Plant or animal taxa may be considered "sensitive" or as having “special status” due to declining populations, vulnerability to habitat change, or because they have restricted ranges. Some are listed as threatened or endangered by the USFWS or by the CDFW and are protected by the federal and state Endangered Species acts and the California Native Plant Protection Act. Others have been identified as sensitive or as special-status species by the USFWS, the BLM, the CDFW, or by private conservation organizations, including the CNPS. Unlisted sensitive species do not have formal state or federal status but may nevertheless be considered significant under CEQA. The review of the CNDDB, CNPS Online Inventory of Rare Plants, other biological reports from the vicinity, and consultation with other experienced biologists/naturalists resulted in the identification of 35 special-status biological resources known to occur in the vicinity (within an approximate 5-mile radius) of the project site. These included twelve plants, two vegetation communities, five reptiles, five birds, ten mammals, and one invertebrate species. Tables 1 through 3 provide a complete list of the special-status biological resources, their associated legal status, and their respective on-site occurrence potentials.
The CVMSHCP provides conservation for twenty-seven (27) imperiled plant and animal species (5 plants, 2 insects, 1 amphibian, 3 reptiles, 11 birds, and 5 mammals). These include federal and state-listed species, federal and California Species of Concern, and species on the CNPS sensitive species lists. Also included are species that are designated as sensitive by the BLM regardless of their other federal, state, or regional conservation status.
The CVMSHCP has modeled habitat maps for some of these species onsite and within the nearby designated conservations areas. The site is within modeled habitat for Le Conte’s thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei), Palm Springs pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris bangsi), Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel (Spermophilus tereticaudus chlorus) and the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). In the Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area, which is located to the east of the project site, there is also modeled habitat for Little San Bernardino Mountains linanthus (Linanthus [Gilia] maculata), Coachella Valley milk-vetch (Astragalus
lentiginosus var. coachellae) and Palm Springs pocket mouse to the east. In the Willow Hole
Conservation Area, which is located to the southwest of the project site, there is also modeled habitat for Little San Bernardino Mountains linanthus, Coachella Valley milk-vetch, Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, Le Conte’s thrasher, Palm Springs pocket mouse and Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel.
No special-status flora or fauna were detected on-site during the field assessment. The project site is, however, within final designated critical habitat for the Coachella Valley milk-vetch (USFWS
2013). Coachella Valley milk-vetch is federally listed as endangered; however, is a fully covered species under the CVMSHCP.
Tables 1 through 3 summarize information on all special-status species that have been reported within the vicinity (5-mile radius) or are considered to have some potential to occur on-site based on geographic distribution and presence of potentially suitable habitat. These tables provide the names, legal or conservation status, general habitat associations, and the probability of occurrence for each of these species.
Table 1. Special Status Plants
Species* Status Habitat and Distribution Occurrence Probability
Plants Ambrosia monogyra Singlewhorl burrobrush CVMSCHP: No F = None C = None CNPS List: 2B.2
Perennial shrub that occurs in sandy soils within chaparral and Sonoran Desert scrub habitats. Occurs at 10-500 meters (32-1,640 feet elevation) above mean sea level (m). Blooms (B): August-November.
Very Low
Habitat is marginally suitable on-site for this species. However the nearest CNDDB (historical) record is south of the project site in Tahquitz Canyon near Palm Springs.
Astragalus lentiginosus var. coachellae Coachella Valley milk-vetch CVMSHCP: Yes F = END C = S1 CNPS: 1B.2
Sonoran Desert scrub; sandy flats, washes, outwash fans, sometimes on dunes. 40 - 665 meters (131 to 2,185 feet) above mean sea level (m). B: January –
September.
Very low
Habitat is marginally suitable within the boundaries of the site. Species is known from immediate vicinity; and the site lies within the designated critical habitat for species.
Astragalus tricarinatus triple-ribbed milk-vetch CVMSHCP: Yes F = END C = S2 CNPS: 1B.2
Joshua tree woodland & Sonoran Desert scrub on hot, rocky slopes in canyons and along edge of boulder-strewn desert washes, with
Larrea and Encelia. 455-1525 m. B: February
– May.
Absent
Habitat unsuitable. Preferred habitat (rocky slopes in canyons or boulder-strewn desert washes) do not occur on-site for this species.
Chorizanthe xanti var. leucotheca white-bracted spineflower CVMSCHP: No F = None C = S3 CNPS List: 1B.2
Annual herb found in sandy or gravelly soils in Mojavean desert scrub, pinyon and juniper woodland. Occurs at 300-1200 meters (980-3,940 feet elevation) above mean sea level (m). Blooms (B): April-June.
Very Low
Marginally suitable habitat (disturbed Sonoran Desert scrub) is present onsite; but site elevation at edge of species range & nearest CNDDB records are 5 miles west.
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Table 1. Special Status Plants (cont.)
Species* Status Habitat and Distribution Occurrence Probability
Dodecahema leptoceras Slender-horned spineflower CVMSCHP: No F = END C = END CNPS List: 1B.1
Occurs in sandy cobbly riverbed alluvium in alluvial fan sage scrub (usually late seral stage), on floodplain terraces and benches that receive infrequent over bank deposits from generally large washes or rivers, where it is most often found in shallow silty depressions dominated by leather
spineflower (Lastarriaea coriacea) and other native annual species, and is often
associated with cryptogamic soil crusts composed of bryophytes, algae and/or lichens. Occurs at 200 to 760 meters (600 to 2,500 feet) elevation. B: April-June
Absent
Habitat unsuitable. Preferred habitat (chamise chaparral or alluvial fan sage scrub, large washes or rivers) do not occur on-site for this species.
Eriastrum harwoodii Harwood’s eriastrum CVMSHCP: No F = None C = None CNPS: 1B.1
Annual herb found in desert dunes. Occurs at 125-915 meters (410-3,000 feet
elevation) above mean sea level (m). B: March-June
Absent
Suitable habitat (desert dunes) is not present on-site for this species. Euphorbia arizonica Arizona spurge CVMSHCP: No F = None C = None CNPS: 2B.3
Perennial herb found in sandy soils within Sonoran Desert scrub habitat. Occurs at 50- 300 meters (164-985 feet elevation) above mean sea level (m). B: March-April
Very Low
Marginally suitable habitat (disturbed Sonoran Desert scrub) is present onsite; but site elevation at edge of species range & nearest CNDDB (historical) records are 5 miles south and east. .
Euphorbia misera cliff spurge CVMSHCP: No F = None C = None CNPS: 2B.2
Perennial herb found in rocky soils within coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub, or Mojavean desert scrub habitats. Occurs at 10-500 meters (32-1,640 feet elevation) above mean sea level (m). B: Dec-Aug (Oct).
Absent
Habitat on-site is unsuitable for this species due to lack of rocky soils within the project site. Linanthus [Gilia] maculatus Little San Bernardino Mountains linanthus (gilia) CVMSHCP: Yes F = None C = None CNPS: 1B.2
Desert dunes, Sonoran & Mojavean desert scrub, Joshua tree woodland; most often on low benches along washes or bajadas where substrate shows evidence of water flow. From 195 - 2075 m. B: March – May.
Absent
Habitat on-site is unsuitable for this species due to lack of desert washes present within or adjacent to the project site.
Table 1. Special Status Plants (cont.)
Table 2. Special Status Vegetation Communities
Community Status Habitat Probability
desert fan palm oasis woodland
CVMSHCP = Yes F=None C= None
Natural Washingtonia filifera groves Absent No palms on-site. mesquite bosque CVMSCHP: Yes F=None C= None
Stands of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)
Absent
No mesquites on-site.
Table 3. Special Status Wildlife
Species Status Habitat Probability
Reptiles
Crotalus ruber ruber
northern red-diamond rattlesnake CVMSHCP = No F = None C = CSC Chaparral, woodland, grassland, desert in rocky areas & dense vegetation, Needs burrows, rock cracks, or surface cover objects.
Absent
Suitable habitat (chaparral, woodland, grassland, rocky areas in the desert) is not present on-site for this species.
Species* Status Habitat and Distribution Occurrence Probability
Mentzelia tricuspis Spiny-hair blazing star CVMSCHP: No F = None C = None CNPS List: 2B.1
Annual herb found in sandy, gravelly, slopes, and washes within Mojavean desert scrub habitat. Occurs at 150-1,280 meters (490-4,200 feet elevation)above mean sea level (m). B: March-May.
Absent
Habitat unsuitable, site below known elevational range.
Nemacaulis denudata var. gracilis slender cottonheads CVMSHCP: No F = None C = None CNPS: 2B.2
Annual herb found in sandy places in coastal dunes, desert dunes, & Sonoran Desert scrub. Occurs at 50-400 meters (160-1,315 feet elevation) above mean sea level (m). B: March – May.
Very Low
Marginally suitable habitat (disturbed Sonoran Desert scrub) is present onsite; however, the nearest CNDDB record is 5 miles south.
Selaginella eremophila desert spike- moss CVMSHCP: No F = None C = None CNPS: 2B.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb found in chaparral and gravelly or rocky Sonoran Desert scrub. Occurs at 200-1,295 meters (656-4,250 feet elevation) above mean sea level (m). B: May – July.
Absent
Habitat on-site is unsuitable for this species due to lack of shaded sites, gravelly soils, crevices present within or adjacent to the project site.
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Table 3. Special Status Wildlife (cont.)
Species Status Habitat Probability
Gopherus agassizii
desert tortoise
CVMSHCP = Yes* F: THR
C: THR
Creosote bush scrub, Joshua tree woodland, saltbush scrub); washes, arroyos, bajadas, rocky hillsides, open flat desert.
Very Low
No sign seen, soils probably too sandy to support burrows, nearest CNDDB records
approximately 5 miles north of site.
Phrynosoma blainvillii
coast horned lizard
CVMSHCP = Yes F = None C = CSC
Occurs in annual grassland, coastal sage scrub,
chaparral, and woodland communities. Prefers open country, especially sandy areas, washes, and floodplains. Requires open areas for sunning, bushes for cover, patches of loose soil for burial, and an abundant supply of ants or other insects. Occurs in Siskiyou County, in the Central Valley and adjacent foothills below 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) elevation, in coastal areas of central California, and in non-desert areas of southern California below 1,830 meters (6,000 feet) elevation, and throughout the Baja California Peninsula.
Absent
Suitable habitat (annual grassland, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, or woodland communities) is not present on-site for this species. Nearest CNDDB record
approximately 5 miles to south.
Phrynosoma mcallii
flat-tailed horned lizard
CVMSHCP = Yes* F = None C = CCC
Restricted to desert washes and desert flats; requires vegetative cover, ants, and fine sand.
Very Low
Marginal suitable habitat (sandy soils), but site is at edge of species historic range. Nearest CNDDB record approximately 5 miles to south.
Uma inornata
Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard
CVMSHCP = Yes* F = THR
C = END
Requires fine, loose, windblown sand
interspersed with hardpan and widely spaced desert shrubs.
Absent
No sand dunes or Aeolian deposits onsite. CNDDB records within 1.5 miles east.
Table 3. Special Status Wildlife (cont.)
Species Status Habitat Probability
Birds Aquila chrysaetos (nesting and wintering) Golden eagle CVMSHCP: No F = MBTA, BCC C = CSC
Generally open country, rolling foothills, mountain areas, sage-juniper flats, and desert areas. Nesting primarily in rugged mountainous country. Uncommon resident in Southern California.
Breeding: Absent No suitable habitat (i.e. mountain areas). Foraging: Low
May nest or winter nearby & forage over site. CNDDB records from project quadrangle. Athene cunicularia burrowing owl CVMSHCP: Yes* F = MBTA, BCC C = CSC
Open, dry annual or perennial grassland, deserts & scrublands characterized by low- growing vegetation. Burrow sites essential.
Low
No burrows observed onsite or immediately adjacent. Suitable habitat (soil piles) and desert scrubland is within and adjacent to project site. Species is known from within 0.5 mile. Falco mexicanus prairie falcon CVMSHCP = No F = MBTA, BCC C = CSC (nesting)
Known to occur in open country
throughout North America. Breeding sites located on cliffs or rocky outcrops; but forages in open arid valley and agricultural fields.
Breeding: Absent
No suitable habitat (i.e. cliffs or rocky outcrops).
Foraging: Low
May nest or winter nearby & forage over site. CNDDB records from project quadrangle. Lanius ludovicianus loggerhead shrike CVMSHCP = No F = MBTA, BCC C = SC (nesting)
Breeds mainly in shrublands or open woodlands with some grass cover & areas of bare ground. Requires tall plants or structures for hunting & vocalization perches and open areas of short grasses, forbs, or bare ground for hunting.
Breeding: Low Limited nest sites. Foraging: Low
May nest or winter nearby & forage over site. No nearby CNDDB records. Toxostoma lecontei Le Conte’s thrasher CVMSHCP = Yes* F = MBTA, BCC C = CSC
Inhabits sparsely vegetated desert flats, dunes, alluvial fans, or gently rolling hills having a high proportion of saltbush (Atriplex spp.) or cholla (cylindrical Opuntia spp.), often occurring along small washes or sand dunes. Prefers dense thorny shrubs (most often saltbush or cholla) for nesting. Uncommon and local resident in low desert scrub throughout most of the Mojave Desert. Breeding range in California extends from these areas into eastern Mojave, north into the Owens Valley and south into the lower Colorado Desert and eastern Mojave.
Breeding: Absent
No suitable habitat (i.e. small washes or sand dunes). Foraging: Low
May nest or winter nearby & forage over site.
Site is in CVMSHCP modeled habitat for the species, but all CNDDB records are historical and nearest occurrence is 3 miles north of project site.
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Table 3. Special Status Wildlife (cont.)
Species Status Habitat Probability
Mammals Chaetodipus fallax pallidus
pallid San Diego pocket mouse
CVMSHCP = No
F = None C = CSC
Desert border areas in desert wash, desert scrub, desert succulent scrub, pinon- juniper, etc. Sandy herbaceous areas usually in association with rocks or coarse gravel.
Low
Habitat on-site is marginal. Nearest CNDDB records from project site is about 5 miles northwest of the project site.
Corynorhinus townsendii Townsend’s big- eared bat CVMSHCP = No F = None C = CSC
Requires caves, mines, tunnels, buildings, or other similar structures for roosting. May use separate sites for night, day,
hibernation, or maternity roosts. Ranges from southwestern Canada through the western United States to southern Mexico.
Absent
No suitable habitat (i.e. caves, mines, tunnels, buildings, or other similar structures) is present within or adjacent to the project site. Nearest CNDDB records from project quadrangle is about 5 miles southwest of the project site.
Lasiurus xanthinus Western yellow bat CVMSHCP = No F = None C = CSC
Occurs in southern California in palm oases and in residential areas with untrimmed palm trees. Roosts primarily in trees, especially the dead fronds of palm trees. Forages over water and among trees.
Absent
No suitable habitat (i.e. palm oases or untrimmed palm trees in residential communities) or roosting areas is present within or adjacent to the project site. No CNDDB records from project quadrangle. Neotoma lepida intermedia San Diego desert woodrat CVMSHCP = No F = None C = CSC
Coastal scrub of southern California. Moderate to dense canopies preferred. Particularly abundant in rock outcrops and rocky cliffs and slopes.
Absent
No suitable habitat (i.e. dense canopies of coastal scrub or rock outcrops and/or rocky cliffs and slopes) on-site for this species. Nearest CNDDB records from project quadrangle is about 5 miles southwest of the project site.
Ovis canadensis nelsoni Nelson’s bighorn sheep CVMSHCP = Yes* F = None C = CSC
Occurs in open, rocky, steep areas with available water and herbaceous forage; widely distributed from the White Mountains in Mono County to the Chocolate Mountains in Imperial County.
Absent
No suitable habitat (i.e. open, rocky, steep areas with available water and
herbaceous) is present within or adjacent to project site. Nearest CNDDB records from project quadrangle is about 5 miles southwest of the project site.
Table 3. Special Status Wildlife (cont.)
Species Status Habitat Probability
Ovis canadensis nelsoni pop. 2 Peninsular bighorn sheep DPS CVMSHCP = Yes* F = None C = CSC
Occurs on open desert slopes below 1,220 meters (4,000 feet) elevation from San Gorgonio Pass south into Mexico; optimal habitat includes steep-walled canyons and ridges bisected by rocky or sandy washes, with available water.
Absent
No suitable habitat (i.e. steep- walled canyons or ridges bisected by rocky or sandy washes with available water) is present within or adjacent to project site. Nearest CNDDB records from project quadrangle is about 5 miles southwest of the project site.
Perognathus longimembris bangsi Palm Springs pocket mouse CVMSHCP = Yes* F = None C = CSC
Desert riparian, desert scrub, desert wash & sagebrush habitats. Most common in creosote dominated desert scrub. Occurs in all canopy coverage classes. Rarely found on rocky sites.
Moderate
Site is in CVMSHCP modeled habitat for the species, and the closest CNDDB records about 3 miles to the west.
Perognathus longimembris brevinasus Los Angeles pocket mouse CVMSHCP = No F = None C = CSC
Prefers sandy soil for burrowing but has been found on gravel washes and stony soils. Found in coastal sage scrub in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.
Absent
No suitable habitat on-site (i.e. gravel washes and/or stony soils in coastal sage scrub) for this species. No CNDDB records from project quadrangle. Taxidea taxus American badger CVMSHCP = No F = None C = CSC
Primary habitat requirements seem to be sufficient food and friable soils in relatively open uncultivated ground in grasslands, woodlands, and desert. Widely distributed in North America.
Absent
No suitable habitat on-site (i.e. gravel washes and/or stony soils in coastal sage scrub) for this species. No CNDDB records from project quadrangle. Xerospermophilus tereticaudus chlorus Coachella Valley (Palm Springs) round-tailed ground squirrel CVMSHCP = Yes* F = None C = SC, S1S2
Prefers open, flat, grassy areas in fine- textured, sandy soil in desert succulent scrub, desert wash, desert scrub, alkali scrub, & levees.
Low - Moderate
Site is in CVMSHCP modeled habitat for the species, but only one CNDDB record and it is historical and over 5 miles away. Invertebrates Stenopelmatus cahuilaensis Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket CVMSHCP = No F = None C = None
Inhabits a small segment of the sand and dune areas of the Coachella Valley, in the vicinity of Palm Springs; found in large, undulating dunes piled up at the north base of Mt. San Jacinto.
Absent
No suitable habitat (i.e. sand and dune areas or undulating dunes) is present within or adjacent to the project site. Nearest, historical CNDDB record is over 5 miles west of the project site.
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Definitions of status designations and occurrence probabilities for Tables 1-3 Definitions of occurrence probability:
Occurs: Observed in the PPA/APE by Wood personnel or recently reported in the PPA/APE by another reliable source.
High:Observed in similar habitat in region by qualified biologists, or habitat on the PPA/APE is a type often utilized by the species and
the PPA/APE is within the known range of the species.
Moderate:Reported sightings in surrounding region, or PPA/APE is within the known range of the species and habitat on the PPA/APE
is a type occasionally used by the species.
Low:PPA/APE is within the known range of the species but habitat on the PPA/APE is rarely used by the species Very Low:Habitat is of marginal suitability and/or PPA/APE is at the edge of species known range or distribution.
Absent:A focused study failed to detect the species, suitable habitat not present, or PPA/APE is outside the geographic distribution of