SNFPA Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

June 2003

Chapter 3: Affected Environment

3.2.5. Endangered, Threatened, Proposed, and Sensitive Plant Species

The SNFPA FEIS (Chapter 3, Part 4.6, pages 5 to 75) conducted vulnerability assessments on 135 Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, and Sensitive plant species. Two field seasons have elapsed since the signing of the ROD. Information on all but eight plant species remains as they were identified in the FEIS. New information on these plant species is provided below.

Since the signing of the ROD, Sidalcea keckii was been listed as Threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and critical habitat has been proposed. At this time, no populations or critical habitat are known to occur on Forest Service lands. However, known populations are known to occur adjacent to the Sequoia and Sierra National Forest.

In addition, two listed vernal pool associates present on Forest Service land now have Designated Critical Habitat (68 FR 12336 -- 12337). The two species are Orcuttia tenuis and Tectoria greenei. Neither species had Designated Critical Habitat as of the signing of the ROD.

Abronia alpine: Ramshaw Meadows abronia is endemic to Ramshaw and Templeton Meadows on the Inyo National Forest. In the original assessment, it was believed at that time that livestock grazing posed a threat to this species. More recent information shows that livestock grazing in Ramshaw and Templeton no long pose a threat. This allotment is no longer under permit and grazing is no longer an issue.

Astagalus lentiginosus var. kernensis: Kern Plateau milk-vetch is found on the Kern Plateau in Tulare County from Bald Mountain north to Volcano Creek. Onc occurrence is known from Charleston Peak in Nevada. Information in the FEIS stated that "this plant is known from less than 20 occurrences." The primary threats to this species are believed to be livestock trampling, roads, and motorized and non-motorized recreational use. Since the signing of the ROD, additional field surveys have detected new individuals or populations. There are now more than 30 known occurrences.

Astragalus monoensis var. monoensis: The Mono milk-vetch is an endemic of Mono County. The FEIS reported 19 occurrences with more than 100,000 individuals. Threats included livestock grazing and trampling, road construction and maintenance, and timber harvest. More recent information shows that OHV is considered as the primary threat.

Hulsea brevifolia: Short-leaved hulsea is known to occur on the Sierra, Sequoia and Inyo National Forest and in Yosemite National Park. The information in the FEIS stated that "this plant is known form less than 25 occurrences." Continued survey efforts since the signing of the ROD have now found additional occurrences. There are now known to be more than 35 occurrences. No new threats, beyond those threats identified in the FEIS, have been identified.

Hydothyria venosa: The species has been renamed as Peltigera hydrothyria. Veined water lichen is found in cold unpolluted streams in mixed conifer forest along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada on the Sequoia, Sierra, and Stanislaus National Forests. The FEIS stated that "this aquatic lich is known from less than 20 occurrences in California." Continued survey effort now shows this species form at least 27 occurrences in the Sierra Nevada.

Phacelia monoensis: Mono County phacelia is known in Mono County of California, and Esmeralda and Mineral Counties of Nevada. Information in the FEIS states "Population size varies from year to year for this annual plant. There are less than 40 occurrences." Since the signing of the ROD, monitoring of this species know shows that there are fewer than 20 occurrences. Because the population tends to vary in size from year to year, the trend for this species is unknown. The primary threats are invasive weed infestation, mining, and road maintenance.

Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei: Bakersfield cactus was not thought to be present on Forest Service land at the time the ROD was signed and was therefore dismissed from further analysis. It was since been discovered on the Sequoia National Forest.

This species is found in the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills below 600 m (2000 feet) in blue oak woodland, riparian woodland, and sparse open semi-desert. One population of Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei has been confirmed at the Lower Richbar picnic ground on the Lower Kern River.

USDA Forest Service · Pacific Southwest Region