HomeMy WebLinkAboutBiological AssessmentBIOLOGICAL EVALUATION
Gravel Source Approval
Southridge Subdivision
Ten Mile & Overland Road
Meridian, Ada County, Idaho
Prepared By; Axiom-Points, LLC
May 12, 2010
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................2
Project Description ..................................................................................................................... 5
Methods .....................................................................................................................................5
Results ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................6
Project Photos ............................................................................................................................7
Agency Letters ...........................................................................................................................9
Executive Summary
This biological evaluation was prepared to identify and analyze the potential effect to
Endangered Species and special status species as identified by Idaho Fish and Game
(IDFG) within the project area of the Southridge Subdivision and future gravel source
(see Figures 1 and 2). In March of 2009, a portion of the area (40 acres) was evaluated.
Coordination with IDFG and US Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) was performed in March
2009 and 2010. Both area and evaluations resulted in the same conclusions.
Based on a statewide species list furnished to Idaho Transportation Department by the
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the following listed species have the potential to
occur within the action area.
AFT` ~~~~ ~ '
S ecies
Status.
Preset~t~i1n Pro' ct~" ~ .
Bull Trout Listed Threatened No
Salvelinus conf/uentus
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Candidate No
(Coccyzus americanus
Slickspot Peppergrass Proposed Listed No
(Lepidium papelliferum)
S ecies
Woodhouse's toad
(Bufo woodhousei)
Western toad
(Bufo boreas)
Northern leopard frog
(Rana Pipiens)
BLM= Bureau of Land M
Status
.rea8~l
BLM sensitive species Unlikely
BLM/USES sensitive species Unlikely
BLM/USES sensitive species Unlikely
lent USFWS= U.S. Forest Service
May 2010 Page 2
Because no federally listed species or habitat for those species occur in the project
area, formal consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act is not needed
and a formal Biological Assessment will not be necessary. IDFG has requested that
project activities avoid impacting the canal, drain, intermittent streams, wetlands and
ponds in the project area.
However, the project would eventually reroute the Ridenbaugh Canal and therefore,
additional site visits were performed to determine the presence or absence of sensitive
species. As a result of these visits the biologist determined that it is unlikely there is a
presence of sensitive or listed species. Water was absent from the project at the time of
the site visit by the biologist, however water may be present at other times of the year.
Due to the nature of the canal channel, it is not anticipated that slope and depth of water
during times when the canal or drain are full are adequate for amphibian breeding sites
and therefore not likely to harbor sensitive species of amphibians.
Based on field survey and agency coordination with USFWS and IDFG, there would be
no effect to endangered species (see attached letter), and no impact to sensitive
species.
May 2010 Page 3
~f.
«.
SC7LJTHRIDC~E SUBDIVISIOP
LO<:ATFh WiTH[N A PORT[OiV OF
SECI"ION 23. TOW'.tiSNIP 3 N4RTII, RANC;E. 1
IiOiSI- MERIDIAN, At3A COVN"1 Y, II~AHI
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UENECLAL N(7TES. __ _ _ .... LINE TAU[
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~" Figure 2. Gravel Source Location
. ~i ~ v.< a
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May 2010 Page 4
Project Description
The gravel source is located near the southeast quadrant of the proposed Ten Mile
Interchange along I-84 within Meridian, Idaho. The project is approximately 124 acres,
located in a portion of Section 23, Township 3 North, Range 1 West.
The project is zoned for residential use and formerly was zoned for agricultural use.
Virtually all of the project area has been developed or is under agricultural use. There
are large agricultural areas on the north side of the Interstate north of the project area;
however, this area is likely to become commercial use into the future.
Methods
A site visit was performed on March 2, 2009 and February 22, 2010. A walking survey
of the project area was conducted. Almost no native upland vegetation remains in the
project area. The banks of the canal were walked while visually surveying for all floral
and faunal species. General observations were made of avian species in and around
the general project area. Evidence of ungulate and other mammalian species use of
the project area for migration, travel or use corridor was not noted. Because of the time
of year, vegetation was not easily identifiable; however effort was made to identify the
existing vegetation using field samples while referencing a variety of sources.
Based on the response received from IDFG, an additional survey was performed along
the banks of the canal and the perimeters of possible habitat for western toad (Bufo
boreas) and Woodhouse toad (Bufo woodhouse~~ as well as northern leopard frog
(Rana pipiens).
Results
Cheatgrass (Bromus fectorum) is the dominant vegetation in the few areas that have
not been grazed, farmed or otherwise disturbed. Due to the time of year of the survey
many of the vegetative species were not readily identifiable. Along the Ridenbaugh
canal banks, reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), big sagebrush (Artemisia
tridentata), squaw currant (Ribes cereum) along with several noxious weed species
such as rush skeltonweed (Chondrilla juncea), puncture vine (Tribu/us terrestris) and
perennial pepperweed (Lepidium /atifolium) were observed. Tree species noted within
the project area includes locust, pine and other non-native species along the canal
banks. Many of the plant species were non-native presumably due to farming and
development practices in the project area.
The presence of small mammals such as ground squirrels, gophers and/or voles was
identified however, no animals were observed during the site visit. Bird species
May 2010 Page 5
observed included American kestrel (Falco sparverius), American crow (Corvus
brachyrhynchos), and several American robins (Turdus migratorius). No bird nests were
observed in the project area. The area would not be used as a wildlife corridor due to
the developed nature of the area. No amphibians were observed during walking
surveys. A late evening site visit was conducted to survey for vocalizations of breeding
or potential breeding amphibians. No vocalizations were noted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed project should not be of concern with regard to any
sensitive, listed, proposed or candidate species. However, care should be taken during
construction activities or development of the site that no disturbance of nesting birds
occur.
May 2010 Page 6
Project Photos
May 2010 Page 7
view to the northwest
View to the northeast
View to the south
May 2010 Page 8
view to the soutnwest
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................2
Project Description .....................................................................................................................5
Methods .....................................................................................................................................5
Results .......................................................................................................................................5
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................6
Project Photos ............................................................................................................................7
Agency Letters ...........................................................................................................................9
Executive Summary
This biological evaluation was prepared to identify and analyze the potential effect to
Endangered Species and special status species as identified by Idaho Fish and Game
(IDFG) within the project area of the Southridge Subdivision and future gravel source
(see Figures 1 and 2). In March of 2009, a portion of the area (40 acres) was evaluated.
Coordination with IDFG and US Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) was performed in March
2009 and 2010. Both area and evaluations resulted in the same conclusions.
Based on a statewide species list furnished to Idaho Transportation Department by the
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the following listed species have the potential to
occur within the action area.
S ecies S#atus _ Prese~rt:{tr Prc~ ~cf~7~r~eaf't~
Bull Trout Listed Threatened No
Salvelinus conf/uentus)
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Candidate No
(Coccyzus americanus
Slickspot Peppergrass Proposed Listed No
(Lepidium papelliferum)
~S ecies ~t~tus -~P~ri~fih fit` it~7'.
Woodhouse's toad BLM sensitive species Unlikely
(Bufo woodhouse~
Western toad BLM/USES sensitive species Unlikely
(Bufo boreas)
Northern leopard frog BLM/USES sensitive species Unlikely
Rana Pi iens
BLM= Bureau of Land Mana ement USFWS= U.S. Forest Service
May 2010 Page 2
Because no federally listed species or habitat for those species occur in the project
area, formal consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act is not needed
and a formal Biological Assessment will not be necessary. IDFG has requested that
project activities avoid impacting the canal, drain, intermittent streams, wetlands and
ponds in the project area.
However, the project would eventually reroute the Ridenbaugh Canal and therefore,
additional site visits were performed to determine the presence or absence of sensitive
species. As a result of these visits the biologist determined that it is unlikely there is a
presence of sensitive or listed species. Water was absent from the project at the time of
the site visit by the biologist, however water may be present at other times of the year.
Due to the nature of the canal channel, it is not anticipated that slope and depth of water
during times when the canal or drain are full are adequate for amphibian breeding sites
and therefore not likely to harbor sensitive species of amphibians.
Based on field survey and agency coordination with USFWS and IDFG, there would be
no effect to endangered species (see attached letter), and no impact to sensitive
species.
May 2010 Page 3
Figure 1. Gravel Source Vicinity-
Southeast corner of Ten Mile Road and Overland Road, Meridian, Idaho
S(~UTHRII~GE SUBDIVISIOi"
LOCATED WITHI'.V A PORT[UN OF
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~`~"""`x" ~ 4 M~` ~ O SI- M NANt ADA COUN I2Y IL7AHi
S FRII>I
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GENERAL NOTES: ,,, „_. LINE TAEiLL ,.gym '~
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_._ 1
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5 ~.~uyiy+~a veav. unVrii __ _ - _ -_ .
4avv..w'ct`nw b Wnn ~"vMu-v dbvew.# ~ ~yg 11~[leiUX bR ~~ +a:ircn a..ws5 wuarsw w^µ~K. w~ venw L er wt 3 )l S aM.
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utl
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~~ u.a i.ar ~ww;e rr wwu awL+[.wr ~) W. %: 4tl4hf ~tK ~~. ra9rv.~ciW w ~: uiau~a~wvc..~ M[ wn,¢ .VVO SrMU. ~l ' -
xwa x v~ .tu.n.u°rt a Cwo T.vw.rop
:~., :n r~tw. v~~ 1 ~ ..nuS~i w»+roi u NKWm s w. ~. nwa ~ wi ~, ww. h f`'L .. .. W.9r
trt rw.>wq u r a a Y
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.:..,r.. ,..gym, -_` r-
North ,~ . » ~ . W f ~
` " Figure 2. Gravel Source Location
May 2010 Page 4
Project Description
The gravel source is located near the southeast quadrant of the proposed Ten Mile
Interchange along I-84 within Meridian, Idaho. The project is approximately 124 acres,
located in a portion of Section 23, Township 3 North, Range 1 West.
The project is zoned for residential use and formerly was zoned for agricultural use.
Virtually all of the project area has been developed or is under agricultural use. There
are large agricultural areas on the north side of the Interstate north of the project area;
however, this area is likely to become commercial use into the future.
Methods
A site visit was performed on March 2, 2009 and February 22, 2010. A walking survey
of the project area was conducted. Almost no native upland vegetation remains in the
project area. The banks of the canal were walked while visually surveying for all floral
and faunal species. General observations were made of avian species in and around
the general project area. Evidence of ungulate and other mammalian species use of
the project area for migration, travel or use corridor was not noted. Because of the time
of year, vegetation was not easily identifiable; however effort was made to identify the
existing vegetation using field samples while referencing a variety of sources.
Based on the response received from IDFG, an additional survey was performed along
the banks of the canal and the perimeters of possible habitat for western toad (Bufo
boreas) and Woodhouse toad (Bufo woodhousei) as well as northern leopard frog
(Rana pipiens).
Results
Cheatgrass (eromus tectorum) is the dominant vegetation in the few areas that have
not been grazed, farmed or otherwise disturbed. Due to the time of year of the survey
many of the vegetative species were not readily identifiable. Along the Ridenbaugh
canal banks, reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), big sagebrush (Artemisia
tridentata), squaw currant (Ribes cereum) along with several noxious weed species
such as rush skeltonweed (Chondrilla juncea), puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris) and
perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) were observed. Tree species noted within
the project area includes locust, pine and other non-native species along the canal
banks. Many of the plant species were non-native presumably due to farming and
development practices in the project area.
The presence of small mammals such as ground squirrels, gophers and/or voles was
identified however, no animals were observed during the site visit. Bird species
May 2010 Page 5
observed included American kestrel (Falco sparverius), American crow (Corvus
brachyrhynchos), and several American robins (Turdus migratorius). No bird nests were
observed in the project area. The area would not be used as a wildlife corridor due to
the developed nature of the area. No amphibians were observed during walking
surveys. A late evening site visit was conducted to survey for vocalizations of breeding
or potential breeding amphibians. No vocalizations were noted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed project should not be of concern with regard to any
sensitive, listed, proposed or candidate species. However, care should be taken during
construction activities or development of the site that no disturbance of nesting birds
occur.
May 2010 Page 6
May 2010 Page 7
Project Photos
View to the northwest
View to the northeast
View to the south
May 2010 Page 8
View to the southwest
Agency Letters
May 2010 Page 9
~~
~c :~{ Y
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
SOUTHWEST REGION
3101 South Powerline Road
Nampa, Idaho 83686
March 8, 2010
Kari Frederick, AICP
Environmental Project Manager
Axiom-Points, LLC
PO BOX 595
Star, ID 83644
C.L. "Butch" Otter /Governor
Cal Groen /Director
RE: Information request for Presence or Absence of Special Status Plants and Animals.
Dear Ms. Frederick,
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (Department) has reviewed your request for the
identification of any federally listed threatened or endangered species, state sensitive species, or
critical habitat at the site of the proposed Idaho Transportation Department gravel source within
Meridian, ID. The project is located in a portion of Section 23, T3N, R1 W.
The Department has no records of any federally listed threatened or endangered species, state
sensitive species, or critical habitat in or near the proposed project area. However, a canal may flow
through or adjacent to the property. Due to the presence of water, the following sensitive species
may be present:
Woodhouse's toad (Bufo woodhousii), a Bureau of Land Management sensitive species,
Western toad (Bufo boreas), a Bureau of Land Management and U. S. Forest Service sensitive
species, and
Northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens), a Bureau of Land Management and U. S. Forest Service
sensitive species.
The northern leopard frog and the Woodhouse's toad have also been identified as species of greatest
conservation need according to the Idaho Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (Idaho
Department of Fish and Game 2005).
If present, these species would be found in association with any water on the property such as
canals, drains, intermittent streams, wetlands, ponds etc. Avoiding impacting these areas by leaving
buffers typical of an access easement along a canal would minimize any potential impacts to these
species.
Keeping Idaho's Wildlife Heritage
Equal Opportunity Employer • 208-465-8465 • Fax: 208-465-8467 • /daho Relay (TDD) Service: 1-800-377-3529 • http://fishandgame. idaho.gov/
Thank you. Please contact Rick Ward in the Southwest Regional Office at (208) 465-8465, or via
e-mail at rick.ward(a~idfg •daho•gov if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
ott Reinecker
Southwest Regional Supervisor
Ecc: Kiefer and Hebdon/ HQ
References:
Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 2005. Idaho Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy.
Idaho Conservation Data Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, ID.
http://fishandgame.idaho. gov/cros/tech/CDC/cwcs.cfm
Keeping Idaho's Wildlife Heritage
Equa! Opportunity Employer • 208-465-8465 • Fax: 208-465-8467 • /daho Relay (TDD) Service: I -800-377-3529 • http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/
United States Department of the Interior
IDAHO FISH AND WILDLIFE OFFICE
1387 S. Vinndl Way, Room 368
Boise, Idaho 83709
Telephone (208) 378-5243
http://www.fws.gov/idaho
~~~ 112010
Kari Frederick, AICP
Axiom Points, LLC
P.O. Box 595
Star, Idaho 83644
Subject: ITD Gravel Source Ten Mile Interchange Southeast Quadrant-Ada
County, Idaho-Species List
970.0103 14420-2010-SL-0238
Dear Ms. Frederick:
-i~Veb-~
The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is writing in response to your request for
information about the potential impacts to endangered, threatened, proposed, and/or
candidate species, or designated critical habitat from the ITD gravel source project. The
Service has not identified any issues that indicate that consultation under section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, is needed for this project. This finding is
based on our understanding of the nature of the project, local conditions, and/or current
information indicating that no listed species aze present. If you determine otherwise or
require further assistance, please contact Bob Kibler at (208) 378-5255. Note that this list
is valid for 180 days, please request an update as needed. Please refer to the species list
0238 shown above in all correspondence and reports.
Thank you for your interest in endangered species conservation.
Sincerely,
~,ei~%~'"'"'
Jeffery .Foss, State Supervisor
-'' Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office
-~-
~~ ~~~
United States. Department of the Interior
F
IDAHO FISH AND WILDLIFE OFFICE
1387 S. Vinneli Way, Room 368
- Boise, Idaho 83709
Telephone (?Q8) 378-5243
http://www.fws.gov/idaho
MA11 0 6 2010
Karl Frederick
Axiom Points
P.O. Box 595
Star, Idaho .83644
Subject: Overland and Ten Mile Gravel Quarry-Ada County, Idaho-Species List
CONS-250
Dear Ms. Frederick:
The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is writing in response to your request for
information about the potential impacts to endangered, threatened, proposed, and/or
candidate. species, or designated critical habitat from the proposed gravel quarry project.
The Service has not identified any issues that indicate that consultation under section 7 of
the Endangered Species Act of 19?3, as amended, is needed for this project. This finding
is based on our understanding of the nature of the project, local conditions, and/or current
information. indicating that no listed species are present. If you determine otherwise or
require further assistance, please contact Bob Kibler at (208) 378-5255. Note. that this list
is valid for 180 days, please request an update as needed.
Thank you for your interest in endangered species conservation.
Sincerely,
,~.-...e,~/~- ~.
Gary L. Burton, Acting State Supervisor
Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office.
TAKB Pitlt'?~ ~'
#~~Ml1~RICA
Page 1 of 1
Machelle Hill
From: Sonya Watters
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 10:35 AM
To: Jacy Jones; Jaycee Holman; Machelle Hill
Cc: Peter Friedman
Subject: FW: Southridge CUP
Attachments: Biological Assessment.pdf
From: Jason Densmer [mailto:jason@thelandgroupinc.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2011 2:35 PM
To: Sonya Watters
Subject: RE: Southridge CUP
Sonya:
I am attaching the biological report_ The archaeological report is evidently too large to e-mail; there is evidently a
CD copy of it being sent, but I ~~~an't see it until. Monday. Hopefully you can proceed. without it -the study was a
requirement of TTD approval of the gravel pit as a material source, but the tmdings were clean.
'Tlaarlks,
Jason
From: Sonya Watters [mailto:swatters@meridiancity.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 2:32 PM
To: Jason Densmer
Subject: Southridge CUP
Hi Jason,
I don't believe you submitted a copy of the geological & archaeological report referenced in your letter; can you
please forward it to me?
Thx!
sov~.~uGl Watters
Associate City Planner
City of Meridian -Planning Department
33 E. Broadway Avenue, Suite 210
Meridian, Idaho 83642
208.884.5533 ph. / 208.888.6854 fax
1/18/2011