HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-1204 Study Session
CITY OF
ASHLAND
CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION
Monday, December 4, 2017
Jury Room, 1175 E. Main Street
5:00 p.m. - for real property transaction, pursuant to ORS 190.660(2)(e)
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
AGENDA
Monday, December 4, 2017
Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street
5:30 p.m.
1. Public Input (15 minutes, maximum)
11. Look Ahead review
III. Update and discussion on City Hall recommendations
IV. Update on status of Public Works Master Plans
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meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-
2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I).
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CHARTER CABLE WILL BROADCAST MEETINGS ON CHANNEL 180 OR 181.
VISIT THE CITY OF ASHLAND'S WEB SITE AT WWW.ASHLAND.OR.US
City of Ashland Council Meeting Look Ahead
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Council Stud Session
December 18,2017~
Title: 10 by 20 Ordinance -Activity Update
Item Type: Update
Requested by Council? Yes
Adam Hanks Interim Assistant to the City
From: Administrator
Tom McBartlett Interim Director of Electric
Utilities
Adam. Hanks(@_ash land. or. us
Thomas McBartleft(a-)ash land. or. us
Discussion Areas:
This is an update to the July 17, 2017 Council Study Session discussion on the 10 by 20
ordinance. City staff has three areas of additional research and information to share with Council
followed by a request for confirmation or alteration to a suggested staff direction.
1) A report from Pacific Crest Consulting containing a detailed inventory of plant, lichen and
fungi as well invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds on the Imperatrice
Property.
2) Letter from Bonneville Power Administration providing a formal response and explanation
of the "take or pay" provision of the City's current wholesale power contract.
3) A more detailed matrix of potential projects developed in conjunction with the Bonneville
Environmental Foundation (BEF) that could be undertaken to move the City towards the
requirements set forth in the 10 by 20 ordinance.
1) Inventory Report for the Imperatrice Property
Environmental Assessment
With direction from Council at its February 21, 2017 meeting, City staff from the Electric, Parks
and Public Works Departments commissioned a consultant to conduct a rare plants and bird
assessment of the entire property as a likely required precursor to any formal development
application on the site.
BPA Contract
Additionally, Electric Department staff continued communications and dialogue with both
Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF)
regarding the implications of the project on the City's current bilateral contract agreement for the
purchase and delivery of wholesale power to the City's distribution system. Of particular
importance and impact is the "take or pay" provision which commits the City to purchase all of
Page 1 of 5 CITY OF
ASHLAND
its retail electricity load from BPA based on a pre-determined formula that incorporates expected
growth, expected and required energy efficiency achievements and other system elements.
Through these discussions, City staff has re-affirmed its position that the modification or
removal of the take or pay provision within the City's current contract is highly unlikely to occur
prior to the agreement expiration in 2028. BPA is aware of the growing interest from the City
and other public utility customers to incorporate local distributed generation into individual
utility resource portfolio's and will likely modify the structure of the agreements post 2028 to
address changing customer needs and desires. Doing so prior to the contract expirations would
create a significant and detrimental financial impact to the entire BPA system.
2) Letter from BPA Power Account Representative
Because of the significance of the City's wholesale power agreement with BPA to any
significant local power generation, City staff has maintained close communication with BPA
power accounts staff. The attached letter from the City's BPA Account Executive Paul Garrett
provides a clear explanation of the "take or pay" provision of the contract that impacts the City's
ability to acquire wholesale power from sources other than BPA.
As staff has previously communicated, the take or pay provision requires that the City purchase
its wholesale power needs exclusively from BPA with several exclusions. Exclusions include
the following:
• Net metered generation systems under 200 kw per customer meter
• One large, "utility scale" generation system of up to one megawatt (MW)
• Energy Efficiency activities
• Pre-existing generation systems in excess of 200 kw (Reeder Gulch Hydro)
While clarifying the details of the take or pay provision with BPA staff, a previously unknown
aspect of an associated contract relating to the transmission of power was identified and
described in the attached BPA letter. Should the City decide to move forward with bringing a
greater than one MW of non-BPA generation into its distribution grid, an existing, grandfathered
transmission agreement will expire and be replaced with a current transmission contract resulting
in an annual increase in cost to the Electric Utility of approximately $750,000 per year.
Staff requested our current cost of service and rate design consultant to estimate several rate
scenarios to assist in determining end user (customer) rate implications associated with a large
scale 10-12 MW solar generation system on the Imperatrice Property using three different
hypothetical power purchase agreement (PPA) rates, as well as inclusion of the added
interconnection costs and annual transmission cost increases.
PPA Cost per kwh Estimated retail rate increase
$0.04 $0.088
$0.06 $0.11
$0.08 $0.13
General rate increase estimate in aggregate. Exact rates would differ based on specific customer class
Page 2 of 5 CITY OF
ASHLAND
3) Matrix of Alternative Initiatives
Staff had identified and presented an initial list of a variety of potentially cost effective projects
and programs that could advance the City towards meeting the anticipated objectives of the 10
by 20 ordinance. At that time, Council provided general direction to further evaluate those
options, along with "closing the loop' on two remaining elements relating to a large, utility scale
solar system at the Imperatrice Property: The County and State land use permitting process and
an interconnection analysis and permit approval from Pacific Power, the City's local balancing
authority.
Alternative Initiatives
City and BEF staff developed a spreadsheet to determine what types of projects could
conceivably be considered that would not trigger the BPA take or pay contract provision due to
the anticipated associated rate implications.
Projects/Programs Include:
Proj ects/Programs
Solar Farm - To Regional Grid City is landlord, maximize system size to meet PURPA
Solar Farm - City owned 1 MW project, costs offset BPA wholesale purchases
Solar installations on City Facilities Assessments completed for all facilities in 2017 - offset
operational costs
Community Solar Net Meter rule changes allow distribution of generation
multiple customers
Expand hydro capacity at Reeder Current capacity has potentially to be doubled - could c
Reservoir with WTP work
Expand Commercial Solar Incentive Limited uptake since BETC was eliminated
Programs
Expand Residential Solar Incentive Heavy activity in 2017 to utilize state tax credit prior to
Programs expiration (end 2017)
Expand Energy Efficiency Program Long standing, smaller scale but consistent uptake
As noted prior, it will be critical for City staff to fully understand the policy objectives associated
with the 10 by 20 ordinance. Given the unique circumstances that led to the ordinance creation
and approval, an agreed upon clear set of objectives has yet to be developed.
A variety of stated, but unofficial objectives have included energy independence, energy
resiliency and carbon reduction. The priority of the policy objectives determine the types and
scale of the projects and programs developed to achieve the desired objectives. For example:
Energy independence - The most common usage of this term is a separation from the grid with
the community having complete autonomy and independent generation and distribution systems.
Due to large swings in daily and seasonal power needs, an independent system would need to be
designed and built to accommodate the City's largest electricity needs (system peak), which
historically is over twice (43 MW) the average daily need (21 MW).
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ASHLAND
Energy resiliency Resiliency involves the ability of a local distribution grid to incorporate
local generation and also have the ability to store and deliver it to specific, key community
locations based on a particular community need. Typical resiliency projects are designed to
ensure operations of key infrastructure like water treatment and waste water treatment plants,
hospitals and emergency gathering locations in cases of natural disasters. While often utilizing
solar as a generating element, projects are site and use specific and require a storage component
as well as distribution system changes to switches and routing design.
Carbon/GHG Reduction - Solar generation systems typically have a very strong GHG
reduction element, but that can vary greatly depending on the type of electricity generation it is
replacing. In Ashland's case, local solar generation would be replacing hydropower, which is a
very low carbon source of electricity (no electricity is carbon free). While the hydropower that it
displaces does get redistributed throughout the regional grid, this tier one power supply would be
redistributed to other primarily hydropower centric public power customers of BPA.
Resource Requirements:
To date, a total of approximately $22,000 has been expended for the initial feasibility study for
the interconnection component of the project and the plant and bird inventory. Roughly $16,000
of that total has come from the Electric Dept and the remaining funds from Public Works and
Parks Departments.
Additional staffing "soft costs" have been incurred as further research and meetings have
occurred while exploring implications and opportunities. As shown in the Project/Program
Initiative Options spreadsheet, long term costs associated with implementation can vary wildly
based on Council objectives and direction.
Suimested Next Steps:
1) Should staff move forward in the development of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a 10-12
MW solar generation facility project on the Imperatrice Property?
Staff Recommendation - Given the BPA contract implications, staff does not recommend
moving forward with an RFP for a project directly connected to the City of Ashland
Electric Utility distribution grid.
2) Is Council interested in developing a set of prioritized objectives for the 10 by 20 ordinance
with potential suggestions for ordinance revisions?
Staff Recommendation - Staff feels that clear and agreed upon objectives are critical to
providing direction that returns options that Council can review, deliberate on and move
forward. Staff can develop a draft set of objectives, framework and aligned draft
ordinance revision to assist Council in its deliberation.
3) Should staff move forward in pursuing the alternative projects and programs to move the
City and community towards the general objectives of the 10 by 20 ordinance?
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-ASHLAND
Staff Recommendation - Staff is excited to further explore and deliver solid options for
Council to consider that could result in cost effective community solutions that also align
with the business needs of the Electric Utility. Many of the alternative initiatives will
require considerable budget deliberation and be carefully considered alongside current
financial planning constraints and concerns noted in the recent Electric Utility Cost of
Service study, which already contains rate increases scheduled over the next 3-5 years.
Policies, Plans and Goals Supported:
2015-17 Council Goal
22. Prepare for the impact of climate change on the community.
22.1 Develop and implement a community climate change and energy plan
Climate and Energy Action Plan
Buildings and Energy
• BE-1-3 -Facilitate and encourage solar energy production
• BE-1-4 -Enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities
Background and Additional Information:
See packet materials from February 21, 2017 and July 17, 2017(Attachments)
Attachments:
Biological Assessment of the Imperatrice Property - Pacific Crest Consulting, LLC
BPA Letter of December 1, 2017
Matrix of alternative local renewable energy initiative
Letter from Conservation Commission dated September 27, 2017
Additional Links:
February_ 21. 2017 - Packet Materials
July 17. 2017 - Packet Materials
Page 5 of 5 CITY OF
ASHLAND
Biological Assessment
Imperatrice Property
City of Ashland, Oregon
Prepared for:
VIIALA
CITY OF
"15HLAND
Prepared by:
Pacific Crest Consulting, LLC
August 2017
~ r ri
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................1
2.0 METHODS ............................................................................................................................2
2.1 Target Species .............................................................................................................2
2.1.1 Special Status Species 2
2.1.2 Noxious Weeds 3
2.2 Protocol ........................................................................................................................3
2.3 Study Area ....................................................................................................................3
2.4 Habitat Assessment and Delineation ............................................................................4
2.4.1 Threatened and Endangered Plants 4
2.4.2 Sensitive and Strategic Species 5
2.4.3 Survey and Manage Species 5
2.5 Historical Data Review ..................................................................................................5
2.6 Survey Schedule ..........................................................................................................5
2.7 Field Survey Methods ...................................................................................................6
2.7.1 Intuitive Controlled Survey Method 6
2.7.2 Complete Survey Method 6
2.7.3 Hypogeous Fungi 6
2.7.4 Point Counts 7
2.7.5 Monumenting Target Species Sites and Recording Site Data 7
3.0 RESULTS .............................................................................................................................8
3.1 Current Environment ....................................................................................................8
3.1.1 Oak Woodlands 8
3.1.2 Meadows Between the Oak Woodlands and TID Canal 8
3.1.3 Meadows Downslope of the TID Canal 9
3.1.4 Other Features of the Study Area ....................................................................10
3.2 Special Status Plants, Lichens, and Fungi ..................................................................11
3.3 Noxious Weeds ..........................................................................................................13
3.4 Birds ...........................................................................................................................14
3.5 Other Sites of Interest .................................................................................................14
3.6 Inventories ..................................................................................................................15
4.0 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................16
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FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
List of Tables
Table 1: Special status plants, lichens, and fungi ......................................................................19
Table 2: Special status birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians ............................................25
Table 3: ODA list of noxious weeds ...........................................................................................33
Table 4: Avian inventory ............................................................................................................37
Table 5: Vascular plant inventory ..............................................................................................40
List of Figures
Figure 1: Study Area .................................................................................................................49
Figure 2: ORBIC Rare Plant Form .............................................................................................50
Figure 3: California macrophylla site locations ..........................................................................51
Figure 4: California macrophylla specimens ..............................................................................52
Figure 5: Ranunculus austro-oreganus and Collema quadrifidum site locations ........................53
Figure 6: Ranunculus austro-oreganus and Collema quadrifidum specimens ...........................54
Figure 7: Noxious weed locations other than Centaurea solstitialis and Elymus caput-medusae
................................................................................................................................55
Figure 8: Grasshopper sparrow detections ................................................................................56
Figure 9: Species of Phaeocalicium from the Study Area (micrograph) .....................................57
Figure 10: Petrified log ..............................................................................................................58
August 2017 ii Imperatrice Property
City of Ashland, Oregon
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Appendices
Appendix A: Representative Photos of the Property
i
August 2017 iii Imperatrice Property
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FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Acronyms and Abbreviations
BLM Bureau of Land Management, US Department of the Interior
CS Oregon State Conservation Strategy Species
City City of Ashland, Oregon
GIS Geographic Information System
GPS Global Positioning System
GRSPs Grasshopper Sparrows
ODA Oregon Department of Agriculture
ODFW Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
ORBIC Oregon Biodiversity Information Center
Pacific Crest Pacific Crest Consulting, LLC
POE Port of Entry, Oregon Department of Transportation
Property Imperatrice Property, City of Ashland, Oregon
TID Talent Irrigation District
USFS Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture
USFWS US Fish and Wildlife Service
August 2017 iv Imperatrice Property
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FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
1.0 INTRODUCTION
i
This report presents the methods and results for the biological assessment of the City of
Ashland's (City) Imperatrice Property (Property) conducted by Pacific Crest Consulting, LLC
(Pacific Crest) during spring and summer of 2017. Efforts requested by the City and undertaken
by Pacific Crest included:
• Protocol-level surveys for target species of:
o Plants (vascular and non-vascular (bryophytes))
o Lichens
o Spring fungi (including mushrooms and truffles)
• Protocol-level surveys for grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum; GRSPs)
• Informal surveys for target species of:
o Invertebrates
o Mammals
o Reptiles
o Amphibians
o Birds other than GRSPs (see further notes in 2.1.1 Special Status Species)
• Inventory of all vascular plant species
• Inventory of unique biological features, including:
o Wildlife passage areas and barriers
o Dense concentrations and large infestations of noxious weeds
o Potential migratory bird nest sites
o Bat hibernacula
o Other habitats or features viewed as unique
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2.0 METHODS
2.1 Target Species
Multiple sources informed the target species lists for each survey included in this report. The
categories of target species are described in the following sections. Because many of the plant,
lichen, and fungi species addressed in this report do not have common names, all are referred
to by scientific names in the text, with common names listed as applicable; a common name is
generally given only once for any given species of these taxa groups, at its first occurrence in
the text. Primary target species are those for which protocol surveys were conducted;
secondary species are those for which informal surveys were conducted.
2.1.1 Special Status Species
Special status species of plants, lichens, and fungi were primary targets for the surveys included
in this report (Table 1). This included:
• State and federally listed Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate plants
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Sensitive and
Strategic plants, lichens, and fungi
• Oregon Biodiversity Information Center (ORBIC) plants, lichens, and fungi.
• Survey and Manage plants, lichens, and fungi
GRSPs were also a primary target. In addition to the species identified in Table 1, Pacific Crest
personnel were prepared to identify and document any unexpected, unknown, or out-of-
expected-range species that may have been of conservation concern.
Secondary target special status species included mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates,
and birds other than GRSPs.
Although secondary targets, Pacific Crest elected to create a list of special status mammals,
birds, reptiles, and amphibians (Table 2) with the potential to occur in, or near to, the Study
Area, developed from the following sources:
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) informal list of threatened,
endangered, proposed, candidate, species of concern, and migratory birds, generated
using the Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC; USFWS 2017).
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) lists of threatened, endangered,
candidate, and sensitive animal species in the State of Oregon (ODFW 2017 a and b);
• Oregon Biodiversity Information Center (ORBIC 2016)
• Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668c)
Bird and mammal taxa listed by the ODFW, by the USFWS as species of concern, and/or by
ORBIC on Lists 1, 2, 3, or 4 are included, but have no legal status or protection on private land
in the State of Oregon. On non-federal public lands (e.g., state, county, city lands), animal
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FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
species listed by ODFW as threatened or endangered are protected by the Oregon Endangered
Species Act (Oregon Revised Statute 497). Federally listed threatened, endangered, candidate,
and proposed taxa are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act, bald and golden
eagles are protected under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and migratory
birds are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Lists of target species other than the above taxa groups are available at
http://inr.oregonstate.edu/orbic/rare-species/rare-species-oregon-publications.
2.1.2 Noxious Weeds
Species of noxious weeds were primary targets. Pacific Crest documented dense
concentrations and large infestations of Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) target species
(ODA 2017a; Table 3) or those that were uncommon or previously unknown in the area, or had
a high potential of infestation.
2.2 Protocol
Pacific Crest implemented the following protocols for primary target species during the survey
eff ort:
• 2008 Sporocarp Survey Protocol for Macrofungi, Version 1.0 (Van Norman et al. 2008)
• Survey Protocols for Protection Buffer Bryophytes (USFS and BLM 1999a)
• Survey and Manage Survey Protocols-Vascular Plants (USFS and BLM 1999b)
• Survey Protocols for Survey and Manage Category A and C Lichens in the Northwest
Forest Plan Area, Version 2.1 (USFS and BLM 2003a)
• 2003 Amendment to the Survey Protocol for Survey & Manage Category A & C Lichens
in the Northwest Forest Plan Area, Version 2.1 Amendment (USFS and BLM 2003b)
• Survey Protocol Guidance for Conducting Equivalent Effort Surveys under the Northwest
Forest Plan Survey and Manage Standards and Guidelines (USFS and BLM 2006)
• Survey and Manage Category B Fungi Equivalent-Effort Survey Protocol, Version 1.0
(Van Norman 2010)
Secondary species were searched for informally and concurrently with protocol surveys for
other taxa groups. Except for certain bird species, secondary species were not surveyed for
under applicable protocols. See 2.7.4 Point Counts for more information on bird survey
methods.
2.3 Study Area
The Study Area encompassed the entire Property (Figure 1), consisting of 876 continuous acres
across multiple tax lots, immediately north of Interstate Highway 5 and associated north-bound
Port of Entry (POE). The Study Area includes portions of sections T38S R1 E 27, 28, 32, and 33.
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2.4 Habitat Assessment and Delineation
The Study Area was assessed and delineated for primary target species of vascular plants,
lichens, and fungi. The Study Area exists within the Klamath Mountains level 3 ecoregion, only
two miles from the western edge of the West Cascades level 3 ecoregion. It includes portions of
the Western Oregon Interior Valleys (Rogue / Illinois) and Oak Savannah Foothills level 4
ecoregions. Therefore, it was considered possible that populations of target species known or
suspected from interior valley and oak-associated habitats of both aforementioned level 3
ecoregions could be found in the Study Area. Initial topographical map and orthoquad
inspection of the entire Study Area, as required by various protocols, revealed a wide variety of
suitable primary target special status species habitats, including:
• Oak woodlands
• Rock outcrops and rock gardens
• Meadows
• Drainages (ephemeral / seasonal)
Field surveys confirmed this diversity of habitat types.
The Study Area was also assessed for secondary target species of animals except
invertebrates, the results of which are discussed in Table 2.
2.4.1 Threatened and Endangered Plants
Pacific Crest conducted a pre-survey botanical habitat suitability analysis on the Study Area and
found that Fritillaria gentneri (Gentner's fritillary) was the only species with federal or state listing
of Threatened, Endangered, or Candidate with a high likelihood of occurring. Fritillaria gentneri
has a federal listing of Endangered. The Property is well within the known range of this species
and populations have been found nearby. Pacific Crest identified the area containing habitat
with highest potential for suitability to be the oak woodlands at the north end of the Property.
Multiple other target special status species with federal or state listing, Limnanthes floccosa ssp.
grandiflora (large-flowered wooly meadowfoam; federally Endangered), L. floccosa ssp. pumila
(dwarf wooly meadowfoam; state Threatened), Lomatium cookii (Agate Desert lomatium;
federally Endangered), Meconella oregana (white fairypoppy), and Eucephalus vialis (wayside
aster) had limited potential to be found in the survey area. The former three taxa are known
from vernal pool habitats nearby to the north in the Rogue Valley: Limnanthes floccosa ssp.
grandiflora and Lomatium cookii are known from the Agate Desert while L. floccosa ssp. pumila
is known only from the tops of Upper Table Rock and Lower Table Rock. The only potential
habitat for these taxa in the Study Area was initially identified as a small seasonal pond near the
eastern property line and a small flat area at the extreme northwest near Butler Creek. The
valley bottom near Interstate 5 may have had vernal pool habitat historically, but has been
heavily grazed and impacted by livestock and the pre-survey analysis revealed no current
habitat. There was low probability to find these taxa in other seasonally moist habitats such as
seasonal drainages. Meconella oregana had potential to be found in various meadow and oak
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FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
woodland communities. Eucephalus vialis had potential to be found in the shrub or oak
communities within the Study Area. Multiple other species with federal and/or state status were
included in Table 1 but had relatively lower potential to be found in the Study Area.
2.4.2 Sensitive and Strategic Species
Many of the target Sensitive and Strategic plant and lichen species were found to have a
moderate to high likelihood of occurring. Two species, California macrophylla (Erodium
macrophyllum; round-leaved filaree;) and Ranunculus austro-oreganus (southern Oregon
buttercup) were known to exist in the Study Area (personal communication, Kristi Mergenthaler,
Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, 4/25/17). Other species with a moderate to high likelihood
of occurring included, but were not limited to, Calochortus spp (mariposa lilies), Camissonia
(Tetrapteron) graciliflora (hill suncup), Carex spp (sedges), Cheilanthes spp (lipferns),
Cryptantha milobakeri, Diplacus spp (monkeyflowers), Leptogium burnetiae, Limnathes floccosa
ssp bellingeriana, Pe//aea andromedifolia (cliffbrake), Plagiobothrys spp (popcorn flowers),
Orthotrichum euryphyllum, Schistidium cinclidodonteum, and Solanum parishii (Parish's
nightshade).
2.4.3 Survey and Manage Species
The Survey and Manage target species list includes plants, lichens, and fungi. These species
were listed with Survey and Manage primarily based on rarity within and dependence on old-
growth coniferous or mixed forests. Coniferous and mixed forest habitats do not exist in the
Study Area. Therefore, there was very little potential for most Survey and Manage plant, lichen,
and fungi species to exist in the Study Area.
2.5 Historical Data Review
The BLM Geographic Biotic Observations and USFS Natural Resource Information System
databases track observations of noteworthy species on and near BLM and USFS lands. The
Oregon Flora Project rare plant and atlas database (OFP 2017) was also consulted. These
databases were queried for known site locations of target species within the vicinity of the Study
Area (April 26, 2017). The results showed no site locations within the Study Area. Known target
species occurrences within a three-mile radius of the Study Area include two of Fritllaria
gentneri, one of Martes pennanti (fisher), one of Horkelia tridentata (three-toothed horkelia), and
multiple of Ranunculus austro-oreganus.
Further results of the data review and literature reviews for plants, lichens, fungi, and animals
(except invertebrates) are detailed in Table 1 and Table 2.
2.6 Survey Schedule
Two separate survey efforts occurred to coincide with optimum detection of target species of
vascular plants and grasshopper sparrows, respectively. Optimal fungi fruiting conditions
coincided with optimal vascular plant spring phenology. Lichens and non-vascular plants can
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FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL, ASSESSMENT
generally be surveyed for any time of year. Therefore, plant, lichen, and fungi surveys occurred
concurrently and took place from April 28, 2017 through May 23, 2017, including a first visit
throughout the entire study area and revisits to selected parts. Revisits for late-season plant
species then occurred occasionally until August 5, 2017.
Surveys for GRSPs were conducted on May 2-4, May 6-9, May 15, and May 18, 2017.
2.7 Field Survey Methods
Survey methods from multiple protocols, listed earlier in this report, were used during the
Project surveys. The methods in the protocols are detailed below.
2.7.1 Intuitive Controlled Survey Method
Multiple protocols recommend the Intuitive Controlled Survey method for plants, lichens, and
fungi in all parcels greater than 2.5 acres in size (USFS and BLM 1999b, USFS and BLM
2003a, USFS and BLM 2003b, USFS and BLM 2006, Van Norman 2010, Van Norman et al.
2008). One protocol, Survey Protocols for Protection Buffer Bryophytes (USFS and BLM
1999a), requires this method for all parcels, including those less than 2.5 acres in size. The
Study Area is greater than 2.5 acres in size; the Intuitive Controlled Survey method was
therefore implemented.
This method incorporates lines that traverse the survey area and target the full array of major
vegetation types, aspects, topographical features, habitats, and substrate types within a given
area. While en-route, the surveyor searches for target species, and when the surveyor arrives at
an area of high potential habitat (as defined in the pre-field review or encountered during the
field visit), a Complete Survey for the target species is conducted (see below).
2.7.2 Complete Survey Method
The Complete Survey method for plants, lichens, and fungi was used when special or high
potential habitats were encountered. This approach consists of a 100 percent visual
examination of the habitat. High potential habitats within the Study Area included large
outcroppings, seasonal and perennial drainages, areas with significant native bunchgrass
populations, and some areas with Quercus garryana (Oregon white oak). A large percentage of
the Study Area had moderate potential habitat for target plant species and therefore received a
higher intensive survey than that required by the Intuitive Controlled Survey method but not a
full 100% examination. The general vascular plant inventory was completed concurrently with
surveys for target special status species under the Intuitive and Complete survey protocols.
2.7.3 Hypogeous Fungi
All implemented fungi survey protocols require searches for hypogeous fungi-truffles. These
surveys were conducted by raking microhabitats of higher potential (e.g., small mammal digs
and the underside of litter mats in the oak woodlands). Surveyors used four-tine rakes to gently
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peel back the litter layer, and soil was inspected for the presence of truffles. If no truffles were
found, the area was restored and the surveyor moved to a new area.
2.7.4 Point Counts
Point count surveys for GRSPs occurred throughout the entire Study Area and were conducted
between the hours of 0630 and 1200 during optimal conditions for detecting this species. For
the purposes of these surveys, the property was divided into two portions: the area above the
Talent Irrigation District (TID) East Canal and the area below the canal. Point count surveys
were conducted along north-south running transect lines above the canal and along east-west
running transect lines below the canal. Initially, transect lines were spaced 100 meters apart
with call stations approximately every 50 meters; however, the call station placement was
changed during the course of the survey in the following way: in areas where traffic noise made
auditory detection difficult, call stations were maintained at 50-meter intervals; however, in areas
where habitat was open and birds were easy to hear, call stations were spaced at 100 meters
for efficiency and to avoid duplicate recordings of individuals. Five minutes was spent at each
call station recording all birds observed both visually and by sound.
2.7.5 Monumenting Target Species Sites and Recording Site Data
Target special status plant species sites were generally monumented with orange-glo pin flags
placed around population perimeters; exceptions are detailed below in 3.0 Results. Perimeters
of most larger populations were recorded on global positioning system (GPS) units for
subsequent use in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). All GPS coordinates in this report
and associated documents are in Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 10, North American
Datum of 1983 projection. Data for locations of target special status species were recorded on
standardized ORBIC report forms (Figure 2), submitted separately from this report. Applicable
noxious weed populations were mapped, except for large infestations occupying the entire
Study Area, which are noted below in 3.2 Noxious Weeds. GRSP detections were mapped.
Special status plant and noxious weed population locations were documented in GIS; the
related shapefiles are available upon request. Plant and bird inventory lists were documented in
Excel spreadsheets.
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3.0 RESULTS
The following sections detail the results of the field surveys.
3.1 Current Environment
Although the Study Area mostly slopes gently to the south and southwest, it covers a wide
variety of aspects, with slopes ranging from approximately flat to steep. The Study Area can be
viewed as three distinct habitats:
• Oak woodlands in the far northern part of the Study Area
• Meadows between the oak woodlands and the TID canal to the south
• Meadows downslope of the TID canal
3.1.1 Oak Woodlands
The woodlands generally slope steeply to the north from a broad ridgeline and are dominated by
Quercus garryana, Toxicodendron diversilobum (poison oak), Symphoricarpos spp
(snowberries), Prunus subcordata (Klamath plum), the latter occasionally forming distinct
thickets. These woodlands displayed a higher ratio of native versus non-native forb and grass
coverage compared to the remainder of the Study Area; Festuca idahoensis ssp roemeri
(Roemer's fescue, Idaho fescue) was found to be common here. Canopy cover varies greatly.
3.1.2 Meadows Between the Oak Woodlands and TID Canal
The meadows between the oak woodlands and the TID canal were dominated primarily by
exotic annual grasses and forbs, although dominant native species were also present. Dominant
species included Vicia villosa (winter vetch), Vicia sativa (garden vetch), Centaurea solstitialis,
Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Erodium cicutarium (reds-stem stork's bill), Geranium
dissectum (cutleaf geranium), Geranium molle (dovefoot geranium), Avena fatua (wild oat),
Elymus caput-medusae, Trifolium spp (clovers), Galium parisiense (bedstraw), Lomatium
utriculatum (common lomatium), Tragopogon dubius (yellow salsify), Madia spp (tarweeds),
Bromus japonicus (field brome), B. hordaceous (soft brome), B. tectorum (cheatgrass), and
Vulpia microstachys (small fescue). Of these, it is difficult to state what species were more
dominant than others. These species occurred in varying concentrations across this part of the
Study Area. Additionally, different species became more dominant as seasonal phenology
progressed and early-bloomers senesced while late-bloomers became more prevalent. There
were additional species that were very common, although not as abundant as the above
dominants; these included Calochortus tolmiei (Tolmie startulip), Dichelostemma capitatum
(bluedicks), Calystegia occidentalis (chaparral false bindweed), Achyrachaena mollis (blow-
wives), and many others.
This area was historically grazed and likely was previously dominated by native bunchgrass
communities. Non-native plant coverage during 2017 was approximately 85% or more on
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average, with native species coverage at approximately 40%, on average. It was difficult to
determine exact numbers for these percentages and other percentages given in this report with
any accuracy, due to constantly changing plant phenology throughout the growing season and
associated changes in biomass of any given species. Nonetheless, Pacific Crest personnel
were expecting a higher non-native-to-native ratio than observed.
Outside of areas with summer moisture, shrubs comprised a very small amount of the
vegetation coverage and consisted mostly of Prunus subcordata, Toxicodendron diversilobum,
and exotic fruit trees, as scattered individuals and small patches.
Islands consisting primarily of native vegetation were found in this area, roughly overlapping
with populations of Ranunculus austro-oreganus (see 3.2 Special Status Plants, Lichens, and
Fungi), and were dominated by varying concentrations of native species including Festuca
idahoensis ssp roemeri, Horkelia daucifolia (carrotleaf horkelia), Eriophyllum lanatum (Oregon
sunshine), Achnatherum lemmonii (Lemmon's needlegrass), Pseudoroegneria spicata
(bluebunch wheatgrass), Phlox speciosa (showy phlox), Lomatium spp (desertparslies), and
Achillea millefolium (common yarrow), although non-native species were also common in these
areas. These islands are likely not common in most adjacent parcels outside of the Study Area.
Large populations of Microseris laciniata ssp detlingii (Detling's silverpuffs) were also found,
primarily on the flats and gentle slopes in the far northwest part of the Study Area; this species
is endemic to southwestern Oregon and adjacent areas in northern California; it was previously
a target special status species. Plectritis congesta (shortspur seablush) was abundant in the
vicinity.
A small seasonal pond was found in the northeast part of T38S R1 E S33, approximately 0.25
miles north of the eastern parking area and Property legal access point. Common plants here
included Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass), Hordeum murinum (mouse barley), and
Eleocharis spp (spikerushes).
The oak woodlands mentioned above and the slopes between them and the TID canal likely
serve as winter range for elk and deer. Elk and deer were observed in the Study Area during the
survey efforts; the front cover of this report displays a herd of elk in the Study Area. Additional
mammals incidentally observed in the Study Area included one black bear, three coyotes, one
grey fox, and many smaller mammals.
3.1.3 Meadows Downslope of the TID Canal
This area had a much higher amount of moisture than areas upslope of the TID canal. This
moisture originated from active irrigation diverted from the canal at multiple points along its
length as it runs through the Study Area. Several natural springs and seeps added surface
moisture; subterranean seepage from the canal was also a possible contributor. The vast
majority of the area was observed to be grazed by livestock. Grazing was heavy throughout
most of the area and extensive post-holing by cattle was evident. The exception was a narrow
strip set apart by active electric fences located to either side of the drainage that runs south
through the center of the Study Area; it is in this strip that the only California macrophylla
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populations downslope of the canal were found. It was uncertain if this strip was part of the
grazing lease, as it was fenced and had only light evidence of grazing, which may have
originated from livestock that had escaped the fencing but had been quickly and efficiently
recovered.
Vegetation in this area included many of the same species dominant upslope of the canal, but
often in very different concentrations, with Vicia spp, Calochortus tolmiei, Dichelostemma
capitatum, and others less common, while Centaurea solstitialis and others became more
abundant. Brassica rapa (field mustard), Shedonorus arundinaceus (tall fescue), Alopecurus
pratense (meadow foxtail), and others became dominant downslope of the canal, while existing
only in traces upslope of the canal. Shedonorus arundinaceus and Alopecurus pretense were
especially dominant in areas receiving higher volumes of irrigation water, notably at and upslope
of the corrals in the southeast part of the Study Area. Brassica rapa was especially abundant in
the southwest part of the Study Area near the POE. Juncus effusus (common rush) was
common in some parts. Rubus armeniacus and Rosa caning (dog rose), with lesser amounts of
Rosa rubiginosa (R. eglentaria; sweetbriar rose) were much more common downslope of the
canal than upslope of it. Overall, vegetation in the area downslope of the canal was much
denser, taller, and lusher than upslope of the canal; these conditions occasionally impeded foot
travel when combined with the often irregular, post-holed, and wet ground surface. This
condition receded later in the summer as plants senesced or were grazed down.
As with areas upslope of the TID canal, this area was historically grazed and likely was
previously dominated by native bunchgrass communities. Non-native coverage in 2017 was
approximately 98%, with native species coverage at approximately 15%, on average.
3.1.4 Other Features of the Study Area
Most drainages in the Study Area were lined with various concentrations of Sa/ix spp (willows),
Rubus armeniacus, Carex densa (dense sedge), Juncus spp (rushes), Dipsacus fullonum
(Fuller's teasel), Shedonorus arundinaceus, and other typical riparian species; Prunus
cerasifolia (cherry plum) was abundant in one drainage. Most of the drainages still had flowing
water, at least in the lower stretches, at time of final revisits in early August; Hamby Spring in
the southwest area downslope of the TID canal was still flowing strong.
The TID canal traverses the slope through the Study Area. It currently functions as a partial
barrier to wildlife travel; certain terrestrial species may find it difficult to cross the flow of
relatively deep water when the canal is flowing, although it should be noted that it does not flow
for a substantial part of the year and travel may be less impeded then. There are two foot-
bridges crossing the canal in the far western and eastern part of the Study Area, respectively,
although the western one is composed of metal mesh that would likely inhibit most terrestrial
wildlife travel during times of water flow in that canal. A maintenance road follows the canal for
its length through the Study Area.
A wooden-pole powerline corridor exists in the northern part of the Study Area and a buried gas
pipeline corridor roughly parallels it to the immediate south. Associated maintenance roads
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follow these right-of-way corridors. A large pile of treated wood poles, assumingly associated
with the powerline corridor construction, was observed at coordinates 524880E/4675620N. A
small radio facility exists in the far southeast part of the Study Area near Eagle Mill Road and is
accessible by vehicle from it.
A network of trails exists in the Study Area, observed to be used by people on foot, horseback,
and OHV. People were seen from distance and personally encountered on the trails throughout
the survey efforts, often in relatively large numbers. The trails, for the most part, were found to
exist upslope of the TID canal. Most of the OHV use was observed in relation to the grazing
leases downslope of the canal. However, OHV use was additionally observed on the trails in the
western part of the survey area and their use was evident off-trail in that vicinity as well. The
utility right-of-way corridors also had evidence of regular OHV use, much of which was
assumingly in relation to infrastructure maintenance. Trails were observed cutting through
multiple California macrophylla populations (see 3.2 Special Status Plants, Lichens, and Fungi)
and trampling was evident at each of those populations. Rerouting of these trails may assist to
lessen trampling.
3.2 Special Status Plants, Lichens, and Fungi
Fourteen populations (Figure 3) of California macrophylla, (Figure 4) totaling approximately 8.0
acres, were found in the Study Area. This species was originally documented in Oregon by
Thomas Howell in 1887, with the associated herbarium collection noting "hills near Ashland". It
is possible that his original collection was made at one of the Study Area populations. ORBIC
previously listed this species with an "EV status (assumed to be extirpated in Oregon) until
Pacific Crest personnel discovered a new location near the city of Eagle Point, Oregon. Since
then, five populations were found in the Study Area by Kristi Mergenthaler and ODA personnel
(personal communication, Kristi Mergenthaler, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, 4/25/17).
California macrophylla is currently listed by ORBIC (2016) with a 1" status (threatened or
endangered throughout its range), the highest list status that ORBIC can assign. This species
may soon receive additional listing through the State of Oregon. The Oregon sites represent the
northern-most known extent of this species; it is also known from California and Baja California.
The California Native Plant Society (2017) lists California macrophylla as a 1 B.2 (rare,
threatened, or endangered in CA and elsewhere).
Nearly all California macrophylla plants were found upslope and north of the TID canal. Two
small populations were found downslope from the canal. Active grazing by livestock was
observed downslope of the canal, where much of the ground had been trampled, whereas there
was no current grazing by livestock observed upslope of the canal. Much of the ground
downslope of the canal was observed to be irrigated. It is assumed that active grazing,
associated trampling, and wet ground make for unfavorable conditions for the growth of
California macrophylla. The two small populations downslope of the canal were found in an area
between electric fences where grazing did not appear to be nearly as heavy as in the areas
outside of the fencing, and irrigation was not evident at the time of population discovery.
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One small plant rosette, potentially that of California macrophylla (Figure 3), was found
downslope of the TID canal in early August. Due to immaturity and a lack of flowers and fruit, it
was not possible to be certain of an identification. Although the leaves appear to be those of
California macrophylla, the observed plant was growing well outside of the normal window of
phenology for that species, did not have the reddish coloration that the stems and leaves of that
species often have, was growing downslope of the canal in less desirable conditions, and all
observed C. macrophylla plants in verified populations elsewhere in the Study Area were
senescent at that time, casting doubt that the rosette in question was C. macrophylla.
Nonetheless, it was monumented with several strips of yellow/black-striped flagging tied to small
rocks in case a revisit would be made in future years.
Five populations (Figure 5) of Ranunculus austro-oreganus (Figure 6), totaling approximately
241 acres, were found in the Study Area, all upslope of the TID canal. The oak woodlands to the
far north of the Study Area had the greatest concentrations. Ranunculus austro-oreganus is
currently listed by ORBIC (2016) with a "1" status (threatened or endangered throughout its
range), the highest list status that ORBIC can assign; it is also a state Candidate species with
ODA. This species is endemic to Jackson County, found primarily in the Rogue Valley and
adjacent foothills.
Approximately 633 acres contained vegetative Ranunculus plants (Figure 5), including overlap
with verified Ranunculus austro-oreganus populations. Densities of vegetative plants within the
633 acres varied greatly, often being very widespread and isolated; very few existed downslope
of the canal, those plants were also typically observed as depauperate. Due to a lack of flowers
(a diagnostic characteristic for discerning Ranunculus austro-oreganus), it was not possible to
know what species these vegetative plants were. They might flower in future years and a
positive identification could then be made. However, it should be noted that no flowering
Ranunculus occidentalis (western buttercup) was observed in the Study Area, the only other
feasible species that the vegetative plants could be.
One site (Figure 5) of Collema quadrifidum (Figure 6) was found, present on multiple Quercus
garryana trunks in approximately one acre of the oak woodlands in the far northern part of the
Study Area. This tiny, gelatinous lichen is difficult to discern in the field, blending in with
numerous other dark, similarly-sized lichens and blemishes on the tree trunks, and is best
identified by its four-celled, polygonal spores as observed under the microscope. Due to the
Collema quadrifidum being found off the ground on tree trunks, no pin flags were used to
monument the site; a labeled set of yellow/black striped flagging was instead used, positioned
on a tree trunk near the population center.
No Fritillaria gentneri were found. Vegetative Fritillaria plants were found, but these plants were
impossible to identify to species without flowers. The vegetative plants were found only in the
oak woodlands in the far northern part of the Study Area, existed in same vicinity as numerous
flowering Fritillaria affinis (a non-target species), and possibly may all be that species. No target
special status species of spring fungi were found.
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3.3 Noxious Weeds
Silybum marianum (milk thistle; Figure 7) was found in one location along the southern
boundary of the Study Area and consisted of approximately 80 specimens covering 10% of a
>60 m2 population area. The population extended from the property fenceline downslope to the
POE exit ramp; it is likely that the POE was the vector of introduction. This species has rarely
been found in southwestern Oregon. The Medford District BLM (personal communication, Bryan
Wender, Medford District BLM Botanist, 8/14/17) has only one record of this invasive species on
their lands, found in the Cow Creek Watershed of Douglas County. WeedMapper (ODA 2017b)
revealed one site in Jackson County, near Rogue Valley International Airport.
Spartium junceum (Spanish broom; Figure 7) was found in two locations along the TID canal.
Each location consisted of one plant. Though the populations sizes were very small, this
species is reported here due to it being an uncommon invader in southwestern Oregon.
WeedMapper (ODA 2017b) shows three sites in Jackson County, all in the far northern part of
the county. Pacific Crest personnel know of one site in the City of Ashland, on Siskiyou
Boulevard, which had apparently been treated (sprayed) recently.
Rubus armeniacus (Himalayan blackberry; Figure 7) was found throughout a substantial portion
of the Study Area. The vast majority of the populations were found from the TID canal and
downslope to the Study Area boundary. The average percent coverage within the population
polygons was 15%. Besides large and dense infestations, multiple smaller infestations were
also mapped, primarily in areas upslope of the canal where the species was much less
common. A trace amount of Rubus laciniatus (cutleaf blackberry) was found mixed in with the
Rubus armeniacus.
Centaurea solstitialis (yellow starthistle) and Elymus caput-medusae (medusahead rye) were
found throughout the Study Area and are therefore not represented in Figure 7. Both species
had an average coverage across the Study Area of approximately 35% each. Concentrations of
both species were lighter in the oak woodlands in the far northern part of the Study Area, found
most frequently in openings between trees, and heavier downslope of the TID canal.
Cirsium arvense (Canada thistle), Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle), Conium maculatum (poison
hemlock), and Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass) were all found as widely scattered, very
small populations (often only as one isolated plant). These species were found primarily in
areas of moisture along the TID canal and irrigated areas downslope of the canal. A small trace
of Hypericum perforatum (St. Johnswort) was found along the canal. These species are not
further documented in this report due to the small population sizes within the Study Area and
overall commonness of these species in southwestern Oregon.
One potential population of Cyperus esculentus (yellow nutsedge) was found downslope of the
canal (Figure 7). It was originally observed early in the season while immature and could not be
confidently identified. By the time a return visit was made later in the season, cattle had grazed
the plants down beyond recognition. The identification could therefore not be verified.
Although not a target noxious weed species, Thinopyrum ponticum (Elymus elongata; tall
wheatgrass, European quackgrass) was observed infesting the entire gas pipeline right-of-way
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in the northern part of the Study Area. The pipeline right-of-way was nearly a complete
monoculture of Thinopyrum ponticum; it had outcompeted other vegetation and was spreading
out from there. It has potential to quickly spread and take out other parts of the Study Area. This
species is a pale grey-green color and this infestation is visible on aerial photography as a wide,
pale strip cutting across the Study Area. This species is similar to the target noxious species
Elymus repens (quackgrass, couchgrass), and many of the Thinopyrum ponticum specimens in
the Study Area exhibited some features characteristic of Elymus repens, including very wide
leaves and acute glumes, although the majority of features still pointed towards T. ponticum.
There is potential for Thinopyrum ponticum to be considered by ODA for noxious weed listing in
the future.
The Study Area has multiple possible vectors of noxious weed introduction including: Interstate
5 and associated POE adjacent to the Study Area, vehicular traffic within the Study Area
(OHV's, right-of-way maintenance vehicles), livestock, TID canal, non-vehicular trail traffic (foot,
bike, horse). Much of the vegetation between the southern property fencelihe and Interstate 5 /
POE is mowed annually, possibly slowing the spread of weeds from those two dispersal
vectors, although the stretch of exit ramp with the Silyhum marianum had not been mowed; it
may be too steep to maintain.
3.4 Birds
Thirty-four GRSPs were detected during the surveys (Figure 8). The majority (thirty-two of thirty-
four) were singing males; two GRSPs were flushed from vegetation and the sex of these two
birds is unknown. Thirty-two detections were recorded above the TID canal; two were recorded
below the canal. GRSPs have Federal Species of Concern, Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife (ODFW) Conservation Strategy Species, and ORBIC2 status. See Table 4 for ORBIC
rank definitions. Other special status bird species detected during the point counts include:
• Acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
• Chipping sparrow (Spizella passerine)
• Oak titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus)
• Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
• Western meadowlark (Stumella neglecta)
• White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus)
• Yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens)
Table 4 contains further notes on the occurrences of the target special status avian species
within the Study Area and includes rank status(es) of each species.
3.5 Other Sites of Interest
No other special status target species were found.
Multiple populations of a species of Phaeocalicium (Figure 9) were found on twigs of Quemus
garryana in the oak woodlands in the far northern part of the Study Area. Species of
Phaeocalicium belong to a group of organisms commonly known as pin lichens. Their spores
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are borne atop a small stalk and are distributed by wind and insects travelling the length of the
twigs. The collection in question is similar to Phaeocalicium interruptum, a species without
special status, but differs by multiple morphological and chemical features. It is possibly a new
species: one that is new to science, not described, and un-named. A collection has been sent to
a pin lichen expert for another opinion; this report will be updated when a determination has
been returned. Determinations are also still out for several invertebrate collections.
One large "log" of petrified wood (Figure 10) was found along the boundary of the study area at
coordinates 525445E/4675296N, placing it just within the Study Area. The overall length is
unknown; it continued underground and its large size and heavy weight prevented movement
and further exploration. This feature may serve as an attraction to visitors.
A series of scattered rock outcrops exist on a steep south-facing slope running approximately
0.25 miles west-east through the Study Area in T38S R1 E S27. Other, smaller sets of outcrops
are occasional throughout much of the Study Area.
No other biological sites of interest, as defined in 1.0 Introduction, were found in the Study Area.
3.6 Inventories
A total of two-hundred-fifty-two vascular plants were recorded during the surveys (Table 5).
Note that multiple taxa are not identified past genus. Additionally, several recorded taxa were
observed only along Butler Creek; it is uncertain how much of that creek actually exists in the
project area due to conflicts in GIS mapping compared to on-the-ground property line evidence.
Pacific Crest elected to document all bird species detected during the surveys for GRSPs; fifty-
three avian species in total were detected (Table 4).
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4.0 REFERENCES
Altman, B. 2015. Oregon Vesper Sparrow Range-wide Inventory and Habitat Assessment Final
Report. Prepared by the American Bird Conservancy for the Center for Natural Lands
Management. April 2015.
AmphibiaWeb. 2017. University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed 8/22/17. Available:
<http://amphibiaweb.org>
Birds of North America. 2017. Online version. Species accounts. Cornell Ornithology Lab and
American Ornithologist's Union. Accessed 8/22/17. Available:
http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/
Calflora. 2017. Searchable Database of California Flora. Berkeley, California. Accessed
8/12/17. Available: http://www.calflora.org/
Csuti, B., T. A. O'Neil, M.M. Shaughnessy, E.P. Gaines, and J.C. Hak. 2001. Atlas of Oregon
wildlife: distribution, habitat, and natural history, Second edition. Oregon State University
Press. Corvallis, OR.
eBird. 2017. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance. eBird, Ithaca, New
York. Accessed 8/21/17. Available: http://www.ebird.org
Nafis, G. 2017. California Herps - A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of California.
Accessed: 8/21/17. Available: http://www.californiaherps.com/
NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer Database. Species accounts. Accessed: 8/22/17.
Available: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/
ODA (Oregon Department of Agriculture). 2017a. Noxious Weed Policy and Classification
System. Oregon Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Program. Salem, Oregon.
Available:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/Weeds/OregonNoxiousWeeds/Pages/Law.aspx
ODA (Oregon Department of Agriculture). 2017b. WeedMapper. Searchable Database of
Oregon Noxious Weed Occurrences. Oregon Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed
Program. Salem, Oregon. Accessed 8/13/17. Available:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/Weeds/Pages/WeedMapper.aspx
ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife). 2017a. Threatened, Endangered, and
Candidate Fish and Wildlife Species in Oregon. Accessed 8/20/17. Available:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/diversity/species/threatened_endangered_species.asp
ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife). 2017b. Sensitive Species List (2016).
Accessed 8/20/17. Available:
http://www.dfw.state.or. us/wildlife/diversity/species/sensitive_species.asp.
ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife). 2017. Wildlife Division Gray Wolves Page.
Accessed 8/24/17. Available: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/Wolves/Packs/Keno.asp
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ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife). 1984. The Herpetology of Jackson and
Josephine Counties, Oregon. Nongame Wildlife Program. Technical Report #84-2-05.
By Alan D. St. John.
OFP (Oregon Flora Project). 2017. Oregon Flora Project Atlas and Rare Plant Guide.
Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.
Accessed at: http://www.oregonflora.org
ORBIC (Oregon Biodiversity Information Center). 2016. Rare, Threatened, and Endangered
Species of Oregon. Portland State University, Portland, Oregon. Available:
http://inr.oregonstate.edu/orbic/rare-species/rare-species-oregon-publications
Oregon Wildlife Institute. 2017. Wildlife Conservation in Willamette Valley Grassland & Oak
Habitats Species Account. Slender-billed Nuthatch (Sitta carolineses aculeata).
Accessed 8/24/17. Available: www.oregonwildlife.org.
Rogue Valley Audubon Society. 2014. Birds of Jackson County, Oregon, Distribution and
Abundance. By the Jackson County Checklist Committee. Fourth Edition, 2014.
Published by Rogue Valley Audubon Society.
Stephens, J.L. 2016. Grasshopper Sparrow abundance on the Imperatrice property: Results
from 2016 surveys. Klamath Bird Observatory. Rep. No. KBO-2016-0009. September
30, 2016.
USFS and BLM (US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management). 1999a. Survey
and Manage Survey Protocols - Protection Buffer Bryophytes Version 2.0.
USFS and BLM. 1999b. Survey and Manage Survey Protocol - Vascular Plants.
USFS and BLM. 2001. Record of Decision and Standards and Guidelines for Amendments to
the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other Mitigation Measures Standards
and Guidelines. January 2001.
USFS and BLM. 2003a. Survey Protocols for Survey and Manage Category A and C Lichens in
the Northwest Forest Plan Area. Version 2.1.
USFS and BLM. 2003b. 2003 Amendment to the Survey Protocol for Survey & Manage
Category A & C Lichens in the Northwest Forest Plan Area. Version 2.1 Amendment.
September 2003.
USFS and BLM. 2006. Survey Protocol Guidance for Conducting Equivalent Effort Surveys
under the Northwest Forest Plan Survey and Manage Standards and Guidelines.
USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service). 2017. General Species List Generator.
Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office. Accessed 8/20/17. Available: https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac
USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service). 2016. Recovery Outline for the Streaked
Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata). Portland, Oregon. 42 pp.
Van Norman, K., J. Lippert, D. Rivers-Pankratz, R. Holmes, and C. Mayrsohn. 2008. Sporocarp
Survey Protocol for Macrofungi, version 1.0. Portland, Oregon. Interagency Special
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
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FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Status / Sensitive Species Program. US Department of Interior, Bureau of Land
Management, Oregon/Washington and US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,
Region 6. 16 pp.
Van Norman, K. 2010. Survey & Manage Category B Fungi Equivalent-Effort Survey Protocol,
version 1.0. Portland OR. US Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management,
Oregon/Washington and US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Region 6. 17 pp.
Verts, B.J. and L.N. Carraway. 1998. Land Mammals of Oregon. University of California Press.
Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
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Tables
Table 1: Special status plants, lichens, and fungi
Taxonl Scientific Name Federal ODA SEN/STR/S&M2 Likelihood to Exist in Study Area
Status2 Status2
VA Adiantum jordanii SEN LOW. Habitat includes moist, shaded hillsides, springs, riparian
areas. SW OR populations are found mostly on serpentine. No
serpentine present in Study Area, although shaded riparian is found
to far north in oak woodland. Most known sites in SW OR are west
of Grants Pass.
VA Agrostis hendersonil STIR LOW. Found in vernal pools and other moist areas in valley
grasslands. Historical collection from Sams Valley, but is presumed
extirpated in OR.
FU Alabtrellus ellisii SM-B LOW. Typically found in older coniferous forests at higher
elevations than the Study Area, although this species is
occasionally found in hardwood communities. Known sites exist in
coniferous forest in the SW OR Cascades.
VA Allium bolanderl var. STIR MODERATE. Habitat includes rocky clay soils, although this species
bolanderi typically prefers serpentine. Known sites exist at Howard Prairie
and NW of Grants Pass.
VA Allium peninsulare SEN LOW. Habitat includes meadows. Many populations nearby in the
Hyatt I Howard Prairie area, although these populations are found in
higher elevation snowmelt meadows. Found at lower elevations in
CA.
VA Androsace elongata STIR LOW. Habitat includes dry, primarily north-facing meadows.
ssp. acuta Previously known from one historic site in Jackson County (1887),
now assumed to be extirpated.
BR Anoectangium STIR LOW. Lower elevation springs and seeps, often over rock, although
aestivum this species typically prefers calcareous substrates in SW OR. One
known site near Winner.
VA Arabis modesta SEN MODERATE. Shaded slopes at low to moderate elevations; often
associated with rock. Known sites near Shady Cove, Applegate, and
NW of Grants Pass.
VA Astragalus SEN LOW. Low to moderate elevation, dry, open, meadows, woodlands,
califomicus shrub communities; although known sites in SW OR are south of
the Siskiyou crest in CSNM (Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument)
and found in communities more similar to those of the Great Basin.
VA Astragalus SEN MODERATE. Dry, open, grassy areas at low to moderate elevations.
gambelianus Known sites at Sampson Creek and southern part of CSNM.
FU Balsamia nigrans STIR MODERATE. Associates with species of oak. Known sites in
Jackson and Josephine counties.
BR Bryum calobryoides SEN LOW. Prefers crevices in rock at higher elevations, occasionally
found at lower elevations. Known sites along Siskiyou crest and
near Hyatt Lake.
LI Calicium quercinum STIR LOW. Grows on trunks of oaks at low to moderate elevations. No
known sites in SW OR.
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VA Califomia macrophylla SEN PRESENT. Known sites documented in Study Area prior to 2017
survey efforts.
VA Callitriche marginata SEN MODERATE. Primarily a species of vemal pool habitats in SW OR.
Could exist in seasonal pond in east part of Study Area or vernal
pools undetected during desktop analysis.
VA Calochortus greenei SC SEN LOW. Habitat includes clay soils in meadows, shrub communities,
and other areas of exposure as low as 2400' elevation. However, all
known sites in SW OR are in the Klamath watershed south of the
Siskiyou crest.
VA Calochortus SEN MODERATE. One known site upslope of the Study Area, higher in
monophyllus elevation, in forest on the south side of Grizzly Peak. Can grow as
low as 1300' elevation.
VA Calochortus nifidus STIR LOW. Habitat includes meadows. One known site near
Greensprings, although it is much higher in elevation than the
Study Area.
BR Campylopus STR LOW. Found from sea level to moderate elevations. Known sites in
subulatus Josephine County. Prefers areas without human-induced
disturbance or heavy plant competition.
VA Carex comosa SEN LOW. Found in wet areas from sea level to 1200'. Nearest known site
is historic, found along the Rogue River.
VA Carex crawfordii STIR MODERATE. Found at pond and lake margins that dry up in
summer, from sea level to moderate elevations. Rumored site near
Grizzly Peak.
FU Cazia flexiascus STIR MODERATE. Associates with Quercus garryana and other
hardwoods. Known sites in Rogue Valley vacinity.
VA Cheilanthes covillei SEN MODERATE. Rock crevices at a variaty of elevations and plant
communities. Known sites in Jackson County near Heppsie Mt.
VA Cheilanthes intertexta SEN MODERATE. Rock crevices at a variaty of elevations and plant
communities. Known sites throughout Jackson County.
VA Chlorogalum SEN MODERATE. Clay soils of dry areas with high light exposure at
angustifolium lower elevations. Widely scattered known sites in Jackson and
Josephine counties.
FU Clavariadelphus SM-B LOW. Typically a species of mixed and coniferous forests, although
occidentalis it is rarely found in hardwood communities. Many known sites in
southern Oregon.
FU Clavariadelphus STR LOW. Typically a species of mixed and coniferous forests, although
subfastigiatus it is rarely found in hardwood communities. Three known sites in
SW OR.
LI Collema quadrffidum STR PRESENT. Prefers Quercus garryana trunks at low to moderate
elevations. Many known sites in Jackson County.
VA Cryptantha milo- SEN MODERATE. Rocky or gravelly slopes at low to moderate
bakeri elevations. Known sites in Jackson (Applegate area) and eastern
Josephine counties.
VA Cyperus acuminatus SEN LOW. Found at vernal pools, seasonal ponds, ditches, and other wet
areas at low elevations. The only previously known sites in SW OR
are historic and near Grants Pass.
VA Delphinium nudicaule SEN LOW. Grows in well-drained areas (often talus or gravel) and along
river banks and low to moderate elevations. Known sites in Jackson
and Josephine counties.
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FU Dendrocollybia STIR MODERATE. Found on decayed remains of other mushrooms in a
racemosa variety of habitats (including hardwood and shrub communities) at
low to moderate elevations. Known sites in Jackson (mostly near
Shady Cove) and Josephine counties, including one at French Flat
found under manzanita.
BR Didymodon nonisil STR MODERATE. Habitat includes a variety of rock substrates in a
variety of plant communities from low to moderate elevations.
Known sites in Jackson County near Siskiyou Summit and Shady
Cove.
VA Diplacus bolanderl SEN MODERATE. Grassy areas and openings in chaparral from low to
moderate elevations. Observed in areas of disturbance. Known sites
in Applegate Valley.
VA Diplacus congdonii SEN MODERATE. Oak woodlands, grassy areas, and openings in
chaparral from low to moderate elevations. Known sites in
Applegate Valley.
BR Entosthodon STIR MODERATE. Found on clay soils in seasonally wet areas, often
californkus associated with disturbance. Known sites at Table Rocks.
BR Entosthodon SEN MODERATE. Found on a variety of soils in seasonally wet areas,
fascicularis often associated with disturbance. Known sites near Grants Pass.
BR Ephemerum SEN MODERATE. Found on a variety of soils in seasonally wet areas,
crassinervium often associated with disturbance; one Jackson County site was
found in water-filled cow tracks. Known sites in Jackson and
Josephine counties.
VA Ericameria SEN LOW. Dry forest, hardwood and shrub communities at low to
arborescens moderate elevations, often in foothills. Only known sites in OR are
in western Curry County; however, it is found throughout CA in a
variety of habitats.
VA Erigeron cervinus SEN LOW. Prefers rocky areas, but also grows in open areas. Usually at
moderate to higher elevations. Occasionally found in vernally wet
areas at lower elevations. Nearest known site is in Josephine
County.
VA Eschscholzia SEN LOW. Dry, often brushy areas at lower elevations. Nearest known
caespitosa sites are near Glendale and Hellgate.
VA Eucephalus vialis ST SEN MODERATE. Low to moderate elevation ecotones, but generally
involving coniferous and mixed forest.
VA Fritillaria eastwoodiae STR LOW. Dry slopes. Rumored sites at Lower Table Rock and near Gold
Hill, otherwise no sites in close proximity.
VA Fritillaria gentnen FE SE SEN HIGH. Low to high elevation ecotones, mixed forests, shrub
communities. Study Area is well within species range and known
sites are in relatively close proximity.
VA Hackelia bella SEN LOW. Moderate to higher elevations. Known from Table Mountain
and Grizzly Peak vacinity, but at higher elevations.
VA Horkelia tridentata SEN LOW. Dry areas, typically in open forest, on granitic or other
ssp. tridentata igneous soils, at low to high elevations. Known sites are in Ashland
Watershed, although these are higher elevation than the Study Area,
found exclusively on granite, and favor ridgelines.
VA Juncus kelloggii STR LOW. Vernal pools, springs, meadows at low elevations. ORBIC lists
a known site in Josephine County.
LI Leptogium bumetiae STR MODERATE. Found on Quercus garryana trunks at lowto moderate
elevations. Nearest known verified site is near Shady Cove; another
unverified site exists near Buckhorn Springs.
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VA Limnanthes alba ssp. SC SEN LOW. Wet meadows, streamsides, ditches, cliff bases at typically
gracilis low elevations. Only one known site in Jackson County, found near
City of Rogue River.
VA Limnanthes floccosa Sc SEN MODERATE. Vernally wet areas with high light exposure, from low
ssp. bellingeriana to moderate elevations. Many known sites in Cascades of Jackson
County.
VA Limnanthes pumila FE SE SEN LOW. Vernal pool habitat, but endemic to Agate Desert.
ssp. grandiflora
VA Limnanthes pumila ST SEN LOW. Vernal pool habitat, but endemic to Table Rocks.
ssp. pumila
VA Lomatium cookii FE SE SEN LOW. Vernally moist habitats, often vernal pools. Known from two
concentrations of populations: one in the Agate Desert, the other in
the Illinois Valley.
VA Meconella oregana SC SEN MODERATE. Found in a variety of plant communities, often vernally
moist, usually with moderate to high light exposure, at low
elevations. Known populations near Medford, Jacksonville,
Applegate.
VA Microseris douglasii STIR LOW. Meadows with heavy clay soils. The only known site in
ssp. douglash Oregon was near Ashland but has not been seen since the late
1800's and is presumed extirpated.
VA Nemacladus capillaris SEN MODERATE. Dry slopes at a variety of elevations. In SW OR, prefers
meadow edges in areas of higher percentages of bare mineral soil.
Multiple known sites in Cascades of Jackson County, especially in
CSNM.
BR Orthotrichum STIR MODERATE. Rock features at low to mdoerate elevations in a
bolanderi variety of plant communities. Known sites near Sampson Creek and
Medford.
BR Orthotrichum STR MODERATE. Rocks in seasonal drainages, usually with moderate to
euryphyllum high light exposure. Known sites throughout much of the Cascades
of southern OR.
BR Orthotrichum halfii STR MODERATE. Rock features at low to mdoerate elevations in a
variety of plant communities. Known sites near Medford.
VA Pellaea SEN MODERATE. Rocky areas at low to moderate elevations. Known
andromedifolia sites in Jackson and Josephine counties.
LI Pettigera pacifica SM-E LOW. Typically in coniferous or mixed forests, but can be found in a
variety of habitats. Known site in Ashland Watershed; several more
in western Jackson County.
LI Peltula euploca STR MODERATE. Rocky areas (basalt, andesite) at lower elevations.
Known sites at Upper Table Rock, Applegate Valley, CSNM,
Horseshoe Ranch.
BR Phymatoceros SEN LOW. Mineral soil substrates that remain wet late into summer.
phymatodes Multiple sites on Medford BLM lands in SW OR.
VA Pilularia americana SEN MODERATE. Vernally wet habitats including vernal pools and pond
margins. Known sites at Table Rocks.
VA Pinus sabiniana STIR LOW. Foothill woodlands at low to moderate elevations. Common in
the Trinity Mountains and elsewhere in CA; very rare in OR as
natural sites, but is frequently planted as an ornamental.
VA Plagiobothrys SEN MODERATE. Vernally wet areas, such as seeps and ephemeral
austiniae drainages, typically in meadows, at low to moderate elevations.
Known sites at Table Rocks and Cascades of Jackson County.
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VA Plagiobothrys SC SEN MODERATE. Vernally wet areas, often rocky, in meadows at low to
figuratus ssp, moderate elevations. Known sites near Greensprings, Medford,
corallicarpus Grants Pass.
VA Plagiobothrys greenei SEN MODERATE. Vernally wet areas, such as seeps and ephemeral
drainages, typically in meadows, at low to moderate elevations.
Known sites in the Cascades of Jackson County.
VA Plagiobothrys SE STIR LOW. Assumed habitat is vernally wet areas with higher light
lamprocarpus exposure. Known only from one historic site near Grants Pass
(1921) and is assumed extinct.
BR Porella bolanderi SEN MODERATE. Rock outcrops in oak woodlands. Known sites in
Ashland Watershed and Cascades of Jackson County.
FU Psathyrella quercicola STIR MODERATE. Grows on Quercus garryana at low elevations. Known
sites from Jackson and Josephine counties, including the type
locality.
BR Racomitrium SEN LOW. Rocks along ephemeral drainages with high light exposure,
depressum mostly at moderate to higher elevations in southern OR. Known
sites near Howard Prairie.
VA Rafinesquia SEN MODERATE. Meadows and post-bum areas in variety of
californka communities from low to high elevations. Large, robust populations
were previously found throughout the Squire and Quartz Fire areas
in the Applegate.
VA Ranunculus austro- SC SEN PRESENT. Known sites documented in Study Area prior to 2017
oreganus survey efforts.
VA Rhamnus ilicifolia SEN MODERATE. Chaparral and oak woodlands from low to moderate
elevations. Several sites known along the CA border in CSNM and
near Applegate Ranger Station.
VA Rhynchospora alba SEN LOW. Wet areas from low to high elevations. Known sites in
southern OR are moderate to high elevation, often associated with
Sphagnum.
VA Ribes divaricatum var. SEN LOW. Wet areas and forest edges. Multiple known sites west of
pubitlorum Grants Pass.
VA RomanzotTa SEN LOW. Vernally wet areas, such as seeps and springs, on steep
thompsonii slopes with high light exposure. Known SW OR sites are near
Flounce Rock at 4000' elevation.
FU Sarcodon STIR LOW. Typically found in coniferous forests but occasionally in
fuscoindicus hardwoods. Widely scattered across western OR, inclusing one site
in northern Jackson County.
BR Schistidium SEN MODERATE. Rocks in seasonal drainages, usually with moderate to
cinclidodonteum high light exposure. Known sites throughout much of the Cascades
of southern OR.
VA Scirpus pendulus SEN MODERATE. Wet areas in a variety of plant communities from low to
moderate elevations. Known site near Grizzly Peak.
VA Sidalcea hickmanii SEN LOW. Dry shrub communities on ridges. One known site: Sams
ssp. petraea Valley
VA Solanum parishii SEN MODERATE. Found in a variety of dry plant communities at a variety
of elevations. Known sites throughout much of Jackson County.
FU Spathularia flavida SM-B LOW. Typically found in coniferous forests and only rarely in
hardwoods. Numerous known sites in Jackson County.
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VA Tetrapteron SEN MODERATE. Meadows, shrub communities, oak woodlands at low
graciliflorum to moderate elevations. Known sites in CSNM, Applegate vacinity,
and elsewhere in Jackson County.
BR Trichostomum STR LOW. Various moist substrates in various plant communities at a
tenuirostris var. wide variety of elevations. Known site near Wagner Butte is in
tenuirostris coniferous forest.
VA Triteleia ixioides ssp. STIR LOW. Foothill meadows and woodlands, in clay and granitic soils.
scabra
LI Umbilicarla hirsuta STIR MODERATE. Rock features in a variety of exposures in a variety of
elevations. Known sites in CSNM, near Lake of the Woods, near
Winner.
VA Wolffia borealis SEN LOW. Areas of stagnant water such as ponds, lakes. Known sites at
Parsnip Lakes in CSNM, and Sharron Fen, both at -4500' elevation.
VA Wolffia columbiana SEN LOW. Areas of stagnant water such as ponds, lakes. Known site
near Gold Hill.
VA = vascular plant, BR = bryophyte, LI = lichen, FU = Fungus
z Federally Listed Species: FE = Endangered, FT = Threatened, SOC = Species of Concern. Oregon Department of Agriculture: SE
= Endangered, ST = Threatened, SC = Candidate. STIR = Strategic, SEN = Sensitive. S/M Category definitions: Category A =
Manage all known sites; pre-disturbance surveys practical, strategic surveys. Category B = Manage all known sites, pre-disturbance
surveys not practical and not applicable; strategic surveys, equivalent effort surveys required for most bryophytes, lichens and fungi
for habitat-disturbing projects in old growth. Category C = Manage high-priority sites; pre-disturbance surveys practical, strategic
surveys. Category D = Manage high-priority sites; pre-disturbance surveys not practical or not necessary; strategic surveys.
Category E = Manage all known sites; pre-disturbance survey not applicable; strategic surveys. Category F = known site
management and pre-disturbance surveys not applicable; strategic surveys
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
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Table 2: Special status birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians
Status'
Common Name USFWS Likelihood to Occur in the
Scientific Name STATE Habitat and Ecology Study Area
ORBIC
Amphibians
Northern red- SOC Prefers cool and calm or still waters of Low. Suitable habitat for this
legged frog SV, CS streams, marshes or ponds, often near species exists along the drainage in
Dana aurora 4 or in moist forests. Breed in winter the middle of the Study Area and
and early spring laying eggs attached in adjacent wetlands areas;
to stems of emergent vegetation or however, it is overall of marginal
submerged branches in permanent quality for this species (not within
water bodies. Highly terrestrial outside humid woodlands).
of the breeding season. Known
historically from Jackson County
including records in the Lower Rogue
and Applegate watersheds.
western toad Historically found throughout Jackson Moderate. Suitable habitat for
Anaxgrus boreas SV' CS County near aquatic sites (streams, this species exists along the
boreas 4 rivers, lakes, ponds, and springs). drainage in the middle of the
Occurs in a wide variety of habitats as Study Area and in adjacent
long as there is suitable aquatic habitat wetlands areas; however, this
for breeding and is adapted to species has disappeared from
agricultural environments such as much of its original range and is
vegetated irrigation canals. now uncommon.
Re tiles
California SOC Found in a wide variety of habitats. In Moderate. There is suitable
kingsnake SV Oregon, it occurs along the Rogue and habitat in the Study Area and there
Lampropellis 4 Umpqua river valleys, often in dense are historic records of this species
californ ae vegetation along watercourses but also in the region.
in farmland, chaparral, and deciduous
and mixed conifer woodlands.
California SOC Found in a diversity of habitats often Moderate. There is suitable
mountain SV, CS pine forests, oak woodlands, and habitat in the Study Area and there
kingsnake 4 chaparral; commonly in open wooded are historic records of this species
Lam ro ellis ryonala areas near streams. in the region.
western Occurs in a variety of habitats from Present. There is suitable habitat
rattlesnake Sc deserts to chaparral to open forests, for this species in the Study Area
Croalalus oreganus 4 usually near rocks, cliffs, or downed and they were observed in the
ss . ore anus logs. Study Area during surveys.
Birds
white-tailed kite Lower elevation grasslands, Present. This species was
Elanus letrcurus - agricultural areas, meadow, oak observed flying over the Study
4 woodlands, riparian woodlands, Area and hunting nearby on
marshes and wetlands; nest in trees or several occasions during the
tall shrubs. Breeding season is breeding season (early May). No
approximately February to July. nest was observed in the Study
Area and there is only limited
suitable nesting trees/shrubs
available within the Study area;
most likely this bird was nesting
nearby, possibly in the trees
growing on the adjacent property
to the east.
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Status,
Common Name USFWS Likelihood to Occur in the
Scientific Name STATE Habitat and Ecology Study Area
ORBIC
bald eagle BCC This species is usually found near Present (assumed). There is no
Haliaeetrrs SV water and breeds in forested areas suitable nesting habitat for this
lencocephalus 4 adjacent to large bodies of water. species in the Studv Area, though
Nests in trees, rarely on cliff faces and it is fairly common to the greater
on the ground in treeless areas. region. A bald eagle was recorded
in the Study Area on April 29,
2016 and on January 4 and 25,
2014 (eBird 2017).
ferruginous hawk SOC A rare, but regular winter visitor to Present (assumed). A
Buteo regali SV, CS Jackson County. Prefers flat, rolling ferruginous hawk was observed in
4 grasslands or shrubsteppe regions the Study Area on February 27,
including sagebrush shrublands, and 2017 (eBird 2017).
edges of western juniper and pinyon-
juniper woodlands and other forests.
Breeds in northeastern Oregon and
found year-round in southeastern
Oregon.
golden eagle - Inhabits a wide variety of open and Present (assumed). There is
Aquila chiTsaetoi - semi-open habitat types including suitable foraging habitat for this
4 grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, species in the Study Area though it
and coniferous forests. Often nests on would be unlikely to nest there
cliffs bordering rivers, will also nest in due to a lack of preferred nesting
trees, on ground, on river banks, and habitat. Two golden eagles were
on human-made structures. observed in the Study Area on
March 4, 2016 and on January 4,
2014 and one was observed in the
Study Area on January 25, 2014
(eBird 2017).
short-eared owl BCC (year- Inhabits open terrain, most often Low. Suitable habitat exists in the
Asio flammeus round) marshes, but also grasslands, dunes, Studv Area; however, this species
CS agricultural fields, meadows, and is a rare to irregular visitor to
3 pastures. Breeding season is typically Jackson County during the non-
from April to August. breeding season (_November -
April).
burrowing owl SOC Habitat includes deserts, open Low. The Study Area contains
Athene t-unmilana Sc, CS grasslands, shrublands, and other open suitable habitat for this species;
4 areas such as vacant lots near human however burrowing owls are not
habitation or airports. Nests in currently known to breed in
abandoned mammal burrows. They Jackson County and are
have disappeared from the Rogue considered a rare to irregular
Valley and are rare in Jackson County, visitor during the non-breeding
though they once were considered season (October - April).
common.
common - Forage over wide variety of habitats Moderate. Species may forage
nighthawk CS throughout the state. Nest on bare over the Study Area, only reside in
Chordeiles minor 4 ground in open areas. Breeding season the Rogue Valley during the
is typically June to August. breeding season; unlikely to nest in
the Study Area because of limited
bare ground.
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Status'
Common Name USFWS Likelihood to Occur in the
Scienttfc Name STATE Habitat and Ecology Study Area
ORBIC
rufous BCC Breed in the Rogue Valley, typically in Moderate. This species is
hummingbird (breeding) open forest near meadows and common in the region however
Selaspboms rides riparian thickets in mountainous areas. the habitat in the Study Area is
Breeding typically begins anywhere only marginally suitable breeding
from April to July, depending on habitat for this species.
elevation.
Lewis's SOC/BCC Typically inhabits open forests at Present (assumed). Limited
woodpecker (year-round) lower elevations. Nests in white oak, suitable habitat for this species
Melanerpes lemis SC, CS ponderosa pine, mixed oak-pine, and occurs in the Study Area and it is
2 cottonwood riparian woodlands of likely to pass through the Study
eastern Oregon (also in the Klamath Area during winter foraging. There
River drainage). Common in the is a record of six Lewis's
Rogue Valley from November woodpeckers in the Study Area
through :March. from January 4, 2014 (eBird 2017).
acorn woodpecker SOC Occur in oak woodlands, mixed oak- Present. This species was detected
Melanerper CS pine woodlands and oak savannah. in the Study Area in the oak
formiavorour 4 Primary food is acorns. Very common woodland area during the breeding
resident in the Rogue Valley. season (May) and may nest within
the Stud Area or nearby.
American BCC Inhabits a variety of open habitats. Present. This species was
peregrine falcon (breeding) Nests on cliff ledges, or buildings or observed flying through the Study
Falco peregrinus SV, CS bridges, usually near water. Breeding Area during the breeding season
4 season is approximately March (early May); there is no suitable
through August. nesting habitat within the Study
Area, but this species may nest on
nearby cliffs.
little willow Breeds in willows and other riparian Low. This species is a fairly
flycatcher Sv, CS vegetation along stream courses, lakes common migrant but a rare and
Eirrpidonax trailii 4 and marshes, also in thickets at edges irregular breeder in Jackson
bremrteii of forest clearings or fields in County. The habitat in the Study
proximity to water. Breeding season is Area is marginal for this species
typically to August. and it is unlikely to occur.
loggerhead shrike BCC (year- This species occurs in open habitats Low. The Study Area contains
Lanier ludovicianits round) with shrubs and trees for perching and suitable habitat for this species;
CS nesting. however this species is not known
4 to breed in Jackson County and
considered a rare and irregular
visitor during the non-breeding
season.
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
27 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Status'
Common Name USFWS Habitat and Ecology Likelihood to Occur in the
Scientific Name STATE Study Area
ORBIC
streaked horned T Nest where there is little or no Low. There is suitable habitat in
lark SC, CS vegetation including sparsely vegetated the Study Area for this subspecies
Eremophlla alpertne 1 agricultural areas, pastures, grasslands, which used to be a permanent
strigata shrublands, playa margins, and alpine resident of the Rogue Valley, but
areas. Wintering habitats used are very is currently considered to be
similar to breeding habitats. Breeding extirpated. There is some
season is March to August. The likelihood that this subspecies
streaked horned lark has been could occur in the Study Area in
extirpated throughout much of its the winter.
range, including the Rogue Valley.
Although this subspecies was known
as a common permanent resident of
the Rogue Valley in the early 1900s,
the last confirmed breeding record
was in 1976. Horned larks are
currently only expected as rare and
irregular visitors to Jackson County
during the non-breeding season
(September to February); however,
these birds could be any of the four
subspecies which frequently form
mixed flocks in winter (only E. a.
tngata breeds west of the Cascades). A
flock of wintering streaked horned
larks was confirmed in the Rogue
Valley in winter 2015-2016 (USFWS
2016).
purple martin SOC Forage in open areas on the wing. Moderate. The Study Area has
Progne rrrar7in Sc, CS Nest in cavities, often using suitable foraging habitat adjacent
2 woodpecker nest holes or nest boxes. to limited suitable nesting habitat
Breeding season habitat typically open for this species which is known to
areas (open forest, open water, large breed near the Study Area
meadows, fire scars in forests, or open (breeding birds observed 2015-
areas near cities and towns) near to 2017 off Valley View Road
nest cavities (in trees, nest boxes, or approximately two miles to the
crevices in cliffs or buildings). northwest [eBird 2017]). There is
a record from July 26, 2013 of a
juvenile hawking insects along an
irrigation ditch off Butler Creek
Road (mapped location is
approximately 0.5 mile west of the
northwest corner of the Study
Area eBird 2017).
oak titmouse BCC (year- Common resident of the Rogue Valley Present. This species was detected
Baeolophus inornatns round) in oak, mixed oak-pine, and oak- in the Study Area in the oak
riparian woodlands and in mature woodland area during the breeding
chaparral communities. Nest in season (May) and may nest within
cavities, usually abandoned the Study Area.
woodpecker holes or digs its own nest
in soft wood (less common).
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
28 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Status'
Common Name USFWS Habitat and Ecology Likelihood to Occur in the
Scientific Name STATE Study Area
ORBIC
slender-billed This subspecies of white-breasted Present. This species was detected
nuthatch SV, CS nuthatch generally inhabits the in the Study area in the oak
Sitta carolinensis 3 wooded slopes of the major interior woodland area during the breeding
aculeata valleys west of the Cascades and is a season (NI-ay) and may nest within
common resident of the Rogue Valley. the Study Area.
Inhabits lower elevation deciduous,
mixed conifer-deciduous, oak,
ponderosa pine, and juniper
woodlands. Nests in natural tree
cavities or abandoned woodpecker
holes.
golden-crowned Common breeding bird in coniferous High. The Study Area is not
kinglet - forest habitats in Jackson County; suitable breeding habitat for this
Regulus satrapa 4 often come down in elevation in species, however they are common
winter. in the region and could be
encountered in the Study Area
anvtime outside of nesting season.
western bluebird Common nesting bird in Jackson Present (assumed). There are
Sialia mevicana SV, CS County; occupy a variety of habitats multiple eBird records of the
4 including farms, parks, open species in the Studv Area. One
woodlands (riparian, oak, and oak- record is during the breeding
ponderosa pine); require cavities for season (May 21) and this species
nesting and typically use abandoned would be likely to nest in the
woodpecker holes, natural cavities, or Study Area where suitable nesting
nest boxes. cavities exist eBird 2017).
chipping sparrow Common breeding bird in Jackson Present. This species was detected
Spitiella passenna CS County. Typically found in open at the eastern edge of the Study
4 woodlands, savannahs, and openings area near the end of North
in forests. Most birds have arrived by Mountain Avenue in early' Mav;
mid-April and depart by September; the Study Area may contain some
rare or irregular in the non-breeding marginally suitable nesting habitat.
season, though some birds are likely
resident.
Oregon vesper SOC This subspecies of vesper sparrow Low. Although the Study Area is
sparrow SC, CS breeds west of the Cascades in suitable habitat for this species, it
Pooecetesgramineus 2 Oregon. In Jackson County, it is an appears to prefer higher elevation
ggi"is uncommon to fairly common summer grasslands in the region and has a
resident in mountain grasslands; only low likelihood to occur.
typically arriving in April and
departing between July and October.
A range-wide inventory and habitat
assessment conducted in 2015 found
birds to be notably absent from lower
elevation grasslands and pasturelands
in the Rogue Valley (where they are
common in the Umpqua Valley); all
detections in the Rogue Basin were
above 2,000 feet and were primarily in
montane meadows (Altman 2015).
grasshopper - Generally inhabit short to mid-height, Present. This species was
sparrow SV, CS open to moderately open grasslands, thoroughly documented in the
Ammodramus 2 sometimes with scattered shrubs, and Study Area in a study completed
sauannarum refer large tracts of habitat to small by the Klamath Bird Observatory
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
29 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Status'
Common Name USFWS Likelihood to Occur in the
Scientific Name STATE Habitat and Ecology Study Area
ORBIC
ones. Many pairs often nest close to (KBO) in 2016 which found 32
each other because of limited suitable singing males in the Study Area
habitat; territory sizes between one (Stephens 2016). The grasshopper
and four acres have been documented. sparrow survey conducted by
Birds nest on the ground below a Pacific Crest Consulting in 2017
dome of grass; frequently have two also documented 32 singing males
broods; nesting typically occurs from in roughly the same locations
April to August. A summer resident of (Figure 8). An informal survey
limited distribution in Jackson County. conducted by KBO in 2014 found
20 grasshopper sparrows mostly in
the same area (Stephens 2016).
yellow-breasted SOC A summer resident found in brush Present. This species was
chat CS and thickets in open areas and observed in the Study Area along
Icteisa uirens 4 understory of riparian woodlands the small drainage in the center of
along streams. They typically arrive in the property as well as the TID in
southern Oregon in May and depart in early May and is likely to nest in
September. Nest in cups build in suitable habitat within the Study
dense thickets. Area and nearby. Brush along the
T I D in the western portion of the
Study Area (and likely along the
entire length) was mowed this year
sometime between mid-May and
mid June (C. Scott pers.
observation), removing some of
the suitable nesting habitat for
chats in this area.
western Very common summer resident in Present. The most commonly
meadowlark CS Jackson County and fairly common in encountered species during
Sturnella neglecta 4 winter as well when it may form small surveys of the Study Area
flocks. Inhabits open grasslands, conducted by Pacific Crest
pastures, some agricultural fields, Consulting. Known to breed
meadows, and sometimes open throughout most of the Study
woodlands. Nests are in depressions Area where suitable habitat is
on the ground under domes of grass; abundant, particularly above the
territories sizes reported between TID.
several and 10+ acres.
tricolored BCC Uncommon to fairly common Present. Observed on one
blackbird (breeding) summer resident (rare but regular occasion (April 29) on the west
Agelaius tricolor year-round resident); though typically side of the Study area below the
2 resident in most of their range, most TID. The latest being from May 1,
birds migrate to Oregon to breed. 2017 where Five tricolored
Prefer freshwater marshes with blackbirds were observed in the
emergent vegetation or thickets for Study Area (eBird 2017). There is
nesting; often nest in Himalayan suitable nesting habitat in the
blackberry shrubs around wetlands. southern portion of the Study
They breed in colonies, often Area for this species and it may
alongside red-winged blackbirds (may breed there or nearby.
fly as far as four miles from nesting
site to forage).
IMammals
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
30 Imperatrice Property
l
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Status'
Common Name USFWS Likelihood to Occur in the
Scientific Name STATE Habitat and Ecology Study Area
ORBIC
Townsends's big- SOC Known to occur in many habitats but Low. There is no roosting habitat
eared bat SC, CS typically inhabits forested regions west in the Study Area and this species
Coynorbiuut 2' of the Cascades. Uses caves, is not anticipated to forage over
tomnteudi, abandoned mines, buildings, and the site.
tunnels as roosts.
pallid bat SOC This species inhabits a variety of Moderate. This species may
Antro.Zouspalhdus SV, CS habitats, typically shmblands and forage in the Study Area, the Study
2 woodlands of and regions but also Area does contain some roosting
open woodlands and forests habitat (hollow trees, rock piles),
(ponderosa pine, oak), preferably near but lacks their more preferred sites
water. They use narrow crevices in (caves, bridges).
caves, mines, buildings and, less often,
rock or debris piles and hollow trees
for roosting; night roosts include
abandoned buildings, rock overhangs,
and bridges.
hoary bat - Forest-dweller, day roosts in trees, Low. Suitable habitat exists in the
La irrna dnenus SV, CS resides in coniferous and deciduous limited oak woodland portion of
4 forests and forages along riparian the Study Area and this species
corridors and brush areas. ma Eora alon Butler Creek.
California myotis - This bat typically forages over or near Moderate. Suitable foraging and
Myotir californicus SV, CS open water; it uses cliff faces, tree roosting habitat in the Study Area.
4 crevices, or caves for roosting. Seeks
shelter after foraging during active
season (does not use fixed roosts), and
hibernates during winter in northwest.
long-eared myotis SOC Generally associated with forested Low. Suitable habitat exists near
Myotir evotis - habitats or forest edges west of the to the Study Area and this species
4 Cascades; forages in openings in dense may forage along Butler Creek.
forest, between trees in open forest, Not expected to roost in the Study
and over willow-fined streams; roosts Area
in wide variety of refugia including
buildings, caves, mines, bridges,
hollow trees, loose bark, and rock
crevices.
little brown - Closely associated with water; found Low. Limited suitable habitat in
myotis - in moist forests or riparian woodlands. the Study Area.
Myods luafirgur 4 Commonly roost in structures and
maternity colonies often located in
structures, caves, or hollow trees; they
hibernate in caves.
fringed myotis SOC Found in a wide variety of habitats but Low. Limited suitable habitat in
Myotir lbysanodes SV, CS seems to have a presence for forests the Study Area.
2 or riparian areas; roosts in caves,
mines, buildings.
long-legged SOC Typically occurs in forests, but also in Low. Suitable habitat exists in the
myotis SV, CS some desert and riparian habitats. limited oak woodland portion of
Myotir volans 4 Uses buildings, hollow trees and the Study Area.
crevices in rock outcrops for maternity
roosts. Uses caves and mines for
winter roosts.
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
31 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Status'
Common Name USFWS Habitat and Ecology Likelihood to Occur in the
Scientific Name STATE Study Area
ORBIC
Puma myotis SOC Highly associated with water; typically Low. Limited suitable habitat in
Aj otisyru.,ranensis - forages over open water such as rivers, the Stud- Area.
4 lakes, ponds. Establish large colonies
in buildings, mines, caves and bridges
and also take solitary refuge in
buildings, tree bark/crevices. In
western Oregon, mostly found in
Douglas-fir forests, Sitka spruce forest
and oak and ponderosa pine
woodlands.
Brazilian free- - Colonial species that appears to be a Moderate. May forage in the
tailed bat - permanent resident in Oregon; roots Study Area; less likely to roost in
Tadatida Gmrilien.+is 4 frequently include caves, hollow trees, the Study Area due to lack of large
and buildings; colonies can be very roosting areas preferred by this
large. Noted to be common to the species (caves, barns), but could
Ashland area (Verts and Carraway roost in the limited oak woodland
1998. habitat or in structures nearby.
western gray Generally inhabits oak woodlands, Moderate. Suitable habitat exists
squirrel CS also mixed forests with hardwoods in the limited oak woodland
Stiumsgriseus 4 and conifers, as well as riparian areas portion of the Study Area; this
and urban parks and orchards adjacent species is locally common.
to natural habitats.
black-tailed - This species is found in open habitats Present. This species was
jackrabbit - including grasslands, shrubland, observed in a field adjacent to the
Lepus calijbmicus 4 pastures, fields, and edges of forests. Study Area and there is suitable
habitat throughout the Study Area
for this species.
gray wolf E Occur over a wide-variety of habitats, Low. Evidence of gray wolves has
Canis lupus CS though closely associated with dense been documented as near as
2 coniferous forests west of the approximately 15 miles east of the
Cascades. Wolf territories ranging in Study Area (Keno Unit) near
size from 25 square miles to more lloward Prairie as recently as
than 1,000 square miles have been 2017; gray wolves could hunt in
reported. the Study Area but would not be
expected to reside there )DPW
2017c).
Status Code Definitions:
USFWS and STATE: ORBIC:
E: Endangered List 1: Taxa that are threatened with extinction or
T: Threatened presumed to be extinct throughout their
C: Candidate entire range.
SOC: Species of Concern List 2. Taxa that are threatened with extirpation or
BCC: Bird of Conservation Concern presumed to be extirpated from the state of
SC: Sensitive - Critical. SC species are imperiled with extirpation Oregon.
from a specific geographic area of Oregon because of small List 3: Taxa for which more information is needed
population sizes, habitat loss or degradation, and/or before status can be determined, but which
immediate threats. may be threatened or endangered in Oregon
SV: ODFW Sensitive - Vulnerable. SV species are facing one or or throughout their range.
more threats to their populations and/or habitats. List 4: Taxa which are of conservation concern but
CS: ODFW Oregon Conservation Strategy (CS) Species are not currently threatened or endangered.
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
32 Imperatrice Property
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Table 3: ODA list of noxious weeds
ODA
Common Name Scientific Name List
Velvetleaf Abutilon theo hrasti B
Biddy-biddy Acaena novae-zelandiae B
Russian* knapweed Acroptilon re ens B
Jointed goat grass Ae ilops c lindrica B
Ovate goat grass Ae ilo s ovata A
Barbed goat grass Ae ilo s triuncialis A, T
Quack grass EI mus re ens A rop ron r. B
Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima B
Camelthorn Alha i maurorum (A. pseudalha i) A
Garlic mustard Alliaria petiolate B, T
Yellowtuft Alyssum murale, A. corsicum A, T
Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia B
Skeletonleaf bursae Ambrosia tomentosa A
Indigo bush Amorpha fruticosa B
Common bugloss Anchusa officinalis B, T
Hoary alyssum Berteroa incana A, T
False brome Brach odium s Ivaticum B
White b onia Bryon ia alba A
Butterfl bush Buddleja davidii (B. variabilis) B
Flowering rush Butomus umbellatus A, T
Plumeless thistle Carduus acanthoides A, T
Smooth distaff thistle Carduus baeticus A
Welted thistle Carduus cris us A, T
Musk* thistle Carduus nutans B
Italian* thistle Carduus pycnocephalus B
Slender-flowered* thistle Carduus tenuiflorus B
Carthamus lanatus ssp. creticus (C.
Smooth distaff thistle baeticus A
Woolly distaff thistle Carthamus lanatus A, T
Purple starthistle Centaurea calcitra a A, T
Diffuse* knapweed Centaurea diffusa B
Iberian starthistle Centaurea iberica A, T
Meadow* kna weed Centaurea ratensis B
Yellow starthistle* Centaurea solstitialis B, T
Spotted* knapweed Centaurea stoebe (C. maculosa) B, T
Squarrose knapweed Centaurea vir ata A, T
Rush skeletonweed* Chondrilla juncea B, T
Canada* Thistle Cirsium arvense B
Bull* thistle Cirsium vul are B
Old man's beard Clematis vitalba B
Poison hemlock Conium maculatum B
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
33 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Field bindweed* Convolvulus arvensis B
Jubata grass Cortaderia jubata B
Common cru ina (bearded creeper) Cru ina vul aris B
Japanese dodder Cuscuta japonica A
Houndston ue C no lossum officinale B
Yellow nutsed e C perus esculentus B
Purple nutsed e C perus rotundus A
Scotch* broom C tisus scoparius B
Portuguese broom C tisus striatus B, T
Spurge laurel Daphne laureola B
Cape-ivy Delairea odorata A, T
Cutleaf teasel Di sacus laciniatus B
Paterson's curse Echium planta ineum A, T
South American waterweed E eria densa (Elodea B
Giant horsetail E uisetum telmateia B
Spanish heath Erica lusitanica B
Leaf * spurge Eu horbia esula B
Myrtle spurge Eu horbia m rsinites B
Oblong sure Eu horbia oblongata A
Japanese fleece flower) knotweed Fallo is "a onica Pol onum c.) B, T
Himalayan knotweed Fallo is of stack um (Pol onum B, T
Giant knotweed Fallo is sachalinensis (Pol onum s. B, T
Goatsrue Gale a officinalis A
French* broom Genista mons essulana B
Herb Robert Geranium robertianum B, T
Shiny-leaf geranium Geranium lucidum B, T
Halo eton Halo eton lomeratus B
Iv Hedera helix, H. hibernica B
Texas blueweed Helianthus ciliaris A
Giant ho weed Heracleum mante azzianum A, T
Orange hawkweed Hieracium Pilosella aurantiacum A, T
Meadow hawkweed Hieracium (Pilosella) caespitosum B, T
Yellow hawkweed Hieracium (Pilosella) floribundum A, T
Mouse-ear hawkweed Hieracium (Pilosella) pilosella A
King-devil hawkweed Hieracium (Pilosella iloselloides A
Meadow hawkweed Hieracium pratense A, T
H drilla H drilla verticillata A
Common frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae A
St. Johnswort * H pericum erforatum B
Policeman's helmet Impatiens landulifera B
Yellow flag iris Iris pseudacorus B
Dyers woad Isatis tinctoria B
Kochia Kochia scoparia B
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
34 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Yellow archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon B
Perennial peavine Lath rus latifolius B
Lens-podded whitetop Lepidium chale ensis (Cardaria) B
Whitetop (hoar cress) Le idium draba (Cardaria B
Perennial e erweed Le idium latifolium B
Hai whiteto Le idium ubescens Cardaria B
West Indian spongeplant Limnobium laevigatum A
Dalmatian* toadflax Linaria dalmatica L. enista B
Yellow* toadflax Linaria vul aris B
Garden yellow loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris A, T
Purple loosestrife* Lythrum salicaria B, T
Spikeweed Memizonia pungens B
Parrots feather M rioph llum a uaticum B
Eurasian watermilfoil M rio h llum s icatum B
Mat grass Nardus stricta A
Yellow floating heart N m hoides eltata A
Scotch thistle Onopordum acanthium B
Taurian thistle Ono ordum tauricum A, T
Small broomra e Orobanche minor B
African rue Pe anum harmala A
Common reed Phragmities australis ssp. australis B
Sulfur cinquefoil Potentilla recta B
Kudzu Pueraria lobata A, T
Lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria B
Creeping yellow cress Rori a s Ivestris B
Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus R. procerus, R. discolor B
Ravennagrass Saccharum ravennae A, T
Mediterranean sa e* Salvia aethio is B
Tans ra wort* Senecio jacobaea B, T
Milk* thistle Sil bum marianum B
Silverleaf nightshade Solanum elaea nifolium A
Buffalobur Solanum rostratum B
Johnson grass Sor hum hale ense B
Smooth cord grass S artina alterniflora A, T
Common cordgrass Spartina anglica A, T
Dense-flowered cordgrass Spartina densiflora A, T
Saltmeadow cordgrass Spartina patens A, T
Spanish broom S artium .unceum B
Swainson ea Austrian eaweed S haero h sa salsula B
Water soldiers Stratiotes aloides A
Medusahead rye Taeniatherum El mus ca ut-medusae B
Saltcedar* Tamarix ramosissima B
European water chestnut Trapa natans A
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
35 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Puncturevine* Tribulus terrestris B
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara A
Gorse* Ulex euro aeus B
Spin cocklebur Xanthium s inosum B
Syrian bean-caper Z ophyllum fabago A
Indicates weeds targeted for biocontrol
A-Listed Weed: A weed of known economic importance which occurs in the state in small enough infestations to make eradication
or containment possible; or is not known to occur, but its presence in neighboring states make future occurrence in Oregon seem
imminent. Recommended action: Infestations are subject to eradication or intensive control when and where found.
B-Listed Weed: A weed of economic importance which is regionally abundant, but which may have limited distribution in some
counties. Recommended action: Limited to intensive control at the state, county or regional level as determined on a site specific,
case-by-case basis. Where implementation of a fully integrated statewide management plan is not feasible, biological control (when
available) shall be the primary control method.
T-Designated Weed: A designated group of weed species that are selected and will be the focus for prevention and control by the
Noxious Weed Control Program. Action against these weeds will receive priority. T designated noxious weeds are determined by
the Oregon State Weed Board and directs ODA to develop and implement a statewide management plan. T designated noxious
weeds are species selected from either the A or B list.
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
36 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Table 4: Avian inventory
Special Status'
Common Name Scientific Name
Fed/State/ORBIC
Acorn woodpecker Melanerpes SOC/CS/List 4
formicivorus
American kestrel Falco sparverius
American robin Turdus migratorius
Barn swallow Hirundo rustica
Bewick's wren Thryomanes bewickii
Brewer's blackbird Euphagus
cyonocephalus
Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater
Bullock's oriole Icterus bullockii
California quail Callipepla californica
California scrub-jay Aphelocoma californica
California towhee Melozone crissalis
Canada goose Branta canodensis
Cedar waxwing Bombycillo cedrorum
Chipping sparrow Spizella passerina --/--/List 4
Common raven Corvus corax
Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Downy woodpecker Dryobates pubescens
European starling Sturnus vulgaris Grasshopper sparrow Ammodramus --/SV,CSlList 2
savannarum
Green-winged teal Anas crecca
Hairy woodpecker Leuconotopicus villosus
House finch
Haemorhous
mexiconus
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
37 Imperatrice Property
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FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
House sparrow Passer domesticus
Killdeer Charodrius vociferus
Lark sparrow Chondestes
grammacus
Lazuli bunting Posserina amoena
Lesser goldfinch Spinus psaltria
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Mourning dove Zenaida macroura -
Northern flicker Coloptes ouratus
Northern harrier Circus cyaneus
Northern rough- Stelgidopteryx
winged swallow serripennis
Oak titmouse Baeolophus inornatus BCC/--/--
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus BCC/SV/List 4
Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamoicensis
Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Rock pigeon Columba livida
Savannah sparrow Passerculus
sandwichensis
Song sparrow Melospizo melodic
Spotted towhee Pipilo maculotus
Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor
Turkey vulture Cothartes aura
Western kingbird Tyronnus verticalis
Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta --/--/List 4
Western wood-peewee Contopus sordidulus
White-breasted
h Sitta carolinensis
nuthatch
2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
38 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
White-tailed kite Elonus leucurus --/--/List 4
Wilson's warbler Cardellina pusillo
Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens SOC/CS/List 4
Yellow-rumped
wa
warbler Setophoga coronata
Chipping sparrow Spizello passerina
White-crowned
Zonotrichia leucophrys
sparrow
Violet-green swallow Tochycineto thalassina
'Status Code Definitions:
FEDERAL:
SOC: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Species of Concern
BCC: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Bird of Conservation Concern
ORBIC: Oregon Biodiversity Information Center: 1 = taxa that are threatened with
extinction or presumed to be extinct throughout their entire range (1-X designating
presumed extirpation from Oregon or extinction), 2 = taxa that are threatened with
extirpation or presumed to be extirpated from the state of Oregon; these are often
peripheral or disjunct species which are of concern (when considering species diversity
within Oregon's borders, they can be very significant when protecting the genetic diversity
of a taxon)-ORBIC regards extreme rarity as a significant threat and has included species
which are very rare in Oregon on this list; 3 = taxa for which more information is needed
before status can be determined, but which may be threatened or endangered in Oregon
or throughout their range; 4 = taxa which are of conservation concern but are not currently
threatened or endangered; this includes taxa which are very rare but are currently secure,
as well as List 4 contains taxa which are declining in numbers or habitat but are still too
common to be proposed as threatened or endangered. While these taxa may not currently
need the same active management attention as threatened or endangered taxa, they do
require continued monitoring.
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
39 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Table 5: Vascular plant inventory
Species Relative Abundance Status
Achillea millefolium frequent
Achnatherum lemmonii frequent
Achyrachaena mollis common
Acmispon wrangelianus rare
Agoseris retrorsa infrequent
Allium acuminatum rare
Allium amplectens rare
Allium sp (leaves only) frequent
Alopecurus pretense partially dominant
Alyssum alyssoides infrequent
Amaranthus albus rare
Amelanchier alnifolia infrequent
Amsinckia menziesii frequent
Anthriscus caucalis infrequent
Apocynum androsaemifolium frequent
Apocynum cannabinum rare
Artemesia douglasii infrequent
Asclepias fasiculatum frequent
Asclepias speciosa infrequent
Athysanus pusillus rare
Avena fatua dominant
Avena sativa rare
Balsamorhiza deltoidea infrequent
Blephanpappus scaber rare
Brassica nigra infrequent
Brassica rapa partially dominant
Brodiaea coronaria frequent
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
40 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Brodiaea elegans infrequent
Bromus carinatus infrequent
Bromus diandrus infrequent
Bromus hordeaceus dominant
Bromus japonicus dominant
Bromus tectorum dominant
Bromus vulgaris frequent
California macrophylla (Erodium macrophyllum) SS
Calochortus tolmiei common
Calycadenia truncata rare
Calystegia occidentalis common
Camassia quamash rare
Campanula prenanthoides rare
Capsella bursa-pastoris frequent
Cardamine oligosperma rare
Carex densa frequent
Carex geyeri rare
Carex sp (leaves only) infrequent
Carex stipata rare
Centaurea solstitialis dominant
Cerastium dichotomum common
Cerastium glomeratum frequent
Cercocarpus betuloides rare
Chamaesyce serpyllifolia rare
Cichorium intybus infrequent
Cirsium arvense infrequent NOX
Cirsium cymosum rare
Cirsium vulgare infrequent NOX
Clarkia gracilis infrequent
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
41 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Clarkia purpurea infrequent
Clarkia rhombifolia infrequent
Claytonia exigua rare
Claytonia parviflora infrequent
Claytonia perfoliata infrequent
Collinisa parviflora infrequent
Collinsia linearis infrequent
Collinsia sparsiflora infrequent
Collomia grandiflora rare
Collomia linearis infrequent
Conium maculatum infrequent NOX
Conyza canadensis rare
Crepis modocensis frequent
Crocidium multicaule infrequent
Cryptantha intermedia infrequent
Cynoglossum grande rare
Cynosurus echinatus frequent
Cyperus cf esculentus rare NOX
Dactylis glomerate infrequent
Daucus carrota frequent
Daucus pusillus rare
Delphinium nuttallianum infrequent
Dichelostemma capitatum common
Dichelostemma congestum common
Dipsacus fullonum frequent
Dodecatheon hendersonii rare
Dowingia yina rare
Draba verna infrequent
Echinochloa crus-galli rare
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
42 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Eleocharis acicularis infrequent
Eleocharis macrostachya (or palustris?) infrequent
Elymus glaucus infrequent
Epilobium brachycarpum common
Epilobium ciliatum var watsonii frequent
Equisetum hyemale infrequent
Ericameria nauseosa rare
Eriogonum compositum rare
Eriophyllum lanatum frequent
Erodium cicutarium dominant
Erysimum capitatum rare
Erythronium hendersond frequent
Eschscholzia californica rare
Eurphorbia crenulata rare
Festuca roemeri frequent
Fraxinus latifolia rare
Fritillaria affinis frequent
Fritillaria sp (leaves only) frequent
Galium aparine frequent
Galium bolanded rare
Galium divaricatum infrequent
Galium parisiense dominant
Geranium dissectum dominant
Geranium molle dominant
Gilia capitata rare
Glyceria sp (leaves only; grazed) rare
Gnaphalium palustre rare
Hemizonia congesta rare
Hieracium albiflorum rare
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
43 imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Hieracium scouleri infrequent
Holcus lanatus infrequent
Hordeum murinum infrequent
Horkelia daucifolia frequent
Hypericum perforatum rare NOX
Juncus effusus common
Juncus ensifolius rare
Juncus patens rare
Koeleria macrantha infrequent
Lactuca serriola frequent
Lagophylla ramossissima rare
Lamium amplexicaule infrequent
Lathyrus aphaca infrequent
Lathyrus cicera rare
Lemna minor rare
Lepidium campestre uncommon
Leptosiphon bilcolor rare
Linum bienne common
Lithophragma parviflorum infrequent
Lolium perenne infrequent
Lomatium califomicum rare
Lomatium macrocarpum frequent
Lomatium nudicaule infrequent
Lomatium triternatum infrequent
Lomatium utriculatum dominant
Lonicera hispidula infrequent
Lonicera interrupta infrequent
Lotus corniculatus infrequent
Lotus micranthus rare
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
44 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Lotus nevadensis infrequent
Lupinus albifrons infrequent
Lupinus bicolor rare
Lupinus cf microcarpus rare
Lupinus latifolius frequent
Madia citriodora frequent
Madia elegans ssp densiflora infrequent
Madia elegans ssp vernalis frequent
Madia exigua infrequent
Madia gracilis common
Madia sativa rare
Mahonia aquifolium rare
Maianthemum stellaturn rare
Malus fusca infrequent
Malus pumila rare
Medicago polymorpha rare
Medicago sp (leaves only; perhaps M. rare
sativa)
Melilotus abus infrequent
Micropus californicus infrequent
Microseris laciniata ssp detlingii infrequent
Mimulus guttatus infrequent
Montia linearis rare
Myosotis discolor rare
Myosotis laxa rare
Nemophila parviflora rare
Olysnium douglasii infrequent
Orobanche uniflora rare
Osmorhiza berteroi rare
Penstemon sp (leaves only) rare
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
45 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Phacelia hastata infrequent
Phacelia ramosissima rare
Phalaris arundinacea infrequent NOX
Phlox gracilis infrequent
Phlox speciosa frequent
Phoradendron villosum frequent
Piperia sp (leaves only) rare
Plagiobothrys tenellus infrequent
Plantago lanceolate frequent
Plectritus congesta common
Plectritus macrocera infrequent
Poa bulbosa dominant
Poa pratensis infrequent
Polygonum douglasii frequent
Polypogon monspeliensis rare
Populus balsamifera ssp trichocarpa rare
Portulaca oleracea infrequent
Prunus avium infrequent
Prunus cerasifolia infrequent
Prunus subcordata common
Pseudoroegneria spicata frequent
Quercus garryana ssp breweri rare
Quercus garryana ssp garryana common
Quercus kelloggii infrequent
Ranunculus austro-oreganus frequent SS
Ranunculus orthrhynchus infrequent
Ranunculus parviflorus frequent
Ranunculus sp (leaves only) frequent
Ranunculus uncinatus frequent
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
46 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Ribes inerme var klamathense rare
Rosa canina common
Rosa eglantine infrequent
Rosa gymnocarpa rare
Rubus armenicus common NOX
Rubus laciniatus rare NOX
Rubus ursinus infrequent
Rumex acetosella infrequent
Rumex crispus frequent
Salix cf lucida rare
Salix exigua rare
Salix lasiandra varr, lasiandra frequent
Salix scouleriana rare
Sambucus cerulea rare
Sanguisorba minor infrequent
Sanicula crassicaulis infrequent
Scandix penctin-veneris infrequent
Selaginella wallacei rare
Senecio integerrimus rare
Shedonorus arundinaceus partially dominant
Silybum marianum rare NOX
Solanum dulcamara rare
Sonchus asper infrequent
Spartium junceum rare NOX
Stachys ajugoides infrequent
Symphoricarpos albus infrequent
Symphoricarpos mollis frequent
Taeniatherum caput-medusae dominant NOX
Taraxicum officinale infrequent
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
47 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Thinopyrum ponticum common (highly concentrated in one
large area)
Torilis arvensis frequent
Toxicodendron diversiloba common
Tragopogon dubius dominant
Trifolium albopurpureum frequent
Trifolium dubium infrequent
Trifolium hirtum common
Trifolium subterraneum rare
Typha latifolia rare
Valerianella locusta frequent
Verbascum blatteria rare
Veronica americana infrequent
Vicia americans frequent
Vicia sativa dominant
Vicia villosa dominant
Vulpia bromoides infrequent
Vulpia microstachys dominant
Wyethia angustifolia infrequent
Yabea microcarpa rare
Zigadensus venenosus var venenosus infrequent
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
48 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Figures
Figure 1: Study Area
_ ~l r
T38 S ij 1 2gi~ ? . 4 Jr T38 S R E S28 T38 S R 1 E 527
-
R S32 T38S RlE S33 R
2 0 1 0 0 2 Miles
Legend
4. \
Highways
r: Q Imperatrice Property
PLSS
City Limits
T39S R1E T35- 1E S` -
Jackson Co Tax lots
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
49 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Figure 3: California macrophylla site locations
SC L` 5496
L46495
SC L 16489
SC L16488
JB2_CAMA61 SCL16493 ,
Y-1-11.6499
i•L
N
J82 CAMA61, <<~:
SC L1650 0 SC L 16490
SCL'{6492
mss.,
Legend
Califomia macrophylla
Possible Site
t .
Imperatrice Property
City Limits
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
51 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Figure 4: California nnrcropl vlla specimens
W
v "'4
rt.. c `r-,i; V
V1.- s \ •S; /jet ~lK j l t r l ,r`, iv ~ f ..Y
{~'t\v. 4 ;i' !t .iii ,+►i."`~ , i 11;.
~ N ~ ♦ Y7 it pS '~/ilr,.',/°~~' ~ RrrA:`' /J~ /`y~.
"S 4
r
kvT
114.
7` s uL s: r C .tom v'1
y _ !!II ' SI
# `•v-tea I q
,r fir, f ~r -
Plants, with fruit (lower right inset) and flower (bottom center inset)
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
52 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Figure 5: Ranunculus austro-oreganus and Collema quadrifrdum site locations
~ ..;yam R •
RAAU ° C O~O U
r ~
RA A'U; F
•yw ~ ~ ~ r 4 . x
is
RAAU RA AU
s
t' RA„Q U
1 Y~t;wt~
1 - -2 01 0 02Mile
s
Legend
.i-.,
Q Collema auadrdetum (COQU)
. ` `ti:.,~ > R. austro-oregsrtus in flower (RAAU)
Vegetative Ranunaukn
•
A> ' ` Q knWatriae Property
A
k `4 jf ¢~p 4 s3 r ° City knits
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
53 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Figure 6: Rauunctthts austro-orenanus and Collema quadrifidrrrrt specimens
s ~.4
V
_ Yl
f
i
Ranunculus austro-oreganus flower (diagnostic petal backs), with Collema quadrifidum thalli (upper right inset) and C. quadrifidum
spore (lower right inset)
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
54 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Figure 7: Noxious weed locations other than Centaurea solstitialis and Elymus caput-medusae mow_
3' I
RUA
RUAR9
RUA
0
RUAR9
R
Rl1AR
SPJU2
i
RUAR9
SPJLJ1
/ ~JIb; 4 .t y
h=
i RU
j 2 0 1 0 x 0.2 Miles
i Legend
/ • Possible Cyperus eswlentus {CVESI
Eh[
'yn s Sdy bum marianum (SIAM3)
Spartium junoeum (SPJUZ
104 -A
,y'rsyt~ P,ubus armenieais (RUAR9)
` lt~rtll ri iI*t1~i ^ y 7e; + Q Imperatrioe Property
i ~3 T If f ~,1 -..t 1 City Limits
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
55 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSIMENT
Figure 8: Grasshopper sparrow detections
T38S R1 S29 T38S R E S28 T38S R1 E S27
w 4
y s
IIS ' i
r'r
it
R E S32 T38S R1E S33-
Legend GRSP detection
In C!+y.w
~P Ss
O to it::010 N
Q %N.:enb _ ~I
ecn.as 0.1 0.2 0.4 Miles
!I t t ~ I t t ~ I
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
56 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAI. ASSESSMENT
Figure 9: Species of Phaeocalicium from the Study Area (micrograph)
Y,
AAdd
r' r
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
57 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Figure 10: Petrified log
c o4
;?:~eR.~ 3 ~s4, ~ Tt. tit. M °1y.t ,
s z* ~ y f x '*'e "*5. ter' y° ~ \
. 7;z
_
"Am
`
# kX
~7 ~ ♦ .tip. r~ -
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
58 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Appendix A: Representative Photos of the Property
Early season view north towards Grizzly Peak (background) from downslope of TID canal
e ~
or ~
Early season view of the City of Ashland from the Property with Mt Ashland and Ashland
Watershed in background
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
59 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
F r~
i
,n
.a
Rio y'°~.... ~Y ~~~F~` w•- ~.r y,<< ,;.~+SS ~r -as . ,~,~s
Early season view north towards Grizzly Peak (background) from upslope of TID canal
t •.a 'yLy'~ w r a C.
NJ-
ki~
v r v J (,y + A f a k Y r, C Y
r • r r d w °-4 .#'ry9r r r. bu ' 5 I ° O ffr •'r'f,
fti ~~t 1 Q~ ~i lip fi~Vjy;~
~ fi f 1 ~
4T' A,Irt rJ J~~~lr kt la-~ : i vi ; ,r tal'
V, W
Early season view of vegetation downslope of TID canal, looking south towards City of Ashland
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
60 Imperatrice Property
I
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL, ASSESSMENT
7 i z, it-..r3 +.j x
?1 /z.~ `F ss ~.4t E~~.y~-•{' Ir_ / ~Y':4
e
F r ♦ _ r~° ,L(•L~ }x,r t~-_ F y`,~'...1't ! l I / /.,•G"~ K ~1+L rtyi? i
} rim` t" 1 r,~f t G 1C 4 fr I T N T[:
J 1_ s
Y`~~~3_- of ~ r'h r.✓. t p ` j I,
F.'
=Y
4
.w
Oak woodlands at the north end of the Property
1 Y rod 4 k
_ std 6•
iri+~~tuRdk;.ra~ - i~....•.,=~~,,.,.a, y:J~~. e.~: i
Herd of elk, with Bald Mt and Anderson Butte vicinities in far background. (See also photo on
front cover page)
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
61 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
t.
tit-
Early season view of vegetation upslope of TID canal (yellow flowers are the native Lomatium
utriculatum)
AN
91e;
b
F., 4
Looking approximately southeast across the Property, from upslope of the TID canal
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
62 Imperatrice Property
I
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
ppFo7w, T"
° e a
41 'n Lk 11 't y M1 W
.lS L f P Jd~ `..,Y4 A. t ~Y3 1 Wk
1 ,i4 * k ~ 1(1 , .L 1 f.~ cf,~ r ~ n v cr f
~ t
Srl ~r .G:~t} t V P s ;y a r r ` S. 6 i ~ }d'~~ •i
..¢,=Ye
View across Property, with seasonal pond (see 3.1 Current Environment) in background; purple
flowers in foreground are Vicia villosa
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
63 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL. ASSESSMENT
_c
. . . =
,t{F
e
r 1~C"' T~ w J h~~ r #7 , 1 s
i~^A►~,r -~ra 4 Fi5'!a+{rt '1d f+ ~y. ~~'F~+ =r
3AView of powerline and gas pipeline corridors on the Property, the pale strip from top to bottom,
just left of center, with OHV tracks, is a Thinopyrum ponticum monoculture atop the buried gas
pipeline (see 3.3 Noxious Weeds)
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
64 Imperatrice Property
i
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
1 4; a t
s i y4+°" yf #1 ~ ~ a.F ~ i t{--r c ins f`.
-Ill ? .s'j a ;n x'.: c" r t y ~f ~~11
N21
Pin flags delineating a California macrophylla population; background: controlled burning
(smoke) from the Ashland Forest Resiliency project within the Ashland Watershed
y
71
fw-
411~~-.t ~ J 1 xt~,.6ti ",T 9~Js~j Al~ti~~y~Mr•1`~-,`p~
~ 1~ e t, rp r 4'~iS~1~n y
TField of the native Plectritis congesta (shortspur seablush) in far northwest part of property, with
Butler Creek in background
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
65 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
a
f a/ J'{Y of T
~12+N z'6 ' f V-n h'
i•
_N. is
ti.
L"
1 it
r
.x-
ia@~~~; >~..R J. w '.~',R'!~t @ ~`f, :r~1 ,.fl... •.41 ~
Cement "cistern" on broad ridgeline
, It,
A
Ift, t
r 41%
r
The native CalochOIfUS tolmiei jolmie's startulip)
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
66 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
1}k ' ,
Saguisorba minor (salad burnet)
M4 4
i
s,
z
The native Calystegia occidentalis (field bindweed)
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
67 Imperatrice Property
FINAL REPORT 2017 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
The native Leptosiphon bicolor (babystars)
Note: hi-res versions of the above photos are available upon request
August 2017 City of Ashland, Oregon
68 Imperatrice Property
NTOc Department of Energy
Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
1 ~e Portland, Oregon 97208-3621
Slg7FS0 F POWER SERVICES
December 1, 2017
In reply refer to: PSW-6
Tom McBartlett, Interim Director of Electric
City of Ashland
20 East Main St.
Ashland, OR 97520-1814
Dear Tom,
I am writing in response to the City of Ashland's (Ashland) recent questions regarding Ashland's
Contract High Water Mark (CHWM) Power Sales Agreement Contract No. 09PB-13002
(Agreement) with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and its provisions related to
Ashland's potential use of a new large non-federal resource to serve Ashland's load in response
to the recently approved 10 by 20 citizen initiative.
It is important to remember that BPA provides some of the cleanest wholesale power available in
the country. In the most recent Calendar Year BPA's power was 96% carbon free. This is a
practically unparalleled carbon composition for power that is available day or night, in amounts
exactly equal to Ashland's need. In addition to this contractual composition, the federally owned
Green Springs project is electrically adjacent to the city and provides power sufficient to serve a
significant portion of the city's load.
As you know, the CHWM Agreement that BPA and Ashland executed in late 2008 is based on
the concept and applicaiton of a Tiered Rates Methodology (TRM). Each customer is both
entitled and committed to purchase federal power from BPA up to their individual CHWM. The
customer's CHWM is adjusted each rate period for the federal system capability and the result is
a customer's Rate Period High Water Mark (RHWM). To the extent a customer experiences load
growth beyond their high water mark in each rate period, the CHWM Agreement allows that
customer to make a choice to pursue and use non-federal resources or buy additional federal
power to serve their load that is above their RHWM. At present, Ashland has a small amount of
Above-RHWM load (101 aKW in Fiscal Year 2018 and 147 aKW in Fiscal Year 2019) that I
Ashland has elected to use federal power to serve. With proper notice Ashland could serve its
Above-RHWM load with non-federal power beginning in Fiscal Year 2020.
i
For the remainder of Ashland's load (currently 20.731 aMW), Section 3 of the Agreement
obligates Ashland to purchase power from BPA. Specifically, Section 3.2, entitled "Take or Pay"
states: "Ashland shall pay for the amount of Firm Requirements Power it has committed to
purchase under section 3.1... whether or not Ashland took actual delivery of such power." j
i
I
i
i
3
i
2
Section 3.5 of the Agreement states that Ashland may a add non-federal resource to serve its
Above-RHWM load by providing notice to BPA. This does not allow the addition of new non-
federal resources to serve its other loads, that is, its RHWM load. In the event that Ashland elects
to serve any of its load that is below its RHWM with a new non-federal resource, then Ashland
will still be billed for and would continue to be obligated to pay BPA for the cost of the federal
power it chose not to take.
In addition to the take or pay implications of using a new large non-federal resource to serve
load, I also wanted to take this opportunity to make you aware of the significant increase in
transmission costs associated with such action, and Ashland's responsibility for these costs.
As you know, BPA currently acquires transmission capacity fiom PacifrCorp to deliver federal
power from BPA facilities to Ashland. BPA purchases this capacity from PacifrCorp under a
legacy transmission agreement that does not allow for transmission of a non-federal resource.
As a consequence of using a large non-federal resource to serve load all or a potion of this
service may need to be converted to Open Access Tranmisison Service (GATT). At present rates
BPA estimates the cost of OATT service to be about $1.5 million per year, $750 thousand per f
year more than current service.
Section 14 of the CHWM Agreement limits BPA's commitment to acquire and pay for transfer
service to the delivery of a federal resource to serve Ashland's requiements load, or delivery of a
non-federal resource used to serve Ashland's Above-RHWM load. Since Ashland has limited
Above-RHWM load and since conversion would be caused by Ashland's election, much of the
cost associated with PacifiCorp transmission could be Ashland's responsiblity.
Thank you for involving me early in your planning process on this critical initiative for the city.
I look forward to working with you to understand the implications of various approaches to the
10 by 20 initiative.
Sincerely,
Paul Garrett
Account Executive
Draft Altenerative Solar Project Initiatives
Name Plate Annual kWh Total Cost BPA Bill Savings Utility Lost Revenue Utility Incurred
Resource Description # of Projects (kW DC) (2020) ($/w DC) LCOE 25 yr (25 yr) (25yr) Incentive Payments Cost (25 yr) Comments
3rd party owned, sold to
Solar Farm - PURPA Pacificorp 1 4,500 7,200,000 $1.40 $0.04 N/A N/A $2,666,242 PPA less PURPA QF rates
Solar Farm - City Owned City owned 1 1,400 2,240,000 $1.80 $0.05 $2,450,063 N/A $69,937.44 Capital cost less EPA savings
Community Solar - Private Privately owned 2 300 390,000 $2.50 $0.08 $426,573 $1,066,433 $225,000 $864,860
Solar - City Rooftop City Owned 11 1,000 1,300,000 $2.50 $0.08 $1,421,911 $3,554,778 $2,132,867 Either/or with "Solar Farm - City Owned"
Privately owned, net
Solar - Commercial metered 60 3,000 3,600,000 $2.50 $0.08 $3,937,601 $9,844,001 $2,250,000 $8,156,401
Privately owned, net (LCOE - retail rate) x (annual kWh' 25
Solar - Residential metered 250 1,500 1,800,000 $3.50 $0.12 $1,968,800 $4,922,001 $1,575,000 $4,528,200 years)
Upgrade current
Hydro - Reeder Generation generator 1 300 900,000 $2.00 $0.03 $984,400 N/A -$384,400
Energy Efficiency
Totals : 17,430,000 $11,189,348 $19,387,214 $15,367,865.58 Premium Paid by City for new projects
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Memo
DATE: December 14, 2017
TO: City Council
CC: Conservation Commission
FROM: Marm Koopman, Risa Buck, Co-Chairs of the Conservation Commission
RE: Conservation Commission Recommendation on Imperatrice Property
Over the past 12-18 months, the Conservation Commission has been actively participating in discussions
and review of proposals from citizens and interested organizations on the future potential uses of the
Imperatrice Property. This interest was brought into focus with several public forum presentations from
citizens interested in a utility scale solar park on the property.
While the local, renewable electricity generation aspect of the project was very intriguing and consistent
in one sense with the Commission's overall perspective on energy policy, the Commission was also
keenly aware of the unique and fragile ecosystem that exists on the Imperatrice property and was
concerned about the impacts of development on the land, the plants and the animals.
Before making any sort of formal recommendation, the Commission heard from representatives from the
Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, who have long had an interest in preserving a portion or
potentially the entire property for conservation and compatible recreational uses for the community.
As a result of this presentation and further Commission discussion of previous presentations on solar
generation potential, the Commission had a formal motion and vote to recommend to City Council that
the property be retained for its biological diversity and its active and passive recreational opportunities
for the community. The Commission feels that this biodiversity and recreational potential (trails,
viewing areas, educational signage, etc) can be done in a very compatible way and best serves the
Ashland community, the region and especially the unique and ever scarce plant and wildlife species that
make the over 860 acre property so special.
Should the Council desire to move forward in defining and formalizing any Particular new use for this
property, the Commission is very much interested and hopeful that Council utilize the Commission to
assist in the review and recommendation on the proposed uses in the future.
City of Ashland
ADMINISTRATION DEPT Tel: 541-552-2046
20 East Main St Fax: 541488-5311
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900
www.ashland.or.us
adamnashland.or.us
Council Stud Session
December 18,20171
Title: Clarification of Council Rules
Item Type: Presentation
Requested by Council? Yes
From: David Lohman City Attorney
david.lohman@ashland.or.us
Discussion Questions:
This agenda item is intended to be the next step in an extended conversation on clarifying and
modifying, if appropriate, mutual expectations about procedural rules for Council study sessions
and regular business meetings. Attachment A presents eight questions for discussion, three of
which were covered in some detail in the November 20, 2017 meeting. At this December 18
session, Questions #4 through #8 are slated for consideration. Attachment B lists twenty more
questions about meeting procedure for discussion in future study sessions, except that Questions
15 and 19 were already tentatively addressed November 20.
Resource Requirements:
N/A
Sul4gested Next Steps:
As time permits at upcoming study sessions - or at a future retreat Council will be asked to
address the additional questions in Attachment B, along with questions Councilors may wish to
add to the list. Once agreement is reached on clarifications or revisions to Council rules of
procedure, at future business meetings, staff will propose ordinance amendments needed to effect
those changes or, perhaps, simple written interpretations of some rules.
Policies, Plans and Goals Supported:
Council Goal 2: Promote effective citizen communication and engagement.
Background and Additional Information:
Robert's Rules of Order serve as the default reference for meeting procedure rules. Over time,
refinements or alternatives to Robert's Rules have been adopted to accommodate Ashland City
Council's particular needs and circumstances.
In 2014, the Council rules were updated again. Since then, more ambiguities, uncertainties, and
inconsistencies have surfaced and occasionally have become sources of confusion and even
frustration. This agenda item, and similar ones to follow, is intended to give the Council an
opportunity to identify problems with the current Council rules, reach agreement on
interpretation of them, and determine whether more changes are in order.
Page 1 of 2 CITY OF
ASHLAND
Based on issues and questions about Council rules that have arisen since 2014, staff has
identified 28 questions believed to be worthy of Council discussion for purposes of either
clarification or revision. Council may wish to add more items to the list, merge some, or strike
some off the list.
The questions are grouped into the following general topics: agendas; study sessions;
deliberation rules; suspension of Council rules; Councilmember requests for information from
staff, and miscellany.
Attachment A lists the first eight questions, which are about agendas and study sessions.
Attachment A also includes "Points and Authorities" intended as starting points for discussion
and, finally, possible alternative conclusions. Asterisked alternative conclusions are those the
City Attorney recommends, but not necessarily for legal reasons. For the most part, City
ordinances are the only legal constraints on the Council's decisions about these rules.
Council already responded to the first 3 questions in Attachment A, and staff's depictions of
those responses are set forth under those questions in Attachment A. It may be useful to begin
the discussion by confirming (or not) that staff's articulation of those responses are satisfactory.
With respect to Question 42, staff plans to propose a modification that seemingly would achieve
the same purposes while requiring less staff time and effort.
Attachment B lists the next 20 questions for possible discussion at future meetings or at a retreat
dedicated to discussing Council rules. Council already responded at the November 20 meeting
to Questions 15 and 19, and staff, s depictions of those responses are presented under those
questions in Attachment B.
Attachments:
Attachment A: Eight Questions About Council Rules
Attachment B: Twenty Additional Questions About Council Rules
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Page 2 of 2 CITY OF
-ASHLAND
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ATTACHMENT A
EIGHT QUESTIONS ABOUT COUNCIL RULES
(Version 2)
AGENDAS
1. Question: Should contracts above a specified dollar amount be presented as individual matters
for Council decision, as opposed to being included on the Consent Agenda?
Council Response: On a trial basis, the City Administrator should place approval of any
contract/procurement in excess of $100,000 on the regular business agenda.
2. Question: Should minutes of City advisory bodies be included in the Council agenda packets,
along with a summary of which advisory bodies have met recently?
Council Response: Include on each Council agenda for information only a list of the advisory bodies
that have met since the previous Council business meeting and hyperlinks to the City webpage
through which minutes approved by the advisory bodies are available. The City Administrator
should require timely website posting of minutes after they have been approved. [Note: Staff
would like to revisit this decision in order to propose a modification that seemingly would achieve
the same purposes while requiring less staff time and effort.]
3. Question: During a Council meeting, under what circumstances should the scheduled order of a
meeting agenda be altered?
Council Response: Councilors and the Mayor agree to adhere to the regular order of meeting
agendas except in very rare circumstances and after approval by a majority of the Council. No
ordinance revision is necessary.
4. Question: During a Council meeting, how should a Councilor go about adding an item to the
agenda?
Response: During a meeting, a Councilor may move to add an item to the agenda for that meeting
(or a future meeting). In the normal order of business, a motion to add an item to an agenda should
be made at the time designated for "Other Business from Council Members." But the Mayor could
change the order of business so as to take up the motion to add the item earlier in the meeting. If
the motion to add an item to the current meeting's agenda receives a second, any debate, and
majority approval, the item normally would be placed in the "Other Business from Council
Members" section of the agenda. The Mayor, however, could decide to modify the order.
Points and Authorities:
a. AMC 2.04.030D says the following about agenda additions during a meeting, "A topic may
be added to the agenda by a majority vote of the Councilors present. Generally, these items
should be limited to items of timeliness or emergencies."
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b. While the above admonition to limit last-minute agenda additions to unusual circumstances
is not a strict requirement, it serves as a reminder that under public meetings law the public
should get advance notice of topics to be addressed unless unexpectedly urgent action is
called for.
c. Concerning the notice requirement for public meetings, ORS 192.640(1) says, "The notice
shall include a list of the principal subjects anticipated to be considered at the meeting, but
this requirement shall not limit the ability of a governing body to consider additional
subjects."
d. The Attorney General's Public Meetings manual says, "the Public Meetings law does not
require that every proposed item of business be described in the [public] notice." Page 121.
e. After a citizen presents a matter to the Council during Public Forum, a Councilor may move
to place the item on the current meeting agenda (or a future agenda), subject to admonition
above to limit last-minute additions urgent matters.
f. Adding Council decision on an issue to the current meeting's agenda may catch citizens with
an interest in that issue by surprise, effectively depriving them of an opportunity for face-to-
face input to the Council.
Alternative Conclusions to Consider:
a. *Retain the current rules for adding an agenda item during a meeting.
b. Before considering the addition of an agenda item to a current meeting, require a successful
motion to adopt a finding justifying urgent action (analogous to requiring a declaration of
emergency before foregoing normal procedures).
5. Question: Outside of a meeting, how should a Councilor go about getting a matter added to an
upcoming meeting agenda?
Response: An individual Councilor can get matter added to a future Council meeting agenda by
making a timely written request to the City Administrator, unless the item requires more than two
hours of preparation by staff - in which case consent from a majority of the Council at a Council
meeting is required.
Points and Authorities:
a. For a matter to be added to the agenda for an upcoming meeting, the proposed addition is
to be delivered to the City Administrator no later than noon of the Wednesday preceding
the meeting. AMC 2.04.030B(1).
b. Unless the City Administrator determines the topic is not timely or the agenda for the
proposed meeting is already full, the City Administrator's response to the Councilor's
proposal must be to put the matter on the agenda as proposed, and make an initial
determination as to where in the Council agenda it is to appear. AMC 2.04.030A.
c. The Mayor may also defer the matter until a later meeting if the agenda of the target
meeting is already lengthy or if, in the Mayor's sole judgment, the matter is not time
sensitive. But in no case may the Mayor defer the item more than 3 months beyond the
date proposed by the Councilor submitting the item. AMC 2.04.030B(1).
d. Having made such a request, the requesting Councilmember is to submit to the City
Administrator any materials for Council consideration prior to finalization of the Council
packet. Id.
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e. Requiring a matter to be added to an agenda at the behest of just one Councilor may cause
the Council to spend time on a matter of little or no interest to other Council members.
f. It seems inconsistent to require consent of the Council majority if a Councilor wishes to add
an agenda item during a Council meeting while allowing a lone Councilor to add an agenda
item if the proposal is made outside of a Council meeting.
g. As noted in items 7 and 8 below, standard parliamentary procedures exist for removal from
the agenda of an item of little interest to other members.
Alternative Conclusions to Consider:
a. Continue the current rules for adding an agenda item outside of a meeting.
b. *For a Counselor to add an item to an upcoming agenda, require consent from at least at
least one additional Councilor.
6. Question: How should a citizen go about getting a matter added to a Council meeting agenda?
Response: A citizen should make the request to any Councilor or the Mayor or City Administrator or
to a City advisory board, commission, or committee or make the request as part of testimony during
Public Forum.
Points and Authorities:
a. Items can be placed on a Council meeting agenda not only by the procedures described in
questions 5 and 6 above, but also by the City Administrator, City Attorney, Mayor, and City
boards, commissions, and committees. AMC 2.04.030B(1).
b. If the purpose of the proposed item is to acknowledge special recognition and awards given
to the City or present proclamations which serve to encourage and educate the community,
a citizen can submit to the Mayor a written request include the item under the portion of
the business meeting agenda reserved for Special Presentations, Proclamations and Awards.
AMC 2.04.050C.
Alternative Conclusions to Consider:
a. *Retain the current means for an individual citizen to get a matter added to a Council
meeting agenda.
7. Question: How should a Councilor seek removal or postponement of a scheduled agenda item?
Response: Before or at the outset of consideration of a matter, a Councilor may "object to
consideration of the question." After consideration of a matter has begun, a Councilor may "move
to postpone the matter to a certain time" or "move to postpone the matter indefinitely." These are
efficient, respectful parliamentary mechanisms for deferring and agenda item which is believed to
be not yet ripe for consideration.
Points and Authorities:
a. A successful objection to consideration of a matter prevents its consideration for the rest of
the meeting. The objection may be made even while another person has the floor; must be
addressed to the Chair (unless it is the Chair who raises the objection); does not require a
second; is not debatable or amendable; and requires a "no" from at least two thirds of those
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voting in order to prevent consideration of the subject agenda item. AMC
2.04.040C(4)(b)(3).
b. A successful motion to postpone a matter defers its consideration to a particular future
meeting. The motion requires a second; is debatable and amendable; and passes upon a
majority vote in favor. AMC 2.04.040C(4)(j).
c. A successful motion to postpone a matter indefinitely prevents its consideration for at least
the rest of the meeting without identifying any future date for consideration. The motion
requires a second; is debatable but not amendable; and passes upon a majority vote in
favor. AMC 2.04.040C(4)(k).
Alternative Conclusions to Consider:
a. *Retain the current means for postponing a scheduled agenda item.
STUDY SESSIONS
8. Question: Should/could Study Sessions be made more useful by treating them less like briefings
and more like sessions for interactive exploration of key topics, adopting minimal formalities for
presentations to and questioning of staff and for discussion among Councilmembers?
Response: Yes, probably.
Points and Authorities:
a. Study Sessions often fall short of being thorough examinations of the key questions about
topics on the agenda.
b. Responding to strongly-worded advocacy sometimes takes precedence over deep, objective
exploration of topics.
c. Councilors may state positions on a topic, but seldom are their positions subjected to critical
analysis or debate.
d. Staff are often reluctant to raise questions or doubts about Councilors' statements in order
to avoid effrontery or perceived disrespect.
e. Councilors are sometimes reluctant to raise questions or doubts about other Councilors'
statements, perhaps to preserve collegiality, composure, or flexibility to modify views as
new information surfaces.
Alternative Conclusions to Consider:
a. *Encourage free-flowing, unstructured colloquy among Councilmembers and relevant staff
and consultants.
b. Try dividing major agenda items into 5 steps: (1) staff or consultant presentation of key
facts; (2) identify key questions through group discussion; (3) use brainstorming techniques
to generate conceivable answers to the key questions, refraining from evaluation or
rebuttal; (4) evaluate, prioritize, and refine responses to key questions; and (5) use
brainstorming techniques to identify information still needed before making a final decision.
C. *Limit public input at Study Sessions to Public Forum comments on agenda items only.
d. *Resume holding Study Sessions in the Siskiyou Room to better preserve an intimate,
informal atmosphere.
e. *Try not televising Study Sessions.
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f. Retain 5:30 pm start time for Study Sessions, but provide healthy snacks to enhance
conviviality and sustain energy despite delayed dinner.
[5]
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ATTACHMENT B
TWENTY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT COUNCIL RULES
(Version 2)
STUDY SESSIONS (continued)
9. Should Council be precluded from making decisions at Study Sessions?
COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
10. Should a person speaking before the Council be required to state his or her street address?
11. Should Public Form ever be extended beyond 15 minutes and, if so, how?
12. How should the time limit on speakers at Council meetings be determined?
13. At what point during consideration of a scheduled agenda item, should members of the public be
invited to present their views on the item?
14. If a person goes to the trouble to provide public input on a matter, should the Council respond to
that input immediately after? During Council's deliberation on the matter?
15. Should follow-up questioning of speakers be permitted without suspension of Council Rules?
Council Response (tentative): Follow-up questions or responses by Councilmembers should be
allowed without suspension of the rules (1) in Study Sessions; and (2) when the speaker is a subject
matter expert invited by staff or Council to make a presentation. Follow-up questions or responses
by Councilmembers should not be allowed with respect to testimony by members of the public
during Public Forum or during testimony on agenda items except in unusual circumstances and after
suspension of the rules. However, Councilmembers or City staff may be recognized by the presiding
officer following testimony by members of the public for purposes of correcting for the record any
patent errors of fact.
16. Following a presentation to Council from staff or an invitee, should members of the public be
permitted to direct arguments or questions to the presenter?
17. If discussion of an agenda item begins in one meeting and is continued to a subsequent meeting,
should a member of the general public who spoke before the Council at the first meeting have
opportunity to speak before the Council on the same topic at the subsequent meeting?
18. Should a citizen's wish to testify on a matter on the Consent Agenda automatically cause the item to
be pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration by the Council, including public
testimony?
DELIBERATION RULES
19. Should every Councilor get a "turn" to speak on an issue before any Councilor gets a follow-up
turn?
Council Response (tentative): During Council business meetings, every Councilor should get a turn
to speak about at issue under consideration before any other Councilor gets a follow-up turn.
During Study Sessions however, this rule should not be observed.
SUSPENSION OF COUNCIL RULES
20. Should the list of rules that Council can suspend be expanded?
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21. How should a Councilor seek a suspension of Council rules?
22. Does suspension of the rules always require a formal vote?
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION FROM STAFF
23. Outside of a meeting, how should a Councilor go about getting information from staff if the request
likely to require no more than two hours of staff time? If the request is likely to require more than
two hours of staff time?
24. How should an employee handle a request for information that is likely to require more than 2
hours of staff time?
25. Is the two-hour rule appropriate?
26. Should the staff's response to a Councilor's inquiry always be sent to all Councilmembers?
MISCELLANY
27. Should individual Councilors serve as Council liaisons to the various City departments, similar to
their roles as liaisons to City advisory bodies?
28. Could changes be made to the Look Ahead to enhance its usefulness to Councilmembers?
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