2000) and over collection (K. Fuller USFWS pers. comm.1998).
Competition, livestock grazing, and off-road vehicle activity may have
contributed to its decline (Service 1985c, Witham in litt. 1992, CNDDB
2001). The hydrology has been affected by the nearby road, Cook Lane,
which functions like a dam to hold water in the lake, artificially
increasing the water level and duration of inundation (Griggs in litt.
2000). The Yolo County habitat has been damaged by application of
herbicides and salt (Witham in litt. 2000a). An undetermined number of
Solano grass occurrences are presumed to have been extirpated by
agricultural conversion before they were documented (Service 1985c,
CDFG 1991).
Competition from aggressive plants poses a potential threat to
Solano grass at all three known sites. The primary competitors are
lippia at Olcott Lake (Witham in litt. 2000a), alkali mallow and swamp
grass at the other site in Solano County (CNDDB 2001), and broad-leaved
pepper-weed (Lepidium latifolium) in Yolo County (K. Fuller 2002 pers.
comm.). Grazing apparently is detrimental to Solano grass but likely
depends on the number and type of livestock and the season of use.
Exclusion of horses from the Olcott Lake site was followed by an
increase in population size (Service 1985c). At last report, sheep
still grazed the other Solano County population (CNDDB 2001).
[[Page 59964]]
A number of factors threaten the Yolo County population in addition
to competition, including herbicide runoff and soil disturbance from
the creation and maintenance of fire breaks and borrow pits (CNDDB
2001, Witham in litt. 2000a). The site is not protected but does occur
on DOD land.
Solano Grass Unit Review
We conducted a regional review across the range of Solano grass to
evaluate and select areas that are essential to the conservation of the
species and that may require special management. Important factors we
considered were the known presence of the species and the presence of
the primary constituent elements essential to the conservation of the
species. A specific description of each area is outlined below.
Unit 1, Davis Communications Annex and Grasslands Area Unit, Yolo
County (192 ha (474 ac))
This unit is proposed as critical habitat for Solano grass because
it supports the largest extant occurrence of the species within
Northern Claypan vernal pools on Pescadero soils (CNDDB 2002). The unit
boundary was drawn to include the vernal pool complex mapped by Holland
(1998) and Yolo County Parks (2001) where Solano grass is known to
occur. This vernal pool complex maintains suitable periods of pool
inundation, water quality, and soil moisture for Solano grass
germination, growth and reproduction, and dispersal, but not
necessarily every year. This unit represents the northern extent of the
range of Solano grass, and is one of only two areas where the species
is known to occur. Solano grass in this unit is threatened by altered
hydrology, contamination, competition with invasive plant species, and
surface disturbances such as discing. This unit is designated to
encourage that special management actions be taken, such as grazing,
fencing, and the implementation of a targeted management and monitoring
plan be implemented to prevent the decline of Solano grass at this
location (Yolo County Parks 2001).
This unit is located southeast of the City of Davis and south of
the South Fork of Putah Creek. This unit's western boundary lies along
the border between Solano and Yolo counties. This unit represents Unit
2 for Colusa grass and Unit 10 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp. Other
rare vernal pool species found in this unit include alkali milk-vetch.
This area is currently being addressed by local conservation planning
efforts and contains land owned by Yolo County and the DOD (130 ha (321
ac)).
Unit 2, Jepson Prairie Unit, Solano County (7,153 ha (17,675 ac))
This unit is designated as critical habitat for Solano grass
because it supports occurrences of the species within large playa
vernal pools on the Pescadero soil series which provide habitat for
Solano grass (USDA 2001, Holland 1998, Solano County Water Agency 2000,
Solano County Farmlands and Open Space 2000, CNDDB 2002). This area
represents the largest contiguous area of habitat remaining for the
species, and contains two of the three known occurrences of Solano
grass, although one of these occurrences has not been observed since
1993. Vernal pool habitats within the greater Jepson Prairie grassland
area that are not likely to support Solano grass occurrences were not
included within this unit. This unit represents the southern extent of
Solano grass range.
The Jepson Prairie Unit for Solano grass is a portion of the
greater Jepson Prairie grassland area, one of the most pristine, intact
vernal pool ecosystems remaining in the State of California. Jepson
Prairie contains large, playa-like vernal pools which may be over
several acres in size, including the 32 ha (80 ac) Olcott Lake. These
larger pools often occur in complexes with smaller pools and hogwallow
depressions. This unit includes the Jepson Prairie Preserve, jointly
managed by the Solano County Farmlands and Open Space Foundation and
the UC Reserve System. Jepson Prairie is the target of ongoing
conservation planning and active management. As part of the UC Reserve
System, this area also provides critical research opportunities for
scientists to study vernal pool species, including Solano grass. Solano
grass has experienced unexplained declines at Olcott Lake in Jepson
Prairie, and research investigating the cause of this decline is
essential to ensure the recovery of Solano grass. The unit also
contains Ecological Reserves totaling 248 ha (620 ac) owned and
approximately 64 ha (161 ac) administered by CDFG. Additional lands are
owned by the Travis Air Force Base (93 ha (233 ac)), and the State Land
Commission (7 ha (17 ac)). NRCS also holds conservation easements or
agreements on 436 ha (1,090 ac) of private land in the unit through the
WRP program. Within the greater Jepson Prairie grassland area, existing
vernal pools are threatened by agricultural conversion, landfill
expansion, power plant construction, and utility maintenance.
This unit is situated east of the City of Fairfield, south of the
City of Dixon, and north of the Montezuma Hills and the confluence of
the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. This unit coincides with Unit 2
for Colusa grass. This unit is encompassed by Unit 3 for Conservancy
fairy shrimp, Unit 11 for vernal pool tadpole shrimp and Unit 16 for
vernal pool fairy shrimp. This unit also supports a diverse community
of plants and animals, including the only known occurrence of delta
green ground beetle, and occurrences of California tiger salamander,
alkali milk-vetch, Bogg's Lake hedge-hyssop, legenere, California
linderiella, and midvalley fairy shrimp.
Additional Considerations
In defining critical habitat boundaries, we made an effort to avoid
developed areas, such as towns and other similarly developed lands, and
intensively farmed lands that are unlikely to contribute to
conservation of the species. However, the resolution of the SPOT
imagery and the vernal pool and species occurrence information we used
did not allow us to identify these areas at a sufficiently fine scale
to exclude all developed areas, such as towns, housing developments, or
other lands unlikely to contain the primary constituent elements.
Existing features and structures within the boundaries of the mapped
units, such as buildings, roads, aqueducts, railroads, airport runways,
other paved areas, lawns, landscaped areas, and most intensively farmed
areas, and other urban areas, will not contain one or more of the
primary constituent elements. Federal actions limited to those areas,
therefore, would not trigger section 7 consultation, unless they affect
the species and/or primary constituent elements in adjacent critical
habitat.
Effects of Critical Habitat Designation
Section 7 Consultation
Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies, including the
Service, to ensure that actions they fund, authorize, permit, or carry
out do not destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Destruction or
adverse modification of critical habitat occurs when a Federal action
directly or indirectly alters critical habitat to the extent it
appreciably diminishes the value of critical habitat for the
conservation of the species. Individuals, organizations, States, local
governments, and other non-Federal entities are affected by the
designation of critical habitat only if their actions occur on Federal
lands, require a Federal permit,
[[Page 59965]]
license, or other authorization, or involve Federal funding.
Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies, including the
Service, to evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is
proposed or listed as endangered or threatened, and with respect to its
critical habitat, if any is designated or proposed. Regulations
implementing this interagency cooperation provision of the Act are
codified at 50 CFR part 402. Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires
Federal agencies to confer with us on any action that is likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of a species proposed for listing,
or result in destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical
habitat. Conference reports provide conservation recommendations to
assist the action agency in eliminating conflicts that may be caused by
the proposed action. The conservation measures in a conference report
are advisory.
We may issue a formal conference report, if requested by the
Federal action agency. Formal conference reports include an opinion
that is prepared according to 50 CFR 402.14, as if the species was
listed or critical habitat designated. We may adopt the formal
conference report as the biological opinion when the species is listed
or critical habitat designated, if no substantial new information or
changes in the action alter the content of the opinion (50 CFR
402.10(d)).
If a species is listed or critical habitat is designated, section
7(a)(2) of the Act requires Federal agencies to ensure that activities
they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the
continued existence of such a species or to destroy or adversely modify
its critical habitat. If a Federal action may affect a listed species
or its critical habitat, the responsible Federal agency (action agency)
must enter into consultation with us. Through this consultation, the
Federal action agency would ensure that the permitted actions do not
destroy or adversely modify critical habitat.
If we issue a biological opinion concluding that a project is
likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical
habitat, we also provide ``reasonable and prudent alternatives'' to the
project, if any are identifiable. Reasonable and prudent alternatives
are defined at 50 CFR 402.02 as alternative actions identified during
consultation that can be implemented in a manner consistent with the
intended purpose of the action, that are consistent with the scope of
the Federal agency's legal authority and jurisdiction, that are
economically and technologically feasible, and that the Director
believes would avoid the likelihood of jeopardizing the continued
existence of listed species, or resulting in the destruction or adverse
modification of critical habitat. Reasonable and prudent alternatives
can vary from slight project modification to extensive redesign or
relocation of the project.
Regulations at 50 CFR 402.16 require Federal agencies to reinitiate
consultation on previously reviewed actions under certain
circumstances, including instances where critical habitat is
subsequently designated and the Federal agency has retained
discretionary involvement, or control has been retained, or is
authorized by law. Consequently, some Federal agencies may request
reinitiation of consultation or conference with us on actions for which
formal consultations have been completed, if those actions may affect
designated critical habitat or adversely modify or destroy proposed
critical habitat.
Activities on Federal lands that may jeopardize vernal pool
crustaceans or vernal pool plants or adversely modify their critical
habitat will require section 7 consultation. Activities on private
lands that require a permit from a Federal agency, such as a permit
from the Corps under section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344
et seq.), a section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act permit from the Service, or
any other activity requiring Federal action (i.e., funding or
authorization from the Federal Highways Administration or Federal
Emergency Management Agency) will also continue to be subject to the
section 7 consultation process. Federal actions not affecting listed
species or critical habitat, and actions on non-Federal lands that are
not federally funded, authorized, or permitted do not require section 7
consultation. Not all of the areas within these units are capable of
supporting vernal pool crustaceans or vernal pool plants or their
primary constituent elements, and such areas would not be subject to
section 7 consultation.
To properly portray the effects of critical habitat designation, we
must first compare the section 7 requirements for actions that may
affect critical habitat with the requirements for actions that may
affect a listed species. Section 7 ensures that actions funded,
authorized, or carried out by Federal agencies are not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species, or destroy or
adversely modify the listed species' critical habitat. Actions likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of a species are those that would
appreciably reduce the likelihood of the species' survival and
recovery. Actions likely to ``destroy or adversely modify'' critical
habitat are those that would appreciably reduce the value of critical
habitat for the survival and recovery of the listed species.
Common to both definitions is an appreciable detrimental effect on
the recovery of a listed species. Given the similarity of these
definitions, actions likely to destroy or adversely modify critical
habitat would almost always result in jeopardy to the species
concerned, particularly when the species is present in the area of the
proposed action. When the species is present in an area, designation of
critical habitat for vernal pool crustaceans or vernal pool plants is
not likely to result in regulatory requirements above those already in
place due to the presence of the listed species. When the species is
not present in an area, designation of critical habitat for vernal pool
crustaceans or vernal pool plants may result in an additional
regulatory burden when a Federal nexus exists.
Section 4(b)(8) of the Act requires us to evaluate briefly and
describe, in any proposed or final regulation that designates critical
habitat, those activities involving a Federal action that may adversely
modify such habitat or that may be affected by such designation.
Activities that may destroy or adversely modify critical habitat would
be those that alter the primary constituent elements to the extent that
the value of critical habitat for the conservation of vernal pool
crustaceans or vernal pool plants is appreciably reduced. We note that
such activities may also jeopardize the continued existence of the
species.
Activities that, when carried out, funded, or authorized by a
Federal agency may directly or indirectly destroy or adversely modify
critical habitat for vernal pool crustaceans or vernal pool plants
include, but are not limited to--
(1) Any activity, including the regulation of activities by the
Corps under section 404 of the Clean Water Act or activities carried
out by or authorized by the EPA, that could alter the suitability of
the watershed or water quality or quantity to support vernal pool
crustaceans or vernal pool plants, or any activity that adversely
affects the natural hydrologic function of the vernal pool system and/
or ephemeral pond or depression;
(2) Road construction and maintenance, right-of-way designation,
and regulation of agricultural activities, or any activity funded or
carried out by
[[Page 59966]]
the Department of Transportation or Department of Agriculture that
results in discharge of dredged or fill material, excavation, or
mechanized land clearing of ephemeral and/or vernal pool basins;
(3) Sale or exchange of lands by a Federal agency to a non-Federal
entity which could foreseeably impact the primary constituent elements
of critical habitat;
(4) Regulation, relicensing, and operation of damming or other
water impoundments by the BOR, Corps, or Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) that inundate critical habitat for vernal pool
crustaceans;
(5) Regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of
airport improvement or maintenance activities that could foreseeably
impact the primary constituent elements of critical habitat;
(6) Licensing of construction of communication sites by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) on lands containing critical habitat;
(7) Funding of construction or development activities by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or other agencies
that destroy, fragment, or degrade suitable critical habitat;
(8) Military training and maneuvers on applicable DOD lands which
could foreseeably impact the primary constituent elements of critical
habitat;
(9) Signing of contracts to deliver water by the BOR in situations
where those deliveries could foreseeably impact the primary constituent
elements of critical habitat; and
(10) Promulgation of a land use plan by a Federal agency such as
the BLM, USFS, or DOD that may alter management practices for critical
habitat.
If you have questions regarding whether specific activities will
constitute adverse modification of critical habitat in California,
contact the Field Supervisor, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office (see
ADDRESSES section). If the critical habitat occurs in Oregon, contact
the Field Supervisor, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office, 2600 S.E. 98th
Avenue, Portland, OR 97266. Requests for copies of the regulations on
listed wildlife, and inquiries about prohibitions and permits may be
addressed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Branch of Endangered
Species, 911 N.E. 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97232 (telephone 503/231-2063;
facsimile 503/231-6243).
Section 3(5)(A) Special Management Considerations
Section 3(5)(A) of the Act defines critical habitat to be (among
other things) areas within the current range of the species ``which may
require special management considerations''. Accordingly, areas which
will not require such special considerations are not critical habitat.
For areas in the current range of the species, we first determine
whether the area contains the physical and biological features
essential to the conservation of the species and then determine whether
the area has or needs special management or protection. Additional
special management is not required if adequate management or protection
is already in place. Adequate special management or protection is
provided by a legally operative plan or agreement that addresses the
maintenance and improvement of the primary constituent elements
important to the species, and manages for the long-term conservation of
the species. We use the following three criteria to determine if a plan
provides adequate special management or protection: (1) A current plan
or agreement must be complete and provide sufficient conservation
benefit to the species, (2) the plan or agreement must provide
assurances that the conservation management strategies will be
implemented, and (3) the plan or agreement must provide assurances that
the conservation management strategies will be effective, i.e., provide
for periodic monitoring and revisions as necessary. If all of these
criteria are met, then the lands covered under the plan would no longer
meet the definition of critical habitat.
The Sikes Act Improvements Act of 1997 (Sikes Act) requires each
military installation that includes land and water suitable for the
conservation and management of natural resources to complete, by
November 17, 2001, an Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan
(INRMP). An INRMP integrates implementation of the military mission of
the installation with stewardship of the natural resources found there.
Each INRMP includes an assessment of the ecological needs on the
installation, including needs to provide for the conservation of listed
species; a statement of goals and priorities; a detailed description of
management actions to be implemented to provide for these ecological
needs; and a monitoring and adaptive management plan. We consult with
the military on the development and implementation of INRMPs for
installations with listed species. We believe military bases that have
completed and approved INRMPs that address the needs of the species
generally do not meet the definition of critical habitat discussed
above, as they require no additional special management or protection.
We evaluated the status of INRMPs on DOD lands that were within the
proposed critical habitat to determine whether any INRMPs met the
special management criteria. To date, no DOD installation has completed
a final INRMP that provides for sufficient conservation management and
protection for the vernal pool crustaceans and plants. All DOD lands
that contain the physical and biological features essential for the
conservation of one of the vernal pool species have been included in
the proposed designation of critical habitat for that species. Although
no INRMPs for the vernal pool crustaceans and plants are currently in
place on DOD lands within the proposed critical habitat, we will
continue to work with the military bases to develop INRMPs to meet the
special management criteria to preclude the final designation of
critical habitat on their lands.
Exclusions Under Section 4(b)(2)
Subsection 4(b)(2) of the Act allows us to exclude from critical
habitat designation areas where the benefits of exclusion outweigh the
benefits of designation, provided the exclusion will not result in the
extinction of the species. However, prior to excluding these areas from
critical habitat, we believe that it is best to fully and specifically
describe the areas in the proposed designation, discuss our intent and
rationale as to why we believe the areas should be excluded from
designated critical habitat, and solicit public comment on the
exclusion of these areas.
We believe the proposed Skunk Hollow critical habitat (Unit 35) in
Riverside County may warrant exclusion from the final designation of
critical habitat under section 4(b)(2) of the Act based on the special
management considerations and protections afforded the vernal pool
habitat through several approved and legally operative HCPs. We believe
that in most instances the benefits of excluding legally operative HCPs
from the critical habitat designations will outweigh the benefits of
including them. The following represents our rationale for proposing to
exclude the Skunk Hollow critical habitat unit (Unit 35) from the final
designated critical habitat.
(1) Benefits of Exclusion
The benefits of excluding HCPs include relieving landowners,
communities and counties of any
[[Page 59967]]
additional regulatory burden that might be imposed by critical habitat.
This benefit is particularly compelling given the past representations
on the part of the Service that once an HCP is negotiated and approved
by us after public comment, activities consistent with the plan will
satisfy the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. Many HCPs,
particularly large regional HCPs, take many years to develop and, upon
completion, become regional conservation plans that are consistent with
the recovery of covered species. Imposing an additional regulatory
review after HCP completion may jeopardize conservation efforts and
partnerships in many areas and could be viewed as a disincentive to
those developing HCPs. Excluding HCPs provides the Service an
opportunity to streamline regulatory compliance, and provides
regulatory certainty for HCP participants.
Another critical benefit of excluding HCPs is that it would
encourage the continued development of partnerships with HCP
participants, including states, local governments, conservation
organizations, and private landowners, that together can implement
conservation actions we would be unable to accomplish. By excluding
areas covered by HCPs from critical habitat designation, we clearly
maintain our commitments, preserve these partnerships, and, we believe,
set the stage for more effective conservation actions in the future.
(2) Benefits of Inclusion
The benefits of including HCPs in critical habitat are normally
small. The principal benefit of any designated critical habitat is that
activities in such habitat that may affect it require consultation
under section 7 of the Act. Such consultation would ensure that
adequate protection is provided to avoid adverse modification of
critical habitat. Where HCPs are in place, our experience indicates
that this benefit is small or non-existent. Currently approved and
permitted HCPs are already designed to ensure the long-term survival of
covered species within the plan area. Where we have an approved HCP,
lands that we ordinarily would define as critical habitat for covered
species will normally be protected in reserves and other conservation
lands by the terms of the HCPs and their Implementing Agreements. These
HCPs and Implementing Agreements include management measures and
protections for conservation lands designed to protect, restore, and
enhance their value as habitat for covered species.
In addition, an HCP application must itself be consulted upon.
While this consultation will not look specifically at the issue of
adverse modification of critical habitat, unless critical habitat has
already been designated within the proposed plan area, it will look at
the very similar concept of jeopardy to the listed species in the plan
area. Because HCPs, particularly large regional HCPs, address land use
within the plan boundaries, habitat issues within the plan boundaries
will have been thoroughly addressed in the HCP and through the
consultation on the HCP. Our experience is also that, under most
circumstances, consultations under the jeopardy standard will reach the
same result as consultations under the adverse modification standard.
Implementing regulations (50 CFR 402.02 ) define ``jeopardize the
continued existence of'' and ``destruction or adverse modification of''
in virtually identical terms. ``Jeopardize the continued existence of''
means to engage in an action ``that reasonably would be expected,
directly or indirectly, to reduce appreciably the likelihood of both
the survival and recovery of a listed species.'' Destruction or adverse
modification means an ``alteration that appreciably diminishes the
value of critical habitat for both the survival and recovery of a
listed species.'' Common to both definitions is an appreciable
detrimental effect on both survival and recovery of a listed species,
in the case of critical habitat, by reducing the value of the habitat
so designated. Thus, actions satisfying the standard for adverse
modification are nearly always found to also jeopardize the species
concerned, and the existence of a critical habitat designation does not
materially affect the outcome of consultation. Additional measures to
protect the habitat from adverse modification are not likely to be
required.
Further, HCPs typically provide for greater conservation benefits
to a covered species than section 7 consultations because HCPs assure
the long-term protection and management of a covered species and its
habitat, and funding for such management through the standards found in
the 5 Point Policy for HCPs (64 FR 35242) and the HCP No Surprises
regulation (63 FR 8859). Such assurances are typically not provided by
section 7 consultations which, in contrast to HCPs, often do not commit
the project proponent to long-term special management or protections.
Thus, a consultation typically does not accord the lands it covers the
extensive benefits an HCP provides. The development and implementation
of HCPs provide other important conservation benefits, including the
development of biological information to guide conservation efforts and
assist in species recovery, and the creation of innovative solutions to
conserve species while allowing for development. The education benefits
of critical habitat, including informing the public of areas that are
important for long-term survival and conservation of the species, are
essentially the same as those that would occur from the public notice
and comment procedures required to establish an HCP, as well as the
public participation that occurs in the development of many regional
HCPs. For these reasons, then, we believe, that designation of critical
habitat has little benefit in areas covered by HCPs, provided that the
HCP and its associated Implementing Agreement are legally operative,
and that the HCP specifically and adequately covers the species for
which critical habitat is being designated.
We have reviewed and evaluated HCPs currently approved and being
properly and legally implemented within the areas being proposed for
critical habitat for the vernal pool crustaceans and plants. Based on
this evaluation, we find that the benefits of exclusion outweigh the
benefits of designating the Skunk Hollow vernal pool (Unit 35) as
critical habitat. The Skunk Hollow vernal pool basin consists of a
single, large vernal pool and its essential associated watershed in
western Riverside County. Several federally listed species have been
documented from the Skunk Hollow vernal pool basin. These include the
threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp (Simovich in litt 2001), the
endangered Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni) (Service
2001), the threatened spreading navarretia (Navarretia fossalis), and
the endangered California Orcutt grass (Orcuttia californica) (Service
1998). The vernal pool complex and watershed is currently protected as
part of a reserve established within an approved mitigation bank in the
Rancho Bella Vista HCP area and as part of the conservation measures
contained in the Assessment District 161 Subregional HCP. While neither
HCP include vernal pool fairy shrimp as a covered species, both HCPs
provide protection for the vernal pool complex and its associated
watershed in perpetuity. Further, the HCPs address the endangered
Riverside fairy shrimp as a covered species. We believe that the
management and protections afforded the vernal pool complex and the
Riverside fairy shrimp
[[Page 59968]]
are adequate for the long-term conservation of this complex and this
species, and to preserve the partnerships that we have developed with
the local jurisdiction and project proponents in the development of
these HCPs, we excluded the Skunk Hollow vernal pool complex from
critical habitat for the Riverside fairy shrimp. We did not and still
do not believe that this exclusion from critical habitat will result in
the extinction of this Riverside fairy shrimp.
Even though the two HCPs do not have vernal pool fairy shrimp
listed as a covered species, we believe that the protections and
management afforded the Skunk Hollow vernal pool complex and the other
listed vernal pool species through the terms and conditions of those
HCPs are adequate to ensure the long-term conservation of vernal pool
fairy shrimp as well. Therefore, as with the Riverside fairy shrimp, we
believe that the benefits of the exclusion of the Skunk Hollow vernal
pool complex from critical habitat for vernal pool fairy shrimp
outweighs the benefit of its inclusion. Additionally, we do not believe
that this exclusion would result in the extinction of vernal pool fairy
shrimp.
Several HCP efforts are now under way that will address the
conservation needs of the vernal pool crustaceans and plants in areas
we propose as critical habitat. We have worked and continue to work
closely with the HCP proponents to adequately address the conservation
needs of these species within the boundaries of the HCPs. In the event
that future HCPs, covering any of the vernal pool crustaceans or plants
are developed within the boundaries of designated critical habitat, we
will work with applicants to ensure that the HCPs provide for
protection and management of habitat areas essential for the
conservation of those species by either directing development and
habitat modification to nonessential areas or appropriately modifying
activities within essential habitat areas so that such activities will
not destroy or adversely modify the primary constituent elements. The
HCP development process provides an opportunity for more intensive data
collection and analysis regarding the use of particular habitat areas
by vernal pool crustaceans and plants. The process also enables us to
conduct detailed evaluations of the importance of such lands to the
long-term survival of these species in the context of constructing a
biologically configured system of interlinked habitat blocks. We fully
expect that HCPs undertaken by local jurisdictions (e.g., counties,
cities) and other parties will identify, protect, and provide
appropriate management for those specific lands within the boundaries
of the plans that are essential for the long-term conservation of the
species. We believe and fully expect that our analyses of these
proposed HCPs and proposed permits under section 7 of the Act will show
that covered activities carried out in accordance with the provisions
of the HCPs and biological opinions will not result in destruction or
adverse modification of critical habitat. We will provide technical
assistance and work closely with applicants with respect to HCPs
currently under development and future HCPs to identify lands essential
for the long-term conservation of the vernal pool crustaceans and
plants and appropriate management for those lands. The minimization and
mitigation measures provided under these HCPs are expected to protect
the essential habitat lands proposed as critical habitat in this rule.
If an HCP that addresses any vernal pool crustacean or plant as a
covered species is ultimately approved, we will reassess the critical
habitat boundaries in light of the HCP. We intend to undertake this
review when the HCP is approved, but funding and priority constraints
may influence the timing of such a review. Should additional
information become available that changes our analysis of the benefits
of excluding any of these (or other) areas compared to the benefits of
including them in the critical habitat designation, we may revise this
proposed designation accordingly. Similarly, if new information
indicates any areas we are proposing now should not be included in the
critical habitat designation because they no longer meet the definition
of critical habitat, we may revise this proposed critical habitat
designation.
Economic Analysis
Section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires us to designate critical
habitat on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data
available, and to consider the economic and other relevant impacts of
designating a particular area as critical habitat. We may exclude areas
from critical habitat upon a determination that the benefits of such
exclusions outweigh the benefits of specifying such areas as critical
habitat. We cannot exclude such areas from critical habitat when such
exclusion will result in the extinction of the species. We will conduct
an analysis of the economic impacts of designating these areas as
critical habitat prior to a final determination. When completed, we
will announce the availability of the draft economic analysis with a
notice in the Federal Register, and we will open a public comment
period on the draft economic analysis and re-open the comment period on
the proposed rule at that time.
Public Comments Solicited
We intend that any final action resulting from this proposal will
be as accurate and effective as possible. Therefore, we solicit
comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental
agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested
party concerning this proposed rule. We particularly seek comments
concerning:
(1) The reasons why any habitat should or should not be determined
to be critical habitat as provided by section 4 of the Act, including
whether the benefits of designation will outweigh any threats to the
species due to designation and whether areas under consideration
require additional special management;
(2) Specific information on the amount and distribution of any of
the vernal pool crustaceans or vernal pool plants and what habitat is
essential to the conservation of these species and why;
(3) Land use designations and current or planned activities in the
subject areas and their possible impacts on proposed critical habitat;
in particular, in Oregon, we seek information related to potential of
selected parcels to contribute to the species recovery, considering
their zoning, adjacent land uses, watershed integrity, and potential
for edge effects (related to shape of parcel);
(4) Any foreseeable economic or other impacts resulting from the
proposed designation of critical habitat, in particular, any impacts on
small entities or families;
(5) Economic and other values associated with designating critical
habitat for vernal pool crustaceans and vernal pool plants such as
those derived from non-consumptive uses (e.g., hiking, camping, bird-
watching, enhanced watershed protection, improved air quality,
increased soil retention, ``existence values,'' and reductions in
administrative costs);
(6) Whether any areas should be excluded pursuant to section
4(b)(2); and
(7) Whether our approach to critical habitat designation could be
improved or modified in any way to provide for greater public
participation and understanding, or to assist us in accommodating
public concern and comments.
[[Page 59969]]
If you wish to comment on this proposed rule, you may submit your
comments and materials by any one of several methods (see ADDRESSES).
Please submit electronic mail comments as an ASCII file and avoid the
use of special characters and any form of encryption. Please also
include ``Attn: [RIN number]'' and your name and return address in your
electronic message. Please note that the electronic address [email protected] will be closed out at the termination of the public
comment period. If you do not receive a confirmation from the system
that we have received your electronic message, contact us directly by
calling our Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office at phone number 916/
414-6600.
Our practice is to make comments, including names and home
addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular
business hours. Individual respondents may request that we withhold
their home address from the rulemaking record, which we will honor to
the extent allowable by law. In some circumstances, we would withhold
from the rulemaking record a respondent's identity, as allowable by
law. If you wish us to withhold your name and/or address, you must
state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. However, we
will not consider anonymous comments. To the extent consistent with
applicable law, we will make all submissions from organizations or
businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as
representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available
for public inspection in their entirety. Comments and materials
received will be made available for public inspection, by appointment,
during normal business hours at the above address.
Peer Review
In accordance with our policy published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR
34270), we will solicit the expert opinions of at least three
appropriate and independent specialists regarding this proposed rule.
The purpose of such review is to ensure listing decisions are based on
scientifically sound data, assumptions, and analyses. We will send
these peer reviewers copies of this proposed rule immediately following
publication in the Federal Register. We will invite these peer
reviewers to comment, during the public comment period, on the specific
assumptions and conclusions regarding the proposed designation of
critical habitat.
We will consider all comments and information received during the
120-day public comment period on this proposed rule during preparation
of a final rulemaking. Accordingly, the final decision may differ from
this proposal.
Public Hearings
The Act provides for one or more public hearings on this proposal,
if requested. Requests for public hearings must be made at least 15
days prior to the close of the public comment period. We will schedule
public hearings on this proposal, if any are requested, and announce
the dates, times, and places of those hearings in the Federal Register
and local newspapers at least 15 days before the first hearing is held.
Clarity of the Rule
Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations and
notices that are easy to understand. We invite your comments on how to
make this proposed rule easier to understand, including answers to
questions such as the following: (1) Are the requirements in the
proposed rule clearly stated? (2) Does the proposed rule contain
technical language or jargon that interferes with the clarity? (3) Does
the format of the proposed rule (grouping and order of sections, use of
headings, paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce its clarity? (4) Is the
description of the proposed rule in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
section of the preamble helpful in understanding the proposed rule?
What else could we do to make the proposed rule easier to understand?
Send a copy of any comments that concern how we could make this
rule easier to understand to: Office of Regulatory Affairs, Department
of Interior, Room 7229, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. You
may e-mail your comments to this address: [email protected].
Required Determinations
Regulatory Planning and Review
In accordance with Executive Order 12866, this document is a
significant rule and was reviewed by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB). The Service is preparing a draft economic analysis of
this proposed action. The Service will use this analysis to meet the
requirement of section 4(b)(2) of the ESA to determine the economic
consequences of designating the specific areas as critical habitat and
excluding any area from critical habitat if it is determined that the
benefits of such exclusion outweigh the benefits of specifying such
areas as part of the critical habitat, unless failure to designate such
area as critical habitat will lead to the extinction of any of the
vernal pool species included in this rule. This analysis will be
available for public comment before finalizing this designation. The
availability of the draft economic analysis will be announced in the
Federal Register.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
This discussion is based upon the information regarding potential
economic impact that is available to the Service at this time. This
assessment of economic effect may be modified prior to final rulemaking
based upon development and review of the economic analysis being
prepared pursuant to section 4(b)(2) of the ESA and E.O. 12866. This
analysis is for the purposes of compliance with the Regulatory
Flexibility Act and does not reflect the position of the Service on the
type of economic analysis required by New Mexico Cattle Growers Assn.
v. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 248 F.3d 1277 (10th Cir. 2001).
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as
amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
(SBREFA) of 1996), whenever an agency is required to publish a notice
of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make
available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that
describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small
businesses, small organizations, and small government jurisdictions).
However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of
the agency certifies the rule will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities. SBREFA amended the
Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to provide a
statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule will not have
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. SBREFA also amended the RFA to require a certification
statement. We are hereby certifying that this proposed rule will not
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The following discussion explains our rationale for making
this assertion.
According to the Small Business Administration (http://www.sba.gov/size/), small entities include small organizations, such as independent
non-profit organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions,
including school boards and city and town governments that serve fewer
than 50,000 residents, as well as small businesses. Small businesses
include manufacturing and mining concerns with fewer than 500
employees, wholesale trade entities with fewer than 100 employees,
retail and service
[[Page 59970]]
businesses with less than $5 million in annual sales, general and heavy
construction businesses with less than $27.5 million in annual
business, special trade contractors doing less than $11.5 million in
annual business, and agricultural businesses with annual sales less
than $750,000. To determine if potential economic impacts to these
small entities are significant, we consider the types of activities
that might trigger regulatory impacts under this rule as well as the
types of project modifications that may result. In general, the term
``significant economic impact'' is meant to apply to a typical small
business firm's business operations.
In determining whether this rule could ``significantly affect a
substantial number of small entities'', the economic analysis first
determines whether critical habitat could potentially affect a
``substantial number'' of small entities in counties supporting
critical habitat areas. While SBREFA does not explicitly define
``substantial number,'' the Small Business Administration, as well as
other Federal agencies, have interpreted this to represent an impact on
20 percent or greater of the number of small entities in any industry.
In some circumstances, especially with critical habitat designations of
limited extent, we may aggregate across all industries and consider
whether the total number of small entities affected is substantial. In
estimating the numbers of small entities potentially affected, we also
considered whether their activities have any Federal involvement.
Designation of critical habitat only affects activities conducted,
funded, or permitted by Federal agencies. Some kinds of activities are
unlikely to have any Federal involvement and so will not be affected by
critical habitat designation.
Designation of critical habitat only affects activities conducted,
funded, or permitted by Federal agencies; non-Federal activities are
not affected by the designation. In areas where the species are
present, Federal agencies are already required to consult with us under
section 7 of the Act on activities that they fund, permit, or implement
that may affect vernal pool crustaceans and plants for whom designation
of critical habitat is proposed. If this critical habitat designation
is finalized, Federal agencies also must ensure, also through
consultation with us, that their activities do not destroy or adversely
modify designated critical habitat. However, for the reasons discussed
above, we do not believe this will result in any additional regulatory
burden on Federal agencies or their applicants.
In areas that we are proposing to designate as critical habitat
where occupancy status is currently unknown, but is presumed to be
likely, a potential does exist that designation as critical habitat
would trigger additional Federal review for activities having a Federal
nexus (e.g., funded, permitted, authorized, etc.). We base this
determination upon the present and ongoing regulatory framework in
which the Corps consults with us under section 7 of the Act in the vast
majority of cases where their actions may affect vernal pools. These
section 7 consultations are currently precipitated by either the known
or presumed occupancy of one or more of the vernal pool crustaceans or
plants addressed in this rule. In those rare circumstances where the
Corps does not consult with us under section 7 of the Act, we believe
that an HCP would still be required, based on known or a high
likelihood of occupancy. Any change or deviation in the present
regulatory climate is purely speculative at this time. Therefore, we do
not expect the final designation of critical habitat as proposed in
this rule to substantially increase the regulatory or economic burden
on project proponents beyond that which is presently required through
the likely presence of one or more listed species, where the necessary
primary constituent elements are present. As a result of this minimal
increase in the regulatory or economic burdens on any project
proponents, we do not believe that this proposed designation of
critical habitat for the vernal pool crustaceans and plants will cause
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
We note that for actions on non-Federal property that do not have a
Federal connection (such as funding or authorization), the current
restrictions concerning take of the species remain in effect, and that
this proposed rule will place no additional restrictions on such
activities.
Therefore, based on the above evaluation, we are certifying that
this proposed designation of critical habitat for the vernal pool
crustaceans and plants is not expected to have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities, and that an initial
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. However, should the
economic analysis of this proposed rule indicate that there may be
significant economic impacts on a substantial number of small entities,
we will revisit this determination.
Executive Order 13211
On May 18, 2001, the President issued an Executive Order (EO 13211)
on regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution,
and use. Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements
of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. Although this rule
is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is
not expected to significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, or
use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no
Statement of Energy Effects is required.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.)
The Service will use the economic analysis to evaluate consistency
with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
Takings
In accordance with Executive Order 12630 (``Government Actions and
Interference with Constitutionally Protected Private Property
Rights''), we have analyzed the potential takings implications of
designating critical habitat for these 15 vernal pool species in a
preliminary takings implications assessment. This preliminary
assessment concludes that this proposed rule does not pose significant
takings implications. However, we have not yet completed the economic
analysis for this proposed rule. Once the economic analysis is
available, we will review and revise this preliminary assessment as
warranted.
Federalism
In accordance with Executive Order 13132, the rule does not have
significant Federalism effects. A Federalism assessment is not
required. In keeping with Department of the Interior policy, we
requested information from, and coordinated development of this
critical habitat proposal with appropriate State resource agencies in
California. We will continue to coordinate any future designation of
critical habitat for the vernal pool crustaceans and vernal pool plants
with the appropriate State agencies. The designation of critical
habitat in areas currently occupied by the vernal pool crustaceans and
vernal pool plants imposes no additional restrictions to those
currently in place and, therefore, has little incremental impact on
State and local governments and their activities. The designation may
have some benefit to these governments in that the areas essential to
the conservation of the species are more clearly defined, and the
primary constituent elements of the habitat
[[Page 59971]]
necessary to the survival of the species are specifically identified.
While making this definition and identification does not alter where
and what federally sponsored activities may occur, it may assist these
local governments in long range planning rather than waiting for case
by case section 7 consultations to occur.
Civil Justice Reform
In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Office of the
Solicitor has determined that the rule does not unduly burden the
judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2)
of the Order. We designate critical habitat in accordance with the
provisions of the Act. The rule uses standard property descriptions and
identifies the primary constituent elements within the designated areas
to assist the public in understanding the habitat needs of the vernal
pool crustaceans or vernal pool plants.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)
This rule does not contain any new collections of information that
require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This rule
will not impose new record keeping or reporting requirements on State
or local governments, individuals, businesses, or organizations. An
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently
valid OMB control number.
National Environmental Policy Act
We have determined that an Environmental Assessment or an
Environmental Impact Statement as defined by the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 need not be prepared in connection with regulations
adopted pursuant to section 4(a) of the Act. A notice outlining our
reason for this determination was published in the Federal Register on
October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244). This proposed rule does not constitute
a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human
government.
Government to Government Relationship With Tribes
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments `` (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, and Department of the
Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal
Tribes on a government to government basis. We have determined that
there are no Tribal lands essential for the conservation of the vernal
pool crustaceans and plants addressed in this proposed rule because
they do not support populations or suitable habitat. Therefore,
critical habitat for these species has not been proposed for
designation on Tribal lands.
References Cited
A complete list of all references cited herein, as well as others,
is available upon request from the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office
(see ADDRESSES section).
Authors
The primary authors of this notice are the staff of the Sacramento
Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES section).
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.
Proposed Regulation Promulgation
Accordingly, we propose to amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter
I, title 50 of the code of Federal Regulations as set forth below:
PART 17--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C.
4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted.
2. In Sec. 17.11(h) revise the entry for ``Fairy shrimp,
Conservancy,'' ``Fairy shrimp, longhorn,'' ``Fairy shrimp, vernal
pool,'' and ``Tadpole shrimp, vernal pool'' under ``CRUSTACEANS'' to
read as follows:
Sec. 17.11 Endangered and threatened wildlife.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Vertebrate
---------------------------------------------------- population where Special
Historic range endangered or Status When listed Critical habitat rules
Common name Scientific name threatened
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Crustaceans
* * * * * * *
Fairy shrimp, Conservancy...... Branchinecta U.S.A. (CA)....... Entire............ E 552 17.95(h).......... NA
conservatio.
Fairy shrimp, longhorn......... Branchinecta U.S.A. (CA)....... Entire............ E 552 17.95(h).......... NA
longiantenna.
* * * * * * *
Fairy shrimp, vernal pool...... Branchinecta U.S.A. (CA, OR)... Entire............ T 552 17.95(h).......... NA
lynchi.
Tadpole shrimp, vernal pool.... Lepidurus packardi U.S.A. (CA)....... Entire............ E 552 17.95(h).......... NA
* * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. In Sec. 17.12(h) revise the entry for Castilleja campestris
ssp. succulenta (succulent (or fleshy) owl's-clover), Chamaesyce
hooveri (Hoover's spurge), Lasthenia conjugens (Contra Costa
goldfields), Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica (Butte County
meadowfoam), Neostapfia colusana (Colusa grass), Orcuttia inaequalis
(San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass), Orcuttia pilosa (hairy Orcutt
grass), Orcuttia tenuis (slender Orcutt grass), Orcuttia viscida
[[Page 59972]]
(Sacramento Orcutt grass), Tuctoria greenei (Greene's tuctoria), and
Tuctoria mucronata (Solano grass) under ``FLOWERING PLANTS'' to read as
follows--
Sec. 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species
---------------------------------------------------- Historic range Family Status When listed Critical habitat Special
Scientific name Common name rules
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flowering Plants
* * * * * * *
Castilleja campestris ssp. Fleshy owl's U.S.A. (CA)....... Scrophulariaceae.. T 611 17.96(a).......... NA
succulenta. clover.
* * * * * * *
Chamaesyce hooveri............. Hoover's spurge... U.S.A. (CA)....... Euphorbiaceae..... T 611 17.96(a).......... NA
* * * * * * *
Lasthenia conjugens............ Contra Costa U.S.A. (CA)....... Asteraceae........ E 619 17.96(a).......... NA
goldfields.
* * * * * * *
Limnanthes floccosa ssp. Butte County U.S.A. (CA)....... Limnanthaceae..... E 471 17.96(a).......... NA
californica. meadowfoam.
* * * * * * *
Neostapfia colusana............ Colusa grass...... U.S.A. (CA)....... Poaceae........... T 611 17.96(a).......... NA
* * * * * * *
Orcuttia inaequalis............ San Joaquin Valley U.S.A. (CA)....... Poaceae........... T 611 17.96(a).......... NA
[chyph]Orcutt
grass.
Orcuttia pilosa................ Hairy Orcutt grass U.S.A. (CA)....... Poaceae........... E 611 17.96(a).......... NA
Orcuttia tenuis................ Slender Orcutt U.S.A. (CA)....... Poaceae........... T 611 17.96(a).......... NA
grass.
Orcuttia viscida............... Sacramento Orcutt U.S.A. (CA)....... Poaceae........... E 611 17.96(a).......... NA
grass.
Tuctoria greenei............... Greene's tuctoria. U.S.A. (CA)....... Poaceae........... E 611 17.96(a).......... NA
* * * * * * *
Tuctoria mucronata............. Solano grass...... U.S.A. (CA)....... Poaceae........... E 44 17.96(a).......... NA
* * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. In Sec. 17.95 add critical habitat for Conservancy fairy shrimp
(Branchinecta conservatio), longhorn fairy shrimp (Branchinecta
longiantenna), vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi), and
vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi) under paragraph (h) in
the same alphabetical order as this species occurs in Sec. 17.11(h),
to read as follows:
Sec. 17.95 Critical habitat--fish and wildlife.
* * * * *
(h) Crustaceans.
* * * * *
Conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio)
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Tehama, Butte, Glenn,
Colusa, Solano, Stanislaus, Merced, Mariposa and Ventura counties,
California, on the map below.
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Branchinecta conservatio are the habitat components that provide--
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths that typically become
inundated during winter rains and hold water for sufficient lengths of
time necessary for Conservancy fairy shrimp incubation, reproduction,
dispersal, feeding, and sheltering, including but not limited to large,
playa vernal pools often on basin rim landforms and alkaline soils, but
which are dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill with water
every year; and
(ii) The geographic, topographic, and edaphic features that support
aggregations or systems of hydrologically interconnected pools, swales,
and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions within a matrix of
surrounding uplands that together form hydrologically and ecologically
functional units called vernal pool complexes. These features
contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pool, and maintain
suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture
for vernal pool crustacean hatching, growth and reproduction, and
dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Existing man-made features and structures, such as buildings,
roads, railroads, airports, runways, other paved areas, lawns, and
other urban landscaped areas do not contain one or more of the primary
constituent elements. Federal actions limited to those areas,
therefore, would not trigger a consultation under section 7 of the Act
unless they may affect the species and/or primary constituent elements
in adjacent critical habitat.
(4) Unit 1: Butte and Tehama Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Acorn Hollow, Campbell
Mound, Foster Island, Nord, Richardson Springs, Richardson Springs NW,
and Vina, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 595500, 4408200; 594300, 4408200; 594100, 4408300;
594000, 4408400; 593600, 4408500; 593400, 4408200; 592600, 4408200;
592500, 4408700; 592100, 4408500; 592000, 4408700; 591400, 4408700;
590700,
[[Page 59973]]
4408700; 590400, 4408300; 589900, 4408300; 589000, 4408600; 589000,
4409300; 589100, 4409900; 588900, 4410200; 588200, 4410300; 588200,
4411000; 587900, 4411400; 587900, 4412000; 587900, 4412400; 587600,
4412700; 587600, 4413400; 584200, 4413400; 583100, 4413100; 582900,
4413400; 582900, 4415900; 582000, 4418300; 581800, 4419200; 582000,
4419500; 581400, 4420000; 581400, 4420400; 581800, 4420700; 581600,
4421000; 583200, 4422600; 583500, 4423600; 585200, 4424500; 586000,
4424500; 587500, 4426100; 588200, 4426500; 588600, 4429100; 588800,
4430200; 589500, 4429500; 589500, 4428600; 591400, 4425800; 592600,
4424100; 593400, 4422300; 594200, 4421100; 595900, 4417800; 595800,
4417300; 595800, 4416600; 596100, 4416600; 596400, 4416800; 596600,
4416800; 597100, 4416400; 597100, 4415600; 596800, 4415200; 597100,
4415000; 597800, 4415500; 598100, 4415200; 597600, 4414600; 597600,
4414400; 597300, 4413800; 597300, 4413300; 598200, 4413900; 598400,
4413900; 598400, 4413600; 597400, 4411900; 597600, 4411900; 598300,
4412700; 598500, 4413300; 598900, 4413300; 598900, 4411800; 599400,
4411700; 599800, 4411700; 599800, 4411000; 597700, 4409400; 596200,
4408600; 595900, 4408800; 595700, 4408800; returning to 595500,
4408200.
(5) Unit 2: Colusa and Glenn Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Logandale, Maxwell, Moulton
Weir, and Princeton, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 572900, 4357400; 571200, 4357400; 571200,
4358200; 570400, 4358200; 570400, 4359000; 569600, 4359000; 569500,
4360500; 569300, 4362200; 569500, 4363300; 569500, 4367200; 570000,
4367200; 569900, 4368400; 570300, 4368400; 571000, 4367600; 571000,
4367800; 570700, 4368500; 570900, 4368800; 571500, 4368800; 571900,
4368300; 571900, 4367600; 572100, 4367600; 572400, 4368100; 572400,
4368400; 572600, 4368900; 572800, 4368900; 573000, 4368100; 573400,
4368000; 573800, 4367600; 574100, 4367300; 574400, 4367200; 574500,
4366400; 574900, 4366400; 574900, 4365600; 574700, 4365500; 574400,
4364100; 575200, 4363900; 575600, 4363600; 575100, 4362400; 575600,
4361400; 575100, 4360700; 576000, 4359600; 575500, 4358900; 575700,
4358300; 575900, 4357700; 575300, 4357800; 575000, 4357700; 574700,
4357700; 573600, 4357800; 573500, 4358200; 572900, 4358200; returning
to 572900, 4357400.
(6) Unit 3: Solano County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Birds Landing, Denverton,
Dozier, and Elmira, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 596700, 4230400; 596200, 4230400; 595900,
4230500; 595700, 4230600; 594500, 4231200; 593800, 4231200; 593600,
4230500; 589300, 4230700; 589000, 4231200; 589100, 4231300; 589100,
4231700; 588900, 4232300; 588900, 4233000; 590200, 4233600; 590500,
4233700; 591000, 4233700; 590900, 4233200; 591100, 4233100; 591300,
4233100; 592000, 4233700; 592500, 4233900; 593500, 4234200; 594800,
4235500; 594900, 4235800; 595600, 4236300; 595600, 4236800; 596500,
4237600; 596300, 4237700; 595500, 4237100; 595200, 4237700; 595200,
4238200; 598800, 4238200; 598500, 4239100; 598000, 4239700; 598000,
4241000; 598800, 4241000; 598800, 4240600; 600400, 4240600; 602800,
4240600; 604300, 4239400; 605200, 4240600; 605300, 4239700; 605500,
4239000; 605400, 4238300; 604500, 4238100; 604500, 4237500; 605200,
4237200; 605700, 4235200; 605400, 4234900; 605000, 4233900; 604600,
4233700; 604200, 4233300; 604100, 4232500; 603800, 4231500; 602300,
4230800; 601400, 4230700; 600700, 4230600; 600400, 4230900; 600400,
4231700; 601100, 4232300; 601200, 4233200; 598400, 4233200; 598200,
4232100; 597800, 4231800; 597400, 4230900; returning to 596700,
4230400.
(7) Unit 4: Solano County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Antioch North and Honker
Bay, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 600900, 4215500; 599300, 4215500; 598400, 4216900;
598316, 6875000, 4217900; 598400, 4217900; 598800, 4218100; 598800,
4218600; 599000, 4219000; 599200, 4219300; 599400, 4219500; 600600,
4216900; returning to 600900, 4215500.
(8) Unit 5: Stanislaus County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Ripon, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 660800,
4167200; 660000, 4167200; 659500, 4168800; 661600, 4168800; 661600,
4169400; 662400, 4169400; 662400, 4168300; 661600, 4168000; 661600,
4168300; 660300, 4167800; 660600, 4167500; returning to 660800,
4167200.
(9) Unit 6: Mariposa and Merced Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Atwater, Haystack Mtn.,
Illinois Hill, Indian Gulch, Le Grand, Merced, Merced Falls, Owens
Reservoir, Plainsburg, Planada, Raynor Creek, Snelling, Winton, and
Yosemite Lake, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 750200, 4121400; 747800, 4121400; 747800, 4121900;
747500, 4122400; 747500, 4123900; 747000, 4124700; 746900, 4125100;
743600, 4125000; 743600, 4127000; 742700, 4127000; 742600, 4126600;
742300, 4126300; 741700, 4126300; 741200, 4126800; 741200, 4128600;
740400, 4128600; 740400, 4130300; 739000, 4130300; 739000, 4130600;
738400, 4131100; 737500, 4131200; 737800, 4131700; 737700, 4132600;
737700, 4132900; 737100, 4132900; 737100, 4134200; 736700, 4134200;
736100, 4133900; 735600, 4133300; 734700, 4133300; 734700, 4133700;
734100, 4133900; 733100, 4133900; 733100, 4134600; 732700, 4134600;
732600, 4135000; 732300, 4135500; 730300, 4135400; 729900, 4135700;
729900, 4136500; 726500, 4136500; 726400, 4136100; 725900, 4136100;
725900, 4135300; 725600, 4135100; 725500, 4135100; 725300, 4135500;
725100, 4135400; 725000, 4135400; 725000, 4135600; 724800, 4135700;
724600, 4135700; 724600, 4134700; 724200, 4134700; 724200, 4135500;
723400, 4135500; 723400, 4135600; 722800, 4135600; 722800, 4135000;
722600, 4135000; 722600, 4134700; 722500, 4134700; 722200, 4137900;
722800, 4137900; 722800, 4139300; 721900, 4139300; 721900, 4140200;
721000, 4140200; 721000, 4140900; 717800, 4140900; 717800, 4137700;
717100, 4137700; 717000, 4138200; 714500, 4140900; 714100, 4141300;
714100, 4142200; 713600, 4142400; 713200, 4143000; 713000, 4143900;
713100, 4144300; 713700, 4144600; 714500, 4145300; 714500, 4145700;
715800, 4145800; 717000, 4145800; 718000, 4145400; 718200, 4145900;
718200, 4147600; 719700, 4148400; 720600, 4148600; 720600, 4149200;
719600, 4149200; 719600, 4149800; 720300, 4149800; 721300, 4150700;
721700, 4150700; 724400, 4153300; 725000, 4153500; 725500, 4154200;
725800, 4154800; 727200, 4155900; 727800, 4155900; 728500, 4155600;
730200, 4155600; 731600, 4155500; 732400, 4155400; 732600, 4155200;
733200, 4154700; 734100, 4154900; 734600, 4154800; 735600, 4156000;
735900, 4156000; 737100, 4155400; 737800, 4155000; 738200, 4154200;
738300, 4153300; 739000, 4152800; 739100, 4152200; 740200, 4151800;
740800, 4151500; 740800, 4150300; 741100, 4149900; 741700, 4149400;
742100, 4148500; 742100, 4147100; 743400, 4146100; 744000, 4145600;
744400,
[[Page 59974]]
4144600; 744300, 4143900; 743900, 4142700; 744000, 4142000; 744200,
4141700; 745500, 4140300; 746100, 4139500; 746800, 4138500; 747700,
4137700; 748500, 4135800; 748700, 4135100; 749500, 4134000; 750100,
4132800; 750700, 4131700; 751600, 4130500; 752000, 4130200; 752800,
4130100; 753300, 4130400; 753500, 4130400; 753900, 4130200; 754000,
4129300; 753400, 4128400; 753900, 4127700; 754400, 4127700; 754600,
4127400; 755300, 4128400; 755400, 4128400; 755600, 4127700; 756900,
4126400; 757800, 4125800; 758400, 4126300; 758500, 4126300; 758600,
4126000; 757900, 4125100; 757400, 4125100; 756500, 4123700; 753500,
4122400; 750200, 4122400; returning to 750200, 4121400.
(10) Unit 7: Merced County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Arena, Atwater, Gustine,
Ingomar, Los Banos, San Luis Ranch, Sandy Mush, Stevinson, and Turner
Ranch, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 697300, 4104500; 696100, 4104500; 695700, 4105000;
695700, 4106600; 694700, 4107900; 693500, 4107900; 693700, 4109100;
692900, 4109100; 692900, 4109800; 693100, 4110200; 693800, 4110200;
693800, 4111800; 692500, 4111800; 692400, 4110600; 691800, 4110600;
691600, 4110200; 690800, 4110300; 690000, 4110300; 690000, 4111400;
689700, 4111800; 689200, 4111800; 689200, 4111300; 688400, 4111300;
688400, 4112100; 686700, 4112100; 686500, 4112900; 686500, 4113700;
686000, 4113700; 686000, 4116100; 684500, 4116100; 684400, 4114200;
682200, 4114200; 682100, 4113000; 681100, 4113000; 681100, 4111800;
680600, 4111700; 679600, 4110900; 678800, 4110900; 678200, 4111800;
678300, 4113600; 677900, 4114400; 679400, 4114400; 679400, 4115200;
680000, 4115200; 680300, 4116000; 681800, 4116100; 682800, 4116600;
683600, 4116500; 683600, 4117100; 681200, 4117100; 681000, 4124500;
680800, 4124900; 679800, 4124900; 679800, 4125700; 680700, 4125700;
680600, 4126400; 680300, 4126700; 680300, 4127200; 678900, 4127800;
679000, 4129000; 679300, 4129200; 680100, 4129400; 679700, 4130700;
679400, 4130200; 678600, 4130200; 678000, 4131200; 678500, 4132100;
678800, 4132400; 679000, 4131800; 679200, 4131800; 680200, 4132200;
680700, 4131700; 681600, 4132800; 681200, 4133100; 681200, 4133600;
681600, 4134100; 681700, 4134200; 681900, 4134200; 682300, 4134000;
682700, 4133800; 683400, 4133100; 683600, 4132600; 683600, 4132300;
683100, 4131800; 683100, 4131500; 683400, 4131500; 684300, 4130400;
684700, 4130000; 685500, 4130700; 686000, 4130700; 686200, 4130900;
686400, 4130900; 688800, 4131400; 690300, 4131400; 690500, 4130600;
691600, 4130600; 691600, 4130000; 692900, 4130000; 692800, 4131700;
692400, 4131800; 692400, 4133500; 693000, 4133000; 694400, 4133100;
694400, 4132000; 693700, 4132000; 693700, 4129800; 693700, 4127500;
694500, 4127000; 694800, 4127000; 695200, 4127700; 695200, 4129800;
695200, 4130300; 695700, 4130300; 695900, 4130000; 696100, 4129500;
696100, 4129100; 696900, 4129100; 696900, 4130200; 697200, 4130200;
698300, 4128600; 698600, 4128200; 700100, 4127600; 700500, 4129200;
700500, 4130600; 701700, 4130600; 701800, 4129200; 703300, 4129200;
703300, 4128800; 703900, 4128800; 703900, 4129000; 704200, 4129000;
705600, 4128500; 705600, 4127800; 705300, 4127000; 705400, 4126200;
705900, 4125700; 706800, 4125400; 707200, 4125400; 707900, 4126100;
708300, 4126100; 708300, 4125400; 709100, 4125400; 709900, 4125700;
709900, 4126000; 710200, 4126200; 711500, 4126200; 711500, 4124600;
708000, 4124500; 706700, 4124500; 706700, 4122100; 711500, 4122200;
711500, 4121700; 712100, 4121400; 713200, 4121400; 713200, 4118700;
711600, 4118700; 711600, 4118100; 707300, 4118100; 705000, 4118100;
704500, 4119600; 699400, 4119500; 699300, 4118700; 698800, 4118700;
698500, 4118500; 698200, 4117700; 697600, 4117700; 697800, 4116500;
693700, 4116200; 694200, 4115100; 694400, 4114600; 694800, 4114600;
695000, 4115100; 695800, 4115100; 696300, 4114300; 697600, 4114200;
697900, 4113900; 697900, 4113100; 698900, 4112500; 698800, 4109800;
695700, 4109800; 695700, 4109000; 697300, 4109000; 697300, 4108100;
696400, 4108100; 696400, 4107300; 696700, 4106600; 697600, 4106600;
698200, 4105800; 698200, 4105300; returning to 697300, 4104500.
(11) Unit 8: Ventura County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Alamo Mountain, Lion Canyon,
Lockwood Valley, San Guillermo, and Topatopa Mountains, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 310100,
3830500; 309400, 3831000; 308400, 3830900; 307200, 3830600; 306000,
3831200; 304700, 3831300; 303400, 3832100; 302100, 3832600; 301600,
3833600; 300400, 3833600; 299200, 3834000; 298200, 3834400; 297700,
3835300; 297900, 3837300; 299500, 3837500; 301200, 3838400; 301500,
3839300; 303400, 3841000; 303800, 3842700; 304900, 3843600; 305800,
3843600; 307700, 3843400; 309500, 3843400; 310500, 3844200; 311900,
3844600; 313400, 3845400; 314500, 3844100; 315200, 3843800; 315700,
3842400; 316500, 3841100; 317200, 3838100; 317200, 3837000; 316500,
3833900; 315700, 3833300; 315200, 3834100; 314000, 3834100; 313100,
3832200; 311500, 3830800; returning to 310100, 3830500.
(12) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Conservancy
fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 59975]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.000
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
Longhorn Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna)
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Alameda, Contra Costa,
Merced and San Luis Obispo counties, California, on the map below.
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Branchinecta longiantenna are the habitat components that provide:
[[Page 59976]]
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths that typically become
inundated during winter rains and hold water for sufficient lengths of
time necessary for Longhorn fairy shrimp incubation, reproduction,
dispersal, feeding, and sheltering, including but not limited to large,
playa vernal pools often on basin rim landforms and alkaline soils, but
which are dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill with water
every year; and
(ii) The geographic, topographic, and edaphic features that support
aggregations or systems of hydrologically interconnected pools, swales,
and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions within a matrix of
surrounding uplands that together form hydrologically and ecologically
functional units called vernal pool complexes. These features
contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pool, and maintain
suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture
for vernal pool crustacean hatching, growth and reproduction, and
dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Existing man-made features and structures, such as buildings,
roads, railroads, airports, runways, other paved areas, lawns, and
other urban landscaped areas do not contain one or more of the primary
constituent elements. Federal actions limited to those areas,
therefore, would not trigger a consultation under section 7 of the Act
unless they may affect the species and/or primary constituent elements
in adjacent critical habitat.
(4) Subunit 1A: Contra Costa County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Byron Hot Springs,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 614700, 4184000; 614600, 4184000; 614600, 4184500; 614900, 4185000;
614600, 4185300; 614600, 4185900; 614700, 4185900; 614800, 4185400;
615100, 4185200; 615100, 4185500; 615300, 4185500; 615400, 4185200;
615600, 4184900; 615800, 4184900; 616000, 4184800; 616000, 4184700;
615800, 4184500; 615700, 4184500; 615500, 4184200; 615100, 4184200;
614800, 4184200; returning to 614700, 4184000.
(5) Subunit 1B: Alameda County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Byron Hot Springs,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 616200, 4179000; 616100, 4179000; 615900, 4179200; 615900, 4179400;
615700, 4179600; 615500, 4180100; 615100, 4180500; 614800, 4180800;
614400, 4180900; 614100, 4181100; 614600, 4181500; 614700, 4181500;
614700, 4181700; 614900, 4181700; 615200, 4181400; 615400, 4181300;
615500, 4181200; 615500, 4181100; 615600, 4181100; 615700, 4181300;
615800, 4181200; 616000, 4180600; 616000, 4180500; 616200, 4180200;
616300, 4180000; 616200, 4179900; 615900, 4179900; 615900, 4179700;
616200, 4179500; returning to 616200, 4179000.
(6) Unit 2: Merced County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Gustine, Ingomar, Los Banos,
San Luis Ranch, and Stevinson, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 681200, 4117100; 681000,
4124500; 680800, 4124900; 679800, 4124900; 679800, 4125700; 680700,
4125700; 680600, 4126400; 680300, 4126700; 680300, 4127200; 678900,
4127800; 679000, 4129000; 679300, 4129200; 680100, 4129400; 679700,
4130700; 679400, 4130200; 678600, 4130200; 678000, 4131200; 678500,
4132100; 678800, 4132400; 679000, 4131800; 679200, 4131800; 680200,
4132200; 680700, 4131700; 681600, 4132800; 681200, 4133100; 681200,
4133600; 681600, 4134100; 681700, 4134200; 681900, 4134200; 682300,
4134000; 682700, 4133800; 683400, 4133100; 683600, 4132600; 683600,
4132300; 683100, 4131800; thence south to x-coordinate 683100 on the
San Joaquin River; thence southeast along to San Joaquin River to y-
coordinate 4118400; thence west to 698400, 4118400; 698200, 4117700;
697600, 4117700; 697800, 4116500; 693700, 4116200; 694200, 4115100;
694400, 4114600; 694800, 4114600; 695000, 4115100; 695800, 4115100;
696300, 4114300; 697600, 4114200; 697900, 4113900; 697900, 4113100;
698900, 4112500; 698800, 4109800; 695700, 4109800; 695700, 4109000;
697300, 4109000; 697300, 4108100; 696400, 4108100; 696400, 4107300;
696700, 4106600; 697600, 4106600; 698200, 4105800; 698200, 4105300;
697300, 4104500; 696100, 4104500; 695700, 4105000; 695700, 4106600;
694700, 4107900; 693500, 4107900; 693700, 4109100; 692900, 4109100;
692900, 4109800; 693100, 4110200; 693800, 4110200; 693800, 4111800;
692500, 4111800; 692400, 4110600; 691800, 4110600; 691600, 4110200;
690800, 4110300; 690000, 4110300; 690000, 4111400; 689700, 4111800;
689200, 4111800; 689200, 4111300; 688400, 4111300; 688400, 4112100;
686700, 4112100; 686500, 4112900; 686500, 4113700; 686000, 4113700;
686000, 4116100; 684500, 4116100; 684400, 4114200; 682200, 4114200;
682100, 4113000; 681100, 4113000; 681100, 4111800; 680600, 4111700;
679600, 4110900; 678800, 4110900; 678200, 4111800; 678300, 4113600;
677900, 4114400; 679400, 4114400; 679400, 4115200; 680000, 4115200;
680300, 4116000; 681800, 4116100; 682800, 4116600; 683600, 4116500;
683600, 4117100; returning to 681200, 4117100.
(7) Unit 3: San Luis Obispo County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Byron Hot Springs,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 247900, 3894600; 245800, 3895500; 243500, 3896000; 242700, 3896400;
242200, 3897600; 240100, 3898900; 239500, 3899300; 239300, 3899600;
238300, 3900400; 237900, 3900300; 236100, 3901000; 235800, 3901300;
235800, 3902300; 235500, 3903500; 234800, 3904400; 233000, 3904900;
231800, 3905800; 231600, 3907000; 231900, 3908800; 231800, 3909400;
229400, 3910200; 227200, 3911200; 227300, 3913400; 228100, 3913800;
229000, 3913900; 231900, 3913200; 233300, 3913200; 234300, 3912900;
235100, 3912100; 235300, 3911200; 233900, 3910100; 233700, 3909700;
235300, 3909000; 235700, 3908500; 237200, 3907500; 237700, 3906300;
238200, 3905800; 239100, 3905200; 239100, 3904900; 242800, 3902600;
244400, 3901300; 244400, 3901000; 244700, 3900700; 244800, 3899100;
245400, 3898800; 247200, 3896600; 248200, 3895000; returning to 247900,
3894600.
(8) Map follows of all critical habitat units for longhorn fairy
shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna):
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 59977]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.001
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi)
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Jackson County, Oregon;
Shasta, Butte, Tehama, Glenn, Colusa, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Napa,
Contra Costa, Alameda, Amador, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced,
Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis
Obispo, Santa
[[Page 59978]]
Barbara, Ventura and Riverside counties, California on the map below:
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Branchinecta lynchi are the habitat components that provide--
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths that typically become
inundated during winter rains and hold water for sufficient lengths of
time necessary for vernal pool fairy shrimp incubation, reproduction,
dispersal, feeding, and sheltering, including but not limited to
Northern Hardpan, Northern Claypan, Northern Volcanic Mud Flow, and
Northern Basalt Flow vernal pools formed on a variety of geologic
formations and soil types, but which are dry during the summer and do
not necessarily fill with water every year; and
(ii) The geographic, topographic, and edaphic features that support
aggregations or systems of hydrologically interconnected pools, swales,
and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions within a matrix of
surrounding uplands that together form hydrologically and ecologically
functional units called vernal pool complexes. These features
contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pool, and maintain
suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture
for vernal pool crustacean hatching, growth and reproduction, and
dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Existing man-made features and structures, such as buildings,
roads, railroads, airports, runways, other paved areas, lawns, and
other urban landscaped areas do not contain one or more of the primary
constituent elements. Federal actions limited to those areas,
therefore, would not trigger a consultation under section 7 of the Act
unless they may affect the species and/or primary constituent elements
in adjacent critical habitat.
(4) Subunit 1A: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Shady Cove, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 513900,
4709700; 513600, 4709700; 513600, 4709800; 513500, 4709800; 513500,
4710000; 513700, 4710000; 513700, 4710300; 513200, 4710300; 513200,
4710600; 513100, 4710600; 513100, 4710800; 514300, 4710800; 514300,
4710300; 514100, 4710300; 514100, 4709900; 513900, 4709900; returning
to 513900, 4709700.
(5) Subunit 1B: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Shady Cove, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 513900,
4707000; 513600, 4707000; 513600, 4707300; 513700, 4707300; 513700,
4707400; 513800, 4707400; 513800, 4707500; 513400, 4707500; 513400,
4708000; 514700, 4708000; 514700, 4707700; 514600, 4707700; 514600,
4707600; 514200, 4707600; 514200, 4707500; 514100, 4707500; 514100,
4707300; 514000, 4707300; 514000, 4707200; 513900, 4707200; returning
to 513900, 4707000.
(6) Subunit 1C: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Shady Cove, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 512000,
4706600; 511800, 4706600; 511800, 4706700; 511300, 4706700; 511300,
4706800; 511200, 4706800; 511200, 4706900; 511100, 4706900; 511100,
4707000; 511000, 4707000; 511000, 4707200; 511100, 4707200; 511100,
4707300; 511200, 4707300; 511200, 4707400; 511100, 4707400; 511100,
4707500; 511200, 4707500; 511200, 4707600; 511400, 4707600; 511400,
4707700; 511600, 4707700; 511600, 4707800; 511800, 4707800; 511800,
4707300; 511900, 4707300; 511900, 4706800; 512000, 4706800; returning
to 512000, 4706600.
(7) Subunit 1D: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Eagle Point and Shady Cove,
Oregon, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N):
515900, 4706700; 515900, 4707000; 516200, 4707000; 516200, 4706900;
516300, 4706900; 516300, 4706700; 516400, 4706700; 516400, 4706800;
516500, 4706800; 516500, 4707000; 516700, 4707000; 516700, 4706900;
516900, 4706900; 516900, 4707000; 517000, 4707000; 517000, 4707100;
517100, 4707100; 517100, 4706900; 517400, 4706900; 517400, 4706700;
517300, 4706700; 517300, 4706500; 517200, 4706500; 517200, 4706400;
517100, 4706400; 517100, 4706300; 516700, 4706300; 516700, 4705600;
516500, 4705600; 516500, 4705500; 516600, 4705500; 516600, 4705400;
516700, 4705400; 516700, 4704800; 516600, 4704800; 516600, 4704600;
516300, 4704600; 516300, 4704500; 516400, 4704500; 516400, 4704400;
516500, 4704400; 516500, 4704300; 515800, 4704300; 515800, 4704600;
516000, 4704600; 516000, 4704700; 515500, 4704700; 515500, 4704800;
515400, 4704800; 515400, 4705100; 515500, 4705100; 515500, 4705200;
515700, 4705200; 515700, 4705300; 515800, 4705300; 515800, 4705900;
515700, 4705900; 515700, 4706200; 515600, 4706200; 515600, 4706400;
515500, 4706400; 515500, 4706500; 515100, 4706500; 515100, 4706700;
515000, 4706700; 515000, 4706900; 514700, 4706900; 514700, 4707000;
514600, 4707000; 514600, 4707200; 514700, 4707200; 514700, 4707300;
515000, 4707300; 515000, 4707200; 515100, 4707200; 515100, 4707100;
515200, 4707100; 515200, 4707000; 515300, 4707000; 515300, 4706800;
515400, 4706800; 515400, 4706700; 515500, 4706700; 515500, 4706600;
515600, 4706600; 515600, 4706700; returning to 515900, 4706700;
excluding land bounded by 515900, 4706700; 515900, 4706500; 516000,
4706500; 516000, 4706400; 516100, 4706400; 516100, 4706600; 516000,
4706600; 516000, 4706700; 515900, 4706700.
(8) Subunit 1E: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Boswell Mountain and Shady
Cove, Oregon, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates
(E, N): 510500, 4706000; 510400, 4706000; 510400, 4706100; 510300,
4706100; 510300, 4706300; 510100, 4706300; 510100, 4706400; 510000,
4706400; 510000, 4706500; 509800, 4706500; 509800, 4706700; 510000,
4706700; 510000, 4706900; 510100, 4706900; 510100, 4707000; 510200,
4707000; 510200, 4706900; 510500, 4706900; 510500, 4707000; 510600,
4707000; 510600, 4707100; 510800, 4707100; 510800, 4706900; 511000,
4706900; 511000, 4706500; 510700, 4706500; 510700, 4706300; 510500,
4706300; returning to 510500, 4706000.
(9) Subunit 1F: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Eagle Point and Shady Cove,
Oregon, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N):
511400, 4704800; 511200, 4704800; 511200, 4705000; 511000, 4705000;
511000, 4705200; 510900, 4705200; 510900, 4705300; 510800, 4705300;
510800, 4705900; 511000, 4705900; 511000, 4706000; 511300, 4706000;
511300, 4705900; 511500, 4705900; 511500, 4705100; 511400, 4705100;
returning to 511400, 4704800; excluding land bounded by 511300,
4705300; 511300, 4705500; 511200, 4705500; 511200, 4705300; 511300,
4705300.
(10) Subunit 1G: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Eagle Point, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 517700,
4704000; 517200, 4704000; 517200, 4704100; 517100, 4704100; 517100,
4704300;
[[Page 59979]]
517000, 4704300; 517000, 4704700; 516900, 4704700; 516900, 4704900;
517000, 4704900; 517000, 4705000; 517100, 4705000; 517100, 4705100;
517600, 4705100; 517600, 4705000; 517800, 4705000; 517800, 4704900;
517900, 4704900; 517900, 4704800; 519100, 4704800; 519100, 4704700;
519300, 4704700; 519300, 4704600; 519400, 4704600; 519400, 4704300;
519100, 4704300; 519100, 4704200; 518600, 4704200; 518600, 4704100;
517900, 4704100; 517900, 4704200; 517700, 4704200; returning to 517700,
4704000.
(11) Unit 2A: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Eagle Point, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 514300,
4698400; 513400, 4698400; 513400, 4698500; 513300, 4698500; 513300,
4698600; 513400, 4698600; 513400, 4698700; 513500, 4698700; 513500,
4698800; 513700, 4698800; 513700, 4699000; 513800, 4699000; 513800,
4699100; 513900, 4699100; 513900, 4699200; 514200, 4699200; 514200,
4698800; 514300, 4698800; 514300, 4698900; 514400, 4698900; 514400,
4699000; 514900, 4699000; 514900, 4698900; 515100, 4698900; 515100,
4699100; 515200, 4699100; 515200, 4699000; 515500, 4699000; 515500,
4698800; 515600, 4698800; 515600, 4699000; 515700, 4699000; 515700,
4698900; 515800, 4698900; 515800, 4698500; 515500, 4698500; 515500,
4698700; 515400, 4698700; 515400, 4698600; 515300, 4698600; 515300,
4698500; 515100, 4698500; 515100, 4698600; 514900, 4698600; 514900,
4698500; 514400, 4698500; 514400, 4698600; 514300, 4698600; returning
to 514300, 4698400.
(12) Subunit 2B: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Brownsboro and Eagle Point,
Oregon, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N):
520800, 4694400; 520700, 4694400; 520700, 4694500; 520500, 4694500;
520500, 4694600; 520400, 4694600; 520400, 4694700; 520300, 4694700;
520300, 4694800; 519900, 4694800; 519900, 4694900; 519500, 4694900;
519500, 4695200; 519400, 4695200; 519400, 4695600; 519300, 4695600;
519300, 4695800; 519200, 4695800; 519200, 4695900; 519100, 4695900;
519100, 4696000; 519000, 4696000; 519000, 4696200; 519300, 4696200;
519300, 4696300; 519100, 4696300; 519100, 4696400; 518900, 4696400;
518900, 4696500; 518800, 4696500; 518800, 4696400; 518600, 4696400;
518600, 4696700; 518500, 4696700; 518500, 4696800; 518400, 4696800;
518400, 4696900; 518300, 4696900; 518300, 4697000; 518200, 4697000;
518200, 4697100; 518100, 4697100; 518100, 4697200; 517600, 4697200;
517600, 4697300; 517300, 4697300; 517300, 4697400; 517100, 4697400;
517100, 4697600; 517000, 4697600; 517000, 4697800; 516900, 4697800;
516900, 4698400; 517300, 4698400; 517300, 4698300; 517500, 4698300;
517500, 4698200; 517600, 4698200; 517600, 4698300; 517900, 4698300;
517900, 4697800; 518500, 4697800; 518500, 4697700; 518600, 4697700;
518600, 4697600; 518800, 4697600; 518800, 4697700; 519100, 4697700;
519100, 4697600; 519300, 4697600; 519300, 4697500; 519400, 4697500;
519400, 4697400; 519500, 4697400; 519500, 4697300; 519700, 4697300;
519700, 4697200; 519800, 4697200; 519800, 4697100; 520000, 4697100;
520000, 4696800; 519900, 4696800; 519900, 4696700; 520400, 4696700;
520400, 4696600; 520500, 4696600; 520500, 4696300; 520400, 4696300;
520400, 4696100; 520500, 4696100; 520500, 4696200; 520600, 4696200;
520600, 4696100; 520700, 4696100; 520700, 4695900; 520600, 4695900;
520600, 4695800; 520500, 4695800; 520500, 4695500; 520700, 4695500;
520700, 4695400; 520800, 4695400; returning to 520800, 4694400.
(13) Subunit 2C: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Eagle Point, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 516100,
4697400; 515000, 4697400; 515000, 4697800; 515200, 4697800; 515200,
4697700; 515300, 4697700; 515300, 4697800; 516100, 4697800; returning
to 516100, 4697400.
(14) Subunit 2D: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Eagle Point, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 516200,
4696200; 515900, 4696200; 515900, 4696900; 516100, 4696900; 516100,
4697000; 516500, 4697000; 516500, 4697100; 516800, 4697100; 516800,
4697200; 517000, 4697200; 517000, 4697100; 517200, 4697100; 517200,
4697000; 517300, 4697000; 517300, 4696900; 517400, 4696900; 517400,
4696600; 517200, 4696600; 517200, 4696700; 516800, 4696700; 516800,
4696600; 516300, 4696600; 516300, 4696500; 516200, 4696500; returning
to 516200, 4696200.
(15) Subunit 2E: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Eagle Point, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 515200,
4695800; 515000, 4695800; 515000, 4695900; 514500, 4695900; 514500,
4695800; 514300, 4695800; 514300, 4695900; 514200, 4695900; 514200,
4696000; 514100, 4696000; 514100, 4695900; 514000, 4695900; 514000,
4695800; 513900, 4695800; 513900, 4695900; 513800, 4695900; 513800,
4696600; 513500, 4696600; 513500, 4696800; 515600, 4696800; 515600,
4696600; 515500, 4696600; 515500, 4696400; 515100, 4696400; 515100,
4696300; 515200, 4696300; returning to 515200, 4695800; excluding land
bounded by 514700, 4696300; 514700, 4696500; 514500, 4696500; 514500,
4696400; 514300, 4696400; 514300, 4696500; 514200, 4696500; 514200,
4696400; 514100, 4696400; 514100, 4696300; 514700, 4696300.
(16) Subunit 3A: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Eagle Point, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 511600,
4698900; 511600, 4699000; 511400, 4699000; 511400, 4699100; 511100,
4699100; 511100, 4699200; 510700, 4699200; 510700, 4699300; 510600,
4699300; 510600, 4699500; 510900, 4699500; 510900, 4699600; 511200,
4699600; 511200, 4699700; 511300, 4699700; 511300, 4699900; 511400,
4699900; 511400, 4700000; 511500, 4700000; 511500, 4699900; 511600,
4699900; 511600, 4699800; 511700, 4699800; 511700, 4699900; 511900,
4699900; 511900, 4698900; returning to 511600, 4698900.
(17) Subunit 3B: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Eagle Point and Sams Valley,
Oregon, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N):
511600, 4698900; 511600, 4698600; 511300, 4698600; 511300, 4698700;
511200, 4698700; 511200, 4698600; 511000, 4698600; 511000, 4698500;
510700, 4698500; 510700, 4698600; 510500, 4698600; 510500, 4698500;
509600, 4698500; 509600, 4698100; 509400, 4698100; 509400, 4698000;
509200, 4698000; 509200, 4697800; 509300, 4697800; 509300, 4697600;
509400, 4697600; 509400, 4697200; 509500, 4697200; 509500, 4697000;
510100, 4697000; 510100, 4697100; 511700, 4697100; 511700, 4697000;
511900, 4697000; 511900, 4696400; 510800, 4696400; 510800, 4696300;
510600, 4696300; 510600, 4696400; 510300, 4696400; 510300, 4696500;
509700, 4696500; 509700, 4696600; 509600, 4696600; 509600, 4696500;
508900, 4696500; 508900, 4696600; 508600, 4696600; 508600, 4696700;
[[Page 59980]]
508400, 4696700; 508400, 4696800; 508300, 4696800; 508300, 4696900;
508200, 4696900; 508200, 4697000; 508100, 4697000; 508100, 4697100;
508000, 4697100; 508000, 4697300; 508100, 4697300; 508100, 4697600;
508400, 4697600; 508400, 4697700; 508600, 4697700; 508600, 4697800;
508500, 4697800; 508500, 4698000; 508400, 4698000; 508400, 4698400;
508500, 4698400; 508500, 4698500; 508800, 4698500; 508800, 4698600;
508900, 4698600; 508900, 4698300; 509000, 4698300; 509000, 4698400;
509100, 4698400; 509100, 4698600; 509200, 4698600; 509200, 4698700;
509500, 4698700; 509500, 4698900; 509800, 4698900; 509800, 4699000;
510100, 4699000; 510100, 4699100; 511000, 4699100; 511000, 4699000;
511300, 4699000; 511300, 4698900; returning to 511600, 4698900;
excluding land bounded by 508600, 4697100; 508600, 4697300; 508500,
4697300; 508500, 4697100; 508600, 4697100; and land bounded by 509100,
4697700; 509100, 4697800; 508800, 4697800; 508800, 4697700; 509100,
4697700.
(18) Subunit 3C: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Sams Valley, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 508300,
4695000; 507800, 4695000; 507800, 4695200; 507400, 4695200; 507400,
4695400; 506900, 4695400; 506900, 4695800; 506800, 4695800; 506800,
4695900; 506400, 4695900; 506400, 4695800; 505600, 4695800; 505600,
4696000; 505800, 4696000; 505800, 4696700; 506200, 4696700; 506200,
4696800; 506100, 4696800; 506100, 4697300; 506200, 4697300; 506200,
4697600; 506800, 4697600; 506800, 4697500; 506900, 4697500; 506900,
4697300; 506800, 4697300; 506800, 4697200; 506700, 4697200; 506700,
4696700; 507000, 4696700; 507000, 4697000; 506900, 4697000; 506900,
4697200; 507000, 4697200; 507000, 4697400; 507100, 4697400; 507100,
4697500; 507200, 4697500; 507200, 4697400; 507300, 4697400; 507300,
4697300; 507400, 4697300; 507400, 4697100; 507500, 4697100; 507500,
4697000; 507600, 4697000; 507600, 4696900; 507700, 4696900; 507700,
4696700; 507900, 4696700; 507900, 4696000; 508300, 4696000; returning
to 508300, 4695000.
(19) Subunit 4A: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Sams Valley, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 508600,
4701300; 508400, 4701300; 508400, 4701500; 508300, 4701500; 508300,
4701900; 508200, 4701900; 508200, 4702000; 508100, 4702000; 508100,
4702100; 508000, 4702100; 508000, 4702200; 507900, 4702200; 507900,
4702300; 507800, 4702300; 507800, 4702400; 507700, 4702400; 507700,
4702500; 507600, 4702500; 507600, 4702400; 507500, 4702400; 507500,
4702300; 507300, 4702300; 507300, 4702200; 507400, 4702200; 507400,
4702100; 507600, 4702100; 507600, 4702000; 507700, 4702000; 507700,
4701800; 507800, 4701800; 507800, 4701700; 507900, 4701700; 507900,
4701400; 507700, 4701400; 507700, 4701500; 507600, 4701500; 507600,
4701600; 507300, 4701600; 507300, 4701700; 507100, 4701700; 507100,
4701800; 507000, 4701800; 507000, 4701900; 506900, 4701900; 506900,
4702000; 506800, 4702000; 506800, 4702200; 506700, 4702200; 506700,
4702400; 506600, 4702400; 506600, 4702500; 506500, 4702500; 506500,
4702700; 506600, 4702700; 506600, 4702900; 506700, 4702900; 506700,
4703100; 506800, 4703100; 506800, 4703400; 507000, 4703400; 507000,
4703500; 507200, 4703500; 507200, 4703400; 507300, 4703400; 507300,
4703300; 507800, 4703300; 507800, 4703200; 507900, 4703200; 507900,
4703100; 508000, 4703100; 508000, 4703000; 508100, 4703000; 508100,
4702900; 508200, 4702900; 508200, 4702800; 508300, 4702800; 508300,
4702700; 508400, 4702700; 508400, 4702500; 508500, 4702500; 508500,
4702300; 508600, 4702300; 508600, 4701900; 508800, 4701900; 508800,
4701500; 508700, 4701500; 508700, 4701400; 508600, 4701400; returning
to 508600, 4701300.
(20) Subunit 4B: Jackson County, Oregon.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Sams Valley, Oregon, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 504000,
4698900; 503800, 4698900; 503800, 4699000; 503700, 4699000; 503700,
4699400; 503800, 4699400; 503800, 4699800; 503700, 4699800; 503700,
4700900; 503800, 4700900; 503800, 4700800; 503900, 4700800; 503900,
4700700; 504000, 4700700; 504000, 4700600; 504300, 4700600; 504300,
4700500; 504400, 4700500; 504400, 4699500; 504200, 4699500; 504200,
4699200; 504100, 4699200; 504100, 4699100; 504000, 4699100; returning
to 504000, 4698900.
(21) Unit 5: Shasta County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Balls Ferry, Cottonwood,
Enterprise, and Palo Cedro, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 564200, 4480800; 564000, 4480800;
563600, 4480900; 563300, 4481000; 563100, 4480900; 562900, 4480900;
562500, 4481200; 562400, 4481500; 562400, 4481700; 562300, 4482400;
562000, 4482500; 561900, 4482800; 561800, 4483300; 561500, 4483700;
561000, 4484000; 560700, 4485400; 560700, 4486500; 560800, 4486700;
561000, 4486900; 561200, 4487000; 561300, 4487600; 561600, 4487900;
562000, 4487900; 562500, 4487400; 562700, 4487100; 562900, 4487200;
563200, 4487200; 563300, 4487000; 563300, 4486700; 563800, 4486400;
564300, 4484700; 564300, 4484400; 564700, 4483800; 564900, 4483600;
564900, 4483400; 564500, 4483000; 564500, 4482800; 564600, 4482700;
564600, 4482400; 564400, 4482100; 564500, 4481700; 564500, 4481000;
returning to 564200, 4480800.
(22) Unit 6: Tehama County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Corning, Gerber,
Henleyville, Red Bluff East, Red Bluff West, and West of Gerber,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 555600, 4423000; 555100, 4423000; 554600, 4424900; 555100, 4425600;
557200, 4426300; 557800, 4426800; 558300, 4426500; 559500, 4428300;
558200, 4428200; 557800, 4428500; 557400, 4429300; 558000, 4429900;
558600, 4430000; 558600, 4431100; 560000, 4431600; 559200, 4431900;
558300, 4432000; 557400, 4432200; 557400, 4432600; 558400, 4433100;
558400, 4433600; 557800, 4433600; 557500, 4433800; 557300, 4434400;
555100, 4434800; 555100, 4435400; 557000, 4436200; 557900, 4439000;
557000, 4439000; 554600, 4437400; 553200, 4437000; 553200, 4437600;
554500, 4438100; 555400, 4439700; 556500, 4439800; 556500, 4441800;
558500, 4442600; 558500, 4443000; 557400, 4442900; 557000, 4443000;
556800, 4443400; 557500, 4444300; 558000, 4443700; 558400, 4443700;
559900, 4444000; 559900, 4444700; 559800, 4444700; 559800, 4445400;
560900, 4446100; 562200, 4445400; 563000, 4445800; 563300, 4445800;
563500, 4444400; 564400, 4444400; 565300, 4443400; 566400, 4443200;
566500, 4442400; 566000, 4441500; 565400, 4441200; 565500, 4441000;
566000, 4440600; 567500, 4441200; 567900, 4441200; 568900, 4440400;
568400, 4440200; 568800, 4439400; 569400, 4439600; 570300, 4437900;
569300, 4438000; 568100, 4438300; 567000, 4438000; 566800, 4437300;
566200, 4437200; 566200, 4438200; 565900, 4438400; 565400, 4438000;
564200, 4438000; 564200, 4437300; 563700, 4436700; 564800, 4436800;
565100, 4435800; 563900,
[[Page 59981]]
4434600; 563900, 4432900; 563500, 4432100; 567300, 4431600; 567900,
4427300; 566300, 4426600; 565000, 4425900; 563700, 4425800; 562000,
4424700; 560400, 4424700; 558600, 4423800; returning to 555600,
4423000.
(23) Unit 7: Butte and Tehama counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Balls Ferry, Cottonwood,
Enterprise, and Palo Cedro, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 602400, 4401600; 601900, 4401800;
601800, 4402000; 601500, 4401900; 601000, 4401900; 600400, 4402100;
599600, 4402100; 599400, 4403400; 599100, 4403200; 598300, 4403400;
597100, 4403700; 596400, 4404200; 596300, 4404800; 595100, 4405000;
595100, 4405600; 595400, 4406000; 595400, 4407100; 595500, 4407100;
595700, 4407300; 595700, 4407400; 596100, 4407400; 596400, 4408000;
596400, 4408100; 596100, 4408200; 596100, 4408400; 596200, 4408600;
595900, 4408800; 595700, 4408800; 595500, 4408200; 594300, 4408200;
594100, 4408300; 594000, 4408400; 593600, 4408500; 593400, 4408200;
592600, 4408200; 592500, 4408700; 592100, 4408500; 592000, 4408700;
591400, 4408700; 590700, 4408700; 590400, 4408300; 589900, 4408300;
589000, 4408600; 589000, 4409300; 589100, 4409900; 588900, 4410200;
588200, 4410300; 588200, 4411000; 587900, 4411400; 587900, 4412000;
587900, 4412400; 587600, 4412700; 587600, 4413400; 584200, 4413400;
583100, 4413100; 582900, 4413400; 582900, 4415900; 582000, 4418300;
581800, 4419200; 582000, 4419500; 581400, 4420000; 581400, 4420400;
581800, 4420700; 581600, 4421000; 583200, 4422600; 583500, 4423600;
585200, 4424500; 586000, 4424500; 587500, 4426100; 588200, 4426500;
588600, 4429100; 588800, 4430200; 589500, 4429500; 589500, 4428600;
591400, 4425800; 592600, 4424100; 593400, 4422300; 594200, 4421100;
595900, 4417800; 595800, 4417300; 595800, 4416600; 596100, 4416600;
596400, 4416800; 596600, 4416800; 597100, 4416400; 597100, 4415600;
596800, 4415200; 597100, 4415000; 597800, 4415500; 598100, 4415200;
597600, 4414600; 597600, 4414400; 597300, 4413800; 597300, 4413300;
598200, 4413900; 598400, 4413900; 598400, 4413600; 597400, 4411900;
597600, 4411900; 598300, 4412700; 598500, 4413300; 598900, 4413300;
598900, 4411800; 599400, 4411700; 599800, 4411700; 599800, 4411000;
597700, 4409400; 597000, 4408500; 596800, 4408300; 596800, 4407500;
597300, 4407500; 597300, 4408000; 597900, 4407500; 598100, 4407500;
598100, 4407100; 597700, 4406800; 597800, 4406700; 597500, 4406500;
597300, 4406700; 597100, 4406600; 597500, 4406100; 597100, 4405900;
597600, 4405100; 598000, 4405300; 598400, 4404700; 598500, 4404800;
598200, 4405300; 599000, 4405800; 598900, 4406100; 598700, 4406000;
598500, 4406000; 598500, 4407200; 598300, 4407200; 598300, 4407500;
598200, 4407800; 598700, 4408400; 599900, 4409000; 600100, 4409000;
600300, 4408800; 600300, 4408400; 600000, 4408100; 600400, 4407600;
599500, 4406700; 599500, 4406200; 600300, 4406000; 601200, 4405600;
601800, 4405600; 602000, 4405500; 602200, 4405200; 602500, 4405200;
602700, 4404900; 603300, 4404700; 604500, 4404200; 605200, 4404200;
605600, 4404000; 605600, 4403600; 605100, 4403300; 604700, 4403400;
604500, 4403300; 604400, 4402800; 603600, 4402100; 602900, 4402100;
returning to 602400, 4401600.
(24) Unit 8: Glenn and Tehama counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Black Butte Dam and
Kirkwood, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 560000, 4405200; 559200, 4405700; 558600, 4405800;
558600, 4406400; 558600, 4408000; 558900, 4408700; 559100, 4408700;
559400, 4407000; 560600, 4407000; 560600, 4407400; 561000, 4407400;
561000, 4411400; 561800, 4411400; 565600, 4411400; 565600, 4410600;
568400, 4410600; 568400, 4411400; 570500, 4411400; 570800, 4411700;
571400, 4411500; 571500, 4411000; 572100, 4410900; 572100, 4410100;
571800, 4409600; 570500, 4409000; 570200, 4409000; 570200, 4409300;
569700, 4409300; 569700, 4409000; 569800, 4407700; 569900, 4407000;
569800, 4406100; 569800, 4405500; 569400, 4405500; 568600, 4405900;
568300, 4405900; 567500, 4405500; 567200, 4405500; 565000, 4405500;
564600, 4405800; 564100, 4405800; 563700, 4405600; 563400, 4405400;
562000, 4405700; 561100, 4405900; 560300, 4405900; 560200, 4405300;
returning to 560000, 4405200.
(25) Unit 9: Butte County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Chico and Hamlin Canyon,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 604600, 4395600; 604000, 4395700; 603900, 4396700; 603600, 4396800;
603600, 4398000; 602900, 4398200; 603000, 4398800; 603100, 4399000;
602600, 4399400; 602600, 4399600; 603500, 4399800; 604700, 4400200;
605100, 4399600; 606500, 4399500; 607200, 4399100; 607400, 4399100;
607700, 4398100; 607700, 4397800; 606200, 4396500; 606200, 4395800;
returning to 604600, 4395600.
(26) Unit 10: Colusa and Glenn counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Logandale, Maxwell, Moulton
Weir, and Princeton, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 572900, 4357400; 571200, 4357400; 571200,
4358200; 570400, 4358200; 570400, 4359000; 569600, 4359000; 569500,
4360500; 569300, 4362200; 569500, 4363300; 569500, 4367200; 570000,
4367200; 569900, 4368400; 570300, 4368400; 571000, 4367600; 571000,
4367800; 570700, 4368500; 570900, 4368800; 571500, 4368800; 571900,
4368300; 571900, 4367600; 572100, 4367600; 572400, 4368100; 572400,
4368400; 572600, 4368900; 572800, 4368900; 573000, 4368100; 573400,
4368000; 573800, 4367600; 574100, 4367300; 574400, 4367200; 574500,
4366400; 574900, 4366400; 574900, 4365600; 574700, 4365500; 574400,
4364100; 575200, 4363900; 575600, 4363600; 575100, 4362400; 575600,
4361400; 575100, 4360700; 576000, 4359600; 575500, 4358900; 575700,
4358300; 575900, 4357700; 575300, 4357800; 575000, 4357700; 574700,
4357700; 573600, 4357800; 573500, 4358200; 572900, 4358200; returning
to 572900, 4357400.
(27) Unit 11: Yuba County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Browns Valley and Wheatland,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 636300, 4327700; 635600, 4327700; 635300, 4327800; 635300, 4328800;
634800, 4329000; 634800, 4329700; 634600, 4329900; 633800, 4329900;
633600, 4330100; 633500, 4330100; 632800, 4329700; 632700, 4328800;
631300, 4328800; 631300, 4329300; 631400, 4329300; 631400, 4330600;
632400, 4330700; 632800, 4330700; 633000, 4330900; 633000, 4331300;
633100, 4331500; 633500, 4331700; 633800, 4331500; 633800, 4332300;
631500, 4332200; 631500, 4333900; 632400, 4333900; 632400, 4335400;
633300, 4335800; 633700, 4336300; 634100, 4336400; 634900, 4336700;
635100, 4336600; 635200, 4336400; 635700, 4336400; 636000, 4336400;
636100, 4335900; 635900, 4335800; 636000, 4335200; 636500, 4335100;
637100, 4335300; 637400, 4334700; 637800, 4334700; 637700, 4333600;
638200, 4333400; 638200, 4332600; 637600, 4332600; 637600, 4331900;
636900, 4332100; 636700, 4332300; 636600, 4332500; 636100, 4334000;
636700, 4334300; 636600,
[[Page 59982]]
4334500; 636000, 4334200; 635400, 4336000; 634500, 4336000; 634500,
4335100; 634400, 4334700; 635100, 4332600; 636000, 4330500; 636400,
4330300; 636500, 4329300; 637100, 4328800; 636900, 4327900; returning
to 636300, 4327700.
(28) Unit 12: Placer and Sacramento counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Citrus Heights, Gold Hill,
Lincoln, Pleasant Grove, Rio Linda, Rocklin, Roseville, and Sheridan,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 636500, 4287700; 635700, 4287700; 635100, 4288300; 634500, 4288300;
634100, 4288500; 633600, 4288700; 632800, 4288700; 632800, 4289200;
633100, 4289200; 634100, 4289900; 634100, 4290500; 634400, 4290600;
634100, 4290800; 633700, 4290800; 633500, 4291200; 633700, 4291500;
634600, 4291400; 634900, 4291200; 634900, 4290500; 635700, 4290400;
637100, 4290400; 638100, 4290700; 637900, 4292300; 638300, 4293000;
638800, 4293000; 638900, 4294200; 637100, 4294200; 637100, 4295500;
638100, 4295500; 638300, 4295900; 638900, 4295900; 639100, 4295400;
640000, 4295400; 640000, 4295800; 639300, 4296200; 639200, 4296700;
639100, 4296900; 639000, 4298300; 638600, 4297500; 637500, 4297400;
636900, 4297100; 636300, 4296900; 635600, 4297200; 635100, 4297200;
634300, 4297100; 633500, 4297100; 633500, 4297800; 635100, 4297900;
635100, 4298400; 635800, 4298600; 635800, 4300000; 636000, 4300100;
636000, 4301000; 637800, 4300900; 637800, 4300300; 639200, 4300300;
639200, 4301000; 639800, 4301000; 639800, 4301500; 637600, 4301500;
637600, 4301900; 638400, 4302200; 639100, 4302300; 639900, 4302200;
640000, 4301800; 640800, 4301800; 640800, 4302500; 641200, 4302700;
641500, 4302700; 641600, 4302200; 641900, 4301900; 642200, 4302300;
642800, 4301900; 643400, 4301400; 643700, 4302100; 644300, 4302300;
644400, 4302600; 644400, 4302800; 643400, 4302800; 642600, 4303500;
642800, 4304000; 643500, 4304400; 644000, 4304700; 644000, 4306700;
642400, 4306700; 642800, 4306900; 643600, 4307100; 643900, 4307100;
644100, 4307100; 644100, 4307000; 644500, 4307000; 644800, 4306800;
645000, 4306800; 645400, 4307100; 645500, 4307100; 645500, 4307300;
645500, 4308300; 643900, 4308300; 643900, 4307400; 643700, 4307400;
643300, 4308900; 643100, 4308400; 642800, 4308100; 642600, 4307500;
642300, 4307400; 642000, 4307000; 641500, 4307000; 641500, 4307600;
642300, 4307600; 642300, 4308200; 641500, 4308300; 641400, 4310400;
640500, 4310400; 640600, 4306700; 640600, 4306200; 640200, 4306000;
640000, 4306100; 639900, 4306300; 639900, 4306700; 639300, 4306700;
638700, 4306300; 638300, 4306300; 638100, 4307000; 638000, 4307100;
637500, 4307100; 637500, 4308400; 638800, 4308400; 639000, 4309700;
639300, 4309700; 639300, 4310500; 639800, 4310500; 639900, 4310300;
640500, 4310700; 640500, 4311000; 640900, 4311000; 641100, 4311700;
642000, 4311700; 642300, 4311000; 642200, 4310800; 642200, 4310500;
643200, 4310800; 643700, 4310500; 644100, 4311100; 644900, 4311100;
645100, 4310900; 645400, 4310900; 645700, 4310600; 645800, 4310700;
645800, 4311300; 646400, 4311900; 646800, 4311900; 646800, 4313700;
647300, 4314200; 648500, 4314200; 648000, 4313200; 648000, 4310000;
649000, 4309800; 649100, 4309200; 647400, 4309200; 647200, 4308900;
646900, 4308900; 646700, 4308600; 646300, 4308600; 646300, 4308520;
646300, 4308300; 646500, 4308100; 646700, 4307900; 647000, 4307900;
647000, 4308100; 647100, 4308400; 648000, 4308400; 648200, 4308300;
648200, 4307600; 648600, 4307600; 648600, 4307200; 648800, 4307200;
648800, 4306800; 648400, 4306800; 648300, 4307100; 647100, 4307100;
647100, 4307400; 646900, 4307600; 646400, 4308000; 646400, 4307100;
646600, 4307100; 646600, 4306500; 646400, 4306500; 646200, 4306500;
646200, 4306000; 644800, 4306000; 644700, 4305900; 644700, 4305400;
645500, 4305400; 645600, 4305100; 646200, 4305100; 646400, 4304700;
647000, 4304700; 647200, 4304400; 647700, 4304500; 648700, 4304200;
648800, 4304600; 648800, 4304800; 649200, 4305300; 649500, 4305300;
649700, 4305600; 650300, 4305700; 650600, 4305100; 650800, 4304800;
650800, 4304300; 651700, 4304200; 651700, 4303600; 653100, 4303600;
654200, 4303200; 654200, 4303500; 654900, 4304200; 655600, 4304200;
657900, 4305100; 658500, 4304600; 659200, 4304400; 659200, 4304100;
658800, 4303900; 657800, 4303900; 657100, 4303200; 656700, 4303200;
656700, 4303800; 656600, 4303800; 656100, 4303600; 655200, 4303000;
655000, 4303200; 654700, 4303000; 654500, 4302700; 652500, 4302700;
652400, 4302600; 652700, 4302100; 652900, 4301500; 653300, 4301800;
653300, 4302400; 653600, 4302400; 653900, 4302000; 654400, 4302300;
654700, 4302100; 654600, 4301900; 654400, 4301400; 654500, 4300800;
654700, 4300800; 654500, 4300500; 654300, 4300500; 654100, 4300700;
653800, 4301300; 653500, 4301100; 653900, 4300600; 653900, 4300300;
653200, 4299800; 652900, 4300000; 653000, 4301100; 652600, 4301200;
652100, 4301000; 651700, 4300800; 651700, 4300300; 651100, 4299700;
651100, 4299200; 650800, 4298900; 648900, 4298800; 649200, 4298100;
649600, 4298100; 649700, 4297900; 649100, 4297300; 649000, 4297100;
648800, 4297100; 648300, 4296900; 647800, 4296400; 647600, 4296000;
647000, 4296000; 647100, 4295600; 647500, 4295400; 647500, 4295100;
647200, 4295000; 646900, 4294300; 646500, 4294300; 646600, 4295100;
646800, 4295200; 646800, 4295700; 646500, 4295700; 646300, 4296500;
647600, 4296500; 647600, 4297100; 648500, 4297700; 648500, 4297900;
647600, 4297900; 647600, 4299300; 646400, 4299300; 646400, 4297200;
645800, 4297200; 645800, 4295400; 643800, 4295400; 643200, 4295000;
642500, 4295000; 642600, 4291900; 642600, 4290400; 642600, 4290000;
642400, 4289800; 641600, 4289500; 640900, 4289500; 640500, 4289200;
637500, 4289200; 637500, 4288700; 637400, 4288400; 636700, 4288400;
636700, 4287800; returning to 636500, 4287700.
(29) Unit 13: Sacramento County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Buffalo Creek, Carmichael,
Elk Grove, Folsom SE and Sloughhouse, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 650400, 4257200; 650200,
4257200; 650200, 4258300; 649600, 4258300; 649600, 4257400; 649400,
4257400; 649400, 4259000; 649100, 4259000; 649100, 4258500; 648500,
4258500; 648500, 4257400; 648200, 4257400; 648100, 4258300; 647700,
4258600; 647700, 4258900; 648000, 4259300; 647700, 4259600; 646800,
4259200; 646500, 4258800; 646500, 4258700; 645800, 4258700; 646100,
4259000; 646100, 4260000; 646400, 4260100; 646600, 4260400; 646100,
4260800; 645300, 4261200; 645000, 4260700; 644800, 4260700; 644400,
4261400; 644400, 4262400; 643800, 4262400; 643600, 4262800; 643200,
4262800; 643200, 4263300; 643500, 4263300; 643700, 4263200; 643700,
4263800; 645200, 4263800; 645200, 4262800; 644800, 4262700; 644800,
4262300; 645300, 4262300; 645300, 4261900; 645000, 4261700; 645300,
4261500; 645400, 4261700; 646000, 4262100; 645800, 4262400; 646000,
4262700; 646400, 4262600; 646700, 4262700; 646600, 4263900; 647400,
4263900; 647600, 4263700; 647800, 4264300; 648100, 4264300; 648300,
[[Page 59983]]
4264100; 648600, 4264400; 647400, 4265200; 647200, 4265200; 647000,
4264500; 645900, 4264600; 645300, 4265100; 645600, 4265500; 645800,
4265600; 646000, 4266200; 646300, 4266600; 646300, 4268100; 646600,
4268400; 646600, 4268700; 646700, 4268800; 646800, 4268800; 647100,
4268400; 647100, 4268200; 646900, 4268000; 646900, 4267500; 649100,
4268900; 649300, 4269000; 649600, 4269600; 649800, 4269600; 649800,
4268700; 650400, 4269000; 650800, 4268800; 650900, 4268900; 650800,
4269200; 650300, 4269700; 650100, 4269700; 650000, 4270100; 650300,
4270200; 650600, 4270000; 650700, 4270100; 650700, 4270300; 650900,
4270400; 651200, 4270800; 652200, 4269200; 652300, 4269400; 652500,
4269700; 652400, 4270100; 652200, 4271000; 652700, 4271000; 652700,
4270500; 653100, 4270500; 653400, 4270800; 653600, 4270800; 653800,
4270400; 654400, 4270800; 654800, 4270900; 655200, 4271100; 655500,
4271100; 655800, 4270900; 656000, 4270900; 657000, 4272200; 657400,
4272200; 657700, 4272500; 658200, 4273800; 658900, 4274000; 659200,
4273700; 659400, 4273400; 659400, 4273100; 659100, 4272900; 658700,
4272900; 658500, 4272500; 658800, 4272400; 659500, 4272400; 659500,
4271500; 660300, 4271500; 661100, 4271300; 661100, 4271800; 661500,
4272400; 661700, 4272400; 661900, 4272300; 661900, 4271700; 662200,
4272200; 662200, 4272600; 662400, 4272700; 662600, 4272700; 662900,
4272400; 663300, 4272400; 663400, 4272200; 663400, 4271900; 663100,
4271700; 662600, 4271200; 662300, 4270600; 661900, 4270700; 661900,
4271000; 661600, 4271000; 661400, 4270800; 661000, 4270800; 660700,
4270300; 660600, 4270000; 660100, 4269800; 660400, 4268700; 660800,
4267700; 661200, 4268100; 661400, 4268100; 661400, 4267400; 661800,
4267400; 662100, 4266900; 662000, 4266300; 661600, 4266400; 661200,
4267200; 660900, 4267200; 660800, 4266500; 660100, 4266000; 660600,
4265800; 660900, 4266100; 661200, 4265900; 661300, 4265500; 661300,
4264900; 661700, 4264800; 661700, 4264400; 661400, 4264100; 660600,
4264400; 660600, 4264700; 660800, 4264900; 660500, 4265300; 660100,
4265200; 660300, 4264600; 659800, 4264500; 659700, 4264000; 659300,
4263900; 659100, 4263700; 658800, 4263700; 658500, 4264200; 658500,
4264400; 658000, 4265500; 657600, 4265000; 657500, 4264300; 657900,
4263900; 657700, 4263600; 657200, 4263600; 657200, 4263100; 657600,
4263000; 657700, 4262900; 657700, 4262800; 657400, 4262700; 656700,
4262700; 656500, 4262500; 656300, 4262500; 656300, 4262000; 655900,
4261800; 655800, 4261200; 656100, 4260700; 655900, 4260300; 655200,
4260700; 654900, 4260400; 653500, 4261300; 653200, 4261000; 653100,
4262300; 652800, 4262300; 652800, 4261400; 652600, 4261300; 652300,
4261400; 651700, 4261800; 651600, 4262100; 650700, 4262100; 650700,
4261800; 651100, 4261700; 651200, 4261400; 651200, 4260600; 651000,
4260400; 650400, 4260400; 650400, 4259300; 651600, 4259300; 651500,
4260900; 652000, 4260900; 652100, 4260300; 653000, 4260400; 653200,
4260300; 653900, 4260400; 654700, 4259900; 654000, 4258600; 653700,
4258600; 653000, 4259300; 652200, 4259800; 652100, 4259600; 652800,
4259100; 652800, 4258600; 652400, 4258200; 652300, 4258100; 652000,
4258100; 651400, 4258400; 650700, 4257600; returning to 650400,
4257200.
(30) Unit 14: Amador, Sacramento, and San Joaquin counties,
California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Carbondale, Clay, Galt,
Goose Creek, Irish Hill, and Sloughhouse, California, land bounded by
the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 660400, 4236800;
660300, 4236800; 660100, 4237500; 659700, 4237700; 659700, 4238100;
660200, 4238400; 659700, 4238900; 659500, 4238900; 659300, 4238100;
659000, 4238300; 658800, 4238400; 658300, 4238400; 658200, 4238300;
657800, 4238300; 657100, 4239000; 657200, 4239400; 657400, 4239700;
658000, 4239900; 661500, 4239900; 661500, 4241900; 661900, 4242100;
661600, 4242400; 661000, 4242500; 660700, 4241900; 660400, 4241500;
659400, 4241500; 659400, 4241800; 659200, 4241800; 659200, 4241700;
659000, 4241600; 658700, 4241700; 658500, 4241700; 658500, 4240500;
657800, 4240400; 657000, 4240400; 657000, 4241300; 656500, 4241300;
655900, 4241600; 655100, 4241200; 654900, 4241900; 655800, 4242400;
655800, 4243100; 656200, 4243100; 656600, 4242600; 657100, 4242700;
658600, 4244000; 658600, 4244700; 659100, 4244800; 659100, 4245600;
659700, 4245600; 659800, 4245100; 659400, 4244900; 659700, 4244500;
660000, 4244500; 660100, 4243100; 661700, 4243100; 662600, 4243000;
663300, 4243300; 663000, 4243900; 662500, 4243900; 662700, 4244700;
663000, 4244900; 663100, 4245400; 664200, 4245600; 664500, 4245600;
664600, 4245200; 665000, 4245300; 664800, 4246100; 664600, 4246300;
663700, 4246500; 662500, 4246100; 662100, 4246400; 661700, 4246400;
661700, 4246800; 661900, 4247000; 661600, 4247300; 661100, 4247300;
660600, 4246900; 659900, 4246900; 659500, 4247300; 659500, 4248400;
658600, 4248400; 658600, 4246800; 658400, 4246600; 658400, 4246100;
658100, 4246000; 657400, 4246000; 657400, 4245000; 657000, 4244900;
656700, 4244800; 656400, 4245100; 656100, 4245200; 656100, 4246100;
654900, 4246600; 654900, 4245800; 655100, 4245200; 655100, 4244900;
654600, 4244900; 654600, 4244100; 654600, 4243400; 653900, 4243300;
653300, 4243500; 653400, 4244300; 652200, 4244500; 652000, 4244800;
652300, 4245200; 652800, 4245200; 653500, 4245300; 653600, 4245800;
653300, 4246000; 653300, 4247300; 653600, 4247300; 653700, 4247100;
654200, 4247100; 654600, 4247500; 654600, 4248600; 654800, 4248900;
654600, 4249100; 654500, 4249400; 655000, 4249400; 655100, 4249000;
655800, 4249000; 656300, 4249700; 656600, 4249500; 657200, 4250200;
656700, 4251100; 656500, 4251400; 656500, 4252600; 657000, 4253700;
657300, 4254500; 657200, 4254900; 656700, 4255100; 656800, 4255400;
657000, 4255500; 657200, 4255500; 657400, 4255300; 657400, 4255100;
657800, 4255100; 657900, 4255800; 658100, 4255900; 658300, 4255800;
658400, 4255600; 658200, 4255300; 658200, 4255000; 658300, 4254700;
658200, 4254500; 657800, 4254500; 657800, 4254200; 658100, 4254000;
658900, 4253500; 659200, 4253600; 659900, 4254700; 660000, 4255100;
660200, 4255400; 660700, 4255400; 660800, 4256000; 660600, 4256200;
660300, 4256100; 660100, 4256000; 659500, 4256200; 659800, 4256900;
660400, 4256800; 660600, 4256700; 660700, 4256800; 660500, 4257100;
660700, 4257500; 660100, 4257800; 659600, 4257800; 659300, 4258100;
659500, 4258400; 659700, 4258500; 659500, 4258800; 659600, 4259100;
659500, 4259300; 659900, 4259900; 660100, 4260000; 660300, 4259900;
660500, 4259600; 660700, 4259500; 661200, 4259900; 661500, 4259900;
661600, 4259800; 661600, 4259300; 661900, 4259300; 662100, 4259600;
662400, 4259600; 662700, 4259100; 662900, 4258900; 662800, 4258700;
662700, 4258500; 662000, 4258100; 661500, 4257700; 661200, 4257100;
661600, 4256700; 662000, 4256700; 661900, 4256400; 661900, 4256100;
662000, 4255800; 662600, 4256000; 662800, 4256200; 663300, 4256400;
663900, 4256700; 664200, 4257300; 664300, 4257600; 664600, 4257800;
664900, 4258000; 665000, 4258500; 665400,
[[Page 59984]]
4258700; 665900, 4258800; 666500, 4258800; 666700, 4258600; 666600,
4258200; 666300, 4258000; 666100, 4257400; 666000, 4257300; 666000,
4257000; 666400, 4257000; 666500, 4257600; 666800, 4257600; 666900,
4257400; 666900, 4257100; 666700, 4256900; 666800, 4256700; 666700,
4256300; 666600, 4256100; 667200, 4256100; 667400, 4256300; 667600,
4256300; 667800, 4256100; 667900, 4256300; 668100, 4256300; 668400,
4255900; 668600, 4255900; 668800, 4256200; 669100, 4256400; 669400,
4256600; 669500, 4256800; 669200, 4257300; 669200, 4257900; 668800,
4258100; 668700, 4258600; 668500, 4258600; 668000, 4258700; 667900,
4258900; 668100, 4259200; 668500, 4259200; 668800, 4258900; 669700,
4259700; 670000, 4259800; 669700, 4260200; 669800, 4260400; 670000,
4260500; 670200, 4260400; 670700, 4260600; 671200, 4260500; 671500,
4260700; 671700, 4260700; 671800, 4260200; 671700, 4259800; 671400,
4259800; 671200, 4260200; 670900, 4259900; 671000, 4259600; 671000,
4259200; 670700, 4259000; 670700, 4258800; 670800, 4258600; 670600,
4258300; 669500, 4258000; 669700, 4257800; 670000, 4257400; 670100,
4257200; 670300, 4257200; 670400, 4257000; 670300, 4256600; 670400,
4256500; 671000, 4256800; 671500, 4256800; 671700, 4256900; 672000,
4256900; 672200, 4256600; 672200, 4256400; 673000, 4256700; 673400,
4256600; 673600, 4256500; 673700, 4256200; 673600, 4255800; 673400,
4255400; 673300, 4255100; 673800, 4255100; 674000, 4255000; 674200,
4254700; 674300, 4254400; 674700, 4254100; 674800, 4253800; 674700,
4253600; 674300, 4253300; 674600, 4252200; 674700, 4251800; 674600,
4251500; 674100, 4251300; 673700, 4251300; 674100, 4251000; 674200,
4250400; 674500, 4250000; 674400, 4249600; 674100, 4249500; 673700,
4249600; 673400, 4249700; 673100, 4249600; 672300, 4249800; 672000,
4250000; 671500, 4249700; 671200, 4249700; 670800, 4249300; 670800,
4249000; 671100, 4248800; 671100, 4248500; 670800, 4248200; 670400,
4248100; 670400, 4247700; 671200, 4247700; 671600, 4247900; 671900,
4247800; 672000, 4247600; 672500, 4247600; 672500, 4247200; 672000,
4246600; 671600, 4246600; 671800, 4246000; 671200, 4245300; 672200,
4245100; 672400, 4244600; 672600, 4244300; 672600, 4244100; 672000,
4243900; 671600, 4243700; 670900, 4243600; 671100, 4243200; 671700,
4243100; 671700, 4242700; 670700, 4242100; 669800, 4242100; 669300,
4241800; 668800, 4241800; 668600, 4241500; 668200, 4241700; 668000,
4242000; 667000, 4241300; 666800, 4240700; 666500, 4240100; 666200,
4239900; 664700, 4239800; 664600, 4239600; 664600, 4238900; 663900,
4238500; 663800, 4238500; 662800, 4237400; 662400, 4237500; 662000,
4237900; 661900, 4237900; 661800, 4237400; 661500, 4237200; 660900,
4237200; returning to 660400, 4236800.
(31) Unit 15: Solano County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Allendale and Elmira,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 589700, 4246500; 589500, 4246500; 589500, 4247000; 589300, 4247200;
589400, 4247700; 589600, 4248200; 589800, 4248900; 590100, 4249700;
590500, 4249900; 590800, 4250200; 591300, 4250100; 591500, 4250300;
591500, 4250800; 591900, 4250800; 592100, 4252300; 591600, 4252300;
591300, 4251400; 590500, 4251400; 590600, 4251700; 590900, 4252600;
592900, 4252600; 593900, 4252600; 593900, 4252300; 594700, 4252300;
594700, 4252600; 595500, 4252600; 595900, 4252300; 593500, 4249900;
592300, 4248700; 590500, 4246800; 590200, 4247100; returning to 589700,
4246500.
(32) Unit 16: Solano County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Birds Landing, Denverton,
Dozier, Elmira, Fairfield North, Fairfield South, Liberty Island, and
Rio Vista, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 596500, 4224300; 596200, 4224400; 595700, 4224600;
595700, 4224800; 596000, 4225800; 596300, 4226800; 596200, 4227000;
596100, 4227600; 595800, 4227700; 595600, 4228300; 595400, 4228700;
595500, 4229200; 595500, 4229600; 595700, 4229900; 595700, 4230600;
594500, 4231200; 593800, 4231200; 593600, 4230500; 594200, 4230100;
594400, 4228900; 594400, 4228400; 594000, 4228200; 593400, 4227700;
592600, 4227700; 591400, 4226900; 590900, 4226800; 590300, 4227100;
589500, 4227200; 589000, 4227100; 587500, 4227700; 586800, 4228000;
586400, 4228800; 586000, 4229000; 585700, 4229300; 584900, 4229300;
584700, 4229500; 584600, 4230300; 584800, 4230700; 585200, 4230800;
585600, 4231400; 587400, 4231300; 587600, 4231500; 587800, 4231500;
589000, 4231200; 589100, 4231300; 589100, 4231700; 588600, 4231600;
588200, 4231800; 587800, 4231700; 587100, 4231900; 586600, 4232600;
586300, 4232600; 586000, 4232200; 585600, 4232200; 585000, 4232500;
584900, 4233000; 584500, 4233000; 584500, 4233400; 584000, 4233300;
584200, 4233700; 584500, 4233900; 584500, 4233800; 584600, 4233800;
584700, 4233700; 584700, 4233600; 584900, 4233600; 584900, 4233400;
585700, 4233300; 585700, 4233000; 586100, 4233000; 586200, 4233100;
586400, 4233100; 586500, 4233000; 586800, 4233000; 586900, 4233000;
587100, 4232900; 587100, 4232800; 587300, 4232700; 587600, 4232500;
588600, 4232500; 588600, 4232800; 588400, 4233000; 588600, 4233300;
588700, 4233500; 589300, 4233500; 591000, 4233500; 591100, 4233400;
591000, 4233200; 591100, 4233000; 593900, 4235300; 594000, 4235000;
594300, 4235000; 594800, 4235400; 594000, 4236200; 594500, 4236700;
594000, 4237400; 593500, 4237400; 593500, 4238200; 592500, 4238200;
592500, 4237600; 590400, 4237600; 590400, 4237300; 590200, 4237300;
590200, 4236900; 590400, 4236900; 590400, 4235900; 590900, 4235900;
591700, 4235100; 591000, 4234200; 591000, 4234000; 589400, 4234000;
589000, 4234400; 588500, 4234400; 588500, 4236400; 588400, 4236400;
588400, 4236300; 588200, 4236200; 588000, 4236400; 587700, 4236500;
586900, 4236500; 586900, 4237200; 587000, 4237300; 586800, 4237300;
586800, 4238100; 586100, 4238700; 585600, 4238700; 585600, 4238800;
586100, 4239100; 586100, 4239200; 587800, 4239200; 588100, 4239600;
588300, 4239600; 588700, 4239800; 589200, 4240000; 589500, 4240600;
589500, 4240900; 589100, 4241400; 590100, 4241400; 590600, 4241400;
590800, 4241600; 591100, 4241600; 591100, 4241300; 591600, 4241300;
591600, 4242600; 591700, 4242900; 592200, 4242900; 592200, 4243100;
592400, 4243200; 592700, 4243200; 592700, 4243600; 592900, 4243600;
593300, 4243800; 593700, 4243000; 595000, 4243000; 595400, 4242100;
595400, 4241600; 598600, 4241600; 598600, 4242500; 599400, 4242500;
599200, 4244200; 599500, 4244500; 600400, 4244500; 600700, 4244300;
600700, 4244000; 603400, 4244000; 603500, 4244000; 603900, 4243300;
604000, 4243200; 604000, 4242600; 604700, 4241400; 605600, 4240800;
606200, 4240800; 606300, 4240600; 606300, 4239700; 606500, 4239600;
607100, 4239000; 607700, 4239000; 609300, 4239700; 609500, 4239700;
610300, 4239200; 610700, 4238900; 610700, 4236200; 610800, 4232600;
610900, 4232500; 610900, 4229500; 610500, 4228200; 611000, 4228000;
611900, 4228000; 612400, 4228400; 612800, 4228600; 613100, 4228600;
613400, 4228200; 612900,
[[Page 59985]]
4227800; 612500, 4227300; 611900, 4227100; 611000, 4227100; 610700,
4227400; 610100, 4227200; 609800, 4226500; 608100, 4226000; 602900,
4225600; 600600, 4225400; 599000, 4225300; 597600, 4226000; 597500,
4225900; 597500, 4225100; 597100, 4224900; 596700, 4224900; 596700,
4224400; returning to 596500, 4224300.
(33) Unit 17: Napa County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Cuttings Wharf, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 562800,
4228500; 562500, 4228500; 561500, 4228900; 561300, 4229000; 560800,
4229200; 560600, 4229600; 560400, 4230200; 560500, 4230600; 560500,
4230900; 560800, 4231200; 561400, 4231200; 561400, 4230700; 561600,
4230600; 561900, 4230600; 562100, 4230800; 562500, 4230800; 563500,
4231000; 563500, 4230600; 563600, 4230100; 563800, 4229500; 564100,
4229600; 564300, 4229200; 563200, 4228900; 563000, 4228900; returning
to 562800, 4228500.
(34) Unit 18: San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Farmington, Linden, Peters,
and Valley Springs SW, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 676400, 4201300; 675700, 4201400; 674500,
4201400; 673200, 4203100; 672200, 4204600; 672100, 4206300; 672100,
4206500; 671700, 4206500; 671600, 4206700; 671600, 4207100; 673200,
4207100; 673200, 4207400; 674000, 4207400; 673900, 4208800; 673100,
4209500; 673100, 4211900; 673500, 4211900; 673900, 4211700; 673900,
4211900; 674300, 4211900; 674300, 4211600; 674900, 4211400; 675200,
4211500; 675200, 4211800; 675500, 4212000; 675500, 4212500; 676000,
4212500; 676800, 4210900; 677200, 4211300; 678700, 4211300; 678800,
4210500; 680200, 4210400; 680200, 4209700; 681100, 4209700; 681800,
4210300; 682900, 4210100; 682900, 4209600; 681500, 4209100; 681300,
4208500; 680800, 4208400; 680800, 4206100; 680500, 4205700; 680400,
4205100; 679700, 4204600; 679700, 4203300; 678500, 4203300; 678400,
4202700; 677700, 4202200; 677600, 4201700; 676900, 4201400; returning
to 676400, 4201300.
(35) Subunit 19A: Contra Costa County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Antioch South and Brentwood,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 611400, 4193400; 610900, 4193500; 610200, 4193700; 609900, 4193900;
609700, 4194000; 609100, 4194000; 608100, 4194300; 608500, 4194900;
608400, 4195100; 608600, 4195300; 608600, 4195900; 609600, 4195900;
609500, 4195600; 609200, 4195100; 609200, 4195000; 609300, 4194900;
609900, 4194800; 610200, 4194800; 610500, 4195100; 611200, 4195900;
612100, 4196300; 612500, 4195900; 611700, 4194500; 611700, 4194300;
returning to 611400, 4193400.
(36) Subunit 19B: Contra Costa County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Byron Hot Springs and
Clifton Court Forebay, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 620500, 4185200; 620200, 4185300; 619900,
4185600; 619600, 4185500; 618200, 4186600; 618100, 4187100; 617700,
4187400; 617800, 4187900; 618200, 4188100; 618500, 4188300; 618400,
4188600; 617700, 4188800; 617400, 4189000; 617400, 4189200; 618200,
4189500; 618100, 4189800; 618200, 4190100; 618700, 4190300; 618700,
4190700; 619000, 4191000; 619300, 4191100; 619600, 4191100; 619800,
4190700; 619900, 4190700; 620100, 4190900; 620400, 4190900; 620500,
4191300; 621800, 4191300; 622200, 4190700; 622400, 4189900; 623000,
4189300; 622900, 4188700; 621200, 4188700; 620900, 4188700; 620600,
4188400; 620400, 4188600; 620400, 4188100; 620500, 4187900; 620600,
4187800; 620700, 4187700; 620900, 4187700; 621100, 4187500; 620500,
4187100; 620500, 4186900; 621600, 4187400; 622000, 4187000; 622400,
4186400; 622700, 4186000; 622700, 4185700; 622300, 4185300; 621200,
4185300; 621000, 4185500; 620800, 4185500; returning to 620500,
4185200.
(37) Subunit 19C: Alameda County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Altamont and Livermore,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 610000, 4174800; 609100, 4175400; 608600, 4175600; 608400, 4175900;
610000, 4175900; 610000, 4176500; 610400, 4176500; 610400, 4178500;
610800, 4178300; 610800, 4177500; 610800, 4177200; 611200, 4177200;
611900, 4176700; 612300, 4176700; 612300, 4177200; 613300, 4177200;
613600, 4176800; 614400, 4175500; 614300, 4175300; 613700, 4175000;
613600, 4175200; 613600, 4176100; 613300, 4176100; 613200, 4175900;
613100, 4175900; 612800, 4176100; 612700, 4176100; 612500, 4175900;
612400, 4175900; 612400, 4176300; 612000, 4176300; 611800, 4176500;
611600, 4176500; 611600, 4175300; 611400, 4175300; 611200, 4175400;
610900, 4175400; 610800, 4175900; 610400, 4175900; 610300, 4175200;
610200, 4175100; 610000, 4175000; returning to 610000, 4174800.
(38) Unit 20: Stanislaus County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Ripon, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 660800,
4167200; 660000, 4167200; 659500, 4168800; 661600, 4168800; 661600,
4169400; 662400, 4169400; 662400, 4168300; 661600, 4168000; 661600,
4168300; 660300, 4167800; 660600, 4167500; returning to 660800,
4167200.
(39) Unit 21: Mariposa, Merced, and Stanislaus counties,
California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cooperstown, La Grange,
Merced Falls, Montpelier, Paulsell, Snelling, and Turlock Lake,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 715900, 4154900; 715400, 4155600; 715300, 4156600; 715100, 4156600;
715000, 4156200; 714800, 4156100; 714800, 4155800; 714700, 4155600;
714200, 4155600; 714000, 4155400; 713800, 4155400; 712600, 4155200;
712600, 4157100; 711200, 4157100; 711100, 4161900; 706300, 4161800;
706100, 4165000; 703000, 4165100; 702500, 4165200; 702500, 4165900;
702600, 4166600; 703700, 4167200; 704600, 4168200; 704900, 4168200;
705300, 4167800; 705900, 4167800; 707000, 4167500; 707700, 4167600;
708100, 4167300; 709400, 4167300; 709600, 4167300; 710200, 4166800;
711000, 4167600; 711600, 4167800; 712600, 4167800; 713200, 4167600;
713200, 4167200; 712900, 4167200; 712600, 4166900; 711800, 4167000;
711600, 4166800; 711600, 4166600; 711800, 4166500; 711800, 4166600;
711900, 4166600; 712000, 4166300; 712100, 4166500; 712200, 4166500;
712300, 4166400; 712500, 4166400; 712500, 4166200; 712700, 4166200;
712700, 4166300; 712800, 4166300; 713000, 4166100; 712800, 4166000;
712700, 4165800; 712500, 4165800; 712500, 4165600; 712700, 4165600;
712600, 4165400; 712400, 4165500; 712300, 4165400; 712500, 4165300;
712500, 4165200; 712400, 4165100; 712600, 4165100; 712600, 4165000;
712600, 4164900; 712700, 4164800; 712600, 4164700; 712500, 4164800;
712400, 4164800; 712400, 4164300; 712800, 4164500; 713100, 4164300;
713200, 4164100; 712900, 4163800; 712900, 4163700; 713100, 4163800;
713500, 4164000; 713600, 4164000; 713600, 4164100; 713700, 4164300;
714200, 4164300; 714400, 4164500; 714500, 4164800; 714600, 4164800;
714800, 4164700; 714800, 4164200; 714400, 4164000; 714400, 4163600;
714500, 4163500;
[[Page 59986]]
715200, 4164000; 715300, 4164200; 715400, 4164200; 715300, 4163900;
715100, 4163700; 715000, 4163500; 714800, 4163300; 714900, 4163200;
715000, 4163200; 715700, 4163200; 715900, 4163100; 716000, 4162900;
716100, 4162800; 716200, 4162800; 716300, 4162900; 716400, 4163000;
716500, 4163100; 716600, 4163200; 716600, 4163500; 716500, 4163600;
716500, 4163800; 716600, 4164100; 716800, 4164500; 716700, 4164900;
716800, 4165300; 717200, 4165800; 717200, 4166100; 717000, 4166400;
716600, 4166400; 716400, 4166300; 716400, 4167000; 716600, 4167200;
716600, 4167300; 717000, 4167400; 717500, 4167400; 718100, 4167300;
718500, 4167100; 718600, 4166600; 718700, 4166400; 719100, 4166700;
719300, 4166800; 719800, 4166800; 719500, 4167400; 719500, 4167600;
719700, 4167800; 720500, 4167800; 720700, 4167700; 720900, 4167500;
721100, 4167400; 721300, 4167700; 721700, 4167700; 722000, 4167600;
722500, 4167600; 722900, 4167500; 723300, 4167400; 723000, 4168400;
723000, 4169200; 723300, 4169700; 723800, 4169800; 724100, 4169800;
724600, 4169200; 724700, 4168300; 725100, 4167900; 725300, 4167200;
726200, 4167100; 726500, 4166800; 726500, 4166600; 727300, 4166000;
727700, 4165800; 729000, 4165800; 730100, 4165400; 730400, 4165100;
730500, 4164900; 730700, 4164100; 731300, 4164100; 731700, 4163800;
731800, 4163400; 732200, 4162800; 732200, 4162500; 732700, 4162700;
733000, 4162600; 733600, 4162100; 733700, 4161500; 733600, 4161000;
734600, 4160400; 734800, 4160200; 734800, 4159500; 734400, 4158700;
734300, 4158100; 734500, 4157900; 734700, 4158000; 734900, 4158300;
735000, 4158800; 735500, 4158800; 735700, 4158600; 735600, 4158100;
736200, 4157500; 736800, 4157300; 736900, 4157100; 736900, 4156500;
736300, 4156500; 736000, 4156300; 735500, 4156300; 734100, 4156900;
733400, 4157100; 731700, 4156900; 730900, 4156500; 728900, 4156600;
727100, 4156700; 726900, 4156400; 725900, 4156400; 723900, 4155300;
723300, 4155400; 722500, 4155000; 722300, 4155000; 722300, 4157400;
723800, 4157500; 723700, 4159000; 722500, 4159000; 722200, 4159300;
720900, 4159300; 720900, 4158500; 719700, 4158500; 719700, 4158100;
719100, 4158000; 718700, 4157600; 718000, 4157700; 717800, 4157400;
717900, 4157200; 718000, 4157000; 718400, 4157300; 718700, 4156700;
718700, 4156300; 717400, 4156300; 717000, 4155800; 716600, 4155800;
716300, 4155700; 716200, 4155000; returning to 715900, 4154900.
(40) Unit 22: Mariposa and Merced counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Haystack Mtn., Indian Gulch,
Merced, Merced Falls, Owens Reservoir, Planada, Snelling, Winton, and
Yosemite Lake, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 734700, 4133300; 734700, 4133700; 734100, 4133900;
733100, 4133900; 733100, 4134600; 732700, 4134600; 732600, 4135000;
732300, 4135500; 730300, 4135400; 729900, 4135700; 729900, 4136500;
726500, 4136500; 726400, 4136100; 725900, 4136100; 725900, 4135300;
725600, 4135100; 725500, 4135100; 725300, 4135500; 725100, 4135400;
725000, 4135400; 725000, 4135600; 724800, 4135700; 724600, 4135700;
724600, 4134700; 724200, 4134700; 724200, 4135500; 723400, 4135500;
723400, 4135600; 722800, 4135600; 722800, 4135000; 722600, 4135000;
722600, 4134700; 722500, 4134700; 722200, 4137900; 722800, 4137900;
722800, 4139300; 721900, 4139300; 721900, 4140200; 721000, 4140200;
721000, 4140900; 717800, 4140900; 717700, 4142400; 714500, 4142400;
714500, 4144900; 715500, 4144900; 715500, 4145700; 717000, 4145800;
718000, 4145400; 718200, 4145900; 718200, 4147600; 719700, 4148400;
720600, 4148600; 720600, 4149200; 719600, 4149200; 719600, 4149800;
720300, 4149800; 721300, 4150700; 721700, 4150700; 724400, 4153300;
725000, 4153500; 725500, 4154200; 725800, 4154800; 727200, 4155900;
727800, 4155900; 728500, 4155600; 730200, 4155600; 731600, 4155500;
732400, 4155400; 732600, 4155200; 733200, 4154700; 734100, 4154900;
734600, 4154800; 735600, 4156000; 735900, 4156000; 737100, 4155400;
737800, 4155000; 738200, 4154200; 738300, 4153300; 739000, 4152800;
739100, 4152200; 740200, 4151800; 740800, 4151500; 740800, 4150300;
741100, 4149900; 741700, 4149400; 742100, 4148500; 742100, 4147100;
743400, 4146100; 744000, 4145600; 744400, 4144600; 744300, 4143900;
743900, 4142700; 744000, 4142000; 744200, 4141700; 745500, 4140300;
745500, 4139500; 745400, 4139400; thence southwest to y-coordinate
4139300 on Bear Creek; thence southwest along Bear Creek to y-
coordinate 4133300; thence west to the point of beginning at 734700,
4133300.
(41) Unit 23: Merced County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Arena, Atwater, El Nido,
Gustine, Ingomar, Los Banos, Plainsburg, San Luis Ranch, Sandy Mush,
Stevinson, and Turner Ranch, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 697300, 4104500; 696100, 4104500;
695700, 4105000; 695700, 4106600; 694700, 4107900; 693500, 4107900;
693700, 4109100; 692900, 4109100; 692900, 4109800; 693100, 4110200;
693800, 4110200; 693800, 4111800; 692500, 4111800; 692400, 4110600;
691800, 4110600; 691600, 4110200; 690800, 4110300; 690000, 4110300;
690000, 4111400; 689700, 4111800; 689200, 4111800; 689200, 4111300;
688400, 4111300; 688400, 4112100; 686700, 4112100; 686500, 4112900;
686500, 4113700; 686000, 4113700; 686000, 4116100; 684500, 4116100;
684400, 4114200; 682200, 4114200; 682100, 4113000; 681100, 4113000;
681100, 4111800; 680600, 4111700; 679600, 4110900; 678800, 4110900;
678200, 4111800; 678300, 4113600; 677900, 4114400; 679400, 4114400;
679400, 4115200; 680000, 4115200; 680300, 4116000; 681800, 4116100;
682800, 4116600; 683600, 4116500; 683600, 4117100; 681200, 4117100;
681000, 4124500; 680800, 4124900; 679800, 4124900; 679800, 4125700;
680700, 4125700; 680600, 4126400; 680300, 4126700; 680300, 4127200;
678900, 4127800; 679000, 4129000; 679300, 4129200; 680100, 4129400;
679700, 4130700; 679400, 4130200; 678600, 4130200; 678000, 4131200;
678500, 4132100; 678800, 4132400; 679000, 4131800; 679200, 4131800;
680200, 4132200; 680700, 4131700; 681600, 4132800; 681200, 4133100;
681200, 4133600; 681600, 4134100; 681700, 4134200; 681900, 4134200;
682300, 4134000; 682700, 4133800; 683400, 4133100; 683600, 4132600;
683600, 4132300; 683100, 4131800; 683100, 4131500; 683400, 4131500;
684300, 4130400; 684700, 4130000; 685500, 4130700; 686000, 4130700;
686200, 4130900; 686400, 4130900; 688800, 4131400; 690300, 4131400;
690500, 4130600; 691600, 4130600; 691600, 4130000; 692900, 4130000;
692800, 4131700; 692400, 4131800; 692400, 4133500; 693000, 4133000;
694400, 4133100; 694400, 4132000; 693700, 4132000; 693700, 4129800;
695200, 4129800; 695200, 4130300; 695700, 4130300; 695900, 4130000;
696100, 4129500; 696100, 4129100; 696900, 4129100; 696900, 4130200;
697200, 4130200; 698300, 4128600; 698600, 4128200; 700100, 4127600;
700500, 4129200; 700500, 4130600; 701700, 4130600; 701800, 4129200;
703300, 4129200; 703300, 4128800; 703900, 4128800; 703900, 4129000;
704200, 4129000; 705600, 4128500; 705600, 4127800;
[[Page 59987]]
705300, 4127000; 705400, 4126200; 705900, 4125700; 706800, 4125400;
707200, 4125400; 707900, 4126100; 708300, 4126100; 708300, 4125400;
709100, 4125400; 709900, 4125700; 709900, 4126000; 710200, 4126200;
711500, 4126200; 711500, 4124600; 708000, 4124500; 706700, 4124500;
706700, 4122100; 711500, 4122200; 711500, 4121700; 712100, 4121400;
715600, 4121500; 715600, 4121100; 715300, 4121100; 714800, 4120600;
714800, 4119900; 716400, 4119900; 716400, 4119300; 715600, 4119300;
715600, 4118200; 718900, 4118300; 718900, 4118900; 718100, 4118900;
717700, 4119100; 717700, 4119900; 718100, 4119900; 718100, 4120800;
717000, 4120800; 717000, 4121600; 719300, 4121600; 719600, 4121700;
719600, 4123200; 718000, 4123200; 718000, 4124000; 722200, 4124000;
722200, 4123300; 721500, 4123300; 721500, 4122500; 722900, 4122500;
722900, 4121600; 722900, 4121200; 721300, 4121200; 721300, 4120300;
722900, 4120300; 722900, 4118500; 726100, 4118600; 726100, 4120100;
726900, 4120400; 728500, 4120400; 728500, 4121400; 730700, 4121800;
730900, 4122700; 731700, 4122700; 731700, 4123100; 732500, 4123100;
732600, 4121400; 735000, 4121100; 735300, 4120300; 733400, 4120300;
733400, 4118700; 731700, 4118700; 731700, 4117000; 730400, 4117000;
730400, 4118600; 727700, 4118600; 727500, 4118400; 727500, 4116900;
726800, 4116900; 726800, 4115300; 725900, 4115300; 725900, 4116900;
724300, 4116900; 724300, 4117600; 722600, 4117500; 722600, 4117600;
721800, 4117600; 721800, 4118400; 720200, 4118400; 720200, 4117600;
719400, 4117600; 719500, 4115900; 714600, 4115800; 714600, 4115000;
712200, 4115000; 711600, 4115500; 710600, 4116000; 709600, 4116500;
707300, 4116500; 707300, 4118100; 705000, 4118100; 704500, 4119600;
699400, 4119500; 699300, 4118700; 698800, 4118700; 698500, 4118500;
698200, 4117700; 697600, 4117700; 697800, 4116500; 693700, 4116200;
694200, 4115100; 694400, 4114600; 694800, 4114600; 695000, 4115100;
695800, 4115100; 696300, 4114300; 697600, 4114200; 697900, 4113900;
697900, 4113100; 698900, 4112500; 698800, 4109800; 695700, 4109800;
695700, 4109000; 697300, 4109000; 697300, 4108100; 696400, 4108100;
696400, 4107300; 696700, 4106600; 697600, 4106600; 698200, 4105800;
698200, 4105300; returning to 697300, 4104500.
(42) Subunit 24a: Madera County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Daulton, Gregg, Lanes
Bridge, and Little Table Mtn., California, land bounded by the
following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 246600, 4092800; 246300,
4092800; 246300, 4093000; 245500, 4093000; 242300, 4093100; 242300,
4095000; 242500, 4095100; 244000, 4095000; 244000, 4096700; 244800,
4096600; 244900, 4098200; 245700, 4098200; 245700, 4099800; 242500,
4100000; 242400, 4095200; 242300, 4095200; 237600, 4095200; 237600,
4096200; 237700, 4098500; 239600, 4098400; 239700, 4100000; 236100,
4100100; 236100, 4100400; 237500, 4101900; 238400, 4102700; 238800,
4103300; 239300, 4104100; 240900, 4106000; 242100, 4107300; 242100,
4106800; 242300, 4106800; 244300, 4105600; 245200, 4104700; 245800,
4103600; 246100, 4102700; 246500, 4101800; 246800, 4101300; 247200,
4100900; 248300, 4100900; 248900, 4101400; 250600, 4101400; 250600,
4098900; 251100, 4098900; 251100, 4098000; 251700, 4098000; 251700,
4096600; 253200, 4096600; 253200, 4095200; 252800, 4095200; 252500,
4095700; 252100, 4095600; 252100, 4094800; 250500, 4094800; 250400,
4093200; 250400, 4092900; 246600, 4092900; returning to 246600,
4092800.
(43) Subunit 24B: Fresno County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Friant, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 260100,
4086600; 259200, 4086600; 259200, 4087700; 259600, 4087500; 260000,
4087500; 260100, 4087900; 259700, 4088100; 258500, 4088200; 258000,
4088300; 258000, 4089100; 258500, 4089300; 258500, 4089800; 258300,
4089800; 257700, 4089200; 256600, 4089200; 256600, 4090200; 256800,
4090800; 256900, 4092700; 257200, 4094300; 257300, 4095500; 258600,
4096700; 258900, 4096700; 259100, 4097500; 259500, 4097700; 260100,
4097700; 260500, 4097300; 260700, 4096900; 261800, 4096500; 262200,
4096600; 262400, 4097000; 263100, 4097200; 263300, 4097200; 263600,
4097200; 264900, 4096500; 264900, 4096200; 265400, 4096100; 265700,
4095800; 264300, 4095600; 264300, 4095300; 263300, 4094700; 262300,
4094200; 261800, 4093600; 260700, 4093400; 259900, 4092300; 259900,
4092100; 260200, 4092100; 261200, 4092400; 262200, 4091500; 262900,
4091800; 263400, 4091300; 263400, 4089900; 263200, 4089800; 263100,
4089400; 261700, 4088800; 261700, 4089400; 261300, 4089400; 261300,
4088200; 261100, 4088200; 261100, 4087400; 260200, 4087400; returning
to 260100, 4086600.
(44) Unit 25: Madera County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Millerton Lake East and
North Fork, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 4108720; 271200, 4106800; 270200, 4106800; 269900,
4107000; 269900, 4107600; 270100, 4108600; 269300, 4108300; 269000,
4108700; 268500, 4108700; 268300, 4110000; 268800, 4110400; 268900,
4111000; 268300, 4111300; 268500, 4111500; 268600, 4112300; 268800,
4112400; 270600, 4112400; 270800, 4112100; 270700, 4111300; 269600,
4110800; 269700, 4110500; 270000, 4110200; 270600, 4109700; 270800,
4108800; 271300, 4108400; 271500, 4107800; 271600, 4107300; returning
to 271200, 4106800.
(45) Unit 26A: Kings and Tulare counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Burris Park, Monson, Remnoy,
and Traver, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 274700, 4028100; 274700, 4029800; 275600, 4029800;
276100, 4030400; 276400, 4030600; 276800, 4031400; 277500, 4031500;
278200, 4031900; 279500, 4031800; 279000, 4032900; 280500, 4032900;
281400, 4033300; 281800, 4033200; 283000, 4034300; 283800, 4034400;
284700, 4035200; 286800, 4035100; 288500, 4035100; 288500, 4035600;
287700, 4035700; 287700, 4036700; 289300, 4036700; 289400, 4037400;
291100, 4037400; 291100, 4037200; 291800, 4037200; 291900, 4036800;
291900, 4035600; 292700, 4035800; 292700, 4036500; 293500, 4036400;
293500, 4036000; 294300, 4036000; 294300, 4035600; 293500, 4035600;
293400, 4034000; 292600, 4034000; 292600, 4035400; 291700, 4035400;
291700, 4035600; 290500, 4035700; 290500, 4036100; 289800, 4036100;
289800, 4035700; 289400, 4035700; 289400, 4034500; 288500, 4034500;
288500, 4034200; 287700, 4034200; 287700, 4034500; 287000, 4034600;
287000, 4034300; 285000, 4034400; 285000, 4033800; 283100, 4033800;
283100, 4033100; 282600, 4033100; 282600, 4032600; 282200, 4032600;
282100, 4031800; 282100, 4031100; 280100, 4031100; 280100, 4030800;
279000, 4030600; 278700, 4030500; 278500, 4030100; 278100, 4030000;
276400, 4030100; 275700, 4029600; 275500, 4029200; 275300, 4028600;
275000, 4028300; returning to 274700, 4028100.
(46) Subunit 26B: Tulare County, California.
[[Page 59988]]
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Monson, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 297500,
4035500; 296700, 4035500; 296700, 4036300; 297500, 4036300; returning
to 297500, 4035500.
(47) Subunit 26C: Tulare County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Ivanhoe, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 299200,
4038200; 298400, 4038200; 298400, 4039000; 298400, 4039500; 298500,
4039800; 298900, 4039900; 298900, 4041500; 300900, 4041500; 300900,
4040100; 300300, 4040100; 300300, 4039400; 299200, 4039400; returning
to 299200, 4038200.
(48) Subunit 27A: Tulare County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Alpaugh, Corcoran, and
Taylor Weir, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 279200, 3986500; 278900, 3986500; 278900, 3986700;
278600, 3987200; 278500, 3987400; 278300, 3987500; 277100, 3987600;
276900, 3988500; 276900, 3989000; 276500, 3989000; 276000, 3989900;
275900, 3990800; 276100, 3991000; 276100, 3991500; 276400, 3991500;
276400, 3992300; 276300, 3992400; 276000, 3992300; 274300, 3992300;
274100, 3992500; 274100, 3994000; 274200, 3994300; 274700, 3994400;
274700, 3994700; 274900, 3995100; 275100, 3995200; 274500, 3995900;
274300, 3996200; 273500, 3997200; 273500, 3997500; 276500, 3997500;
276700, 3997200; 278100, 3997200; 278300, 3997100; 278300, 3995800;
279700, 3995800; 279900, 3995600; 279900, 3993900; 279700, 3993800;
278300, 3993800; 278300, 3992600; 278800, 3992600; 279000, 3992400;
279000, 3991800; 279600, 3991800; 279800, 3991700; 279800, 3990800;
279600, 3990800; 279600, 3990000; 279800, 3990000; 279800, 3989100;
279600, 3988900; 279000, 3988900; 279000, 3987700; 279200, 3987600;
returning to 279200, 3986500.
(49) Subunit 27B: Tulare County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Alpaugh, Delano West, and
Pixley, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 292100, 3971100; 289500, 3971100; 289500, 3972500;
290300, 3972500; 290300, 3974400; 288200, 3974400; 288000, 3973600;
287200, 3973600; 287200, 3973000; 285800, 3973000; 285800, 3973500;
285200, 3973500; 285200, 3972800; 283800, 3972800; 282800, 3974600;
287500, 3974600; 288000, 3975100; 288000, 3975800; 288000, 3976000;
285800, 3976000; 285400, 3976100; 285100, 3976300; 285000, 3976800;
284900, 3977300; 284600, 3977500; 284600, 3977700; 283200, 3977700;
282900, 3977400; 284000, 3976400; 284000, 3976100; 282000, 3976100;
281000, 3977900; 282200, 3977900; 282600, 3977600; 282800, 3977700;
282800, 3977900; 283100, 3978100; 283100, 3979500; 286400, 3979500;
286400, 3980300; 287500, 3980300; 287500, 3979500; 287800, 3979400;
287700, 3977800; 289000, 3977800; 288900, 3976200; 290500, 3976100;
290600, 3975300; 291500, 3975300; 291400, 3973700; 292200, 3973700;
292200, 3973200; 292500, 3972900; 292900, 3972900; 292900, 3971900;
292100, 3971900; returning to 292100, 3971100.
(50) Unit 28: Monterey and San Benito counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Hepsedam Peak, Hernandez
Reservoir, Llanada, Lonoak, Monarch Peak, Nattrass Valley, Pinalito
Canyon, Rock Spring Peak, San Benito, and Topo Valley, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 691600,
4008600; 690800, 4008600; 689500, 4009400; 689000, 4010100; 688900,
4010700; 687800, 4011000; 687100, 4011000; 685400, 4012100; 684900,
4013300; 683600, 4014100; 683400, 4014900; 682700, 4015200; 682500,
4016200; 683100, 4016600; 683100, 4017700; 684200, 4019500; 684200,
4020500; 683400, 4022200; 681700, 4023500; 681100, 4023600; 680700,
4024400; 680600, 4025500; 679800, 4025700; 679300, 4026900; 678700,
4027300; 678100, 4026600; 677400, 4026400; 676000, 4025600; 676000,
4025000; 676600, 4024500; 676800, 4023700; 675800, 4022500; 675600,
4021200; 675000, 4020200; 674200, 4019900; 672200, 4016700; 670800,
4015700; 670000, 4015700; 669500, 4016000; 669100, 4016700; 669600,
4017400; 669500, 4018600; 670100, 4019300; 670300, 4022200; 671000,
4023000; 672700, 4024100; 673500, 4024300; 674800, 4026200; 674500,
4026500; 674600, 4027000; 674100, 4027300; 673000, 4026800; 672400,
4027000; 671600, 4028700; 670700, 4028700; 669700, 4028900; 669700,
4030100; 669800, 4030700; 670300, 4032100; 670700, 4035100; 671300,
4037100; 669100, 4037700; 669200, 4038600; 668700, 4040300; 669800,
4042700; 671900, 4043300; 674100, 4043500; 676000, 4045600; 677300,
4046700; 683000, 4043300; 683800, 4042200; 683700, 4040600; 682300,
4039700; 681300, 4038600; 681600, 4037000; 681700, 4035800; 680800,
4034500; 678800, 4035200; 678000, 4036000; 677600, 4037100; 677200,
4037800; 676800, 4037900; 676100, 4038500; 675800, 4039000; 675000,
4038500; 675100, 4038000; 674700, 4037600; 673100, 4037000; 673800,
4036500; 674000, 4035500; 674700, 4035000; 675500, 4034700; 676000,
4033600; 676800, 4033300; 677600, 4032700; 678100, 4032100; 679000,
4031400; 679600, 4031200; 679900, 4031700; 679900, 4032700; 680500,
4033000; 681000, 4032500; 681500, 4031500; 682600, 4031200; 684400,
4028700; 685200, 4028700; 685500, 4028200; 687400, 4029500; 688000,
4030700; 688800, 4031100; 689700, 4031200; 691200, 4032600; 692000,
4032300; 692500, 4031600; 693200, 4031300; 693700, 4031300; 694300,
4030900; 693800, 4029500; 692600, 4028500; 693500, 4028500; 694300,
4027800; 694300, 4027200; 695100, 4026100; 696600, 4024900; 696600,
4023700; 697200, 4022600; 697900, 4022600; 698300, 4021500; 699200,
4020500; 699100, 4019400; 698500, 4019300; 698000, 4018700; 697100,
4018800; 695700, 4017900; 695400, 4016900; 695100, 4016500; 694900,
4015900; 694900, 4015000; 694400, 4013700; 693800, 4013100; 693600,
4012100; 692400, 4010900; 692000, 4009100; returning to 691600,
4008600.
(51) Subunit 29A: Monterey County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cosio Knob, Jolon, and
Williams Hill, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 673700, 3973300; 672700, 3974100; 672100, 3973300;
669400, 3974400; 668300, 3975600; 667100, 3976800; 665700, 3977800;
665100, 3978300; 664800, 3978900; 663900, 3979200; 663500, 3980000;
662800, 3980300; 661700, 3981000; 661000, 3982100; 660200, 3982200;
658900, 3982800; 658800, 3983700; 659100, 3983900; 659100, 3984100;
659400, 3984100; 660000, 3984600; 660200, 3986200; 660300, 3986400;
659800, 3986600; 659900, 3986800; 660200, 3986800; 660500, 3987200;
660700, 3987200; 660800, 3987500; 660500, 3987900; 660300, 3988400;
660500, 3988500; 661700, 3987600; 662400, 3986500; 663400, 3984300;
663500, 3983700; 664700, 3982000; 665100, 3982100; 665300, 3982400;
665500, 3982500; 666700, 3982200; 668000, 3982100; 668500, 3981900;
668700, 3981600; 668500, 3981100; 668700, 3980600; 669400, 3980100;
669800, 3980500; 670600, 3980700; 671400, 3980600; 671400, 3979500;
671900, 3979500; 672700, 3978600; 674700, 3978600; 675400, 3978200;
674600, 3976900; 674800, 3975700; 675100,
[[Page 59989]]
3975300; 675100, 3974800; 674600, 3974300; 674400, 3973400; returning
to 673700, 3973300.
(52) Subunit 29B: Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties,
California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Adelaida, Bradley, Paso
Robles, San Miguel, Valleton, and Wunpost, California, land bounded by
the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 701800, 3951600;
700200, 3951900; 699700, 3953000; 700000, 3953600; 698600, 3955300;
697900, 3957000; 698100, 3957800; 697200, 3958800; 696600, 3958600;
696300, 3958500; 695700, 3958500; 694500, 3960600; 694200, 3961400;
694800, 3961800; 694900, 3962400; 694700, 3962800; 694800, 3963500;
695400, 3963500; 695800, 3963400; 696700, 3963400; 697800, 3964200;
699000, 3964200; 700100, 3965600; 700500, 3966800; 701400, 3968400;
698800, 3970000; 698800, 3970400; 699200, 3970700; 699800, 3972200;
700200, 3972800; 700400, 3973600; 700800, 3974300; 701300, 3974700;
701700, 3975500; 702900, 3976300; 703200, 3976900; 704200, 3977800;
704800, 3977900; 705400, 3977900; 706100, 3978300; 706700, 3978700;
706700, 3978300; 706200, 3976700; 706100, 3975500; 706300, 3975100;
706500, 3974400; 706400, 3971900; 706600, 3970800; 707000, 3970100;
707000, 3969400; 706800, 3969200; 706800, 3968200; 706600, 3967400;
705500, 3965500; 705400, 3964700; 705800, 3963600; 705700, 3963000;
706000, 3962800; 706800, 3963500; 707600, 3963500; 707500, 3962800;
707900, 3962500; 708100, 3962000; 707500, 3961300; 706500, 3961200;
706000, 3961000; 705600, 3959800; 705900, 3959400; 706000, 3958800;
706600, 3958600; 706900, 3958000; 706900, 3957600; 706400, 3957200;
705100, 3957000; 704900, 3956700; 705400, 3956700; 705800, 3956500;
706300, 3956000; 707900, 3956100; 707900, 3955400; 708100, 3955100;
707600, 3954000; 707300, 3953600; 705700, 3952600; 705000, 3952800;
returning to 701800, 3951600.
(53) Subunit 29C: San Luis Obispo County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cholame Hills, Creston,
Estrella, Paso Robles, and Ranchito Canyon , California, land bounded
by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 717700, 3941700;
717400, 3941700; 717000, 3941900; 717200, 3942500; 715100, 3944900;
715300, 3945200; 714500, 3945900; 714800, 3946200; 714600, 3946400;
714000, 3946400; 713200, 3947000; 713200, 3947200; 713600, 3947800;
713500, 3948400; 713200, 3948700; 712800, 3947900; 712600, 3947900;
712500, 3948000; 712500, 3948800; 711600, 3949100; 711300, 3949300;
711200, 3949800; 710600, 3949900; 710500, 3950000; 710500, 3950200;
710900, 3950400; 710900, 3950600; 710600, 3950700; 709400, 3950500;
709300, 3952100; 709800, 3952800; 709800, 3954800; 709500, 3955200;
709500, 3955600; 710200, 3955600; 710400, 3955500; 711000, 3955300;
711500, 3954600; 711600, 3953600; 713900, 3953600; 714200, 3954000;
714500, 3953800; 715000, 3953700; 715300, 3953500; 715500, 3953400;
715700, 3953400; 716000, 3953700; 716500, 3953700; 716800, 3953600;
717600, 3953700; 717900, 3954200; 718500, 3954600; 718900, 3954800;
719300, 3954900; 720400, 3955600; 721400, 3956700; 722200, 3958400;
722500, 3960400; 723300, 3962100; 724200, 3962500; 724400, 3963300;
725100, 3964000; 725100, 3963300; 725000, 3962100; 725600, 3961700;
726100, 3961700; 726100, 3961300; 725200, 3960400; 725100, 3959200;
724700, 3958300; 724300, 3956700; 724700, 3956500; 725200, 3955000;
724100, 3953600; 723800, 3952700; 723400, 3952000; 723100, 3950600;
723500, 3949700; 723500, 3949000; 724100, 3948500; 723500, 3948400;
722300, 3948900; 719200, 3948900; 719200, 3949700; 718300, 3949700;
718300, 3948900; 718900, 3948900; 719000, 3948700; 719200, 3948700;
719200, 3948100; 720000, 3948100; 720000, 3946500; 720200, 3946400;
720800, 3945700; 721000, 3945200; 721100, 3944900; 721100, 3943400;
720100, 3943400; 718700, 3942200; returning to 717700, 3941700.
(54) Unit 30: San Luis Obispo County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Chimineas Ranch, McKittrick
Summit, Painted Rock, and Simmler, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 247900, 3894600; 245800,
3895500; 243500, 3896000; 242700, 3896400; 242200, 3897600; 240100,
3898900; 239500, 3899300; 239300, 3899600; 238300, 3900400; 237900,
3900300; 236100, 3901000; 235800, 3901300; 235800, 3902300; 235500,
3903500; 234800, 3904400; 233000, 3904900; 231800, 3905800; 231600,
3907000; 231900, 3908800; 231800, 3909400; 229400, 3910200; 227200,
3911200; 227300, 3913400; 228100, 3913800; 229000, 3913900; 231900,
3913200; 233300, 3913200; 234300, 3912900; 235100, 3912100; 235300,
3911200; 233900, 3910100; 233700, 3909700; 235300, 3909000; 235700,
3908500; 237200, 3907500; 237700, 3906300; 238200, 3905800; 239100,
3905200; 239100, 3904900; 242800, 3902600; 244400, 3901300; 244400,
3901000; 244700, 3900700; 244800, 3899100; 245400, 3898800; 247200,
3896600; 248200, 3895000; returning to 247900, 3894600.
(55) Unit 31: Santa Barbara County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Figueroa Mtn., Lake Cachuma,
Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 775000, 3831900; 774200, 3831800;
773600, 3831900; 772500, 3831800; 772100, 3831400; 771400, 3831500;
770400, 3831000; 769800, 3830900; 769300, 3831100; 769100, 3831300;
768500, 3832600; 768500, 3833300; 768700, 3833700; 769900, 3834700;
770200, 3834700; 771900, 3835200; 772300, 3835300; 772800, 3835000;
773100, 3835000; 773100, 3835300; 773700, 3835300; 773700, 3835700;
773600, 3836100; 773200, 3836900; 773800, 3837100; 774300, 3836500;
774900, 3836300; thence southeast to UTM zone 11, land bounded by the
following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 225100, 3836200; 225300,
3836400; 225600, 3837000; 226600, 3838500; 228200, 3839300; 229800,
3839000; 232200, 3840500; 232400, 3841700; 232300, 3842700; 231600,
3843100; 230300, 3844900; 230000, 3846200; 230800, 3846400; 231200,
3846200; 231700, 3846200; 232000, 3846500; 232800, 3847000; 233800,
3847000; 234500, 3846400; 234700, 3845600; 235200, 3845600; 235900,
3844500; 236400, 3844200; 236400, 3843800; 235900, 3843600; 235700,
3843300; 235500, 3843000; 235200, 3842900; 235100, 3842800; 235100,
3842000; 235300, 3841300; 235200, 3840700; 234700, 3840000; 234900,
3839700; 234600, 3839500; 234600, 3839300; 234300, 3839300; 233800,
3839300; 233100, 3838200; 232900, 3838000; 232300, 3837900; 232100,
3838200; 231800, 3838400; 231400, 3838500; 230700, 3837700; 230800,
3837200; 230300, 3836600; 230100, 3836100; 230000, 3835700; 229100,
3835300; 228900, 3834900; 228800, 3833800; 228000, 3833300; 227400,
3833200; 227000, 3832800; 226700, 3832400; 226100, 3832400; 225800,
3832500; 225200, 3832000; 225000, 3831900; 225000, 3831900; 224800,
3831900; thence west to UTM zone 10 to the point of beginning at UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates 775000, 3831900.
(56) Unit 32: Ventura County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Alamo Mountain, Lion Canyon,
Lockwood Valley, San Guillermo, and Topatopa Mountains, California,
land
[[Page 59990]]
bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 310100,
3830500; 309400, 3831000; 308400, 3830900; 307200, 3830600; 306000,
3831200; 304700, 3831300; 303400, 3832100; 302100, 3832600; 301600,
3833600; 300400, 3833600; 299200, 3834000; 298200, 3834400; 297700,
3835300; 297900, 3837300; 299500, 3837500; 301200, 3838400; 301500,
3839300; 303400, 3841000; 303800, 3842700; 304900, 3843600; 305800,
3843600; 307700, 3843400; 309500, 3843400; 310500, 3844200; 311900,
3844600; 313400, 3845400; 314500, 3844100; 315200, 3843800; 315700,
3842400; 316500, 3841100; 317200, 3838100; 317200, 3837000; 316500,
3833900; 315700, 3833300; 315200, 3834100; 314000, 3834100; 313100,
3832200; 311500, 3830800; returning to 310100, 3830500.
(57) Subunit 33A: Riverside County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Perris, Romoland, and Lake
Elsinore, California, land bounded by the following UTM11 NAD83
coordinates (E,N): 486950, 3744600; 487050, 3744600; 487050, 3744100;
487150, 3744098; 487400, 3744450; 487400, 3744500; 487500, 3744500;
487500, 3744400; 487550, 3744400; 487700, 3744250; 487700, 3744050;
487650, 3744050; 487650, 3744000; 487600, 3744000; 487600, 3743950;
487500, 3743950; 487500, 3743900; 487450, 3743900; 487450, 3743800;
487350, 3743800; 487350, 3743750; 487300, 3743750; 487300, 3743550;
487100, 3743550; 487200, 3743391; 487300, 3743400; 487300, 3743350;
487350, 3743350; 487350, 3743150; 487300, 3743150; 487100, 3742943;
487100, 3742900; 487000, 3742900; 487000, 3742850; 486900, 3742850;
486900, 3742800; 486850, 3742800; 486850, 3742700; 486750, 3742599;
486650, 3742600; 486650, 3742550; 486600, 3742550; 486600, 3742500;
486500, 3742500; 486500, 3742400; 486450, 3742400; 486450, 3742350;
486400, 3742350; 486400, 3742200; 486350, 3742200; 486350, 3742100;
486300, 3742100; 486300, 3742000; 486250, 3742000; 486250, 3741950;
486200, 3741950; 486200, 3741900; 486250, 3741900; 486250, 3741750;
486102, 3741592; 486050, 3741600; 486050, 3741400; 486000, 3741400;
486000, 3741250; 485950, 3741250; 485950, 3741150; 485900, 3741150;
485900, 3741100; 485850, 3741100; 485850, 3741000; 485800, 3741000;
485800, 3740900; 485750, 3740900; 485750, 3740550; 485700, 3740550;
485700, 3740250; 485650, 3740250; 485650, 3740200; 485250, 3740200;
485250, 3740150; 485200, 3740150; 485200, 3740100; 484600, 3740100;
484600, 3740000; 484550, 3740000; 484550, 3739900; 484500, 3739900;
484500, 3739750; 484450, 3739750; 484450, 3739700; 484400, 3739700;
484400, 3739650; 484350, 3739650; 484350, 3739600; 484250, 3739600;
484250, 3739550; 484000, 3739299; 483950, 3739300; 483950, 3738800;
483900, 3738800; 483900, 3738750; 483850, 3738750; 483850, 3738550;
483900, 3738550; 483900, 3738500; 483950, 3738500; 483950, 3738450;
484000, 3738450; 484000, 3738350; 484050, 3738350; 484050, 3738300;
484100, 3738300; 484100, 3738100; 484050, 3738100; 484050, 3738000;
484000, 3738000; 484000, 3737950; 483900, 3737950; 483900, 3737900;
483800, 3737900; 483800, 3737850; 483750, 3737850; 483750, 3737800;
483700, 3737800; 483700, 3737750; 483600, 3737750; 483600, 3737650;
483550, 3737650; 483550, 3737500; 483500, 3737500; 483500, 3737350;
483450, 3737350; 483450, 3737300; 483400, 3737300; 483400, 3737250;
483300, 3737250; 483300, 3737200; 483250, 3737200; 483250, 3737150;
483200, 3737150; 483200, 3737050; 483150, 3737050; 483150, 3737000;
483100, 3737000; 483100, 3736950; 483050, 3736950; 483050, 3736900;
483000, 3736900; 483000, 3736850; 482550, 3736850; 482550, 3736750;
482600, 3736750; 482600, 3736600; 482100, 3736600; 482100, 3736550;
482050, 3736550; 482050, 3736600; 482000, 3736600; 482000, 3736550;
481950, 3736550; 481950, 3736500; 481900, 3736500; 481900, 3736450;
481850, 3736450; 481850, 3736400; 481800, 3736400; 481800, 3736300;
481750, 3736300; 481750, 3736250; 481800, 3736250; 481800, 3736100;
481750, 3736100; 481750, 3735950; 481700, 3735950; 481700, 3735850;
481650, 3735850; 481650, 3735700; 481700, 3735700; 481700, 3735650;
481800, 3735650; 481800, 3735600; 481850, 3735600; 481850, 3735550;
481900, 3735550; 481900, 3735500; 482000, 3735500; 482000, 3735450;
482050, 3735450; 482050, 3735250; 482000, 3735250; 482000, 3735200;
481750, 3735200; 481750, 3735250; 481600, 3735250; 481600, 3735300;
481450, 3735300; 481450, 3735350; 481400, 3735350; 481400, 3735150;
481450, 3735150; 481450, 3735050; 481400, 3735050; 481400, 3735000;
481300, 3735000; 481300, 3734950; 481100, 3734950; 481100, 3734900;
481050, 3734900; 481050, 3734850; 481000, 3734850; 480850, 3734250;
480800, 3734250; 480800, 3734150; 480750, 3734150; 480750, 3734050;
480700, 3734050; 480700, 3734000; 480500, 3734000; 480500, 3734050;
480300, 3734050; 480300, 3734100; 480150, 3734100; 480150, 3734150;
480050, 3734150; 480050, 3734200; 479700, 3734200; 479700, 3734150;
479400, 3734150; 479400, 3734200; 479250, 3734200; 479250, 3734150;
479050, 3734150; 479050, 3734100; 478850, 3734100; 478850, 3734050;
478750, 3734050; 478750, 3734000; 478600, 3734000; 478600, 3733950;
478450, 3733950; 478450, 3733900; 478250, 3733900; 478250, 3733850;
478100, 3733850; 478100, 3733800; 478000, 3733800; 478000, 3733750;
477900, 3733750; 477900, 3733700; 477850, 3733700; 477850, 3733602;
477550, 3733100; 477550, 3733000; 477450, 3733000; 477450, 3732950;
477100, 3732950; 477100, 3733000; 476800, 3733000; 476800, 3732950;
476700, 3732950; 476700, 3732900; 476600, 3732900; 476600, 3732850;
476550, 3732850; 476550, 3732800; 476500, 3732800; 476500, 3732750;
476400, 3732750; 476400, 3732900; 476500, 3732900; 476500, 3732950;
476550, 3732950; 476550, 3733000; 476650, 3733000; 476650, 3733050;
476700, 3733050; 476700, 3733100; 476800, 3733100; 476800, 3733150;
477100, 3733150; 477100, 3733100; 477450, 3733100; 477450, 3733199;
477650, 3733600; 477650, 3733694; 478000, 3734050; 478100, 3734050;
478100, 3734100; 478200, 3734100; 478200, 3734150; 478300, 3734150;
478300, 3734200; 478500, 3734200; 478500, 3734250; 478650, 3734250;
478650, 3734300; 478750, 3734300; 478750, 3734350; 478850, 3734450;
478900, 3734450; 478900, 3734550; 478950, 3734550; 478950, 3734650;
479000, 3734650; 479000, 3734750; 479050, 3734750; 479050, 3734900;
479100, 3734900; 479100, 3735100; 479150, 3735100; 479150, 3735200;
479200, 3735200; 479200, 3735250; 479250, 3735250; 479250, 3735350;
479300, 3735350; 479300, 3735450; 479350, 3735450; 479350, 3735600;
479400, 3735600; 479400, 3735650; 479450, 3735650; 479450, 3735700;
479500, 3735700; 479500, 3735750; 479550, 3735750; 479550, 3735850;
479600, 3735850; 479600, 3735900; 479700, 3735900; 479700, 3735950;
479750, 3735950; 479750, 3736000; 479800, 3736000; 479800, 3736050;
479850, 3736050; 479850, 3736100; 479900, 3736100; 479900, 3736150;
479950, 3736150; 479950, 3736250; 480000, 3736250; 480000, 3736450;
479950, 3736450; 479950, 3736500; 479900, 3736500; 479900, 3736550;
479850, 3736550; 479850, 3736650; 479800, 3736650; 479800, 3736700;
479750, 3736700; 479750, 3736850;
[[Page 59991]]
479800, 3736850; 479800, 3736900; 479850, 3736900; 479850, 3736950;
480150, 3736950; 480150, 3737000; 480250, 3737000; 480250, 3737050;
480300, 3737050; 480300, 3737100; 480350, 3737100; 480350, 3737150;
480400, 3737150; 480400, 3737650; 480450, 3737650; 480450, 3737700;
480500, 3737700; 480500, 3737750; 480550, 3737750; 480550, 3737850;
480600, 3737850; 480600, 3738000; 480550, 3738000; 480550, 3738150;
480600, 3738150; 480600, 3738250; 480750, 3738250; 480750, 3738200;
480850, 3738200; 480850, 3738250; 480800, 3738250; 480800, 3738400;
480750, 3738400; 480750, 3738550; 480700, 3738550; 480700, 3738700;
480750, 3738700; 480750, 3738750; 480800, 3738750; 480800, 3738800;
480850, 3738800; 480850, 3738950; 480800, 3738950; 480800, 3739000;
480850, 3739000; 480850, 3739050; 481000, 3739050; 481000, 3739100;
481150, 3739100; 481150, 3739000; 481200, 3739000; 481200, 3738900;
481250, 3738900; 481250, 3738850; 481300, 3738850; 481300, 3738750;
481350, 3738750; 481350, 3738650; 481400, 3738650; 481400, 3738550;
481500, 3738550; 481500, 3738650; 481550, 3738650; 481550, 3738700;
481650, 3738700; 481650, 3738750; 482150, 3738750; 482150, 3738800;
482200, 3738800; 482200, 3739050; 482150, 3739050; 482150, 3739250;
482200, 3739250; 482200, 3739300; 482250, 3739300; 482250, 3739350;
482400, 3739350; 482400, 3739400; 482750, 3739400; 482750, 3739350;
482800, 3739350; 482800, 3739400; 482900, 3739400; 482900, 3739450;
483250, 3739450; 483250, 3739500; 483400, 3739500; 483400, 3739550;
483500, 3739550; 483500, 3739600; 484100, 3740050; 484100, 3740100;
484400, 3740100; 484400, 3740150; 486800, 3743700; 486850, 3743700;
486850, 3743800; 486800, 3743800; 486800, 3744000; 487000, 3744000;
487000, 3744100; 486950, 3744100; returning to 486950, 3744600.
(58) Subunit 33B: Riverside County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Lakeview and Winchester,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 496100, 3734600; 497000, 3734600; 497000, 3732800; 497200, 3732800;
497200, 3732900; 498000, 3732900; 498000, 3732800; 497900, 3732800;
497900, 3732630; 497230, 3732290; 497250, 3732250; 497300, 3732280;
497340, 3732220; 497760, 3732430; 497800, 3732400; 497800, 3732100;
497000, 3732100; 497000, 3731700; 495500, 3731000; 495300, 3731000;
495300, 3731300; 494500, 3731300; 494500, 3731500; 494600, 3731500;
494600, 3731600; 494700, 3731600; 494700, 3732000; 494800, 3732000;
494800, 3732100; 495550, 3732100; 495550, 3733300; 495600, 3733300;
495600, 3733600; 496100, 3733600; returning to 496100, 3734600;
excluding land bounded by 495900, 3733500; 495900, 3733300; 496000,
3733300; 496000, 3733500; 495900, 3733500; and land bounded by 495800,
3732100; 495700, 3731700; 496000, 3731700; 496000, 3732100; 495800,
3732100.
(59) Subunit 33C: Riverside County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Lakeview, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 496900,
3736800; 497200, 3736800; 497200, 3736500; 496900, 3736500; returning
to 496900, 3736800.
(60) Unit 34: Riverside County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Murrieta and Wildomar,
California, land bounded by the following UTM11 NAD27 coordinates (E,
N): 476250, 3711500; 477000, 3711500; 477000, 3711250; 477250, 3711250;
477250, 3710750; 478000, 3710750; 478000, 3710500; 478250, 3710500;
478250, 3710250; 478500, 3710250; 478500, 3710000; 478750, 3710000;
478750, 3709750; 479250, 3709750; 479250, 3709500; 479500, 3709500;
479500, 3709250; 479250, 3709250; 479250, 3709000; 479500, 3709000;
479500, 3708500; 479250, 3708500; 479250, 3708250; 479000, 3708250;
479000, 3708500; 478750, 3708500; 478750, 3708750; 478250, 3708750;
478250, 3709000; 477500, 3709000; 477500, 3709250; 476750, 3709250;
476750, 3709000; 476500, 3709000; 476500, 3708500; 475750, 3708500;
475750, 3708000; 475000, 3708000; 475000, 3707000; 474000, 3707000;
474000, 3706750; 472000, 3706750; 472000, 3708250; 472500, 3708250;
472500, 3708500; 472750, 3708500; 472750, 3709250; 473000, 3709250;
473000, 3710500; 473250, 3710500; 473250, 3710750; 474000, 3710750;
474000, 3710500; 474250, 3710500; 474250, 3710250; 474500, 3710250;
474500, 3710000; 474750, 3710000; 474750, 3709750; 475000, 3709750;
475000, 3710000; 475500, 3710000; 475500, 3710250; 475750, 3710250;
475750, 3711250; 476250, 3711250; returning to 476250, 3711500;
excluding land bounded by 475000, 3709500; 475000, 3709000; 475250,
3709000; 475250, 3709250; 475500, 3709250; 475500, 3709500; 475000,
3709500; and land bounded by 473500, 3709000; 473500, 3708750; 474250,
3708750; 474250, 3709000; 473500, 3709000.
(61) Unit 35: Riverside County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Bachelor Mtn., California,
land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 490800,
3712500; 490400, 3712500; 490400, 3712600; 490200, 3712600; 490200,
3712700; 490100, 3712700; 490100, 3712800; 490000, 3712800; 490000,
3712900; 489800, 3712900; 489800, 3713000; 489700, 3713000; 489700,
3713300; 489800, 3713300; 489800, 3713600; 490200, 3713600; 490200,
3713500; 490600, 3713500; 490600, 3713400; 491000, 3713400; 491000,
3713300; 490900, 3713300; 490900, 3713200; 490800, 3713200; 490800,
3713000; 490900, 3713000; 490900, 3712700; 490800, 3712700; returning
to 490800, 3712500.
(62) Maps follow of critical habitat units1 through 10, 11 through
25, and 26 through 35 (respectively) for vernal pool fairy shrimp
(Branchinecta lynchi).
BILLING CODE4310-55-P
[[Page 59992]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.002
[[Page 59993]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.003
[[Page 59994]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.004
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp (Lepidurus packardi)
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Shasta, Butte, Tehama,
Glenn, Colusa, Sacramento, Solano, Alameda, Amador, Stanislaus, Merced,
Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Tulare and Kings counties, California on the
map below.
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Lepidurus packardi
[[Page 59995]]
are the habitat components that provide--
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths that typically become
inundated during winter rains and hold water for sufficient lengths of
time necessary for vernal pool tadpole shrimp incubation, reproduction,
dispersal, feeding, and sheltering, but which are dry during the summer
and do not necessarily fill with water every year; including but not
limited to vernal pools on Redding and Corning soils on high terrace
landforms, and
(ii) The geographic, topographic, and edaphic features that support
aggregations or systems of hydrologically interconnected pools, swales,
and other ephemeral wetlands and depressions within a matrix of
surrounding uplands that together form hydrologically and ecologically
functional units called vernal pool complexes. These features
contribute to the filling and drying of the vernal pool, and maintain
suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and soil moisture
for vernal pool crustacean hatching, growth and reproduction, and
dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Existing man-made features and structures, such as buildings,
roads, railroads, airports, runways, other paved areas, lawns, and
other urban landscaped areas do not contain one or more of the primary
constituent elements. Federal actions limited to those areas,
therefore, would not trigger a consultation under section 7 of the Act
unless they may affect the species and/or primary constituent elements
in adjacent critical habitat.
(4) Unit 1: Shasta County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Balls Ferry, Cottonwood,
Enterprise, and Palo Cedro, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 564200, 4480800; 564000, 4480800;
563600, 4480900; 563300, 4481000; 563100, 4480900; 562900, 4480900;
562500, 4481200; 562400, 4481500; 562400, 4481700; 562300, 4482400;
562000, 4482500; 561900, 4482800; 561800, 4483300; 561500, 4483700;
561000, 4484000; 560700, 4485400; 560700, 4486500; 560800, 4486700;
561000, 4486900; 561200, 4487000; 561300, 4487600; 561600, 4487900;
562000, 4487900; 562500, 4487400; 562700, 4487100; 562900, 4487200;
563200, 4487200; 563300, 4487000; 563300, 4486700; 563800, 4486400;
564300, 4484700; 564300, 4484400; 564700, 4483800; 564900, 4483600;
564900, 4483400; 564500, 4483000; 564500, 4482800; 564600, 4482700;
564600, 4482400; 564400, 4482100; 564500, 4481700; 564500, 4481000;
returning to 564200, 4480800.
(5) Unit 2: Shasta and Tehama counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Balls Ferry, Bend, Dales,
Red Bluff East, Shingletown, and Tuscan Buttes NE, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 570200,
4454800; 570200, 4455000; 570600, 4455900; 570000, 4456100; 569500,
4456300; 569300, 4456500; 568900, 4456500; 568600, 4456500; 568000,
4456800; 567900, 4457100; 567900, 4458000; 568400, 4458800; 569100,
4459800; 569600, 4460500; 569500, 4460800; 569000, 4460600; 568300,
4460700; 567500, 4460700; 566800, 4460000; 566400, 4460000; 565900,
4461100; 565800, 4461400; 565800, 4461700; 566000, 4462000; 565800,
4462300; 565300, 4463200; 566400, 4464000; 566700, 4464200; 566800,
4464100; 567600, 4463400; 568300, 4463200; 569800, 4463200; 570600,
4463900; 570800, 4464300; 572000, 4465200; 572000, 4466300; 572100,
4466600; 572800, 4467300; 573500, 4468600; 573400, 4469000; 573100,
4469400; 572900, 4469600; 572600, 4469600; 571800, 4468800; 571400,
4468100; 570700, 4467600; 570300, 4467700; 570300, 4467900; 570700,
4469000; 570700, 4469400; 569900, 4470200; 569600, 4470200; 569300,
4470200; 569000, 4470600; 569000, 4471300; 569400, 4472000; 569500,
4472400; 569900, 4472400; 570400, 4472300; 572100, 4472800; 572700,
4472500; 574100, 4473200; 575100, 4473200; 575600, 4473500; 576000,
4473900; 576600, 4473900; 577300, 4473900; 577700, 4474200; 578600,
4474200; 579300, 4474400; 580000, 4474400; 580600, 4474700; 581900,
4474700; 582400, 4475300; 583000, 4475400; 583200, 4475400; 583700,
4475000; 584200, 4475200; 584600, 4475200; 585400, 4474500; 586000,
4473600; 586100, 4473400; 585800, 4472600; 585500, 4472100; 584800,
4471900; 584500, 4471600; 584500, 4471400; 584700, 4471100; 584700,
4470800; 584500, 4470500; 583400, 4469700; 583100, 4469400; 582600,
4468500; 582600, 4467600; 582700, 4466900; 582700, 4466700; 581900,
4465800; 581000, 4465500; 580600, 4465200; 580400, 4464000; 580200,
4463300; 578900, 4462700; 578500, 4462300; 578100, 4462000; 577800,
4460900; 577700, 4460000; 576700, 4459300; 576600, 4458800; 576800,
4458300; 576800, 4457100; 576400, 4456700; 575500, 4456800; 574900,
4456800; 574100, 4455900; 573500, 4455600; 572300, 4455300; 572000,
4455300; 571600, 4455600; 571400, 4455400; 571100, 4454900; 570600,
4454900; returning to 570200, 4454800.
(6) Unit 3: Butte and Tehama Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Acorn Hollow, Campbell
Mound, Foster Island, Nord, Richardson Springs, Richardson Springs NW,
and Vina, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 602400, 4401600; 601900, 4401800; 601800, 4402000;
601500, 4401900; 601000, 4401900; 600400, 4402100; 599600, 4402100;
599400, 4403400; 599100, 4403200; 598300, 4403400; 597100, 4403700;
596400, 4404200; 596300, 4404800; 595100, 4405000; 595100, 4405600;
595400, 4406000; 595400, 4407100; 595500, 4407100; 595700, 4407300;
595700, 4407400; 596100, 4407400; 596400, 4408000; 596400, 4408100;
596100, 4408200; 596100, 4408400; 596200, 4408600; 595900, 4408800;
595700, 4408800; 595500, 4408200; 594300, 4408200; 594100, 4408300;
594000, 4408400; 593600, 4408500; 593400, 4408200; 592600, 4408200;
592500, 4408700; 592100, 4408500; 592000, 4408700; 591400, 4408700;
590700, 4408700; 590400, 4408300; 589900, 4408300; 589000, 4408600;
589000, 4409300; 589100, 4409900; 588900, 4410200; 588200, 4410300;
588200, 4411000; 587900, 4411400; 587900, 4412000; 587900, 4412400;
587600, 4412700; 587600, 4413400; 584200, 4413400; 583100, 4413100;
582900, 4413400; 582900, 4415900; 582000, 4418300; 581800, 4419200;
582000, 4419500; 581400, 4420000; 581400, 4420400; 581800, 4420700;
581600, 4421000; 583200, 4422600; 583500, 4423600; 585200, 4424500;
586000, 4424500; 587500, 4426100; 588200, 4426500; 588600, 4429100;
588800, 4430200; 589500, 4429500; 589500, 4428600; 591400, 4425800;
592600, 4424100; 593400, 4422300; 594200, 4421100; 595900, 4417800;
595800, 4417300; 595800, 4416600; 596100, 4416600; 596400, 4416800;
596600, 4416800; 597100, 4416400; 597100, 4415600; 596800, 4415200;
597100, 4415000; 597800, 4415500; 598100, 4415200; 597600, 4414600;
597600, 4414400; 597300, 4413800; 597300, 4413300; 598200, 4413900;
598400, 4413900; 598400, 4413600; 597400, 4411900; 597600, 4411900;
598300, 4412700; 598500, 4413300; 598900, 4413300; 598900, 4411800;
599400, 4411700; 599800, 4411700; 599800, 4411000; 597700, 4409400;
597000, 4408500; 596800, 4408300; 596800, 4407500; 597300, 4407500;
597300, 4408000; 597900, 4407500; 598100, 4407500; 598100, 4407100;
597700,
[[Page 59996]]
4406800; 597800, 4406700; 597500, 4406500; 597300, 4406700; 597100,
4406600; 597500, 4406100; 597100, 4405900; 597600, 4405100; 598000,
4405300; 598400, 4404700; 598500, 4404800; 598200, 4405300; 599000,
4405800; 598900, 4406100; 598700, 4406000; 598500, 4406000; 598500,
4407200; 598300, 4407200; 598300, 4407500; 598200, 4407800; 598700,
4408400; 599900, 4409000; 600100, 4409000; 600300, 4408800; 600300,
4408400; 600000, 4408100; 600400, 4407600; 599500, 4406700; 599500,
4406200; 600300, 4406000; 601200, 4405600; 601800, 4405600; 602000,
4405500; 602200, 4405200; 602500, 4405200; 602700, 4404900; 603300,
4404700; 604500, 4404200; 605200, 4404200; 605600, 4404000; 605600,
4403600; 605100, 4403300; 604700, 4403400; 604500, 4403300; 604400,
4402800; 603600, 4402100; 602900, 4402100; returning to 602400,
4401600.
(7) Unit 4: Butte County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cherokee, Chico, Hamlin
Canyon, Oroville, and Shippee, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 614900, 4374100; 614400,
4374700; 614000, 4374700; 614000, 4376000; 614400, 4376800; 614700,
4377000; 615900, 4377000; 616300, 4377000; 616300, 4378100; 614500,
4378100; 614500, 4378900; 612600, 4378900; 612200, 4380400; 612200,
4382600; 612500, 4383300; 613600, 4384200; 614200, 4384800; 613000,
4386100; 612300, 4386300; 612000, 4386100; 611300, 4384500; 611300,
4383600; 610100, 4382100; 608500, 4383300; 608800, 4383800; 609500,
4384200; 609500, 4384500; 609200, 4385000; 609500, 4385300; 609300,
4385800; 609500, 4386100; 610500, 4386700; 611100, 4387100; 611400,
4387400; 610400, 4388500; 609300, 4388100; 609300, 4387900; 608500,
4387700; 608500, 4389000; 607900, 4389000; 607200, 4389500; 607100,
4391000; 605700, 4392300; 605300, 4393200; 605300, 4393900; 604800,
4394600; 604600, 4395600; 604000, 4395700; 603900, 4396700; 603600,
4396800; 603600, 4398000; 602900, 4398200; 603000, 4398800; 603100,
4399000; 602600, 4399400; 602600, 4399600; 603500, 4399800; 604700,
4400200; 605100, 4399600; 606500, 4399500; 607200, 4399100; 607400,
4399100; 607700, 4398100; 607700, 4397800; 606200, 4396500; 606200,
4395800; 608300, 4396100; 610900, 4397700; 611900, 4398300; 612300,
4398300; 612600, 4398600; 612900, 4398300; 611900, 4397200; 611800,
4396600; 611100, 4395800; 609400, 4393900; 609800, 4393600; 610900,
4392400; 611300, 4392500; 611500, 4392500; 611700, 4392200; 611700,
4391900; 611100, 4391400; 611500, 4391300; 612500, 4390200; 613300,
4389600; 613300, 4388900; 614500, 4388900; 616000, 4389200; 616800,
4390700; 617200, 4390700; 618600, 4390600; 618800, 4390200; 618800,
4389700; 617800, 4388300; 617200, 4387700; 616700, 4387500; 616200,
4386300; 615500, 4385200; 616400, 4384800; 617300, 4386500; 618500,
4387700; 619500, 4387900; 620400, 4388400; 620700, 4388400; 620700,
4387200; 621300, 4387200; 621600, 4386500; 621400, 4385600; 620900,
4385500; 620600, 4384900; 620400, 4384800; 619600, 4385100; 618600,
4384500; 618500, 4382500; 619300, 4381300; 619500, 4381000; 619500,
4380500; 620800, 4378900; 620900, 4378400; 620300, 4377700; 618800,
4377000; 617800, 4376400; 617100, 4376200; 616900, 4376000; 617500,
4374800; 617500, 4374500; 617300, 4374200; returning to 614900,
4374100.
(8) Unit 5: Colusa and Glenn Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Logandale, Maxwell, Moulton
Weir, and Princeton, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 572900, 4357400; 571200, 4357400; 571200,
4358200; 570400, 4358200; 570400, 4359000; 569600, 4359000; 569500,
4360500; 569300, 4362200; 569500, 4363300; 569500, 4367200; 570000,
4367200; 569900, 4368400; 570300, 4368400; 571000, 4367600; 571000,
4367800; 570700, 4368500; 570900, 4368800; 571500, 4368800; 571900,
4368300; 571900, 4367600; 572100, 4367600; 572400, 4368100; 572400,
4368400; 572600, 4368900; 572800, 4368900; 573000, 4368100; 573400,
4368000; 573800, 4367600; 574100, 4367300; 574400, 4367200; 574500,
4366400; 574900, 4366400; 574900, 4365600; 574700, 4365500; 574400,
4364100; 575200, 4363900; 575600, 4363600; 575100, 4362400; 575600,
4361400; 575100, 4360700; 576000, 4359600; 575500, 4358900; 575700,
4358300; 575900, 4357700; 575300, 4357800; 575000, 4357700; 574700,
4357700; 573600, 4357800; 573500, 4358200; 572900, 4358200; returning
to 572900, 4357400.
(9) Unit 6: Colusa County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Colusa and Meridian,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 589300, 4335900; 587800, 4335900; 587600, 4336100; 587300, 4336400;
587100, 4336800; 586700, 4337700; 586400, 4337700; 586400, 4336800;
586300, 4336600; 586000, 4336600; 585600, 4337200; 585600, 4337500;
585600, 4338300; 586100, 4338400; 586800, 4338900; 587000, 4338900;
587200, 4338500; 587100, 4338400; 587600, 4337800; 587700, 4337800;
588800, 4336700; 588900, 4336700; 589100, 4336900; 589300, 4336900;
returning to 589300, 4335900.
(10) Unit 7: Yuba County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Browns Valley and Wheatland,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 636300, 4327700; 635600, 4327700; 635300, 4327800; 635300, 4328800;
634800, 4329000; 634800, 4329700; 634600, 4329900; 633800, 4329900;
633600, 4330100; 633500, 4330100; 632800, 4329700; 632700, 4328800;
631300, 4328800; 631300, 4329300; 631400, 4329300; 631400, 4330600;
632400, 4330700; 632800, 4330700; 633000, 4330900; 633000, 4331300;
633100, 4331500; 633500, 4331700; 633800, 4331500; 633800, 4332300;
631500, 4332200; 631500, 4333900; 632400, 4333900; 632400, 4335400;
633300, 4335800; 633700, 4336300; 634100, 4336400; 634900, 4336700;
635100, 4336600; 635200, 4336400; 635700, 4336400; 636000, 4336400;
636100, 4335900; 635900, 4335800; 636000, 4335200; 636500, 4335100;
637100, 4335300; 637400, 4334700; 637800, 4334700; 637700, 4333600;
638200, 4333400; 638200, 4332600; 637600, 4332600; 637600, 4331900;
636900, 4332100; 636700, 4332300; 636600, 4332500; 636100, 4334000;
636700, 4334300; 636600, 4334500; 636000, 4334200; 635400, 4336000;
634500, 4336000; 634500, 4335100; 634400, 4334700; 635100, 4332600;
636000, 4330500; 636400, 4330300; 636500, 4329300; 637100, 4328800;
636900, 4327900; returning to 636300, 4327700.
(11) Unit 8: Sacramento County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Buffalo Creek, Carmichael,
Elk Grove, Folsom SE, and Sloughhouse, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 650400, 4257200; 650200,
4257200; 650200, 4258300; 649600, 4258300; 649600, 4257400; 649400,
4257400; 649400, 4259000; 649100, 4259000; 649100, 4258500; 648500,
4258500; 648500, 4257400; 648200, 4257400; 648100, 4258300; 647700,
4258600; 647700, 4258900; 648000, 4259300; 647700, 4259600; 646800,
4259200; 646500, 4258800; 646500, 4258700; 645800, 4258700; 646100,
4259000; 646100, 4260000; 646400, 4260100; 646600, 4260400; 646100,
4260800; 645300, 4261200; 645000, 4260700; 644800, 4260700; 644400,
[[Page 59997]]
4261400; 644400, 4262400; 643800, 4262400; 643600, 4262800; 643200,
4262800; 643200, 4263300; 643500, 4263300; 643700, 4263200; 643700,
4263800; 645200, 4263800; 645200, 4262800; 644800, 4262700; 644800,
4262300; 645300, 4262300; 645300, 4261900; 645000, 4261700; 645300,
4261500; 645400, 4261700; 646000, 4262100; 645800, 4262400; 646000,
4262700; 646400, 4262600; 646700, 4262700; 646600, 4263900; 647400,
4263900; 647600, 4263700; 647800, 4264300; 648100, 4264300; 648300,
4264100; 648600, 4264400; 647400, 4265200; 647200, 4265200; 647000,
4264500; 645900, 4264600; 645300, 4265100; 645600, 4265500; 645800,
4265600; 646000, 4266200; 646300, 4266600; 646300, 4268100; 646600,
4268400; 646600, 4268700; 646700, 4268800; 646800, 4268800; 647100,
4268400; 647100, 4268200; 646900, 4268000; 646900, 4267500; 649100,
4268900; 649300, 4269000; 649600, 4269600; 649800, 4269600; 649800,
4268700; 650400, 4269000; 650800, 4268800; 650900, 4268900; 650800,
4269200; 650300, 4269700; 650100, 4269700; 650000, 4270100; 650300,
4270200; 650600, 4270000; 650700, 4270100; 650700, 4270300; 650900,
4270400; 651200, 4270800; 652200, 4269200; 652300, 4269400; 652500,
4269700; 652400, 4270100; 652200, 4271000; 652700, 4271000; 652700,
4270500; 653100, 4270500; 653400, 4270800; 653600, 4270800; 653800,
4270400; 654400, 4270800; 654800, 4270900; 655200, 4271100; 655500,
4271100; 655800, 4270900; 656000, 4270900; 657000, 4272200; 657400,
4272200; 657700, 4272500; 658200, 4273800; 658900, 4274000; 659200,
4273700; 659400, 4273400; 659400, 4273100; 659100, 4272900; 658700,
4272900; 658500, 4272500; 658800, 4272400; 659500, 4272400; 659500,
4271500; 660300, 4271500; 661100, 4271300; 661100, 4271800; 661500,
4272400; 661700, 4272400; 661900, 4272300; 661900, 4271700; 662200,
4272200; 662200, 4272600; 662400, 4272700; 662600, 4272700; 662900,
4272400; 663300, 4272400; 663400, 4272200; 663400, 4271900; 663100,
4271700; 662600, 4271200; 662300, 4270600; 661900, 4270700; 661900,
4271000; 661600, 4271000; 661400, 4270800; 661000, 4270800; 660700,
4270300; 660600, 4270000; 660100, 4269800; 660400, 4268700; 660800,
4267700; 661200, 4268100; 661400, 4268100; 661400, 4267400; 661800,
4267400; 662100, 4266900; 662000, 4266300; 661600, 4266400; 661200,
4267200; 660900, 4267200; 660800, 4266500; 660100, 4266000; 660600,
4265800; 660900, 4266100; 661200, 4265900; 661300, 4265500; 661300,
4264900; 661700, 4264800; 661700, 4264400; 661400, 4264100; 660600,
4264400; 660600, 4264700; 660800, 4264900; 660500, 4265300; 660100,
4265200; 660300, 4264600; 659800, 4264500; 659700, 4264000; 659300,
4263900; 659100, 4263700; 658800, 4263700; 658500, 4264200; 658500,
4264400; 658000, 4265500; 657600, 4265000; 657500, 4264300; 657900,
4263900; 657700, 4263600; 657200, 4263600; 657200, 4263100; 657600,
4263000; 657700, 4262900; 657700, 4262800; 657400, 4262700; 656700,
4262700; 656500, 4262500; 656300, 4262500; 656300, 4262000; 655900,
4261800; 655800, 4261200; 656100, 4260700; 655900, 4260300; 655200,
4260700; 654900, 4260400; 653500, 4261300; 653200, 4261000; 653100,
4262300; 652800, 4262300; 652800, 4261400; 652600, 4261300; 652300,
4261400; 651700, 4261800; 651600, 4262100; 650700, 4262100; 650700,
4261800; 651100, 4261700; 651200, 4261400; 651200, 4260600; 651000,
4260400; 650400, 4260400; 650400, 4259300; 651600, 4259300; 651500,
4260900; 652000, 4260900; 652100, 4260300; 653000, 4260400; 653200,
4260300; 653900, 4260400; 654700, 4259900; 654000, 4258600; 653700,
4258600; 653000, 4259300; 652200, 4259800; 652100, 4259600; 652800,
4259100; 652800, 4258600; 652400, 4258200; 652300, 4258100; 652000,
4258100; 651400, 4258400; 650700, 4257600; returning to 650400,
4257200.
(12) Unit 9: Amador, Sacramento, and San Joaquin counties,
California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Carbondale, Clay, Elk Grove,
Galt, Goose Creek, Irish Hill, and Sloughhouse, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 660400,
4236800; 660300, 4236800; 660100, 4237500; 659700, 4237700; 659700,
4238100; 660200, 4238400; 659700, 4238900; 659500, 4238900; 659300,
4238100; 659000, 4238300; 658800, 4238400; 658300, 4238400; 658200,
4238300; 657800, 4238300; 657100, 4239000; 657200, 4239400; 657400,
4239700; 658000, 4239900; 661500, 4239900; 661500, 4241900; 661900,
4242100; 661600, 4242400; 661000, 4242500; 660700, 4241900; 660400,
4241500; 659400, 4241500; 659400, 4241800; 659200, 4241800; 659200,
4241700; 659000, 4241600; 658700, 4241700; 658500, 4241700; 658500,
4240500; 657800, 4240400; 657000, 4240400; 657000, 4241300; 656500,
4241300; 655900, 4241600; 655100, 4241200; 654900, 4241900; 655800,
4242400; 655800, 4243100; 656200, 4243100; 656600, 4242600; 657100,
4242700; 658600, 4244000; 658600, 4244700; 659100, 4244800; 659100,
4245600; 659700, 4245600; 659800, 4245100; 659400, 4244900; 659700,
4244500; 660000, 4244500; 660100, 4243100; 661700, 4243100; 662600,
4243000; 663300, 4243300; 663000, 4243900; 662500, 4243900; 662700,
4244700; 663000, 4244900; 663100, 4245400; 664200, 4245600; 664500,
4245600; 664600, 4245200; 665000, 4245300; 664800, 4246100; 664600,
4246300; 663700, 4246500; 662500, 4246100; 662100, 4246400; 661700,
4246400; 661700, 4246800; 661900, 4247000; 661600, 4247300; 661100,
4247300; 660600, 4246900; 659900, 4246900; 659500, 4247300; 659500,
4248400; 658600, 4248400; 658600, 4246800; 658400, 4246600; 658400,
4246100; 658100, 4246000; 657400, 4246000; 657400, 4245000; 657000,
4244900; 656700, 4244800; 656400, 4245100; 656100, 4245200; 656100,
4246100; 654900, 4246600; 654900, 4245800; 655100, 4245200; 655100,
4244900; 654600, 4244900; 654600, 4244100; 654600, 4243400; 653900,
4243300; 653300, 4243500; 653400, 4244300; 652200, 4244500; 652000,
4244800; 652300, 4245200; 652800, 4245200; 653500, 4245300; 653600,
4245800; 653300, 4246000; 653300, 4247300; 653600, 4247300; 653700,
4247100; 654200, 4247100; 654600, 4247500; 654600, 4248600; 654800,
4248900; 654600, 4249100; 654500, 4249400; 653800, 4249400; 653800,
4248600; 653600, 4248400; 653300, 4248400; 653200, 4249400; 652600,
4249700; 652300, 4250100; 652300, 4251100; 652900, 4251100; 653100,
4251100; 653300, 4251200; 653100, 4251400; 653000, 4251800; 652700,
4252000; 652700, 4252300; 653100, 4252500; 653100, 4253400; 653800,
4253600; 654000, 4253200; 654100, 4253200; 654700, 4253500; 654600,
4253800; 654800, 4254000; 655400, 4253800; 655500, 4253600; 655600,
4253700; 656200, 4254000; 656400, 4253900; 657000, 4253700; 657300,
4254500; 657200, 4254900; 656700, 4255100; 656800, 4255400; 657000,
4255500; 657200, 4255500; 657400, 4255300; 657400, 4255100; 657800,
4255100; 657900, 4255800; 658100, 4255900; 658300, 4255800; 658400,
4255600; 658200, 4255300; 658200, 4255000; 658300, 4254700; 658200,
4254500; 657800, 4254500; 657800, 4254200; 658100, 4254000; 658900,
4253500; 659200, 4253600; 659900, 4254700; 660000, 4255100; 660200,
4255400; 660700, 4255400; 660800, 4256000; 660600, 4256200; 660300,
4256100; 660100, 4256000; 659500, 4256200;
[[Page 59998]]
659800, 4256900; 660400, 4256800; 660600, 4256700; 660700, 4256800;
660500, 4257100; 660700, 4257500; 660100, 4257800; 659600, 4257800;
659300, 4258100; 659500, 4258400; 659700, 4258500; 659500, 4258800;
659600, 4259100; 659500, 4259300; 659900, 4259900; 660100, 4260000;
660300, 4259900; 660500, 4259600; 660700, 4259500; 661200, 4259900;
661500, 4259900; 661600, 4259800; 661600, 4259300; 661900, 4259300;
662100, 4259600; 662400, 4259600; 662700, 4259100; 662900, 4258900;
663400, 4259100; 664000, 4259100; 664400, 4259000; 664800, 4258700;
665000, 4258500; 665400, 4258700; 665900, 4258800; 666500, 4258800;
666700, 4258600; 666600, 4258200; 666300, 4258000; 666100, 4257400;
666000, 4257300; 666000, 4257000; 666400, 4257000; 666500, 4257600;
666800, 4257600; 666900, 4257400; 666900, 4257100; 666700, 4256900;
666800, 4256700; 666700, 4256300; 666600, 4256100; 667200, 4256100;
667400, 4256300; 667600, 4256300; 667800, 4256100; 667900, 4256300;
668100, 4256300; 668400, 4255900; 668600, 4255900; 668800, 4256200;
669100, 4256400; 669400, 4256600; 669500, 4256800; 669200, 4257300;
669200, 4257900; 668800, 4258100; 668700, 4258600; 668500, 4258600;
668000, 4258700; 667900, 4258900; 668100, 4259200; 668500, 4259200;
668800, 4258900; 669700, 4259700; 670000, 4259800; 669700, 4260200;
669800, 4260400; 670000, 4260500; 670200, 4260400; 670700, 4260600;
671200, 4260500; 671500, 4260700; 671700, 4260700; 671800, 4260200;
671700, 4259800; 671400, 4259800; 671200, 4260200; 670900, 4259900;
671000, 4259600; 671000, 4259200; 670700, 4259000; 670700, 4258800;
670800, 4258600; 670600, 4258300; 669500, 4258000; 669700, 4257800;
670000, 4257400; 670100, 4257200; 670300, 4257200; 670400, 4257000;
670300, 4256600; 670400, 4256500; 671000, 4256800; 671500, 4256800;
671700, 4256900; 672000, 4256900; 672200, 4256600; 672200, 4256400;
673000, 4256700; 673400, 4256600; 673600, 4256500; 673700, 4256200;
673600, 4255800; 673400, 4255400; 673300, 4255100; 673800, 4255100;
674000, 4255000; 674200, 4254700; 674300, 4254400; 674700, 4254100;
674800, 4253800; 674700, 4253600; 674300, 4253300; 674600, 4252200;
674700, 4251800; 674600, 4251500; 674100, 4251300; 673700, 4251300;
674100, 4251000; 674200, 4250400; 674500, 4250000; 674400, 4249600;
674100, 4249500; 673700, 4249600; 673400, 4249700; 673100, 4249600;
672300, 4249800; 672000, 4250000; 671500, 4249700; 671200, 4249700;
670800, 4249300; 670800, 4249000; 671100, 4248800; 671100, 4248500;
670800, 4248200; 670400, 4248100; 670400, 4247700; 671200, 4247700;
671600, 4247900; 671900, 4247800; 672000, 4247600; 672500, 4247600;
672500, 4247200; 672000, 4246600; 671600, 4246600; 671800, 4246000;
671200, 4245300; 672200, 4245100; 672400, 4244600; 672600, 4244300;
672600, 4244100; 672000, 4243900; 671600, 4243700; 670900, 4243600;
671100, 4243200; 671700, 4243100; 671700, 4242700; 670700, 4242100;
669800, 4242100; 669300, 4241800; 668800, 4241800; 668600, 4241500;
668200, 4241700; 668000, 4242000; 667000, 4241300; 666800, 4240700;
666500, 4240100; 666200, 4239900; 664700, 4239800; 664600, 4239600;
664600, 4238900; 663900, 4238500; 663800, 4238500; 662800, 4237400;
662400, 4237500; 662000, 4237900; 661900, 4237900; 661800, 4237400;
661500, 4237200; 660900, 4237200; returning to 660400, 4236800.
(13) Unit 10: Yolo County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Davis and Saxon, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 615400,
4260700; 614500, 4260700; 614500, 4261500; 614200, 4261500; 614200,
4261800; 614000, 4261800; 614000, 4262400; 615400, 4262400; returning
to 615400, 4260700.
(14) Unit 11: Solano County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Birds Landing, Denverton,
Dozier, Elmira, Fairfield North Fairfield South, Liberty Island, and
Rio Vista, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 596500, 4224300; 596200, 4224400; 595700, 4224600;
595700, 4224800; 596000, 4225800; 596300, 4226800; 596200, 4227000;
596100, 4227600; 595800, 4227700; 595600, 4228300; 595400, 4228700;
595500, 4229200; 595500, 4229600; 595700, 4229900; 595700, 4230600;
594500, 4231200; 593800, 4231200; 593600, 4230500; 594200, 4230100;
594400, 4228900; 594400, 4228400; 594000, 4228200; 593400, 4227700;
592600, 4227700; 591400, 4226900; 590900, 4226800; 590300, 4227100;
589500, 4227200; 589000, 4227100; 587500, 4227700; 586800, 4228000;
586400, 4228800; 586000, 4229000; 585700, 4229300; 584900, 4229300;
584700, 4229500; 584600, 4230300; 584800, 4230700; 585200, 4230800;
585600, 4231400; 587400, 4231300; 587600, 4231500; 587800, 4231500;
589000, 4231200; 589100, 4231300; 589100, 4231700; 588600, 4231600;
588200, 4231800; 587800, 4231700; 587100, 4231900; 586600, 4232600;
586300, 4232600; 586000, 4232200; 585600, 4232200; 585000, 4232500;
584900, 4233000; 584500, 4233000; 584500, 4233400; 584000, 4233300;
584200, 4233700; 584500, 4233900; 584500, 4233800; 584600, 4233800;
584700, 4233700; 584700, 4233600; 584900, 4233600; 584900, 4233400;
585700, 4233300; 585700, 4233000; 586100, 4233000; 586200, 4233100;
586400, 4233100; 586500, 4233000; 586800, 4233000; 586900, 4233000;
587100, 4232900; 587100, 4232800; 587300, 4232700; 587600, 4232500;
588600, 4232500; 588600, 4232800; 588400, 4233000; 588600, 4233300;
588700, 4233500; 589300, 4233500; 590600, 4233500; 591200, 4232900;
592900, 4234300; 593900, 4235300; 594000, 4235100; 594200, 4235000;
594800, 4235400; 594500, 4235700; 596500, 4237600; 596300, 4237800;
594300, 4235900; 594000, 4236300; 594500, 4236700; 594100, 4237400;
593500, 4237400; 593500, 4238200; 592600, 4238200; 592600, 4237500;
591200, 4237800; 590100, 4237800; 590100, 4236600; 590400, 4236600;
590400, 4235900; 590700, 4235500; 590700, 4234200; 590500, 4234100;
589400, 4234000; 589000, 4234400; 588500, 4234400; 588500, 4236400;
588400, 4236400; 588400, 4236300; 588200, 4236200; 588000, 4236400;
587700, 4236500; 586900, 4236500; 586900, 4237200; 587000, 4237300;
586800, 4237300; 586800, 4238100; 586100, 4238700; 585600, 4238700;
585600, 4238800; 586100, 4239100; 586100, 4239200; 587800, 4239200;
588100, 4239600; 588300, 4239600; 588700, 4239800; 589200, 4240000;
589500, 4240600; 589500, 4240900; 589100, 4241400; 590100, 4241400;
590600, 4241400; 590800, 4241600; 591100, 4241600; 591100, 4241300;
591600, 4241300; 591600, 4242600; 591700, 4242900; 592200, 4242900;
592200, 4243100; 592400, 4243200; 592700, 4243200; 592700, 4243600;
592900, 4243600; 593300, 4243800; 593700, 4243000; 595000, 4243000;
595400, 4242100; 595400, 4241600; 598600, 4241600; 598600, 4242500;
599400, 4242500; 599200, 4244200; 599500, 4244500; 600400, 4244500;
600700, 4244300; 600700, 4244000; 603400, 4244000; 603500, 4244000;
603900, 4243300; 604000, 4243200; 604000, 4242600; 604700, 4241400;
605600, 4240800; 606200, 4240800; 606300, 4240600; 606300, 4239700;
606500, 4239600; 607100, 4239000; 607700, 4239000; 609300, 4239700;
609500, 4239700; 610300, 4239200; 610700, 4238900; 610700,
[[Page 59999]]
4236200; 610800, 4232600; 610900, 4232500; 610900, 4229500; 610500,
4228200; 611000, 4228000; 611900, 4228000; 612400, 4228400; 612800,
4228600; 613100, 4228600; 613400, 4228200; 612900, 4227800; 612500,
4227300; 611900, 4227100; 611000, 4227100; 610700, 4227400; 610100,
4227200; 609800, 4226500; 608100, 4226000; 602900, 4225600; 600600,
4225400; 599000, 4225300; 597600, 4226000; 597500, 4225900; 597500,
4225100; 597100, 4224900; 596700, 4224900; 596700, 4224400; returning
to 596500, 4224300.
(15) Unit 12: Solano County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Antioch North and Honker
Bay, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 600900, 4215500; 599300, 4215500; 598400, 4216900;
598316, 6875000; 4217900; 598400, 4217900; 598800, 4218100; 598800,
4218600; 599000, 4219000; 599200, 4219300; 599400, 4219500; 600600,
4216900; returning to 600900, 4215500.
(16) Unit 13: Stanislaus County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Knights Ferry, Oakdale,
Paulsell, and Waterford, California, land bounded by the following UTM
10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 702000, 4169700; 700400, 4169700; 700100,
4169800; 700100, 4170700; 699500, 4171100; 698500, 4171200; 698500,
4172000; 697800, 4172300; 697100, 4171200; 696000, 4171200; 694000,
4171200; 694000, 4172100; 694500, 4172100; 694500, 4174500; 696300,
4174500; 696300, 4175300; 697300, 4175300; 697300, 4176200; 697700,
4176200; 697700, 4179300; 696600, 4179300; 696400, 4180000; 695800,
4180000; 695500, 4179500; 695000, 4179300; 694400, 4179300; 694400,
4179800; 694800, 4180400; 694500, 4180800; 694500, 4181000; 694900,
4181400; 694500, 4181600; 694500, 4181900; 695100, 4182200; 696100,
4182200; 696200, 4181800; 695700, 4181600; 696300, 4180500; 697000,
4180100; 697400, 4180100; 697600, 4180400; 697600, 4182600; 700300,
4182600; 700300, 4183400; 699400, 4183400; 699400, 4184100; 700800,
4185100; 704100, 4186300; 705300, 4187700; 705700, 4187700; 706500,
4187700; 706200, 4186800; 705600, 4185900; 706800, 4184600; 705500,
4183800; 705000, 4183100; 704800, 4181800; 701800, 4181800; 701800,
4181500; 701500, 4181100; 702000, 4179500; 703200, 4179500; 702900,
4178300; 703400, 4177000; 703400, 4176200; 702000, 4176200; 702000,
4175100; 701600, 4175100; 701600, 4174200; 702100, 4173600; 701200,
4171800; 702000, 4171800; returning to 702000, 4169700.
(17) Unit 14: Alameda County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Milpitas and Niles,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 591200, 4148600; 590700, 4148600; 590300, 4149100; 589300, 4150400;
589700, 4150600; 590500, 4150200; 590600, 4150400; 590400, 4150500;
590500, 4150600; 590700, 4150500; 590900, 4150700; 590400, 4151200;
591100, 4151600; 591300, 4151600; 591400, 4151500; 591400, 4151400;
591300, 4151100; 591500, 4150900; 591600, 4150700; 591800, 4150700;
592000, 4150900; 592300, 4150600; 592300, 4150400; 592200, 4150000;
592100, 4149600; 592000, 4149500; 591600, 4149500; 591600, 4148800;
returning to 591200, 4148600.
(18) Unit 15: Madera, Mariposa, and Merced Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Haystack Mtn., Illinois
Hill, Indian Gulch, Le Grand, Merced, Merced Falls, Owens Reservoir,
Plainsburg, Planada, Raynor Creek, Snelling, Winton, and Yosemite Lake,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 751800, 4114900; 751600, 4115400; 752000, 4115800; 751900, 4116000;
751400, 4116100; 751100, 4116300; 751100, 4116700; 750700, 4116700;
749900, 4116500; 744700, 4116500; 744600, 4117600; 743600, 4117800;
743300, 4118600; 742800, 4118600; 742800, 4118900; 742300, 4119000;
742300, 4119800; 742900, 4119900; 743300, 4120600; 745500, 4120700;
745800, 4121600; 745400, 4121600; 745400, 4121800; 746100, 4121800;
746200, 4122200; 747500, 4122400; 747500, 4123900; 747000, 4124700;
746900, 4125100; 743600, 4125000; 743600, 4127000; 742700, 4127000;
742600, 4126600; 742300, 4126300; 741700, 4126300; 741200, 4126800;
741200, 4128600; 740400, 4128600; 740400, 4130300; 739000, 4130300;
739000, 4130600; 738400, 4131100; 737500, 4131200; 737800, 4131700;
737700, 4132600; 737700, 4132900; 737100, 4132900; 737100, 4133400;
738100, 4133600; 738300, 4133600; 738800, 4133500; 741000, 4133500;
741000, 4133900; 741900, 4133900; 741800, 4135800; 741028, 4135800;
741000, 4135800; thence north to x-coordinate 741000 on Bear Creek;
thence southwest along Bear Creek to y-coordinate 4133300; thence west
to 734700, 4133300; 734700, 4133700; 734100, 4133900; 733100, 4133900;
733100, 4134600; 732700, 4134600; 732600, 4135000; 732300, 4135500;
730300, 4135400; 729900, 4135700; 729900, 4136500; 726500, 4136500;
726400, 4136100; 725900, 4136100; 725900, 4135300; 725600, 4135100;
725500, 4135100; 725300, 4135500; 725100, 4135400; 725000, 4135400;
725000, 4135600; 724800, 4135700; 724600, 4135700; 724600, 4134700;
724200, 4134700; 724200, 4135500; 723400, 4135500; 723400, 4135600;
722800, 4135600; 722800, 4135000; 722600, 4135000; 722600, 4134700;
722500, 4134700; 722200, 4137900; 722800, 4137900; 722800, 4139300;
721900, 4139300; 721900, 4140200; 721000, 4140200; 721000, 4140900;
717800, 4140900; 717700, 4142400; 714500, 4142400; 714500, 4144900;
715500, 4144900; 715500, 4145700; 717000, 4145800; 718000, 4145400;
718200, 4145900; 718200, 4147600; 719700, 4148400; 720600, 4148600;
720600, 4149200; 719600, 4149200; 719600, 4149800; 720300, 4149800;
721300, 4150700; 721700, 4150700; 724400, 4153300; 725000, 4153500;
725500, 4154200; 725800, 4154800; 727200, 4155900; 727800, 4155900;
728500, 4155600; 730200, 4155600; 731600, 4155500; 732400, 4155400;
732600, 4155200; 733200, 4154700; 734100, 4154900; 734600, 4154800;
735600, 4156000; 735900, 4156000; 737100, 4155400; 737800, 4155000;
738200, 4154200; 738300, 4153300; 739000, 4152800; 739100, 4152200;
740200, 4151800; 740800, 4151500; 740800, 4150300; 741100, 4149900;
741700, 4149400; 742100, 4148500; 742100, 4147100; 743400, 4146100;
744000, 4145600; 744400, 4144600; 744300, 4143900; 743900, 4142700;
744000, 4142000; 744200, 4141700; 745500, 4140300; 746100, 4139500;
746800, 4138500; 747700, 4137700; 748500, 4135800; 748700, 4135100;
749500, 4134000; 750700, 4131700; 751600, 4130500; 752000, 4130200;
752800, 4130100; 753300, 4130400; 753500, 4130400; 753900, 4130200;
754000, 4129300; 753400, 4128400; 753900, 4127700; 754400, 4127700;
754600, 4127400; 755300, 4128400; 755400, 4128400; 755600, 4127700;
756900, 4126400; 757800, 4125800; 758400, 4126300; 758500, 4126300;
758600, 4126000; 757900, 4125100; 757400, 4125100; 757800, 4124400;
757800, 4124000; 758200, 4124000; 758500, 4123600; 758800, 4123600;
759000, 4123900; 759300, 4123900; 759700, 4123500; 759700, 4123400;
759200, 4122900; 760300, 4121300; 761000, 4121000; 761300, 4120300;
762100, 4119500; thence south to x-coordinate 762100 on the Chowchilla
River; thence southwest along the
[[Page 60000]]
Chowchilla River to Ash Slough; thence southwest along Ash Slough to y-
coordinate 4114900; thence west to the point of beginning at 751800,
4114900.
(19) Unit 16: Merced County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Arena, Atwater, El Nido,
Gustine, Ingomar, Los Banos, Plainsburg, San Luis Ranch, Sandy Mush,
Stevinson, and Turner Ranch, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 697300, 4104500; 696100, 4104500;
695700, 4105000; 695700, 4106600; 694700, 4107900; 693500, 4107900;
693700, 4109100; 692900, 4109100; 692900, 4109800; 693100, 4110200;
693800, 4110200; 693800, 4111800; 692500, 4111800; 692400, 4110600;
691800, 4110600; 691600, 4110200; 690800, 4110300; 690000, 4110300;
690000, 4111400; 689700, 4111800; 689200, 4111800; 689200, 4111300;
688400, 4111300; 688400, 4112100; 686700, 4112100; 686500, 4112900;
686500, 4113700; 686000, 4113700; 686000, 4116100; 684500, 4116100;
684400, 4114200; 682200, 4114200; 682100, 4113000; 681100, 4113000;
681100, 4111800; 680600, 4111700; 679600, 4110900; 678800, 4110900;
678200, 4111800; 678300, 4113600; 677900, 4114400; 679400, 4114400;
679400, 4115200; 680000, 4115200; 680300, 4116000; 681800, 4116100;
682800, 4116600; 683600, 4116500; 683600, 4117100; 681200, 4117100;
681000, 4124500; 680800, 4124900; 679800, 4124900; 679800, 4125700;
680700, 4125700; 680600, 4126400; 680300, 4126700; 680300, 4127200;
678900, 4127800; 679000, 4129000; 679300, 4129200; 680100, 4129400;
679700, 4130700; 679400, 4130200; 678600, 4130200; 678000, 4131200;
678500, 4132100; 678800, 4132400; 679000, 4131800; 679200, 4131800;
680200, 4132200; 680700, 4131700; 681600, 4132800; 681200, 4133100;
681200, 4133600; 681600, 4134100; 681700, 4134200; 681900, 4134200;
682300, 4134000; 682700, 4133800; 683400, 4133100; 683600, 4132600;
683600, 4132300; 683100, 4131800; 683100, 4131500; 683400, 4131500;
684300, 4130400; 684700, 4130000; 685500, 4130700; 686000, 4130700;
686200, 4130900; 686400, 4130900; 688800, 4131400; 690300, 4131400;
690500, 4130600; 691600, 4130600; 691600, 4130000; 692900, 4130000;
692800, 4131700; 692400, 4131800; 692400, 4133500; 693000, 4133000;
694400, 4133100; 694400, 4132000; 693700, 4132000; 693700, 4129800;
695200, 4129800; 695200, 4130300; 695700, 4130300; 695900, 4130000;
696100, 4129500; 696100, 4129100; 696900, 4129100; 696900, 4130200;
697200, 4130200; 698300, 4128600; 698600, 4128200; 700100, 4127600;
700500, 4129200; 700500, 4130600; 701700, 4130600; 701800, 4129200;
703300, 4129200; 703300, 4128800; 703900, 4128800; 703900, 4129000;
704200, 4129000; 705600, 4128500; 705600, 4127800; 705300, 4127000;
705400, 4126200; 705900, 4125700; 706800, 4125400; 707200, 4125400;
707900, 4126100; 708300, 4126100; 708300, 4125400; 709100, 4125400;
709900, 4125700; 709900, 4126000; 710200, 4126200; 711500, 4126200;
711500, 4124600; 708000, 4124500; 706700, 4124500; 706700, 4122100;
711500, 4122200; 711500, 4121700; 712100, 4121400; 715600, 4121500;
715600, 4121100; 715300, 4121100; 714800, 4120600; 714800, 4119900;
716400, 4119900; 716400, 4119300; 715600, 4119300; 715600, 4118200;
718900, 4118300; 718900, 4118900; 718100, 4118900; 717700, 4119100;
717700, 4119900; 718100, 4119900; 718100, 4120800; 717000, 4120800;
717000, 4121600; 719300, 4121600; 719600, 4121700; 719600, 4123200;
718000, 4123200; 718000, 4124000; 722200, 4124000; 722200, 4123300;
721500, 4123300; 721500, 4122500; 722900, 4122500; 722900, 4121600;
722900, 4121200; 721300, 4121200; 721300, 4120300; 722900, 4120300;
722900, 4118500; 726100, 4118600; 726100, 4120100; 726900, 4120400;
728500, 4120400; 728500, 4121400; 730700, 4121800; 730900, 4122700;
731700, 4122700; 731700, 4123100; 732500, 4123100; 732600, 4121400;
735000, 4121100; 735300, 4120300; 733400, 4120300; 733400, 4118700;
731700, 4118700; 731700, 4117000; 730400, 4117000; 730400, 4118600;
727700, 4118600; 727500, 4118400; 727500, 4116900; 726800, 4116900;
726800, 4115300; 725900, 4115300; 725900, 4116900; 724300, 4116900;
724300, 4117600; 722600, 4117500; 722600, 4117600; 721800, 4117600;
721800, 4118400; 720200, 4118400; 720200, 4117600; 719400, 4117600;
719500, 4115900; 714600, 4115800; 714600, 4115000; 712200, 4115000;
711600, 4115500; 710600, 4116000; 709600, 4116500; 707300, 4116500;
707300, 4118100; 705000, 4118100; 704500, 4119600; 699400, 4119500;
699300, 4118700; 698800, 4118700; 698500, 4118500; 698200, 4117700;
697600, 4117700; 697800, 4116500; 693700, 4116200; 694200, 4115100;
694400, 4114600; 694800, 4114600; 695000, 4115100; 695800, 4115100;
696300, 4114300; 697600, 4114200; 697900, 4113900; 697900, 4113100;
698900, 4112500; 698800, 4109800; 695700, 4109800; 695700, 4109000;
697300, 4109000; 697300, 4108100; 696400, 4108100; 696400, 4107300;
696700, 4106600; 697600, 4106600; 698200, 4105800; 698200, 4105300;
returning to 697300, 4104500.
(20) Unit 17: Fresno County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Academy and Millerton Lake
East, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 267300, 4097300; 266900, 4097300; 267000, 4097600;
267800, 4098300; 268100, 4098700; 268100, 4098900; 268000, 4099100;
267400, 4099800; 267400, 4100300; 267700, 4100800; 268100, 4101400;
268600, 4101400; 269100, 4101100; 269600, 4101100; 269800, 4101300;
269900, 4101500; 269600, 4102200; 269200, 4102400; 268600, 4102800;
268700, 4103800; 269100, 4103800; 269600, 4103100; 270200, 4103500;
270300, 4103500; 270900, 4102500; 270500, 4102400; 270300, 4102200;
270300, 4101900; 270500, 4101500; 270600, 4101100; 270500, 4101000;
270200, 4100700; 269400, 4100500; 268300, 4100500; 268100, 4100300;
268100, 4100100; 268400, 4099800; 268600, 4099500; 268700, 4099200;
268700, 4098900; 268600, 4098300; 268500, 4098100; 268400, 4097800;
268100, 4097600; 267800, 4097400; returning to 267300, 4097300.
(21) Subunit 18A: Kings and Tulare Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Burris Park, Monson, Remnoy,
and Traver, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 274700, 4028100; 274700, 4029800; 275600, 4029800;
276100, 4030400; 276400, 4030600; 276800, 4031400; 277500, 4031500;
278200, 4031900; 279500, 4031800; 279000, 4032900; 280500, 4032900;
281400, 4033300; 281800, 4033200; 283000, 4034300; 283800, 4034400;
284700, 4035200; 286800, 4035100; 288500, 4035100; 288500, 4035600;
287700, 4035700; 287700, 4036700; 289300, 4036700; 289400, 4037400;
291100, 4037400; 291100, 4037200; 291800, 4037200; 291900, 4036800;
291900, 4035600; 292700, 4035800; 292700, 4036500; 293500, 4036400;
293500, 4036000; 294300, 4036000; 294300, 4035600; 293500, 4035600;
293400, 4034000; 292600, 4034000; 292600, 4035400; 291900, 4035400;
291700, 4035400; 291700, 4035600; 290500, 4035700; 290500, 4036100;
289800, 4036100; 289800, 4035700; 289400, 4035700; 289400, 4034500;
288500, 4034500; 288500, 4034200; 287700, 4034200; 287700, 4034500;
287000, 4034600; 287000, 4034300;
[[Page 60001]]
285000, 4034400; 285000, 4033800; 283100, 4033800; 283100, 4033100;
282600, 4033100; 282600, 4032600; 282200, 4032600; 282100, 4031800;
282100, 4031100; 280100, 4031100; 280100, 4030800; 279000, 4030600;
278700, 4030500; 278500, 4030100; 278100, 4030000; 276400, 4030100;
275700, 4029600; 275500, 4029200; 275300, 4028600; 275000, 4028300;
returning to 274700, 4028100.
(22) Subunit 18B: Tulare County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Monson, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 297500,
4035500; 296700, 4035500; 296700, 4036300; 297500, 4036300; returning
to 297500, 4035500.
(23) Subunit 18C: Tulare County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Ivanhoe, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 299200,
4038200; 298500, 4038200; 298400, 4038200; 298400, 4038700; 298400,
4039500; 298500, 4039800; 298900, 4039900; 298900, 4041500; 300900,
4041500; 300900, 4040100; 300300, 4040100; 300300, 4039400; 299200,
4039400; returning to 299200, 4038200.
(24) Map follows of all critical habitat units for vernal pool
tadpool shrimp (Lepidurus packardi).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60002]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.005
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
5. In Sec. 17.96 add critical habitat for Castilleja campestris
ssp. succulenta (succulent (or fleshy) owl's-clover), Chamaesyce
hooveri (Hoover's spurge), Lasthenia conjugens (Contra Costa
goldfields), Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica (Butte County
meadowfoam), Neostapfia colusana (Colusa grass), Orcuttia inaequalis
(San Joaquin Valley
[[Page 60003]]
Orcutt grass), Orcuttia pilosa (hairy Orcutt grass), Orcuttia tenuis
(slender Orcutt grass), Orcuttia viscida (Sacramento Orcutt grass),
Tuctoria greenei (Greene's tuctoria), and Tuctoria mucronata (Solano
grass) under paragraph (a) by adding entries for these species in
alphabetical order by family under Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae,
Limnanthaceae, Poaceae, and Scrophulariaceae, (respectively) to read as
follows:
Sec. 17.96 Critical habitat--plants.
(a) Flowering Plants
* * * * *
Family Asteraceae: Lasthenia conjugens (Contra Costa Goldfields).
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Mendocino, Napa,
Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara and Monterey counties,
California, on the map below.
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Lasthenia conjugens are the habitat components that provide:
(i) Vernal pools, swales, moist flats, and other ephemeral wetlands
and depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Lasthenia conjugens
germination, growth and reproduction, including, but not limited to,
vernal pools on clay soils from a variety of soils series, rock outcrop
pools on basalt flows, and vernal pools in saline alkaline transition
zones with tidal marsh habitats. All of these habitats typically become
inundated during winter rains, but are dry during the summer and do not
necessarily fill with water every year; and;
(ii) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Lasthenia conjugens germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Critical habitat does not include existing man-made features
and structures, such as buildings, roads, aqueducts, railroads, airport
runways and buildings, other paved areas, lawns, and other urban
landscaped areas not containing one or more of the primary constituent
elements.
(4) Unit 1: Mendocino County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Point Arena, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 441000,
4310900; 440700, 4310900; 440500, 4311100; 440200, 4311100; 440000,
4311300; 439500, 4311000; 438900, 4311000; 438500, 4311400; 438500,
4311800; 438500, 4312500; 438500, 4312700; 438700, 4313000; 439000,
4313100; 439100, 4313500; 439300, 4313900; 439500, 4314000; 439800,
4313900; 440100, 4314000; 441000, 4314000; 441200, 4314200; 441300,
4314200; 441600, 4313700; 441700, 4313500; 442200, 4313400; 442500,
4313300; 442900, 4312800; 443200, 4312300; 443300, 4312000; 443300,
4311800; 442500, 4311800; 442400, 4312000; 442200, 4312000; 441300,
4311000; returning to 441000, 4310900.
(5) Unit 2: Napa County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Capell Valley and
Yountville, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 567300, 4248100; 567200, 4248300; 567000, 4249800;
566700, 4250000; 566400, 4250300; 566100, 4250400; 566000, 4250500;
565500, 4250500; 565100, 4250500; 565100, 4250800; 565400, 4251200;
566000, 4251800; 566600, 4251600; 566800, 4250900; 567300, 4250500;
568100, 4250500; 568300, 4250100; 568100, 4250000; 568400, 4249400;
568500, 4249300; 568300, 4249100; 567800, 4249000; 567500, 4248900;
567400, 4248600; returning to 567300, 4248100.
(6) Unit 3: Napa County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cuttings Wharf and Napa,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 564800, 4232000; 564500, 4232300; 564200, 4232600; 563800, 4233000;
563800, 4233600; 563800, 4235100; 563700, 4235200; 563900, 4235300;
564200, 4235400; 564400, 4235300; 564500, 4235100; 564800, 4235000;
564800, 4233300; returning to 564800, 4232000.
(7) Unit 4: Solano County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Denverton, Elmira, Fairfield
North, and Fairfield South, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 593600, 4230500; 589300, 4230700;
589000, 4231200; 589100, 4231300; 589100, 4231700; 588600, 4231600;
588200, 4231800; 587800, 4231700; 587100, 4231900; 587000, 4232000;
587000, 4232900; 587100, 4232900; 587100, 4232800; 587300, 4232700;
587600, 4232500; 588600, 4232500; 588600, 4232800; 588400, 4233000;
588600, 4233300; 588700, 4233500; 589300, 4233500; 589400, 4233600;
589400, 4234000; 589000, 4234400; 588500, 4234400; 588500, 4236400;
588400, 4236400; 588400, 4236300; 588200, 4236200; 588000, 4236400;
587700, 4236500; 586900, 4236500; 586900, 4237200; 587000, 4237300;
586800, 4237300; 586800, 4238100; 586100, 4238700; 585600, 4238700;
585600, 4238800; 586100, 4239100; 586100, 4239200; 587800, 4239200;
588100, 4239600; 588300, 4239600; 588700, 4239800; 589200, 4240000;
589500, 4240600; 589500, 4240900; 589100, 4241400; 590100, 4241400;
590600, 4241400; 590800, 4241600; 591100, 4241600; 591100, 4241300;
591600, 4241300; 591600, 4242600; 591700, 4242900; 592200, 4242900;
592200, 4243100; 592400, 4243200; 592700, 4243200; 592700, 4243600;
592900, 4243600; 593200, 4243600; 593400, 4242700; 593400, 4240100;
594000, 4240100; 594300, 4239900; 594300, 4238400; 595000, 4238400;
595300, 4238100; 595400, 4237400; 596000, 4236600; 596000, 4236300;
595600, 4235500; 595100, 4234900; 595600, 4233800; 595500, 4232900;
596100, 4232100; 596600, 4231900; 596600, 4231300; 595700, 4230600;
594500, 4231200; 593800, 4231200; returning to 593600, 4230500.
(8) Subunit 5A: Solano County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Fairfield South, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 577900,
4229100; 577300, 4229400; 577200, 4229800; 577400, 4230000; 577600,
4229800; 577600, 4229700; 577700, 4229600; 578100, 4229800; 578100,
4229700; returning to 577900, 4229100.
(9) Subunit 5B: Solano County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Fairfield South, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 581900,
4230400; 581700, 4230400; 581700, 4231100; 581800, 4231100; 581800,
4231600; 581300, 4231600; 581300, 4232500; 581100, 4232700; 581100,
4232900; 581900, 4232900; 582100, 4233000; 582300, 4233100; 582800,
4233100; 583100, 4233300; 583800, 4233300; 583700, 4232900; 583100,
4231900; 582700, 4231800; 582400, 4231500; 582300, 4230700; 582000,
4230700; returning to 581900, 4230400.
(10) Unit 6: Contra Costa County, California
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Benicia and Mare Island,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 569200, 4206400; 569000,
[[Page 60004]]
4206400; 567500, 4207100; 567200, 4207100; 566600, 4207700; 566400,
4207500; 565900, 4207400; 565700, 4207700; 566500, 4208600; 567000,
4208600; 567500, 4207800; 567900, 4207400; 568200, 4207200; 568500,
4207100; 568900, 4207000; 569200, 4206600; returning to 569200,
4206400.
(11) Unit 7: Contra Costa County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Byron Hot Springs and
Clifton Court Forebay, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 620500, 4185200; 620200, 4185300; 620200,
4185500; 620000, 4185900; 620000, 4186100; 620500, 4186100; 620700,
4186200; 620700, 4186600; 620200, 4186800; 620100, 4186900; 620000,
4186800; 619900, 4186600; 619900, 4186400; 619800, 4186300; 619600,
4186400; 619500, 4186300; 619600, 4186100; 619600, 4185700; 619400,
4185700; 618200, 4186600; 618100, 4187100; 617700, 4187400; 617800,
4187900; 618400, 4187900; 618400, 4187500; 619000, 4186900; 619400,
4186700; 619500, 4186900; 619500, 4189200; 619300, 4189400; 619400,
4189600; 619000, 4189700; 618700, 4189400; 618500, 4189000; 617800,
4188900; 617700, 4188800; 617400, 4189000; 617400, 4189200; 618200,
4189500; 618100, 4189800; 618200, 4190100; 618700, 4190300; 618700,
4190700; 619000, 4191000; 619300, 4191100; 619600, 4191100; 619800,
4190700; 619900, 4190700; 620100, 4190900; 620400, 4190900; 620500,
4191300; 621800, 4191300; 622200, 4190700; 622300, 4190400; 621200,
4190400; 621200, 4188700; 620900, 4188700; 620600, 4188400; 620400,
4188600; 620400, 4188100; 620500, 4187900; 620600, 4187800; 620700,
4187700; 620900, 4187700; 621100, 4187500; 620500, 4187100; 620500,
4186900; 621300, 4187300; 621700, 4187100; 621800, 4186900; 621600,
4186200; 621600, 4186000; 621800, 4185900; 621900, 4186100; 621800,
4186500; 621900, 4186600; 622100, 4186600; 622200, 4186400; 622300,
4186200; 622500, 4186000; 622700, 4185700; 622300, 4185300; 621200,
4185300; 621200, 4185700; 621300, 4186000; 621100, 4186100; 620500,
4185900; 620600, 4185400; returning to 620500, 4185200.
(12) Unit 8: Alameda County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Milpitas and Niles,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 591200, 4148600; 590700, 4148600; 590300, 4149100; 589300, 4150400;
589700, 4150600; 590500, 4150200; 590600, 4150400; 590400, 4150500;
590500, 4150600; 590700, 4150500; 590900, 4150700; 590400, 4151200;
591100, 4151600; 591300, 4151600; 591400, 4151500; 591400, 4151400;
591300, 4151100; 591500, 4150900; 591600, 4150700; 591800, 4150700;
592000, 4150900; 592300, 4150600; 592300, 4150400; 592200, 4150000;
592100, 4149600; 592000, 4149500; 591600, 4149500; 591600, 4148800;
returning to 591200, 4148600.
(13) Unit 9: Monterey County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Marina, Salinas, Seaside,
and Spreckels, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 608100, 4048800; 607700, 4048800; 607200, 4048900;
606700, 4049100; 606500, 4049200; 606400, 4049200; 606400, 4049300;
606300, 4049500; 606100, 4049800; 606000, 4049900; 605600, 4050300;
605500, 4050500; 605400, 4050800; 605400, 4051200; 605700, 4052100;
606000, 4052700; 606000, 4052800; 606900, 4053300; 607200, 4053200;
607900, 4053100; 608100, 4053100; 608400, 4053000; 609100, 4053000;
609300, 4053200; 609500, 4053500; 609600, 4053700; 609700, 4053900;
609700, 4054100; 609800, 4054300; 609900, 4054600; 609900, 4054900;
610200, 4055500; 610200, 4056300; 610400, 4056500; 610600, 4056600;
610700, 4056700; 610900, 4056800; 611100, 4056700; 611200, 4056700;
612200, 4056600; 612700, 4056600; 612800, 4056700; 612900, 4056600;
613000, 4056600; 613100, 4056500; 613100, 4056400; 613200, 4056200;
613100, 4056000; 613100, 4055500; 613000, 4055200; 613000, 4055000;
612900, 4054900; 612600, 4054300; 612300, 4053700; 612300, 4052900;
612200, 4052800; 612100, 4052500; 612100, 4052200; 612200, 4052000;
612300, 4051700; 612200, 4051500; 612000, 4051300; 611900, 4051100;
611700, 4050800; 611600, 4050100; 611300, 4050000; 611200, 4049900;
611000, 4049700; 610800, 4049600; 610500, 4049700; 610000, 4049700;
609900, 4049600; 609900, 4049400; 609800, 4049300; 608600, 4049000;
608400, 4049000; 608200, 4048900; returning to 608100, 4048800.
(14) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Lasthenia
conjugens (Contra Costa goldfields).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60005]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.006
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
* * * * *
Family Euphorbiaceae: Chamaesyce hooveri (Hoover's Spurge).
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Tehama, Butte, Glenn,
Colusa, Stanislaus, Merced, Tulare and Tuolumne counties, California,
on the map below.
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Chamaesyce
[[Page 60006]]
hooveri are the habitat components that provide:
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Chamaesyce hooveri
germination, growth and reproduction, including but not limited to
vernal pools formed on neutral to saline-alkaline soils over lime-
silica cemented hardpan or claypan, or on acidic soils over iron-silica
cemented hardpan, that typically become inundated during winter rains,
but are dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill with water
every year; and
(ii) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Chamaesyce hooveri germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Critical habitat does not include existing man-made features
and structures, such as buildings, roads, aqueduct, railroads, airport
runways and buildings, other paved areas, lawns, and other urban
landscaped areas not containing one or more of the primary constituent
elements.
(4) Unit 1: Tehama and Butte counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Acorn Hollow, Foster Island,
Los Molinos, Nord, Richardson Springs NW, and Vina, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 583100,
4413100; 582900, 4413400; 582900, 4415900; 582000, 4418300; 581800,
4419200; 582000, 4419500; 581400, 4420000; 581400, 4420400; 581800,
4420700; 581600, 4421000; 583200, 4422600; 583500, 4423600; 585200,
4424500; 584900, 4424900; 582900, 4424300; 581300, 4422800; 581000,
4422600; 580500, 4422800; 579800, 4424400; 579500, 4425400; 580300,
4426100; 581700, 4427000; 583400, 4427100; 584000, 4427200; 585000,
4428300; 586700, 4429000; 588800, 4430200; 589500, 4429500; 589500,
4428600; 589500, 4428000; 589800, 4427100; 590500, 4426400; 590500,
4425300; 591200, 4424400; 591500, 4423300; 591600, 4422100; 590900,
4420900; 590700, 4419800; 588000, 4417000; 587500, 4416400; 587200,
4415500; 587200, 4414000; 586400, 4413800; 586200, 4413600; 586200,
4413400; 584200, 4413400; returning to 583100, 4413100.
(5) Unit 2: Butte County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Hamlin Canyon, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 611100,
4387700; 610400, 4388500; 610300, 4388800; 609200, 4389800; 609100,
4390100; 610200, 4391100; 610300, 4391400; 611100, 4391400; 611500,
4391300; 612500, 4390200; 613300, 4389600; 613300, 4388900; 613200,
4388400; 612800, 4388000; 612100, 4387900; 611500, 4387900; returning
to 611100, 4387700.
(6) Unit 3: Glenn and Colusa counties, California.
(i). From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Logandale, Maxwell, Moulton
Weir, and Princeton, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 572900, 4357400; 571200, 4357400; 571200,
4358200; 570400, 4358200; 570400, 4359000; 569600, 4359000; 569500,
4360500; 569300, 4362200; 569500, 4363300; 569500, 4367200; 570000,
4367200; 569900, 4368400; 570300, 4368400; 571000, 4367600; 571000,
4367800; 570700, 4368500; 570900, 4368800; 571500, 4368800; 571900,
4368300; 571900, 4367600; 572100, 4367600; 572400, 4368100; 572400,
4368400; 572600, 4368900; 572800, 4368900; 573000, 4368100; 573400,
4368000; 573800, 4367600; 574100, 4367300; 574400, 4367200; 574500,
4366400; 574900, 4366400; 574900, 4365600; 574700, 4365500; 574400,
4364100; 575200, 4363900; 575600, 4363600; 575100, 4362400; 575600,
4361400; 575100, 4360700; 576000, 4359600; 575500, 4358900; 575700,
4358300; 575900, 4357700; 575300, 4357800; 575000, 4357700; 574700,
4357700; 573600, 4357800; 573500, 4358200; 572900, 4358200; returning
to 572900, 4357400.
(7) Unit 4: Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cooperstown, Keystone,
Knights Ferry, La Grange, and Paulsell, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 718900, 4168000; 718700,
4168000; 717900, 4168500; 715500, 4168200; 715400, 4168300; 712500,
4168900; 710900, 4168400; 710350.6875000 4168525; 710500, 4169100;
709300, 4169100; 709100, 4169500; 709100, 4169700; 708900, 4169700;
708800, 4169900; 708700, 4169900; 708600, 4169800; 708500, 4169900;
708400, 4170000; 708700, 4170200; 708800, 4170300; 708900, 4170400;
709100, 4170500; 709200, 4170600; 709400, 4170600; 709400, 4170800;
709300, 4170800; 709200, 4170900; 709100, 4170800; 708800, 4170700;
708800, 4170600; 708500, 4170500; 708400, 4170300; 708100, 4170200;
707900, 4170200; 707900, 4170300; 708100, 4170500; 708200, 4170500;
708200, 4170600; 708000, 4170600; 708200, 4170800; 708200, 4170900;
708100, 4170900; 707900, 4170700; 707700, 4170700; 707700, 4170800;
707600, 4170900; 707400, 4170900; 707100, 4171100; 707100, 4171200;
707200, 4171300; 707300, 4171200; 707500, 4171300; 707800, 4171600;
707900, 4171600; 708100, 4171600; 708200, 4171700; 708100, 4171800;
708100, 4171900; 708300, 4171900; 708300, 4172100; 708400, 4172100;
708500, 4172200; 708500, 4172300; 708700, 4172400; 708800, 4172500;
708800, 4172600; 708700, 4172700; 708500, 4172700; 708400, 4172800;
708300, 4172700; 708200, 4172700; 708100, 4172600; 708000, 4172500;
707900, 4172500; 707800, 4172700; 707600, 4172600; 707400, 4172500;
707400, 4172600; 707200, 4172700; 707100, 4172300; 707000, 4172200;
706700, 4172200; 706700, 4172300; 706500, 4172300; 706400, 4172300;
706400, 4172400; 706200, 4172600; 706300, 4172700; 706400, 4172800;
706300, 4172800; 706200, 4172800; 706100, 4172900; 705900, 4173100;
705800, 4173300; 705800, 4173500; 706000, 4173800; 705900, 4173900;
705800, 4174100; 705700, 4174200; 705500, 4174200; 705400, 4174100;
705400, 4173700; 705300, 4173500; 705200, 4173200; 705100, 4174700;
705400, 4175400; 705000, 4175900; 705300, 4176300; 705700, 4176700;
705700, 4177000; 705700, 4177700; 705200, 4177900; 705000, 4178100;
705400, 4178900; 706200, 4178400; 706600, 4177600; 707200, 4177300;
707300, 4176800; 706800, 4176200; 706900, 4175800; 707600, 4175800;
708000, 4176500; 708500, 4176400; 709800, 4176600; 710200, 4176200;
710700, 4176600; 711200, 4176900; 711500, 4177100; 711600, 4178100;
711700, 4178700; 710600, 4178800; 710300, 4179200; 709900, 4179500;
709500, 4179600; 709100, 4180800; 709200, 4182200; 709700, 4182700;
710300, 4182900; 711400, 4182100; 712400, 4182100; 713200, 4182000;
714100, 4182600; 714700, 4182000; 715200, 4181600; 715600, 4180900;
715400, 4180400; 716600, 4180400; 716900, 4179900; 717700, 4180100;
718500, 4180000; 718700, 4179200; 719300, 4178700; 719700, 4177600;
720300, 4177700; 720700, 4177700; 720800, 4176400; 721400,
[[Page 60007]]
4175900; 722200, 4175300; 722700, 4175200; 722800, 4173600; 723000,
4173500; 723200, 4173600; 723700, 4173600; 724000, 4173300; 724100,
4172300; 722800, 4172200; 721700, 4171200; 721400, 4169900; 720500,
4168700; returning to 718900, 4168000.
(8) Unit 5: Stanislaus and Merced counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cooperstown, La Grange,
Merced Falls, Montpelier, Paulsell, Snelling, and Turlock Lake,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 715900, 4154900; 715400, 4155600; 715300, 4156600; 715100, 4156600;
715000, 4156200; 714800, 4156100; 714800, 4155800; 714700, 4155600;
714200, 4155600; 714000, 4155400; 713800, 4155400; 712600, 4155200;
712600, 4157100; 711200, 4157100; 711100, 4161900; 706300, 4161800;
706100, 4165000; 703000, 4165100; 702500, 4165200; 702500, 4165900;
702600, 4166600; 703700, 4167200; 704600, 4168200; 704900, 4168200;
705300, 4167800; 705900, 4167800; 707000, 4167500; 707700, 4167600;
708100, 4167300; 709400, 4167300; 709600, 4167300; 710200, 4166800;
711000, 4167600; 711600, 4167800; 712600, 4167800; 713200, 4167600;
713200, 4167200; 712900, 4167200; 712600, 4166900; 711800, 4167000;
711600, 4166800; 711600, 4166600; 711800, 4166500; 711800, 4166600;
711900, 4166600; 712000, 4166300; 712100, 4166500; 712200, 4166500;
712300, 4166400; 712500, 4166400; 712500, 4166200; 712700, 4166200;
712700, 4166300; 712800, 4166300; 713000, 4166100; 712800, 4166000;
712700, 4165800; 712500, 4165800; 712500, 4165600; 712700, 4165600;
712600, 4165400; 712400, 4165500; 712300, 4165400; 712500, 4165300;
712500, 4165200; 712400, 4165100; 712600, 4165100; 712600, 4165000;
712600, 4164900; 712700, 4164800; 712600, 4164700; 712500, 4164800;
712400, 4164800; 712400, 4164300; 712800, 4164500; 713100, 4164300;
713200, 4164100; 712900, 4163800; 712900, 4163700; 713100, 4163800;
713500, 4164000; 713600, 4164000; 713600, 4164100; 713700, 4164300;
714200, 4164300; 714400, 4164500; 714500, 4164800; 714600, 4164800;
714800, 4164700; 714800, 4164200; 714400, 4164000; 714400, 4163600;
714500, 4163500; 715200, 4164000; 715300, 4164200; 715400, 4164200;
715300, 4163900; 715100, 4163700; 715000, 4163500; 714800, 4163300;
714900, 4163200; 715000, 4163200; 715700, 4163200; 715900, 4163100;
716000, 4162900; 716100, 4162800; 716200, 4162800; 716300, 4162900;
716400, 4163000; 716500, 4163100; 716600, 4163200; 716600, 4163500;
716500, 4163600; 716500, 4163800; 716600, 4164100; 716800, 4164500;
716700, 4164900; 716800, 4165300; 717200, 4165800; 717200, 4166100;
717000, 4166400; 716600, 4166400; 716400, 4166300; 716400, 4167000;
716600, 4167200; 716600, 4167300; 717000, 4167400; 717500, 4167400;
718100, 4167300; 718500, 4167100; 718600, 4166600; 718700, 4166400;
719100, 4166700; 719300, 4166800; 719800, 4166800; 719500, 4167400;
719500, 4167600; 719700, 4167800; 720500, 4167800; 720700, 4167700;
720900, 4167500; 721100, 4167400; 721300, 4167700; 721700, 4167700;
722000, 4167600; 722500, 4167600; 723200, 4167100; 723500, 4166300;
723000, 4166100; 723200, 4165600; 723400, 4165700; 723600, 4165600;
723600, 4165100; 723700, 4164900; 724300, 4164900; 725000, 4163700;
725300, 4163800; 724900, 4162800; 725100, 4162700; 725400, 4162700;
726000, 4164100; 726300, 4163500; 726200, 4163100; 726000, 4163000;
726100, 4162700; 726200, 4160600; 725800, 4160600; 725000, 4160200;
725300, 4159800; 726300, 4160200; 727000, 4159500; 727000, 4160400;
727300, 4160700; 727500, 4159800; 727600, 4159800; 727800, 4160400;
728300, 4160400; 729000, 4160800; 730400, 4160100; 730300, 4160500;
730600, 4160600; 731500, 4161400; 731900, 4161400; 732000, 4160800;
731700, 4160700; 732000, 4160000; 733500, 4159000; 733700, 4158700;
733300, 4158600; 733300, 4158300; 733800, 4157700; 733400, 4157100;
731700, 4156900; 730900, 4156500; 728900, 4156600; 727100, 4156700;
726900, 4156400; 725900, 4156400; 723900, 4155300; 723300, 4155400;
722500, 4155000; 722300, 4155000; 722300, 4157400; 723800, 4157500;
723700, 4159000; 722500, 4159000; 722200, 4159300; 720900, 4159300;
720900, 4158500; 719700, 4158500; 719700, 4158100; 719100, 4158000;
718700, 4157600; 718000, 4157700; 717800, 4157400; 717900, 4157200;
718000, 4157000; 718400, 4157300; 718700, 4156700; 718700, 4156300;
717400, 4156300; 717000, 4155800; 716600, 4155800; 716300, 4155700;
716200, 4155000; returning to 715900, 4154900.
(9) Unit 6: Merced County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Arena, Atwater, San Luis
Ranch, Sandy Mush, Stevinson, and Turner Ranch, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 711600,
4118100; 707300, 4118100; 705000, 4118100; 704500, 4119600; 699400,
4119500; 699300, 4118700; thence west to y-coordinate 4118700 on the
San Joaquin River; thence northeast along the San Joaquin River to x-
coordinate 693100; thence north to 693100, 4125600; 693700, 4127500;
694500, 4127000; 694800, 4127000; 695200, 4127700; 695200, 4129800;
695200, 4130300; 695700, 4130300; 695900, 4130000; 696100, 4129500;
696100, 4129100; 696900, 4129100; 696900, 4130200; 697200, 4130200;
698300, 4128600; 698600, 4128200; 700100, 4127600; 700500, 4129200;
700500, 4130600; 701700, 4130600; 701800, 4129200; 703300, 4129200;
703300, 4128800; 703900, 4128800; 703900, 4129000; 704200, 4129000;
705600, 4128500; 705600, 4127800; 705300, 4127000; 705400, 4126200;
705900, 4125700; 706800, 4125400; 707200, 4125400; 707900, 4126100;
708300, 4126100; 708300, 4125400; 709100, 4125400; 709900, 4125700;
709900, 4126000; 710200, 4126200; 711500, 4126200; 711500, 4124600;
708000, 4124500; 706700, 4124500; 706700, 4122100; 711500, 4122200;
711500, 4121700; 712100, 4121400; 713200, 4121400; 713200, 4118700;
711600, 4118700; returning to 711600, 4118100.
(10) Subunit 7A: Tulare County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Ivanhoe, Monson, and Stokes
Mtn., California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 302400, 4036900; 300700, 4037000; 298500, 4038200;
297600, 4038200; 297600, 4039500; 298400, 4039500; 298500, 4039800;
298900, 4039900; 298900, 4041200; 299400, 4041300; 298900, 4042000;
298900, 4042500; 298900, 4043300; 299500, 4043800; 299600, 4044300;
299700, 4044700; 300100, 4045300; 300700, 4045400; 301200, 4045800;
302200, 4045800; 302200, 4045600; 302500, 4045600; 303000, 4045900;
303100, 4045900; 303300, 4045700; 303600, 4045700; 303800, 4046100;
304300, 4046100; 304500, 4046300; 304700, 4046300; 304900, 4046800;
304700, 4047700; 304800, 4047900; 304700, 4048300; 304800, 4048500;
305400, 4048500; 305800, 4048000; 306000, 4047900; 306300, 4047900;
306500, 4047600; 306500, 4047000; 306300, 4046900; 306100, 4045900;
305900, 4045300; 305600, 4045100; 305400, 4044300; 305400, 4044100;
305900, 4043900; 305700, 4043400; 305700, 4042400; 305000, 4042400;
304900, 4042000; 304200, 4042000; 304100, 4041600; 301400, 4041700;
300900, 4041500; 300900, 4040100; 300300, 4040100; 300300, 4039400;
301200, 4039400; 302500, 4037900; returning to 302400, 4036900.
[[Page 60008]]
(11) Subunit 7B: Tulare County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Auckland, Ivanhoe, Stokes
Mtn., and Woodlake, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 308300, 4033500; 307800, 4033500; 306600,
4034100; 305900, 4035100; 305700, 4036700; 305300, 4038400; 305000,
4038600; 305000, 4039200; 305300, 4039300; 305600, 4039300; 306000,
4038600; 306500, 4038600; 306900, 4039000; 306800, 4039900; 308100,
4040200; 308500, 4040700; 308200, 4041500; 307600, 4041500; 307100,
4042000; 307100, 4042600; 307700, 4043700; 307800, 4044500; 308200,
4044700; 309000, 4043900; 309600, 4043400; 311700, 4043400; 312100,
4043000; 312700, 4043000; 313000, 4042700; 313000, 4042300; 312500,
4042000; 311000, 4041000; 311000, 4040400; 311200, 4040000; 311700,
4040000; 312100, 4040700; 312700, 4041000; 313000, 4041000; 313600,
4040500; 313700, 4040300; 313100, 4039600; 312700, 4039600; 312700,
4039400; 313300, 4039400; 313500, 4039000; 313100, 4038600; 313700,
4038600; 313900, 4038500; 314100, 4038000; 314600, 4038000; 314800,
4037500; 314800, 4037200; 314000, 4036600; 314100, 4036400; 314900,
4036400; 315100, 4036600; 315500, 4036600; 316100, 4036400; 316400,
4035400; 316400, 4035200; 315900, 4034500; 314100, 4034600; 313400,
4034900; 311100, 4035100; 310700, 4034800; 310500, 4034800; 310200,
4035000; 310200, 4036600; 309800, 4036700; 308500, 4036700; 308400,
4035800; 309100, 4035400; 309100, 4034200; returning to 308300,
4033500.
(12) Subunit 7C: Tulare County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Monson, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 297500,
4035200; 296800, 4035300; 296200, 4035300; 296700, 4036800; 297700,
4036700; returning to 297500, 4035200.
(13) Subunit 7D: Tulare County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Monson and Traver,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 293800, 4034000; 292500, 4034000; 292600, 4035400; 291700, 4035400;
291700, 4035600; 290500, 4035700; 290500, 4036100; 289800, 4036100;
289800, 4035700; 289400, 4035700; 289400, 4034500; 288500, 4034500;
288500, 4034200; 287700, 4034200; 287700, 4034500; 287000, 4034600;
287000, 4035100; 288500, 4035100; 288500, 4035600; 287700, 4035700;
287700, 4036700; 289300, 4036700; 289400, 4037400; 291100, 4037400;
291100, 4037200; 291800, 4037200; 291900, 4036800; 292700, 4036800;
292700, 4037600; 291900, 4037700; 292000, 4039700; 292500, 4039700;
292500, 4039400; 292800, 4039400; 292800, 4038500; 294400, 4038500;
294300, 4035500; 293500, 4035500; 293500, 4034800; 293800, 4034800;
returning to 293800, 4034000.
(14) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Chamaesyce
hooveri (Hoover's spurge).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60009]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.007
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
Family Limnanthaceae: Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica (Butte
County Meadowfoam).
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Tehama and Butte
counties, California, on the map below.
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica are the habitat components that
provide:
[[Page 60010]]
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Limnanthes floccosa ssp.
californica germination, growth and reproduction, including but not
limited to vernal pool swales and the margins of vernal pools on the
Tuscan, Redbluff, Riverbank, and Modesto geologic formations underlain
by Tuscan-Anita and Igo-Redding complex soils among others. These
habitats typically become inundated during winter rains, but are dry
during the summer and do not necessarily fill with water every year;
and
(ii) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica germination,
growth and reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Critical habitat does not include existing man-made features
and structures, such as buildings, roads, aqueducts, railroads, airport
runways and buildings, other paved areas, lawns, and other urban
landscaped areas not containing one or more of the primary constituent
elements.
(4) Unit 1: Tehama and Butte counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Campbell Mound, Nord,
Richardson Springs, and Richardson Springs NW, California, land bounded
by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 595500, 4408200;
594300, 4408200; 594100, 4408300; 594000, 4408400; 593600, 4408500;
593400, 4408200; 592800, 4408200; 592800, 4408800; 592900, 4409200;
592900, 4409600; 593100, 4409900; 592800, 4409900; 592500, 4409800;
592500, 4410800; 592700, 4411200; 593300, 4411400; 594000, 4411600;
594600, 4412400; 594400, 4412800; 594200, 4412800; 594100, 4412500;
593800, 4412500; 593800, 4412700; 593600, 4412900; 593300, 4413100;
593200, 4412400; 593000, 4412200; 592600, 4412200; 592400, 4412600;
591700, 4412600; 590900, 4411000; 590700, 4411000; 590000, 4411600;
589700, 4411800; 589000, 4411900; 587900, 4412000; 587900, 4412400;
587600, 4412700; 587600, 4413400; 587800, 4414300; 588000, 4414500;
589100, 4414900; 590800, 4416100; 592400, 4416700; 595800, 4416600;
596100, 4416600; 596400, 4416800; 596600, 4416800; 597100, 4416400;
597100, 4415600; 596800, 4415200; 597100, 4415000; 597800, 4415500;
598100, 4415200; 597600, 4414600; 597600, 4414400; 597300, 4413800;
597300, 4413300; 598200, 4413900; 598400, 4413900; 598400, 4413600;
597400, 4411900; 597600, 4411900; 598300, 4412700; 598500, 4413300;
598900, 4413300; 598900, 4411800; 599400, 4411700; 599800, 4411700;
599800, 4411000; 597700, 4409400; 596200, 4408600; 595900, 4408800;
595700, 4408800; returning to 595500, 4408200.
(5) Unit 2: Butte County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Nord and Richardson Springs,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 602400, 4401600; 601900, 4401800; 601800, 4402000; 601500, 4401900;
601000, 4401900; 600400, 4402100; 599600, 4402100; 599400, 4403400;
599100, 4403200; 598300, 4403400; 597100, 4403700; 596400, 4404200;
596300, 4404800; 595100, 4405000; 595100, 4405600; 595400, 4406000;
595400, 4407100; 595500, 4407100; 595700, 4407300; 595700, 4407400;
596100, 4407400; 596400, 4408000; 596400, 4408100; 596800, 4408300;
596800, 4407500; 597300, 4407500; 597300, 4408000; 597900, 4407500;
598700, 4408400; 599900, 4409000; 600100, 4409000; 600300, 4408800;
600300, 4408400; 600000, 4408100; 600400, 4407600; 599500, 4406700;
599500, 4406200; 600300, 4406000; 601200, 4405600; 601800, 4405600;
602000, 4405500; 602200, 4405200; 602500, 4405200; 602700, 4404900;
603300, 4404700; 604500, 4404200; 605200, 4404200; 605600, 4404000;
605600, 4403600; 605100, 4403300; 604700, 4403400; 604500, 4403300;
604400, 4402800; 603600, 4402100; 602900, 4402100; returning to 602400,
4401600.
(6) Unit 3: Butte County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Chico, Hamlin Canyon,
Paradise West, and Richardons Springs, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 604100, 4396300; 603900,
4396300; 603900, 4396700; 603600, 4396800; 603600, 4398000; 602900,
4398200; 603000, 4398800; 603100, 4399000; 602600, 4399400; 602600,
4399600; 603500, 4399800; 604700, 4400200; 604200, 4401300; 605300,
4401900; 605900, 4402000; 606400, 4401800; 607100, 4401400; 607600,
4401300; 607800, 4401100; 607500, 4400800; 606900, 4400800; 605100,
4399800; 605100, 4399600; 606500, 4399500; 607200, 4399100; 607400,
4399100; 607700, 4398100; 607700, 4397800; 606900, 4397100; 606700,
4397100; 605700, 4396400; 605100, 4396400; 604700, 4396600; 604500,
4396600; 604100, returning to 604100, 4396300.
(7) Unit 4: Butte County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Oroville and Shippee,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 616900, 4375800; 616600, 4375800; 615900, 4375800; 615900, 4377000;
616300, 4377000; 616300, 4378100; 614500, 4378100; 614500, 4378900;
612600, 4378900; 612200, 4380400; 612200, 4382600; 612500, 4383300;
613600, 4384200; 614200, 4384800; 616400, 4384800; 618200, 4384800;
618600, 4384500; 618500, 4382500; 619300, 4381300; 619500, 4381000;
619500, 4380500; 620800, 4378900; 620900, 4378400; 620300, 4377700;
618800, 4377000; 617800, 4376400; 617100, 4376200; 616900, 4376000;
returning to 616900, 4375800.
(8) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Limnanthes
floccosa ssp. californica (Butte County meadowfoam).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60011]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.008
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
Family Poaceae: Neostapfia colusana (Colusa Grass)
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Yolo, Solano,
Stanislaus, Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne and Calaveras counties,
California, on the map below.
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Neostapfia colusana are the habitat components that provide:
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Neostapfia colusana
germination, growth and reproduction, and that typically become
inundated during winter rains, including but not limited to vernal
pools formed on the rim of alkaline basins in the Sacramento and San
Joaquin valleys, as well as on acidic soils of alluvial fans and stream
terraces along the eastern margin of the San Joaquin Valley and into
the adjacent foothills. All of these pool types are dry
[[Page 60012]]
during the summer and do not necessarily fill with water every year;
and
(ii) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Neostapfia colusana germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Critical habitat does not include existing man-made features
and structures, such as buildings, roads, aqueducts, railroads, airport
runways and buildings, other paved areas, lawns, and other urban
landscaped areas not containing one or more of the primary constituent
elements.
(4) Unit 1: Yolo County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Davis and Saxon, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 615400,
4260700; 614500, 4260700; 614500, 4261500; 614200, 4261500; 614200,
4261800; 614000, 4261800; 614000, 4262400; 615400, 4262400; returning
to 615400, 4260700.
(5) Unit 2: Solano County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Birds Landing, Denverton,
Dozier, and Elmira, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 600700, 4230600; 600400, 4230900; 600400,
4231700; 601100, 4232300; 601200, 4233200; 598400, 4233200; 598200,
4232100; 597800, 4231800; 597100, 4233200; 595600, 4233800; 595400,
4234700; 595600, 4235500; 595600, 4236800; 596500, 4237600; 596300,
4237700; 595500, 4237100; 595200, 4237700; 595200, 4238200; 598800,
4238200; 598500, 4239100; 598000, 4239700; 598000, 4241000; 598800,
4241000; 598800, 4240600; 600400, 4240600; 602800, 4240600; 604300,
4239400; 605200, 4240600; 605300, 4239700; 605500, 4239000; 605400,
4238300; 604500, 4238100; 604500, 4237500; 605200, 4237200; 605700,
4235200; 605400, 4234900; 605000, 4233900; 604600, 4233700; 604200,
4233300; 604100, 4232500; 603800, 4231500; 602300, 4230800; 601400,
4230700; returning to 600700, 4230600.
(6) Unit 3: Stanislaus and Calaveras counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Bachelor Valley,
Copperopolis, Farmington, Knights Ferry, and Oakdale, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 697300,
4184800; 697100, 4185000; 696900, 4185400; 696500, 4185700; 696900,
4186000; 696900, 4186300; 696400, 4186300; 696000, 4185900; 695400,
4185900; 695100, 4185400; 694600, 4185500; 694400, 4185800; 693500,
4185800; 693300, 4185600; 693100, 4185500; 693000, 4185100; 692500,
4185100; 692400, 4185400; 692000, 4185400; 691700, 4186300; 691300,
4186400; 691100, 4187200; 690700, 4187000; 690200, 4187000; 689900,
4187600; 689500, 4187600; 688800, 4187200; 688600, 4186800; 688300,
4186800; 688300, 4187500; 688700, 4187800; 688700, 4188400; 689100,
4188900; 689700, 4188900; 689900, 4189100; 689900, 4189400; 691100,
4189500; 691100, 4189900; 690900, 4190000; 690600, 4190600; 690800,
4191100; 691300, 4190700; 691600, 4190800; 691500, 4191100; 691700,
4191100; 691700, 4191700; 693100, 4191900; 693600, 4192400; 693800,
4193200; 694000, 4193300; 694800, 4192800; 695800, 4192200; 696000,
4191500; 696300, 4191500; 696300, 4192500; 694800, 4193600; 694400,
4193700; 694000, 4193700; 693000, 4194400; 691900, 4194800; 691900,
4195600; 691300, 4195600; 690400, 4196400; 689500, 4196400; 689500,
4197000; 689100, 4197000; 688900, 4196200; 686900, 4196200; 687000,
4196400; 687200, 4197000; 687900, 4197100; 687900, 4198500; 688200,
4198800; 688400, 4198800; 688500, 4199300; 688500, 4200000; 688000,
4200200; 688100, 4201700; 686600, 4201800; 686300, 4202600; 686300,
4202900; 686500, 4203100; 687700, 4203800; 687800, 4203800; 687900,
4203500; 688600, 4203800; 689100, 4203600; 689400, 4203800; 689400,
4204400; 690200, 4204400; 690300, 4203600; 691600, 4204200; 692500,
4204600; 692400, 4203100; 693200, 4202800; 693200, 4202100; 692800,
4200800; 695000, 4199200; 695800, 4199200; 696200, 4199100; 696500,
4198900; 696600, 4198700; 696800, 4198100; 696900, 4197800; 697300,
4198400; 697700, 4198400; 697500, 4197100; 697800, 4196700; 698300,
4196700; 699100, 4195600; 699300, 4195300; 699600, 4195300; 700000,
4194700; 700200, 4194600; 700200, 4194000; 700900, 4194000; 702000,
4193700; 702300, 4193800; 702300, 4194600; 702600, 4194700; 702900,
4194500; 702900, 4193800; 702200, 4193100; 702300, 4192400; 703900,
4191600; 703900, 4191100; 704400, 4190700; 705400, 4190400; 705700,
4189100; 705500, 4188600; 705100, 4188500; 704800, 4188500; 704300,
4188900; 703800, 4188500; 703600, 4188500; 703400, 4189100; 702300,
4189000; 700700, 4188500; 700100, 4188500; 700000, 4188800; 699600,
4188300; 699800, 4188200; 700100, 4187600; 699900, 4186200; 698400,
4185200; returning to 697300, 4184800.
(7) Unit 4: Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cooperstown, Keystone,
Knights Ferry, La Grange, Oakdale, Paulsell, and Waterford, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 718900,
4168000; 718700, 4168000; 717900, 4168500; 715500, 4168200; 715400,
4168300; 712500, 4168900; 710900, 4168400; 710300, 4168500; 710500,
4169100; 709300, 4169100; 709100, 4169500; 709100, 4169700; 708900,
4169700; 708800, 4169900; 708700, 4169900; 708600, 4169800; 708500,
4169900; 708400, 4170000; 708700, 4170200; 708800, 4170300; 708900,
4170400; 709100, 4170500; 709200, 4170600; 709400, 4170600; 709400,
4170800; 709300, 4170800; 709200, 4170900; 709100, 4170800; 708800,
4170700; 708800, 4170600; 708500, 4170500; 708400, 4170300; 708100,
4170200; 707900, 4170200; 707900, 4170300; 708100, 4170500; 708200,
4170500; 708200, 4170600; 708000, 4170600; 708200, 4170800; 708200,
4170900; 708100, 4170900; 707900, 4170700; 707700, 4170700; 707700,
4170800; 707600, 4170900; 707400, 4170900; 707100, 4171100; 707100,
4171200; 707200, 4171300; 707300, 4171200; 707500, 4171300; 707800,
4171600; 707900, 4171600; 708100, 4171600; 708200, 4171700; 708100,
4171800; 708100, 4171900; 708300, 4171900; 708300, 4172100; 708400,
4172100; 708500, 4172200; 708500, 4172300; 708700, 4172400; 708800,
4172500; 708800, 4172600; 708700, 4172700; 708500, 4172700; 708400,
4172800; 708300, 4172700; 708200, 4172700; 708100, 4172600; 708000,
4172500; 707900, 4172500; 707800, 4172700; 707600, 4172600; 707400,
4172500; 707400, 4172600; 707200, 4172700; 707100, 4172300; 707000,
4172200; 706700, 4172200; 706700, 4172300; 706500, 4172300; 706400,
4172300; 706400, 4172400; 706200, 4172600; 706300, 4172700; 706400,
4172800; 706300, 4172800; 706200, 4172800; 706100, 4172900; 705900,
4173100; 705800, 4173300; 705800, 4173500; 706000, 4173800; 705900,
4173900; 705800, 4174100; 705700, 4174200; 705500, 4174200; 705400,
4174100; 705400, 4173700; 705300, 4173500; 705200, 4173200; 705100,
4173200; 705100, 4172600; 704900, 4172400;
[[Page 60013]]
704800, 4172100; 704600, 4172100; 704500, 4171900; 704400, 4171800;
704500, 4171600; 704600, 4171400; 704700, 4171500; 704900, 4171200;
704700, 4171100; 704900, 4171000; 704800, 4170900; 704600, 4170900;
704600, 4170700; 704800, 4170200; 705300, 4170200; 705800, 4169700;
705900, 4169300; 706000, 4168900; 706000, 4168800; 705400, 4168900;
704400, 4169000; 703400, 4169400; 703300, 4169700; 700700, 4169600;
700700, 4170400; 700400, 4170600; 700200, 4171100; 699500, 4171100;
698500, 4171200; 698500, 4172000; 697800, 4172300; 697100, 4171200;
694000, 4171200; 694000, 4172100; 694500, 4172100; 694500, 4174500;
696300, 4174500; 696300, 4175300; 697300, 4175300; 697300, 4176200;
697700, 4176200; 697700, 4179300; 696600, 4179300; 696400, 4180000;
695800, 4180000; 695500, 4179500; 695000, 4179300; 694400, 4179300;
694400, 4179800; 694800, 4180400; 694500, 4180800; 694500, 4181000;
694900, 4181400; 694500, 4181600; 694500, 4181900; 695100, 4182200;
696100, 4182200; 696200, 4181800; 695700, 4181600; 696300, 4180500;
697000, 4180100; 697400, 4180100; 697600, 4180400; 697600, 4182600;
700300, 4182600; 700300, 4183400; 699400, 4183400; 699400, 4184100;
700800, 4185100; 704100, 4186300; 705300, 4187700; 705700, 4187700;
706300, 4188200; 706700, 4188300; 706800, 4188500; 707100, 4188600;
707600, 4188800; 707900, 4189100; 708400, 4189600; 708700, 4190000;
709200, 4189300; 709200, 4188600; 710100, 4188200; 709900, 4186700;
708900, 4185800; 708800, 4185000; 709600, 4184200; 710300, 4183900;
710300, 4182900; 711400, 4182100; 712400, 4182100; 713200, 4182000;
714100, 4182600; 714700, 4182000; 715200, 4181600; 715600, 4180900;
715400, 4180400; 716600, 4180400; 716900, 4179900; 717700, 4180100;
718500, 4180000; 718700, 4179200; 719300, 4178700; 719700, 4177600;
720300, 4177700; 720700, 4177700; 720800, 4176400; 721400, 4175900;
722200, 4175300; 722700, 4175200; 722800, 4173600; 723000, 4173500;
723200, 4173600; 723700, 4173600; 724000, 4173300; 724100, 4172300;
722800, 4172200; 721700, 4171200; 721400, 4169900; 720500, 4168700;
returning to 718900, 4168000.
(8) Unit 5: Stanislaus and Merced counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cooperstown, La Grange,
Merced Falls, Montpelier, Paulsell, Snelling, and Turlock Lake,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 715900, 4154900; 715400, 4155600; 715300, 4156600; 715100, 4156600;
715000, 4156200; 714800, 4156100; 714800, 4155800; 714700, 4155600;
714200, 4155600; 714000, 4155400; 713800, 4155400; 712600, 4155200;
712600, 4157100; 711200, 4157100; 711100, 4161900; 706300, 4161800;
706100, 4165000; 703000, 4165100; 702500, 4165200; 702500, 4165900;
702600, 4166600; 703700, 4167200; 704600, 4168200; 704900, 4168200;
705300, 4167800; 705900, 4167800; 707000, 4167500; 707700, 4167600;
708100, 4167300; 709400, 4167300; 709600, 4167300; 710200, 4166800;
711000, 4167600; 711600, 4167800; 712600, 4167800; 713200, 4167600;
713200, 4167200; 712900, 4167200; 712600, 4166900; 711800, 4167000;
711600, 4166800; 711600, 4166600; 711800, 4166500; 711800, 4166600;
711900, 4166600; 712000, 4166300; 712100, 4166500; 712200, 4166500;
712300, 4166400; 712500, 4166400; 712500, 4166200; 712700, 4166200;
712700, 4166300; 712800, 4166300; 713000, 4166100; 712800, 4166000;
712700, 4165800; 712500, 4165800; 712500, 4165600; 712700, 4165600;
712600, 4165400; 712400, 4165500; 712300, 4165400; 712500, 4165300;
712500, 4165200; 712400, 4165100; 712600, 4165100; 712600, 4165000;
712600, 4164900; 712700, 4164800; 712600, 4164700; 712500, 4164800;
712400, 4164800; 712400, 4164300; 712800, 4164500; 713100, 4164300;
713200, 4164100; 712900, 4163800; 712900, 4163700; 713100, 4163800;
713500, 4164000; 713600, 4164000; 713600, 4164100; 713700, 4164300;
714200, 4164300; 714400, 4164500; 714500, 4164800; 714600, 4164800;
714800, 4164700; 714800, 4164200; 714400, 4164000; 714400, 4163600;
714500, 4163500; 715200, 4164000; 715300, 4164200; 715400, 4164200;
715300, 4163900; 715100, 4163700; 715000, 4163500; 714800, 4163300;
714900, 4163200; 715000, 4163200; 715700, 4163200; 715900, 4163100;
716000, 4162900; 716100, 4162800; 716200, 4162800; 716300, 4162900;
716400, 4163000; 716500, 4163100; 716600, 4163200; 716600, 4163500;
716500, 4163600; 716500, 4163800; 716600, 4164100; 716800, 4164500;
716700, 4164900; 716800, 4165300; 717200, 4165800; 717200, 4166100;
717000, 4166400; 716600, 4166400; 716400, 4166300; 716400, 4167000;
716600, 4167200; 716600, 4167300; 717000, 4167400; 717500, 4167400;
718100, 4167300; 718500, 4167100; 718600, 4166600; 718700, 4166400;
719100, 4166700; 719300, 4166800; 719800, 4166800; 719500, 4167400;
719500, 4167600; 719700, 4167800; 720500, 4167800; 720700, 4167700;
720900, 4167500; 721100, 4167400; 721300, 4167700; 721700, 4167700;
722000, 4167600; 722500, 4167600; 723200, 4167100; 723500, 4166300;
723000, 4166100; 723200, 4165600; 723400, 4165700; 723600, 4165600;
723600, 4165100; 723700, 4164900; 724300, 4164900; 725000, 4163700;
725300, 4163800; 724900, 4162800; 725100, 4162700; 725400, 4162700;
726000, 4164100; 726300, 4163500; 726200, 4163100; 726000, 4163000;
726100, 4162700; 726200, 4160600; 725800, 4160600; 725000, 4160200;
725300, 4159800; 726300, 4160200; 727000, 4159500; 727000, 4160400;
727300, 4160700; 727500, 4159800; 727600, 4159800; 727800, 4160400;
728300, 4160400; 729000, 4160800; 730400, 4160100; 730300, 4160500;
730600, 4160600; 731500, 4161400; 731900, 4161400; 732000, 4160800;
731700, 4160700; 732000, 4160000; 733500, 4159000; 733700, 4158700;
733300, 4158600; 733300, 4158300; 733800, 4157700; 733400, 4157100;
731700, 4156900; 730900, 4156500; 728900, 4156600; 727100, 4156700;
726900, 4156400; 725900, 4156400; 723900, 4155300; 723300, 4155400;
722500, 4155000; 722300, 4155000; 722300, 4157400; 723800, 4157500;
723700, 4159000; 722500, 4159000; 722200, 4159300; 720900, 4159300;
720900, 4158500; 719700, 4158500; 719700, 4158100; 719100, 4158000;
718700, 4157600; 718000, 4157700; 717800, 4157400; 717900, 4157200;
718000, 4157000; 718400, 4157300; 718700, 4156700; 718700, 4156300;
717400, 4156300; 717000, 4155800; 716600, 4155800; 716300, 4155700;
716200, 4155000; returning to 715900, 4154900.
(9) Unit 6: Merced and Mariposa counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Atwater, Haystack Mtn.,
Indian Gulch, Merced, Merced Falls, Owens Reservoir, Planada, Snelling,
Winton, and Yosemite Lake, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 734700, 4133300; 734700, 4133700;
734100, 4133900; 733100, 4133900; 733100, 4134600; 732700, 4134600;
732600, 4135000; 732300, 4135500; 730300, 4135400; 729900, 4135700;
729900, 4136500; 726500, 4136500; 726400, 4136100; 725900, 4136100;
725900, 4135300; 725600, 4135100; 725500, 4135100; 725300, 4135500;
725100, 4135400; 725000, 4135400; 725000, 4135600; 724800, 4135700;
724600, 4135700; 724600, 4134700; 724200, 4134700; 724200, 4135500;
723400, 4135500; 723400, 4135600; 722800, 4135600; 722800, 4135000;
722600, 4135000;
[[Page 60014]]
722600, 4134700; 722500, 4134700; 722200, 4137900; 722800, 4137900;
722800, 4139300; 721900, 4139300; 721900, 4140200; 721000, 4140200;
721000, 4140900; 717800, 4140900; 717800, 4137700; 717100, 4137700;
717000, 4138200; 714500, 4140900; 714100, 4141300; 714100, 4142200;
713600, 4142400; 713200, 4143000; 713000, 4143900; 713100, 4144300;
713700, 4144600; 714500, 4145300; 714500, 4145700; 715800, 4145800;
717000, 4145800; 718000, 4145400; 718200, 4145900; 718200, 4147600;
719700, 4148400; 720600, 4148600; 720600, 4149200; 719600, 4149200;
719600, 4149800; 720300, 4149800; 721300, 4150700; 721700, 4150700;
724400, 4153300; 725000, 4153500; 725500, 4154200; 725800, 4154800;
727200, 4155900; 727800, 4155900; 728500, 4155600; 730200, 4155600;
731600, 4155500; 732400, 4155400; 732600, 4155200; 733200, 4154700;
734100, 4154900; 734600, 4154800; 735600, 4156000; 735900, 4156000;
737100, 4155400; 737800, 4155000; 738200, 4154200; 738300, 4153300;
739000, 4152800; 739100, 4152200; 740200, 4151800; 740800, 4151500;
740800, 4150300; 741100, 4149900; 741700, 4149400; 742100, 4148500;
742100, 4147100; 743400, 4146100; 744000, 4145600; 744400, 4144600;
744300, 4143900; 743900, 4142700; 744000, 4142000; 744200, 4141700;
745500, 4140300; thence south to x-coordinate 745500 on Bear Creek;
thence southwest along Bear Creek to y-coordinate 4133300; thence west
to the point of beginning at 734700, 4133300.
(10) Subunit 7A: Merced County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Arena, Atwater, Sandy Mush,
and Turner Ranch, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD
83 coordinates (E, N): 726800, 4115300; 725900, 4115300; 725900,
4116900; 724300, 4116900; 724300, 4117600; 722600, 4117500; 722600,
4117600; 721800, 4117600; 721800, 4118400; 720200, 4118400; 720200,
4117600; 719400, 4117600; 719500, 4115900; 717800, 4115900; 717800,
4116700; 717300, 4116700; 717300, 4117500; 718600, 4117500; 718600,
4118291; 718900, 4118300; 718900, 4118900; 718100, 4118900; 717700,
4119100; 717700, 4119900; 718500, 4120000; 718500, 4121300; 718900,
4121300; 718900, 4120000; 719300, 4120000; 719400, 4120400; 720400,
4120400; 720400, 4121700; 721300, 4121700; 722000, 4122500; 722900,
4122500; 722900, 4121200; 721300, 4121200; 721300, 4120300; 722900,
4120300; 722900, 4119500; 722200, 4119500; 722200, 4118500; 726100,
4118600; 726100, 4120100; 728600, 4120200; 728600, 4119200; 727800,
4119200; 727700, 4118600; 727500, 4118400; 727500, 4116900; 726800,
4116900; returning to 726800, 4115300.
(11) Subunit 7B: Merced County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps El Nido and Sandy Mush,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 711600, 4118100; 709900, 4118100; 709900, 4118800; 708400, 4118800;
708400, 4118100; 707300, 4118100; 706800, 4118300; 705900, 4118700;
704600, 4119800; 703700, 4120700; 703200, 4121100; 702800, 4121700;
704200, 4121800; 703900, 4122800; 703400, 4122800; 703300, 4124500;
702000, 4125800; 700600, 4127000; 700100, 4127600; 700500, 4129200;
700500, 4130600; 701700, 4130600; 701800, 4129200; 703300, 4129200;
704200, 4129000; 704200, 4128400; 703400, 4128400; 703500, 4127800;
704200, 4127200; 704200, 4126500; 703500, 4126600; 703500, 4126100;
704500, 4126100; 704500, 4125400; 707200, 4125400; 707900, 4126100;
708300, 4126100; 708300, 4125400; 709100, 4125400; 709800, 4125700;
709800, 4126000; 710100, 4126200; 711500, 4126200; 711500, 4124600;
706700, 4124500; 706700, 4122100; 706800, 4120900; 711600, 4120700;
711600, 4119800; 712300, 4119800; 712400, 4119600; 713200, 4119500;
713100, 4118800; 711600, 4118700; returning to 711600, 4118100.
(12) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Neostapfia
colusana (Colusa grass).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60015]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.009
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
Family Poaceae: Orcuttia inaequalis (San Joaquin Valley Orcutt Grass).
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Merced, Mariposa,
Madera, Fresno and Tulare counties, California, on the map below.
[[Page 60016]]
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Orcuttia inaequalis are the habitat components that provide:
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Orcuttia inaequalis
germination, growth and reproduction, including but not limited to
vernal pools on alluvial fans, high and low stream terraces, and
tabletop lava flows. These habitats typically become inundated during
winter rains, but are dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill
with water every year; and;
(ii) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Orcuttia inaequalis germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Critical habitat does not include existing man-made features
and structures, such as buildings, roads, aqueducts, railroads, airport
runways and buildings, other paved areas, lawns, and other urban
landscaped areas not containing one or more of the primary constituent
elements.
(4) Unit 1: Merced and Mariposa counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Atwater, Haystack Mtn.,
Indian Gulch, Merced, Merced Falls, Owens Reservoir, Planada, Snelling,
Winton, and Yosemite Lake, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 734700, 4133300; 734700, 4133700;
734100, 4133900; 733100, 4133900; 733100, 4134600; 732700, 4134600;
732600, 4135000; 732300, 4135500; 730300, 4135400; 729900, 4135700;
729900, 4136500; 726500, 4136500; 726400, 4136100; 725900, 4136100;
725900, 4135300; 725600, 4135100; 725500, 4135100; 725300, 4135500;
725100, 4135400; 725000, 4135400; 725000, 4135600; 724800, 4135700;
724600, 4135700; 724600, 4134700; 724200, 4134700; 724200, 4135500;
723400, 4135500; 723400, 4135600; 722800, 4135600; 722800, 4135000;
722600, 4135000; 722600, 4134700; 722500, 4134700; 722200, 4137900;
722800, 4137900; 722800, 4139300; 721900, 4139300; 721900, 4140200;
721000, 4140200; 721000, 4140900; 717800, 4140900; 717800, 4137700;
717100, 4137700; 717000, 4138200; 714500, 4140900; 714100, 4141300;
714100, 4142200; 713600, 4142400; 713200, 4143000; 713000, 4143900;
713100, 4144300; 713700, 4144600; 714500, 4145300; 714500, 4145700;
715800, 4145800; 717000, 4145800; 718000, 4145400; 718200, 4145900;
718200, 4147600; 719700, 4148400; 720600, 4148600; 720600, 4149200;
719600, 4149200; 719600, 4149800; 720300, 4149800; 721300, 4150700;
721700, 4150700; 724400, 4153300; 725000, 4153500; 725500, 4154200;
725800, 4154800; 727200, 4155900; 727800, 4155900; 728500, 4155600;
730200, 4155600; 731600, 4155500; 732400, 4155400; 732600, 4155200;
733200, 4154700; 734100, 4154900; 734600, 4154800; 735600, 4156000;
735900, 4156000; 737100, 4155400; 737800, 4155000; 738200, 4154200;
738300, 4153300; 739000, 4152800; 739100, 4152200; 740200, 4151800;
740800, 4151500; 740800, 4150300; 741100, 4149900; 741700, 4149400;
742100, 4148500; 742100, 4147100; 743400, 4146100; 744000, 4145600;
744400, 4144600; 744300, 4143900; 743900, 4142700; 744000, 4142000;
744200, 4141700; 745500, 4140300; 745500, 4139600; 745500, 4139500;
745400, 4139400; thence southwest to y-coordinate 4139300 on Bear
Creek; thence southwest along Bear Creek to y-coordinate 4133300;
thence west to the point of beginning at 734700, 4133300.
(5) Unit 2: Merced, Mariposa and Madera counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Le Grand, Owens Reservoir,
Plainsburg, Planada, and Raynor Creek, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 745500, 4139300; 745500,
4139100; 745500, 4137700; 746600, 4137100; 747300, 4137300; 747200,
4135800; 747600, 4135300; 747600, 4134800; 748100, 4134400; 747800,
4133700; 748400, 4133300; 748600, 4133900; 749500, 4133400; 749600,
4132100; 750400, 4131600; 750100, 4129800; 753100, 4129800; 754000,
4129300; 753400, 4128400; 752500, 4126600; 752300, 4126400; 752200,
4125500; 752800, 4125600; 753900, 4125000; 755000, 4125700; 755100,
4125300; 755900, 4125200; 756100, 4124900; 757100, 4124900; 757300,
4124400; 756700, 4124000; 757000, 4123700; 757600, 4123900; 757900,
4123200; 758400, 4122900; 759200, 4122900; 760300, 4121300; 761000,
4121000; 761300, 4120300; 762100, 4119400; thence south to x-coordinate
762100 on the Chowchilla River; thence southwest along the Chowchilla
River to Ash Slough; thence southwest along Ash Slough to x-coordinate
751800; thence north to 751800, 4114900; 751600, 4115400; 752000,
4115800; 751900, 4116000; 751400, 4116100; 751100, 4116300; 751100,
4116700; 750700, 4116700; 749900, 4116500; 745100, 4116500; 745100,
4117700; 744500, 4117800; 744500, 4118500; 743500, 4118500; 743500,
4119100; 745300, 4119100; 745300, 4119600; 744600, 4119600; 744600,
4120700; 745500, 4120700; 745800, 4121600; 745400, 4121600; 745400,
4121800; 746100, 4121800; 746200, 4122200; 747500, 4122400; 747500,
4123900; 747000, 4124700; 746900, 4125100; 743600, 4125000; 743600,
4127000; 742700, 4127000; 741900, 4127000; 741900, 4128700; 742700,
4128700; 742700, 4129200; 743500, 4129600; 743500, 4132200; 744000,
4133400; 742700, 4133400; 742600, 4133500; 741500, 4132900; 740900,
4132200; 740800, 4132600; 740300, 4132600; 740300, 4133500; 741000,
4133500; 741000, 4133900; 741900, 4133900; 741800, 4135800; 741000,
4135800; 741000, 4136400; thence north to x-coordinate 741000 on Bear
Creek; thence northeast along Bear Creek to y-coordinate 4139300;
thence east to the point of beginning at 745500, 4139300.
(6) Unit 3: Madera County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Le Grand, Owens Reservoir,
Plainsburg, Planada, and Raynor Creek, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 766600, 4105100; 764500,
4105000; 764500, 4106400; 764800, 4106300; 765200, 4106400; 765700,
4106500; 765900, 4106700; 766100, 4106700; 766100, 4106500; 766300,
4106400; 766600, 4106300; 766700, 4106300; 766600, 4107800; 765200,
4107800; 764400, 4108600; 764100, 4109100; 763300, 4109500; 763200,
4109800; 764800, 4109900; 764700, 4112300; 766400, 4112300; thence east
to UTM zone 11, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates
(E, N): 233400, 4112300; 233500, 4112300; 234100, 4112200; 234700,
4112200; 235500, 4112900; 235700, 4112600; 235700, 4111500; 236200,
4111800; 236400, 4111800; 236800, 4111300; 236400, 4110800; 236400,
4109500; 237000, 4108700; 237600, 4108600; 238400, 4109300; 241300,
4109300; 242100, 4108700; 242100, 4107300; 242100, 4106800; 242300,
4106800; 244300, 4105600; 245200, 4104700; 245800, 4103600; 246100,
4102700; 246500, 4101800; 246800, 4101300; 247200, 4100900; 248300,
4100900; 248900, 4101400; 250200, 4101400; 250100, 4099500; 251400,
4097600; 251400, 4095900; 252000, 4096200; 252700, 4096200; 252700,
[[Page 60017]]
4095700; 252500, 4095700; 252100, 4095600; 252100, 4094800; 250500,
4094800; 250400, 4093200; 253300, 4093200; 253300, 4092800; 253600,
4091300; 253400, 4090500; 251100, 4089300; 251100, 4089300; 247000,
4089400; 245400, 4089400; 245400, 4090100; 245500, 4093000; 242300,
4093100; 242300, 4095000; 242500, 4095100; 244000, 4095000; 244000,
4096700; 244800, 4096600; 244900, 4098200; 245700, 4098200; 245700,
4099800; 242500, 4100000; 242400, 4095200; 242300, 4095200; 237600,
4095200; 237600, 4096200; 237700, 4098500; 239600, 4098400; 239700,
4100000; 236100, 4100100; 236100, 4100400; 237000, 4102700; 237000,
4104300; 237000, 4104900; 234800, 4105000; 234700, 4105300; 234600,
4105300; 234100, 4105100; 233200, 4105100; thence west to UTM zone 10
to the point of beginning at UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates 766600, 4105100.
(7) Unit 4: Fresno County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Friant, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 260100,
4086600; 259200, 4086600; 259200, 4087700; 259600, 4087500; 260000,
4087500; 260100, 4087900; 259700, 4088100; 258500, 4088200; 258000,
4088300; 258000, 4089100; 258500, 4089300; 258500, 4089800; 258300,
4089800; 257700, 4089200; 256600, 4089200; 256600, 4090200; 256800,
4090800; 256900, 4092700; 257200, 4094300; 257300, 4095500; 258600,
4096700; 258900, 4096700; 259600, 4096700; 259600, 4094700; 260300,
4094700; 260300, 4093300; 259400, 4091700; 260800, 4091700; 262200,
4091100; 262900, 4091100; 262900, 4090400; 263000, 4090100; 262700,
4089600; 262400, 4089500; 261800, 4089100; 261500, 4089500; 261400,
4088200; 261100, 4088200; 261100, 4087400; 260200, 4087400; returning
to 260100, 4086600.
(8) Subunit 5A: Madera County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Millerton Lake East and
North Fork, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 271200, 4106800; 270200, 4106800; 269900, 4107000;
269900, 4107600; 270100, 4108600; 269300, 4108300; 269000, 4108700;
268500, 4108700; 268300, 4110000; 268800, 4110400; 268900, 4111000;
268300, 4111300; 268500, 4111500; 268600, 4112300; 268800, 4112400;
270600, 4112400; 270800, 4112100; 270700, 4111300; 269600, 4110800;
269700, 4110500; 270000, 4110200; 270600, 4109700; 270800, 4108800;
271300, 4108400; 271500, 4107800; 271600, 4107300; returning to 271200,
4106800.
(9) Subunit 5B: Fresno County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Academy and Millerton Lake
East, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 267300, 4097300; 266900, 4097300; 267000, 4097600;
267800, 4098300; 268100, 4098700; 268100, 4098900; 268000, 4099100;
267400, 4099800; 267400, 4100300; 267700, 4100800; 268100, 4101400;
268600, 4101400; 269100, 4101100; 269600, 4101100; 269800, 4101300;
269900, 4101500; 269600, 4102200; 269200, 4102400; 268600, 4102800;
268700, 4103800; 269100, 4103800; 269600, 4103100; 270200, 4103500;
270300, 4103500; 270700, 4102500; 270500, 4102400; 270300, 4102200;
270300, 4101900; 270500, 4101500; 270600, 4101100; 270500, 4101000;
270200, 4100700; 269400, 4100500; 268300, 4100500; 268100, 4100300;
268100, 4100100; 268400, 4099800; 268600, 4099500; 268700, 4099200;
268700, 4098900; 268600, 4098300; 268500, 4098100; 268400, 4097800;
268100, 4097600; 267800, 4097400; returning to 267300, 4097300.
(10) Subunit 6A: Tulare County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Monson and Traver,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 293800, 4034000; 292500, 4034000; 292600, 4035400; 291700, 4035400;
291700, 4035600; 290500, 4035700; 290500, 4036100; 289800, 4036100;
289800, 4035700; 289400, 4035700; 289400, 4034500; 288500, 4034500;
288500, 4034200; 287700, 4034200; 287700, 4034500; 287000, 4034600;
287000, 4035100; 288500, 4035100; 288500, 4035600; 287700, 4035700;
287700, 4036700; 289300, 4036700; 289400, 4037400; 291100, 4037400;
291100, 4037200; 291800, 4037200; 291900, 4036800; 292700, 4036800;
292700, 4037600; 291900, 4037700; 292000, 4039700; 292500, 4039700;
292500, 4039400; 292800, 4039400; 292800, 4038500; 294400, 4038500;
294300, 4035500; 293500, 4035500; 293500, 4034800; 293800, 4034800;
returning to 293800, 4034000.
(11) Subunit 6B: Tulare County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Auckland, Ivanhoe, Stokes
Mtn., and Woodlake, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 308300, 4033500; 307800, 4033500; 306600,
4034100; 305900, 4035100; 305700, 4036700; 305300, 4038400; 305000,
4038600; 305000, 4039200; 305300, 4039300; 305600, 4039300; 306000,
4038600; 306500, 4038600; 306900, 4039000; 306800, 4039900; 308100,
4040200; 308500, 4040700; 308200, 4041500; 307600, 4041500; 307100,
4042000; 307100, 4042600; 307700, 4043700; 307800, 4044500; 308200,
4044700; 309000, 4043900; 309600, 4043400; 311700, 4043400; 312100,
4043000; 312700, 4043000; 313000, 4042700; 313000, 4042300; 312500,
4042000; 311000, 4041000; 311000, 4040400; 311200, 4040000; 311700,
4040000; 312100, 4040700; 312700, 4041000; 313000, 4041000; 313600,
4040500; 313700, 4040300; 313100, 4039600; 312700, 4039600; 312700,
4039400; 313300, 4039400; 313500, 4039000; 313100, 4038600; 313700,
4038600; 313900, 4038500; 314100, 4038000; 314600, 4038000; 314800,
4037500; 314800, 4037200; 314000, 4036600; 314100, 4036400; 314900,
4036400; 315100, 4036600; 315500, 4036600; 316100, 4036400; 316400,
4035400; 316400, 4035200; 315900, 4034500; 314100, 4034600; 313400,
4034900; 311100, 4035100; 310700, 4034800; 310500, 4034800; 310200,
4035000; 310200, 4036600; 309800, 4036700; 308500, 4036700; 308400,
4035800; 309100, 4035400; 309100, 4034200; returning to 308300,
4033500.
(12) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Orcuttia
inaequalis (San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60018]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.010
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
Family Poaceae: Orcuttia pilosa (Hairy Orcutt Grass).
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Tehama, Butte, Glenn,
Colusa, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Mariposa and Fresno counties,
California, on the map below.
[[Page 60019]]
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Orcuttia pilosa are the habitat components that provide:
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Orcuttia pilosa germination,
growth and reproduction, including but not limited to features
occurring on both acidic and saline-alkaline soils, with an iron-silica
cemented hardpan or claypan, and that typically become inundated during
winter rains, but are dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill
with water every year; and
(ii) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Orcuttia pilosa germination, growth and reproduction,
and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Critical habitat does not include existing man-made features
and structures, such as buildings, roads, aqueducts, railroads, airport
runways and buildings, other paved areas, lawns, and other urban
landscaped areas not containing one or more of the primary constituent
elements.
(4) Unit 1: Tehama and Butte counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Acorn Hollow, Foster Island,
Nord, Richardson Springs NW, and Vina, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 583100, 4413100; 582900,
4413400; 582900, 4415900; 582000, 4418300; 581800, 4419200; 582000,
4419500; 581400, 4420000; 581400, 4420400; 581800, 4420700; 581600,
4421000; 583200, 4422600; 583500, 4423600; 585200, 4424500; 586000,
4424500; 587500, 4426100; 588200, 4426500; 588800, 4430200; 589500,
4429500; 589500, 4428600; 589500, 4428000; 589800, 4427100; 590500,
4426400; 590500, 4425300; 591200, 4424400; 591500, 4423300; 591600,
4422100; 590900, 4420900; 590700, 4419800; 588000, 4417000; 587500,
4416400; 587200, 4415500; 587200, 4414000; 586400, 4413800; 586200,
4413600; 586200, 4413400; 584200, 4413400; returning to 583100,
4413100.
(5) Unit 2: Butte County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Hamlin Canyon, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 611100,
4387700; 610400, 4388500; 610300, 4388800; 609200, 4389800; 609100,
4390100; 610200, 4391100; 610300, 4391400; 611100, 4391400; 611500,
4391300; 612500, 4390200; 613300, 4389600; 613300, 4388900; 613200,
4388400; 612800, 4388000; 612100, 4387900; 611500, 4387900; returning
to 611100, 4387700.
(6) Unit 3: Glenn and Colusa counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Logandale, Maxwell, Moulton
Weir, and Princeton, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 572900, 4357400; 571200, 4357400; 571200,
4358200; 570400, 4358200; 570400, 4359000; 569600, 4359000; 569500,
4360500; 569300, 4362200; 569500, 4363300; 569500, 4367200; 570000,
4367200; 569900, 4368400; 570300, 4368400; 571000, 4367600; 571000,
4367800; 570700, 4368500; 570900, 4368800; 571500, 4368800; 571900,
4368300; 571900, 4367600; 572100, 4367600; 572400, 4368100; 572400,
4368400; 572600, 4368900; 572800, 4368900; 573000, 4368100; 573400,
4368000; 573800, 4367600; 574100, 4367300; 574400, 4367200; 574500,
4366400; 574900, 4366400; 574900, 4365600; 574700, 4365500; 574400,
4364100; 575200, 4363900; 575600, 4363600; 575100, 4362400; 575600,
4361400; 575100, 4360700; 576000, 4359600; 575500, 4358900; 575700,
4358300; 575900, 4357700; 575300, 4357800; 575000, 4357700; 574700,
4357700; 573600, 4357800; 573500, 4358200; 572900, 4358200; returning
to 572900, 4357400.
(7) Unit 4: Stanislaus, Merced and Mariposa counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cooperstown, La Grange,
Merced Falls, Montpelier, Paulsell, Snelling, and Turlock Lake,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 715900, 4154900; 715400, 4155600; 715300, 4156600; 715100, 4156600;
715000, 4156200; 714800, 4156100; 714800, 4155800; 714700, 4155600;
714200, 4155600; 714000, 4155400; 713800, 4155400; 712600, 4155200;
712600, 4157100; 711200, 4157100; 711100, 4161900; 706300, 4161800;
706100, 4165000; 702900, 4165100; 702500, 4165200; 702500, 4165900;
702600, 4166600; 703700, 4167200; 704600, 4168200; 704900, 4168200;
705300, 4167800; 705900, 4167800; 707000, 4167500; 707700, 4167600;
708100, 4167300; 709400, 4167300; 709600, 4167300; 710200, 4166800;
711000, 4167600; 711600, 4167800; 712600, 4167800; 713200, 4167600;
713200, 4167200; 712900, 4167200; 712600, 4166900; 711800, 4167000;
711600, 4166800; 711600, 4166600; 711800, 4166500; 711800, 4166600;
711900, 4166600; 712000, 4166300; 712100, 4166500; 712200, 4166500;
712300, 4166400; 712500, 4166400; 712500, 4166200; 712700, 4166200;
712700, 4166300; 712800, 4166300; 713000, 4166100; 712800, 4166000;
712700, 4165800; 712500, 4165800; 712500, 4165600; 712700, 4165600;
712600, 4165400; 712400, 4165500; 712300, 4165400; 712500, 4165300;
712500, 4165200; 712400, 4165100; 712600, 4165100; 712600, 4165000;
712600, 4164900; 712700, 4164800; 712600, 4164700; 712500, 4164800;
712400, 4164800; 712400, 4164300; 712800, 4164500; 713100, 4164300;
713200, 4164100; 712900, 4163800; 712900, 4163700; 713100, 4163800;
713500, 4164000; 713600, 4164000; 713600, 4164100; 713700, 4164300;
714200, 4164300; 714400, 4164500; 714500, 4164800; 714600, 4164800;
714800, 4164700; 714800, 4164200; 714400, 4164000; 714400, 4163600;
714500, 4163500; 715200, 4164000; 715300, 4164200; 715400, 4164200;
715300, 4163900; 715100, 4163700; 715000, 4163500; 714800, 4163300;
714900, 4163200; 715000, 4163200; 715700, 4163200; 715900, 4163100;
716000, 4162900; 716100, 4162800; 716200, 4162800; 716300, 4162900;
716400, 4163000; 716500, 4163100; 716600, 4163200; 716600, 4163500;
716500, 4163600; 716500, 4163800; 716600, 4164100; 716800, 4164500;
716700, 4164900; 716800, 4165300; 717200, 4165800; 717200, 4166100;
717000, 4166400; 716600, 4166400; 716400, 4166300; 716400, 4167000;
716600, 4167200; 716600, 4167300; 717000, 4167400; 717500, 4167400;
718100, 4167300; 718500, 4167100; 718600, 4166600; 718700, 4166400;
719100, 4166700; 719300, 4166800; 719800, 4166800; 719500, 4167400;
719500, 4167600; 719700, 4167800; 720500, 4167800; 720700, 4167700;
720900, 4167500; 721100, 4167400; 721300, 4167700; 721700, 4167700;
722000, 4167600; 722500, 4167600; 722900, 4167500; 723300, 4167400;
723000, 4168400; 723000, 4169200; 723300, 4169700; 723800, 4169800;
724100, 4169800; 724600, 4169200; 724700, 4168300; 725100, 4167900;
725300, 4167200; 726200, 4167100; 726500, 4166800; 726500, 4166600;
727300, 4166000; 727700, 4165800; 729000, 4165800; 730100, 4165400;
730400, 4165100; 730500, 4164900; 730700, 4164100; 731300, 4164100;
731700, 4163800; 731800, 4163400; 732200, 4162800;
[[Page 60020]]
732200, 4162500; 732700, 4162700; 733000, 4162600; 733600, 4162100;
733700, 4161500; 733600, 4161000; 734600, 4160400; 734800, 4160200;
734800, 4159500; 734400, 4158700; 734300, 4158100; 734500, 4157900;
734700, 4158000; 734900, 4158300; 735000, 4158800; 735500, 4158800;
735700, 4158600; 735600, 4158100; 736200, 4157500; 736800, 4157300;
736900, 4157100; 736900, 4156500; 736300, 4156500; 736000, 4156300;
735500, 4156300; 734100, 4156900; 733400, 4157100; 731700, 4156900;
730900, 4156500; 728900, 4156600; 727100, 4156700; 726900, 4156400;
725900, 4156400; 723900, 4155300; 723300, 4155400; 722500, 4155000;
722300, 4155000; 722300, 4157400; 723800, 4157500; 723700, 4159000;
722500, 4159000; 722200, 4159300; 720900, 4159300; 720900, 4158500;
719700, 4158500; 719700, 4158100; 719100, 4158000; 718700, 4157600;
718000, 4157700; 717800, 4157400; 717900, 4157200; 718000, 4157000;
718400, 4157300; 718700, 4156700; 718700, 4156300; 717400, 4156300;
717000, 4155800; 716600, 4155800; 716300, 4155700; 716200, 4155000;
returning to 715900, 4154900.
(8) Unit 5: Madera County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Daulton, Kismet, Raymond,
and Raynor Creek, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD
83 coordinates (E, N): 766500, 4107800; 765200, 4107800; 764700,
4108100; 764100, 4109200; 763400, 4109300; 763200, 4109800; 761500,
4109800; 761500, 4111300; 759800, 4111300; 759800, 4112500; 759700,
4117100; 760400, 4117100; 760500, 4118000; 762100, 4118900; 762800,
4118000; 763300, 4117200; 763500, 4117600; 763700, 4117600; 764100,
4117300; 764200, 4116800; 764500, 4115900; 765400, 4115900; 765400,
4116400; 766100, 4116400; 766100, 4115800; 765900, 4114300; thence
southeast to UTM zone 11, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 233400, 4114200; 233900, 4114300; 234200, 4114300;
234200, 4113900; 234300, 4112700; 234900, 4112700; 235500, 4112900;
235700, 4112600; 235700, 4111500; 236200, 4111800; 236400, 4111800;
236800, 4111300; 236400, 4110800; 236400, 4109500; 237000, 4108700;
237600, 4108600; 238400, 4109300; 241300, 4109300; 242100, 4108700;
242100, 4107300; 240900, 4106000; 239300, 4104100; 238900, 4104300;
238500, 4104600; 238100, 4104300; 237100, 4104300; 237100, 4105800;
237000, 4106800; 236000, 4107000; 235800, 4107100; 234900, 4107100;
234300, 4107200; 233900, 4108200; 233200, 4108000; thence southwest to
UTM zone 10 to the point of beginning at UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates
766500, 4107800.
(9) Unit 6: Madera and Fresno Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Daulton, Fresno North,
Gregg, Herndon, Lanes Bridge, and Little Table Mtn., California, land
bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 239300,
4104100; 240900, 4106000; 242100, 4107300; 242100, 4106800; 242300,
4106800; 244300, 4105600; 245200, 4104700; 245800, 4103600; 246100,
4102700; 246500, 4101800; 246800, 4101300; 247200, 4100900; 248300,
4100900; 248900, 4101400; 250200, 4101400; 250200, 4100200; 250700,
4098600; 250700, 4097700; 251400, 4097600; 251400, 4095900; 252000,
4096200; 252700, 4096200; 252800, 4095200; 252500, 4095700; 252100,
4095600; 252100, 4094800; 250500, 4094800; 250400, 4093200; 253300,
4093200; 253300, 4092800; 253800, 4090400; 253200, 4089700; 252600,
4089000; 252400, 4087900; 252200, 4087700; 251900, 4086900; 251800,
4086300; 250200, 4085000; 250200, 4084300; 249300, 4083200; 248600,
4082700; 248000, 4082700; 246400, 4083400; 245900, 4083400; 244700,
4082300; 244000, 4082300; 243400, 4082800; 242500, 4083300; 242500,
4084100; 242000, 4084300; 242000, 4084700; 241700, 4084700; 241700,
4085500; 241300, 4085500; 241300, 4087100; 239100, 4087100; 238800,
4087200; 238800, 4087800; 239100, 4088100; 239600, 4088100; 239600,
4088900; 242200, 4088800; 242200, 4086000; 242600, 4086000; 242600,
4084700; 243400, 4084700; 243400, 4083500; 244400, 4083500; 244500,
4083900; 246100, 4083900; 246100, 4084500; 246500, 4084900; 247000,
4084900; 247000, 4084600; 247800, 4084600; 247800, 4083800; 249300,
4083800; 249400, 4085300; 248500, 4085300; 248500, 4086600; 250000,
4086600; 250000, 4085900; 250300, 4085400; 251000, 4086000; 251200,
4087100; 251100, 4089300; 251000, 4092200; 250400, 4092200; 250400,
4092800; 245500, 4093000; 242300, 4093100; 242300, 4095000; 242500,
4095100; 244000, 4095000; 244000, 4096700; 244800, 4096600; 244900,
4098200; 245700, 4098200; 245700, 4099800; 242500, 4100000; 242400,
4095200; 242300, 4095200; 237600, 4095200; 237600, 4096200; 237700,
4098500; 236100, 4098500; 236100, 4100100; 236100, 4100400; 237500,
4101900; 238400, 4102700; 238800, 4103300; returning to 239300,
4104100.
(10) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Orcuttia pilosa
(hairy Orcutt grass).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60021]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.011
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
Family Poaceae: Orcuttia tenuis (Slender Orcutt Grass).
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Siskiyou, Modoc,
Shasta, Lassen, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, and Sacramento counties,
California, on the map below.
[[Page 60022]]
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Orcuttia tenuis are the habitat components that provide:
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Orcuttia tenuis germination,
growth and reproduction, including but not limited to Northern Volcanic
Ashflow and Northern Volcanic Mudflow vernal pools (Sawyer and Keeler-
Wolf 1995) with iron-silica and bedrock hardpan impervious layers, and
that typically become inundated during winter rains, but are dry during
the summer and do not necessarily fill with water every year; and
(ii) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Orcuttia tenuis germination, growth and reproduction,
and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Critical habitat does not include existing man-made features
and structures, such as buildings, roads, aquaducts, railroads, airport
runways and buildings, other paved areas, lawns, and other urban
landscaped areas not containing one or more of the primary consituent
elements.
(4) Subunit 1A: Siskiyou, Modoc and Shasta counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Day and Timbered Crater,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 635000, 4555400; 633500, 4557100; 633000, 4558400; 631100, 4560000;
630400, 4560200; 627700, 4561300; 626000, 4561600; 626000, 4562200;
626200, 4562900; 625700, 4564200; 626100, 4565000; 627100, 4566500;
627900, 4567000; 628900, 4567000; 629500, 4566700; 630000, 4566600;
630300, 4566300; 630600, 4565700; 630800, 4565600; 630900, 4564900;
630600, 4563700; 630300, 4563500; 629900, 4563400; 630000, 4563000;
630300, 4562500; 630500, 4562700; 630800, 4562700; 631100, 4562600;
631400, 4562300; 632200, 4562100; 632600, 4561700; 632900, 4561700;
633200, 4561900; 633600, 4561800; 633900, 4561800; 634200, 4561500;
634500, 4561300; 634600, 4560900; 635000, 4560700; 635100, 4561000;
635300, 4561300; 635400, 4561600; 637300, 4560000; 637400, 4559300;
637000, 4557700; 636000, 4555600; returning to 635000, 4555400.
(5) Subunit 1B: Shasta County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Burney Falls and Dana,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 617200, 4548600; 616900, 4548600; 616800, 4549000; 615900, 4549500;
615700, 4549800; 615200, 4549900; 614900, 4550100; 614900, 4550500;
615400, 4550700; 615900, 4550800; 616100, 4550900; 616500, 4550600;
616800, 4550500; 617100, 4550000; 617300, 4549400; 617400, 4549100;
617500, 4548700; returning to 617200, 4548600.
(6) Subunit 1C: Shasta County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Burney and Burney Falls,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 614100, 4535000; 613400, 4535200; 612700, 4535200; 612500, 4535000;
612000, 4535200; 611700, 4535900; 611700, 4537000; 611500, 4538200;
611400, 4538600; 611900, 4538700; 612300, 4539200; 612400, 4539700;
613800, 4539100; 614300, 4539400; 614600, 4539200; 614400, 4538400;
614400, 4535300; returning to 614100, 4535000.
(7) Subunit 1D: Shasta County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Burney, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 611800,
4528900; 611100, 4528900; 610800, 4529000; 610100, 4529600; 609500,
4529700; 609300, 4530000; 608200, 4530700; 607600, 4530900; 607200,
4532300; 605800, 4533500; 606300, 4533900; 606800, 4534500; 607500,
4535500; 608100, 4536000; 609700, 4536000; 610300, 4535500; 610500,
4535000; 610600, 4534600; 610500, 4533700; 610800, 4532700; 612400,
4531100; 612600, 4530600; returning to 611800, 4528900.
(8) Subunit 1E: Shasta County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Murken Bench and Old
Station, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 634400, 4509200; 634000, 4510000; 633800, 4510700;
634100, 4510800; 634100, 4512300; 633600, 4512700; 633500, 4513000;
633600, 4513000; 633800, 4513100; 633900, 4513400; 634100, 4513500;
634400, 4513200; 634700, 4513200; 635000, 4513400; 635800, 4513400;
636000, 4513100; 636100, 4512800; 636200, 4512700; 636500, 4512700;
635900, 4512200; 635900, 4510600; 636300, 4509900; 635900, 4509600;
returning to 634400, 4509200.
(9) Subunit 1F: Lassen County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Poison Lake and Swains Hole,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 644800, 4500100; 644300, 4500300; 643500, 4500400; 642400, 4500800;
641500, 4501500; 641200, 4502700; 641600, 4504500; 643500, 4505500;
645100, 4505200; 645300, 4506300; 646300, 4507900; 647300, 4508600;
648800, 4508600; 649100, 4508800; 650600, 4508800; 651400, 4508300;
652000, 4507200; 652200, 4505700; 651500, 4504500; 650700, 4504100;
650400, 4503700; 650900, 4502000; 650400, 4501200; 650200, 4501200;
649600, 4502800; 649100, 4503200; 647400, 4504400; 647200, 4504300;
646800, 4503400; 647500, 4501700; 647500, 4500700; 646800, 4500300;
returning to 644800, 4500100.
(10) Subunit 1G: Lassen County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Bogard Buttes, Harvey Mtn.,
Pine Creek Valley, and Poison Lake, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 661600, 4495200; 661300,
4495200; 660100, 4496700; 659300, 4497700; 657500, 4499000; 655500,
4500700; 655000, 4501200; 654900, 4501700; 654900, 4502100; 655600,
4501800; 656600, 4502800; 657700, 4503200; 659900, 4503700; 661400,
4504600; 662200, 4505200; 662900, 4505100; 663600, 4504700; 664200,
4504500; 664400, 4504300; 664400, 4503100; 664100, 4503000; 662800,
4502300; 661600, 4501100; 661300, 4499600; 661600, 4497900; 661800,
4497500; 662700, 4496800; returning to 661600, 4495200.
(11) Subunit 1H: Shasta County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Old Station and West
Prospect Peak, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 631700, 4490800; 631300, 4491000; 630900, 4491600;
630300, 4491600; 630000, 4491600; 629800, 4491900; 629800, 4492700;
629900, 4493100; 629300, 4493500; 629100, 4493700; 629300, 4494200;
629500, 4494700; 629400, 4494800; 629400, 4495200; 629700, 4495500;
630500, 4495700; 630500, 4496500; 631700, 4497100; 631700, 4497600;
631800, 4498000; 631900, 4498200; 632000, 4498400; 632100, 4498400;
632400, 4498400; 633900, 4497900; 634300, 4496700; 634600, 4496000;
634700, 4495800; 635100, 4495200; 635400, 4494700; 635600, 4494500;
635500,
[[Page 60023]]
4493900; 635400, 4493400; 635600, 4492800; 635700, 4492500; 635600,
4492400; 634500, 4492400; 633800, 4492600; 632800, 4492600; 632400,
4492300; 632700, 4491800; 632800, 4491400; 632000, 4490900; and 631700,
4490800.
(12) Subunit 1I: Plumas County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Almanor, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 655400,
4452100; 655000, 4452100; 654900, 4452500; 654400, 4452700; 654100,
4453000; 653900, 4453200; 653700, 4453200; 653400, 4453000; 652600,
4453000; 652300, 4453500; 651900, 4453700; 651600, 4454400; 651600,
4454700; 652000, 4455400; 652400, 4455500; 652700, 4455700; 653200,
4455300; 653000, 4455100; 653000, 4454800; 653300, 4454400; 653500,
4454100; 653900, 4453900; 654500, 4453700; 654900, 4453400; 655300,
4452900; 655400, 4452600; returning to 655400, 4452100.
(13) Subunit 2A: Shasta County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Enterprise, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 558800,
4488900; 558500, 4488900; 557900, 4489000; 557900, 4489900; 558000,
4490000; 558000, 4490500; 557900, 4490800; 557900, 4491800; 558400,
4491800; 558500, 4491700; 558900, 4491600; 559100, 4491300; 559100,
4490700; 559000, 4490600; 559000, 4490400; 559200, 4490200; 559200,
4490000; 559400, 4489800; 559400, 4489300; 559200, 4489000; returning
to 558800, 4488900.
(14) Subunit 2B: Shasta County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Balls Ferry, Cottonwood,
Enterprise, and Palo Cedro, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 564200, 4480800; 564000, 4480800;
563600, 4480900; 563300, 4481000; 563100, 4480900; 562900, 4480900;
562500, 4481200; 562400, 4481500; 562400, 4481700; 562300, 4482400;
562000, 4482500; 561900, 4482800; 561800, 4483300; 561500, 4483700;
561000, 4484000; 560900, 4483900; 560900, 4483500; 560500, 4482600;
560100, 4482500; 559900, 4482000; 559400, 4482000; 558900, 4482400;
558900, 4482900; 558900, 4483600; 558300, 4483600; 558200, 4483900;
558200, 4484500; 558000, 4484800; 558000, 4485100; 558000, 4485300;
557800, 4485600; 557600, 4485900; 557300, 4486100; 557300, 4487400;
559200, 4487400; 559300, 4486800; 559800, 4486500; 560100, 4486500;
560300, 4485800; 560400, 4485600; 560600, 4485300; 560700, 4485400;
560700, 4486500; 560800, 4486700; 561000, 4486900; 561200, 4487000;
561300, 4487600; 561600, 4487900; 562000, 4487900; 562500, 4487400;
562700, 4487100; 562900, 4487200; 563200, 4487200; 563300, 4487000;
563300, 4486700; 563800, 4486400; 564300, 4484700; 564300, 4484400;
564700, 4483800; 564900, 4483600; 564900, 4483400; 564500, 4483000;
564500, 4482800; 564600, 4482700; 564600, 4482400; 564400, 4482100;
564500, 4481700; 564500, 4481000; returning to 564200, 4480800.
(15) Subunit 2C: Shasta County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Balls Ferry and Palo Cedro,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 566900, 4477300; 566700, 4477300; 566100, 4478200; 565900, 4478900;
565500, 4479200; 565500, 4479300; 565600, 4479600; 565300, 4479700;
565300, 4479900; 565400, 4480200; 566100, 4480400; 566100, 4480700;
565700, 4480800; 565700, 4481000; 565700, 4481300; 565700, 4481700;
565500, 4482500; 565100, 4482600; 564900, 4482900; 564900, 4483100;
565000, 4483300; 565400, 4483800; 565700, 4484900; 566400, 4485400;
567400, 4485000; 568100, 4483800; 568100, 4483300; 568400, 4483000;
568400, 4482100; 568200, 4481600; 567500, 4481300; 567500, 4480200;
567700, 4479400; 567700, 4478400; 567500, 4477800; returning to 566900,
4477300.
(16) Unit 3: Shasta and Tehama Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Balls Ferry, Bend, Dales,
Red Bluff East, Shingletown, and Tuscan Buttes NE, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 570200,
4454800; 570200, 4455000; 570600, 4455900; 570000, 4456100; 569500,
4456300; 569300, 4456500; 568900, 4456500; 568600, 4456500; 568000,
4456800; 567900, 4457100; 567900, 4458000; 568400, 4458800; 569100,
4459800; 569600, 4460500; 569500, 4460800; 569000, 4460600; 568300,
4460700; 567500, 4460700; 566800, 4460000; 566400, 4460000; 565900,
4461100; 565800, 4461400; 565800, 4461700; 566000, 4462000; 565800,
4462300; 565300, 4463200; 566400, 4464000; 566700, 4464200; 566800,
4464100; 567600, 4463400; 568300, 4463200; 569800, 4463200; 570600,
4463900; 570800, 4464300; 572000, 4465200; 572000, 4466300; 572100,
4466600; 572800, 4467300; 573500, 4468600; 573400, 4469000; 573100,
4469400; 572900, 4469600; 572600, 4469600; 571800, 4468800; 571400,
4468100; 570700, 4467600; 570300, 4467700; 570300, 4467900; 570700,
4469000; 570700, 4469400; 569900, 4470200; 569600, 4470200; 569300,
4470200; 569000, 4470600; 569000, 4471300; 569400, 4472000; 569500,
4472400; 569900, 4472400; 570400, 4472300; 572100, 4472800; 572700,
4472500; 574100, 4473200; 575100, 4473200; 575600, 4473500; 576000,
4473900; 576600, 4473900; 577300, 4473900; 577700, 4474200; 578600,
4474200; 579300, 4474400; 580000, 4474400; 580600, 4474700; 581900,
4474700; 582400, 4475300; 583000, 4475400; 583200, 4475400; 583700,
4475000; 584200, 4475200; 584600, 4475200; 585400, 4474500; 586000,
4473600; 586100, 4473400; 585800, 4472600; 585500, 4472100; 584800,
4471900; 584500, 4471600; 584500, 4471400; 584700, 4471100; 584700,
4470800; 584500, 4470500; 583400, 4469700; 583100, 4469400; 582600,
4468500; 582600, 4467600; 582700, 4466900; 582700, 4466700; 581900,
4465800; 581000, 4465500; 580600, 4465200; 580400, 4464000; 580200,
4463300; 578900, 4462700; 578500, 4462300; 578100, 4462000; 577800,
4460900; 577700, 4460000; 576700, 4459300; 576600, 4458800; 576800,
4458300; 576800, 4457100; 576400, 4456700; 575500, 4456800; 574900,
4456800; 574100, 4455900; 573500, 4455600; 572300, 4455300; 572000,
4455300; 571600, 4455600; 571400, 4455400; 571100, 4454900; 570600,
4454900; returning to 570200, 4454800.
(17) Unit 4: Tehama and Butte counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Acorn Hollow, Foster Island,
Los Molinos, Nord, Richardson Springs NW, and Vina, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 583100,
4413100; 582900, 4413400; 582900, 4415900; 582000, 4418300; 581800,
4419200; 582000, 4419500; 581400, 4420000; 581400, 4420400; 581800,
4420700; 581600, 4421000; 583200, 4422600; 583500, 4423600; 585200,
4424500; 584900, 4424900; 582900, 4424300; 581300, 4422800; 581000,
4422600; 580500, 4422800; 579800, 4424400; 579500, 4425400; 580300,
4426100; 581700, 4427000; 583400, 4427100; 584000, 4427200; 585000,
4428300; 586700, 4429000; 588800, 4430200; 589500, 4429500; 589500,
4428600; 589500, 4428000; 589800, 4427100; 590500, 4426400; 590500,
4425300; 591200, 4424400; 591500, 4423300; 591600, 4422100; 590900,
4420900; 590700, 4419800; 588000, 4417000;
[[Page 60024]]
587500, 4416400; 587200, 4415500; 587200, 4414000; 586400, 4413800;
586200, 4413600; 586200, 4413400; 584200, 4413400; returning to 583100,
4413100.
(18) Subunit 5A: Lake County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Kelseyville and The Geysers,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 520000, 4302900; 519600, 4302900; 519200, 4303200; 518600, 4303600;
518400, 4304000; 517700, 4304500; 517700, 4305500; 518000, 4305800;
518900, 4305800; 519400, 4305600; 519400, 4305200; 520600, 4304700;
520700, 4304400; 521200, 4303900; 521200, 4303500; 520900, 4303400;
returning to 520000, 4302900.
(19) Subunit 5B: Lake County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Middletown, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 540700,
4298300; 540200, 4298400; 539100, 4299100; 538800, 4299200; 538400,
4299200; 538100, 4299500; 538300, 4300200; 537900, 4300700; 537400,
4300600; 536900, 4299900; 536300, 4299700; 536000, 4299700; 535100,
4300400; 535000, 4300800; 535000, 4301200; 535100, 4301800; 535300,
4302200; 535700, 4302400; 536100, 4302400; 536900, 4302300; 538700,
4301200; 539100, 4300600; 540000, 4300000; 540700, 4299700; 541000,
4299300; 541100, 4298700; returning to 540700, 4298300.
(20) Unit 6: Sacramento County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Buffalo Creek, Carmichael,
Elk Grove, and Sloughhouse, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 650200, 4257200; 650200, 4258300;
649600, 4258300; 649600, 4257400; 649400, 4257400; 649400, 4259000;
649100, 4259000; 649100, 4258500; 648500, 4258500; 648500, 4257400;
648200, 4257400; 648100, 4258300; 647700, 4258600; 647700, 4258900;
647900, 4258900; 648500, 4259400; 648500, 4260600; 647000, 4260600;
647000, 4261200; 647300, 4262300; 648400, 4262300; 648400, 4264000;
649000, 4264500; 649500, 4264500; 650200, 4264200; 650400, 4264200;
650400, 4264600; 649900, 4264700; 649900, 4265000; 648700, 4265000;
648700, 4265300; 647900, 4265300; 647900, 4265700; 647100, 4265200;
646700, 4265200; 646700, 4265400; 646900, 4265900; 647000, 4266200;
646800, 4266400; 646800, 4266700; 647000, 4267200; 647200, 4267100;
647400, 4266300; 647500, 4266300; 647700, 4267000; 649200, 4267100;
649200, 4266700; 651200, 4266600; 651500, 4266400; 652400, 4266900;
652400, 4267300; 652000, 4267700; 652000, 4267800; 652800, 4268900;
653000, 4269400; 652500, 4270300; 652600, 4270400; 652700, 4270500;
653100, 4270500; 653400, 4270800; 653600, 4270800; 653800, 4270400;
654400, 4270800; 654800, 4270900; 655200, 4271100; 655500, 4271100;
655800, 4270900; 656000, 4270900; 656200, 4271300; 656300, 4271300;
656500, 4271400; 656600, 4271400; 656600, 4271000; 656900, 4270800;
657300, 4270800; 657300, 4271400; 657500, 4271500; 657800, 4271400;
658000, 4271300; 658900, 4271300; 658900, 4271000; 659100, 4271000;
659200, 4270900; 659200, 4270800; 659100, 4269300; 659700, 4268900;
659700, 4268000; 659500, 4267000; 659300, 4266700; 659000, 4266400;
658800, 4265100; 658000, 4265500; 657600, 4265000; 657500, 4264300;
657900, 4263900; 657700, 4263600; 657200, 4263600; 657200, 4263100;
657600, 4263000; 657700, 4262900; 657700, 4262800; 657400, 4262700;
656700, 4262700; 656500, 4262700; 655400, 4263400; 654400, 4262200;
655500, 4261500; 655500, 4261100; 655200, 4260800; 655200, 4260700;
654900, 4260400; 653500, 4261300; 653200, 4261000; 653100, 4262300;
652800, 4262300; 652800, 4261400; 652600, 4261300; 652300, 4261400;
651700, 4261800; 651600, 4262100; 650700, 4262100; 650700, 4261800;
651100, 4261700; 651200, 4261400; 651200, 4260600; 651000, 4260400;
650400, 4260400; 650400, 4259300; 651600, 4259300; 651600, 4259100;
returning to 650200, 4257200.
(21) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Orcuttia tenuis
(slender Orcutt grass).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60025]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.012
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
Family Poaceae: Orcuttia viscida (Sacramento Orcutt Grass).
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Sacramento and Amador
counties, California, on the map below.
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Orcuttia viscida are the habitat components that provide:
[[Page 60026]]
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Orcuttia viscida germination,
growth and reproduction, including but not limited to vernal pools on
high terrace landforms on acidic soils such as Red Bluff, Redding, and
Corning soil series. These habitats typically become inundated during
winter rains, but are dry during the summer and do not necessarily fill
with water every year; and
(ii) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Orcuttia viscida germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Critical habitat does not include existing man-made features
and structures, such as buildings, roads, aquaducts, railroads, airport
runways and buildings, other paved areas, lawns, and other urban
landscaped areas not containing one or more of the primary consituent
elements.
(4) Unit 1: Sacramento County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Folsom, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 655300,
4279300; 654900, 4279400; 654900, 4279800; 655100, 4279800; 655200,
4280200; 655400, 4280200; 655500, 4280000; 655300, 4279800; returning
to 655300, 4279300.
(5) Unit 2: Sacramento County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Buffalo Creek, Carmichael,
Elk Grove, and Sloughhouse, California, land bounded by the following
UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 650200, 4257200; 650200, 4258300;
649600, 4258300; 649600, 4257400; 649400, 4257400; 649400, 4259000;
649100, 4259000; 649100, 4258500; 648500, 4258500; 648500, 4257400;
648200, 4257400; 648100, 4258300; 647700, 4258600; 647700, 4258900;
647900, 4258900; 648500, 4259400; 648500, 4260600; 647000, 4260600;
647000, 4261200; 647300, 4262300; 648400, 4262300; 648400, 4264000;
649000, 4264500; 649500, 4264500; 650200, 4264200; 650400, 4264200;
650400, 4264600; 649900, 4264700; 649900, 4265000; 648700, 4265000;
648700, 4265300; 647900, 4265300; 647900, 4265700; 647100, 4265200;
646700, 4265200; 646700, 4265400; 646900, 4265900; 647000, 4266200;
646800, 4266400; 646800, 4266700; 647000, 4267200; 647200, 4267100;
647400, 4266300; 647500, 4266300; 647700, 4267000; 649200, 4267100;
649200, 4266700; 651200, 4266600; 651500, 4266400; 652400, 4266900;
652400, 4267300; 652000, 4267700; 652000, 4267800; 652800, 4268900;
653000, 4269400; 652500, 4270300; 652600, 4270400; 652700, 4270500;
653100, 4270500; 653400, 4270800; 653600, 4270800; 653800, 4270400;
654400, 4270800; 654800, 4270900; 655200, 4271100; 655500, 4271100;
655800, 4270900; 656000, 4270900; 656200, 4271300; 656300, 4271300;
656500, 4271400; 656600, 4271400; 656600, 4271000; 656900, 4270800;
657300, 4270800; 657300, 4271400; 657500, 4271500; 657800, 4271400;
658000, 4271300; 658900, 4271300; 658900, 4271000; 659100, 4271000;
659200, 4270900; 659200, 4270800; 659100, 4269300; 659700, 4268900;
659700, 4268000; 659500, 4267000; 659300, 4266700; 659000, 4266400;
658800, 4265100; 658000, 4265500; 657600, 4265000; 657500, 4264300;
657900, 4263900; 657700, 4263600; 657200, 4263600; 657200, 4263100;
657600, 4263000; 657700, 4262900; 657700, 4262800; 657400, 4262700;
656700, 4262700; 656500, 4262700; 655400, 4263400; 654400, 4262200;
655500, 4261500; 655500, 4261100; 655200, 4260800; 655200, 4260700;
654900, 4260400; 653500, 4261300; 653200, 4261000; 653100, 4262300;
652800, 4262300; 652800, 4261400; 652600, 4261300; 652300, 4261400;
651700, 4261800; 651600, 4262100; 650700, 4262100; 650700, 4261800;
651100, 4261700; 651200, 4261400; 651200, 4260600; 651000, 4260400;
650400, 4260400; 650400, 4259300; 651600, 4259300; 651600, 4259100;
returning to 650200, 4257200.
(6) Unit 3: Sacramento and Amador counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Carbondale, Clay, Goose
Creek, and Sloughhouse, California, land bounded by the following UTM
10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 664600, 4238700; 663800, 4238700; 662900,
4239700; 661300, 4238900; 660000, 4239200; 659500, 4239200; 659400,
4239600; 659500, 4239800; 661300, 4239800; 661300, 4239900; 661500,
4239900; 661500, 4241600; 662900, 4241600; 662900, 4243100; 663400,
4243100; 663400, 4243800; 662500, 4243900; 662500, 4244800; 663700,
4244800; 664400, 4244300; 664600, 4244700; 664900, 4244800; 664900,
4246500; 664400, 4246500; 663900, 4246700; 662500, 4246300; 661600,
4246300; 661500, 4246700; 661500, 4246900; 661800, 4247000; 662000,
4247300; 661800, 4247500; 661500, 4247300; 661100, 4247100; 659200,
4247100; 659200, 4247300; 659100, 4247500; 659000, 4247700; 659000,
4248000; 659100, 4248300; 658400, 4248300; 658400, 4247100; 657800,
4247100; 657800, 4247500; 656800, 4247400; 656400, 4248300; 656200,
4248300; 656100, 4248000; 656000, 4247800; 655900, 4247700; 655600,
4247600; 655300, 4247600; 655300, 4247200; 654700, 4247200; 654700,
4249000; 655800, 4249000; 656300, 4249700; 656600, 4249500; 657200,
4250200; 656700, 4251100; 657700, 4251100; 658700, 4252500; 659500,
4252500; 659600, 4252100; 659900, 4252200; 660500, 4251500; 660600,
4250500; 661700, 4251200; 662400, 4252100; 662800, 4252300; 663200,
4252300; 663400, 4252700; 663800, 4253700; 664900, 4253700; 665800,
4254500; 666200, 4254600; 667600, 4254500; 668000, 4255000; 668900,
4255600; 669300, 4255400; 670600, 4255800; 671500, 4256400; 671700,
4256000; 671900, 4256000; 672500, 4256200; 672700, 4256400; 673400,
4256400; 673500, 4256300; 673100, 4255300; 673100, 4254900; 673800,
4254900; 674000, 4254600; 674000, 4254400; 674500, 4254000; 674500,
4253700; 674100, 4253500; 674100, 4252900; 674300, 4252300; 674500,
4251900; 674500, 4251600; 673400, 4251500; 673300, 4251400; 673300,
4251200; 673900, 4251000; 674000, 4250500; 674300, 4250000; 674300,
4249800; 674200, 4249700; 673900, 4249700; 673600, 4249900; 672500,
4249900; 671900, 4250200; 671300, 4250200; 671100, 4250500; 671000,
4250500; 671000, 4249800; 670700, 4249800; 670700, 4249500; 670900,
4249300; 670900, 4249100; 670900, 4248500; 670500, 4248300; 670500,
4248000; 670100, 4248000; 670100, 4247800; 670500, 4247500; 671100,
4247500; 671600, 4247700; 671800, 4247600; 671900, 4247300; 671900,
4247100; 671500, 4246800; 671800, 4246200; 671800, 4245800; 670800,
4245000; 669900, 4244100; 669800, 4243700; 669500, 4243500; 669200,
4243400; 669100, 4242900; 668500, 4242100; 667900, 4242000; 667400,
4241600; 666800, 4241200; 666700, 4241200; 666600, 4240900; 666600,
4240700; 666800, 4240500; 666600, 4240100; 666400, 4240100; 665700,
4240100; 665700, 4240000; 664600, 4240000; returning to 664600,
4238700.
[[Page 60027]]
(7) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Orcuttia viscida
(Sacramento Orcutt Grass).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60028]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.013
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
Family Poaceae: Tuctoria greenei (Greene's Tuctoria).
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Shasta, Tehama, Butte,
Glenn, Colusa, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Merced, Mariposa and Madera
counties, California, on the map below.
[[Page 60029]]
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Tuctoria greenei are the habitat components that provide:
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Tuctoria greenei germination,
growth and reproduction, including but not limited to Northern Claypan,
Northern Hardpan and Northern Basalt flow vernal pools, that typically
become inundated during winter rains, but are dry during the summer and
do not necessarily fill with water every year; and
(ii) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Tuctoria greenei germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Critical habitat does not include existing man-made features
and structures, such as buildings, roads, aqueducts, railroads, airport
runways and buildings, other paved areas, lawns, and other urban
landscaped areas not containing one or more of the primary constituent
elements.
(4) Unit 1: Shasta County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Murken Bench, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 631900,
4520300; 631500, 4520300; 630700, 4520600; 630000, 4521000; 628900,
4522800; 629200, 4523500; 629600, 4523900; 631000, 4524100; 631800,
4523500; 632700, 4522700; 632300, 4521000; returning to 631900,
4520300.
(5) Unit 2: Tehama and Butte counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Acorn Hollow, Foster Island,
Los Molinos, Nord, Richardson Springs NW, and Vina, California, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 583100,
4413100; 582900, 4413400; 582900, 4415900; 582000, 4418300; 581800,
4419200; 582000, 4419500; 581400, 4420000; 581400, 4420400; 581800,
4420700; 581600, 4421000; 583200, 4422600; 583500, 4423600; 585200,
4424500; 584900, 4424900; 582900, 4424300; 581300, 4422800; 581000,
4422600; 580500, 4422800; 579800, 4424400; 579500, 4425400; 580300,
4426100; 581700, 4427000; 583400, 4427100; 584000, 4427200; 585000,
4428300; 586700, 4429000; 588800, 4430200; 589500, 4429500; 589500,
4428600; 589500, 4428000; 589800, 4427100; 590500, 4426400; 590500,
4425300; 591200, 4424400; 591500, 4423300; 591600, 4422100; 590900,
4420900; 590700, 4419800; 588000, 4417000; 587500, 4416400; 587200,
4415500; 587200, 4414000; 586400, 4413800; 586200, 4413600; 586200,
4413400; 584200, 4413400; returning to 583100, 4413100.
(6) Unit 3: Butte County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle map Hamlin Canyon, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 611100,
4387700; 610400, 4388500; 610300, 4388800; 609200, 4389800; 609100,
4390100; 610200, 4391100; 610300, 4391400; 611100, 4391400; 611500,
4391300; 612500, 4390200; 613300, 4389600; 613300, 4388900; 613200,
4388400; 612800, 4388000; 612100, 4387900; 611500, 4387900; returning
to 611100, 4387700.
(7) Unit 4: Butte County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Biggs and Shippee,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 612800, 4370600; 612100, 4370700; 612100, 4371500; 611900, 4371900;
611100, 4372000; 611100, 4372200; 611200, 4372600; 611300, 4373100;
612700, 4373100; 612900, 4372400; 612900, 4370900; returning to 612800,
4370600.
(8) Unit 5: Glenn and Colusa counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Logandale, Maxwell, Moulton
Weir, and Princeton, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 572900, 4357400; 571200, 4357400; 571200,
4358200; 570400, 4358200; 570400, 4359000; 569600, 4359000; 569500,
4360500; 569300, 4362200; 569500, 4363300; 569500, 4367200; 570000,
4367200; 569900, 4368400; 570300, 4368400; 571000, 4367600; 571000,
4367800; 570700, 4368500; 570900, 4368800; 571500, 4368800; 571900,
4368300; 571900, 4367600; 572100, 4367600; 572400, 4368100; 572400,
4368400; 572600, 4368900; 572800, 4368900; 573000, 4368100; 573400,
4368000; 573800, 4367600; 574100, 4367300; 574400, 4367200; 574500,
4366400; 574900, 4366400; 574900, 4365600; 574700, 4365500; 574400,
4364100; 575200, 4363900; 575600, 4363600; 575100, 4362400; 575600,
4361400; 575100, 4360700; 576000, 4359600; 575500, 4358900; 575700,
4358300; 575900, 4357700; 575300, 4357800; 575000, 4357700; 574700,
4357700; 573600, 4357800; 573500, 4358200; 572900, 4358200; returning
to 572900, 4357400.
(9) Unit 6: Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cooperstown, Keystone,
Knights Ferry, La Grange, Oakdale, Paulsell, and Waterford, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 718900,
4168000; 718700, 4168000; 717900, 4168500; 715500, 4168200; 715400,
4168300; 712500, 4168900; 710900, 4168400; 710400, 4168500; 710500,
4169100; 709300, 4169100; 709100, 4169500; 709100, 4169700; 708900,
4169700; 708800, 4169900; 708700, 4169900; 708600, 4169800; 708500,
4169900; 708400, 4170000; 708700, 4170200; 708800, 4170300; 708900,
4170400; 709100, 4170500; 709200, 4170600; 709400, 4170600; 709400,
4170800; 709300, 4170800; 709200, 4170900; 709100, 4170800; 708800,
4170700; 708800, 4170600; 708500, 4170500; 708400, 4170300; 708100,
4170200; 707900, 4170200; 707900, 4170300; 708100, 4170500; 708200,
4170500; 708200, 4170600; 708000, 4170600; 708200, 4170800; 708200,
4170900; 708100, 4170900; 707900, 4170700; 707700, 4170700; 707700,
4170800; 707600, 4170900; 707400, 4170900; 707100, 4171100; 707100,
4171200; 707200, 4171300; 707300, 4171200; 707500, 4171300; 707800,
4171600; 707900, 4171600; 708100, 4171600; 708200, 4171700; 708100,
4171800; 708100, 4171900; 708300, 4171900; 708300, 4172100; 708400,
4172100; 708500, 4172200; 708500, 4172300; 708700, 4172400; 708800,
4172500; 708800, 4172600; 708700, 4172700; 708500, 4172700; 708400,
4172800; 708300, 4172700; 708200, 4172700; 708100, 4172600; 708000,
4172500; 707900, 4172500; 707800, 4172700; 707600, 4172600; 707400,
4172500; 707400, 4172600; 707200, 4172700; 707100, 4172300; 707000,
4172200; 706700, 4172200; 706700, 4172300; 706500, 4172300; 706400,
4172300; 706400, 4172400; 706200, 4172600; 706300, 4172700; 706400,
4172800; 706300, 4172800; 706200, 4172800; 706100, 4172900; 705900,
4173100; 705800, 4173300; 705800, 4173500; 706000, 4173800; 705900,
4173900; 705800, 4174100; 705700, 4174200; 705500, 4174200; 705400,
4174100; 705400, 4173700; 705300, 4173500; 705200, 4173200; 705100,
4173200; 705100, 4172600; 704900, 4172400; 704800, 4172100; 704600,
4172100; 704500, 4171900; 704400, 4171800; 704500, 4171600; 704600,
4171400; 704700, 4171500; 704900, 4171200; 704700, 4171100; 704900,
4171000; 704800, 4170900; 704600, 4170900;
[[Page 60030]]
704600, 4170700; 704800, 4170200; 705300, 4170200; 705800, 4169700;
705900, 4169300; 706000, 4168900; 706000, 4168800; 705400, 4168900;
704400, 4169000; 703000, 4168900; 702200, 4168200; 700500, 4168400;
700400, 4169700; 700100, 4169800; 700100, 4170700; 699500, 4171100;
698500, 4171200; 698500, 4172000; 697800, 4172300; 697100, 4171200;
696000, 4171200; 694000, 4171200; 694000, 4172100; 694500, 4172100;
694500, 4174500; 696300, 4174500; 696300, 4175300; 697300, 4175300;
697300, 4176200; 697700, 4176200; 697700, 4179300; 696600, 4179300;
696400, 4180000; 695800, 4180000; 695500, 4179500; 695000, 4179300;
694400, 4179300; 694400, 4179800; 694800, 4180400; 694500, 4180800;
694500, 4181000; 694900, 4181400; 694500, 4181600; 694500, 4181900;
695100, 4182200; 696100, 4182200; 696200, 4181800; 695700, 4181600;
696300, 4180500; 697000, 4180100; 697400, 4180100; 697600, 4180400;
697600, 4182600; 700300, 4182600; 700300, 4183400; 699400, 4183400;
699400, 4184100; 700800, 4185100; 704100, 4186300; 705300, 4187700;
705700, 4187700; 706300, 4188200; 706300, 4188800; 706700, 4190100;
707300, 4190700; 707800, 4190700; 708400, 4190000; 708700, 4190000;
709200, 4189300; 709200, 4188600; 710100, 4188200; 709900, 4186700;
708900, 4185800; 708800, 4185000; 709600, 4184200; 710300, 4183900;
710300, 4182900; 711400, 4182100; 712400, 4182100; 713200, 4182000;
714100, 4182600; 715100, 4182600; 715500, 4183400; 715800, 4183400;
716000, 4182700; 716900, 4182700; 717100, 4182500; 717100, 4182000;
716900, 4181300; 717200, 4180900; 717200, 4180600; 716900, 4179900;
717700, 4180100; 718500, 4180000; 718700, 4179200; 719300, 4178700;
719700, 4177600; 720300, 4177700; 720700, 4177700; 720800, 4176400;
721400, 4175900; 722200, 4175300; 722700, 4175200; 722800, 4173600;
723000, 4173500; 723200, 4173600; 723700, 4173600; 724000, 4173300;
724100, 4172300; 722800, 4172200; 721700, 4171200; 721400, 4169900;
720500, 4168700; returning to 718900, 4168000.
(10) Unit 7: Merced, Mariposa and Madera counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Atwater, Haystack Mtn.,
Illinois Hill, Indian Gulch, Le Grand, Merced, Merced Falls, Owens
Reservoir, Plainsburg, Planada, Raynor Creek, Snelling, Winton, and
Yosemite Lake, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 751800, 4114900; 751600, 4115400; 752000, 4115800;
751900, 4116000; 751400, 4116100; 751100, 4116300; 751100, 4116700;
750700, 4116700; 749900, 4116500; 746800, 4116500; 744700, 4116500;
744600, 4117600; 743600, 4117800; 743300, 4118600; 742800, 4118600;
742800, 4118900; 742300, 4119000; 742300, 4119800; 742900, 4119900;
743300, 4120600; 745500, 4120700; 745800, 4121600; 745400, 4121600;
745400, 4121800; 746100, 4121800; 746200, 4122200; 747500, 4122400;
747500, 4123900; 747000, 4124700; 746900, 4125100; 743600, 4125000;
743600, 4127000; 742700, 4127000; 742600, 4126600; 742300, 4126300;
741700, 4126300; 741200, 4126800; 741200, 4128600; 740400, 4128600;
740400, 4130300; 739000, 4130300; 739000, 4130600; 738400, 4131100;
737500, 4131200; 737800, 4131700; 737700, 4132600; 737700, 4132900;
737100, 4132900; 737100, 4134200; 736700, 4134200; 736100, 4133900;
735600, 4133300; 734700, 4133300; 734700, 4133700; 734100, 4133900;
733100, 4133900; 733100, 4134600; 732700, 4134600; 732600, 4135000;
732300, 4135500; 730300, 4135400; 729900, 4135700; 729900, 4136500;
726500, 4136500; 726400, 4136100; 725900, 4136100; 725900, 4135300;
725600, 4135100; 725500, 4135100; 725300, 4135500; 725100, 4135400;
725000, 4135400; 725000, 4135600; 724800, 4135700; 724600, 4135700;
724600, 4134700; 724200, 4134700; 724200, 4135500; 723400, 4135500;
723400, 4135600; 722800, 4135600; 722800, 4135000; 722600, 4135000;
722600, 4134700; 722500, 4134700; 722200, 4137900; 722800, 4137900;
722800, 4139300; 721900, 4139300; 721900, 4140200; 721000, 4140200;
721000, 4140900; 717800, 4140900; 717800, 4137700; 717100, 4137700;
717000, 4138200; 714500, 4140900; 714100, 4141300; 714100, 4142200;
713600, 4142400; 713200, 4143000; 713000, 4143900; 713100, 4144300;
713700, 4144600; 714500, 4145300; 714500, 4145700; 715800, 4145800;
717000, 4145800; 718000, 4145400; 718200, 4145900; 718200, 4147600;
719700, 4148400; 720600, 4148600; 720600, 4149200; 719600, 4149200;
719600, 4149800; 720300, 4149800; 721300, 4150700; 721700, 4150700;
724400, 4153300; 725000, 4153500; 725500, 4154200; 725800, 4154800;
727200, 4155900; 727800, 4155900; 728500, 4155600; 730200, 4155600;
731600, 4155500; 732400, 4155400; 732600, 4155200; 733200, 4154700;
734100, 4154900; 734600, 4154800; 735600, 4156000; 735900, 4156000;
737100, 4155400; 737800, 4155000; 738200, 4154200; 738300, 4153300;
739000, 4152800; 739100, 4152200; 740200, 4151800; 740800, 4151500;
740800, 4150300; 741100, 4149900; 741700, 4149400; 742100, 4148500;
742100, 4147100; 743400, 4146100; 744000, 4145600; 744400, 4144600;
744300, 4143900; 743900, 4142700; 744000, 4142000; 744200, 4141700;
745500, 4140300; 746100, 4139500; 746800, 4138500; 747700, 4137700;
748500, 4135800; 748700, 4135100; 749500, 4134000; 750100, 4132800;
750700, 4131700; 751600, 4130500; 752000, 4130200; 752800, 4130100;
753300, 4130400; 753500, 4130400; 753900, 4130200; 754000, 4129300;
753400, 4128400; 753900, 4127700; 754400, 4127700; 754600, 4127400;
755300, 4128400; 755400, 4128400; 755600, 4127700; 756900, 4126400;
757800, 4125800; 758400, 4126300; 758500, 4126300; 758600, 4126000;
757900, 4125100; 757400, 4125100; 757800, 4124400; 757800, 4124000;
758200, 4124000; 758500, 4123600; 758800, 4123600; 759000, 4123900;
759300, 4123900; 759700, 4123500; 759700, 4123400; 759200, 4122900;
760300, 4121300; 761000, 4121000; 761300, 4120300; 762100, 4119400;
thence south to x-coordinate 762100 on the Chowchilla River; thence
southwest along the Chowchilla River to Ash Slough; thence southwest
along Ash Slough to y-coordinate 4114900; thence west to the point of
beginning at 751800, 4114900.
(11) Unit 8: Madera County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Daulton, Kismet, Raymond,
and Raynor Creek, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD
83 coordinates (E, N): 761900, 4100100; 761800, 4102500; 761700,
4105900; 762100, 4105900; 762900, 4106300; 763300, 4106200; 764100,
4106700; 764100, 4109200; 763400, 4109300; 763200, 4109800; 761500,
4109800; 761500, 4111300; 759800, 4111300; 759800, 4112200; 758300,
4112200; 758300, 4112800; 756600, 4112800; 756500, 4115300; 759700,
4115300; 759700, 4117100; 760400, 4117100; 760500, 4118000; 762100,
4118900; 762800, 4118000; 763300, 4117200; 763500, 4117600; 763700,
4117600; 764100, 4117300; 764500, 4115900; 765400, 4115900; 765400,
4116400; 766100, 4116400; 766100, 4115800; 765900, 4114300; 766400,
4114200; thence south to UTM zone 11, land bounded by the following UTM
11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 233400, 4113000; 233600, 4113000; 233900,
4112800; 234000, 4112300; 234300, 4112400; 234700, 4112500; 235000,
4112400; 235200, 4112300; 235200, 4111800;
[[Page 60031]]
235700, 4111400; 236400, 4111800; 236800, 4111300; 236400, 4110800;
236400, 4109500; 237000, 4108700; 237600, 4108600; 238400, 4109300;
241300, 4109300; 242100, 4108700; 242100, 4107300; 240900, 4106000;
239300, 4104100; 239300, 4104100; 238900, 4104300; 238500, 4104600;
238100, 4104300; 237100, 4104300; 237100, 4105800; 237000, 4106800;
236000, 4107000; 235800, 4107100; 234900, 4107100; 234300, 4107200;
233900, 4108200; 233300, 4108000; thence south to UTM zone 10, land
bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 766800,
4100200; 766000, 4100200; returning to 761900, 4100100.
(12) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Tuctoria greenei
(Greene's Tuctoria).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60032]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.014
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
[[Page 60033]]
Family Poaceae: Tuctoria mucronata (Solano Grass).
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Solano and Yolo
counties, California, on the map below.
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Tuctoria mucronata are the habitat components that provide:
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Tuctoria mucronata
germination, growth and reproduction, including but not limited to
Northern Claypan vernal pools (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995) on saline-
alkaline clay or silty clay in the Pescadero soil series that typically
become inundated during winter rains, but are dry during the summer and
do not necessarily fill with water every year; and
(ii) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Tuctoria mucronata germination, growth and
reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Critical habitat does not include existing man-made features
and structures, such as buildings, roads, aqueducts, railroads, airport
runways and buildings, other paved areas, lawns, and other urban
landscaped areas not containing one or more of the primary constituent
elements.
(4) Unit 1: Yolo County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Davis and Saxon, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 615400,
4260700; 614500, 4260700; 614500, 4261500; 614200, 4261500; 614200,
4261800; 614000, 4261800; 614000, 4262400; 615400, 4262400; returning
to 615400, 4260700.
(5) Unit 2: Solano County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Birds Landing, Denverton,
Dozier, and Elmira, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 600700, 4230600; 600400, 4230900; 600400,
4231700; 601100, 4232300; 601200, 4233200; 598400, 4233200; 598200,
4232100; 597800, 4231800; 597100, 4233200; 595600, 4233800; 595400,
4234700; 595600, 4235500; 595600, 4236800; 596500, 4237600; 596300,
4237700; 595500, 4237100; 595200, 4237700; 595200, 4238200; 598800,
4238200; 598500, 4239100; 598000, 4239700; 598000, 4241000; 598800,
4241000; 598800, 4240600; 600400, 4240600; 602800, 4240600; 604300,
4239400; 605200, 4240600; 605300, 4239700; 605500, 4239000; 605400,
4238300; 604500, 4238100; 604500, 4237500; 605200, 4237200; 605700,
4235200; 605400, 4234900; 605000, 4233900; 604600, 4233700; 604200,
4233300; 604100, 4232500; 603800, 4231500; 602300, 4230800; 601400,
4230700; returning to 600700, 4230600.
(6) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Tuctoria
mucronata (Solano Grass).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60034]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.015
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
[[Page 60035]]
Family Scrophulariaceae: Castilleja campestris ssp. succulenta
(Succulent Owl's Clover).
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for San Joaquin,
Sacramento, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Merced, Mariposa, Madera and Fresno
Counties, California, on the map below.
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Castilleja campestris ssp. succulenta are the habitat components that
provide:
(i) Vernal pools, swales, and other ephemeral wetlands and
depressions of appropriate sizes and depths and the adjacent upland
margins of these depressions that sustain Castilleja campestris ssp.
succulenta germination, growth and reproduction, including but not
limited to hardpan vernal pools on alluvial terraces and San Joaquin,
Redding, Corning, Keyes, and Pentz soils series, among others, and
northern basalt flow vernal pools on Hideaway soils series, that
typically become inundated during winter rains, but are dry during the
summer and do not necessarily fill with water every year; and
(ii) The associated watershed(s) and hydrologic features, including
the pool basin, swales, and surrounding uplands (which may vary in
extent depending on pool size and depth, soil type and depth, hardpan
or claypan type and extent, topography, and climate) that contribute to
the filling and drying of the vernal pool or ephemeral wetland, and
that maintain suitable periods of pool inundation, water quality, and
soil moisture for Castilleja campestris ssp. succulenta germination,
growth and reproduction, and dispersal, but not necessarily every year.
(3) Critical habitat does not include existing man-made features
and structures, such as buildings, roads, aqueducts, railroads, airport
runways and buildings, other paved areas, lawns, and other urban
landscaped areas not containing one or more of the primary constituent
elements.
(4) Unit 1: San Joaquin and Sacramento Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Clay and Lockeford,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 653700, 4232600; 653600, 4232600; 653500, 4233600; 653600, 4234100;
654100, 4234800; 655100, 4234800; 655500, 4234500; 655900, 4234700;
657600, 4234700; 657900, 4235000; 658800, 4235200; 659000, 4234900;
660500, 4235300; 661000, 4235300; 661200, 4234900; 660700, 4234400;
660000, 4234300; 659600, 4233400; 656900, 4233400; 654100, 4233200;
654100, 4232700; returning to 653700, 4232600.
(5) Unit 2: Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Cooperstown, Keystone,
Knights Ferry, La Grange, and Paulsell, California, land bounded by the
following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 710900, 4168400;
710350.6875000 4168525; 710500, 4169100; 709300, 4169100; 709100,
4169500; 709100, 4169700; 708900, 4169700; 708800, 4169900; 708700,
4169900; 708600, 4169800; 708500, 4169900; 708400, 4170000; 708700,
4170200; 708800, 4170300; 708900, 4170400; 709100, 4170500; 709200,
4170600; 709400, 4170600; 709400, 4170800; 709300, 4170800; 709200,
4170900; 709100, 4170800; 708800, 4170700; 708800, 4170600; 708500,
4170500; 708400, 4170300; 708100, 4170200; 707900, 4170200; 707900,
4170300; 708100, 4170500; 708200, 4170500; 708200, 4170600; 708000,
4170600; 708200, 4170800; 708200, 4170900; 708100, 4170900; 707900,
4170700; 707700, 4170700; 707700, 4170800; 707600, 4170900; 707400,
4170900; 707100, 4171100; 707100, 4171200; 707200, 4171300; 707300,
4171200; 707500, 4171300; 707800, 4171600; 707900, 4171600; 708100,
4171600; 708200, 4171700; 708100, 4171800; 708100, 4171900; 708300,
4171900; 708300, 4172100; 708400, 4172100; 708500, 4172200; 708500,
4172300; 708700, 4172400; 708800, 4172500; 708800, 4172600; 708700,
4172700; 708500, 4172700; 708400, 4172800; 708300, 4172700; 708200,
4172700; 708100, 4172600; 708000, 4172500; 707900, 4172500; 707800,
4172700; 707600, 4172600; 707400, 4172500; 707400, 4172600; 707200,
4172700; 707100, 4172300; 707000, 4172200; 706700, 4172200; 706700,
4172300; 706500, 4172300; 706400, 4172300; 706400, 4172400; 706200,
4172600; 706300, 4172700; 706400, 4172800; 706300, 4172800; 706200,
4172800; 706100, 4172900; 705900, 4173100; 705800, 4173300; 705800,
4173500; 706000, 4173800; 705900, 4173900; 705800, 4174100; 705700,
4174200; 705500, 4174200; 705400, 4174100; 705400, 4173700; 705300,
4173500; 705200, 4173200; 705100, 4174700; 705400, 4175400; 705000,
4175900; 705300, 4176300; 705700, 4176700; 705700, 4177000; 705700,
4177700; 705200, 4177900; 705000, 4178100; 705400, 4178900; 706200,
4178400; 706600, 4177600; 707200, 4177300; 707300, 4176800; 706800,
4176200; 706900, 4175800; 707600, 4175800; 708000, 4176500; 708500,
4176400; 709800, 4176600; 710200, 4176200; 710700, 4176600; 711200,
4176900; 711500, 4177100; 711600, 4178100; 711700, 4178700; 710600,
4178800; 710300, 4179200; 709900, 4179500; 709500, 4179600; 709100,
4180800; 709200, 4182200; 709700, 4182700; 710300, 4182900; 711400,
4182100; 712400, 4182100; 713200, 4182000; 714100, 4182600; 715100,
4182600; 715500, 4183400; 715800, 4183400; 716000, 4182700; 716900,
4182700; 717100, 4182500; 717100, 4182000; 716900, 4181300; 717200,
4180900; 717200, 4180600; 716900, 4179900; 717700, 4180100; 718500,
4180000; 718700, 4179200; 719300, 4178700; 719700, 4177600; 720300,
4177700; 720700, 4177700; 720800, 4176400; 720500, 4175200; 719500,
4174100; 720700, 4173500; 720700, 4172500; 719800, 4171900; 717700,
4170900; 717300, 4170700; 716800, 4171000; 716700, 4171800; 716500,
4171800; 716200, 4170900; 715500, 4170500; 714000, 4169800; 712500,
4168900; returning to 710900, 4168400.
(6) Subunit 3A: Merced and Mariposa counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Merced Falls and Snelling,
California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E,
N): 722500, 4155000; 722300, 4155000; 722300, 4157400; 724200, 4157400;
724100, 4160000; 724400, 4160600; 730600, 4160700; 730500, 4162200;
730800, 4162200; 731000, 4162100; 731400, 4162100; 731600, 4162500;
731800, 4162500; 731900, 4162400; 732100, 4162400; 732200, 4162500;
732700, 4162700; 733000, 4162600; 733600, 4162100; 733700, 4161500;
733600, 4161000; 734600, 4160400; 734800, 4160200; 734800, 4159500;
734400, 4158700; 734300, 4158100; 734500, 4157900; 734700, 4158000;
734900, 4158300; 735000, 4158800; 735500, 4158800; 735700, 4158600;
735600, 4158100; 736200, 4157500; 736800, 4157300; 736900, 4157100;
736900, 4156500; 736300, 4156500; 736000, 4156300; 735500, 4156300;
734100, 4156900; 733400, 4157100; 731700, 4156900; 730900, 4156500;
728900, 4156600; 727100, 4156700; 726900, 4156400; 725900, 4156400;
723900, 4155300; 723300, 4155400; returning to 722500, 4155000.
(7) Subunit 3B: Merced and Mariposa counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Atwater, Haystack Mtn.,
Indian Gulch, Le Grand, Merced, Merced Falls, Owens Reservoir,
Plainsburg, Planada, Snelling, Winton, and Yosemite Lake, California,
land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 743600,
4125000; 743600, 4127000; 742700, 4127000; 742600, 4126600; 742300,
4126300; 741700,
[[Page 60036]]
4126300; 741200, 4126800; 741200, 4128600; 740400, 4128600; 740400,
4130300; 739000, 4130300; 739000, 4130600; 738400, 4131100; 737500,
4131200; 737800, 4131700; 737700, 4132600; 737700, 4132900; 737100,
4132900; 737100, 4134200; 736700, 4134200; 736100, 4133900; 735700,
4133300; 734700, 4133300; 734700, 4133700; 734100, 4133900; 733100,
4133900; 733100, 4134600; 732700, 4134600; 732600, 4135000; 732300,
4135500; 730300, 4135400; 729900, 4135700; 729900, 4136500; 726500,
4136500; 726400, 4136100; 725900, 4136100; 725900, 4135300; 725600,
4135100; 725500, 4135100; 725300, 4135500; 725100, 4135400; 725000,
4135400; 725000, 4135600; 724800, 4135700; 724600, 4135700; 724600,
4134700; 724200, 4134700; 724200, 4135500; 723400, 4135500; 723400,
4135600; 722800, 4135600; 722800, 4135000; 722600, 4135000; 722600,
4134700; 722500, 4134700; 722200, 4137900; 722800, 4137900; 722800,
4139300; 721900, 4139300; 721900, 4140200; 721000, 4140200; 721000,
4140900; 717800, 4140900; 717800, 4137700; 717100, 4137700; 717000,
4138200; 714500, 4140900; 714100, 4141300; 714100, 4142200; 713600,
4142400; 713200, 4143000; 713000, 4143900; 713100, 4144300; 713700,
4144600; 714500, 4145300; 714500, 4145700; 715800, 4145800; 717000,
4145800; 718000, 4145400; 718200, 4145900; 718200, 4147600; 719700,
4148400; 720600, 4148600; 720600, 4149200; 719600, 4149200; 719600,
4149800; 720300, 4149800; 721300, 4150700; 721700, 4150700; 724400,
4153300; 725000, 4153500; 725500, 4154200; 725800, 4154800; 727200,
4155900; 727800, 4155900; 728500, 4155600; 730200, 4155600; 731600,
4155500; 732400, 4155400; 732600, 4155200; 733200, 4154700; 734100,
4154900; 734600, 4154800; 735600, 4156000; 735900, 4156000; 737100,
4155400; 737800, 4155000; 738200, 4154200; 738300, 4153300; 739000,
4152800; 739100, 4152200; 740200, 4151800; 740800, 4151500; 740800,
4150300; 741100, 4149900; 741700, 4149400; 742100, 4148500; 742100,
4147100; 743400, 4146100; 744000, 4145600; 744400, 4144600; 744300,
4143900; 743900, 4142700; 744000, 4142000; 744200, 4141700; 745500,
4140300; 746100, 4139500; 746800, 4138500; 747700, 4137700; 748500,
4135800; 748700, 4135100; 749500, 4134000; 750700, 4131700; 751600,
4130500; 752000, 4130200; thence east to y-coordinate 4130200 on
Mariposa Creek; thence southwest along Mariposa Creek to y-coordinate
4125000; thence west to the point of beginning at743600, 4125000.
(8) Unit 4: Madera, Merced and Fresno Counties, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Daulton, Friant, Gregg,
Kismet, Lanes Bridge, Little Table Mtn., Millerton Lake West, Raymond,
and Raynor Creek, California, land bounded by the following UTM 10 NAD
83 coordinates (E, N): 766600, 4106700; 766500, 4107800; 765200,
4107800; 764700, 4108100; 764100, 4109200; 763400, 4109300; 763200,
4109800; 761500, 4109800; 761500, 4111300; 759800, 4111300; 759800,
4112500; 759300, 4112500; 759200, 4112300; 758300, 4112300; 758300,
4112900; 756600, 4112900; 756500, 4117000; thence north to x-coordinate
756500 on Ash Slough; thence northeast along Ash Slough to the
Chowchilla River; thence northeast along the Chowchilla River to y-
coordinate 41194000; thence east to 762300, 4119400; 762700, 4118600;
762800, 4118000; 763300, 4117200; 763500, 4117600; 763700, 4117600;
764100, 4117300; 764200, 4116800; 764500, 4115900; 765400, 4115900;
765400, 4116400; 766100, 4116400; 766100, 4115800; 765900, 4114300;
766300, 4114200; thence northeast to UTM zone 11, land bounded by the
following UTM 11 NAD 83 coordinates (E, N): 233900, 4114300; 234200,
4114300; 234200, 4113900; 234300, 4112700; 234900, 4112700; 235500,
4112900; 235700, 4112600; 235700, 4111500; 236200, 4111800; 236400,
4111800; 236800, 4111300; 236400, 4110800; 236400, 4109500; 237000,
4108700; 237600, 4108600; 238400, 4109300; 241300, 4109300; 242100,
4108700; 242200, 4109300; 241100, 4110700; 241100, 4111300; 241500,
4111300; 242000, 4110400; 243000, 4110300; 243000, 4109800; 245200,
4109700; 245900, 4108600; 247600, 4107500; 248000, 4106400; 248000,
4105900; 247400, 4105400; 247400, 4105200; 249100, 4104400; 251600,
4103800; 251900, 4103300; 251900, 4102600; 252300, 4102200; 252300,
4101400; 252900, 4101000; 253700, 4101600; 254500, 4101600; 255700,
4102000; 257800, 4102000; 258900, 4101100; 259000, 4098800; 259200,
4098400; 259200, 4098000; 258200, 4096900; 257400, 4096300; 256600,
4095600; 256200, 4095100; 255900, 4093800; 255700, 4092600; 255900,
4092200; 255900, 4092000; 255400, 4091700; 254600, 4090800; 253800,
4090400; 253300, 4089700; 252700, 4089000; 252500, 4088000; 251500,
4087100; 251500, 4087100; 251200, 4087100; 251100, 4089300; 251200,
4092200; 250600, 4092200; 250600, 4093000; 251200, 4093500; 251300,
4094900; 250500, 4094900; 250400, 4092900; 245500, 4093000; 242300,
4093100; 242300, 4095000; 242500, 4095100; 244000, 4095000; 244000,
4096700; 244800, 4096600; 244900, 4098200; 245700, 4098200; 245700,
4099800; 242500, 4100000; 242400, 4095200; 242300, 4095200; 239500,
4095200; 239600, 4098400; 239700, 4100000; 240100, 4100000; 240200,
4100200; 240200, 4100400; 240200, 4100600; 240400, 4100700; 240600,
4100900; 240600, 4101200; 239700, 4102100; 239700, 4102200; 239900,
4102500; 239900, 4102700; 239800, 4102800; 239800, 4103000; 240000,
4103600; 240000, 4103900; 240700, 4104400; 241200, 4105300; 241200,
4106300; 240100, 4105200; 238900, 4104300; 238400, 4104100; 237100,
4104200; 237100, 4105700; 235500, 4105800; 235500, 4106600; 233200,
4106700; thence west to UTM zone 10 to the point of beginning at UTM 10
NAD 83 coordinates 766600, 4106700.
(9) Unit 5: Fresno County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Academy, Clovis, Friant, and
Round Mountain, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 273000, 4076600; 271300, 4076700; 271400, 4076900;
271700, 4077100; 271800, 4077300; 271800, 4077500; 271500, 4077700;
271100, 4077700; 271100, 4078200; 271300, 4078400; 271600, 4078900;
271800, 4079100; 271900, 4079800; 271100, 4079900; 267900, 4080000;
266300, 4080000; 266300, 4080400; 266500, 4080500; 266500, 4080700;
266300, 4080800; 266300, 4081700; 265500, 4081800; 264000, 4081800;
265900, 4083100; 265900, 4083300; 263200, 4083300; 263100, 4082700;
262300, 4082700; 262300, 4083300; 261500, 4083400; 261500, 4083800;
260900, 4083800; 260900, 4084300; 261100, 4084300; 261100, 4084400;
260700, 4084700; 260700, 4085100; 260900, 4085300; 262100, 4085800;
262200, 4085900; 262200, 4086200; 262800, 4086200; 262600, 4086600;
262100, 4087000; 262100, 4087300; 262400, 4087500; 262400, 4088200;
261100, 4088200; 261100, 4087400; 260200, 4087400; 260100, 4086600;
259200, 4086600; 259200, 4087700; 259600, 4087500; 260000, 4087500;
260100, 4087900; 259700, 4088100; 258500, 4088200; 258000, 4088300;
258000, 4089100; 258500, 4089300; 258500, 4089800; 258300, 4089800;
257700, 4089200; 256600, 4089200; 256600, 4090200; 256800, 4090800;
256900, 4092700; 257200, 4094300; 257300, 4095500; 258600, 4096700;
258900, 4096700; 259600, 4096700; 259600, 4094700; 260300, 4094700;
260300, 4093300; 259400, 4091700;
[[Page 60037]]
260800, 4091700; 262200, 4091100; 262900, 4091100; 262900, 4090400;
263200, 4089800; 263100, 4089400; 264700, 4088700; 265000, 4087900;
265300, 4087600; 265900, 4087600; 265900, 4086800; 267000, 4086800;
267600, 4087000; 267800, 4086500; 267200, 4085500; 267400, 4085100;
268100, 4085300; 268300, 4085800; 269100, 4085800; 269800, 4085400;
270300, 4084900; 271100, 4084800; 271900, 4085100; 272200, 4085600;
272800, 4086200; 273000, 4087300; 273300, 4087700; 273200, 4088500;
273200, 4089600; 274700, 4089600; 275400, 4090000; 275600, 4090500;
275900, 4090800; 276500, 4090900; 277100, 4090900; 277100, 4090200;
276100, 4088900; 276100, 4087900; 276000, 4087500; 275400, 4087200;
275100, 4086600; 274900, 4086000; 274400, 4085500; 274000, 4084900;
273400, 4084400; 273400, 4083800; 273600, 4083400; 273600, 4083000;
272900, 4082900; 272800, 4082200; 272800, 4081400; 273000, 4080800;
273200, 4080500; 273500, 4080100; 273700, 4079700; 273800, 4079100;
274200, 4078600; 274300, 4078100; 273300, 4078100; 273300, 4077100;
returning to 273000, 4076600.
(10) Subunit 6A: Fresno County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Academy and Millerton Lake
East, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 267300, 4097300; 266900, 4097300; 267000, 4097600;
267800, 4098300; 268100, 4098700; 268100, 4098900; 268000, 4099100;
267400, 4099800; 267400, 4100300; 267700, 4100800; 268100, 4101400;
268600, 4101400; 269100, 4101100; 269600, 4101100; 269800, 4101300;
269900, 4101500; 269600, 4102200; 269200, 4102400; 268600, 4102800;
268700, 4103800; 269100, 4103800; 269600, 4103100; 270200, 4103500;
270300, 4103500; 270700, 4102500; 270500, 4102400; 270300, 4102200;
270300, 4101900; 270500, 4101500; 270600, 4101100; 270500, 4101000;
270200, 4100700; 269400, 4100500; 268300, 4100500; 268100, 4100300;
268100, 4100100; 268400, 4099800; 268600, 4099500; 268700, 4099200;
268700, 4098900; 268600, 4098300; 268500, 4098100; 268400, 4097800;
268100, 4097600; 267800, 4097400; returning to 267300, 4097300.
(11) Subunit 6B: Madera County, California.
(i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle maps Millerton Lake East and
North Fork, California, land bounded by the following UTM 11 NAD 83
coordinates (E, N): 271200, 4106800; 270200, 4106800; 269900, 4107000;
269900, 4107600; 270100, 4108600; 269300, 4108300; 269000, 4108700;
268500, 4108700; 268300, 4110000; 268800, 4110400; 268900, 4111000;
268300, 4111300; 268500, 4111500; 268600, 4112300; 268800, 4112400;
270600, 4112400; 270800, 4112100; 270700, 4111300; 269600, 4110800;
269700, 4110500; 270000, 4110200; 270600, 4109700; 270800, 4108800;
271300, 4108400; 271500, 4107800; 271600, 4107300; returning to 271200,
4106800.
(12) Map follows of all critical habitat units for Castilleja
campestris ssp. succulenta (Succulent Owl's Clover).
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
[[Page 60038]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE02.016
[[Page 60039]]
Dated: September 6, 2002.
Craig Manson,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 02-23241 Filed 9-23-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C