SURVEYS FOR THE FOOTHILL YELLOW-LEGGED FROG (RANA …

SURVEYS FOR THE FOOTHILL YELLOW-LEGGED FROG (RANA BOYLII)

AND WESTERN POND TURTLE (ACTINEMYS MARMORATA)

IN LOWER IOWA CANYON CREEK AND SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER

April 12, 2011

Prepared for: Sacramento Municipal Utility District

Power Generation Department 6201 S Street, Mail Stop B355 Sacramento, California 95817

Prepared by: ECORP Consulting, Inc.

2525 Warren Drive Rocklin, California 95677

Sacramento Municipal Utility District Upper American River Project

FERC Project No. 2101

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

1.1 Project Purpose and Study Area .............................................................................. 1 1.2 Previous Studies ...................................................................................................... 2

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

2.1 Timing of Surveys ................................................................................................... 3 2.2 Visual Encounter Survey Methods ......................................................................... 3

2.2.1 Foothill Yellow-legged Frog and Western Pond Turtle .............................. 3 2.3 Habitat Assessment Methods .................................................................................. 4

3.0 RESULTS .......................................................................................................................... 5

3.1 Visual Encounter Survey Results ............................................................................ 5 3.1.1 Iowa Canyon Creek ..................................................................................... 5 3.1.2 South Fork American River ¼-mile Reach ................................................. 8

3.2 Habitat Assessments ............................................................................................... 8 3.2.1 Iowa Canyon Creek Description ................................................................. 8 3.2.2 SFAR 1/4-mile Reach Description ............................................................. 9

4.0 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................... 10

4.1 Foothill Yellow-legged Frog ................................................................................. 10 4.2 Western Pond Turtle ............................................................................................. 11

5.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................ 12



LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Foothill Yellow-legged Frog and Western Pond Turtle Survey Areas, 2010

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Attachment A - Copies of Visual Encounter Survey (VES) Data Sheets for Iowa Canyon Creek and

the ¼-Mile Reach Attachment B - Copies of Habitat Assessment Data Sheets for Iowa Canyon Creek and the SFAR

¼-Mile Reach Attachment C - Representative Photographs of the SFAR ¼-Mile Reach and Iowa Canyon Creek

Survey Reach



Page 1 Amphibian Surveys/FYLF – WPT Report 04/12/2011

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This report presents the results of 2010 foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) (FYLF) and western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) (WPT) surveys conducted for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) as part of the proposed New Slab Creek Powerhouse Project (Project). The Project consists of modification of SMUD’s existing Upper American River Project (UARP), a 688 MW hydroelectric project consisting of eight powerhouses. The smallest is Slab Creek Powerhouse, a 0.4 MW facility lying at the base of Slab Creek Reservoir Dam on the South Fork American River (SFAR). This powerhouse generates power from the 10/36 cfs minimum release requirements under the existing license. Under the new UARP license, higher and more variable minimum releases ranging between 63 and 415 cfs will be released from Slab Creek Reservoir. Preliminary engineering feasibility studies have demonstrated the value of adding a new powerhouse at Slab Creek Reservoir to take advantage of the new minimum releases. However, the size of the release valve at the base of Slab Creek Reservoir Dam, which feeds into the existing powerhouse, limits the volume of water to approximately 260 cfs. Under the new license, SMUD will also provide boating flows below Slab Creek Reservoir of up to 1,500 cfs. Currently, boating flows can only be provided by spilling water over Slab Creek Dam. Alternatively, boating flows could be realized by boring a new hole through the base of the dam and installing a larger pipe and release valve. SMUD has determined the White Rock Tunnel Adit 3, a short tunnel that connects to the White Rock Tunnel, is the optimal location for a new powerhouse that can facilitate the minimum and boating releases required under the new license. Under SMUD’s proposal, a valve inserted into the White Rock Tunnel bulkhead would deliver water into a penstock leading to the new powerhouse at the end of the adit. The powerhouse would be located on the banks of the SFAR, directly downstream of Iowa Canyon Creek. A new bridge crossing the lowermost section of Iowa Canyon Creek would provide vehicular access to the new powerhouse.

1.1 Project Purpose and Study Area

The Project area is focused on the SFAR just below the Slab Creek Reservoir Dam in Section 25 of Township 11 North, Range 12 East of the Slate Mountain, California USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map. Elevations in the Project area range from approximately 1,640 – 1,800 ft (500 – 550 m). The FYLF and WPT study area includes the lower portion of Iowa Canyon Creek and the ¼-mile reach of the SFAR from the base of Slab Creek Reservoir Dam to the new powerhouse location. The FYLF and WPT are both California Species of Special Concern and considered Sensitive by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).




The objectives of the FYLF and WPT surveys were to determine if one or both of these species occur within the lower portion of Iowa Canyon Creek or the ¼-mile reach, and if present determine the distribution and relative abundance of the two species within the study area. Information collected as part of the surveys included habitat descriptions; water temperature, flow, and other water quality parameters; and incidental observations of aquatic and/or terrestrial species.

1.2 Previous Studies

The only previously documented FYLF and WPT surveys on the SFAR below Slab Creek Reservoir were conducted from 2002 through 2004 as part of the relicensing studies for SMUD’s Upper American River Project (UARP). Results of these studies were documented in the Amphibians and Aquatic Reptiles Technical Report (DTA and Stillwater Sciences 2005) and incorporated into SMUD’s environmental assessment that was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with SMUD’s application for a new license. Within the 8-mile Slab Creek Dam Reach (from the base of Slab Creek Reservoir Dam downstream to White Rock Powerhouse), FYLF and WPT surveys were conducted at five river sites and two tributary sites. The five sites on the SFAR were located: downstream of Iowa Canyon Creek, at the confluence with Rock Creek, one mile downstream of Rock Creek, upstream of White Rock Powerhouse, and at White Rock Powerhouse. The two tributary sites included the lower portion of Iowa Canyon Creek and the lower portion of Rock Creek. Based on habitat characteristics, the Slab Creek Dam Reach contained moderate to high quality habitat for FYLF. Results of surveys conducted within this reach during the study period did not document the presence of either FYLF or WPT at any of the SFAR or tributary sites. However, bullfrog tadpoles, juveniles, and adults were observed at several sites in the lower SFAR below Rock Creek. Even though FYLF and WPT were not formally documented within the reach during the relicensing studies, both species were incidentally observed by USFS biologists. In 2003, an adult FYLF was observed on the SFAR approximately 0.5 miles upstream of White Rock Powerhouse by Jann Williams; and three juvenile WPT were observed on the SFAR within the lower portion of the reach by Jann Williams and Jens Hamar. One juvenile turtle was observed in August, approximately 0.5 mi upstream of White Rock Powerhouse, and two juveniles were observed in September just downstream of the Rock Creek confluence with the SFAR.




2.0 METHODS

2.1 Timing of Surveys

The timing of the 2010 FYLF and WPT surveys was based on several environmental factors including water and air temperature, and hydrograph data (peak flows / descending flows). Two visual encounter surveys (VES) for egg masses / tadpoles were conducted within the lower portion of Iowa Canyon Creek from the confluence with the South Fork American River (SFAR) upstream to the Slab Creek Reservoir Road crossing and the ¼-mile reach of the SFAR. Due to high flows and cold water temperatures during the spring, the initial surveys for egg masses and/or tadpoles were conducted in mid-June and early July. The final survey targeting late stage tadpoles and young-of-the-year frogs was conducted in mid-September.

2.2 Visual Encounter Survey Methods

2.2.1 Foothill Yellow-legged Frog and Western Pond Turtle

The foothill yellow-legged frog VES and habitat assessment methods followed the same protocols used for the SMUD Hydro Relicensing Project studies and for most hydroelectric projects in the Sierras, A Standardized Approach for Habitat Assessments and Visual Encounter Surveys for the Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana boylii) (Seltenrich and Pool 2002). This standardized approach specifies the timing of surveys for different life stages, parameters to be measured, and the exact methods to be employed, and also includes a summary of life history and habitat information for FYLF. Since 2002, several additions have been made to the 2002 VES methodology and associated field data sheets to ensure that data collection is consistent with more recent information obtained on this species, including:

• UTM coordinates for each life stage encountered; • Wetted and bankfull widths at each life stage encountered; • Mid-column velocity at egg mass and tadpole locations; • Developmental stage for eggs and tadpoles using Gosner’s (1960) classification; • Egg mass shape and color; • Percent vegetative cover and shade associated with YOY, juvenile, and adult frogs; and • The use of a snorkeler to assist in detecting egg masses, especially in deeper habitats.

According to the protocol, microhabitat information is to be recorded on standardized VES data sheets for each FYLF life stage and individual or group encountered during the surveys, with at least one VES data sheet for each survey. If present, FYLF are classified as either YOY (recent metamorphs), juveniles, or adults. Juveniles include the previous year’s cohort and frogs that do not exhibit secondary sexual characteristics (e.g. nuptial pads). Individuals are photo-documented, when possible, and their location within the site recorded using hand-held GPS




units. Incidental observations of FYLF encountered outside of site boundaries, as well as other herpetofauna encountered during the surveys, will also be recorded. Due to the high flows and cold water temperatures (below suitable breeding temperatures for FYLF) that occurred during in the SFAR basin in spring and early summer of 2010, the initiation of the FYLF and WPT surveys was delayed until early June. Surveys were conducted within the lower portion of Iowa Canyon Creek (up to the point where Slab Creek reservoir Road crosses the creek, approximately 1,800 ft from the confluence with the SFAR) and along the mainstem SFAR within and immediately downstream of the ¼-mile reach. Both of these reaches were surveyed by two biologists. These tandem surveys typically involved one biologist walking ahead primarily looking for YOY, juvenile, and / or adult frogs while the other walked a few feet behind searching for tadpoles and egg masses. However, during the initial egg mass and tadpole surveys, both surveyors searched for egg masses and tadpoles while also looking ahead for juvenile and adult frogs. Edgewater areas and, in some cases, mid-channel habitats were also surveyed for frogs, egg masses, and tadpoles. Following the initial survey, a habitat assessment data sheet was completed for each location. Formal survey protocols for WPT in small creeks and rivers is not available. However, since FYLF surveys involve the use of binoculars to view upstream areas and potential frog basking sites, these protocols provide an appropriate survey method for observing and identifying WPT potentially occurring within Iowa Canyon Creek and the ¼-mile reach. Mid-summer (July and August) is normally the most likely period to observe this species; although turtles may also be observed outside this period. As a result, the FYLF larval surveys conducted during mid-summer (and in September) also focused on detecting presence of WPT. Additional opportunities to encounter FYLF and WPT in the study area occurred during fish snorkel observations and electrofishing surveys, aquatic habitat mapping efforts, and BMI sampling in the summer of 2010, however the focus of these studies was not the detection of either species. A total of three surveys were conducted in each survey reach: one during early summer for FYLF egg masses and / or tadpoles, one in mid-summer for tadpoles and WPT, and one in the early fall for post-metamorphic frogs and WPT.

2.3 Habitat Assessment Methods

Following the initial VES, detailed habitat assessments were completed using data sheets provided in Seltenrich and Pool (2002). Both general and specific habitat features were recorded at each site. Representative photographs of each survey reach were obtained to document habitat conditions. Since there were no significant changes in habitat over the course of the survey period, only one habitat assessment data sheet was completed for each location. UTM coordinates for the beginning and end of each site survey were recorded using GPS units. Stream habitat features and locations within the site were described facing upstream relative to either the right bank (RB) or the left bank (LB).




3.0 RESULTS

The following section presents the results of 2010 FYLF and WPT surveys conducted within the ¼-mile reach and in the lower portion of Iowa Canyon Creek (Figure 1). Information provided below includes: 1) the timing and results of VES; 2) water temperatures and other water quality data; 3) incidental observations obtained during VES; and 4) a detailed description of habitats present in the Iowa Canyon Creek and SFAR survey reaches.

3.1 Visual Encounter Survey Results

Visual encounter surveys on lower Iowa Canyon Creek and in the ¼-mile reach were conducted on 11 June, 8 July, and 14 September 2010. The initial survey was not conducted until 11 June due primarily to high outflows in both Iowa Canyon Creek and in the SFAR during the spring and early summer and to below normal air temperatures, which resulted in sustained low water temperatures (below 12ºC) through early summer. Since FYLF breeding in Sierra Nevada foothill rivers and streams typically occurs at temperatures between 13 and 15ºC (Seltenrich and Pool, 2002), the initial survey was not conducted until water temperatures in Iowa Canyon Creek reached at least 13ºC. Neither FYLF nor WPT were observed during any of the three VES conducted for FYLF and WPT in Iowa Canyon Creek or in the ¼-mile reach. Information collected during the three surveys, including incidental observations of other aquatic or terrestrial species, is provided below. Scanned copies of the original VES data sheets for both Iowa Canyon Creek and the ¼-mile reach are provided in Attachment A. An aerial photograph depicting the upstream and downstream boundaries of each of the survey areas are presented in Figure 1. A summary of VES results for the ¼-mile reach and Iowa Canyon Creek is presented below.

3.1.1 Iowa Canyon Creek

Surveys for FYLF and WPT were conducted within lower Iowa Canyon Creek from the confluence with the SFAR upstream approximately 550 meters (m) (1,800 feet) (ft) to the point where Slab Creek Reservoir Road crosses the creek (see Attachment B). The initial egg mass survey was conducted on 11 June; the second egg mass / first tadpole survey was conducted on 8 July, and the tadpole / metamorph survey was conducted on 14 September 2010. Even though suitable habitat for both FYLF and WPT was present within the survey reach, neither species was observed during the three survey periods.

VES Temperature Data

During the preliminary egg mass VES on 11 June, water temperatures in the creek upstream of the confluence ranged from 13.5 to 14.0°C (56 to 57°F). During the 8 July breeding / tadpole survey, the water temperature was 17.0°C (63°F); and during the tadpole / metamorph survey conducted on 14 September, the water temperature ranged from 12.5 to 14.0°C (54 to 57°F).




Incidental Observations

Fingerling and juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and a Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchii) were the only aquatic species observed during the surveys. No terrestrial species were observed along the creek during any of the surveys. However, Sierran chorus frogs (Pseudachris regilla), both adults and tadpoles, were observed in a pool situated within a ditch along Slab Creek Reservoir Road at the crossing over Iowa Canyon Creek.



Page 7 Amphibian Surveys/FYLF - WPT Report 04/12/2011



Page 8 Amphibian Surveys/FYLF - WPT Report 04/12/2011

3.1.2 South Fork American River ¼-mile Reach

Surveys for FYLF and WPT were conducted within the ¼-mile reach from approximately 500 m (~ 1,600 ft) downstream of the dam upstream to the large pool at the base of the dam (see Attachment B). The initial egg mass survey was conducted on 11 June; the second egg mass / first tadpole survey was conducted on 8 July, and the tadpole / metamorph survey was conducted on 14 September 2010. Even though potentially suitable habitat for FYLF was present within the survey reach, spring and summer water temperatures are too low to support successful breeding by this species. Suitable habitat is present in the study area for WPT; however, basking areas are limited and water temperatures may also be too cold for this species. Periodic water temperature data collected from June through September within the ¼-mile reach indicate that water temperatures were generally between 11.0 and 15.0°C (52 and 59°F) during this period. Neither FYLF nor WPT were observed during the three survey periods.

VES Temperature Data

During the preliminary egg mass VES on 11 June, the water temperature ranged from 10.5 to 11.0°C (51 to 52°F). During the 8 July breeding / tadpole survey, the water temperature ranged from 13.5 to 14.5°C (56 to 58°F); and during the tadpole / metamorph survey conducted on 14 September, the water temperature was back down to 11.0°C.

Incidental Observations

Several rainbow trout (and possibly juvenile smallmouth bass [Micropterus dolomieu]), signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), and a California kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) were observed during the surveys; however, no terrestrial species were recorded during any of the surveys.

3.2 Habitat Assessments

Detailed site descriptions of habitat features within the lower Iowa Canyon Creek reach and the ¼-mile reach surveyed in 2010 are provided below. Individual site descriptions were developed using data collected during site habitat assessments including site photographs. Habitat assessment data sheets for Iowa Canyon Creek and the ¼-mile reach are provided in Attachment B, and representative photographs of the ¼-mile reach and Iowa Canyon Creek survey reach are provided in Attachment C.

3.2.1 Iowa Canyon Creek Description

The site included the lower portion of Iowa Canyon Creek (a perennial tributary to the SFAR) from the confluence with the SFAR upstream to the point where Slab Creek Reservoir Road crosses the creek, a total length of approximately 550 m (1,800 ft). At the time of the assessment (8 July 2010), the average width was about 4 m (13 ft) with an estimated discharge of was about 4-5 cubic feet per second (cfs). The creek enters the ¼-mile reach along the right bank of the




river (looking upstream) about 420 m (1,380 ft) downstream of the dam. The aspect of the lower portion of the creek is generally northwesterly with an overall gradient of about 22%. Bank gradient varies from low to high depending on location within the site. Riffles dominate the reach (50%), followed by run and cascade / pool (40% combined). In general, most of the creek contains suitable FYLF summer habitat; however, relatively cold water temperatures (maximum of 19ºC [66ºF] in August) combined with a dense riparian and forest canopy precludes the creek as suitable breeding habitat. In general, the reach was comprised primarily of boulder and bedrock substrates (70% combined), with a fair amount of cobble (20%) and gravel (10%). Margin vegetation consisting of Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), grasses, and various forbs occurred along approximately 40% of the creek margin. Emergent vegetation was absent; however, submerged vegetation consisting primarily of a green alga (Cladophora sp.) was present throughout much of the reach (about 40% of the stream). Aquatic cover included woody debris, gaps between substrate, and overhanging vegetation was present along approximately 30% of the creek; with slightly more (40%) terrestrial cover consisting of duff / leaf litter, vegetation, and woody debris. Overhanging vegetation consisting mostly of willow (Salix lasiolepis), white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), dogwood (Cornus sp.), and Himalayan blackberry was present along the creek margin throughout approximately 90% of the reach. The riparian canopy, comprised primarily of alder, maple (Acer sp.), and several species of oak trees and conifers shaded approximately 80% of the reach. Uplands on both sides of the river consist of a Douglas fir-pine/mixed hardwood forest.

3.2.2 SFAR 1/4-mile Reach Description

The site included the entire SFAR ¼-mile reach which was approximately 500 m in length with an average stream width of about 20 m. The discharge at the time of the assessment (8 July 2010) was approximately 38 cfs. The river aspect is generally westerly with a gradient of 4-7% for the reach. Bank gradient on both sides of the river is generally high (> 40°). Pool habitats (some of which exceed 25 ft in depth) are the dominant river habitats within the reach (50%), followed by pocket water, riffles and runs, and cascades. The reach contained patches of potentially suitable FYLF habitat including pool tail-outs and backwaters, small low gradient riffle areas, and runs / glides; however, cobble and small boulder lateral bars or point bars typically used for breeding were absent. In general, the reach was comprised primarily of boulder and bedrock substrates (85% combined), with very little cobble (10%) and gravel (< 5%). Iowa Canyon Creek, a tributary to the SFAR, enters the ¼-mile reach along the right bank of the river (looking upstream) about 420 m (1,380-ft) downstream of the dam. Margin vegetation consisting of Himalayan blackberry, California wild grape (Vitis californica), grasses, and various forbs occurred along approximately 30% of the river margin. Emergent vegetation, composed primarily of grasses, was sparse; however, submerged vegetation, consisting mostly of the alga Didymosphenia geminata, covered about 95% of available rock surfaces. Some rooted aquatic vegetation was also present along the river margin. Aquatic cover in the form of aquatic vegetation, woody debris, and gaps between substrate was present along approximately 50% of the river margin; with slightly less (40%) terrestrial cover consisting of




duff / leaf litter, vegetation, and woody debris. Overhanging vegetation consisting mostly of willow, alder, and blackberry occurred along approximately 80% of the reach. The riparian canopy, comprised primarily of willow and alder, occurs in patches (about 40% of the reach) along both river margins. Uplands on both sides of the river consist of a Douglas fir-pine/mixed hardwood forest.

4.0 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

4.1 Foothill Yellow-legged Frog

Based on available information, there have only been a few historical sightings of FYLF within the UARP reaches of the SFAR. These sightings were restricted to three general locations on the SFAR; 0.4-mile upstream of Slab Creek Reservoir (1994), upstream of Camino Powerhouse, and the river both upstream and downstream of the mouth of Silver Creek, a tributary to the SFAR and to several locations on Lower Silver Creek (DTA and Stillwater Sciences 2005). FYLF have been observed but not formally documented within the Slab Creek Dam Reach. Focused surveys for FYLF (and incidentally for WPT) were conducted at several locations within the Slab Creek Dam Reach, as part of the relicensing studies conducted within the UARP from 2002 to 2004. Two of these sites were located within the ¼-mile reach: Site SC-2A, the SFAR immediately downstream of Slab Creek Dam, and Site SC-2B, Iowa Canyon Creek in the vicinity of the confluence with the SFAR. These same two sites were surveyed during the 2010 FYLF (and WPT) VES; although the Iowa Canyon Creek site in 2010 was extended upstream to the point where Slab Creek Reservoir Road crosses the creek, approximately 1,800-ft upstream of the confluence with the SFAR. As during the previous surveys, FYLF were not observed at these sites. Based on habitat characteristics and environmental conditions documented in the ¼-mile reach and in Iowa Canyon Creek during the 2010 surveys, neither of these sites appear to provide suitable FYLF breeding or larval development habitat, and the SFAR also generally lacks habitat for juveniles and adults. The primary factors affecting habitat suitability for FYLF in the ¼-mile reach include: lack of primary habitats typically used by FYLF in west-slope Sierra streams (i.e., cobble/boulder bars with shallow, edgewater habitat; side channels; and calm, shallow pool tailouts); edgewater habitats dominated by large substrates (boulder and bedrock) instead of cobble and small boulder substrates; generally steep banks and relatively deep margin habitat instead of shallow edgewater habitat (30 cm or less in depth); relatively cold water temperatures throughout the spring and summer (a maximum of 13.2ºC in 2010) associated with the hypolimnetic releases from the base of Slab Creek Dam; and encroachment of vegetation along much of the reach (Seltenrich and Pool 2002). Since river habitat and spring and summer river conditions (cold water temperatures) within the ¼-mile reach are not suitable for either breeding and larval development, and only marginal juvenile and adult habitat is present, it is not surprising that FYLF have not been observed.




Lower Iowa Canyon Creek provides suitable summer habitat for both juvenile and adult FYLF; however, water temperatures recorded during the late spring / early summer of 2010 (a maximum of 14 ºC in June) indicate that temperatures are likely too cold for breeding in most years. Additionally, the creek is highly shaded throughout most of its length and does not provide sufficient open areas required for successful egg and larval development. In summary, suitable FYLF habitat is generally lacking within the ¼-mile and only summer refugia is present within Iowa Canyon Creek. As a result, even though Iowa Canyon Creek may provide suitable summer refugia for FYLF juveniles and adults, the lack of suitable breeding and larval development habitat within the creek and within the adjacent SFAR makes it highly unlikely that this species will become established within or adjacent to the ¼-mile reach.

4.2 Western Pond Turtle

Although there are no historical observations of WPT within the UARP reaches or reservoirs (DTA and Stillwater Sciences 2005), WPT were observed in 2003 in Bear and Rock creeks, both tributaries to the SFAR in the Slab Creek Dam Reach. Focused surveys for WPT (in conjunction with the FYLF surveys) were conducted within the ¼-mile reach and within lower Iowa Canyon Creek in 2010. As in previous surveys conducted in the Slab Creek Dam Reach and in Iowa Canyon Creek, WPT were not observed during any of the three surveys. Suitable basking habitat is present within the ¼-mile reach; however, summer and fall water temperatures are likely too cold for this species, and food resources appear to be highly limited. This species also appears to be absent from other SFAR reaches of the UARP.




5.0 REFERENCES

DTA (Devine Tarbell & Associates, Inc.) and Stillwater Sciences. 2005. Sacramento Municipal Utility District Upper American River Project and Pacific Gas and Electric Company Chili Bar Project Amphibians and Aquatic Reptiles Technical Report. April 2005, Version 3.

Gosner, K. L. 1960. A simplified table for staging anuran embryos and larvae with notes on

identification. Herpetologica 16: 183 – 190. Jennings, M.R., and M.P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and reptile species of special concern in

California. California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, California.

Seltenrich, C. P. and A. C. Pool. 2002. A standardized approach for habitat assessment and

visual encounter surveys for foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii). Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Ramon, CA.

Stebbins, R. C. 2003. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Third edition, Revised. Houghton-Mifflin Company, New York, NY. 533pp.



ATTACHMENT A

Copies of Visual Encounter Survey (VES) Data Sheets For Iowa Canyon Creek and the ¼-Mile Reach



ATTACHMENT B

Copies of Habitat Assessment Data Sheets for Iowa Canyon Creek and the SFAR ¼-Mile Reach



ATTACHMENT C

Representative Photographs of the SFAR ¼-Mile Reach and Iowa Canyon Creek Survey Reach

SURVEYS FOR THE FOOTHILL YELLOW-LEGGED FROG (RANA …

Documents

Transcript of SURVEYS FOR THE FOOTHILL YELLOW-LEGGED FROG (RANA …