HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.17 Oct 2008 Biological surveyChevron Clear Creek
2008 Biological Survey
Clear Creek and Tom Creek Confluence, looking east
Prepared for:
Chevron North America
Prepared by:
WestWater Engineering
2516 Foresight Circle #1
Grand Junction, CO 81505
October 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Project Scope and Location 1
1.2 Landscape Setting 1
1.3 Vegetation Communities ... 4
1.4 Spring Runoff 5
2.0 BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN (BOCC) 6
2.1 Background Information 6
2.2 BOCC - Raptors 6
2.2.1 Procedures 8
2.2.2 Raptor Observations 9
2.2.3 Raptor Sightings 9
2.2.4 Active Nests 10
2.2.5 Recommendations 12
2.3 BOCC - Other Than Raptors 13
2.3.1 Procedures 14
2.3.2 Observations 14
2.3.4 Recommendations 14
3.0 THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES (TESS) 15
3.2 Procedures 19
3.3 Observations 19
3.3 Recommendations 23
4.0 NOXIOUS WEEDS 24
4.1 Introduction 24
4.2 Procedures 24
4.3 Observations 25
4.3 Recommendations. 27
5.0 WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES 27
5.1 Background Information 27
5.2 Procedures 27
5.3 Observations 27
5.3.1 Streams and Drainages 27
5.3 Wetlands, Springs and Seeps 28
5.3.1 Procedures 29
5.3.2 Observations 29
5.5 Recommendations 33
6.0 AQUATIC HABITAT 34
6.1 Observations 34
6.2 Recommendations 35
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7.0 OTHER WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS 35
7.1 Mule Deer and Elk 35
7.2 Bear and Mountain Lion 36
7.3 Small Mammals 36
7.4 Wild Turkey 36
7.5 Other Bird Species 36
7.6 Reptiles 37
7.7 Habitat Fragmentation and Removal 37
8.0 SUMMARY 37
8.1 Raptors 38
8.2 BOCC (other than raptors) 38
8.3 TESS 38
8.4 Noxious Weeds 38
8.5 Waters of the United States 38
8.6 Aquatic Habitat 38
8.7 Wildlife 39
9.0 REFERENCES 39
APPENDIX A Raptor Nest Locations and Status
APPENDIX B Non - raptor Birds seen During the Chevron Clear Creek BioSurvey 2008
APPENDIX C Sensitive Plant Locations
APPENDIX D ACOE Table and Photos
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Chevron North America (Chevron) is currently developing energy resources in the Clear Creek
drainage and its tributaries. Present and future construction projects include well pads, access
roads, pipelines, compressor stations, utility corridors, buildings, bridges, water facilities, and an
electrical substation (Chevron 2008a, 2008b).
In preparation for those construction activities Chevron requested that WestWater Engineering
(WWE) conduct a series of biological surveys to document the presence of raptors and their
nests; birds of conservation concern (BOCC) other than raptors; threatened, endangered and
sensitive species (TESS) of plants; fisheries and aquatic invertebrates; noxious weeds; and
waterways possibly under the jurisdiction of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).
1.1 Project Scope and Location
Clear Creek is located in Garfield County, Colorado, and is one of the major tributaries of Roan
Creek. The mouth of the canyon is located approximately 12 miles north of DeBeque, Colorado.
Clear Creek and its tributaries drain approximately 113 square miles of the Roan Plateau.
Elevations range from 5,485 ft at the mouth of the canyon to 8,011 ft at the top of Mount Blaine.
The Chevron Clear Creek 2008 Biological Survey was restricted to that portion of Chevron, or
Chevron leased, properties located under the rim of the Clear Creek drainage system. This area
is referred to as the Clear Creek drainage in the following sections of the report.
WWE biologists surveyed the project area over the course of several months, from early April
through early September 2008. Eleven reports (WWE 2008a -k), and additional memoranda,
were submitted to Chevron during the survey. The timing of various portions of the survey was
based on the "as needed" schedule of Chevron. Three major areas in the Clear Creek drainage
were not surveyed by WWE in 2008 (except for aquatic surveys): Clear Creek above the
confluence with Willow Creek, Clear Creek south of Section 22, T5S, R98W (about 0.7 miles
south of Scott Gulch), and Cottonwood Creek.
All locations included in this report were recorded using handheld Global Positioning System
(GPS) receivers and are reported as Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, Zone
12S, Datum WGS84.
1.2 Landscape Setting
The project area is characterized by steep - walled canyons and gently - sloping valley bottoms
(Photos 1 -5). The canyon floors can be relatively wide, as along lower Clear Creek, or narrow as
in upper Tom Creek. The geology consists of sediments from two Tertiary age formations: the
Wasatch Formation in the south and the Green River Formation in the north. The soils derived
from those formations are deep along the drainage bottoms and shallow to bedrock on mountain
side slopes.
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Photo 1. Clear Creek in the distance, above its confluence
with Tom Creek (looking north)
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Photo 2. Lower Clear Creek below the confluence
with Scott Gulch (looking south)
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October 2008
Photo 3. Tom Creek (looking northeast)
Photo 4. Near the middle of buck Gulch (looking east)
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Photo 5. The mouth of _Deer Park Gulch. Hiner Gate
is behind the little hill (looking west)
1.3 Vegetation Communities
Four vegetation communities dominate the survey area: mountain shrub, sagebrush, riparian, and
pasture /hay land.
Mountain shrub is found on north and east facing slopes and on some west facing slopes in
narrow drainages (i.e., Tom Creek). Predominate mountain shrub plants are oakbrush (Quercus
gambelii), Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), Utah serviceberry (Amelanchier
utahensis), skunkbush sumac (Rhos trilobata), rock spirea (Holodiscus dumosus), and alderleaf
mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus). Forbs and grasses include lance - leaved
buckwheat (Eriogonum lonchophyllum), creeping barberry (Mahonia repens), Indian ricegrass
(Achnatherum hymenoides), and various fescues, bromes, and wheatgrasses.
Basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata) is common on alluvial fans and
terraces along Clear Creek. Associated vegetation includes rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria
nauseosa), yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and
Indian ricegrass. South of Scott Gulch, greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), and fourwing
saltbush (Atriplex canescens) become more common, but basin big sagebrush is the predominate
shrub.
Riparian vegetation, often quite thick, is found along Clear Creek and its tributaries. The
overstory consists of mountain boxelder (Ater negundo), introduced and naturalized New
Mexico locust (Robinia neomexicana), narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus august jfolia), and a few
remnant Fremont cottonwoods (Populus fremontii) in lower Clear Creek. Shrubs include various
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willows (Salix spp.), oakbrush, skunkbush sumac, and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). Forbs
and grasses include western white clematis (Clematis ligusticifolia), stinging nettles (Urtica
dioica), bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), and bromes. Weeds such as Canada thistle
(Cirsium arvense), common burdock (Arctium minus), and common mullein (Verbascum
thapsus), are common along riparian corridors.
Irrigated and non - irrigated pasture and hay land is found in the valley bottom along Clear Creek,
especially near Deer Park Gulch. Vegetation consists of various cultivated grasses. Weeds are
very common in fields that are not maintained.
Douglas -fir (Pseudotusga menziesii), with an understory of oakbrush and Saskatoon
serviceberry, is also found in the project area. This small, but important, vegetation community
often grows in isolated stands in canyons on north and east facing slopes and provides important
wildlife habitat.
1.4 Spring Runoff
The Colorado River Basin experienced heavy snowfall in the winter of 2007/2008. The
snowpack in April 2008 was about 50% greater than in April 2007 (NRCS 2008). On April 1,
WWE biologists found up to two feet of snow in the Tom Creek drainage, either in the shaded
canyon bottom or on north and east facing slopes. Shaded cliff faces often had thick ice clinging
to the rock surfaces. The spring runoff contributed to high surface flow in all drainages (Photos
6 and 7), as well as waterfalls at the head wall of almost all canyons. Stream flow noticeably
decreased in July and small tributaries frequently dried up before reaching Clear Creek, while
others were diverted into irrigation ditches.
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Photo 6. Clear Creek in early May 2008
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Photo 7. Clear Creek in inid -June 2008
2.0 BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN (BOCC)
2.1 Background Information
As part of the protection and management of avian species, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS) published a list of BOCC (FWS 2002). In a Memorandum of Understanding, the FWS,
Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (FS) placed the highest priority for
conservation on birds included on the BOCC list. A subset of this list includes a register of
BOCC for the Southern Rockies and the Colorado Plateau, including Western Colorado.
Not all of these BOCC species occur regularly in Colorado, some are present only as seasonal
migrants. After a thorough review of the literature (Andrews and Righter 1992, Kingery 1998),
WWE biologists compiled a list of the BOCC species likely to nest in or near the survey area.
Habitat and nesting records for BOCC, as described in the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas
( Kingery 1998, and references therein) and Colorado Birds (Andrews and Righter 1992), in the
project area are summarized below. Bird identification and taxonomic nomenclature are in
accordance with that applied by the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas Project.
2.2 BOCC Raptors
The BLM, in its approved White River Resource Area Resource Management Plan (1997),
places special emphasis on conservation of all raptors, including species indigenous to the Roan
Plateau but not on the BOCC list. The BLM objectives for raptors state: "Maintain the short -
term utility and promote the continued long -term development and availability of suitable raptor
habitats. This includes prey base, nest sites and other special habitat features necessary to help
stabilize or allow increases in regional raptor populations." Table 1 includes the common name,
scientific name, BOCC status, habitat requirements and breeding status for raptors that could be
observed in the Clear Creek drainage.
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Table 1. Raptor species potentially present in or near the project area.
Common /
Scientific Name
BOCC
List
Habitat & Breeding Status
ald Eagle
B E al atus
leucocephalus
y
• Riparian corridors along major river drainages in Western Colorado.
Nests in mature cottonwood trees, most commonly within 100 yards
• of open water.
Uncommon nester: Approximately five known nests found along the
Colorado River from Rifle, Colorado, downstream to the Utah state
line.
• Common winter migrant along the Colorado River corridor, Roan
Creek and Parachute Creek.
Northern Harrier
Circus cyaneus
I,
• Grassland, shrubland, agricultural areas, and marshes. Nests in areas
with abundant cover (e.g., tall reeds, cattails, grasses) in grasslands
and marshes. Also known to nest in high - elevation sagebrush.
• Uncommon: Found by WWE to be a nester near the Divide Road in
the Stewart and Story Gulch area in Rio Blanco and Garfield
Counties, 2006.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
N
• Cottonwood riparian areas, spruce /fir forests, and pifion-juniper
woodlands. Nests frequently in pine, aspen, and cottonwood.
• Common: Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties.
Sharp - shinned
Hawk
Accipiter striatus
N
• High density young, or even -aged, stands of coniferous forests and
aspen deciduous forests; also oak brush with small stands of
conifers.
• Uncommon: Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco and Garfield
Counties.
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentiles
N
• Typically in high elevation coniferous or aspen forests. May occur in
pifion-juniper habitat.
• Rare: Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties.
Red - tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
N
• Diverse habitats including grasslands, pifion-juniper woodlands and
deciduous, coniferous, and riparian forests. Nests in mature trees
(especially cottonwood, aspen, and pines) and on cliffs and utility
poles.
• Common: Confirmed breeder throughout the Roan Plateau area.
Swainson's Hawk
Buteo swainsoni
Y
• Typically arid grassland, desert, agricultural areas, shrublands and
riparian forests. Nests in trees in or near open areas.
• Uncommon: Confirmed breeding in oak brush by WWE biologists
on Roan Plateau, 2005.
Ferruginous Hawk
Buteo regalis
¥
• Ungrazed to lightly grazed grassland and shrubland with varied
topography. Nests in isolated trees, rock outcrops, structures such as
windmills and power poles, or on the ground (especially on hill
tops).
• Uncommon: Nesting has been recorded in western Rio Blanco and
Garfield Counties.
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
Y
• Grasslands, shrublands, agricultural areas, pinon juniper woodlands,
and ponderosa forests. Prefers nest sites on cliffs and sometimes in
trees in rugged areas.
• Common: Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties
American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
N
• Coniferous, deciduous, and riparian forests; and open terrain with
suitable perches. Nests in cavities in trees, cliffs and buildings.
• Common: Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties.
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October 2008
Table 1. Raptor species potentially present in or near the project area.
Common /
Scientific Name
BOCC
List
Habitat & Breeding Status
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
• Piflon juniper woodlands and coniferous and riparian forests near
cliffs. Nests on ledges of high cliffs away from human disturbance.
• Rare: Nesting confirmed in upper Clear Creek and Potts Creek in
2007 and in Scott Gulch in 2008.
Prairie Falcon
Falco mexicanus
Y
• Grasslands, shrublands, and alpine tundra. Nests on cliffs or bluffs in
open areas.
• Rare: Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties.
Flammulated Owl
Otus flammeolus
Y
• Dry, montane ponderosa pine, Douglas -fir, and aspen dominated
forests. Also known to nest in old- growth pinion- juniper. Nests in
cavities in trees.
• Rare: Confirmed presence and likely breeder in Garfield County.
Documented along Clear Creek by WWE biologists in 2007.
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
N
• Occupies diverse habitats including riparian, deciduous and
coniferous forests with adjacent open terrain for hunting.
• Common: Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco and Garfield counties.
Northern Saw -whet
Owl
Aegolius acadicus
N
• Mountain and foothills forest and canyon country. Significant use of
pifion juniper woodland and Douglas -fir.
• Uncommon: Confirmed breeder in Garfield and Rio Blanco
Counties. Documented along Clear Creek and Tom Creek by WWE
biologists in 2007.
Long -eared Owl
AsioLong-eared
otus
• Occupies mixed shrublands. Nests and roost in sites in dense
cottonwoods, willows, scrub oak, junipers and dense forest of mixed
conifers and aspens.
• Uncommon: Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco County and in
Garfield County along Parachute Creek.
2.2.1 Procedures
WWE biologists conducted numerous surveys in the Clear Creek area from April 1 through
September 6, 2008. Biologists recorded raptor activity during dedicated raptor surveys as well as
during associated biological surveys. All raptor sightings and nest locations (including inactive
nests) were recorded. Nest locations from a 2007 raptor survey (WWE 2007b) were rechecked
for signs of activity. Eleven 2007 nests ( #1 -9, #32, and #35) were beyond the boundary of the
2008 survey and were not rechecked.
Biologists used binoculars and spotting scopes to inspect potential nest sites and to determine if
any ledges were being actively used by birds. WWE biologists searched cliffs, pinon juniper
hillsides, riparian corridors, and hiked up into pockets of Douglas -fir, searching for nests of
raptor species.
In addition to these visual searching techniques, the biologists used the recorded call play -back
methodology described by P. Kennedy (Kennedy and Stahlecker 1993; the "Kennedy -
Stahlecker- Rinker" method) as modified by R. Reynolds and others (1992) for the southwestern
United States. WWE biologists used "FoxPro FX3 Digital Game Caller" units and played the
call of a great horned owl or a Cooper's hawk alarm call in an attempt to locate raptors who
often respond to the presence and calls of other raptors.
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2.2.2 Raptor Observations
The locations of raptor nests found in 2008 are shown in Map 1 and are listed in Appendix A.
The 2007 raptor survey stated that "WWE biologists observed an abundance of raptors in Clear
Creek in April, 2007." This was not the case in 2008. Relatively few raptors were seen and only
five active nests were found in 2008, four less than in 2007. Many of the nests recorded in 2007
were not found in 2008, including the large nests of such birds as golden eagles and red - tailed
hawks. In some cases, if remnants of those nests were found they were often no more than a few
sticks. The hard winter of 2007/2008 may have played a role in the lack of cliff nests found in
2008. When the survey first started in early April, there was still a thick covering of ice and
snow clinging to the cliff faces in some canyons. Raptors may have relocated their nests in more
suitable habitat.
2.2.3 Raptor SiEhtines
Individuals of eight raptor species were recorded and three species were confirmed breeders in
the project area. A sample of sightings is given below:
1) Golden eagle (GOEA) sightings were uncommon. They were usually seen soaring over
Skinner Ridge or the cliffs east of Clear Creek. One pair of GOEA was seen in June flying
near Skinner Ridge across from Tom Creek. One of the adults was observed flying through
a stand of trees and picking up a dead branch on the wing. Both birds then flew south and
west out of sight beyond the ridge line and they were not seen again. One active GOEA
nest was found near Mt. Blaine.
2) Red - tailed hawk (RTHA) sightings were uncommon. In mid -June, one adult was seen
flying along Tom Creek near a historic nest site, but it flew off and was not seen again. A
land surveyor stated that a RTHA had an active nest in the cliffs near the mouth of Scott
Gulch, but WWE biologists recorded only a single RTHA sighting near there and no
RTHA nest was confirmed.
3) Cooper's hawks (COHA) were fairly common in riparian corridors and three active nests
were found.
4) One sharp- shinned hawk was seen in the Clear Creek riparian corridor and another on a
mountain side slope in stand of Douglas -fir. The latter bird gave a series of alarm calls, but
nesting could not be confirmed.
5) A peregrine falcon (PEFA) was briefly seen on two separate days near a historic nest site
in Potts Creek, but no nesting activity was observed and the bird was not seen again in that
area. A new active peregrine falcon nest site was confirmed in Scott Gulch.
6) American kestrels, though numerous in 2007, were rarely seen in 2008 and no nesting
activity was observed.
7) One northern harrier was seen.
8) One great horned owl (GHOW) was seen along Clear Creek south of Scott Gulch. There
were a few holes in nearby cottonwoods that could have served as GROW nest sites, but no
evidence of activity was found. Specific owl surveys were not conducted by WWE in the
Clear Creek drainage in 2008. However, during an April 2007 owl survey three species
responded to recorded calls: GHOW, flammulated owl, and northern saw -whet owl (WWE
2007b).
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2.2.4 Active Nests
For this report an "active" nest is defined as a nest that had evidence of brood activity (i.e., an
attempt to rear young) in the 2008 year. Five active nests were found and these are described
below:
• COHA -25 (725195mE 4386410mN): Stick nest with fresh nesting material, downy
feathers, and whitewash; 23 -ft high in a 30 -ft boxelder tree near the mouth of Sheep
Gulch (Photo 8). No birds were seen as the chicks had already fledged. This nest was
also active in 2007.
Photo 8. COHA -25 nest
• COMA-52 (730805mE 4377426mN): Stick nest with two chicks, 40 -ft high in a 55 -ft
boxelder tree along Clear Creek south of Scott Gulch (Photo 9). The chicks had not
fledged as of July 28.
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Photo 9. COHA -52 nest
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• COHA -66 (729155rnE 4381350mN): Stick nest with two chicks; 40 -ft high in a 55 -ft
boxelder tree near Clear Creek across from Buck Gulch (Photos 10 and 11). This nest
was located within 300 ft of planned road construction. Chevron is commended for
taking such great care to protect this nest by temporarily foregoing nearby construction
and by having WWE biologists monitor the adults and chicks for any signs of agitation.
The two chicks successfully fledged on July 28.
Photo 10. COHA -66 adult
Photo 11. COHA -66 nest
• GOEA -67 (729500mE 4377150mN): Stick nest occupied by an adult, about halfway up
a cliff just east of Mt. Blaine (Photo 12). This nest was included in a previously
submitted report to Chevron (WWE 2008c).
W est W ater Engineering
Photo 12. GOEA -67 nest site
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• PEFA -68 (731847mE 437862ImN): Nest occupied by adult birds. At least one chick
was heard; 200 -ft high on a 300 -ft cliff in Scott Gulch (Photo 13). Date of fledging is
unknown.
Photo 13. PEFA -68 nest is in these cliffs
2.2.5 Recommendations
WWE biologists recommend further raptor nest surveys in 2009 to assess the activity status of
known nests and to locate new nests.
Activities associated with energy development in Clear Creek have the potential to impact raptor
populations. In order to reduce the potential for impacts, it is important that construction and
drilling activities be scheduled so that they do not interfere with breeding, nesting, and brood -
rearing activities. Every effort should be made to maintain the integrity of forested areas, both in
the riparian zone and on north- facing hillsides, with an emphasis on protecting those areas where
nesting is known to occur. Removal of trees containing raptor nests should be prohibited.
In areas of known raptor nesting, construction and drilling activities should not be scheduled
between territory establishment and dispersal of young from the nest. If work is planned during
the nesting season, areas of known and potential nest sites should be inventoried by qualified
biologists. Timing limitation restrictions should then be considered and applied to all active
nests. W WE recommends temporal and spatial restrictions for activities near active nests based
on BLM stipulations (BLM 1997), Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) recommendations
(CDOW 2008), and literature review of nesting season tinning for raptors in the Roan Plateau
region (Andrews and Righter 1992, Kingery 1998, Poole 2005). These recommendations are
summarized in Table 2. The buffer zone for No Hunan Encroachment (NHE) pertains to "Any
activity that brings humans in the area. Examples include driving, facilities maintenance,
boating, trail access (e.g., hiking, biking), etc." (CDOW 2008).
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Table 2. Timing limitations and NHE recommendations for active raptor nests
Species
Buffer Zone — NHE'
Seasonal Restriction
Red - tailed Hawk
Swainson's Hawk
Sharp - shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Northern Goshawk
Peregrine Falcon
Prairie Falcon
Golden Eagle
Northern Harrier
American Kestrel
Flammulated Owl
Northern Saw -whet Owl
Northern Pygmy -Owl
Long -eared Owl
Great Horned Owl
0.33 mile
0.25 mile
0.25 mile
0.25 mile
0.5 mile
0.5 mile
0.5 mile
0.25 mile + alt. nests
0.25 mile
*
0.25 mile
0.25 mile
0.25 mile
0.25 mile
15 February - 15 July
1 April - 15 July
1 April - 15 August
1 April - 15 August
1 March —15 September
15 March - 31 July
15 March - 15 July
15 December - 15 July
1 April - 15 August
1 April — 1 August
1 March — 1 August
15 March - 15 July
1 March - 15 July
I — No Human Encroachment. * American Kestrels and Great Horned Owls are relatively tolerant of human activity. Keep
activity to a minimum during breeding season.
2.3 BOCC - Other Than Raptors
Table 3 provides the common name, scientific name, habitat requirements, and breeding status of
birds on the BOCC list that could be found under the rims of the Clear Creek drainage.
Table 3. BOCC species (other than raptors) that may nest in the Clear Creek area
Common / Scientific
Name
Habitat & Breeding Records
•
Nest cup of moss and mud on a cliff behind or near a waterfall. Arrive
Black Swift
late; chicks fledge 45 -49 days after hatching.
Cypseloides niger
•
Uncommon; breeding colony in eastern Garfield County. Waterfalls in
Clear, Willow and Cottonwood Creeks are potential habitat.
Lewis's Woodpecker
•
Riparian habitats; nests in old decadent cottonwoods.
Melanerpes lewis
•
Uncommon
•
Mixed coniferous /deciduous forest at higher elevations 7,000 - 10,700 ft.
Williamson's Sapsucker
Nests in cavities in trees, commonly in aspens or pines.
Sphyrapicus thyroids
•
Uncommon: Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco County on the Roan
Plateau.
•
Open and drier pifion-juniper woodlands on rocky slopes at the lower
Gray Vireo
elevation range of pinon juniper habitat. Nests in junipers, especially
Vireo vicinior
those with protruding snags.
•
Uncommon: Confirmed breeder in extreme western Rio Blanco County.
Pinyon Jay
•
Pirion- juniper woodlands. Nests in pif ons or junipers.
Gymnorhinus
cyanocephalus
•
Common: Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties,
including on the Roan Plateau.
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October 2008
Table 3. BOCC species (other than raptors) that may nest in the Clear Creek area
Common / Scientific
Name
Habitat & Breeding Records
Virginia's Warbler
•
Dense shrublands and scrub forests of oakbrush, pinion juniper,
mountain mahogany or ponderosa pine. Nests on the ground among
Yermivora virginiae
•
dead leaves or with rock or log overhangs.
Common: Nesting has been confirmed in Rio Blanco and Garfield
Counties including on the Roan Plateau.
Black- throated Gray
•
Mature pinon- juniper woodlands. Nests on horizontal branches in pinon
Warbler
•
or juniper.
Common: Nesting has been confirmed in Rio Blanco and Garfield
Dendroica nigrescens
Counties including on the Roan Plateau.
•
Large contiguous areas of low- elevation big sagebrush or
Sage Sparrow
sagebrush/greasewood shrublands. Nests in sagebrush.
Amphispiza belli
•
Uncommon: Breeding has been not been confirmed in Rio Blanco or
Garfield Counties.
23.1 Procedures
While no specific routes or techniques were used to survey for BOCC species, WWE biologists
were careful to be on the lookout for them while watching cliffs, walking riparian areas, and
conducting associated surveys. All songbirds observed were identified, either by visual
reference, song, or both methods.
2.3.2 Observations
The survey was started April 1, and by late April some neo- tropical migrants (songbirds) had
begun to arrive. Their numbers increased throughout the spring as the weather warmed and
nesting season approached. By early September many songbirds had vacated the area.
Two of the BOCC species listed above were observed by WWE biologists. One gray vireo was
seen passing through the area on May 2 along the east side of Clear Creek. No suitable nesting
habitat was nearby and the bird was likely passing through. There were no further observations
of gray vireos. Virginia's warblers were occasionally observed, especially in oakbrush from
early May through July. They undoubtedly nest in the survey area, but no nests were discovered.
Although only two BOCC were observed in 2008, there is suitable habitat in the survey area for
other species that could potentially be present.
WWE biologists noted a decided lack of corvids in 2008. It was rare to see a magpie, even
though old inactive nests were commonly found. Sightings of ravens or any type of jays were
very infrequent. Pinyon jays, though recorded in April 2007 (WWE 2007b), were not observed
in 2008.
2.3.4 Recommendations
Keep surface activity and vegetative disturbance to a minimum, especially from mid -April
through mid - August when BOCC are nesting. Avoid creating fragmented habitat.
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3.0 THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES (TESS)
3.1 Background Information
"Threatened" and "Endangered" are status categories related to the Federal Endangered Species
Act. These designations are the responsibility of the FWS and are granted to species through a
formal listing process. An endangered species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a
significant portion of its range. A threatened species is likely to become endangered within the
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. "Candidate" species are
those for which the FWS has sufficient information on their biological vulnerability to support
proposals to have them listed as threatened or endangered (FWS 2008).
"Sensitive" is a designation used by the BLM and FS. Sensitive plant species are designated by
the BLM State Director using criteria found in BLM Manual 6840 and from consultation with
BLM field offices, the FS and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). A species is
given a sensitive designation if its numbers are declining so rapidly that Federal listing may
become necessary, or it has typically small or widely dispersed populations, or it inhabits
ecological refugia or other specialized or unique habitats. The BLM sensitive plant list does not
duplicate those species that are on the federal threatened and endangered list, but does include
some species considered as candidates for listing.
Colorado State rankings in the tables below are from the CNHP Vascular Plant List (CNHP.
2007). An S1 designation means that a species has 5 or fewer occurrences and that the
possibility of extirpation within Colorado is great. S2 signifies a species having 6 -20
occurrences with a high possibility of extirpation. An S3 designation means that a species is
vulnerable within Colorado.
WWE biologists consulted the Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide (Spackman et al.1997) and
relied on several years of experience in field surveys for rare plant species to develop the list of
TESS which could possibly be present in the survey area (Tables 4, 5, and 6).
Table 4. Federally Listed Species and State Rank
Scientific /
Common Name
Status / Habitat Preference / Occurrence
• Federal Status: Candidate. State Ranking: S1 — Critically Imperiled.
Penstemon
• Endemic to Garfield County with only five known occurrences; sparsely
debilis
vegetated, south facing, steep, white /pale orange shale talus in the Mahogany
Zone of the Parachute Creek Member of the Green River Formation.
Parachute
Elev. 7,800 -9,000 ft.
penstemon
• Found in the Anvil Points and Mt. Callahan area in the Bookcliffs overlooking I-
70, east and west of the town of Parachute Colorado.
Phacelia
• Federal Status: Candidate. State Ranking: S2 — Imperiled.
submutica
• Chocolate -brown or gray clay on Atwell Gulch and Shire members of the
Wasatch Formation; sparsely vegetated steep slopes. Elev. 4,700 -6,200 ft.
DeBeque
phacelia
• Closest known population is northeast of DeBeque, Colorado.
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October 2008
Table 4. Federally Listed Species and State Rank
Scientific /
Common Name
Status / Habitat Preference / Occurrence
Sclerocactus
glaucus
Colorado
hookless cactus
• Federal Status: Threatened. State Ranking: S3 — Rare or uncommon.
• Typically xeric and fine textured Quaternary and Tertiary alluvium soils overlain
with cobbles and pebbles; cold desert shrub and pinon juniper communities
along river benches, valley slopes and rolling hills.
• Known populations occur within approximately 3 miles of DeBeque, Colorado.
No known populations in the Clear Creek drainage.
Table 5. BLM or FS Sensitive Plant Species and State Rank
Scientific /
Common Name
Status / Habitat Preference / Occurrence
Astragalus
debequaeus
Debeque
milkvetch
• BLM sensitive. State Ranking: 2 - Imperiled
• Varicolored, fine textured, seleniferous, saline soils of the Wasatch Formation -
Atwell Gulch member. Elev. 5,100 -6,400 ft.
• Populations occur in Horsethief Canyon, southwest of DeBeque, Colorado. No
known populations in the Clear Creek area.
Astragalus
naturitensis
Naturita milkvetch
• BLM sensitive. State Ranking: S2,S3 — Imperiled, Rare or Uncommon
• Sandstone mesas, ledges, crevices and slopes in pifion-juniper woodlands.
Elev. 5,000 -7,000 ft.
• Closest known population about 4 miles northeast of DeBeque, Colorado.
Cirsium
perplexans
Adobe thistle
• BLM, FS sensitive. State Ranking: S2,S3 — Imperiled, Rare or Uncommon
• Barren clay outcrops derived from shales of the Mancos or Wasatch formations;
open and disturbed sites in mixed shrubland and pifion-juniper woodland. Elev.
5,000 -8,000 ft.
• Extensive population within a 5 -mile radius of DeBeque. One population is
south of the mouth of Riley Gulch.
Lesquerella
parviflora
Piceance
bladderpod
• BLM sensitive. State Ranking: S2 — Imperiled
• Shale outcrops of the Green River formation; on ledges and slopes of canyons in
open areas. Elev. 6,200 -8,600 ft.
• Occurs in the Clear Creek drainage and tributaries.
Thalictrum
heliophilum
Sun - loving
meadowrue
• FS sensitive. State Ranking: S2 -- Imperiled
• Sparsely vegetated open sunny steep shale talus slopes of the Green River
formation
• Occurs in Clear Creek drainage and tributaries.
Table 6. Plants with State Ranking Only
Scientific /
Common Name
Status / Habitat Preference / Occurrence
Mentzelia
rhizomata
Roan Cliffs
blazingstar
• State Ranking: S2 - Imperiled
• Steep eroding shale talus slopes, Green River formation. Elev.
• Occurs in Clear Creek drainage and tributaries.
5,800 -9,000 ft
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October 2008
Table 6. Plants with State Ranking Only
Scientific /
Common Name
Status / Habitat Preference / Occurrence
• State Ranking: S3 — Rare or uncommon
Sullivantia
hapemanii
• Under waterfalls, hanging gardens on wet cliffs at elevations from 7,000 -
10,000 ft. Various geologic formations
Hanging garden
su livantia
• Several occurrences in Garfield County including Clear Creek drainage and
Y g $
tributaries.
The occurrence and distribution of TESS are strongly influenced by geologic formations and the
resulting soil types present in an area. Two sedimentary Tertiary Age formations are in the
survey area. The Wasatch Formation, consisting of claystones, shales, and sandstones, is
exposed from the southern border of the survey area north to about Deer Park Gulch. The Green
River Formation, consisting of shales, siltstones, marlstones, sandstones, and limestones, overlies
the Wasatch Formation. It is exposed on slopes and ridges above the Wasatch Formation in the
south and is the only exposed formation north of Deer Park Gulch.
The Wasatch Formation (particularly the Atwell and Shire members) in the valley bottom and
adjacent foothills of lower Clear Creek provides habitat for three TESS plants. DeBeque
phacelia and adobe thistle require heavy clay soils subject to high levels of swelling and
shrinking. DeBeque milkvetch is often found on silt -clay soils which become hard -baked during
the summer months. These three plants appear to be salt tolerant and may be associated with
high selenium levels. The Atwell Gulch member of the Wasatch formation, which is comprised
of reddish, heavy clay soils, is found in the mouth of Clear Creek, below Mt. Blaine on the west,
and below Chimney Rock on the east.
TESS associated with shale of the Green River Formation are Piceance bladderpod, Roan Cliffs
blazingstar, and sun - loving meadowrue, which occur on ridges and shale talus slopes (Photos 14
and 15). Parachute penstemon, also associated with the Green River Formation, is found on
shale talus slopes along cliff breaks near the top of mountain side slopes.
Three species, Naturita milkvetch, Colorado hookless cactus, and hanging garden sullivantia, are
less influenced by specific geological formations. Naturita milkvetch appears to be more
associated with sandstone outcrops and sandy /gravelly flow patterns below the sandstone layers.
Suitable habitat is often found on soils derived from the Wasatch Formation, but may also be
found on the soils of the Green River Formation. Naturita milkvetch has a large range, occurring
in southwestern Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. Distribution is limited to sandstone ledges
and canyons.
Colorado hookless cactus is found in areas with deep soils, and within diverse vegetation
associations. It is not specific to soils derived from the Wasatch or Green River Formations.
The potential habitat in Clear Creek is restricted to areas under 6,000 ft in elevation, which is the
upper limit of its distribution (Spackman et al. 1997).
Hanging garden sullivantia is restricted to moist areas beneath waterfalls and on cliffs below
seeps. Potential habitat in the Clear Creek drainage is at the heads of the steeper drainages and
on cliffs with a permanent water source (Photo 16).
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Photo 14. TESS shale talus habitat in Scott Gulch
Photo 15. TESS shale talus slope habitat along Clear Creek road
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October 2008
Photo 16. Hanging garden sullivantia habitat at the Cottonwood Creek waterfalls
3.2 Procedures
Based on soil types, slope, and potential habitat, WWE biologists searched likely areas for TESS
and identified them after consulting Colorado Flora: Western Slope (Weber and Wittmann 2001)
and the Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide (Spackman et al. 1997). The 2007 "Clear Creek
Biological Survey" was consulted for historical records of TESS locations (WWE 2007b).
Biologists surveyed TESS habitat and adjacent areas on foot from April 1 to September 6, 2008.
TESS population size and extent were measured or estimated. Much of the habitat in the survey
area was investigated first hand, especially on lower slopes, but the rugged terrain prevented all
areas from being covered. At times, binoculars were necessary to estimate populations because
the TESS extended up onto extremely steep, loose shale talus slopes. When biologists began
surveying in Tom Creek snow was common in the drainage bottom and on some slopes with
north and east facing aspects. However, most talus slopes were clear and biologists were able to
identify TESS locations by remnants of the previous year's growth. Later in the year new
foliage and flowers aided identification. The Clear Creek and Cottonwood Creek waterfalls were
outside the boundary of the TESS survey however, plant data from those areas was obtained
during associated 2008 WWE aquatic surveys.
3.3 Observations
No threatened or endangered plant species were found. Two federal (BLM or FS) sensitive
species: Piceance bladderpod and sun - loving meadowrue, and two state (non- federal) sensitive
species: hanging garden sullivantia and Roan Cliffs blazingstar, are found in the survey area.
Almost all of the populations grow on south or west trending slopes (Map 2). Appendix C has a
table listing the known populations in the survey area. The population numbers in the table
correspond to the label numbers on Map 2. Eight sensitive species locations that were recorded
in 2007 (populations #190 -197), but not checked in 2008, are also included on the map and table.
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Piceance bladderpod, Roan Cliffs blazingstar, and sun - loving meadowrue, are often found
growing on otherwise barren talus slopes, but they can also be found on slopes that support a thin
cover of shrubs, (orbs, and grasses (Photos 17 -21). They are not found growing among thick
vegetation or on sagebrush flats. Some populations of Piceance bladderpod and Roan Cliffs
blazingstar are found on road cuts, especially along Clear Creek road north of Tom Creek (Photo
15), and along the upper Willow Creek road, which accesses the Roan Plateau (WWE 2008j).
Photo 17. Piceance bladderpod
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Photo 18. Roan Cliffs blazingstar
Page 20 of 41 pages October 2008
Photo 19. Talus slope with hundreds of Roan Cliffs blazingstar
Photo 20. Sun - loving meadowrue is common on this talus slope
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Photo 21. Piceance bladderpod and Roan Cliffs blazingstar can be found among
the shrubs on this talus slope along Clear Creek south of Sheep Gulch.
Hanging garden sullivantia is found on cliffs near the waterfalls of three perennial streams: Clear
Creek, Willow Creek, and Cottonwood Creek (Photo 22). One spindly non- flowering hanging
garden sullivantia (Population #112) was growing in the dense shade of boxelders along a side
drainage, directly on the route of a proposed 69kV power line (Photo 23).
Photo 22. Hanging garden sullivantia at Clear Creek waterfall
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October 2008
Photo 23. A single hanging garden sullivantia in a side drainage
Sensitive plant populations were not found in the Clear Creek drainage on lower west facing
slopes near, and south of, Tom Creek. It seems unlikely that they simply stop south of the Tom
Creek confluence. They may continue along the shale talus habitat, but only at higher elevations
and steepness than biologists dared to go.
Dense to moderately dense shrubs, fortis, and grasses grow on the east facing mountain side
slopes along Clear Creek. TESS habitat is poor on those slopes, but a few populations (notably
populations #7 -14) were found on barren, shale talus. It is possible that more TESS exist on the
steep shale talus slopes below the cliff line.
3.3 Recommendations
1) Resurvey Tom Creek in the summer of 2009 to find TESS that were missed in April 2008,
due to the heavy snow year.
2) One hanging garden sullivantia (Population #112) was found in a drainage directly in the
path of a proposed 69kV power -line route. Equipment operators should avoid the
drainage bottom. Runoff from power -pole construction and other activities needs to be
carefully controlled to avoid sedimentation of the drainage. Avoid disrupting the water
flow upstream.
3) Avoid construction activities or keep surface disturbance to a minimum on potential TESS
habitat. Avoid undercutting unstable shale talus slopes as subsequent slides may
adversely affect TESS.
4) Protect TESS habitat near waterfalls and avoid disrupting stream flow above those
waterfalls.
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4.0 NOXIOUS WEEDS
4.1 Introduction
Noxious weeds are non - native plants that disrupt native habitat. Most noxious weed species
were introduced from Europe or Asia, either accidentally or as ornamentals that have escaped.
Once these non - natives are established in a new environment they tend to spread quickly because
insects, diseases and animals that normally control them are absent. Noxious weeds are spread
by man, animals, water, and wind. Prime locations for the establishment of noxious weeds
include roadsides, sites cleared for construction, areas that are overused by animals or humans,
wetlands, and riparian corridors. Subsequent to soil disturbances, vegetation communities can be
susceptible to infestations of invasive or exotic weed species. Vegetation removal and soil
disturbance during construction can create optimal conditions for the establishment of invasive
non - native species. Construction equipment traveling from weed - infested areas into weed -free
areas could disperse noxious or invasive weed seeds and propagates, resulting in the
establishment of these weeds in previously weed -free areas.
The Colorado Noxious Weed Act (State of Colorado 2005) requires local governing bodies to
develop noxious weed management plans. Both Colorado and Garfield County maintain a list of
plants that are considered to be noxious weeds. The State of Colorado noxious weed list
includes three categories: List A, List B, and List C. List A species must be eradicated whenever
detected (none were found). List B species include weeds whose spread should be halted (8
species found). List C species are widespread, but the State will assist local jurisdictions which
choose to manage those weeds (5 species found).
The Garfield County Weed Advisory Board has compiled a list of 21 plants from the State list
considered to be noxious weeds within the county. Nine of those weed species are found in, or
near, the project area.
4.2 Procedures
Field inspections of weeds were done by WWE biologists in April, May, June, July, and August,
2008, and five integrated vegetation and noxious weed management plans were submitted to
Chevron (WWE 2008 a,b,e,f,i). The reports covered more than 10 miles along the Clear Creek
and Willow Creek drainages, from Scott Gulch in the south to Red Point in the north. Major side
drainages that were surveyed include Scott Gulch, Deer Park Gulch, Doe Gulch, Buck Gulch,
and Tom Creek.
WWE biologists surveyed the area 150 ft on either side of proposed facilities to identify
vegetation communities and to search for, identify, and map noxious weed species. Vegetation
types were determined through field identification of plants, aerial photography, and on -the-
ground assessments of plant abundance visible during the survey. Identification of plant species
was aided by using pertinent published field guides (Whitson et al. 2001, CWMA 2007, Weber
and Wittmann 2001). Photographs were taken of the general project area, vegetation, and
terrain, and locations of weeds were recorded. Any weed infestations encountered during
associated biological surveys were also recorded.
The 2008 weed surveys began early April in Tom Creek while there was still snow in the upper
drainage and on north and east facing slopes. The heavy snows of the 2007/2008 winter delayed
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the emergence of many plants including weeds. Biologists sometimes had to rely on vegetative
remnants from 2007 to determine weed species and locations. By late May all weed species
were actively growing.
4.3 Observations
Previous reports by WWE biologists in 2006 and 2007 (WWE 2006, WWE 2007a, b) had
documented severe infestations of noxious weeds in the Clear Creek drainage. Dense weed
infestations were again found during the 2008 survey.
Most weeds are found in riparian corridors, especially along Clear Creek south of Sheep Gulch.
Mountain side- slopes generally have very few to no weeds. The most common listed weeds in
the survey area are Canada thistle, cheatgrass, common burdock, common mullein,
houndstongue, musk thistle, and tamarisk {Photo 24).
Photo 24. Three of the most common listed weeds are common mullein (left),
musk thistle (top), and houndstongue (right).
In April and May 2008, common burdock and Canada thistle, both of which often grow in cool
shady areas along streams, had not yet emerged and were not recorded in early surveys (WWE
2008 a, b). Later in the field season both weeds were found along Clear Creek between Deer
Park Gulch and Tom Creek. They are also likely to be present along portions of the Tom Creek
drainage, especially near its confluence with Clear Creek.
Table 7 provides a list of the weeds recorded by WWE biologists in the Clear Creek drainage
and its tributaries in 2008. Only those listed by the state of Colorado or Garfield County are
included in the table. Weed maps and specific weed locations can be found in the various 2008
weed reports (WWE 2008 a,b,e,f,i).
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Table 7. Observed Noxious Weed Locations in the Project Area
Common Name*
Scientific Name
USDA Symbol
General Location and Comments
Bull Thistles
Cirsium vulgare
CIVU
Scattered very thinly all along Clear Creek.
Canada Thistles
Cirsium arvense
CIAR4
An almost continuous light infestation along Clear Creek from Scott
Gulch, north to the Willow Creek confluence. Occasional moderate to
dense infestations.
Cheatgrassc
Bromus tectorum
BRTE
Thinly scattered throughout much of the survey area. Sagebrush habitat
may contain very dense stands of cheatgrass, especially in Deer Park
Gulch.
Chicory
Cichorium uuybus
CIIN
Only a few small infestations along Clear Creek south of Deer Park
Gulch.
Common Burdock
Arctium minus
ARMI2
Thin to moderately scattered along most drainages. Occasionally found
in small patches in much greater density.
Common Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
VETH
Thin to moderate density along most drainages. Also scattered at very
thin densities among sage or on side slopes. Some dense infestations
occur adjacent to riparian areas.
Field Bindweed
Convolvulus arvensis
COAR4
Generally found thinly scattered along road sides and around well pads
but may be found most anywhere the soil has been disturbed. Very thick
infestation with Russian knapweed in a poorly maintained field near the
mouth of Deer Park Gulch.
HoundstongueB
Cynoglossum officinale
CYOF
Thin to moderately scattered along most drainages. Occasional dense
infestations. Found in very light densities in drier areas but thicker under
the shade of oakbrush.
Musk Thistles
Carduus nutans
CANU4
Very thinly scattered in the north project area. Increases in density south
of Sheep Gulch. A few dense patches of many hundreds of plants.
Russian KnapweedB
Acroptilon repens
ACRE3
Dense 38 acre infestation near the mouth of Deer Park Gulch. Also
scattered along a small section of road in Deer Park Gulch. A few
patches near the mouth of Doe Gulch.
Russian - Olives
Elaeagnus angustifolia
ELAN
Three trees in the Clear Creek drainage just above Willow Creek.
Tamarisks
Tamarix spp.
TARA
Continuous infestation along Clear Creek.
Whitetops
Cardaria draba
CADR
Thick infestations south of Deer Park Gulch in fields and pastures.
* Government weed listing: Bold - Garfield County, Colorado. Superscript - Colorado State B or C list
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October 2008
4.3 Recommendations.
Noxious weeds should be controlled to prevent their spread, especially into areas of recent
disturbance. Some weeds, most notably around well pads, have been sprayed in 2008 with good
results although repeated herbicide applications may be needed. Herbicides should not always
be the first treatment of choice when other methods such as biological or mechanical control can
be effectively employed. For further information please see the individual weed reports
(WWE 2008 a,b,e,f,i).
5.0 WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES
5.1 Background Information
Waters of the United States include water features likely to be within the jurisdiction of the
ACOE under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Jurisdictional waters may include drainage
courses (e.g., streams or ephemeral drainages that connect to streams via surface flow or
subsurface connection), ponds, lakes, wetlands, and springs.
Clear Creek has many tributaries - some have active flows year- round, some carry water during
the snowmelt/spring runoff, others carry water only during major storm events. In some years,
during late spring and summer, a section of Clear Creek at the confluence of Tom Creek ceases
surface flow, but in 2008 the flow was continuous well into September.
5.2 Procedures
Drainages indicated by blue lines on U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps were
compared with Chevron project maps (Chevron 2008a, b) to determine which drainages might be
impacted by construction activities such as well pads, pipelines, and roads. Sites of potential
impacts included actual drainage crossings by pipelines and roads and drainages that are
immediately adjacent to planned construction activities for well pads and buildings. Those
drainage sites were located, photographed, and recorded. Evidence of ordinary high water
(OHW), such as debris /sediment movement or water marks on drainage side walls, was noted.
Additional potential jurisdictional drainages encountered during field surveys, but not
necessarily indicated on topographic maps or having an OHW mark, were also recorded.
5.3 Observations
5.3.1 Streams and Drainages
Map 2 illustrates streams and intermittent drainages that could possibly be designated as
jurisdictional by the ACOE. The marked locations indicate points along the streams or drainages
that may be impacted by construction activities. Appendix D contains tables with UTM
coordinates and OHW measurements of potential ACOE jurisdictional drainages. Photos were
taken of each potential ACOE drainage -- up slope, down slope, and at a point where construction
may intersect it (called a "crossing" in the photo caption). Appendix D contains a single
representative photo of each potential ACOE drainage.
Many intermittent drainages do not have evidence of OHW but, presumably, could carry water
during periods of heavy storm activity or rapid spring snowmelt. USGS topographic maps often
indicate intermittent drainages on alluvial fans but it is seldom possible to find distinct drainage
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channels (Photo 25). Any surface flow apparently spreads out on the fan and is absorbed into the
soil below.
Photo 25. Alluvial fan below a gully in Clear Creek; drainage #64 is near
the top of the fan where a planned trunk line will cross.
A 230kV power line and two 69kV power line routes were added to the Chevron project map
(Chevron 2008b) after much of the WWE 2008 biological survey had already been completed.
Some of the power line routes are beyond the current WWE survey boundary. Portions of a
69kV power -line route on the west side of the Clear Creek, north of Tom Creek, were surveyed
and are included in Map 2 and Appendix D.
5.3 Wetlands, Springs and Seeps
Wetlands are characterized by lands where saturation with water is the dominant factor
determining the nature of soil development and the type of plant and animal communities living
in the soil and on its surface (Cowardin et al. 1979). Wetlands vary widely due to regional and
local differences in soils, topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry, vegetation, and other
factors, including human disturbance. Under the Clean Water Act, the term wetlands means
"those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and
duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of
vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include
swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas" (EPA Regulations, 40 CFR 230.3 (t)).
WestWater Engineering Page 28 of 41 pages October 2008
Fringe wetlands border moving or still bodies of water (e.g., streams or ponds) and rely on them
for their water source. In contrast, the source of water for isolated wetlands is the accumulation
of surface runoff or subsurface water, or both. Springs are discharges of water from the ground
and have a defined channel. Seeps are similar to springs but do not have a defined flow channel.
Wetlands provide many benefits including food and habitat for wildlife, water quality
improvement, flood protection, shoreline erosion control, natural products for human use and
opportunities for recreation and aesthetic appreciation.
5.3.1 Procedures
WWE biologists surveyed the area for wetlands, springs, and seeps in both drainages and
uplands. Hydrology, soil, and vegetation characteristics were used to determine potential
wetlands. The location of potential wetlands was recorded for future delineation and verification
by ACOE. Locations of wetlands, springs, and seeps, can be found in Map 2.
5.3.2 Observations
Wetlands
Fringe wetland is common along perennial drainages such as Willow Creek, Tom Creek, and
Clear Creek. A specific wetland survey by WWE biologists in August 2008, along portions of
Clear Creek and Willow Creek (WWE 2008h), indicated almost continuous fringe wetland, 18-
36 inches wide, along those creeks.
In addition to the fringe wetlands, biologists also recorded three potential isolated wetland sites.
1) Wetland 1 (Photo 26) is nearly 2.2 acres in size and lies about 400 ft east of Clear Creek and
850 ft north of Scott Gulch. In early June 2008, some areas in this wetland had standing
water 8 inches deep. Vegetation is bulrush (Scirpus spp.), sedge (Carex spp), New Mexico
locust (Robinia neomexicana), and willow (Salix spp.).
Wetland 1 UTM (polygon): 12S 730807mE, 4378348mN
12S 730790mE, 4378306mN
12S 730705mE, 4378260mN
12S 730703mE, 4378400mN
2) Wetland 2 (Photo 27) is along Clear Creek, about 1,100 ft upstream of the Clear Creek
bridge. It is an 8 ft x 40 ft island with water supplied by both Clear Creek and an adjacent
seep (Seep 1). Later in the season (or in drier years), if the seep stops flowing, this could be
considered to be part of the fringe wetland. Vegetation is bluejoint (Calamagrostis
canadensis), willow (Salix spp.), and field mint (Mentha arvensis).
Wetland 2 UTM: 12S 727520mE, 4384042mN.
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Photo 26. Wetland 1— the row of trees border Clear Creek (looking west)
Photo 27. Wetland 2 is indicated by the blue arrow; Seep 1 is indicated by the red arrow
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October 2008
3) Wetland 3 (Photo 28) is about 1,160 ft upstream of the Clear Creek bridge and about 60 ft
north of Wetland 2. It is about 40 ft in diameter and is fed by at least two springs from the
cliff bank immediately east of the wetland. Vegetation is bluejoint, willow, field mint,
boxelder (Acer negundo), and Almutaster pauciflorus.
Wetland 3 UTM: 12S 727499mE, 4384045mN.
Photo 28. Wetland 3 is fed by Spring 4 from the cliff bank at the top of the photo
Springs
The heavy winter precipitation in 2007/2008, and subsequent high stream flows, undoubtedly
influenced the discharge of springs. One spring located in 2007 along Clear Creek, north of
Buck Gulch (WWE 2007b), was not found in 2008 because it was probably discharging below
the surface of Clear Creek. Four springs were found during 2008 field surveys:
1) Spring 1 (Photo 29) is on the east side of Clear Creek, about 650 ft upstream of the Deer Park
Gulch confluence. It was about 16- inches wide and 0.75 -inch deep where it met Clear Creek
in early May 2008.
Spring I UTM: I2S 729485mE, 4380740mN.
2) Spring 2 (Photos 30, 31) a developed spring at an old cabin site near the mouth of Tom
Creek. Water is piped to an open tank west of Clear Creek road.
Spring 2 UTM: 12S 727945mE, 4383680mN (concrete spring box)
UTM: 12S 727900mE, 4383535mN (open water tank)
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Photo 29. Spring 1
Photos 30 and 31. Spring 2 originates at the concrete spring box
and is piped to a water tank near Clear Creek road.
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October 2008
3) Spring 3 (Photo 32) is a developed spring near the old cabin site at the mouth of Tom Creek.
Spring 3 UTM: 12S 727980mE, 4383688mN
Photo 32. Spring 3
4) Spring 4 (Photo 28) is actually two or more springs arising from the cliff bank adjacent to
Wetland 3. The thick vegetation made assessing the springs difficult, but there are at least
two that are separated by about 20 ft. They were flowing steadily and their flow reached
Clear Creek.
Steps
1) Seep 1 (Photo 27) feeds Wetland 2 along Clear Creek. The seep originates on the east bank
of Clear Creek close to the water level of the creek.
Seep 1 UTM: 727524mE, 4384042mN.
5.5 Recommendations
To protect the integrity of perennial stream and associated riparian ecosystems within the project
area, precautions should be taken when crossing or intersecting the waterways identified.
Standard Best Management Practices (BMPs), including adequate barriers and filtration
methods, should be used to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation of perennial streams and
riparian areas. WWE biologists recommend submitting a jurisdictional determination request
with photos to the ACOE to receive their interpretation regarding the status of drainages
identified in the project area and the applicability of Nation -wide permit #12 prior to
construction activities.
Due to the sensitive nature of wetlands, springs, and seeps, and their importance to wildlife and
water quality, it is recommended that disturbance in wetland areas be avoided. Temporary use
areas should be kept at least 100 feet from the edge of wetlands. Section 404 (b)(1) of the Clean
Water Act contains guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that
constitute the substantive environmental criteria used in evaluating activities regulated under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. WWE biologists recommend that potential wetlands in the
WestWater Engineering Page 33 of 41 pages October 2008
project area not having valid delineations on file with the ACOE be delineated. The ACOE
should be consulted to make wetland determinations of the potential wetlands identified in the
survey and to decide if any permits are required for construction activities.
6.0 AQUATIC HABITAT
6.1 Observations
Fish surveys were conducted in Clear Creek in late July and early August 2008 (Photo 33).
Detailed fishery information can be found in "Distribution of Fish in the Lower Clear Creek
Basin and in Roan Creek in July and August 2008" (WWE 2008k). Fish inhabit the lower 5.5
miles of Clear Creek and trout are found in the lower 2.8 miles (Photo 34). Much of the Clear
Creek basin, from the lower 5.5 miles upstream to the waterfalls on each stream, appears to
provide habitat suitable for holding fish, but none were found. WWE biologists also conducted
water quality and macro - invertebrate studies; however, those reports are pending taxonomic and
data analysis.
Photo 33. Electro -fish sampling in Clear Creek
WestWater Engineering
Photo 34. Cutthroat trout from Clear Creek
Page 34 of 41 pages October 2008
6.2 Recommendations
W WE recommends that additional fish and water sampling be done to determine the genetic
purity of the cutthroat trout population inhabiting Clear Creek, to determine if a management
plan should be developed to conserve these fish, and to identify stream segments for possible
future fish introductions.
7.0 OTHER WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS
Many different wildlife species use the project area. In addition to the wildlife previously
mentioned in this report WWE biologists observed, or saw signs of, American elk, mule deer,
black bear, beaver (along Clear Creek north of Hiner Gate), coyotes, least chipmunk, golden -
mantled ground squirrel, wild turkey, bull snakes, garter snakes and blue racer snakes.
Biologists recorded a total of 53 species of birds during the survey.
7.1 Mule Deer and Elk
Mule deer and elk (Photo 35) were frequently sighted during the 2008 project survey. In
addition, numerous sign was observed. Clear Creek and its associated tributaries fall within the
CDOW designated Game Management Unit (GMU) 31. Mule deer and elk utilize the mountain
shrub community and aspen groves found on top of the ridges adjacent to Clear Creek to fawn
and calve. They spend the summer months at these higher elevation ridge -tops before migrating
down into the hillsides and floor of Clear Creek and its tributaries for the winter. Both mule deer
and elk spend the winter foraging on the south facing slopes and valley bottoms where the
exposure to the sun keeps snow accumulations at a minimum, allowing access to forbs, shrubs
and grasses. The lower Clear Creek project area lies within a CROW mapped mule deer winter
concentration area and is also mapped as a mule deer severe winter range area (Map 1, CDOW
2008). The majority of the project area and side drainages are within CDOW mapped elk severe
winter range and elk winter concentration area (Map 1, CDOW 2008).
Photo 35. American ells on a hillside in the lower Tom Creek drainage
WestWater Engineering
Page 35 01'41 pages October 2008
7.2 Bear and Mountain Lion
CDOW "NDIS" mapping shows the Clear Creek project area to be within overall mapped range
for black bear and mountain lion. Black bears are omnivorous and the diet depends largely on
whatever food is seasonally available, although their mainstay is vegetation. In spring, emerging
grasses and succulent forbs are favored. In summer and early fall, bears take advantage of a
variety of berries and other fruits. In late fall, preferences are for berries and mast (acorns),
where available. When the opportunity is present, black bears eat a diversity of insects,
including beetle larvae and social insects (ants, wasps, bees, termites, etc.), and they kill a variety
of mammals, including rodents, rabbits, and young or unwary ungulates. The Clear Creek
project area and Roan Plateau in general provide important habitat to black bear during the late
spring, summer, and fall months with its abundance of berry and mast producing plants including
serviceberry, chokecherry, and oakbrush. WWE biologists observed black bear sign on several
occasions during the 2008 survey period.
Mountain lion generally inhabit steep rocky terrain near woodland habitats and have large
territories encompassing as much as 320 square miles (Fitzgerald 1994). Mountain lion habitat
conditions occur within the Clear Creek project area. Sightings of mountain lion are infrequent
due to their predominately twilight and nocturnal habits. However, it is Iikely that mountain lion
occupy areas of Clear Creek, especially during the winter months when mule deer, one of their
main prey items, are found within the project area in greater numbers.
7.3 Small Mammals
Common small mammal species (small game, furbearers, non -game) in the project area include
coyote (Canis latrans), golden- mantled ground squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis), northern pocket
gopher (Thomomys talpoides), cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus spp.), and least chipmunk (Tamias
minimus) (Reid 2006).
7.4 Wild Turkey
Wild turkeys are found throughout the entire Clear Creek project area and surrounding drainages.
Turkeys have pioneered into Clear Creek from the nearby Roan Creek and Brush Creek
drainages. WWE biologists observed turkeys (Photo 36) frequently in all seasons during the
2008 surveys, primarily in meadows and wooded habitat areas adjacent to Clear Creek. In the
spring of 2008, male turkeys (gobblers) were observed displaying during the mating season and
one active turkey nest was found. There is an abundance of wild turkey habitat within Clear
Creek and associated drainages.
7.5 Other Bird Species
The project areas' shrublands, cottonwood groves, understory grasses and Douglas -fir stands
provide nesting and foraging habitats for various other migratory and non - migratory bird species,
depending on the season of the year. In addition to raptors and BOCC species previously
discussed, numerous other bird species were observed by WWE biologists during the 2008
survey. A complete list of the 45 non - raptor birds observed is found in Appendix B.
WestWater Engineering Page 36 of 41 pages October 2008
t l' `ip ` •
Photo 36. Wild turkey along Clear Creek in the spring, 2008
7.6 Reptiles
Western terrestrial garter snakes (Thamnophis elegans), racers (Coluber constrictor), and
bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer) were observed in the project area during the 2008 survey. These
species are common on the Roan Plateau and are typically observed around perennial creeks and
ponds. Smooth green snakes (Liochlorophis vernalis) were not observed during surveys, but are
known to occur on the Roan Plateau (Hammerson 1999).
7.7 Habitat Fragmentation and Removal
Fragmentation of wildlife habitat is a concern due to the rapid development of natural gas
resources by a number of private companies. Habitat fragmentation is defined as an increased
partitioning of intact vegetative communities that tends to reduce the suitability for wildlife
occupancy. Fragmentation increases the potential for the establishment of non - native or invasive
species which may out- compete preferred native species. When possible, new infrastructure
should be constructed along existing pipeline and access road corridors to reduce habitat
fragmentation in this area.
8.0 SUMMARY
Upper Clear Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and Clear Creek south of Scott Gulch, were not within
the 2008 survey boundary. These areas should be surveyed in 2009. Additional biological
surveys may be needed if Chevron's plans for the Clear Creek drainage change, either in scope,
timing, or location.
WestWater Engineering Page 37 of 41 pages October 2008
8.1 Raptors
Five active raptor nests were found in 2008, but only one was threatened by construction
activities. Chevron adjusted their construction schedule near that nest and the chicks
successfully fledged. WWE recommends additional raptor surveys in 2009 to assess potential
impacts of further construction on nesting raptors.
8.2 BOCC (other than raptors)
Two BOCC were seen in 2008. A single gray vireo was seen one time, but there is no suitable
nesting habitat in the survey area and the bird was not seen again. Virginia's warblers were
occasionally seen or heard from May through July. There is a fair amount of suitable nesting
habitat (thick brush, especially oakbrush) and it is assumed that Virginia's warblers breed in the
survey area. WWE recommends that surface activity and vegetative disturbance be kept to a
minimum, especially during late spring and summer.
8.3 TESS
No threatened or endangered plant species were found. Four species of sensitive plants are in the
survey area: hanging garden sullivantia, Piceance bladderpod, Roan Cliffs blazingstar, and sun -
loving meadowrue. Some sensitive plant populations are found growing alongside the Clear
Creek or the upper Willow Creek roads. One specimen of hanging garden sullivantia was found
in a drainage directly along the path of a proposed 69kV power line. WWE recommends
avoiding construction activities that will directly impact TESS habitat and, in the case of hanging
garden sullivantia, adversely affect water flow upstream.
8.4 Noxious Weeds
Noxious weeds are widespread in the Clear Creek drainage, especially in the riparian corridor.
WWE recommends that noxious weeds be controlled to prevent their spread, especially into
areas of recent disturbance. For further information see the previously submitted weed reports
(WWE 2008 a,b,e,f,i).
8.5 Waters of the United States
One hundred thirty -nine (139) drainages, 3 wetlands, 4 springs, and 1 seep were identified that
could potentially fail under the jurisdiction of the ACOE. The ACOE should be consulted to
identify which drainages fall under their jurisdiction. To protect the integrity of the Clear Creek
drainage basin, including intermittent drainages, wetlands, springs, seeps, and riparian habitat,
WWE recommends that adequate barriers and filtration methods be used to prevent soil erosion
during construction activities. Additional surveys are recommended when project locations are
finalized.
8.6 Aquatic Habitat
Fish inhabit the lower 5.5 miles of Clear Creek. Cutthroat trout are found in the lower 2.8 miles
of this area. WWE recommends that additional fish and water sampling be done to determine
the genetic purity of the cutthroat trout population inhabiting Clear Creek, to determine if a
management plan should be developed to conserve these fish, and to identify stream segments
for possible future fish introductions.
WestWater Engineering Page 38 of 41 pages October 2008
8.7 Wildlife
Elk, deer, black bear, and many small mammals are present in the Clear Creek drainage.
Potential conflicts are possible between humans and wildlife. Do not feed wildlife and keep
trash in secure containers.
In recent years, the CDOW has experienced an increasing number of situations where conflicts
have occurred between black bears and natural gas development. Most often incidents involve
workers that have created problems at campsites (remote man camps) or around drilling sites
where trash has not been protected and bears have been attracted in search of food.
By their nature, black bears are not aggressive and prefer to avoid contact with humans.
However, they are constantly searching for food and if they smell food trash, they can come in
contact with humans. During times of drought or lack of seed /berry production due to frost,
bears will be in a constant search for food. Intentional feeding of bears has occurred in the past
and should never be allowed by employees. Intentional feeding almost always leads to
unanticipated problems including direct contact with humans (human bites, breaking into cabins,
trailers, trucks).
In order to avoid bear problems, all potential sources of food attributable to workers should be
eliminated from access by bears. Any trash containing food items produced on drilling sites and
in man camps needs to be protected from bears. Removal of trash containing food items and
bear -proof trash containers are two possible solutions. This requires aggressive and persistent
action to eliminate the opportunity for bears to obtain food items in and around production sites.
Black bear problems are best prevented by proactive measures rather than attempting to solve an
ongoing problem. The CDOW prefers avoidance over problem management.
9.0 REFERENCES
Andrews, R., and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds: A Reference to Their Distribution and
Habitat. Denver Museum of Natural History, Colorado.
BLM. 1997. Record of Decision and Approved White River Resource Area, Resource
Management Plan. U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Meeker, Colorado.
Chevron. 2008a. Site Development Map — "Piceance Basin Natural Gas Development Program ",
Chevron North America, March 31.
Chevron. 2008b. Site Development Map — "Piceance Basin Natural Gas Development Program ",
Chevron North America, June 26.
CNHP. 2007. Tracked Vascular Plant Species. URL:
http:Ilwww.enhp. colostate .edultrackinglvascular.html
CWMA. 2007. S. Anthony, T. D'Amato, A. Doran, S. Elzinga, J. Powell, I. Schonle, K. Uhing.
Noxious Weeds of Colorado, Ninth Edition. Colorado Weed Management Association,
Centennial.
CDOW. 2008. "Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for Colorado Raptors."
Unpublished Report. Contact - David Klute. Colorado Department of Wildlife, Denver.
WestWater Engineering Page 39 of 41 pages October 2008
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet, and E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and
Deepwater Habitats of the United States. FWS /OBS- 79/31. Washington, D.C.:
Government Printing Office.
Fitzgerald, J.P., C.A. Meaney and D.M. Armstrong 1994. Mammals of Colorado, Denver
Museum of Natural History and University Press of Colorado, Denver.
FWS. 2002. Birds of Conservation Concern 2002. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of
Migratory Bird Management, Arlington, Virginia.
FWS. 2008. Endangered Species Program. URL: www.fws .gov /endangered /wildlife.html
Hammerson, G. A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado, Second Edition. Colorado
Division of Wildlife, Denver.
Kennedy, P. L., and D. W. Stahlecker.1993. Responsiveness of nesting northern goshawks to
taped broadcasts of 3 conspecific calls. Journal of Wildlife Management, 57:249 -257.
Kingery, H. E. (editor).1998. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership and
Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver.
NRCS. 2008. Colorado River Basin Snowpack Map. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resource Conservation Service. URL:
http: / /www. co. nres. u sda. gov /snow /snow/ watershed / current /month ly /data /snos umrytxt. ht
ml
Poole, A. (editor). 2005. The Birds of North America Online:
http : / /bna.birds.cornell.edu /BNA/. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY
Reid, F. A. 2006. A Field Guide to Mammals of North America, Fourth Edition. Peterson Field
Guides. National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Roger Tory Peterson
Institute, New York.
Reynolds, R. T., R. T. Graham, M. H. Reiser, R. L. Bassett, P. L. Kennedy, D. A. Boyce Jr., G.
Goodwin, R. Smith and E. L Fisher.1992. Management recommendations for the
northern goshawk in the southwestern United States. General Technical Report RM-
GTR -217, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest
and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Spackman, S., B. Jennings, J. Coles, C. Dawson, M. Minton, A. Kratz, and C. Spurrier. 1997.
Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide. Prepared for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management,
the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by the Colorado Natural
Heritage Program.
State of Colorado. 2005. Rules pertaining to the administration and enforcement of the Colorado
Noxious Weed Act, 35 -5 -1 -119, C.R.S. 2003. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Plant
Industry Division, Denver, 78 pp.
Weber, W. A., and R. C, Wittmann. 2001. Colorado Flora: Western Slope, Third Edition.
University of Colorado Press, Boulder.
WestWater Engineering Page 40 of 41 pages October 2008
Whitson, T. (editor) 1996. Weeds of the West. The Western Society of Weed Science in
cooperation with the Western U.S. Land Grant Universities Cooperative Extension
Services. University of Wyoming.
WWE. 2006. Chevron Clear Creek 8 inch Pipeline Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed
Management Plan. Garfield County, Colorado, December.
WWE. 2007a, Chevron Clear Creek Proposed 8 Inch Pipeline Realignment Integrated
Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan. Garfield County, Colorado, May.
WWE. 2007b. Clear Creek Biological Survey. May.
WWE. 2008a. Chevron — Tom Creek Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management
Plan. Garfield County, Colorado, April.
WWE. 2008b. Chevron — Deer Park to Tom Creek Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed
Management Plan. Garfield County, Colorado, May.
WWE. 2008c. Raptor Nest and TESS Plant Survey Report. Well Pads 698- 09 -AV, 698 -27 -1 and
Cuttings Pit. Garfield County, Colorado, May
WWE. 2008d. Raptor Nest and TESS Plant Survey Report. Well Pad 598- 36 -AV, Garfield
County, Colorado. WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction, Colorado, May.
WWE. 2008e. Chevron — Scott Gulch to Deer Park Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed
Management Plan, Garfield County, Colorado. WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction,
Colorado, July.
WWE. 2008f. Chevron — Buck, Doe, Deer Park, and Scott Gulches Integrated Vegetation and
Noxious Weed Management Plan, Garfield County, Colorado. WestWater Engineering,
Grand Junction, Colorado, August.
WWE. 2008g. BLM 40 Acre Parcel Biological Survey, T.5 S., R.98 W., Sections 21 and 22,
Garfield County, Colorado. WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction, Colorado, August.
WWE 2008h. Clear Creek Wetland Evaluation. Memorandum to Ms Julie Justus, Regulatory
Specialist, Chevron North America Exploration and Production. WestWater Engineering,
Grand Junction, Colorado, August 25.
WWE. 2008i. Chevron — Tom Creek to Red Point Segment Integrated Vegetation and
Noxious Weed Management Plan, Garfield County, Colorado. WestWater Engineering,
Grand Junction, Colorado, September.
WWE. 2008j. Chevron 4 Inch Flex Pipeline TESS Plant Survey. Clear Creek and Willow Creek
Drainages, Garfield County, Colorado. WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction,
Colorado, September.
WWE. 2008k. Distribution of Fish in the Lower Clear Creek Basin and in Roan Creek in July
and August 2008. WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction, Colorado, September 2008.
WestWater Engineering Page 41 of 41 pages October 2008
APPENDICES
TABLES AND PHOTOS
APPENDIX A Raptor Nest Locations and Status
APPENDIX B Non- raptor Birds seen During the Chevron Clear Creek BioSurvey 2008
APPENDIX C Sensitive Plant Locations
APPENDIX D ACOE Table and Photo
WestWater Engineering Appendices October 2008
APPENDIX A
RAPTOR NEST LOCATIONS AND STATUS
Nest'
#
Species
Cade
Easting
Northing
2008 Status3
Comments
1
UNAC
730233
4373620
*
Inactive 2007
2
UNAC
731738
4374256
*
Inactive 2007
3
UNKNOWN
730292
4374584
*
Inactive 2007
4
UNKNOWN
730313
4374687
*
Inactive 2007
5
GHOW
729380
4374780
*
Possible nesting area; no nest found 2007
6
GOEA
732460
4374860
*
Inactive 2007
7
GOEA
731940
4375713
*
Inactive 2007
8
GOEA
732010
4375726
*
Inactive 2007
9
GOEA
732026
4375737
*
Inactive 2007
10
COHA
730501
4378479
INACTIVE
Inactive 2007
11
UNAC
730488
4378529
INACTIVE
Inactive 2007
12
UNAC
730378
4378778
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
13
UNAC
730088
4379070
INACTIVE
Inactive 2007; dilapidated
14
UNAC
729442
4380736
INACTIVE
Inactive 2007
15
UNAC
729191
4380924
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
16
GOEA
730241
4382637
INACTIVE
Active 2007; only a few sticks remain
17
UNAC
728665
4382379
INACTIVE
Inactive 2007
18
GOEA
727250
4383000
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
19
AMKE
728099
4383546
INACTIVE
Active 2007
20
GOEA
726800
4383800
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
21
UNAC
728210
4384150
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
22
COHA
726338
4384710
INACTIVE
Active in 2007
23
COHA
728225
4385575
INACTIVE
Active 2007
24
PEFA
728841
4385965
NOT FOUND
Active 2007
25
COHA
725195
4386410
ACTIVE
Active 2007; chicks fledged
26
GOEA
727583
4386563
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
27
GOEA
727600
4386705
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007; ice and snow on cliffs
28
UNAC
724161
4386984
INACTIVE
Inactive 2007
29
RTHA
728074
4387029
NOT FOUND
Active 2007; ice and snow on cliffs
30
UNAC
723560
4387501
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
31
GOEA
722084
4387945
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
1. Nests 1 -45 were recorded in 2007. Nests 46 -70 were newly found in 2008.
2. AMKE — American Kestrel; COHA — Cooper's Hawk; GOEA — Golden Eagle; PEFA -- Peregrine Falcon;
RTHA — Red — tailed Hawk; UNAC — Unknown Accipiter
3. * This nest was not in the 2008 survey area.
WestWater Engineering Appendix A — Page 1 October 2008
APPENDIX A
RAPTOR NEST LOCATIONS AND STATUS
Nest'
#
Species
Code
Easting
Northing
2008 Status3
Comments
32
COHA
724070
4388320
*
UTM is general area — no nest found 2007
33
GOEA
721435
4388475
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
34
UNAC
721165
4388635
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
35
PEFA
720043
4388636
*
Active 2007; UTM is center of activity
36
UNAC
721714
4389576
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007, possibly a few sticks in tree
37
GOEA
721292
4389665
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
38
UNAC
721567
4389812
INACTIVE
Inactive 2007; good repair
39
GOEA
721039
4389995
INACTIVE
Inactive 2007; in cliff face
40
GOEA
721011
4390037
NOT FOUND
Inactive 2007
41
GOEA
720717
4390273
INACTIVE
Inactive 2007
42
GOEA
721708
4390274
NOT FOUND
Active 2007
43
UNAC
721109
4390279
INACTIVE
Inactive 2007
44
GOEA
720706
4390289
UNKNOWN
Inactive 2007; whitewash, in good repair
45
GOEA
721568
4390466
INACTIVE
Inactive 2007
46
UNAC
729521
4380646
INACTIVE
47
UNAC
729625
4379844
INACTIVE
48
UNAC
729147
4381336
INACTIVE
49
UNAC
729147
4381343
INACTIVE
50
UNAC
729147
4381336
INACTIVE
51
UNAC
729902
4379165
INACTIVE
52
COHA
730805
4377426
ACTIVE
2 chicks
53
UNAC
730817
4377549
INACTIVE
54
UNAC
729345
4380822
INACTIVE
55
UNAC
729782
4379673
INACTIVE
56
UNAC
727833
4383246
INACTIVE
57
UNAC
729280
4380950
INACTIVE
58
UNAC
729680
4380365
INACTIVE
4 nests in one 50 ft tree
59
UNAC
729590
4380410
INACTIVE
Old nest near top of 35 ft tree
60
UNAC
729600
4380270
INACTIVE
Cluster of 3 nests
61
UNAC
729600
4380145
INACTIVE
Very old
62
UNAC
729610
4380090
INACTIVE
2 old nests
1. Nests 1 -45 were recorded in 2007. Nests 46 -70 were newly found in 2008.
2. AMKE — American Kestrel; COHA — Cooper's Hawk; GOEA — Golden Eagle; PEFA -- Peregrine Falcon;
RTHA — Red —tailed Hawk; UNAC — Unknown Accipiter
3. * This nest was not in the 2008 survey area.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix A -- Page 2 October 2008
APPENDIX A
RAPTOR NEST LOCATIONS AND STATUS
Nest'
#
Species
Code2
Easting
Northing
2008 Status
Comments
63
UNAC
729700
4379865
INACTIVE
2 old nests
64
UNAC
729810
4379705
INACTIVE
65
UNAC
727940
4383400
INACTIVE
2 nests in 2 boxelders
66
COHA
729155
4381350
ACTIVE
2 chicks
67
GOEA
729500
4377150
ACTIVE
See separate report (WWE 2008c)
68
PEFA
731847
4378621
ACTIVE
UTM approximate; chick heard
69
UNAC
724124
4386982
INACTIVE
Poor repair; COHA seen near here
70
GOEA
722209
4389213
UNKNOWN
Good repair; some whitewash
1. Nests 1 -45 were recorded in 2007. Nests 46 -70 were newly found in 2008.
2. AMKE — American Kestrel; COHA — Cooper's Hawk; GOEA — Golden Eagle; PEFA — Peregrine Falcon;
RTHA — Red — tailed Hawk; UNAC — Unknown Accipiter
3. * This nest was not in the 2008 survey area.
WestWater Engineering
Appendix A — Page 3 October 2008
APPENDIX B
NON - RAPTOR BIRDS SEEN DURING THE
CHEVRON CLEAR CREEK BIOSURVEY 2008
Species
Species
Great Blue Heron
Blue -gray Gnatcatcher
Mallard
Mountain Bluebird
Blue Grouse (pellets)
Townsend's Solitaire
Wild Turkey
Hermit Thrush
Killdeer
American Robin
Mourning Dove
Gray Vireo
Common Poorwill
Plumbeous Vireo
White - throated Swift
Warbling Vireo
Northern Flicker
Virginia's Warbler
Cordilleran Flycatcher
Yellow Warbler
Violet -green Swallow
Yellow- rumped Warbler
Northern Rough- winged Swallow
McGillivray's Warbler
Black- chinned Hummingbird
Western Tanager
Broad - tailed Hummingbird
Lazuli Bunting
Red -naped Sapsucker
Indigo Bunting
Scrub Jay
Green - tailed Towhee
Black - billed Magpie
Spotted Towhee
American Crow
Chipping Sparrow
Common Raven
White- crowned Sparrow
Black- capped Chickadee
Dark -eyed Junco
Bushtit
Lesser Goldfinch
Plain Titmouse
Rock Wren
House Wren
WestWater Engineering Appendix B — Page 1 October 2008
APPENDIX C
SENSITIVE PLANT LOCATIONS
Population
Number
species*
Easting
Northing
Number
of Plants
Comments
1
MERH
732713
4377714
200
Extends 150 ft up the talus slope
2
MERH
732715
4377763
400
3
MERH
732526
4378048
1200
300 x 70 ft talus slope
4
MERH
731393
4378279
10
5
MERH
731354
4378297
30
6
MERH
731407
4378332
65
Beneath cliffs on shale slide
7
MERH, THHE
729617
4378387
150,550
Large slide area
8
MERH
729661
4378406
25
Above road to large slide
9
MERH
729763
4378475
50
Above road to large slide
10
MERH
729837
4378682
30
11
MERH
729823
4378725
12
12
MERH, THHE
729791
4378786
10, 2
13
MERH, THHE
729828
4378832
100, 50
14
MERH
729780
4378839
300
50 ft up and down talus slope
15
MERH
729363
4380130
100
100ft uphill from utility corridor
flagging
16
THHE
732924
4380131
9
17
MERH
732056
4380517
8
18
MERH
732049
4380533
12
19
MERH, THHE
731960
4380536
200, 600
Start row 200 ft wide
19a
731776
4380604
Stop row
20
THHE
733471
4380552
2
21
THHE
732125
4380555
300
100 ft x 200 ft area
22
THHE
732014
4380557
3
23
MERH, THHE
732032
4380571
20, 8
24
THHE
733477
4380583
30
25
THHE
732310
4380590
150
120 ft x 450 ft talus slope
26
MERH
731678
4380629
30
27
MERH, THHE
731506
4380633
200, 300
150 ft diameter circle
28
MERH, THHE
732470
4380635
1000,
3000
130 ft x 750 ft talus slope
29
THHE
731655
4380635
13
30
THHE
732350
4380650
200
60 ft x 100 ft talus slope
* LEPA — Lesquerella parviflora (Piceance bladderpod); MERH — Mentzelia rhizomata (Roan Cliffs
blazingstar); SUHA — Sullivaniia hapemanii (hanging garden sullivantia); THHE — Thalicfrum
heliophilum (sun - loving meadowrue)
WestWater Engineering Appendix C — Page 1
October 2008
APPENDIX C
SENSITIVE PLANT LOCATIONS
Population
Number
Species*
Easting
Northing
Number
of Plants
Comments
31
MERH
730633
4381141
100
32
MERH
730706
4381199
9
33
MERH
730732
4381240
8
34
MERH
730696
4381287
23
No GPS fix — UTM is estimate
35
THHE
730985
4381660
50
36
THHE
731016
4381691
50
37
LEPA,THHE
731663
731663
4381884
12 400
No GPS fix — UTM is estimate.
38
MERH, THHE
734220
4381920
50, 50
100 ft x 200 ft talus slope
39
MERH
734245
4381995
500
100 ft x 300 ft slide
40
MERH, THHE
731243
4382009
14, 3
41
THHE
731253
4382041
20
No GPS fix — UTM is estimate
42
MERH
730318
4382251
50
Talus slope
43
MERH
730520
4382318
7
On trail near gulch bottom
44
MERH
730517
4382360
13
No GPS fix — UTM estimate
45
MERH
730544
4382490
30
46
MERH
730297
4382719
3
Talus slope
47
MERH
730279
4382790
20
Talus slope
48
MERH
730286
4382839
1
Talus slope
49
MERH
730245
4382952
12
Talus slope
50
LEPA
726176
4384073
6
51
LEPA
726221
4384094
4
52
LEPA,THHE ,
H�HE
728693
4384362
204, 100
53
THHE
728808
4384367
1
54
THHE
728664
4384376
40
55
MERH, THHE
728808
4384381
15, 50
56
THHE
728592
4384414
50
57
MERH
727098
4384583
25
To 70 ft up
58
MERH
726940
4384644
20
To 50 ft up
59
MERH
726899
4384687
30
To 70 ft down
60
MERH
726829
4384734
30
To 80 ft down
61
MERH
726814
4384820
85
To 200 ft up
* LEPA — Lesquerella parviflora (Piceance bladderpod); MERH — Menfzelia rhizomata (Roan Cliffs
blazingstar); SUHA — Sullivantia hapemanii (hanging garden sullivantia); THHE — Thalictrum
heliophilum (sun - loving meadowrue)
WestWater Engineering Appendix C -- Page 2
October 2008
APPENDIX C
SENSITIVE PLANT LOCATIONS
Population
Number
Species*
Easting
Northing
Number
of Plants
Comments
62
MERH
726786
4384830
25
To 60 ft up
63
MERH
728482
4384964
8
64
MERH
728499
4384975
11
65
MERH
725825
4384976
250
Only place found on this northeast
facing slope of Clear Creek
66
THHE
728512
4384978
1
67
THHE
728583
4384992
8
68
THHE
728580
4385005
3
69
MERH, THHE
728595
4385008
20, 3
70
THHE
728612
4385076
5
71
THHE
726053
4385246
10
To 20 ft up
72
THHE
726104
4385254
45
To 160 up
73
THHE
726137
4385280
35
To 110 up
74
THHE
725959
4385349
75
To 60 ft down, 140 ft up
75
MERH
725938
4385375
10
To 10 ft up
76
THHE
728538
4385383
5
77
THHE
728495
4385409
18
50 ft diameter circle
78
THHE
728522
4385412
2
79
THHE
728512
4385417
1
80
THHE
726010
4385421
15
To 40 ft up
81
THHE
728500
4385423
7
50 ft circle
82
MERH, THHE
725898
4385515
10, 40
MERH to 100 ft up, THHE to 20 ft
up
83
MERH, THHE
725662
4385580
30, 60
60 ft wide; extends 100 ft upslope
84
THHE
725872
4385587
55
To 180 ft up
85
THHE
725685
4385606
30
To 60 ft down
86
MERH, THHE
725660
4385628
65, 40
MERH to 50 ft down, 40 ft up;
THHE to 200 ft up
87
THHE
728754
4385646
50
88
MERH, THHE
725536
4385672
20, 300
100ft wide. extends upslope 200ft.
89
MERH, THHE
725566
4385698
2, 75
THHE to 80 ft down 200 ft up
90
THHE
728790
4385722
5
91
THHE
725558
4385817
40
To 20 ft down, 100 ft up
* LEPA — Lesquerella parviflora (Piceance bladderpod); MERH — Mentzelia rhizomata (Roan Cliffs
blazingstar); SUHA — Sullivantia hapemanil (hanging garden sullivantia); THHE — Thalictrum
heliophilum (sun - loving meadowrue)
WestWater Engineering
Appendix C -- Page 3 October 2008
APPENDIX C
SENSITIVE PLANT LOCATIONS
Population
Number
Species*
Easting
Northing
Number of Plants
Comments
92
MERH, THHE
725566
4385853
50, 25
MERH to 60 ft up; THHE to 150 ft
down, 80 ft up
93
MERH,
LEPA, THHE
725340
4385860
350,
80, 120
At road extending 200ft up the
talus slope.
94
MERH
725320
4385868
7
In soil, four ft west of road.
95
MERH, THHE
725317
4385900
100, 15
At road extending 400+ ft.
96
MERH, LEPA
725302
4385915
150, 100
75ft wide and 60ft upslope
97
THHE
728821
4385919
12
Shale talus
98
MERH, THHE
725339
4385934
40, 15
MERH to 70 ft down, 60 ft up;
THHE to 50 ft up
99
MERH, LEPA
725263
4385944
70, 20
Along road to 100 ft south of here;
extends 30 ft upslope,
100
MERH,
LEPA, THHE
725236
4385967
40,
20, 1
40 ft wide and 60 ft up slope.
THHE is 40 ft up the slope
101
MERH, LEPA
725283
4385983
100, 6
30 ft wide and upslope 100 ft
102
LEPA,T HHE
725269
4386000
30, 000
30 ft wide. Extends 100 ft upslope.
103
LEPA
725253
4386011
40
50 ft diameter circle
104
MERH
725235
4386051
200
40 ft wide. Extends 100 ft upslope.
105
MERH, LEPA
725189
4386083
100, 15
40 ft diameter circle.
106
MERH, LEPA
725176
4386100
240, 100
100 ft wide. Extends 140 ft
upslope.
107
MERH
725193
4386128
15
To 30 ft up
108
THHE
725124
4386274
20
To 60 ft up
109
THHE
725135
4386281
50
110
THHE
725129
4386299
50
To 150 ft up
111
MERH,
LEPA, THHE
725201
4386496
50,
15, 750
112
SUHA
724129
4386531
1
Steep side canyon at dripping rock
113
MERH, THHE
724826
4386555
200, 200
114
MERH
724849
4386577
10
12 ft radius
115
MERH, THHE
724843
4386594
20, 25
To 60 ft down
116
LEPA
727915
4386675
40
50ft diameter circle
117
THHE
727901
4386718
1
Shale talus, steep
118
THHE
727938
4386732
2
* LEPA — Lesquerella parviflora (Piceance bladderpod); MERH — Mentzelia rhizomata (Roan Cliffs
blazingstar); SUHA — Sullivanfia hapemanii (hanging garden sullivantia); THHE — Thalictrum
heliophilum (sun- loving meadowrue)
WestWater Engineering Appendix C — Page 4
October 2008
APPENDIX C
SENSITIVE PLANT LOCATIONS
Population
Number
Species*
Easting
Northing
Number
of Plants
Comments
119
THHE
727932
4386739
3
Steep shale talus
120
LEPA
727920
4386775
125
35 ft diameter patch
121
LEPA
727890
4386777
75
60 ft diameter circle
122
THHE
724721
4386798
30
To 100 ft up
123
LEPA
727895
4386895
20
30 x 100 ft patch.
124
THHE
727905
4386895
100
30 x 100 ft patch.
125
MERH
724255
4387023
35
To 80 ft up
126
THHE
724352
4387031
2
127
THHE
727966
4387037
1
128
MERH, LEPA
724074
4387104
65, 1
60 ft wide. Extends 100 ft upslope
129
MERH, THHE
724105
4387114
20, 25
To 60 ft up
130
MERH
724073
4387136
20
131
MERH, LEPA
724022
4387194
20, 5
50 ft diameter circle
132
MERH
723992
4387202
100
20 ft wide x 70 ft long
133
THHE
723436
4387469
20
134
LEPA
723608
4387621
200
2 ft from road. 50 ft x 50 ft
135
MERH, THHE
723882
4387686
650, 100
260 ft north of Cottonwood Creek
pad (598- 16 -AV) 100 ft x 200 ft
136
THHE
727915
4387702
25
15 ft x 60 ft patch
137
MERH, THHE
723200
4388029
70, 70
50 ft wide x 130 ft upslope
138
MERH
723230
4388043
10
To 20 ft up
139
MERH, THHE
723208
4388054
60, 70
To 180 ft up
140
MERH
723074
4388135
30
To 60 ft up
141
LEPA,T HHE
722971
4388150
100050
50 ft x 150 ft
142
MERH
722696
4388303
300
50 ft x 150 ft
143
MERH
722761
4388317
20
To 30 ft up, 10 ft down
144
MERH, THHE
722596
4388420
100, 20
50 ft x 80 ft
145
LEPA
722471
4388434
7
146
MERH
722510
4388459
20
To 10 ft down
147
SUHA
719794
4388709
>20
Clear Creek waterfall
148
LEPA
722127
4388743
7
149
LEPA
722086
4388748
40
60 ft wide. Extends 100 ft upslope
— not very dense
* LEPA — Lesquerella parviflora (Piceance bladderpod); MERH — Mentzelia rhizomata (Roan Cliffs
blazingstar); SUHA — Sullivantia hapemanii (hanging garden sullivantia); THHE — Thalictrum
heliophilum (sun- loving meadowrue)
WestWater Engineering Appendix C --Page 5
October 2008
APPENDIX C
SENSITIVE PLANT LOCATIONS
Population
Number
Species*
Easting
Northing
Number
of Plants
Comments
150
MERH
722115
4388761
8
151
SUHA
723961
4388778
>20
Cottonwood Creek — lower
waterfall
152
LEPA
721493
4388914
2
153
THHE
721591
4388938
30
154
MERH, THHE
721614
4388942
100, 30
155
MERH, THHE
721637
4388951
70, 11
156
THHE
721810
4388976
10
157
THHE
721820
4389013
8
158
THHE
721834
4389054
6
159
THHE
721835
4389076
9
160
THHE
721984
4389087
20
40 ft wide, extends 100 ft upslope
161
MERH, LEPA
721996
4389087
10, 20
162
MERH, THHE
721963
4389114
50, 50
Extends 120 ft up the talus slope.
163
SUHA
723965
4389148
>20
Cottonwood Creek — upper
waterfall
164
MERH
722004
4389191
100
165
MERH
721945
4389246
12
166
THHE
721948
4389251
100
60ft wide, extends 100ft upslope.
167
THHE
721822
4389272
10
168
LEPA
721734
4389741
20
A few feet from the Roan Plateau
road; 30 ft wide; extends 20 ft up
the road cut
169
MERH
721694
4389778
15
Three feet from the Roan Plateau
road; 50 ft wide along the road;
extends 20 ft down slope.
170
MERH
721676
4389811
50
50ft wide along road. Extends 12 ft
upslope from road
171
MERH
721659
4389857
30
25 ft diameter circle
172
MERH
721623
4389891
70
20 ft wide. Extends 40 ft upslope
173
MERH
721611
4389913
200
40 ft wide, extends 70 ft upslope
174
MERH
721604
4389948
70
80 ft wide. Extends 80 ft upslope.
70 ft from the Roan Plateau road.
175
MERH
721245
4390380
600
START row
175a
720989
4390531
STOP row
LEPA — Lesquerella parviflora (Piceance bladderpod); MERH — Mentzelia rhizomata (Roan Cliffs
blazingstar); SUHA — Sullivantia hapemanii (hanging garden sullivantia); THHE — Thalictrum
heliophilum (sun- loving meadowrue)
WestWater Engineering Appendix C — Page 6
October 2008
APPENDIX C
SENSITIVE PLANT LOCATIONS
Population
Number
Speciesx
Easting
Northing
Number
of Plants
Comments
176
MERH
721390
4390390
60
177
MERH
721447
4390400
100
175 ft diameter
178
LEPA
721114
4390439
3
179
MERH
720943
4390450
10
180
MERH
720896
4390481
50
181
THHE
720650
4390503
60
182
THHE
720514
4390520
6
183
MERH, LEPA
720959
4390562
50, 50
184
MERH
721245
4390566
150
START row
184a
720680
4390657
STOP row
185
MERH
720899
4390584
80
186
SUHA
720376
4390629
>20
Willow Creek waterfall
187
MERH, THHE
720615
4390654
150, 35
188
MERH
720738
4390663
5
189
LEPA
720994
4390693
25
Near mine entrance on talus slope
190
MERH, THHE
727731
4383080
Scattered
2007 record. 400 ft upslope, 75 ft
wide
191
MERH, THHE
727662
4382904
Moderate
2007 record.
192
MERH
728833
4385907
Scattered
2007 record. 100 ft x 300 ft slide
193
MERH
728708
4385884
Many
2007 record. 90 ft x 400 ft slide
194
THHE
728866
4386091
Many
2007 record. 50 ft x 150 ft slide
195
THHE
728837
4385914
Scattered
2007 record. 100 x 300 ft slide
196
MERH
728816
4386034
Few
2007 record. 200 x 350 ft slide
197
MERH
729971
4377339
Few
2007 record. 50 ft x 500 ft slide
* LEPA — Lesquerella parviflora (Piceance bladderpod); MERH — Mentzelia rhizomata (Roan Cliffs
blazingstar); SUHA — Sullivantia hapemanii (hanging garden sullivantia); THHE — Thalictrum
heliophilum (sun - loving meadowrue)
WestWater Engineering Appendix C — Page 7 October 2008
APPENDIX D
ACOE TABLE AND PHOTOS
POTENTIAL ACOE JURISDICTIONAL DRAINAGES
Drainage
Number
Easting
Northing
OHW
Width
(ft.)
OHW
Depth
(ft.)
Comments
1
727875
4386360
6
0.5
Tom Creek
2
728300
4385550
2
0.25
Culvert at confluence of Tom and
Potts creeks.
3
726726
4384612
0
0
On fan
4
726946
4384380
0
0
Culvert at Clear Creek road
5
726841
4384324
0
0
Gully 6 ft wide x 2 ft deep
6
727110
4384282
0
0
Gully 5 ft wide x 1 ft deep
7
728390
4384420
0
0
Pad cut off flow out of ditch
7A
728246
4384065
5
1
Tom Creek culvert
7B
728290
4383960
5
1
Tom Creek
7C
728093
4383775
2
0.25
Disturbed already
7D
728128
4383752
0
0
No flow — shallow ditch
8
727607
4383758
-
-
Drainage was rerouted in culvert
8A
727715
4383770
12
1.5
Clear Creek bridge crossing north of
Tom Creek. No photo.
9
727964
4383458
5
0.5
Tom Creek
10
728138
4383259
0
0
On fan
10A
728246
4383221
0
0
On fan
10B
728295
4383355
1.1
0.2
Dry streambed. Channelized
downstream.
11
727932
4382996
0
0
Pad was on a topographic blue line
11A
728423
4382615
0
0
On a fan west of pad. Topographic
map blue line ends at top of fan.
12
728591
4382772
0
0
North edge of shale pit
12A
728580
4382790
0
0
North of shale pit embankment
13
728849
4382382
0
0
Side gully
14
728838
4382160
0
0
Side gully
15
729053
4382019
0
0
Side gully on fan
16
729443
4381175
3
0.2
Buck Creek — dry in June here
17
729144
4380943
0
0
Side gully
18
729455
4380356
0
0
Side gully
19
729852
4380390
0
0
Doe Gulch culvert, dry
20
730191
4380016
4
0.4
Deer Park Gulch streambed - moist
21
730031
4379829
3
0.7
Ditch or stream channel
WestWater Engineering
Appendix D — Page 1
October 2008
POTENTIAL ACOE JURISDICTIONAL DRAINAGES
Drainage
Number
Easting
Northing
OHW
Width
(ft.)
OHW
Depth
(ft.)
Comments
21A
730013
4379829
1.3
0.3
Ditch or stream channel
21B
730022
4379706
-
-
Ditch — no data collected
22
729776
4379396
0
0
Side gully fan. Cattle trail in photo is
perpendicular to drainage.
23
730666
4378648
0
0
Side gully fan
24
730334
4378312
0
0
Side gully fan
25
730911
4378145
0
0
Side gully fan
25A
731103
4378080
0
0
Side gully fan
25B
731045
4377654
0
0
Side gully fan
26
730456
4377834
0
0
Side gully fan
27
730965
4377553
0
0
Fan. Future water management area
27A
730575
4377445
0
0
Eroded channel probably flows only
during very heavy storms
28
730917
4377074
1
0.5
Trunk line crosses here
29
730111
4381662
3
0.4
Buck Gulch —1/2 mile upstream from
Clear Creek road
29A
730282
4381833
3
0.4
Buck Gulch
29B
730290
4381778
0
0
Abandoned Buck Gulch stream
channel
29C
729962
4381582
2.5
0.3
Buck Gulch road crosses here
30
730479
4382450
3.4
0.3
Buck Gulch near pad BG -2
31
731125
4380345
3
0.8
Deer Park Gulch
32
731403
4380358
0
0
Side gully
33
731661
4380376
5
0.9
Deer Park Gulch
34
731740
4380310
0
0
Side gully
35
731880
4380195
0
0
Side gully
36
732130
4380290
0
0
Side gully
37
732705
4380453
0
0
Side gully
38
732705
4380530
3
0.3
Culvert at pad access road
39
733326
4380654
0
0
Side gully
39A
733382
4380786
3
0.5
Culvert at pad access road
39B
733308
4380738
3
0.5
Near pad 12 -1 corner
40
733495
4380876
0
0
Side gully
40A
733553
4381075
0
0
West of pad 12 -2
41
733986
4381288
0
0
Side gully
41A
734079
4381429
5
0.5
Deer Park Gulch with culvert
41B
734097
4381332
1.5
0.1
Gully near pad 12 -3
WestWater Engineering
Appendix D — Page 2
October 2008
POTENTIAL ACOE JURISDICTIONAL DRAINAGES
Drainage
Number
Easting
Northing
OHW
Width
(ft.)
OHW
Depth
(ft.)
Comments
42
734055
4381293
0
0
Side gully
43
730427
4380187
0
0
Side gully
44
731490
4377992
1.5
0.2
Scott Gulch
45
732146
4378046
0
0
Side gully
45A
731925
4377950
0
0
On alluvial fan
46
731456
4378123
2
0.3
Side gully. Dry when checked.
47
731532
4382146
0
0
Upper Doe Gulch side gully. No
photo.
47A
730395
4380655
0
0
Doe Gulch streambed — flow was
diverted into ditch above here.
47B
730420
4380638
4
0.1
Only has water if ditch overflows
48
734375
4381885
3.5
0.4
South fork Deer Park Gulch
48A
734315
4382015
2
0.5
North fork Deer Park Gulch
49
Number not used.
50
727240
4383558
-
-
Mountain gully — no data due to
construction. No flow seen earlier in
the year.
51
727121
4383688
-
-
See #50. Photo: see ACOE 50
52
727348
4383800
-
-
See #50. Photo: see ACOE 50
53
727072
4384228
0
0
Side channel
53A
727060
4384240
0
0
Nearest drainage -like feature to #53
54
Number not used
55
726933
4384293
16
0.9
Clear Creek
56
727219
4384365
0
0
Side gully
57
726893
4384399
0
0
Side channel. Trail in photo.
57A
726902
4384391
0
0
Nearest drainage -like feature to #57
58
727086
4384549
0
0
Ditch dug across drainage side gully
59
726639
4384388
0
0
On fan
60
726487
4384246
0
0
Mountain gully
61A
726780
4384690
-
-
No data. Estimate no flow on fan.
61
726636
4384570
8
0.5
Clear Creek
62
725884
4384749
-
-
Mountain gully. No data.
63
725923
4385133
0
0
On fan
64
726085
4385217
0
0
On fan
64A
726078
4385225
0
0
Nearest drainage feature to #64
65
725353
4385230
0
0
Mountain gully
66
725645
4385273
23
0.7
Wide spot in Clear Creek
WestWater Engineering
Appendix D — Page 3
October 2008
POTENTIAL ACOE JURISDICTIONAL DRAINAGES
Drainage
Number
Easting
Northing
OHW
Width
(ft.)
OHW
Depth
(ft.)
Comments
66A
725609
4385301
0
0
Side channel
66B
725628
4385343
0
0
Side channel
67
725682
4385376
0
0
On fan
67A
725820
4385510
-
-
No data. Estimate no flow on fan.
68
725598
4385453
16
0.9
Clear Creek
69
725089
4385553
0
0
Mountain gully near 69kV line
70
725360
4385618
0
0
Side channel
71
725566
4385853
0
0
Mountain gully
72
724745
4385774
0
0
Mountain gully
73
725127
4385968
8
0.6
Clear Creek
74
725030
4386179
0
0
Abandoned channel of Sheep Gulch
74A
725010
4386224
2
0.1
Current channel of Sheep Gulch
75
725096
4386285
1.5
0.1
Sheep Gulch - flowing
76
724322
4386253
2
0.1
Near 69kV line
77
724129
4386531
0.2
0.1
Flows among rocks near 69kV line
78
724298
4386776
0
0
On fan
79
724378
4386813
6
0.8
Clear Creek. Flood stage was 24
inches higher here in 2008
80
724554
4386826
0
0
Side gully
81
724283
4386893
6
0.8
Clear Creek
82
724355
4386982
0
0
Side gully
83
723713
4387068
0
0
Topo blue line but no drainage here
83A
723676
4387079
1.0
0.1
Gully near #83. Flows mostly
underground but surfaces at times
84
723878
4387601
2
0.2
Cottonwood Creek
84A
721895
4388815
12
0.1
Cottonwood Creek road crossing
85
722869
4387747
0
0
Mountain gully
86
722960
4387696
0
0
Mountain gully
87
723178
4387841
0
0
On fan
88
723094
4387921
0
0
Near old construction on fan
89
Number not used
90
723012
4388058
0
0
On fan
91
722276
4388264
0
0
Side gully
92
722559
4388350
0
0
On fan
92A
722550
4388356
0
0
Nearest drainage feature to #92
93
721774
4388778
5
0.5
Clear Creek
WestWater Engineering
Appendix D — Page 4
October 2008
POTENTIAL ACOE JURISDICTIONAL DRAINAGES
Drainage
Number
Fasting
Northing
OHW
Width
(ft.)
OHW
Depth
(ft.)
Comments
93A
721362
4388789
3
0.3
Dirt path crosses Clear Creek
94
721967
4388952
0
0
Old oil shale storage area
95
721363
4390058
0
0
Twin culverts at No Name Creek -
dry here
95A
721567
4389847
8
0.8
Twin culverts at Willow Creek road -
flowing
96
721307
4390075
4.5
0.8
Willow Creek - flowing
96A
721362
4390125
4
0.3
No Name Creek - flowing
97
721369
4390165
3.5
0.3
No Name Creek - flowing
98
721471
4390354
1.5
0.25
Side drainage
99
721487
4390443
3
0.3
No Name Creek with culvert
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 5 October 2008
APPENDIX D
POTENTIAL ACOE JURISDICTIONAL DRAINAGE PHOTOS
ACOE 1. Crossing
AC'O1; 2. Crossing
ACOE 3. Crossing
ACOE 4. Looking up drainage
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 6
ACOE 5. Crossing
October 2008
ACOE 6. Crossing
ACOE 7. Looking towards crossing
ACOE 7A. Crossing
ACOE 7B. Crossing
ACOE 7C. Crossing
ACOE 7D. Crossing
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 7 October 2008
ACOE 8. Crossing
ACOE 9. Crossing
A('OI 10. looking up drainage
WestWater Engineering
ACOE 10A. Looking up drainage
ACOE 10B. Crossing
Appendix 1) — Page 8 October 2008
ACOE 11. Looking down drainage
ACOE 11A. Looking up drainage
ACOE 12. Looking down drainage
ACOE 12A. Crossing
ACOE 13. Crossing
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 9 October 2008
ACOE 14. Looking up drainage
ACOE 15. Crossing
A(()E 16. (. "Tossing
WestWater Engineering
ACOE 17. Crossing
ACOE 18. Crossing
ACOE 19. Crossing
Appendix D — Page 10 October 2008
;
1, / .4 /fi
ACOE 20. Crossing
ACOE 21. Crossing
ACOE 21A. Crossing
ACOE 21B. Looking up drainage
ACOE 22. (Tossing
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 11 October 2008
ACOE 23. Crossing
A(()[? 24. Looking down drainage
WestWater Engineering
ACOE 25. Looking up drainage
ACOE 25A. Crossing
ACOE 25B. Looking down drainage
Appendix D — Page 12 October 2008
ACOE 26. Looking up drainage
ACOE 27. Crossing
ACOE 27A. Crossing
WestWater Engineering
ACOE 28. Crossing
ACOE 29. Crossing
Appendix D -- Page 13 October 2008
ACOE 29A. Crossing
ACOE 29B. Crossing
ACOE 29C. Crossing
ACOE 30. Crossing
ACOE 31. Looking up drainage
WestWater Engineering Appendix 1)— Page 14 October 2008
ACOE 32. Crossing
ACOE 33. Crossing
ACOE 34. Crossing
WestWater Engineering
ACOE 35. Crossing
ACOE 36. Crossing
ACOE 37. Crossing
Appendix D -- Page 15 October 2008
ACOE 38. Crossing
ACOE 39. Crossing
ACOE 39A. Looking up drainage
ACOE 39B. Crossing
ACOE 40. Crossing
ACOE 40A. Looking down drainage
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 16 October 2008
ACOE 41. Crossing
ACOE 41A. Crossing
ACOE 41B. Looking up drainage
ACOE 42. Crossing
ACOE 43. Looking down drainage
ACOE 44. Crossing
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 17 October 2008
ACOE 45. Crossing
ACOE 45A. Crossing
ACOE 46. Looking up drainage
ACOE 47A. Crossing
ACOE 47B. Crossing
ACOE 48. Crossing
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 18 October 2008
ACOE 48A. Looking up drainage
ACOE 54. View of gullies
ACOE 53. Crossing
ACOE 53A. Looking up drainage
ACOE 55. Crossing
WcstWater L;ngineering Appendix D — Page 19 October 2008
ACOE 56. Crossing
ACOE 57. Crossing
ACOE 57A. Crossing
ACOE 58. Looking across drainage
ACOE 59. Crossing
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 20 October 2008
ACOE 60. Crossing
ACOE 61. Crossing
WestWater Engineering
ACOE 62. View of drainage
ACOE 63. Crossing
Appendix D —. Page 21 October 2008
ACOE 64. Crossing
ACOE 64A. Crossing
WestWater Engineering
ACOE 65. Crossing
ACOE 66. Crossing
Appendix D — Page 22 October 2008
if 4
ACOE 66A. Crossing
ACOE 66B. Crossing
ACOE 67. Crossing
ACOE 68. Looking up drainage
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 23 October 2008
ACOE 69. Near Manned 69kV power line route
ACOE 70. Crossing
ACOE 71. Looking at crossing
ACOE 72. Looking up drainage
ACOE 73. Crossing
ACOE 74. Crossing
WestWater Engineering Appendix 1) Page 24 October 2008
ACOE 74A Crossing
ACOE 75. Crossing
ACOE 76. Near planned 69kV power line route
WestWater Engineering
ACOE 77. Looking up drainage
ACOI? 78. Crossing
Appendix D — Page 25 October 2008
ACOE 79. Crossing
ACOE 80. Crossing
ACOE 81. Crossing
ACOE 82. Crossing
ACOE 83. Blue line location on map
ACOE 83A. True gully crossing
WestWater Engineering Appendix D Page 26 October 2008
ACOE 84. Crossing
ACOE 84A. Crossing
ACOE 85. Crossing
ACOE 86. Looking down drainage
ACOE 87. Crossing
ACOE, 88. Crossing
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 27 October 2008
ACOE 90. Crossing
ACOE 91. Looking up drainage
ACOE 92. Looking up drainage
WestWater Engineering
ACOE 92A. Crossing
ALOE 93. Crossing
ACOE 93A. Crossing
Appendix D — Page 28 October 2008
ACOE 94. Looking at crossing
ACOE 95. Crossing
ACOE 95A. Crossing
ACOE 96. Crossing
ACOE 96A. Crossing
ACOE 97. Crossing
WestWater Engineering Appendix D — Page 29 October 2008
ACOE 98. Looking up drainage
ACOE 99. Looking up drainage
WestWater Engineering
Appendix D — Page 30 October 2008