Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility 2014 Wildlife ... library/2014...The Leaning Juniper II Wind...

Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility

2014 Wildlife Monitoring

Prepared for:

Leaning Juniper Wind Power II, LLC 1125 NW Couch St., Suite 700

Portland, Oregon 97209

Prepared by:

Scott Downes and Robert Gritski

Northwest Wildlife Consultants, Inc. 815 NW 4th St.

Pendleton, Oregon 97801

December 8th 6, 2014

Final

Executive Summary

The Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility (Project) is located south of Arlington in Gilliam

County, Oregon and is owned and operated by Leaning Juniper Wind Power II, LLC

(LJWPII), which is owned by Iberdrola Renewables, LLC. Commercial operations began in

June 2011. The Project is comprised of two areas, referred to as Leaning Juniper IIA and

IIB. The 2009 Amended Leaning Juniper Wind Facility Site Certificate contains a study plan

for operations phase wildlife monitoring (Wildlife Monitoring and Mitigation Plan, WMMP).

This 2014 monitoring report summarizes methods and results from the 2014 Washington

ground squirrel monitoring on Leaning Juniper IIA and IIB along with results of the

grassland bird studies that were initiated in 2011 and concluded in 2014.

General habitat types present within the Project boundary are agricultural (non-irrigated

farmland used for small grain crop production every other year), non-agricultural but

developed areas and features (landfill, gravel quarry, roads, wind project facilities) and

undeveloped (shrub-steppe, native perennial grassland, non-native annual grassland and

revegetated grassland). Areas monitored for Washington ground squirrels and grassland

birds are in shrub-steppe, native perennial grassland, non-native annual grassland and

revegetated grassland within the Leaning Juniper II Project boundary.

Washington Ground Squirrel Monitoring

The primary objective of the post-construction monitoring on Leaning Juniper IIA, as stated

in Attachment 2 of the Incidental Take Permit (ITP; LJWPII, 2007b), was to determine the

current status of the pre-construction baseline sites. The areas on Leaning Juniper IIA

defined in the ITP as areas of historical Washington ground squirrel use were monitored for

occupancy and level of use twice in 2014, once during March and once during May. Methods

matched those defined in the ITP and in 2011, the previous year of reporting on these areas

of use (Downes et al, 2012). The monitoring area included the historical area of use

boundary plus a 500-foot buffer within suitable habitat within the Project boundary. Only

one of the monitored areas showed signs of occupancy; this was area 6, where level of use

consisted of an individual detection in the northeast corner. An incidental observation was

recorded just northeast of the monitoring area boundary.

Washington ground squirrel historical areas of use on Leaning Juniper IIB were monitored

once during 2014, in May, during the peak of their activity as prescribed in the WMMP.

These areas of use included only the historical boundaries within the Project boundaries and

did not include a 500 foot buffer as at Leaning Juniper IIA. Seven of the 10 monitoring

areas showed occupancy within their historical boundaries. One area (area 23) that showed

no activity within the monitoring area had incidental detections in the immediate vicinity of

the monitoring area. Area 13 showed no signs of occupancy, and the habitat had been

mowed in 2013, removing most of the sagebrush and some of the perennial bunchgrass

cover.

Overall, Washington ground squirrels were still active in the Project area, but had shifted

their occupancy to outside of the original pre-construction delineated use boundaries.

Grassland Bird Study

The objective of the post-construction grassland bird study was to determine if there have

been noticeable changes in the presence and overall use by special status grassland bird

species compared to the pre-construction year of 2006. The focus of the grassland bird

study was two special status bird species, long-billed curlew and grasshopper sparrow. The

study area, consisting of 1,362 acres on Leaning Juniper IIA and bisected by Rattlesnake

Road (a public county, gravel-surface road), contains three turbine strings, associated

Project roads and undisturbed areas between turbine strings. The study area was designed

to assess disturbed and undisturbed areas of habitat. The area to the north of Rattlesnake

Road was referred to as the north study area and the area south of the road, the south

study area. The area was first surveyed in 2006 as part of pre-construction surveys, and

was again surveyed in 2011, the year following construction. The 2014 surveys occurred

during the third year post-construction, when the habitat had been restored or was

documented as trending positively towards near pre-construction levels. Methods included

walking approximately the same transects twice in each of the three years, recording

locations of long-billed curlews and grasshopper sparrows, and noting behaviors of each

species. In addition to the two special status species, cumulative numbers of three common

species, horned lark, savannah sparrow and western meadowlark, were also recorded for

each survey area and period. The area was surveyed once in late April and once in late May

of each year. Data analysis and reporting included a comprehensive examination of visual

and measured metrics for long-billed curlew and grasshopper sparrows, including distance

from turbines and spatial distribution. As specified in the WMMP, a simple analysis of the

recorded numbers and bird behaviors was conducted for the common species.

No long-billed curlews were detected in 2014, though curlew numbers in the study area

were small previously (six in 2011). Reasons for the lack of curlews in 2014 are unknown,

and this species continues to be present in other areas within the Project boundary. It is

possible that annual fluctuation in populations may explain some of the results. Grasshopper

sparrows showed a high occupancy of the study area in 2014 with 90 detections recorded,

73 in the north and 13 in the south. This number of detections is higher than either 2006

(pre-construction) or 2011 (year after construction). Numbers within the assumed habitat

disturbance area (0-100 meters from turbines and Project roads) were also higher in 2014

than either 2006 or 2011. Higher numbers in 2014 are likely in part due to annual variation

in population numbers, but also demonstrate that the study area continues to be good

habitat for occupancy by the species. Results for the three common species, horned lark,

savannah sparrow and western meadowlark, show that their numbers were similar to 2011

levels. Numbers of these species were not recorded during 2006 surveys. No avoidance

behaviors were noted for any of the three common species. There were considerably fewer

individuals detected during the second round of surveys compared to the first survey in both

2011 and 2014. Overall, there were no noticeable changes in the presence and overall use

by special status grassland bird species compared to pre-construction data.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 1

1.1 Post-construction Wildlife Monitoring Study ...................................................... 2

2.0 METHODS ...................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Washington Ground Squirrel Monitoring ........................................................... 3

2.2 Grassland Bird Study ..................................................................................... 4

3.0 RESULTS ....................................................................................................... 6



4.0 DISCUSSION ................................................................................................. 8



5.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................ 10

6.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................... 10

7.0 TABLES ........................................................................................................ 12

8.0 APPENDICES ............................................................................................... 16

9.0 FIGURES ..................................................................................................... 17

Tables

Table 1. 2014 Washington ground squirrel (WGS) monitoring at the Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility and previous WGS level of use within the 2014 surveyed areas..........................13

Table 2. 2014 Washington ground squirrel (WGS) monitoring at the Leaning Juniper IIB Wind Power Facility. .................................................................................................................14

Table 3. Number of grasshopper sparrow detections during grassland bird surveys in spring 2006,

2011 and 2014 at Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility. ...................................................15

Table 4. Number of horned lark, savannah sparrow and western meadowlark detected during grassland bird surveys in spring 2011 and spring 2014 at Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility. ...........................................................................................................................15

Appendices

Appendix A. Comprehensive species list from grassland bird surveys for Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility, April–May 2011 and 2014. ...........................................................................16

Figures

Figure 1. Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility 2014 Washington Ground Squirrel Monitoring. ......17

Figure 2. Leaning Juniper IIB Wind Power Facility 2014 Washington Ground Squirrel Monitoring

and incidental observations. ..............................................................................................17

Figure 3. Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility Grassland Bird Study Long-billed Curlew Detections. ......................................................................................................................18

......................................................................................................................................18

Figure 4. Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility Grassland Bird Study Grasshopper Sparrow Detections. ......................................................................................................................19

......................................................................................................................................19

Figure 5. Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility Grassland Bird Study Graph of Grasshopper

Sparrow Detections; Pre-Construction (2006), Year Following Construction (2011) and Three Years Post-construction (2014). .........................................................................................20

......................................................................................................................................20

Leaning Juniper II 2014 Wildlife Monitoring Report 1

NWC, Inc. December 8, 2014

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This 2014 wildlife monitoring report presents results of the Washington ground squirrel

monitoring at Leaning Juniper IIA and IIB and results of the grassland bird studies at

Leaning Juniper IIA. The studies were implemented per the Wildlife Monitoring and

Mitigation Plan (WMMP, Nov 20, 2009) to conform to Permit Conditions #87 and #88 of the

Final Order of the Site Certificate (LJWPII 2009a The Washington ground squirrel

monitoring surveyed their distribution and abundance every three years for the life of the

facility. The grassland bird studies were initiated in 2011 and concluded in 2014 to evaluate

breeding bird use pre and post construction.

The Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility (LJF; also referred to as the “Project” in this

report) is owned and operated by Leaning Juniper Wind Power II, LLC (LJWPII) which is

owned by Iberdrola Renewables, LLC. A permit (“Site Certificate”) for construction and

operations was issued to LJWPII by the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council in 2007

(LJWPII, 2007a) and an Amended Site Certificate was issued in 2009 (LJWPII, 2009a). The

Final Order of the Site Certificate contains Permit Conditions for the pre-construction,

construction and post-construction phases. Conditions #87 and #88 specify wildlife

monitoring and refer to a study plan for the operations phase wildlife monitoring (Wildlife

Monitoring and Mitigation Plan, WMMP).

The Project is located south of Arlington, Gilliam County, Oregon. Commercial operations

began in June 2011. The Project consists of 117 wind turbines, three non-guyed

meteorological (met) towers and other related or supporting facilities as described in the

Site Certificate. The Project consists of two areas, referred to as Leaning Juniper IIA and

IIB. Leaning Juniper IIA has 43 Suzlon S88 2.1-megawatt (MW) turbines for an installed

capacity of 90.3 MW. Leaning Juniper IIB has 74 GE 1.5-MW sle turbines for an installed

capacity of 111 MW. Combined, the Project has an installed capacity of 201.3 megawatts.

Substantial construction completion of Leaning Juniper IIA facilities occurred by October 20,

2010 and IIB facilities were completed on December 20, 2010. Commercial operation of the

full Project started on June 9, 2011.

General habitat types present within the Project boundary (also referred to as the Facility

boundary) are agricultural (non-irrigated farmland used for small grain crop production

every other year), non-agricultural but developed areas and features (landfill, gravel quarry,

roads, wind project facilities) and undeveloped (shrub-steppe, native perennial grassland,

non-native annual grassland and revegetated grassland). Some of the revegetated

grassland (prior farmland) may be enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program

(CRP). Scattered juniper trees and rock outcrops are also present. Areas monitored for

Washington ground squirrels and grassland birds are in shrub-steppe, native perennial

grassland, non-native annual grassland and revegetated grassland.

Within the northern portion of the Facility boundary, snakeweed (Gutierriezia sarothrae) is

the dominant shrub where antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) is not present. Various

perennial grasses and forbs along with some non-native grasses and forbs such as

cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and tall tumblemustard (Sisymbrium altissimum) are

present. Cheatgrass varies from being a small grass component in some areas to being the

dominant grass species in other areas. Some remnants of big sage (Artemisia tridentata)

are found throughout the northern area. Gray rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa) is also

present in some areas along with scattered medium to large sized western junipers

(Juniperus occidentalis).



Within the southern portion of the Facility boundary, the dominant shrub is also snakeweed,

with scattered gray rabbitbrush and the occasional big sage also present. Native perennial

grasses are present along with non-native cheatgrass. Cheatgrass is a secondary grass

component in some areas while being the dominant grass species in other areas. Within the

Facility boundary, some of the lowest densities of cheatgrass are within the revegetation

areas around the turbine pads and roads.

1.1 Post-construction Wildlife Monitoring Study

This report is for the period March 2014 through May 2014 and includes the Washington

ground squirrel surveys and the second and final year of surveys conducted for the

grassland bird study. Results of previous surveys (2013 or earlier) are included for

comparison purposes where applicable.

Washington Ground Squirrel Monitoring

For the IIA portion of the Project, long-term intensive post-construction monitoring is

required under the Washington Ground Squirrel Incidental Take Permit (ITP) issued as

Attachment E to the Final Order on the Project Application (LJWPII, 2007b). To comply with

Condition #88 a concurrence letter for the 2007 ITP application was issued to LJWPII by the

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in June 2008. For the IIB portion of the Project, no

ITP was issued. The primary objective of the post-construction monitoring as stated in

Attachment 2 of the ITP (LJWPII, 2007b) is to determine the current status of the pre-

construction baseline sites.

Washington ground squirrel surveys (monitoring of prior recorded sites) were to be

conducted during the first year following construction. Washington ground squirrel surveys

were initiated in March 2011 and repeated in 2014, three years post-construction. As

specified in the WMMP, the historical areas on IIA are to be monitored during the year

following construction and every three years thereafter for the life of the facility. At IIB, the

WGS activity assessments at specific areas are to occur during the WGS active period in the

first and fourth years of operation and every five years thereafter for the life of the project

Grassland Bird Study

The objective of the post-construction grassland bird study was to determine if there are

noticeable changes in the presence and overall use by special status grassland bird species

compared to pre-construction data collected in 2006. The study may provide insight on

whether the operation of the facility influences use of the area by two special status

(indicator) species; long-billed curlew and grasshopper sparrow. In addition to these two

indicator species, recording the numbers of common species (horned lark, savannah

sparrow and western meadowlark), may provide insight of their use in the study area.

According to the WMMP, the phrase “behavior relative to turbine locations” is intended to

address observations of behavior that is different near turbines when compared to behavior

away from turbines.

Grassland bird surveys were initiated in April 2011 following completion of LJ-IIA

construction (October 2010) but before the start of commercial operations in June 2011.

Turbines were functional and going through test phases during the 2011 grassland bird and

Washington ground squirrel surveys. Grassland bird surveys were repeated in 2014, three

years post-construction, and those surveys constitute the conclusion of the grassland bird

study.



2.0 METHODS

2.1 Washington Ground Squirrel Monitoring

Washington ground squirrel (WGS) monitoring at Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility

consists of monitoring historical areas of use (sites or colonies) on the IIA and IIB portions

of the Project (Figures 1 and 2). During each monitoring year biologists recorded land use

activity, and any evidence of Project-related conditions that might increase erosion or result

in a decline in vegetation quality, thus adversely affecting a WGS colony or its activity

(LJWPII, 2009b).

Leaning Juniper IIA

Intensive monitoring for Washington ground squirrels on the IIA portion of the Project

consisted of biologists monitoring a survey area defined in the ITP as sites identified during

the pre-construction surveys (2005 through 2007) and the buffer area within 500 feet in all

directions from the identified WGS sites in suitable habitat. The 2014 survey areas were

only within the IIA Project boundary and in areas where suitable habitat had not been

permanently altered by spring 2014. Habitat within portions of WGS 4c area of use (the

historically active area of use) and the 500-foot survey buffer assigned to the site were

permanently converted to commercial use by the landowner after the initial 2005 WGS

surveys were conducted (Downes et al., 2012). Because the habitat was no longer suitable

for WGS, these areas were not surveyed in 2011 or 2014. The 2014 survey areas are

identical to those surveyed in 2011 (Downes et al., 2012).

The term “area of use” for IIA is defined as the delineated area that Washington ground

squirrels were determined to be using during the pre-construction surveys. WGS areas of

use and their associated 500-foot survey buffers inside the Leaning Juniper IIA boundary

that were surveyed during 2011 and 2014 surveys were those listed in the ITP (LJWPII,

2007b). They are: 1, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 5, 6, and 8.

Biologists walked the survey areas twice during the spring of 2014. The first survey

occurred March 26, 2014 when adults are typically active and before some juvenile squirrels

may have emerged aboveground. The second survey occurred May 14–15, 2014 during the

typical peak WGS activity. Biologists walked the survey areas at transects spaced at 30–50

meters apart, as specified in the ITP. Transect widths were consistent with survey efforts

during 2011 surveys (Downes et al., 2012).

Biologists surveyed for potential natal burrows and active holes which were documented by

using a handheld GPS receiver. Biologists also documented habitat changes and areas of

erosion as specified in the WMMP. All detections were subsequently entered into a

Geographic Information System (GIS). Washington ground squirrel areas of use were

delineated and assigned a level of use according to the following classification system that

was also used by NWC for the pre-construction studies: very low use = less than one active

hole per hectare, low use = 1–5 active holes per hectare, medium = 5–25 active holes per

hectare, or high = 25 or more active holes, very high = 250 or more active holes per

hectare. Detections were recorded for active holes at least 15 meters from other active

holes and each detection included notes on how many active holes were within 15 meters of

the detection. If multiple detections were recorded for an area of use, a delineated

boundary was drawn in GIS. In delineating areas of use in GIS, a buffer of 15 meters was

placed on the outside of the outer detections to be consistent with the methods used for

recording detections during pre-construction field surveys.



Leaning Juniper IIB

For the IIB survey, biologists assessed the 10 pre-construction Washington ground squirrel

areas of use—13, 14, 15a, 15b, 16, 17, 22a, 22b, 23, and 24—during the typical seasonal

peak of WGS activity, May 13, 2014. Biologists searched the delineated pre-construction

areas of use starting with the center of the area of use and extending out to the perimeter

until presence was determined. Once an active hole was recorded, the systematic survey

was discontinued. Additional detections were recorded while in the area of use. Detections

encountered while traveling to and from the area of use were recorded as incidental

observations if outside of the delineated pre-construction areas of use boundary.

2.2 Grassland Bird Study

The grassland bird study is a two-year, post-construction evaluation of grassland bird use in

Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility area. This study was designed after the pre-

construction biological studies were completed; comparison with pre-construction results

are, however, possible for the two species of concern—long-billed curlew and grasshopper

sparrow—because all detections of both of these species were recorded throughout the

same area in 2006 (even though the specific methodology differed). A portion of the IIA

facility area that contains a large block (1,362 acres) of native habitat was selected in 2007

for the two-year post-construction study.

During 2006 baseline biological surveys, grassland birds that were detected included long-

billed curlew, horned lark, savannah sparrow, grasshopper sparrow and western

meadowlark (LJWPII, 2007c). Long-billed curlew and grasshopper sparrow are Oregon State

Sensitive-Vulnerable (ODFW, 2008) species in the Columbia Plateau while savannah

sparrow, horned lark and western meadowlark are common grassland nesting songbirds.

During the 2006 pre-construction surveys, NWC biologists surveyed the study area (and a

larger area) for special status wildlife (birds and other) by walking transects approximately

60 meters apart twice during the spring season (March–May). Surveyors recorded locations

of territorial long-billed curlews and grasshopper sparrows using GPS receivers. No GPS

locations were recorded for savannah sparrow, western meadowlark or horned lark.

The study area is located in the eastern portion of Leaning Juniper IIA and is bisected by a

public, gravel-surface county road (Rattlesnake Road). The area is characterized by open

low shrub habitat consisting of native perennial and annual grasses and short-stature

shrubs. Three LJ-IIA turbine strings and a privately-operated gravel quarry are located in

the study area. In this report, and as specified in the WMMP, the area to the north of

Rattlesnake Road is referred to as the north survey area and the area to the south of the

road is referred to as the south survey area. The north study area is bounded by the lease

boundary on the northeast and west sides and by Rattlesnake Road on the southeast side.

The south study area is bounded by an existing power line on the west, by Rattlesnake Road

on the north, and by natural topography on the other sides. The north study area contains

two turbine strings of eight turbines (five and three), associated access roads, transmission

components and a permanent meteorological tower. The south study area contains five

turbines and associated access roads.

Vegetation descriptions in this report are consistent with those found during preconstruction

studies (LJWPII, 2007c); these are qualitative and not quantitative. Noteworthy changes in

vegetation communities and land use, and evidence of recent erosion and wildfires were

noted during transect surveys and are described in this report.



2011 Grassland Bird Study

The first of two years of grassland bird monitoring was conducted during the spring of 2011.

The WMMP calls for the first season to be conducted during the first spring following the

beginning of commercial operation of the facility. As previously described, the Project did

not begin commercial operation during the spring of 2011. However, construction was

completed in IIA in October 2010 and no construction activities occurred during the survey

period, only routine turbine testing and inspections. Biologists walked the approximate 2006

transects during two surveys in the spring of 2011. The first survey was conducted from

April 22–24, 2011 during the period of long-billed curlew nesting and recent arrival of

grasshopper sparrow to their territories. The second survey was conducted May 27–30,

2011 during the long-billed curlew nesting period and peak of grasshopper sparrow nesting

cycle. If burrowing owls were found on either survey, a third survey was called for under the

WMMP to occur from late May through July. No burrowing owls were encountered during

either of the two surveys and thus no third survey was conducted.

Transects were spaced at 60-meter intervals and surveys were conducted by teams of

biologists with team members working together to assess locations of individuals and to

avoid double-counting of common species. Biologists recorded the locations of the two

indicator species (long-billed curlew and grasshopper sparrow) using GPS receivers. Long-

billed curlew flight paths were recorded on a map of the study area and locations and flight

paths were transferred to a GIS. This information was used to display the areas noted as

being used by the curlews during the surveys and their relation to the Project facilities.

Numbers of horned lark, savannah sparrow and western meadowlark were compiled for

each survey area and period. Notes of common species were recorded, such as nesting

behavior. In addition to numbers of common species detected, comprehensive species lists

for each survey effort were compiled and a comprehensive list is presented in this report.

2014 Grassland Bird Study

The second of two years of grassland bird monitoring was conducted during the spring of

2014. The WMMP calls for the second season to be conducted two to five years after the

first survey. These surveys were conducted three years after the first surveys. The timing of

the second round of surveys was approved by ODFW biologists and Oregon Department of

Energy personnel. Biologists walked the 2011 transects during two surveys in the spring of

2014. The first survey was conducted from April 28–May 1, 2014 during the period of long-

billed curlew nesting and recent arrival of grasshopper sparrow to their territories. The

second survey was conducted May 27–29, 2014 during the long-billed curlew nesting period

and peak of grasshopper sparrow nesting cycle. If burrowing owls were found on either

survey, a third survey was called for under the WMMP to occur from late May through July.

No burrowing owls were encountered during either of the two surveys and thus no third

survey was conducted. Methods for recording data and detections of indicator species were

identical to those described for 2011 surveys.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Analysis and reporting for the grassland bird study focuses on the two indicator species,

long-billed curlew and grasshopper sparrow. Total number of detections of each indicator

species was reported for each survey year (2006, 2011 and 2014) and by survey area

(north and south). Each detection was comprised of a family unit, so pairs and family

groups were recorded the same as territorial males. Data for the two indicator species were

examined in a spatial manner to determine if the use by each of the indicator species

differed between pre-construction surveys (2006) and post-construction surveys (2011 and

2014). A 100-meter buffer was placed around turbines and roads in the reported figures as

a relative measure of the area within which habitat was disturbed through project

construction. This measurement is considered a conservative estimate of habitat



disturbance by Project construction. In most cases habitat disturbance was less than 100

meters from turbines and Project roads and varied somewhat from one area to the next.

Grasshopper sparrow detections were analyzed using four different metrics. Those metrics

were visual analysis of detections per survey area pre- vs. post-construction, visual analysis

of detections per survey area pre- vs. post-construction within 100 meters of turbines and

turbine roads, analysis of distance from nearest turbine, and behaviorally. Grasshopper

sparrow detections were plotted by distance from the nearest turbine using 100-meter

bands to determine if there was any relation to occupancy and distance from turbine. No

statistical analyses were prescribed in the WMMP (LJWPII, 2007c), and since 2014 results

did not suggest the appropriateness of any analyses, none were performed.

For the three common species listed in the WMMP, horned lark, savannah sparrow and

western meadowlark, the number of birds detected per survey within each survey area was

tallied and reported here. Notes were taken on general distribution of common species

within the study area, and those notes are summarized in the results section.

3.0 RESULTS


Land Use Changes, Erosion, and Grazing

No evidence was found of Project-related vegetation disturbance in the undisturbed areas.

As in prior survey years, cattle were grazed on WGS areas of use at IIA and IIB. No

evidence of erosion resulting from Project related activities or landowner activities such as

grazing were noted during the 2014 surveys. WGS activity and notes on habitat changes are

described below.

Leaning Juniper IIA

During surveys at Leaning Juniper IIA, no activity was detected within the Project boundary

for Washington ground squirrels areas 1, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 5 and 8 (Figure 1, Table 1).

Portions of the WGS areas 1, 4c, 4d, 4e and 5 were outside of the Project boundary, so it

cannot be determined if the entire WGS ITP monitoring areas were devoid of use during

2014. The WGS area that showed use during 2014 was area 6. There was one detection

within the boundaries of area 6, at the northeastern edge. An incidental detection was

recorded outside the survey area, but in the immediate vicinity to the east of the boundary,

suggesting squirrels are occupying areas outside of the survey area. No habitat changes or

erosion was noted other than the spread of weedy plant species in some areas compared to

what was observed in 2011.

Leaning Juniper IIB

Ten WGS areas of use are specified in the WMMP (LJWPII, 2009b) for post-construction

monitoring and assessments. These are: 13, 14, 15a, 15b, 16, 17, 22a, 22b, 23 and 24. Of

the 10 areas specified in the WMMP, seven (15a, 15b, 16, 17, 22a, 22b and 24) had WGS

activity in 2014 within their pre-construction mapped boundaries (Figure 2, Table 2); the

remaining three (13, 14 and 23) had no activity within their pre-construction mapped

boundaries. Area of use 23 had no activity within the survey area but had activity in the

immediate area outside the survey area. Any detection outside the pre-construction mapped

area was recorded as incidentals. Documented active WGS holes within the survey areas are

plotted on Figure 2. Incidental observations of WGS detected during the WGS surveys are

also plotted on Figure 2. No erosion was noted in the survey areas. Habitat changes were

noted in one area, the habitat surrounding survey area 13 had been mowed by the

landowner to remove the shrub cover.



Multiple incidental observations were noted during WGS surveys in May 2014 while traveling

from one WGS area of use to another. Some of these incidental observations likely

represented individuals that had shifted their use area slightly from their original delineated

boundaries. This is apparent in the case of the incidental observations noted near WGS area

23. Washington ground squirrels are still active in this area, but have shifted their

occupancy area outside of the original pre-construction delineated boundary.


Plant Communities and Land Use Changes 2006 through mid-2014

The habitat was not grazed by livestock (cattle) between the 2006 baseline surveys and the

2011 surveys (first post-construction survey). However, the south survey area was grazed

in 2013 and was being grazed during 2014 surveys. The north study area had some limited

(several days of) sheep grazing in the spring of 2013 but no cattle grazing. A fire did sweep

through the northern part of the north survey area (the area north of the turbine strings) in

July 2008. No substantial areas of erosion were noted in either the northern or southern

survey area. The only notable change was a small area in the south survey area that was

plowed in the spring of 2013 and replanted with a mix of grass seed in the fall/winter of

2013-2014. This area is noted on Figures 3 and 4 as “plowed area.”

Long-billed Curlew

There was single long-billed curlew detection during 2006 pre-construction surveys, found in

the north survey area near Rattlesnake Road (Figure 3). Flight paths were not mapped

during pre-construction surveys. Six detections were noted during 2011 post-construction

surveys; two in the north survey area and four in the south survey area. Their mapped

flight paths overlapped with the three turbine strings in the study area. No long-billed

curlews were detected during the 2014 post-construction grassland bird surveys. Other than

their continued presence in 2011 (when compared to 2006) and their absence during 2014

surveys, no further analysis can be conducted for this species.

Grasshopper Sparrow

In 2006, there were 14 detections in the north survey area and two detections in the south

survey area (Table 3; Figure 4). In 2011, there were 12 detections in the north survey area

and seven in the south. In 2014, there were 73 detections in the north and 17 in the south

survey area.

Numbers of grasshopper sparrows within 100 meters of turbines and Project access roads

were also examined for each survey area for each year. In 2006, three detections were

recorded in the north survey area and zero in the south survey area (Table 3). In 2011,

there was a single detection in the north survey area and zero in the south. In 2014, there

were seven detections in the north and three in the south survey area.

An analysis of distance was conducted by measuring grasshopper sparrow detections to the

nearest turbine in meters. Distances were then grouped by 100-meter intervals up to 600

meters and a last group of 600 meters and beyond. Results are displayed in Figure 5. Total

detections in 2014 (three years post-construction) exceeded detections in 2006 (pre-

construction) for all distance categories. For 2014 detections, there were fewer grasshopper

sparrow detections in the 0-100 meter category than in other distance categories (Figure

5). See Section 4.2 for discussion of this result.

Lastly, notes on behaviors associated with detections were examined for any differences in

detections near turbines and away from turbines. Most detections consisted of singing



males, with a lesser number of silent adults or pairs of adults perched or flushed. There was

no pattern of any behavior being more or less common near the turbine strings. Confirmed

breeding was noted in both 2011 and 2014 for the grassland bird study area and behaviors

consistent with breeding such as pair bonding or nestling defense were noted in both 2011

and 2014 in both survey areas.

Burrowing Owl and Common Species

No burrowing owls were found in the study area during pre-construction surveys or during

either the 2011 or 2014 post-construction surveys. Number of individuals was kept for three

common species during the 2011 and 2014 post-construction surveys; these were horned

lark, savannah sparrow and western meadowlark. A comprehensive species list was kept for

other vertebrate wildlife encountered during the 2011 and 2014 surveys (Appendix A).

For the three common species whose numbers were tracked during surveys, their metrics

including total numbers and number of birds per kilometer (km) are shown in Table 4. The

metric of birds per km makes the northern and southern survey areas comparable though

they are different sizes.

Horned lark numbers were similar between 2011 and 2014, with the first survey (conducted

in late April) encountering more birds than the second survey (conducted in late May). The

north survey area had slightly more birds per km than the south survey area, though the

precision of these numbers is believed to be rough, as these are birds that cover large areas

and fly readily in the observer’s presence. Horned larks were encountered throughout the

survey area and observers noted no increased or decreased presence near turbine strings.

The species was noted nesting in both survey areas, as observers saw juveniles, adults

carrying food, or nests.

Savannah sparrow numbers were similar in the north survey area between the 2011 and

2014 surveys. More savannah sparrows were encountered in the south survey area during

2011 surveys (81) than the 2014 surveys (15). However, substantially fewer birds were

encountered during the second surveys (late May) for both years and both survey areas

than the first survey (late April). This could suggest that many of these birds are merely

migrants in the study area (but are known to nest in the general landscape) or were less

active in late May. Many of the savannah sparrows encountered in the north survey area

were noted in the northern portion, north of the turbine strings. The species was noted

breeding in 2011, but no confirmed breeding was noted in 2014. There were no behaviors

seen that would indicate avoidance or attraction to the turbine string habitat in the study

area.

Western meadowlark numbers were similar for both years, both survey areas and both

surveys. In 2011, numbers were higher in the north survey area while in 2014 the two

survey areas were similar (Table 3). In 2014 numbers for both survey areas were higher

during the first survey than the second, however this species has relatively large territories

and despite efforts to avoid double counting, the precision on these numbers is not high.

The species was noted nesting in both survey areas, with biologists recording juveniles,

adults carrying food or nests. No avoidance or attraction to turbine strings was noted.

4.0 DISCUSSION


Leaning Juniper IIA

The primary objective of the post-construction monitoring as stated in Attachment 2 of the

ITP (LJWPII, 2007b) is to determine the current status of the pre-construction baseline



sites. Results of 2014 monitoring are presented in Table 1 along with previous monitoring

results at these WGS areas of use and associated survey buffers. Monitoring in 2013

occurred within the Leaning Juniper I Project boundary (Downes, 2013), operated by

PacifiCorp Energy, and monitoring in 2014 occurred within the Leaning Juniper II Project

boundary. Thus, while the same WGS areas of use were surveyed each year, 2014

monitoring surveyed different portions of the area of use and associated survey buffers than

did the Leaning Juniper I 2013 monitoring. Monitoring in 2014 surveyed the same area as

2011 surveys.

WGS use areas overlap the project boundaries of Leaning Juniper II A (LJ A)operated by IR

and Leaning Juniper I (LJ I) operated by PacifiCorp Energy (see Figure 1). WGS monitoring

occurred in 2014 within the LJ II A Project boundary and it occurred in 2013 within the

adjacent LJ I Project boundary (Downes, 2013). Thus, the same WGS areas of use

overlapped the project boundaries but only use area for the corresponding projects were

surveyed each year, 2014 LJ II A monitoring surveyed different portions of the area of use

and associated survey buffers than did the Leaning Juniper I 2013 monitoring. Monitoring of

LJ II A in 2014 surveyed the same area as the 2011 surveys.

Area of use 6 was the only area where WGS activity was noted during 2014 surveys at

Leaning Juniper IIA. The occupancy of the area of use appears to have shifted to the north

and east (Figure 1). As described in results, WGS activity was noted at the northeastern

extent of the 500-foot buffer and extended to outside of the survey area as documented by

the incidental observation. Besides detections in area of use 6, no activity has been noted in

any of the Leaning Juniper II survey areas since 2010. However, portions of area of use 1

that fall within the Leaning Juniper I survey area did have detections at the eastern edge of

the survey area (Downes, 2013).

As specified in the ITP, after the first year of post-construction monitoring these areas of

use and associated 500-foot buffers within the Project boundary will be assessed every

three years for the life of the Project. The next survey period will be spring of 2017.

Leaning Juniper IIB

As described previously, the 10 active sites described in the WMMP were checked for activity

status within their pre-construction mapped boundaries. WGS activity in some areas likely

has shifted as evidenced by nearby incidental observations; other active sites have not

persisted since pre-construction surveys. Occupancy of the areas between 16, 17, 22a, 22b

and 24 appears to have expanded greatly as evidenced by the number of incidental

detections in 2014 and during fatality monitoring in 2012 and 2013 (Downes et al., 2013).

As specified in the WMMP (LJWPII, 2009b), assessment of the 10 WGS areas will occur

during the active WGS periods in the fourth year of operation and every five years for the

life of the Project. The next survey period will be spring of 2019.


The objective of the post-construction grassland bird study was to determine if there are

noticeable changes in the presence and overall use by special status grassland bird

(indicator species) species compared to pre-construction data collected in 2006. Discussion

below uses data presented in the results section of this report to assess the objective of the

study.

Long-billed Curlew

Number of long-billed curlew territories went from one during pre-construction surveys

(2006) to four the year following construction (2011) to zero detections at three years post-

construction (2014). The sample size is insufficient to support any definitive analysis.



Annual variation of long-billed curlew populations could be a contributing factor to survey

results. Despite four territories being recorded during 2011 surveys, the species was not

abundant during pre-construction surveys. Thus, comparing 2006 surveys (pre-

construction) and 2014 (three years post-construction) is a difference of one long-billed

curlew territory. Reasons for lack of detections during the 2014 are unknown. The species is

still present on the Project at both IIA and IIB and is often sighted around turbines as was

noted elsewhere during the 2014 WGS surveys in 2014 and general wildlife observations

recorded from 2011–2013 (Downes et al., 2013).

Grasshopper Sparrow

Grasshopper sparrow detections were higher in 2014 than in either 2011 or 2006 surveys.

Further, 2014 number of detections within 100 meters of turbines or roads was higher than

either 2006 or 2011. Behaviorally, no differences were noted between detections near the

turbines and detections away from turbines. Most detections consisted of singing males.

A difference was noted in occupancy in regard to distance from turbines and project roads.

During the 2006 pre-construction surveys the species had a fairly uniform presence across

the study area. During 2014 surveys, less detections were recorded in the 0-100 meters

category than in other distance categories. No statistical analyses were prescribed in the

WMMP (LJWPII, 2007c), nor is this observation and sample size deemed to lend itself to

meaningful testing. Moreover, grasshopper sparrow abundance in the study area was higher

in 2014 than during pre-construction levels, suggesting that population reduction has not

occurred. Population numbers of wildlife species, including songbirds such as grasshopper

sparrow are known to fluctuate on an annual basis. While the high number of detections in

2014 indicates that the study area continues to provide good habitat for the species,

numbers detected in 2014 may be higher or lower than average numbers expected during

subsequent post-construction years of Project operation.

Burrowing Owl and Common Species

No burrowing owls were detected in the survey area during the pre-construction or either of

the two post-construction surveys. Common species (horned lark, savannah sparrow and

western meadowlark) were noted in similar numbers during both post-construction surveys.

As numbers were not recorded during the pre-construction surveys, it is not possible to

conclude pre- vs. post-construction changes in populations on the study area. No behaviors

or avoidance of turbine areas would suggest that turbines are having an effect on any of

these three species. Of course, this was a coarse visual analysis as more detailed

procedures such as territory mapping or productivity monitoring were not part of the study.

Thus, conclusions beyond presence or absence of a species are not applicable through this

study.

5.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank Iberdrola Renewables, LLC and Leaning Juniper Wind Power II, LLC for

funding this study and the landowners for providing access. Several NWC staff members

were crucial in preparing the details of this report. Brett Anderson created the figures for

this report. Karen Kronner provided helpful comments to improve the report. Rick Gerhardt

and Sara Woods assisted with wildlife monitoring and data review.

6.0 REFERENCES

Downes, S. 2013. 2013 Leaning Juniper Washington Ground Squirrel Monitoring of 2005

Sites for ODFW-issued Incidental Take Permit Requirements. Prepared for PacifiCorp

Energy, Portland, Oregon. Prepared by Northwest Wildlife Consultants, Inc., Pendleton,

Oregon.



Downes, S., B. Gritski, B. Anderson and S. Zielin. 2012. Leaning Juniper II Wind Power

Facility Wildlife Monitoring Study Annual Report. March 2011–July 2012. Prepared for

Iberdrola Renewables, Portland, Oregon. Prepared by Northwest Wildlife Consultants,

Inc., Pendleton, Oregon.

Downes, S., B. Gritski and S. Woods. 2013. Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility Wildlife

Monitoring Study. January 2011–July 2013. Prepared for Leaning Juniper II, LLC,

Portland, Oregon. Prepared by Northwest Wildlife Consultants, Inc., Pendleton, Oregon.

In 2013 Annual Report for Leaning Juniper IIA and Annual Report for Leaning Juniper

IIB. Report submitted in 2014 to the Oregon Department of Energy by Leaning Juniper

Wind Power II, LLC.

Gritski, B. K. Kronner, and S. Downes. 2008. Leaning Juniper Phase I Wind Power Project,

2006–2008. Wildlife Monitoring Final Report. Prepared for PacifiCorp Energy, Portland,

Oregon. Prepared by Northwest Wildlife Consultants, Inc., Pendleton, Oregon.

Gritski, B. 2010. 2010 Leaning Juniper Washington Ground Squirrel Monitoring of 2005

Sites for ODFW-issued Incidental Take Permit Requirements. Prepared for PacifiCorp

Energy, Portland, Oregon. Prepared by Northwest Wildlife Consultants, Inc., Pendleton,

Oregon.

Leaning Juniper II Wind Power (LJIIWP), LLC. 2007a. Site Certificate for the Leaning Juniper

II Wind Power Facility. September 21, 2007.

Leaning Juniper Wind Power II (LJWPII), LLC. 2007b. Incidental Take Permit Application For

State-Listed, Washington Ground Squirrel (Spermophilis washingtoni).

Leaning Juniper Wind Power II (LJWPII), LLC. 2007c. Application for Site Certificate for the

Leaning Juniper Wind Power Facility. Submitted to the Oregon Energy Facility Siting

Council. Application filed on May 15, 2007. Prepared by PPM Energy, Inc., CH2M Hill

and Northwest Wildlife Consultants, Inc.

Leaning Juniper Wind Power II (LJWPII), LLC. 2009a. First Amended Site Certificate and

Final Order on amendment #1 for the Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility issued by

the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council.

Leaning Juniper Wind Power II (LJWPII), LLC. 2009b. Leaning Juniper II Wind Project:

Wildlife Monitoring and Mitigation Plan. November 20, 2009. Oregon Energy Facility

Siting Council of the State of Oregon, Final Order on Amendment #1-Attachment A.

First Amended Site Certificate for the Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). 2008. Oregon Department of Fish and

Wildlife Sensitive species: frequently asked questions and sensitive species list,

organized by category. Available online at:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/diversity/species/docs/SSL_by_category.pdf

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/diversity/species/docs/SSL_by_category.pdf



7.0 TABLES


NWC, Inc. October 6, 2014

Table 1. 2014 Washington ground squirrel (WGS) monitoring at the Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility and previous

WGS level of use within the 2014 surveyed areas.

WGS Area

of Use

2014

Level of Use1

2014

Natal

Sites2

2011

Level of Use3 2010

Level of Use4 2007

Level of Use5 2005

Level of Use5

1 Absent No Absent Low High High

4a Absent No Absent Absent Low Low

4b Absent No Absent Absent Low Medium

4c Absent No Absent Low High High

4d Absent No Absent Absent Medium High

4e Absent No Absent Absent Medium High

5 Absent No Absent Absent Absent High

6 Very Low No High High Medium Very Low

86 Absent No Absent Not Surveyed Not Surveyed Not Surveyed

1 Absent= no active holes detected during either survey, Very Low level of use = less than 1 active hole per hectare, Low level of use = 1–5 active holes/hectare, Medium level of use = 5–25 active holes/hectare, High level of use = 25 or more active holes/hectare. 2 Natal sites are defined as burrows used by WGS for rearing young. 3 Information from Downes et al., 2012 4 Information from Gritski, 2010 5 Information from Gritski et al., 2008 6 From ITP (LJWPII, 2007b) Table 1: Was likely active in 2005, judging by sign of use noted in December 2005. Heard and saw two or three Washington

ground squirrels on February 16, 2006. No indication of natal activity (female with young).


NWC, Inc. December 8th, 2014

Table 2. 2014 Washington ground squirrel (WGS) monitoring at the Leaning Juniper IIB

Wind Power Facility.

WGS Area of Use 2014 Status1 2011 Status1

13 Absent Absent

14 Absent Present

15a Present Absent

15b Present Absent

16 Present Absent

17 Present Present

22a Present Absent

22b Present Absent

23 Absent Absent

24 Present Absent

1 Absent = no active holes detected during either survey, Present = at least one active hole found in survey area.



Table 3. Number of grasshopper sparrow detections during grassland bird surveys in spring

2006, 2011 and 2014 at Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility.

Survey Area 2006

Total Area

2006 100m from Turbines

and Roads

2011 Total

Area


and Roads

2014 Total

Area


and Roads

Northern 14 3 12 1 73 7

Southern 2 0 7 0 17 3

*Detections include both surveys for a given year and likely included double counting of some territories as there

was no attempt to avoid recording detections during the second survey in areas where a detection occurred during the first survey.

Table 4. Number of horned lark, savannah sparrow and western meadowlark detected

during grassland bird surveys in spring 2011 and spring 2014 at Leaning Juniper IIA Wind

Power Facility.

Species (in taxonomic order)

2011 North 1st Survey

2011 North 2nd Survey

2011 South 1st Survey

2011 South 2nd Survey

Total Birds

Birds per km1

Total Birds

Birds per km1

Total Birds

Birds per km1

Total Birds

Birds per km1

Horned lark 324 4.93 260 3.96 85 3.62 80 3.40

Savannah sparrow 102 1.55 2 0.03 81 3.45 4 0.17

Western meadowlark 137 2.09 120 1.83 31 1.32 34 1.45

Species (in taxonomic order)

2014 North

1st Survey

2014 North

2nd Survey

2014 South

1st Survey

2014 South

2nd Survey

Total Birds

Birds per km1

Total Birds

Birds per km1

Total Birds

Birds per km1

Total Birds

Birds per km1

Horned lark 308 4.69 211 3.21 96 4.09 48 2.04

Savannah sparrow 115 1.75 1 0.02 15 0.64 3 0.13

Western meadowlark 133 2.02 85 1.29 45 1.91 25 1.06

1 Total individuals detected by survey area and survey round, reported as mean number per kilometer (km) surveyed, all transects combined.



8.0 APPENDICES

Appendix A. Comprehensive species list from grassland bird surveys for Leaning Juniper II

Wind Power Facility, April–May 2011 and 2014.

Common Name Scientific Name 2011 Surveys 2014 Surveys

Birds

Turkey vulture Cathartes aura X

Swainson's hawk* Buteo swainsoni X X

Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis X

Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos X

Long-billed curlew* Numenius americanus X

California gull Larus californicus X

Mourning dove Zenaida macroura X X

American kestrel Falco sparverius X X

Say's phoebe Sayornis saya X X

Western kingbird Tyrannus verticalis X X

Warbling vireo Vireo gilvus X

Common raven Corvus corax X X

Horned lark Eremophila alpestris X X

Violet-green swallow Tachycineta thalassina X X

Cliff swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota X

Barn swallow Hirundo rustica X

Rock wren Salpinctes obsoletus X X

European starling Sturnus vulgaris X X

American pipit Anthus rubescens X X

Yellow-rumped warbler Dendroica coronata X

Chipping sparrow Spizella passerine X

Brewer's sparrow Spizella breweri X

Vesper sparrow Pooecetes gramineus X

Savannah sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis X X

Grasshopper sparrow* Ammodramus savannarum X X

Lincoln's sparrow Melospiza lincolnii X

White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys X X

Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta X X

Brewer’s blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus X

House finch Carpodacus mexicanus X

Mammals

White-tailed jackrabbit* Lepus townsendii X X

Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum X

Elk Cervus canadensis X

Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus X

* denotes species is of state special status.



9.0 FIGURES

Figure 1. Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility 2014 Washington Ground Squirrel

Monitoring.

(Confidential - submitted under separate cover)

Figure 2. Leaning Juniper IIB Wind Power Facility 2014 Washington Ground Squirrel

Monitoring and incidental observations.

(Confidential - submitted under separate cover)



Figure 3. Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility Grassland Bird Study Long-billed Curlew

Detections.



Figure 4. Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility Grassland Bird Study Grasshopper

Sparrow Detections.



Figure 5. Leaning Juniper IIA Wind Power Facility Grassland Bird Study Graph of

Grasshopper Sparrow Detections; Pre-Construction (2006), Year Following Construction

(2011) and Three Years Post-construction (2014).

Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility 2014 Wildlife ... library/2014...The Leaning Juniper II Wind...

Documents

Transcript of Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility 2014 Wildlife ... library/2014...The Leaning Juniper II Wind...