2013 PRE-DISTURBANCE RANID SURVEY OF THE ROSEMONT … · Q:\Jobs\1000's\1049.50\ENV\FINAL Submittal...

$: 2013 PRE-DISTURBANCE RANID SURVEY OF THE ROSEMONT … · Q:\Jobs\1000's\1049.50\ENV\FINAL Submittal 12.01.14\2013 PreDist Ranid Rpt 120114.docx WestLand Resources, Inc. Engineering$
Q:\Jobs\1000's\1049.50\ENV\FINAL Submittal 12.01.14\2013 PreDist Ranid Rpt 120114.docx WestLand Resources, Inc. Engineering and Environmental Consultants

2013 PRE-DISTURBANCE RANID SURVEY OF THE ROSEMONT HOLDINGS AND VICINITY

Prepared for: Rosemont Copper Company

Prepared by: WestLand Resources, Inc.

Date: January 20, 2015

Project No.: 1049.50

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ......................................................................................... 2 2. NATURAL HISTORY OF CLF .......................................................................................................... 2 3. SURVEY METHODS.......................................................................................................................... 3

3.1. Survey Area and Timing ........................................................................................................... 3 3.2. Survey Protocol ......................................................................................................................... 3

4. SURVEY RESULTS............................................................................................................................ 4 5. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 10

FIGURES (follow text)

Figure 1. Vicinity Map Figure 2. 2013 Ranid Survey

TABLES

Table 1. Features Surveyed – 2013 Pre-disturbance Ranid Survey of the Rosemont Holdings and Vicinity. ............................................................................................................. 5

APPENDICES

Appendix A. 2013 Chiricahua Leopard Frog Visual Encounter Survey Data Sheets Appendix B. 2013 Ranid Survey Photosheets

2013 Ranid Survey of the Rosemont Holdings and Vicinity January 20, 2015 Page 2


1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

WestLand Resources, Inc. (WestLand) surveyed for Chiricahua leopard frog (CLF; Rana [Lithobates] chiricahuensis) during 2013 in the vicinity of the planned Rosemont Copper Mine (the Project) in support of the Coronado National Forest (CNF) review of the Project (Figure 1). The CLF is listed as a threatened species with critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (USFWS 2002, 2012). As part of the collection of baseline biological data for the Project, WestLand has surveyed for CLF and other ranid species, including lowland leopard frog (Rana [Lithobates] yavapaiensis) in the vicinity of the Project since 2008 (WestLand 2009a, 2009b, 2011a, 2011b, 2013). Survey efforts in 2013 continued in support of the collection of baseline biological information for the Project. The 2013 survey also fulfills the pre-disturbance monitoring requirements for CLF included in the Final Biological Opinion for the Project (USFWS 2013). This monitoring requirement (Conservation Measure G.2.) requires Rosemont to conduct pre-disturbance surveys for CLF “within the footprint of proposed construction area and a ¼ mile buffer of the security fence”).

In the following sections, this report presents the natural history of CLF (Section 2), the methods employed during these surveys (Section 3), and the results of the surveys (Section 4). References cited within the text are provided in Section 5.

2. NATURAL HISTORY OF CLF

Chiricahua leopard frogs range from central Arizona and west-central New Mexico through southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, and south into the Sierra Madre Occidental of northwest Mexico. In the southwestern U.S., the range includes two separate and distinct areas. The northern population extends from montane regions of central Arizona, runs east along the Mogollon Rim, and continues into the mountains of west-central New Mexico. The southern population is limited to areas south of the Gila River, in the mountains and valleys of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and extending into Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico along the Sierra Madre Occidental. Past and ongoing genetic investigations suggest that these two populations may be recognized as two distinct species (USFWS 2007, Hekkala et al. 2011).

The CLF is a medium to large, stocky leopard frog with adult snout-vent length (SVL) between 2.0 and 5.4 inches (50 and 135 mm) (AGFD 2006, Brennan and Holycross 2006). The CLF is a highly aquatic leopard frog requiring permanent to nearly permanent water sources. The natural setting in which this frog occurred historically includes perennial springs, creeks, rivers, cienegas, and perennial plunge pools and tinajas in intermittent drainages. They are often found in man-made earthen cattle tanks, and in Arizona these now serve as an important habitat for this species (Sredl et al. 1997, USFWS 2007). CLF have been reported from elevations ranging from approximately 3,200 to 8,900 ft (975 to 2710 m) and generally range from semi-desert grassland through oak woodlands and pine-oak forests to mixed conifer forests at higher elevations.



3. SURVEY METHODS

3.1. SURVEY AREA AND TIMING

The Survey Area included sites that have supported surface water during past ranid surveys within the footprint of the disturbance of the proposed Project and a 1-mile buffer surrounding the proposed perimeter fence (Figure 2). We also surveyed the lower reach of Box Canyon, which extends outside of the 1-mile buffer surrounding the perimeter fence. This site has supported CLF during past surveys, and was included as part of the Survey Area in 2013 to continue to provide data on CLF occupancy at this site.

To maximize the potential that sites would contain water and that frogs could be present, WestLand surveyed for ranids during the post-monsoon, rainy season (August 30 through September 19). Chiricahua leopard frogs are known to move among sites in the area during the post-monsoon period and have been observed during this period at sites that were dry prior to the onset of monsoon rains (WestLand 2013).

3.2. SURVEY PROTOCOL

WestLand used ranid frog visual encounter survey (VES) protocols developed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) and recommended by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS 2007). At each survey site for each visit, a CLF/Riparian Herpetofauna VES datasheet was completed to record survey conditions and results following USFWS-recommended survey protocol (USFWS 2007). For reasons of efficiency and to maximize safety, the majority of surveys were conducted diurnally. Occasionally, surveys that were begun during daytime ended after nightfall (e.g., Box Canyon) and a few lentic sites were surveyed during nighttime to maximize survey efficiency on a given day (e.g., Oak Tree and Highway tanks). All sites supporting surface water during the first survey were revisited and surveyed a second time. Since several surveys occurred within 1 to 3 days of each other and no precipitation events occurred during this time, any site that was dry during the first visit was not revisited as that site did not represent CLF habitat.

Surveys of lentic systems (i.e. ponded, non-flowing water bodies) included scanning the perimeter of the water body with binoculars and listening for frog vocalization prior to approaching the water feature. The perimeter of the water feature was then traversed on foot while slowly looking for frogs, tadpoles, and egg masses and listening for audible “plops” as frogs escape into the water. Special attention was given to areas (i.e., micro-habitats) where frogs might seek cover, including vegetation, rock piles, and downed, dead, woody debris piles. A dipnet was used as appropriate to search for the presence of amphibian larvae, fish, and aquatic invertebrates and to capture frogs to confirm identification.

Surveys of lotic systems (i.e. flowing, linear water bodies) included moving along the stream while searching banks, surrounding vegetation, and the water column for a minimum of 0.25 mi (400 m) or the maximum distance of wetted channel present. All lotic sites were narrow (i.e., generally less than 1 to 2 m wide) and survey coverage included both banks. As described above, special attention was given to sites where frogs might find cover, including vegetation, rock piles, downed branches and debris piles, and



undercut banks. A dipnet was used within suitable micro-habitats to determine the presence of amphibian larvae, fish, and aquatic invertebrates and to capture frogs to confirm identification.

During surveys, WestLand recorded observations of potential predators including predatory aquatic insects, nonnative bullfrogs, garter snakes, and predatory birds and mammals. WestLand also documented presence of other nonnative predators or competitors, including crayfish and introduced sport fish, as well as all native riparian herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) observed.

Chytridiomycosis, an amphibian skin disease caused by the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), is known to infect at least nine species of amphibians in Arizona, including CLF and lowland leopard frogs (Sredl and Jennings 2005). In order to prevent the spread of chytrid fungus and other potential pathogens, appropriate disinfection measures were taken generally following the Declining Amphibians Population Task Force Field Work Code of Practice as adapted by USFWS (2007). Quaternary ammonium compound 128, following label instruction for dilution, was used to sterilize surveyor shoes and all other equipment after each survey at a unique site.

Surveys were completed under USFWS Permit No. TE-834782-2 and Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Scientific Collecting Permit No. SP786194.

4. SURVEY RESULTS

During 2013, WestLand biologists surveyed 37 aquatic features in the vicinity of the Rosemont Holdings. This included both lentic water bodies (primarily earthen stock tanks and above-ground drinkers) and lotic features (primarily small springs and seeps). Brief descriptions, survey dates, site conditions, and survey results from the 2013 survey effort are provided in Table 1. Data sheets are pr provided in Appendix A.

WestLand did not observe CLF within the security fence area, but did observe CLF at Deering Springs and associated tanks, which occurs within the perimeter fence (Table 1, Figure 2). We observed two sub-adult/adult CLF during the September 18, 2013 survey at a puddle caused by overflow issuing from the above-ground cistern located below Deering Spring (Appendix B, Photos 31-35). This is the first observation of CLF by WestLand at this site. For a more in-depth discussion of historical and recent CLF observations in the vicinity of the proposed Rosemont Project, including the Box Canyon watershed, see WestLand (2013).

We made few observations of other species of riparian herpetofauna in the survey area. We recorded Canyon treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) tadpoles in lower Box Canyon, Mexican spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) tadpoles in East Dam Tank, and toad (Bufo spp.) tadpoles at the Old Ore Leach Tank.



Table 1. Features Surveyed – 2013 Pre-disturbance Ranid Survey of the Rosemont Holdings and Vicinity. Feature locations are depicted in Figure 2. Linear features surveyed are represented by a pair of coordinates designating the beginning and ending point of that feature. The proposed project footprint referenced in this table is the currently recognized preferred alternative for the Project. Chiricahua leopard frog observations are noted as CLF. Features in bold type are those sites where CLF were observed during 2013.

Feature Name UTM Coordinate

(NAD 83) Description of Feature Site relative to Rosemont Project

Dates Surveyed

(2013)

Photos

Riparian Herpetofauna Observations Site Condition Predators

and Other Organisms Easting Northing

4066 Tank 525537 3518653 Small, ephemeral earthen stock tank. This feature is located outside of the perimeter fence.

16 September 1 None Dry Predators: None 19 September 2 None Dry Predators: None

4066 Tank Waterer

525506 3518733 Galvanized steel, round livestock drinker (3 by 3 by 0.3 m deep) in corral adjacent to 4066 tank.

This feature is located outside of the perimeter fence.

16 September 3 None Drinker at/near capacity with submerged algae.

Predators: Boatmen, back-swimmers, dragonflies, beetles.

19 September 4 None Drinker at/near capacity with floating algal mat.

Predators: Boatmen, back-swimmers, dragonflies, beetles.

Adobe Tank 527843 3521521 Ephemeral, earthen stock tank near the headwaters of Davidson Canyon.


17 September 5 None Dry Predators: None

Barrel Tank 524429 3519219 Ephemeral, earthen stock tank.

This feature is located inside the security fence.


Box Canyon (at Dam Structure)

521029 3518110 This feature is formed by a large stone and cement dam that impounds ephemeral and sub-surface flows in Box Canyon. The area above the dam is completely silted in. However, during some times of the year, livestock operators use heavy equipment to excavate a small basin to provide surface water for cattle. Natural scour pools also form at the dam seasonally. Box Canyon Dam serves as the boundary of Lower and Upper reaches of Box Canyon.


2 September 7 None Scour pool at dam is completely filled in and dry. Excavated gravel basin has a small, muddy shallow pool (~1 by 0.5 by 0.02 m deep).

Predators: None

19 September 8-9 None Scour pool at dam is completely filled in and dry. Excavated gravel basin is damp and muddy, but was not holding water.

Predators: None

Box Canyon (Lower Reach)

521022 519157

3518114 3518198

Intermittent reach of Box Canyon that supports stands of riparian gallery trees consisting of sycamore, oak, ash, willows, and mesquite. There are a series of bedrock tinajas and plunge pools that support water during certain times of year, primarily during and following the summer rainy season. Pools start at ~ 521009E/3518104N and end at ~ 520681E/3518150N. These pools are where most of the CLF observations have occurred in past years.


2 September 10-15 Canyon treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) tadpoles (~ 5) in one pool.

Less water in pools post-monsoon than previous 20112012 surveys.

Predators: Backswimmers, dragonflies, belostomatids, beetles.

19 September 16-20 Canyon treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) tadpoles (~15+) in two pools.

Less water in pools post-monsoon than previous 20112012 surveys. Uppermost pools were surveyed twice for thoroughness.

Predators: Boatmen, backswimmers, dragonflies, belostomatids, beetles, mammals

Box Canyon Tank No. 1

521911 3518351 An above-ground, concrete, stock drinker. Feature contains ~30% emergent vegetation (knotgrass) that is rooted along wildlife ramp on west end of tank. Drinker occurs in Box Canyon (Upper Reach).


2 September 21 None Dry Predators: None 19 September 22 None Dry Predators: None

Box Canyon Tank No. 2

521914 3518352 An above-ground concrete stock drinker. Half of tank is flush with stream-bank allowing easy access by frogs. Drinker occurs in Box Canyon (Upper Reach).


2 September 23 None Drinker is ~ 3.0 by 1.2 m with a small, shallow pool in bottom.

Predators: None

19 September 24 None Drinker is ~ 3.0 by 1.2 m with a saturated, wet oak litter in bottom.

Predators: None





Dates Surveyed

(2013)

Photos



Box Canyon Tank at Dam

521065 3518147 A small, cement spring-box / stock drinker in a small tributary of Box Canyon just upstream from the large cement dam. Spring-box is fed by small (15 mm diameter) metal pipe emerging from exposed bedrock and is apparently tapped into a small natural seep. There are a few large willows near the spring box.


2 September 25 None Spring-box is not holding water but had damp substrate.

Predators: None

19 September 26 None Spring-box is not holding water but had damp substrate. No inflow from pipe.

Predators: None

Deering Spring and Tanks

522636 3519279 This feature consists of a seep-spring and excavated adit that captures spring water that is then piped downstream to a large above-ground concrete cistern, which is in turn plumbed to a round metal (2-m diameter) stock drinker (drinker rim is ~0.5 m above ground).

This feature is located outside of the security fence but inside the perimeter fence.

2 September 27-30 None Water present at all structures. Lowermost tank supports floating and submerged algae.

Predators: Backswimmers, dragonflies, beetles.

18 September 31-37 Two adult to sub-adult CLF observed in overflow puddle at large above-ground cistern.

Water present at all structures. Spring site supports a relatively dense stand of Arizona giant sedge and 3 fig trees.


East Dam Tank 527305 3522744 Ephemeral, earthen stock tank.


2 September 38 None Dry. Appears not to have received any substantial input from monsoon rains; cracks in mud of tank basin.

Predators: None

18 September 39-40 None Tank is ~ 25 by 20 m withdense cocklebur growth within and around perimeter; one healthy willow tree at inflow.

Predators: Beetles

East Dam Outfall 527318 3522846 This feature is immediately downstream of the East Dam and is formed by seepage flowing from the base of the cement dam that flows over exposed bedrock, which forms small shallow seasonal pools and surface flow that supports a ribbon of riparian vegetation. Ephemeral pools occur sporadically downstream from dam.


2 September 41 None Seepage from dam forms shallow surface flow and pools immediately below dam.

Predators: Backswimmers, beetles.

18 September 42 Mexican spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) tadpoles, (n = 3)

Small, clear rainwater pools are scattered throughout the drainage with most surface water being concentrated just below the cement dam and the exposed, shallow, bedrock tinajas.

Predators: Boatmen, backswimmers, beetles.

Fig Tree Spring 523960 3525012 This is a perched spring at the head of Sycamore Canyon. It formerly conveyed water via a pipe to a galvanized steel tank that has rusted out and no longer holds water. The spring supports a small area of perennial surface water, wetland vegetation (Arizona giant sedge), and an exotic fig tree.


30 August 43 None Spring has a low discharge that supports perimeter vegetation and vegetation downslope. The spring orifice pool is ~0.7 by 0.4 by 0.1 m deep.

Predators: None

17 September 44 None Spring has a low discharge that supports perimeter vegetation and vegetation downslope. The spring orifice pool is ~0.9 by 0.6 by 0.1 m deep.

Predators: Beetles

Gunsight Pass Tank

523282 3523298 Ephemeral earthen stock tank. Tank has a very small catchment basin that is fed mostly from runoff from the road above.


2 September 45 None Tank is 7 by 4.5 by 0.05 m deep with a very shallow, mud and silt basin; bunchgrasses provide dense perimeter cover.

Predators: Backswimmers

17 September 46 None Dry Predators: None Highway Tank 527521 3519361 Ephemeral, earthen stock tank.


16 September 47 None Tank is 15 by 15 m with desne perimeter grasses and floating duckweed

Predators: Beetles, water scorpions, backswimmers, dragonflies, belostomatids.

19 September - None Tank is 15 by 15 m. Nighttime survey. Predators: Beetles, water scorpions

Lower Stock Tank

523162 3522119 Earthen stock pond. Tank is used as a receptacle for drilling mud.


2 September 48 None Tank is full and very turbid with drilling “mud.” Surface area was 25 by 10 m.

Predators: Dragonflies, beetles.





Dates Surveyed

(2013)

Photos



18 September 49 None Tank is 3 by 13 m with little perimeter vegetation and ~ 10% oak canopy.

Predators: Beetles, dragonflies.

McCleary Canyon; including stock drinker, stock tank and McCleary Dam

523722 525486

3523687 3523011

Site is primarily an ephemeral, lotic system containing several aquatic features including some lentic sites. Includes two spring/seep sites, an above ground stock drinker, an earthen stock tank that appears to be supplied from a PVC pipe upslope, and a cement dam with perennial pools at the base.

McCleary Canyon is located within the perimeter fence with a short reach that falls inside the security fence.

2 September 50-53 None Most of canyon is dry, with surface water present at the upper unnamed spring, the concrete drinker, the pipe-fed earthen stock pond, and pools below dam.

Predators: Beetles, backswimmers, dragonflies.

17 September 54-56 None Most of canyon is dry, with surface water present at the upper unnamed spring, the concrete drinker, the pipe-fed earthen stock pond, and pools below dam.

Predators: Beetles, backswimmers, dragonflies.

McCleary Stock Tank

523452 3523602 Earthen stock tank in upper McCleary Canyon.


2 September 57 None Tank is ~ 20 by 21 m with no developed perimeter and canopy vegetation.

Predators: Boatmen, beetles.

17 September 58 None Tank is ~ 20 by 18 m and lacks any vegetation structure; substrate is thick, deep mud.

Predators: Backswimmers, beetles.

North Basin Tank

524760 3519779 Ephemeral, earthen stock tank.


17 September 59 None Tank is ~ 9 by 5 m with very little vegetation.

Predators: Backswimmers, belostomatids, beetles.

19 September 60 None Tank is ~ 9 by 5 m with very little vegetation.

Predators: None

Oak Tree Canyon Tank

526883 3519365 Ephemeral earthen stock tank. Since approximately spring 2011, tank water level has been maintained as (near) perennial by well-water piped to tank.


16 September 61 None Surface area was 20 by 20 m with 15% floating duckweed. Heavy cattle use.

Predators: Boatmen, backswimmers, dragonflies, beetles.

19 September - None Surface area was 20 by 20 m with 15% floating duckweed. Nighttime survey.

Predators: Belostomatids, boatmen, dragonflies, beetles, leeches.

Oak Tree Canyon - Unnamed Tank at head of canyon

525430 3519442 This feature is a metal livestock drinker (2 by 1 m) supplied by an immediately adjacent well along ridge at the head of Oak Tree Canyon.


16 September 62 None Tank is 3.1 by 1.5 m and supports a floating algal mat with submerged algae.


19 September - None Tank is 3.1 by 1.5 m and is drying and supports a floating algal mat with submerged algae.

Predators: Backswimmers, dragonflies.

Old Ore Leach Tank (formerly known as “Lower Stock Tank Waterer” from 20082010)

523252 3522136 Feature previously thought to be a stock watering structure but is actually a cement ore leach pad that collects and pools rain water.


2 September 63-64 Toad (Bufo spp.) tadpoles. Cement trough at base of leach pad is 9 by 0.66 m and holding water.

Predators: Backswimmers, boatmen, beetles.

18 September 65-66 Toad (Bufo spp.) tadpoles. Cement trough at base of leach pad is 9 by 0.66 m and holding water.

Predators: Boatmen, beetles.

Rosemont Crest Tank



30 August 67 None Tank is ~ 12 m by 7 m by 0.5 m deep. Predators: Backswimmers, dragonflies, belostomatids, beetles.

17 September 68 None Tank is 20 by 10 m and with perimeter grasses.

Predators: Backswimmers, dragonflies, belostomatids, beetles.





Dates Surveyed

(2013)

Photos



Rosemont Spring 524863

3521359

This feature is a spring within a small canyon with a short, intermittent reach of surface water that supports modest riparian vegetation (willows). Above the spring there is a short but dense stand of riparian vegetation (Goodding’s willow)


30 August 69 None Series of small pools (~0.04 m2 by 0.02 m deep).

Predators: None

17 September 70 None Very little surface water present. Predators: None

Scholefield Canyon – Unmarked Spring WNW of Scholefield Spring

525582 3525629 This feature is a natural seep that has been modified to impound water in a small cement-dammed basin that feeds a metal livestock drinker that is about 2/3 buried and accessible to ranids.


30 August 71 None Seep-fed pool is full and metal drinker is near capacity. Overflow supports annual and perennial vegetation around perimeter. Dense stand of Muhlenbergia rigins

Predators: Boatmen, backswimmers.

18 September 72 None Seep fed pool is full and metal drinker is near capacity. Overflow supports dense annual and perennial vegetation around perimeter.

Predators: Boatmen, backswimmers, dragonflies.

Scholefield Spring

526515 3525215 Feature is a perched spring that occurs on the hillside above the canyon bottom, Spring appears to have been excavated to form a basin in the vicinity of the USGS mapped spring. It supports a dense emergent wetland community dominated by Arizona giant sedge (Carex ultra), with little to no surface water. A small depression near the center of the basin seasonally holds a small pool of water or muddy puddle.


30 August 73 None Dry Predators: None 18 September 74 None Dry Predators: None

South Lower Stock Tank

523083

3522149

Ephemeral earthen stock tank. Tank is not in a drainage, and there is no retaining berm; site may be an old gravel/soil borrow pit. Inputs from surface flow along nearby roads.


2 September 75 None Tank is 5 by 5 m and very shallow; more like a large puddle than a tank.

Predators: None

18 September 76 None Tank is 4 by 3 m and very shallow; more like a large puddle than a tank.

Predators: None

South Sycamore Canyon (Lower Reach)

521856 522003

3518334 3518882

This is a well-vegetated mesoriparian drainage with intermittent surface flows. Site includes confluence with Box Canyon up-drainage to the South Sycamore Canyon Unnamed Spring (see below).


2 September 77 None Several small ephemeral pools were observed in canyon at bedrock outcrops. All other areas were dry.

Predators: Belostomatids, backswimmer, dragonflies, beetles.

19 September 78 None Several small ephemeral pools were observed in canyon at bedrock outcrops. All other areas were dry.


South Sycamore Canyon – Unnamed Spring

522003 3518882 This feature is a spring-fed perennial reach of Sycamore Canyon that supports a well-developed grove of riparian gallery trees consisting of sycamore, oak, willows and mesquite. The watered canyon bottom is covered with horsetails and other riparian herbaceous plants.


2 September 77 None Spring pool is surrounded by dense perimeter growth of horsetail and grasses and a closed canopy Sycamore forest. From springhead flows downstream ~ 10 m.


19 September 78 None Spring pool is 3.5 by 1.8 by 0.12 m deep with a dense perimeter growth of horsetail and grasses and a closed canopy sycamore forest.






Dates Surveyed

(2013)

Photos



South Sycamore Canyon (Upper Reach); includes “Locust Spring”

522003 521378

3518882 3520305

An intermittently damp to seepy reach with a short but dense riparian gallery along South Sycamore Canyon, upstream of South Sycamore Canyon – Unnamed Spring (see above). Several of the riparian trees on the lower end are stressed and/or dying. This site name has been previously assigned to the Unnamed Spring in South Sycamore Canyon (2009 through 2011) but is corrected here (see above).


19 September 79-80 None Essentially dry throughout except for a couple of spots with damp soil in the vicinity of “Locust Spring.” No pooled surface water; no amphibian habitat.

Predators: None

South Upper Stock Tank

522966

3522117

Ephemeral, earthen stock tank. Tank is used as a receptacle for drilling mud.


2 September 81 None Tank is extremely turbid with no observable aquatic insects. Pond is actively drying up.

Predators: Backswimmers

18 September 82 None Tank is ~ 17 by 10 m with little vegetation.

Predators: None

Thurber Tank No. 3



16 September 83 None Tank is a small, recently rain-filled puddle ~ 2 by 4 m.

Predators: Mammals

19 September 84 None Dry Predators: None Thurber Tank No. 7 (Unnamed Tank in Trail Canyon)

525778 3518014 Ephemeral earthen stock tank. This tank was surveyed for the first time in 2012 following summer rains as a potential “stepping stone” for frog movements between Empire Cienega/Cienega Creek and the occupied tanks in California Gulch and the Greaterville area.



Thurber Tank No. 8

525306 3517330 Ephemeral earthen stock tank. This tank was surveyed for the first time in 2012 following summer rains as a potential “stepping stone” for frog movements between Empire Cienega/Cienega Creek and the occupied tanks in California Gulch and the Greaterville area.



Unnamed Spring in Wasp Canyon

523580 3522210 Small spring system that appears (near) perennial with fluctuating discharges and lengths of wetted channel throughout the year.


18 September 87 None Spring pool (head) is 0.9 by 0.6 by 0.04 m with very little associated vegetation. Occurs in a dense oak grove.

Predators: None

19 September 88 None Spring pool (head) is 0.9 by 0.6 by 0.04 m with very little associated vegetation. Occurs in a dense oak grove.

Predators: None

Upper Stock Tank

523061

3522167

Ephemeral earthen stock tank. Tank is not in a drainage and there is no retaining berm; site may be an old gravel/soil borrow pit. Inputs from surface flow along nearby roads.


2 September 89 None Tank is 8 by 4 m and devoid of vegetation. Heavy OHV use.

Predators: None

18 September 90 None Tank is ~5 by 5 m and nearly devoid of vegetation.

Predators: Beetles



5. REFERENCES

Arizona Game and Fish Department. 2006. Rana chiricahuensis. Unpublished abstract compiled and edited by the Heritage Data Management System, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, AZ. 11 pp.

Brennan, T.C. and A.T. Holycross. 2006. A field guide to amphibians and reptiles in Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix.

Hekkala, E.R., R.A. Saumure, J.R. Jaeger, H. Herrmann, M.J. Sredl, D.F. Bradford, D. Drabeck, M.J. Blum. 2011. Resurrecting an extinct species: archival DNA, taxonomy, and conservation of the Vegas Valley leopard frog. Conservation Genetics 12:1379–1385.

Sredl, M.J., and R.D. Jennings. 2005. Rana chiricahuensis: Chiricahua leopard frog. Pages 546-549 in M.J. Lanoo (ed.), Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Status of United States Amphibians. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. 1094 pp.

Sredl, M.J., J.M. Howland, J.E. Wallace, and L.S. Saylor. 1997. Status and distribution of Arizona's native ranid frogs. Pages 37-62 in M.J. Sredl (ed.). Ranid frog conservation and management. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, Technical Report 121. Phoenix, Arizona. 62 pp. + appendices, figures, and tables.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2002. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing of the Chiricahua Leopard Frog (Rana chiricahuensis); Final Rule. Federal Register Vol. 67, No. 114, Pp. 40790, Thursday, June 13.

_____. 2007. Chiricahua leopard frog (Rana chiricahuensis) recovery plan. Region 2, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, NM.

_____. 2012. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing and Designation of Critical Habitat for the Chiricahua Leopard Frog. Federal Register 77: 16324-16424.

_____. 2013. Final Biological and Conference Opinion for the Rosemont Copper Mine, Pima County, Arizona. October 30. Available at: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/Biol_Opin/090389_FINALRosemontBOwithfinaledits10.30.pdf

WestLand Resources, Inc. 2009a. 2008 Ranid Survey of the Rosemont Holdings and Vicinity. Technical Report dated April 24, 2009.

_____. 2009b. 2009 Ranid Survey of the Rosemont Holdings and Vicinity. Technical Report dated December 21, 2009.



_____. 2011a. 2010 Ranid Survey of the Rosemont Holdings and Vicinity. Technical Report dated October 26, 2011.

_____. 2011b. 2011 Ranid Survey of the Rosemont Holdings and Vicinity. Technical Report dated December 23, 2011.

_____. 2013. 2012 Ranid Survey of the Rosemont Holdings and Vicinity, Sonoita Creek Ranch, and Fullerton Ranch. Technical Report dated May 6, 2013.

FIGURES

YUMATUCSON

PHOENIX

FLAGSTAFF

§̈¦19 §̈¦10

¬«83

Approximate Scale 1 Inch = 10 Miles

ARIZONA

PROJECT LOCATION

EASTERN PIMA COUNTY

±0 1.5 3

Miles

Path: M:\Jobs\1000's\1049.50\Ranid Survey 2013\Report_Figures\Fig1_VicinityMap.mxd Date: 11/26/2014

ROSEMONT COPPER

VICINITY MAPFigure 1

2013 Pre-disturbance Ranid Surveyof the Rosemont Holdings and Vicinity

User: rudyg

T18S, R15E, Portion of Sections 13, 14, 23-26, 35, 36,T18S, R16E, Portion of Sections 15-22, 27-34,T19S, R15E, Portion of Sections 1, 2, 10-13,T19S, R16E, Portion of Sections 3-10, 17 & 18 Pima County, Arizona,ESRI Online Fort Huachuca 1;100,000 USGS Quadrangle

Legend2013 Ranid Survey Area(No Chiricahua leopard frog found)

Perimeter Fence

1-Mile Buffer

2013 Ranid Survey Area(Chiricahua leopard frog found)

Security Fence

McCleary Canyon

Scholefield Spring

Unmarked Spring inScholefield Canyon

Box CanyonTank No. 1

Box CanyonTank No. 2

Box Canyon Tank at Dam

BoxCanyon

Sycamore CanyonUpper Reach

Box Canyon(Lower Reach)

Sycamore CanyonLower Reach

Unnamed Spring inTributary of Wasp Canyon

South LowerStock Tank

South Sycamore CanyonUnnamed Spring

Unnamed Tankat head of OakTree Canyon

East Dam Tank

Deering Spring and Tanks

South UpperStock Tank

4066 Tank

Oak TreeCanyon Tank

McCleary Stock Tank

Rosemont Crest Tank

Old Ore Leach Tank

Thurber Tank No. 3Thurber Tank No. 7

Thurber Tank No. 8

LowerStock Tank

North Basin Tank

Upper Stock Tank

Fig Tree Spring

Rosemont Spring

Gunsight Pass Tank

Highway TankBarrel Tank

Adobe Tank

East Dam Outfall

Waterer at4066 Tank

T18S, R15E, Portion of Sections 13, 14, 23-26, 35, 36,T18S, R16E, Portion of Sections 15-22, 27-34,T19S, R15E, Portion of Sections 1, 2, 10-13,T19S, R16E, Portion of Sections 3-10, 17 & 18 Pima County, Arizona,Helvetia & Empire Ranch USGS 7.5' Forest Quadrangles

±0 3,2001,600

Feet

2013 Ranid SurveyFigure 2

Document Path: M:\Jobs\1000's\1049.50\Ranid Survey 2013\Report_Figures\Fig2_RanidSurvey.mxd

LEGEND

Perimeter Fence

ROSEMONT COPPER2013 Pre-disturbance Ranid Survey

of the Rosemont Holdings and Vicinity

2013 Ranid Survey Area(Chiricahua leopard frog found)

1-Mile Buffer

2013 Ranid Survey Area(No Chiricahua leopard frog found)

Security Fence

APPENDIX A

2013 CHIRICAHUA LEOPARD FROG

VISUAL ENCOUNTER SURVEY DATA SHEETS

APPENDIX B

2013 RANID SURVEY

PHOTOSHEETS

ROSEMONT COPPER COMPANY 2013 Ranid Survey – Rosemont Holdings and Vicinity

Appendix B

PHOTOSHEET 1 Q:\Jobs\1000's\1049.50\ENV\FINAL Submittal 12.01.14\Appendices\Appendix B. PhotosheetsRosemont_CLF_2013_late edits Sept 2014.docx

Photo 1. 4066 Tank, dry. 9/16/2013

Photo 2. 4066 Tank, dry. 9/19/2013

Photo 3. Waterer at 4066 Tank. 9/16/2013

Photo 4. Waterer at 4066 Tank. 9/19/2013

Photo 5. Adobe Tank, dry. 9/17/2013

Photo 6. Barrel Tank, dry. 9/17/2013


Appendix B


Photo 7. Box Canyon at Dam. Damp, muddy puddle in shallow

basin of excavated stock tank. 9/02/2013

Photo 8. Box Canyon at Dam. Shallow basin of excavated stock

tank is mostly dry with damp substrate. 9/19/2013

Photo 9. Box Canyon at Dam. Scour pool from 2013, adjacent to

dam has silted in. 9/19/2013

Photo 10. Box Canyon Pools in Lower Reach. 9/2/2013




Appendix B


Photo 13. Box Canyon Pools in Lower Reach.

Canyon treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) tadpole. 9/2/2013







Appendix B



Photo 20. Box Canyon Pools in Lower Reach. Canyon treefrog

(Hyla arenicolor) tadpole. 9/19/2013

Photo 21. Box Canyon Tank No. 1. 9/2/2013





Appendix B


Photo 25. Box Canyon Tank at Dam. 9/2/2013

Photo 26. Box Canyon Tank at Dam. 9/19/2013

Photo 27. Deering Spring and Tanks,

Cement Cistern. 9/2/2013

Photo 28. Deering Spring and Tanks, Metal Drinker. 9/2/2013

Photo 29. Deering Spring, natural spring site, dry. 9/2/2013

Photo 30. Deering Spring – adit above spring,

pooled water. 9/2/2013


Appendix B


Photo 31. Deering Spring and Tanks,

Cement Cistern. 9/18/2013

Photo 32. Deering Spring and Tanks, Cement Cistern. Overflow puddle where two CLF observed. 9/18/2013

Photo 33. Deering Spring and Tanks, Cement Cistern. Two

sub-adult/adult CLF observed in overflow puddle. 9/18/2013

Photo 34. Deering Spring and Tanks, Cement Cistern.

Sub-adult/adult CLF, dorsal view. 9/18/2013

Photo 35. Deering Spring, Cement Cistern. Sub-adult/adult

CLF, dorso-lateral view and thigh pattern. 9/18/2013

Photo 36. Deering Spring and Tanks, Metal Drinker.

9/18/2013


Appendix B


Photo 37. Deering Spring – adit above spring,

pooled water. 9/18/2013

Photo 38. East Dam Tank, dry. 9/2/2013

Photo 39. East Dam Tank, filled from recent rains.

9/18/2013

Photo 40. East Dam Tank, filled from recent rains. Mexican

spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) tadpole. 9/18/2013

Photo 41. East Dam Outfall. 9/02/2013

Photo 42. East Dam Outfall. 9/18/2013


Appendix B


Photo 43. Fig Tree Spring. 8/30/2013

Photo 44. Fig Tree Spring. 9/17/2013

Photo 45. Gunsight Pass Tank. 9/2/2013

Photo 46. Gunsight Pass Tank, dry (damp substrate).

9/17/2013

Photo 47. Highway Tank. 9/16/2013

Photo 48. Lower Stock Tank. 9/2/2013


Appendix B


Photo 49. Lower Stock Tank. 9/18/2013

Photo 50. McCleary Canyon, at modified cement spring-head

(aka MC-1). 9/2/2013

Photo 51. McCleary Canyon, at cement drinker. 9/2/2013

Photo 52. McCleary Canyon at metal tank and pond.

9/2/2013

Photo 53. McCleary Canyon at Dam. 9/2/2013

Photo 54. McCleary Canyon, at cement drinker. 9/17/2013


Appendix B


Photo 55. McCleary Canyon at metal tank and pond. 9/17/2013

Photo 56. McCleary Canyon at Dam. 9/17/2013

Photo 57. McCleary Stock Tank 9/2/2013

Photo 58. McCleary Stock Tank 9/17/2013

Photo 59. North Basin Tank 9/17/2013

Photo 60. North Basin Tank 9/19/2013


Appendix B


Photo 61. Oak Tree Canyon Tank 9/16/2013

Photo 62. Oak Tree Canyon. Unnamed Tank at head of canyon.

9/16/2013

Photo 63. Old Ore Leach Tank. 9/2/2013

Photo 64. Old Ore Leach Tank. Toad (Bufo spp.) tadpoles.

9/2/2013

Photo 65. Old Ore Leach Tank. 9/18/2013

Photo 66. Old Ore Leach Tank. Toad (Bufo spp.)

tadpoles near metamorphosis. 9/18/2013


Appendix B


Photo 67. Rosemont Crest Tank. 8/30/2013

Photo 68. Rosemont Crest Tank. 9/17/2013

Photo 69. Rosemont Spring. 8/30/2013

Photo 70. Rosemont Spring. 9/17/2013

Photo 71. Scholefield Canyon

Unnamed Spring and stock drinker. 8/30/2013

Photo 72. Scholefield Canyon

Unnamed Spring and stock drinker. 9/18/2013


Appendix B


Photo 73. Scholefield Spring, dry. 8/30/2013

Photo 74. Scholefield Spring, dry. 9/18/2013

Photo 75. South Lower Stock

Tank. 9/2/2013

Photo 76. South Lower Stock Tank. 9/18/2013

Photo 77. South Sycamore

Canyon, Unnamed Spring. 9/2/2013

Photo 78. South Sycamore Canyon, Unnamed Spring. 9/19/2013


Appendix B


Photo 79. South Sycamore Canyon (Upper Reach, including

“Locust Spring.” 9/19/2013

Photo 80. South Sycamore Canyon (Upper Reach, including

“Locust Spring.” 9/19/2013

Photo 81. South Upper Stock Tank. 9/2/2013

Photo 82. South Upper Stock Tank. 9/18/2013

Photo 83. Thurber Tank No. 3. 9/16/2013

Photo 84. Thurber Tank No. 3, drying, wet mud. 9/19/2013


Appendix B


Photo 85. Thurber Tank No. 7, dry. 9/16/2013

Photo 86. Thurber Tank No. 8, dry. 9/16/2013

Photo 87. Unnamed Spring in Wasp Canyon. 9/18/2013

Photo 88. Unnamed Spring in Wasp Canyon. 9/19/2013

Photo 89.Upper Stock Tank 9/2/2013

Photo 90.Upper Stock Tank 9/18/2013

2013 PRE-DISTURBANCE RANID SURVEY OF THE ROSEMONT … · Q:\Jobs\1000's\1049.50\ENV\FINAL Submittal...

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