Wilson Gomez AML Bat Use Assessment BEBA Dawn Garcia, Wildlife October 5, 2017

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BE. No 17-25

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST Biological Assessment and Biological Evaluation

Short Form

Project Name: Wilson-Gomez Adits District 05 Date 10/05/2017 Project Type: Construction X Nonstructural Reconstruction/Maintenance Location: AditsUTM’s WG Adit1 (678,191, 4,411,333) and WG-Adit2 (677,754, 4,412,498)

Location (Legal – Attach map)

WGAdit1 T23N R9E S 25, WGAdit2 T23N R9E S 24

Project Actions: Gate both adits with bat accessible gates Vegetation/Habitat:

Adits have wide openings, rock walls with crevices in ceilings

I. Prior Biological Evaluation No Yes

1. Prior Project: N/A Date:N/A X

II. Species and/or Habitat No Yes

1. Survey Date: Sept 12 and 13, 2017

Biologist is familiar with the Project Area. x

2. Previous Species Observation (Heritage Database) (CSO) x 3. Federally Listed Species Present (Rana sierrae) X 4. Habitat For Federally Listed Species Present X 5. Sensitive Species Present X 6. Habitat For Sensitive Species Present X

III. Analysis of Effects No Yes

1. Significant Habitat Alteration x 2. Effects Outside Project Area x 3. Cumulative Effects on Listed Species or Habitat x 4. Cumulative Effects on Sensitive Species or Habitat x

IV. Determination of Effects No Yes

1. May Affect Threatened, Endangered, or Proposed Species x 2. May Affect Individual Sensitive Species x 3. May Affect Sensitive Species' Population Viability x

V. Consultation Requirements No Yes

1. Formal Consultation Required x 2. Additional Informal Consultation Required x

We determined that two adits, Adit1 (WG Adit on map) and Adit2, will require bat gates.

The installation of these bat gates involves hand work and carrying in tools and construction materials.

There will be no machinery. This project is a benefit for bat speceis. The project is in elevational range

of the federally endangered Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae), however there is no

suitable or critical habitat within the area of the adit. Therefore the determination is no effect to the

SNYLF. There will be no impact to Forest Service sensitive species from this project.

Written by: Dawn Garcia, wildlife and aquatics tech, FRRD Date: October 5, 2017.

Reviewed by: Maria Cisneros, Wildlife & Aquatic Biologist, FRRD Date: October 5, 2017

Approved By: Kristina V.S.Hopkins, Staff Biologist, FRRD Date: October 10, 2017

Wilson Gomez AML Bat Use Assessment BEBA Dawn Garcia, Wildlife October 5, 2017

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Wilson-Gomez AMLS Site Visit

September 12 and 13, 2017 Summary of Results We determined that two adits, Adit1 (WG Adit on map) and Adit2, will require bat gates. Both are wide open at the mouth and deep enough that the back is not visible. The rock ceilings have crevices for roosting. Adits 3 and 4 are covered with rocks and wood and will not require bat gates. Project Site Location Adit1: T23N, R9E, S22, NE1/4, NE1/16. Lat/Long: N39.833337, W120.91762 Adit2: T23N, R9E, S24, NE1/4, SW1/16. Lat/Long: N39.84392, W120.9224 Adit 3: T23N, R9E, S24, NE1/4, SW1/16. Lat/Long: N39.844361, W120.921525 Adit 4:T23N, R9E, S24, NE1/4, SW1/16. Lat/Long: N39.844336, W120.921147 Surveyors Dawn Garcia and Julie Woodruff Weather Conditions Sept 12, 2017: cloudy, stormy with intermittent rain and hail, ~60*f, breezy Sept 13, 2017: clear, 55-70f*, calm to mild wind AML Description- Adit 1 The upper adit (WG mine shaft or Adit 1) is set into the side of the hill, about 0.12 mile below the Minerva Bar trailhead, as the crow flies. Scattered shrubs surround it and the approximately 3x2’ opening has some roots hanging down, but they would not obstruct bats from entering. The adit widens to approximately 5’wide and is 4-5’tall. We could not see the end of the adit as it turned out of site ~ 40-50’ back. A second opening (likely soil collapse) is situated to the upper left of the main opening, and does not likely provide bat access. We request a bat gate on Adit 1. AML Lower complex – Adits 2-4 The AML upslope of Minerva Bar along Washington Creek consists of a variety of mine structures and equipment including a cabin, shed, rails, carts, irrigation pipes, wheelbarrow, etc. Very interesting! Only Adit 2 has bat use potential for foraging and roosting. Adit2 has a wood reinforced opening, and wide open entrance. Inside the adit appears to be 4-5’ wide and 5-6’ tall and unknown depth. The ceiling has crevices for potential roosting and is wide open for foraging. Adits 3 and 4 Adits 3 and 4 are located near the east side of the AML complex and covered by wood, rocks and are collapsed. They do not provide bat habitat and can be closed. Methods and Results We assessed both features for potential bat use by looking for bats, bat guano, prey remains or roosting habitat. We did not observe current bat use, however both Adits 1 and 2 have use potential Determination We concluded Adit 1 and 2 be gated for bat use. Adits 3-4 can be closed if there is a safety concern, however they are currently covered or collapsed.

Adit 1 profile bat gate required

Adit 1 entrance

Wilson Gomez AML Bat Use Assessment BEBA Dawn Garcia, Wildlife October 5, 2017

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Adit 1 inside The following photos are of the adis AML complex near Minerva Bar

Adit 2 profile, requires bat gate

Adit 2 entrance

Adit 2 inside

Wilson Gomez AML Bat Use Assessment BEBA Dawn Garcia, Wildlife October 5, 2017

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Adit 3 closed with logs – no bat gate required

Adit 4 closed with rock and wood, no bat gate required