APPENDIX 5.4. Biological Study

APPENDIX 5.4 Biological Study

VEGETATION COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS Vegetation Community Descriptions The Inyo County Water Department Vegetation mapping of the Owen s River Valley is a high resolution mapping product and was used whenever available; however this data does not cover the entire project area and is supplemented with GAP data whenever necessary to cover the project area. Inyo County Water Department Vegetation mapping data and CNDDB Special Status vegetation classifications correspond to and were defined by using vegetation community descriptions listed in Robert Holland s Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California 1 with supplemental information provided by the second edition of A Manual of California Vegetation. 2 USGS GAP vegetation classifications correspond to and were defined by using vegetation community descriptions listed in the California Native Plant Society s (CNPS) second edition of the Terrestrial Vegetation of California Manual. 3 Inyo County Water Department Vegetation Mapping and CNDDB Vegetation Community Descriptions Alkali Playa 4 Description: This community consists of usually low, grayish, microphyllous and succulent shrubs approximately 1 meter tall. Its total cover usually is low due to wide spacing between shrubs and minimally developed understory. Site factors: Poorly drained soils with high salinity and/or alkalinity due to evaporation of water that accumulates in closed drainages. It often corresponds to a high water table and with salt crust on the surface. Characteristic species: Allenrolfea occidentalis, Atriplex confertifolia, A. parryi, Sarcobatus vermiculatus. Distribution: Closed basins of the transmontane deserts and some smaller examples in the Central Valley. 1 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 2 Sawyer, J. O., and T. Keeler-Wolf. 1995. A manual of California vegetation. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, California. 3 Barbour, M.G. and J. Major. 1988. Terrestrial vegetation of California. Second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 4 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 Meridian Consultants 5.0-1 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Big Sagebrush Scrub 5 Description: This community is comprised of mostly soft-woody shrubs, 0.5-2 meters tall, usually with bare ground underneath and between shrubs. Artemesia tridentata is the dominant plant species. Growth occurs mostly in late spring and early summer. Some species flower in late spring (Coleogyne, Purshia), while others flower in early fall (Artemisia, Chrysothamnus). Species in this community are dormant in the winter. Site factors: Big sagebrush scrub occurs on a wide variety of soils and terrain, from rocky, well-drained slopes to fine-textured valley soils and high water table. It is associated with colder (from cold air drainage), drier, or with less well-drained more alkaline soils that Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, a frequent associate. Characteristic species: Agropyron spicatum, Artemisia tridentata, Atriplex canescens, Bromus marginatus, Chrysothamnus nauseosus, Coleogyne ramosissima, Elymus cinereus, Festuca idahoensis, Hilaria jamesii, Oryzopsis occidentalis, S. thurberinana, and S. speciosa. Distribution: It is widely distributed east of the Cascade-Sierra Nevada crest, especially in Modoc, Lassen, Mono and Inyo counties. It usually occurs within 4,000 to 9,000 feet, distributed extensively through the intermountain west. Black Locust Woodland 6 Description: This community is a moderately open woodland dominated by Robinia psuedoacacia, a plant not native to California and considered problematic by the California Invasive Plant Council. 7 Black locust woodland s understory usually consists of shrubs and perennial grasses. Site factors: R. psuedoacacia was extensively planted as an ornamental and windbreak tree. It has become more or less naturalized, often spreading by means of underground stems and forming thickets of trees. Characteristic species: C. nauseosus, D. spicata var. stricta, R. psuedoacacia, Rosa woodsii, Salix spp., Salsola kali var. tenuifolia, and S. airoides. 5 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 6 James, G., D. Groeneveld, et al. "Green Book for the Long-Term Groundwater Management Plan for the Owens Valley and Inyo County." 1990. http://www.inyowater.org/wp/wp-content/themes/rttheme16child/documents/greenbook.pdf. 7 California Invasive Plant Council. http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/management/plant_profiles/robinia_pseudoacacia.php Accessed: March 15, 2014 Meridian Consultants 5.0-2 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Distribution: Scattered throughout the Owens Valley. Blackbrush Scrub 8 Description: Blackbrush scrub is comprised of low, often intricately branched shrubs, 0.5-1 meter tall, with crowns usually not touching and with bare ground between plants. Most growth and flowering occurs in late spring. Species are dormant in winter (from cold) and probably in summer and fall (from drought). Site factors: This community is found on dry, well-drained slopes and flats with shallow often calcareous soils of very low water holding capacity. It often intergrades with great basin sagebrush scrub, Joshua tree woodland, or pinyon-juniper woodlands, but typically at somewhat lower elevations where it is warmer and drier. Characteristic species: Agave utahensis, Artemisia spinescens, Atriplex confertifolia, Chrysothamnus teretifolius, Coleogyne ramosissima, Ephedra nevadensis, Eriogonum fasciculatum polifolium, Eurotia lanata, Hilaria rigida, Grayia spinosa, Menodora spinescens, Salazaria Mexicana, Salvia dorrii, Sitanion longifolium, Spheralcea ambigua, Stipa speciosa, Thamnosma montana, and Yucca baccata. Distribution: Blackbrush scrub is distributed in the Owens Valley region to the Mojave Desert, typically between 4,000 and 7,000 feet Desert Greasewood Scrub 9 Description: This community is similar to Desert saltbush scrub, but with plants more widely scattered, most species succulent, and lower species diversity. Site factors: Heavy, fine-textured, poorly drained soils of high osmotic potential. It is generally encountered in areas with a high water table and salty soil surface crust. Characteristic species: Allenrolfea occidentalis, Atriplex confertifolia, A. parryi, and Sarcobatus vermiculatus. Distribution: Valley bottoms and dry lake beds. It is widely scattered through Great Basin, Mojave, and Colorado deserts. 8 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 9 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 Meridian Consultants 5.0-3 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Desert Saltbush Scrub 10 Description: This community is comprised of usually low, grayish, microphyllous shrubs, 0.3-1 meter tall, with some succulent species. The total cover is often low, with bare ground between the widely spaced shrubs. Stands typically are strongly dominated by a single Atripex species. Site factors: It is associated with fine-textured, poorly drained soils with high alkalinity and/or salinity, usually surrounding playas on slightly higher ground. It is considered to be somewhat drier than the adjacent Desert Sink Scrub. Characteristic species: Aster intricatus, Atriplex argentea, Atriplex canescens, A. confertifolia, A. elegans ssp. Fasciculate, A. hymenolytra, A. lentiformis, A. nuttalli, A. parryi, A. phyllostegia, A. polycarpa, A. pusilla, A. torreyi, Grayia spinosa, Humenoclea salsola, Kochia californica, Lycium andersonii, L. cooperi, Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana, and Suaeda occidentalis. Distribution: It is widely scattered on margins of dry lake beds in the Colorado, Mojave, and Great Basin deserts. Desert Sink Scrub 11 Description: This community is similar to desert saltbush scrub, but with plants often more widely spaced and most species being succulent chenopods. Site factors: This community is associated with poorly drained soils with extremely high alkalinity and/or salt content. It is also associated with high water table and with salt crust at the surface. Characteristic species: Allenrolfea occidentalis, Atriplex canescens, Cleome sparsiflora, Cressa truxillensis minima, Erysimum capitatum bealianum, Frankenia grandifolia campestris, Heliotropium curassavicum oculatum, Kochia californica, Lepidium dictyotum, Monolepis nuttalliana, Nitrophila occidentalis, Oxystylis lutea, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Sesuvium verrucosum, Ruppia cirrhosa, Sueda torreyana, and Wislizenia refracta. Distribution: Encountered in moist valley bottoms and lake beds scattered throughout the Sonoran Desert, Mojave Desert, and Owens Valley usually below 4,000 feet. 10 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 11 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 Meridian Consultants 5.0-4 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Great Basin Mixed Scrub 12 Description: This community is described as a moderately tall, fairly open shrub land with several species contributing to the canopy. Dominant species usually include Artemisia tridentata and Purshia tridentata, with several perennial grasses between the shrubs. Site factors: It is associated with deep, gravelly, well drained sites, usually on alluvium derived primarily from granitic sources. It can intergrade on cooler or more shallow-soiled sites with subalpine sagebrush scrub with Great Basin pinyon-juniper woodlands on residual upland sites and with big sagebrush scrub on slightly lower elevation, less fertile or overgrazed sites. Characteristic species: Artemisia tridentata, Oryzopsis hymenoides, Pinus monophylla, Prunus andersonii, Purshia tridentata, Sitanion hystrix, and Stipa speciosa. Distribution: It is widely distributed in the northern Mojave and throughout the Great basin deserts. It is also extensively encountered on much of the Modoc Plateau and in smaller pockets in the Inner South Coast Ranges. Modoc - Great Basin Riparian Scrub 13 Description: This community is comprised of open to impenetrably dense, broad-leafed, winter deciduous thickets dominated by shrubby willows. Its open stands frequently have dense herbaceous understories of Juncus spp., Carex spp., or Distichlis spicata. Site factors: It is associated with relatively fine grained sand and gravel bars with low, wet, alluvial terraces along perennial and intermittent streams. Characteristic species: Artemisia tridentata, Carex spp., Chrysothamnus nauseosus, Distichlis spicata, Juncus spp., Rosa woodsii, Salix commutata, S. exigua, S. lutea, S. lutea watsonii, S. melanopsis, and Shepherdia argentea. Distribution: It is encountered along most of the streams and creeks of the Modoc Plateau and Great Basin deserts, from far northeastern California south to Mono and Inyo Counties. Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub 14 12 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 13 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 Meridian Consultants 5.0-5 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Description: This community is comprised of shrubs, 0.5-3 meters tall, widely spaced, usually with bare ground in between. Growth occurs during spring (or rarely in summer or fall) if rainfall is sufficient. Growth is prevented by cold in winter and limited by drought at other seasons. Many species of ephemeral herbs may flower in late March and April if the winter rains are sufficient. Other, less numerous species of annuals appear following summer thundershowers. This is the basic creosote scrub of the Mojave Desert, dominated by Larrea tridentata and Ambrosia dumosa. Site factors: It is associated with well-drained secondary soils with very low available water holding capacity on slopes, fans, and valleys rather than upland sites with thin residual soils or sites with high soil salinity. Winter temperatures in this community often reach below freezing. It intergrades at higher elevations with Shadscale scrub, or Joshua Tree Woodland and is found at lower elevations or more osmotic sites with Desert Chenopod Scrub. Characteristic species: Ambrosia dumosa, Cassia armata, Ephedra nevadensis, Hymenoclea salsola, Larrea tridentata, and Lycium spp. Distribution: It is encountered extensively from the Death Valley region southward across the Mojave Desert to the little San Bernardino Mountains, eastward to northwestern Arizona and southern Nevada. It is the dominant plant community below 3,000 to 4,000 feet in this region. Mojave Mixed Woody Scrub 15 Description: This community is comprised of complex scrub, open enough to be passable and usually characterized by Yucca brevifolia herbertii, Eriogonum fasciculatum polifolium, and Isomeris arborea arborea. Most of the constituent species also occur in other nearby communities. Site factors: It is associated with very shallow, overly-drained, often rolling to steep soils, usually derived from granitic parent materials. These sites have extremely low water holding capacity, mild alkalinity, and are not very saline. It intergrades on deeper soils (with higher water holding capacity) or at cooler elevations with Great Basin Scrubs, blackbrush scrub or Pinyon woodlands. It is found at warmer elevations with Creosote bush scrub. Characteristic species: Ambrosia dumosa, Atriplex spp., Brickellia oblongifolia linifolia, Camissonia kernesis, Chrysothamnus teretifolius, Coleogyne ramosissima, Dalea fremontii, Ephedra nevadensis, E. 14 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 15 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 Meridian Consultants 5.0-6 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

viridis, Ericameria linearifolia, Eriogonum fasciculatum polifolium, Eucnide urens, Galium argense, Gilia cana elongate, Grayia spinosa, Hymenoclea salsola, Isoremis arborea arborea, Lupinus excubitus, Mentzelia involucrata, Opuntia basalaris, Phacelia nashiana, Purshia glandulosa, Salazaris Mexicana, Salvia dorrii, Tetradymia axillaris, and Yucca brevifolia herbertii. Distribution: Encountered widely but erratically scattered along the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada from the southwestern Owens Valley southward along the Tehachapi, San Gabriel, San Bernardino, San Jacinto, and Peninsular ranges to northern Baja California. This community typically occurs between 2,000-5,000 feet. Nevada Saltbush Meadow 16 Description: This community is described to be a disturbed (fire, grazing) Alkali meadow which has been invaded by Atriplex torreyi with an understory of perennial grasses. Site factors: It is associated with moderately coarse to moderately fine-textured, more or less permanently moist alkaline soils. Characteristic species: Owens Valley Nevada Saltbush meadow is dominated by A.torreyi. Sporobolus airoides is most often the second most dominant species. The association of A.torreyi with S. airoides suggests a tendency for S.airoides dominated Alkali meadows to be more likely places for A.torreyi invasion. However, Distichlis spicata stricta and Chrysothamnus nauseosus are also extremely common in this community. Owens Valley distribution: Nevada Saltbush Meadow is located primarily west of the Owens River on the valley floor. It occurs sporadically in the northern half but is most common in the southern half of the valley. Nevada Saltbush Scrub 17 Description: This community is defined as a moderately tall shrubland with average total cover around 20-30 percent. A. torreyi is dominant. Perennial grass cover is sparse, as compared to Nevada Saltbush Meadow which has a dense understory of perennial grasses. 16 Manning, Sara. 1997. "Plant Communities of LADWP Land in the Owens Valley: An Exploratory Analysis of Baseline Conditions." November 10, 1997. Inyo County Water Department. 17 Manning, Sara. 1997. "Plant Communities of LADWP Land in the Owens Valley: An Exploratory Analysis of Baseline Conditions." November 10, 1997. Inyo County Water Department. Meridian Consultants 5.0-7 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Site factors: This community has moderately coarse to moderately fine-textured alkaline soils with available water holding capacity ranging from moderate to high. Often with high water table and a salty soil crust. This appears to be a disturbed community, formerly an alkaline meadow or desert sink scrub which A. torreyi has invaded and now dominates. Characteristic species: Owens Valley Nevada Saltbush meadow is dominated by A. torreyi. Other frequently encountered species include S.airoides, D. spicata stricta, and C. nauseosus. Distribution: Nevada saltbush scrub is located primarily on the valley floor in scattered locations throughout the valley. Concentrations occur in the Symmes Shepherd wellfield, south of highway 168, and on abandoned agricultural land on the Poleta Canyon quad. Non-Native Meadow 18 Description: This community is comprised of a dense to sparse cover of annual grasses with flowering culms approximately 1 meter high. It is often associated with numerous species of showy-flowered, native annual forbs (wildflowers), especially in years of favorable rainfall. Germination occurs with the onset of the late fall rains; growth, flowering, and seed-set occur from winter through spring. With a few exceptions, the plants in this community are dead through the summer-fall dry season, persisting as seeds. Site factors: This community has fine-textured, usually clay soils, moist or even waterlogged during the winter rainy season and very dry during the summer and fall. Oak Woodland is often adjacent on moister, better drained soils. Characteristic species: Avena barbata, A. fatua, Bomus mollis, B. rigidus, B. rubens, Erodium botrys, E. cicutarium, Eschscholtzia califonica, Gilia spp., Hemizonia spp. Lasthenia spp., Layia spp., Lolium multiflorum, Lupinus spp., Lepidium dictyotum, Medicago hispida, Nemophila menziesii, Orthocarpus spp., Phacelia spp., Schismus arabicua, Vulpia megalura, and V. microstachys. Distribution: This community is encountered in valleys and foothills of most of California, except for the northern coastal and desert regions. It is usually below 3,000 feet but reaching 4,000 feet in the Tehachapi Mountains and interior San Diego County. It intergrades with Coastal prairie along the central coast and formerly occupied large portions of the Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Salinas Valleys as well as the Los Angeles Basin, area that are now agricultural or urban. 18 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 Meridian Consultants 5.0-8 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Rabbitbrush Meadow 19 Description: This community is defined as a moderate strand of perennial grasses with C. nauseosus as the dominant plant species. Site factors: This community occurs where a disturbed (fire, grazing) Alkali meadow has been invaded by C. nauseosus. It is generally associated with medium to moderately fine textured, more or less permanently moist alkaline soils. Characteristic species: Dominated by C. nauseosus. Other frequently encountered species in this community include S.airoides, D. spicata stricta, and A. torreyi. Distribution: Rabbitbrush meadow is located primarily west of the Owens River on the valley floor. It occurs north of Independence, and there is a concentration of this community on the southern part of the Poleta Canyon quad. Rabbitbrush Scrub 20 Description: This community is dominated by rubber rabbitbrush, usually 1 meter tall, with fairly evenly spaced gray shrubs flowering in late summer or fall. Ecological relations among the various sub-specific members of Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus remain to be elucidated. Site factors: This is a disturbance-maintained community (fire, grazing, soil tilling). Vertisols (selfchurning soils) may have been the only pristine rabbitbrush sites. Characteristic species: Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Distribution: This community is encountered in the Great Basin and western margin of the Mojave Desert, reaching west across the Sierra-Cascade Axis into the drainages of Kern, Feather, and pit rivers. Rush/Sedge Meadow 21 Description: This community is defined as dense growth of many perennial grasses, sedges and forbs. Some grasses are introduced species due to pasture improvement by broadcasting seed. 19 Manning, Sara. 1997. "Plant Communities of LADWP Land in the Owens Valley: An Exploratory Analysis of Baseline Conditions." November 10, 1997. Inyo County Water Department. 20 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 21 Manning, Sara. 1997. "Plant Communities of LADWP Land in the Owens Valley: An Exploratory Analysis of Baseline Conditions." November 10, 1997. Inyo County Water Department. Meridian Consultants 5.0-9 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Site factors: This community is associated with medium to moderately fine-textured, more or less permanently moist alkaline soils. Supplemental irrigation may occur on some sites during the growing season. It may intergrade with Alkali Meadow or non-native meadow. Characteristic species: Owens Valley Rush/Sedge meadow is dominated by grass, but rushes and sedge are important components. D. spicata stricta, Juncus balticus, Carex spp., Lolium perenne multiflorum, Agropyron intermedium, Agrostis stolonifera, Eragrostis pectinacea Distribution: Rush/Sedge meadow occurs primarily west of the Owens River on the valley floor throughout the valley. It is one of the most frequently encountered vegetation community types in the Owens River Valley. Shadscale Scrub 22 Description: This community is comprised of low, intricately branched, often spiny shrubs, 0.3-0.6 meters tall, usually well-spaced with bare ground between dominant Atriplex confertifolia and Artemisia spinescens. Growth, flowering, and dormancy sequence are similar to Blackbush Scrub, but usually a little earlier because of slightly higher temperatures and/or greater aridity. Site factors: This community is often associated with poorly-drained flats with heavy, somewhat alkaline soil, adjacent to Desert Chenopod Scrub. It is also encountered on well drained slopes at higher elevations, intergrading at its upper limits with Blackbush Scrub, Great Basin Sagebrush Scrub or Joshua Tree Woodland. It may occur above Creosote Bush Scrub on well-drained slopes or below it in poorlydrained basins with cold air accumulation. Characteristic species: Abronia villosa, Artemisia spinescens, Atriplex confertifolia, Atriplex hymenolytra, Coleogyne ramosissima, Ephedra nevadensis, Eurotia lanata, Grayia spinosa, Gutierrezia spp., Haplopappus acradenius, Kochia Americana, Menodora spinescens, Oryzopsis hymenoides, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Tetradymia glabrata. Distribution: This community extends from the Owens Valley Region to the Mojave Desert, and north and eastward across southern Nevada. This community is typically encountered between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. Tamarisk Scrub 23 22 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 Meridian Consultants 5.0-10 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Description: This community is described as a weedy, virtual monoculture of any of several Tamarix species, usually supplanting native vegetation following major disturbance. Site factors: This community is generally associated with sandy or gravelly braided washes or intermittent streams, often in areas where high evaporation increases the stream s salinity. Tamarisk is a strong phreatophyte and a prolific seeder, attributes which predispose the species to be aggressive competitors in disturbed riparian corridors. Characteristic species: Atriplex lentiformis, Coldenia palmeri, Distichlis spicata, Pleuchea sericea, Salix exigua, Tamarix chinesnsis, T. ramosissima. Distribution: This community is widely scattered and increasing its range, throughout the drier parts of California from the rainshadow east of Inner North Coast Ranges south through the Great Valley to southern California and across the deserts to Nevada, Arizona, and beyond. Special Status Vegetation Communities Special status vegetation communities are those communities that are of highly limited distribution or have distribution and range which is threatened by development or other anthropogenic causes. These communities may or may not contain special status plants. The following provides a description of special status vegetation communities listed within the CNDDB and located within two miles of the proposed project routes. Alkali Meadow 24 Description: This community is listed as a special status community in the CNDDB database. It is comprised of dense to fairly open growth of perennial grasses and sedges. It is usually low growing, but occasionally with tufts to 1 meter high of Sporobolus airoidea. It s growing and flowering season is from late spring to early fall. Site factors: It is found on fine-textured, more or less permanently moist, alkaline soils. It may intergrade with Great Basin Sagebrush, Shadscale Scrub, or Great Basin Grassland on moist, nonalkaline soil; with Desert Chenopod Northern Claypan Vernal Pools on drier, less alkaline soils of the Central Valley; or with Alkali marsh or permanently flooded sites. 23 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 24 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 Meridian Consultants 5.0-11 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Characteristic species: Allenrolfea occidentalis, Anemopsis californica, Carex spp., Cordlanthus mollis hispidus, Crepis runcinata ssp. Hallii, Distichlis spicata var. stricta, Juncus spp., Muhlenbergia asperifolia, Phragmites australis, Sida leprosa hederacea, Sisyrinchium halophyllum, Spartina gracilis, Sporobolus airoides, Tirglochin concinna debilis. Distribution: In valley bottoms and on the lower portions of alluvial slopes east of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada, from the Modoc Plateau to Owen Valley at elevations of 3,500 to 7,000 feet. It also occurs around Alkali Seeps arising from the Valley Springs formation of Eastern Central Valley from Kern to Placer Counties, on salt-affected grasslands of San Joaquin Valley trough and the Livermore Valley, and the salty grassland of the western Sacramento Valley from San Joaquin to Glenn and Colusa counties. Alkali Seep 25 Description: This community is listed as a special status community in the CNDDB database. The community is comprised of low-growing perennial herbs, usually forming relatively complete cover, growing throughout the year in areas with mild winters. The community is comprised of relatively few species. Site factors: Found in permanently moist or wet alkaline seeps. It is often associated with Alkali meadows. Characteristic species: Distichlis spicata var. stricta, Najas marina, Nitrophila occidentalis, Potomegeton latifolius, P. pectinatus, Ruppia maritime, and Zannichellia palustris. Distribution: Scattered throughout the desert regions of California; less common in other areas. Bristlecone Pine Forest 26 Description: This community is listed as a special status community in the CNDDB database. This community is dominated by Pinus longaeva or Pinus flexilis. The forest is usually quite open, and often occurs in patches rather than dominating extensive areas. The trees are often very contorted and have many dead branches near the timberline. The understory consists of scattered low shrubs from the subalpine sagebrush. Growth and flowering, especially of the smaller plants, is concentrated in early 25 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 26 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 Meridian Consultants 5.0-12 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

midsummer, probably limited by drought later in the summer and by low temperatures the rest of the year. Site factors: This community is the driest of the California subalpine forests and probably one of the driest anywhere. It best develops on relatively mesic sites, such as north-facing slopes. It occurs on a variety of rock and soil types, with Pinus longaeva usually dominant on dolomitic outcrops and P. flexilis often more common on other substrates. Individuals of the former species may live for over 4,000 years, with the longest lived trees usually occurring on the poorer sites. This community can intergrade with subalpine sagebrush on drier sites. Characteristic species: Artemisia nova, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Chamaebatiaria millefolium, Chrysothamnus spp., Eriogonum spp., Haplopappus gilmanii, Pinus flexilis, P. longaeva, Ribes spp. Distribution: Most extensive development of this community is found in California in the White Mountains of Inyo and Mono County. An isolated sparse stand occurs on Telescope Peak, Panamint Range, Inyo County, and a small isolated stand of Pinus longaeva occurs in the Last Change Range. It can also be encountered on several of the Great Basin Ranges in Nevada. The elevation it occurs at is generally between 9,500 and 11,500 feet. Mojave Riparian Forest 27 Description: This community is listed as a special status community in the CNDDB database. It is a relatively open, broadleafed, winter-deciduous streamside forest dominated by Populus fremontii, Salix gooddingii, and S. laevigata. The open canopy allows a dense shrubby understory of Atriplex torreyi, Chrysothamnus nauseosus, Rosa woodsii, and Salix exigua to prosper. It is similar to and intergrades in the lower elevations of Inyo County with Modoc-Great Basin Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest. Site factors: This community is associated with flat, fine-grained, sub-irrigated alluvium along perennial desert rivers. Characteristic species: Atriplex confertifolia, A. parryi, A. torreyi, Chrysothamnus nauseosus, Eleagnus angustifolia, Forestiera neomexicana, Populus fremontii, Rosa woodsii, Salix exigua, S. gooddingii, S. laevigata, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, and Tamarix spp.. 27 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 Meridian Consultants 5.0-13 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Distribution: It is encountered along the larger desert rivers (Owens Valley, Mojave, and Colorado) where the vegetation has not been cleared for irrigated agriculture or been dewatered by upstream diversions. Generally, it is found below about 4,000 feet. Transmontane Alkali Marsh 28 Description: This community is listed as a special status community in the CNDDB database. It is dominated by perennial, emergent, herbaceous monocots that reach approximately 2 meters tall. Its cover is often complete and dense. In winter, temperatures generally reach well below freezing, resulting in a short growing season confined more strictly to the summer and with winter dormancy being absolute. Site factors: This community intergrades with Transmontane Freshwater Marshes in less alkaline situations; with Vernal Marshes where summer drying occurs; with Chenopod Scrubs in area of moist, highly alkaline soil that usually lacks surface water; and with Alkali Meadows where the soil is moist and moderately alkaline. Characteristic species: Anemopsis californica, Carex spp., Distichlis spicata var. stricata, Juncus cooperi, Nitrophila occidentalis, Phragmites australis, Scirpus nevadensis, Scirpus olneyi, S. robustus spp. Suadea toerryana, Triglochin concinna var. debilis, Typha domingensis, T. latifolia. Distribution: Lake beds, margins of springs, and river bottomlands of the Modoc Plateau in eastern Siskiyou County, Modoc County, and Lassen County, east of the Sierra Nevada in Mono and Inyo Counties, especially near Bridgeport and in the Owens Valley and sporadically around wet spots in the Mojave. It is found at elevations between 3,000 to 7,000 feet. Water Birch Riparian Scrub (Modoc-Great Basin Cottonwood/Willow Riparian Forest) 29 Description: Keeler Wolf describes this community as Water birch thicket (Water Birch Riparian Scrub) when it is co-dominated by Betula occidentalis. 30 This community is listed as a special status community in the CNDDB database. 28 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 29 Holland, Robert. 1986. "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California." Sacramento, CA: October 1986 30 Sawyer, J. O., and T. Keeler-Wolf. 1995. A manual of California vegetation. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, California. Meridian Consultants 5.0-14 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

This community is defined as an open-canopied, broad-leafed, winter-deciduous riparian forest dominated by Populus fremontii and Salix laevigata without much shrubby understory other than scattered Chrysothamnus nauseosus consimilis. Elymus triticoides, Phragmites australis, and several other graminoids form a fairly dense (though usually grazed) herbaceous layer. Site factors: It is generally associated with larger streams at lower montane elevations, usually where streams debauch onto valleys and begin to grade. Characteristic species: Chrysothamnus nauseosus consimilis, Elymus triticoides, Juncus balticus montanus, Populus fremontii, Rosa woodsii ultramontane, Salix exigua, and S. laevigata. Distribution: Encountered along lower elevation (usually below about 7,000 feet) streams of the eastern Sierra Nevada, from Inyo County north to the Modoc Plateau and southern Oregon. GAP DATA Vegetation Community Descriptions Alkali Desert Scrub (Desert Saltbush) 31 Structure: This community is an open formation of broad-leaved evergreen and broad-leaved droughtdeciduous shrubs. The height of the shrubs varies from less than 1 meter to over 2 meters. Graminoids and forbs rarely exceed 40 cm in height, usually providing an overall cover of less than 5 percent. Characteristic species: Atriplex confertifolia, Grayia spinosa, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Allenrolfea occidentalis, Artemisia spinescens, Atriplex canescens, A. nuttallii, A. polycarpa, Chaenactis douglasii, Chenopodium leptophyllum, Cryptandra circumscissa, Dalea polyadenia, Distichlis spicata var. stricta, Ephedra nevadensis, Eurotia lanata, Frankenia grandifolia var. campestris, Gilia leptomeria, Gutierrezia sarothra, Hilaria jamesii, Kochia californica, Lycium cooperi, Menodora spinescens, Oryzopsis hymenoides, Sarcobatus baileyi, Sitanion hystrix, Suaeda depressa, S. fruitcosa, and Tetradymia glabrata. Desert Scrub (Mojave Creosote Bush) 32 Structure: This is an open community of broad-leaved evergreen, microphyll shrubs, rarely over 2 meters in height. Its coverage is usually less than 50 percent. Various smaller shrubs may form a very open lower layer. Characteristic species: Larrea tridentata, Ambrosia dumosa, Baccharis sergiloides, Encelia farinose, E. frutescens, Hymenochloa salsola, Lycium andersonii, Opuntia bigelovii, O. basilaris, and Sphaeralcea ambigua. 31 Barbour, M.G. and J. Major. 1988. Terrestrial vegetation of California. Second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 32 Barbour, M.G. and J. Major. 1988. Terrestrial vegetation of California. Second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. Meridian Consultants 5.0-15 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Location: This community is extensively found throughout the Mojave Desert. Pinyon-Juniper (Juniper Pinyon Woodland) 33 Structure: This community is an open grove of needle-leaved evergreen shrubby trees, usually less than 10 meters tall. Coverage rarely exceeds 50 percent. A dense to open layer of broad-leaved evergreen (and some deciduous) shrubs and dwarf-shrubs reach a height of 1.5 meters. Low herbaceous plants may be present but remain inconspicuous. Characteristic species: Juniperus californica, Pinus monophylla, Anisocoma acaulis, Artemisia tridentata, Caulanthus amplexicaulis, Chrysothamnus nauseosus, Coleogyne ramosissima, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Haplopappus linearifolius, Juniperus osteosperma, Layia glandulosa, Leptodactylon pungens, Nolina parryi, Oreonana vestita, Pellaea compacta, Penstemon grinellii, Phacelia austromontana, Pinus quadrifolia, Plagiobothrys kingii, Purshia tridentata, Quercus dumosa, Q. turbinella, Silene parishii var. latifolia, Stipa coronaria, S. speciosa, Tetradymia axillaris, Yucca schidigera. Location: This community is principally found in Southern California Sagebrush (Sagebrush Steppe) 34 Structure: This community is a low, open (15 percent coverage), broad-leaved evergreen shrub formation, up to 1 meter tall, with an admixture of deciduous shrubs. An open (5-15 percent coverage) layer of graminoids and forbs is most common in the north. Characteristic species: Agropyron spicatum, Artemisia tridentata, Artemisia arbuscula, Castilleja chromosa, Chrysothamnus nauseosus, C. viscidiflorus, Collinsia parviflora, Crepis acuminata, Juniperus occidentalis, Lupinus caudatus, Lugodesmia spinosa, Phlox hoodia, Poa sandbergii, Purshia tridentata, Sitanion hystrix, Stipa thurberiana, and Tetradymia canescens. Location: This community is principally found in northeastern California. Subalpine conifer (Great basin subalpine forest) 35 Structure: This community is a low, very open, needle-leaved evergreen forest with an open layer of shrubs, dwarf shrubs and herbaceous plants. Characteristic species: Pinus flexilis, Acer glabrum var. diffusum, Arenaria kingii, Artemisia tridentata, Chamaebatiaria millefolium, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. pumilus, Cymopteris cinerarius, Erigeron clokeyi, E. pygmaeus, Galium hypotrichium ssp. tomentellum, Ipomosis aggregata ssp. arizonica, Koeleria macrantha, Leptodactylon pungens, Linanthus nuttallii, Lupinus alpestris, Mimulus bigelovii var. 33 Barbour, M.G. and J. Major. 1988. Terrestrial vegetation of California. Second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 34 Barbour, M.G. and J. Major. 1988. Terrestrial vegetation of California. Second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 35 Barbour, M.G. and J. Major. 1988. Terrestrial vegetation of California. Second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. Meridian Consultants 5.0-16 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

panamintensis, Poa rupicola, Ribes cereum, R. montigenum, Senecio spartioides, Sitanion hystrix, and Symphoricarpos longiflorus. Location: This community is mainly in the White, Inyo and Panamint Mountains at elevations above 2,620 meters. Freshwater Emergent Wetland 36 This community is defined by the national wetland inventory as land areas in transition between terrestrial and aquatic systems. Wetlands must have one of more of the following: At least periodic presence of hydrophilic species, substrate that is predominantly undrained hydric soil, substrate that is non-soil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some point during the growing season of each year. Characteristic species: Genera that characterize this habitat includes Typha, Schoenoplectus, Carex, Juncus, Potamogeton, and Hydrocotyle. Location: This community is present in the Owens Valley, near Big Pine at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 meters. 36 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014 "National Wetlands Inventory." Web. 20 Mar 2014. <http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/>. Meridian Consultants 5.0-17 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES DESCRIPTIONS Special Status Wildlife Descriptions Of the 105 special status wildlife species considered, a total of 53 species were determined to have a high probability of occurring within the project area. Of these species, 15 are listed as Federal or State Threatened or Endangered. The following is a description of Federal and State designated Threatened or Endangered Species that have been determined to have a high probability of occurrence within the project area. Owens pupfish (Cyprinodon radiosus) Status: Federally Endangered, State Endangered, BLM Sensitive, CDFW Fully-Protected. Owens pupfish are found in a variety of shallow water habitats including springs, pools, sloughs, irrigation ditches, swamps, and flooded pastures from Owens Valley from Fish Slough in Mono County to Lone Pine in Inyo County. 37 Typical habitat for Owens pupfish is characterized as having shallow, clear water with emergent and aquatic vegetation. Preferred water temperatures range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. 38 Owens pupfish forage in shoals where they feed primarily on aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans, snails, and chironomid midge larvae. Spawning seasons usually occurs from March and lasts through August. Spawning timing is largely influenced be seasonal fluctuations in water temperature. Substrate in spawning areas varies from silt, plants, or rocks. Fertilized eggs hatch in 4-10 days in areas with water temperatures of 24-27 degrees Celsius. Juveniles tend to remain close to the stream substrate. 39 Owens tui chub (Siphateles bicolor snyder) Status: Federally Endangered, State Endangered. Owens tui chub are found in a variety of habitats including standing pools and low gradient streams. Typical habitat is characterized by having areas of slow water and abundant aquatic vegetation. Owens tui chub are known from the Owens River and its larger tributaries extending from the River s source. 40 Areas of water utilized by Owens tui chub have summer temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius with an optimal range of 15-30 degrees Celsius. 41 37 CDFW 2004. Species Accounts Fish. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/nongame/t_e_spp/docs/2004/t_efish.pdf 38 University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. California Fish Website. http://calfish.ucdavis.edu/species/?uid=59&ds=241. Accessed March 5, 2014 39 Ibid. 40 CDFW 2004. Species Accounts Fish. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/nongame/t_e_spp/docs/2004/t_efish.pdf 41 University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. California Fish Website. http://calfish.ucdavis.edu/species/?uid=59&ds=241. Accessed March 5, 2014 Meridian Consultants 5.0-18 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

The diet of Owens tui chub is detritus organic matter, plants, invertebrates, or plants. Spawning occurs primarily between April and July, but may begin as early as February and continue into August depending on water conditions. Typically, tui chub spawn in shallow water areas with adequate gravel substrate and aquatic vegetation. 42 Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana Sierra) Status: Federally Proposed Endangered, State Threatened, CDFW: Species of Special Concern, USFS: Sensitive The Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog inhabit streams, lakes and ponds in montane riparian, lodgepole pine, subalpine conifer, and wet meadow habitats from 1,370 to 3,650 meters east of the Sierra Nevada crest. They can be found among rocks or clumps of grass within a few jumps of water. In dry conditions, they may enter rodent burrows near water. They feed primarily on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and favors terrestrial insects. Tadpoles graze on algae and diatoms along rocky bottoms in shallow water of streams, lakes, and ponds. Eggs are usually laid in shallow water attached to gravel or rocks. Reproduction does not take place until lake and streams are free of ice. Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni) Status: State Threatened, USFS: Sensitive. Swainson s hawks are found in areas with scattered stands of few trees within juniper-sage flats, riparian areas, open desert, grassland, cropland, and in oak savannah habitats. Typically foraging habitat is grasslands or suitable grain or alfalfa fields, or livestock pastures. Swainson s hawks roost in large trees, but will roost on ground if no suitable roosts are available. Nests are found in open riparian habitat, with scattered trees or small groves from 1.3 to 30 meters above ground. 43 Swainson s hawks feed primarily on mice, gophers, ground squirrels, rabbits, large arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and, rarely, fish. Fall migration through California occurs between September and October, and spring migration occurs from March through May. Once territories have been established, breeding will occur from late March to late August, with the peak of breeding activities occurring in late May through July. 44 Incubates occurs for 25-28 days with fledgling occurring at 33-37 days after hatching. 42 Ibid. 43 Ibid. 44 Zeiner, D.C., W.F.Laudenslayer, Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White, eds. 1988-1990. California's Wildlife. Vol. I-III. California Depart. of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California. https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/filehandler.ashx?documentid=1673&inline=1 Accessed March 5, 2014 Meridian Consultants 5.0-19 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Bi-State DPS Status: Federally Proposed Threatened, BLM: Sensitive, CDFW: Species of Special Concern, USFS: Sensitive. Technically known as the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment (Bi State DPS), this group of Greater Sage- Grouse exists in Alpine, Mono, and northern Inyo counties in California as well as portions of western Nevada. The population is relatively isolated and genetically distinct. Greater sage-grouse are typically found in sagebrush, perennial grassland or wet meadow, bitterbrush, and alkali desert scrub habitats. Sagebrush stands are exclusively used by sage grouse during the winter and spring, though sagebrush is an important habitat component required throughout the year. Sage grouse are highly dependent upon moist meadows for foraging during the summer. Greater sage-grouse require open areas among shrubs for lek sites during the in late winter and early spring. Adult sage grouse feed primarily on sagebrush in winter, and on forbs and insects, primarily ants and grasshoppers, during the rest of the year. Sage grouse are a permanent resident in California, though seasonal movements occur during the winter months. Breeding occurs from mid-february to late August with the peak strutting period occurring from March-April. Nesting occurs within open stands of sagebrush. Nesting and brooding period occurs from May-July with an incubation period of 25 days. Young fledge at 7-14 days. 45 Least Bell s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) Status: Federally Endangered, State Endangered The least Bell s vireo is bird endemic to California. It inhabits low, dense riparian growth along water or along dry parts of intermittent streams. It is typically associated with willow, cottonwood, baccharis, wild blackberry, or mesquite in desert localities. They glean insects from foliage and branches and eat small fruit. They seek cover in the thickets of willow and other low shrubs where they can roost and nest. They build open-cup nests out of plant material and hair. They are usually encountered near water but can also inhabit thickets along dry, intermittent streams. The least Bell s vireo was formerly a common and widespread summer resident below 600 meters in western Sierra Nevada as well as below 1,200 meters east of the Sierra Nevada in Owens valley. Populations have drastically decline throughout California in recent decades as a result of cowbird parasitism and habitat destruction. 46 Western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) Status: Federally Threatened 45 Rigney, M. 2008. California's Wildlife. Vol. I-III. California Depart. of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System: Life History Account for Greater Sage Grouse < https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/filehandler.ashx?documentid=1701&inline=1> 46 Morey, S. 2008. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System. Life History Account for Bell s vireo. https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/filehandler.ashx?documentversionid=17523 Meridian Consultants 5.0-20 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR

Western snowy plover occurs on sandy marine, estuarine shores, and salt ponds levees. Inland nesting of western snowy plovers within southern California has been documented to occur at the Salton Sea and Mono Lake. Snowy plovers glean insects and amphipods from the dry sand of upper beaches along the coast and brine flies from ponds and alkali lakes. Nesting occurs from April through August, nests are shallow depressions in the sand or soil, sometimes lined with small pebbles, glass fragments, or gravel. Nests may also be located near and/or under objects such as driftwood, rocks, or defoliated bushes. Areas of sandy, gravelly or friable soil substrate are an important habitat component that is required for nesting. Incubation lasts approximately 24 days and the young fledge at 29-47 days. Beginning in July and August, snowy plovers may move from their breeding grounds to their wintering grounds where they will remain from September through March. 47 Western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) Status: Federally Proposed Threatened, State Endangered, USFS: Sensitive, BLM: Sensitive. Western yellow-billed cuckoo inhabit deciduous riparian thickets, mesquite thickets, orchards, riparian woodlands, or forests with dense, low-level or understory foliage, which are adjacent to streams, backwaters, or seeps. Western yellow-billed cuckoo requires areas of habitat with a width of 93 meters and 25 acres in area. The presence of willow as a dominate species of vegetation is an important habitat component of suitable habitat. Western yellow-billed cuckoo gleans grasshoppers, cicadas, caterpillars and other larger insects from foliage within riparian habitats. In California, western yellow-billed cuckoo usually return to their breeding ground in June, and depart by late August or early September. Nest placement generally occurs in dense vegetation on horizontal limb of tree or shrub at a height of 0.6 to 7.8 meters (2-25 feet). In California, most eggs laid mid-june to mid-july. Incubation lasts 9-11 days and hatching, young may fledge at 6-9 days. 48 Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) Status: Federally Endangered, State Endangered, BLM: Sensitive, USFS: Sensitive. Southwestern willow flycatcher inhabit swamps, thickets, riparian woodland, wet meadow and montane riparian habitats typically with dense willows edge on wet meadows, ponds, or streams. Dense willow 47 Zeiner, D.C., W.F.Laudenslayer, Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White, eds. 1988-1990. California's Wildlife. Vol. I-III. California Depart. of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California. https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/filehandler.ashx?documentid=1727&inline=1 Accessed March 5, 2014 48 Zeiner, D.C., W.F.Laudenslayer, Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White, eds. 1988-1990. California's Wildlife. Vol. I-III. California Depart. of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California. https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/filehandler.ashx?documentid=1855&inline=1 Accessed March 5, 2014 Meridian Consultants 5.0-21 Inyo County Adventure Trails EIR