FINAL Small Mammal Survey Report in Support of the Proposed Fallon Range Training Complex Expansion, Nevada

Transcription

1 FINAL Small Mammal Survey Report in Support of the Proposed Fallon Range Training Complex Expansion, Nevada Prepared for: Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest San Diego, CA Prepared by: ManTech International Corporation Environmental, Range and Sustainability Services Lompoc and Solana Beach, CA January 2019

2 Cover clockwise from left: Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys microps), Trap Transect, and Desert Woodrat (Neotoma lepida).

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW Study and Survey Areas Vegetation Communities within the Proposed Expansion Areas Small Mammal Species within the Study Area METHODS Field Data Collection Data Management Data Analysis Scientific Permit RESULTS Survey Effort Small Mammal Species Occurrences DISCUSSION REFERENCES APPENDIX A: Nevada Department of Wildlife Scientific Collection/Possession/Education Permit: Application and Issued Permit (TBP) List of Figures Figure 1-1. Regional Location of the Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas... 2 Figure 1-2. Vegetation Alliances within the Proposed B-16 Expansion Area... 5 Figure 1-3. Vegetation Alliances within the Proposed B-20 Expansion Area... 6 Figure 1-4. Vegetation Alliances within the Proposed Northern DVTA Expansion Area... 7 Figure 1-5. Vegetation Alliances within the Proposed B-17 and Southern DVTA Expansion Areas... 8 Figure 1-6. Occurrences of Small Mammal Species within the Study Area Based on Past DoN, NDOW, and NNHP Surveys and Data... 9 Figure 1-7. Merriam s Shrew (Photo: J. Tapia) Figure 1-8. (left) Bushy-tailed Woodrat (Photo: P. Dotson); (right) Desert Woodrat (Photo: P. Dotson).. 12 Figure 1-9. (left) Canyon Deermouse (Photo: Alyssa M.); (middle) North American Deermouse (Photo: S. Wilson); (right) Piñon Deermouse (Photo: S. Wilson) Figure (left) Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat (Photo: A. Ambos); (right) Desert Kangaroo Rat (Photo: A. Mercieca) Figure (left) Merriam s Kangaroo Rat (Photo: T. McHugh); (right) Ord s Kangaroo Rat (Photo: J. Zipp) Figure (left) Pale Kangaroo Mouse (Photo: K. Schaefer); (right) Great Basin Pocket Mouse (Photo: M. Chappell) Figure (left) Little Pocket Mouse; (right) Long-tailed Pocket Mouse (Photos: A. Abela) Page i

4 Figure (left) Long-tailed Vole (Photo: Anonymous); (middle) Montane Vole (Photo: T. McHugh); (right) Sagebrush Vole (Photo: T. McHugh) Figure (left) Northern Grasshopper Mouse (Photo: T. McHugh); (right) Southern Grasshopper Mouse (Photo: G. Lepp) Figure Western Harvest Mouse (Photo: A. Abela) Figure (left) Least Chipmunk (Photo: S. Krasemann); (right) White-tailed Antelope Squirrel (Photo: J. Boone) Figure 3-1. Small Mammal Transects within the Proposed B-16 Expansion Area Figure 3-2. Small Mammal Transects within the Proposed B-17 and Southern DVTA Expansion Areas Figure 3-3. Small Mammal Transects within the Proposed B-20 Expansion Area Figure 3-4. Small Mammal Transects within the Proposed Northern DVTA Expansion Area Figure 3-5. Small Mammal Captures within the Proposed B-16 Expansion Area Figure 3-6. Small Mammal Captures within the Proposed B-17 and Southern DVTA Expansion Areas Figure 3-7. Small Mammal Captures within the Proposed B-20 Expansion Area Figure 3-8. Small Mammal Captures within the Proposed Western Portion of the Northern DVTA Expansion Area Figure 3-9. Small Mammal Captures within the Proposed Eastern Portion of the Northern DVTA Expansion Area List of Tables Table 1-1. Acreage and Elevation Range of Vegetation Alliances Mapped within the Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas (DoN 2018a)... 4 Table 1-2. Regulatory Status and Known or Potential Occurrences of Small Mammal Species within the Study Area Table Small Mammal Survey Dates and Number of Transects, Traps, and Trap Nights Table 3-2. Summary of Number of Transects and Traps Set in Vegetation Alliances within the Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas Table 3-3. Summary of Number of Transects, Traps, Trap Nights, Captures, and Trap Success by Proposed FRTC Expansion Area Table 3-4. Summary of Number of Transects, Traps, Trap Nights, Captures, and Trap Success by Vegetation Alliance Table 3-5. Species, Number, and Relative Abundance of Small Mammals Captured within Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas Table 3-6. Species and Number of Small Mammal Captures by Vegetation Alliance within the Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas (pg 1/2) ac BLM DoN DVTA FRTC ft g GIS Acronyms and Abbreviations acre(s) ha hectare(s) Bureau of Land Management m meter(s) Department of the Navy mm millimeters Dixie Valley Training Area NAS Naval Air Station Fallon Range Training Complex NDOW Nevada Department of Wildlife foot/feet NNHP Nevada Natural Heritage Program grams U.S. United States geographic information system WAP Wildlife Action Plan Page ii

5 1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon manages the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC), which currently encompasses a combination of withdrawn and acquired lands totaling approximately 223,600 acres (ac) (90,490 hectares [ha]) of military training land located near Fallon, Nevada (Figure 1-1). The FRTC is the United States (U.S.) Department of the Navy s (DoN or Navy) premier integrated strike warfare training complex, supporting air units and special operations forces in a variety of mission areas. Since World War II, the Navy has extensively used the ranges and airspace of the FRTC to conduct military air warfare and ground training, including live-fire training activities. However, the current training areas are insufficient for implementation of realistic training scenarios and buffers required for public safety. In order to effectively meet these needs, the Navy proposes to modernize the land and airspace configurations of the FRTC. The Navy is currently proposing to expand the land administered by NAS Fallon by approximately 681,000 ac (275,600 ha). The proposed expansion areas are broken into four discontinuous areas associated with four of the current training ranges (ranges B-16, B-17, B-20, and Dixie Valley Training Area [DVTA]) (Figure 1-1): The area west of B-16 is the proposed B-16 Expansion Area. The area surrounding B-20 is the proposed B-20 Expansion Area. The areas west and east of B-17 and south of Highway 50, and areas north of Highway 50 surrounding the DVTA are the proposed DVTA expansion areas. The area south of B-17 and Highway 50 and east of B-17 is the proposed B-17 Expansion Area. Currently, the Navy is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the potential environmental effects of the proposed FRTC expansion. In support of the EIS, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest contracted ManTech International Corp. to perform a variety of ecological surveys to inventory the flora and fauna within the proposed FRTC expansion areas under contract N D- 1863, Task Order N F4650 (September 2017) and Task Order Modification 01 (June 2018). This report details the results of Task 8 (Small Mammal Surveys) in which surveys were conducted to document the occurrence of small mammals within the proposed FRTC expansion areas STUDY AND SURVEY AREAS For the purposes of this report, all of the proposed expansion areas define the survey areas, and the entire area depicted on Figure 1-1 is defined as the study area. Although the majority of the survey areas occur within Churchill County, portions of the proposed expansion areas occur within Pershing, Lyon, Mineral, and Nye counties (Figure 1-1). The project area lies within the geographic feature known as the Great Basin. The Great Basin Desert is the largest desert in the U.S., roughly bounded by the Sierra Nevada Cascade mountain range to the west and the Rocky Mountain range to the east. Between these large mountain ranges are a series of basins interspersed by smaller, north-south running mountain ranges. This desert covers roughly 158,000 square miles (409,218 square kilometers) of southern Idaho, southeastern Oregon, western Utah, eastern California, and nearly all of Nevada (MacMahon 1985). The Great Basin is a high, cold desert, with most of its elevations over 4,000 feet (ft) 1,200 meters [m]), and most of its precipitation comes in the form of snow, although rain showers can occur throughout the year (Sowell 2001). Page 1

6 Small Mammal Survey Report Proposed FRTC Expansion Figure 1-1. Regional Location of the Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas Page 2

7 1.2. VEGETATION COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE PROPOSED EXPANSION AREAS In support of the FRTC EIS, mapping and classifying the vegetation within the proposed FRTC expansion areas was conducted as a separate survey effort DoN (2018a). The following provides an overview of the vegetation communities and potential small mammal habitat found within the proposed FRTC expansion areas. Based on the recent vegetation community mapping effort, a total of 25 alliances within 7 formations were recorded within the proposed FRTC expansion areas (Table 1-1; Figures 1-2 through 1-5) (DoN 2018a). The majority (68%) of the proposed expansion areas consists of shrubland alliances dominated by various species of greasewood (Sarcobatus spp.), sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), and saltbush (Atriplex spp.). Although the proposed B-16 Expansion Area is by far the smallest of the expansion areas, it is relatively diverse, with a good representation of upland alliances (Table 1-1; Figure 1-2). The proposed B-20 Expansion Area is the least diverse, as most of it is a large, unvegetated playa (Table 1-1; Figure 1-3). However, the margins of the proposed B-20 Expansion Area, particularly at the north end, are more diverse where soils and topography become more complex. The proposed DVTA and B-17 expansion areas have by far the most diverse assemblage of vegetation alliances, consistent with their large size and topographic complexity (Table 1-1; Figures 1-4 and 1-5). The lowest elevations of Dixie Valley are highly complex due to the presence of small seeps and springs as well as development and grazing. The proposed DVTA expansion area is the only area that contains mapped riparian alliances SMALL MAMMAL SPECIES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA In general, and for the purposes of this report, the term small mammal refers to non-flying species weighing less than 500 grams, the upper size limit that can easily be caught in commercially produced live traps used in a standard small mammal survey. This includes species within the orders Rodentia, which includes mice, rats, voles, lemmings, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, chipmunks, et al.; and Soricomorpha (previously included in the Insectivora), which includes shrews and moles. Rabbits, hares, and pikas (order Lagomorpha) are not addressed and neither are bats. The common and scientific names discussed in this report are based on the taxonomy and naming standards of Wilson and Reeder (2005) Previous Small Mammal Surveys and Data within the Study Area Previous Surveys on Navy-managed Lands Two previous survey efforts assessed the occurrence of small mammal species on NAS Fallon-managed lands: Ecological Inventory of NAS Fallon and Environs Survey Report (NAS Fallon 1997) Ecological Inventory Update, Naval Air Station Fallon, Fallon, Nevada (NAS Fallon 2008) NAS Fallon (1997). Small mammal trapping was conducted over 13 nights in August and October 1996 on 7 NAS Fallon-managed parcels: NAS Fallon, B-16, B-17, B-19, DVTA, Dixie Valley Meadows, and Horse Creek (Table 1-2; Figure 1-6 [Note: as geographic information system {GIS} data are not available for the surveys, specific small mammal occurrences are not provided in Figure 1-6]). In addition, incidental observations of small mammals were made during bird surveys (June 1996, September-October 1996, January-February 1997, March-May 1997) and amphibian and reptile surveys (April 1997) on those seven parcels. A total of 11 species were recorded, with the existing B-17 having the greatest diversity with 9 species recorded. The most frequently captured species was the North American deermouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), and the most common species was the Merriam s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami), which was captured on all trapped areas. Page 3

8 Table 1-1. Acreage and Elevation Range of Vegetation Alliances Mapped within the Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas (DoN 2018a) FORMATION Elevation Area Percent Proposed Expansion Area Alliance (ft) (ac) of Total B-16 B-17 B-20 DVTA COOL SEMI-DESERT SCRUB & GRASSLAND Bailey's Greasewood Shrubland 3,460 7, , X X X X Black Sagebrush Steppe & Shrubland 3,960 7,440 57, X X X Wyoming Big Sagebrush Dry Steppe & Shrubland 4,320 6,880 39, X X X Basin Big Sagebrush - Foothill Big Sagebrush Dry Steppe & Shrubland 3,400 7,200 16, X X X Big Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub Dry Steppe & Shrubland 3,600 6,920 8, X X X X Shadscale Saltbush Scrub 3,960 6,000 5, X X X X Rubber Rabbitbrush - Sand Buckwheat - Four-part Horsebrush Sparse Scrub 3,390 6,600 5, X X X X Cheatgrass Ruderal Grassland 3,960 6,820 1, X X X Nevada Joint-fir Scrub 4,440 7, X Yellow Star-thistle-Dyer's Woad-Prickly Russian Thistle Ruderal Annual Forb 3,960 4, X X X X Winterfat Steppe & Dwarf Shrubland 4,080 5, <0.1 X X Fourwing Saltbush Rubber Rabbitbrush Desert Wash 3,390 3, <0.1 X SALT MARSH Microphytic Playa 3,390 4, , X X X Intermountain Greasewood Wet Shrubland 3,390 6,600 61, X X X X Mojave Seablite - Red Swampfire Alkaline Wet Scrub 3,400 4,080 4, X X X Western Wildrye Alkaline Wet Meadow 3,390 4, <0.1 X X Saltgrass Alkaline Wet Meadow 3,390 4, <0.1 X X COOL TEMPERATE FOREST & WOODLAND Great Basin Singleleaf Pinyon - Utah Juniper/Shrub Woodland 4,040 7,480 26, X Utah Juniper/Shrub Woodland 5,000 8,280 9, X X WARM DESERT & SEMI-DESERT SCRUB & GRASSLAND Mojave-Sonoran Burrobrush - Sweetbush Desert Wash Scrub 3,480 6,960 17, X X X Fremont's Smokebush - Nevada Smokebush Desert Wash Scrub 4,200 5,800 1, X X TEMPERATE FLOODED & SWAMP FOREST Ruderal Tamarisk Riparian Scrub* 3,410 6, X Great Basin Fremont Cottonwood Riparian Forest* 5,080 7, <0.1 X SHRUB & HERB WETLAND FORMATION Western Baltic Rush - Mexico Rush Wet Meadow* 3,390 3, <0.1 X TEMPERATE TO POLAR FRESHWATER MARSH, WET MEADOW & SHRUBLAND Arroyo Willow Wet Shrubland* 4,440 6, <0.1 X Note: *Riparian alliance Page 4

9 Figure 1-2. Vegetation Alliances within the Proposed B-16 Expansion Area Page 5

10 Figure 1-3. Vegetation Alliances within the Proposed B-20 Expansion Area Page 6

11 Small Mammal Survey Report Proposed FRTC Expansion Figure 1-4. Vegetation Alliances within the Proposed Northern DVTA Expansion Area Page 7

12 Small Mammal Survey Report Proposed FRTC Expansion Figure 1-5. Vegetation Alliances within the Proposed B-17 and Southern DVTA Expansion Areas Page 8

13 Figure 1-6. Occurrences of Small Mammal Species within the Study Area Based on Past DoN, NDOW, and NNHP Surveys and Data Page 9

14 Table 1-2. Regulatory Status and Known or Potential Occurrences of Small Mammal Species within the Study Area Status* Known Occurrence within the Study Area (source) ** Common Name (Scientific Name) BLM (6) State (4) NNHP (7) NAS Fallon DVTA/ EA B-16/ EA B-17/ EA B-19 B-20/ EA Other Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys microps) - - S5 x (2) x (1) x (1) x (1) Desert Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys deserti) - SCP S2S3 x (2,5) x (5) Desert Woodrat (Neotoma lepida) - - S5 x (1,2) HC (1) Great Basin Pocket Mouse (Perognathus parvus) - - S5 x (1) x (2) HC (2) Least Chipmunk (Neotamias minimus) - - S5 x (3) Little Pocket Mouse (Perognathus longimembris) - - S5 x (1) Long-tailed Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus formosus) - - S5 x (1) HC (1) Merriam s Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami) - - S5 x (1) x (1,2) x (1,2) x (1) x (1,2) HC (1) North American Deermouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) - - S5 x (1) x (1,2) x (1) DM (1), HC (1,2) Northern Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys leucogaster) - - S5 x (1) Ord s Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys ordii) - - S5 x (1) x (1) x (1) Pale Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops pallidus) S PM, SCP S2 x (8) x (1) x (1) W of DVTA (8) Western Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) - - S4 x (2) x (2) White-tailed Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus) - - S5 x (1) x (1,2,3) x (1,2,3) x (1,3) x (1) Total Number of Observed Species DM = 1, HC = 5 Status* Potential County Occurrence within the Study Area (source) ** Common Name (Scientific Name) BLM (6) State (4) NNHP (7) Churchill Mineral Nye Pershing Merriam s Shrew (Sorex merriami) S WAP S3 x (4,10, 11) x (4,10, 11) x (4,10, 11) x (4,10, 11) Bushy-tailed Woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) - - S4 x (8,9,10) x (8,9,10) x (8,9) x (8,9,10) Canyon Deermouse (Peromyscus crinitus) - - S5 x (8,9,10) x (8,9,10) x (9,10) x (8,9,10) Long-tailed Vole (Microtus longicaudus) - - S4 x (8,9) x (8,9) x (8,9) x (8,9) Montane Vole (Microtus montanus) - - S4 x (8,9) x (8) x (8) x (8,9) Piñon Deermouse (Peromyscus truei) - - S5 x (8,9) x (8,9) x (8,9) x (8,9) Sagebrush Vole (Lemmiscus curtatus) - WAP S3 x (4,8,9,10) x (4,8,9,10) x (4,8,9,10) x (4,8,9,10) Southern Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys torridus) - - S5 x (8,9) x (8,9) x (8,9) x (8,9) Notes:*BLM = Bureau of Land Management; NNHP = Nevada Natural Heritage Program; PM = protected mammal; S = sensitive; SCP = Species of Conservation Priority under the Nevada Wildlife Action Plan. NNHP state rank definitions: S2 = Imperiled - at high risk of extirpation due to restricted range, few populations or occurrences, steep declines, severe threats, or other factors. S3 = Vulnerable - at moderate risk of extirpation due to a fairly restricted range, relatively few populations or occurrences, recent and widespread declines, threats, or other factors. S4 = Apparently Secure - at fairly low risk of extirpation due to an extensive range and/or many populations or occurrences, but with possible cause for some concern as a result of local recent declines, threats, or other factors. S5 = Secure - at very low or no risk of extirpation due to a very extensive range, abundant populations or occurrences, with little to no concern from declines or threats. **Occurrences do not include data from the specific surveys addressed in this report. EA = proposed expansion area; Other = all areas within the study area outside of the existing FRTC ranges and proposed expansion areas: DM = Dixie Valley Meadows, HC = Horse Creek (see Figure 1-6). County occurrences are potential occurrences based on NNHP and Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) data and range maps, and not specific occurrence records. Sources: (1) NAS Fallon 1997; (2) NAS Fallon 2008; (3) DoN 2018b; (4) NDOW 2013; (5) NDOW 2018; (6) BLM 2017; (7) NNHP 2018a; (8) NNHP 2018b; (9) Hall 1995; (10) Mantooth and Riddle 2005; (11) Kays and Wilson. Page 10

15 NAS Fallon (2008). Small mammal trapping was conducted over five nights in April and May 2007 on six NAS Fallon-managed parcels: B-16, B-19, DVTA, Shoal Site, Dixie Valley Meadows, and Horse Creek (Table 1-2; Figure 1-6 [Note: as GIS data are not available for the 2007 surveys, specific small mammal occurrences are not provided in Figure 1-6]). A total of seven species were trapped, including two new species not previously recorded on Navy lands; however, five species that were recorded in NAS Fallon (1997) were not observed during the 2007 surveys (Table 1-2). The existing DVTA had the greatest diversity of small mammal species with five recorded. The most frequently captured and the most common species was the Merriam s kangaroo rat, which was captured on three of the four areas where captures occurred and accounted for 63% of the total small mammal captures Other Regional Data Sources In addition to the specific surveys on Navy-managed lands summarized above, occurrences of small mammal species within the study area were obtained from the DoN (2018b), Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) (2018), and Nevada Natural Heritage Program (NNHP) (2018b) (Figure 1-6). Lastly, the ranges of small mammal species in Nevada can be found in Hall (1995) and Mantooth and Riddle (2005), as well as NDOW (2013) for those species listed under the Nevada WAP. In summary, a total of 14 small mammal species have been recorded within the study area (NAS Fallon 1997, 2008; NDOW 2018; DoN 2018b; NNHP 2018b) and an additional 8 species potentially occur (Table 1-2) (Hall 1995; NDOW 2013; NNHP 2018a). These 22 species have various regulatory and conservation status as defined by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), NDOW, and the NNHP (Table 1-2). BLM: two species are listed as sensitive species (BLM 2017). State of Nevada o one protected species listed under Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) o four species are listed as Species of Conservation Priority by NDOW in the 2013 Nevada Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) (NDOW 2013). NNHP: conservation status ranking for the State of Nevada (NNHP 2018a) Species Descriptions The sections below provide a brief description of the small mammal species previously found, or potentially found, within the study area. This summary is not intended to be a thorough literature review of each species, but is background information to familiarize the reader with the species. Section 3 (Results) provides a summary of occurrences of species within the study area based upon the 2018 surveys covered in this report. Unless referenced otherwise, the following descriptions are based upon the following sources: Hall (1995), Kays and Wilson (2009), NDOW (2013), Animal Diversity Web (2018), NatureServe (2018), and NNHP (2018a). All morphometric measurements are reported only in metric units. Merriam s Shrew (Sorex merriami) (Figure 1-7). Merriam s shrew occurs in sagebrush, grasslands, and woodlands up to 9,800 ft (3,000 m) from southeastern Washington, eastern Oregon, most of Nevada, south to northeastern Arizona, and east to Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. A medium-sized shrew weighing 4-7 grams (g) with a total length of millimeters (mm), and a tail length of mm. It is active year-round, primarily at night. Merriam's shrew seems to prefer drier habitats than do other shrews, and may also utilize burrows and runways of various voles and other mice. Merriam's shrew feeds primarily on caterpillars (Lepidoptera), beetles (especially Carabidae and Tenebrionidae), crickets, wasps, and spiders. It has the highest relative bite force of all western shrews studied, suggesting that it is Page 11

16 adapted to forage on relatively large, hard-bodied prey. Although this species has not been previously detected within the study area, it is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat (Table 1-2). Figure 1-7. Merriam s Shrew (Photo: J. Tapia) Bushy-tailed Woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) (Figure 1-8). Found throughout the western U.S., east to the Dakotas, and north through British Columbia and the Yukon, the bushy-tailed woodrat is a large woodrat with, as the name implies, a bushy, squirrel-like tail. Males can weigh between 180 to 580 g with a total length of mm, half of which is tail. Bushy-tailed woodrats occupy a range of habitats from boreal woodlands to deserts, and are highly arboreal. They are cliff-dwellers, and are often found on isolated, high-elevation boulder fields, talus slopes, rockslides, rock outcrops, and cliffs under a variety of temperature and moisture regimes. They require adequate rock shelters, though they are occasionally found inhabiting abandoned buildings. It is the largest and most cold-tolerant species of woodrat, and also exhibits the largest sexual dimorphism. In Nevada they are generally found in pinyon-juniper woodlands and big sagebrush habitat. Bushy-tailed woodrats are herbivores with a broad, flexible diet including cones and needles of coniferous trees, berries, leaves, shrubs, forbs, and prickly-pear (Opuntia spp.). Although this species has not been previously detected within the study area, it is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat (Table 1-2). Figure 1-8. (left) Bushy-tailed Woodrat (Photo: P. Dotson); (right) Desert Woodrat (Photo: P. Dotson) Page 12

17 Desert Woodrat (Neotoma lepida) (Figure 1-8). As the name implies, desert woodrats are primarily found in arid habitats including juniper-sagebrush, creosote bush scrub, scrub oak woodlands, and piñon-juniper woodlands from southwestern Idaho and southeastern Oregon, south through Nevada and western Utah. It is abundant in rock outcrops, and rocky cliffs and slopes. Much smaller than the bushy-tailed woodrat, desert woodrats weigh g and have a total length of mm, about half of which is tail (Figure 1-8). It is a folivorous/granivorous species with food consisting of buds, fruits, bark, leaves, and young shoots of many plant species. It has been recorded from the existing DVTA and Horse Creek (Table 1-2) and is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. Canyon Deermouse (Peromyscus crinitus) (Figure 1-9). Canyon deermice can be found in rocky areas within arid habitats to forested montane areas from central Oregon to northern Baja California, throughout Nevada, southwestern Idaho, northern Arizona, most of Utah, and in the inter-montane regions of western Colorado. A small- to medium sized mouse, weighing g and measuring mm in total length, with a tail length of mm. Although canyon mice are omnivorous, they primarily forage on plant products such as seeds, leaves, and fruit, and supplement their diet with various species of insects. They cache food for consumption during winter. Although this species has not been previously detected within the study area, it is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat (Table 1-2). Figure 1-9. (left) Canyon Deermouse (Photo: Alyssa M.); (middle) North American Deermouse (Photo: S. Wilson); (right) Piñon Deermouse (Photo: S. Wilson) North American Deermouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) (Figure 1-9). The North American deermouse is the most widespread, geographically and ecologically variable mouse species in North America. It is distributed from the northern tree line in Alaska and Canada southward to central Mexico, and across the entire U.S. being only absent from the southeastern U.S. A small-sized mouse, weighing g and measuring mm in total length, with a tail length of mm (Figure 1-9). The species is omnivorous, eating a wide variety of plant and animal matter depending on what is available, including insects and other invertebrates, seeds, fruits, flowers, nuts, and other plant products. It has been recorded from most of the existing Navy-managed lands and is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat (Table 1-2). Piñon Deermouse (Peromyscus truei) (Figure 1-9). Pinyon mice can be found from California, through Nevada, and as far east as the panhandle of north Texas and western Kansas, and as far west as the Pacific coast of California; the northern limit of their range is central Oregon, and the southern limit is southern Mexico. It is similar in size to the canyon deermouse, weighing g and measuring mm in total length, with a tail length of mm, and the ears are relatively larger than other Peromyscus species (Figure 1-9). They frequent arid or semi-arid climates, preferring brushland and desert near pinyon juniper, hence their common name. However, pinyon mice can also be found in open, grassy habitats, as well as landscapes including canyons, sagebrush, boulders, cacti, and rocky slopes. Pinyon mice are Page 13

18 primarily frugivorous and granivorous, although they will also readily eat insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. Although this species has not been previously detected within the study area, it is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat (Table 1-2). Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys microps) (Figure 1-10). The chisel-toothed kangaroo rat is a medium-sized kangaroo rat weighing g with a total body length of mm, of which mm is tail. It is a Great Basin species with a range encompassing all of Nevada, west to the Sierra Nevada, east to the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, south to the Colorado River, and north into southeastern Oregon; its southern California distribution is discontinuous, but populations occur as far south as Joshua Tree National Monument. It is a desert dweller found in mountains at elevations between 3,280 and 11,480 ft (1,000 and 3,500 m). It is primarily associated with shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) and is one of the few mammals adapted to feed on Atriplex. They eat more leaves than other kangaroo rats, feeding primarily on Atriplex leaves and switching to seeds when leaves are unavailable. The folivorous diet results in a reduced competition with sympatric Dipodomys species, who specialize more in eating seeds. The unique diet of the chisel-toothed kangaroo rat is also related to the large cheek pouch capacity of the species compared to other kangaroo rat species. The species has been recorded from the existing B-16, B-17, B-19, and DVTA ranges (NAS Fallon 1997, 2008) (Table 1-2), is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. Figure (left) Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat (Photo: A. Ambos); (right) Desert Kangaroo Rat (Photo: A. Mercieca) Desert Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys deserti) (Figure 1-10). The desert kangaroo rat is a Species of Conservation Priority under the Nevada WAP and ranked by the NNHP as imperiled/vulnerable. The desert kangaroo rat is the largest kangaroo rat species within the survey area weighing g, with a total length of mm, and a tail length of mm. The species is found in western Nevada south through southern California, western Arizona, and into Mexico. They are typically found in low deserts, in sandy soil with sparse vegetation or in alkali sinks. They are mostly restricted to deposits of deep windblown sand (sometimes including deposits formed as result of human activity) in shadscale scrub and creosote bush scrub. Burrow sites are usually under vegetation on wind-driven sand dunes. Diet consists of seeds and green vegetation, and they store large quantities of seeds in their burrows. They may also feed opportunistically on moths, beetles, and other insects. NDOW has records of the species within the proposed B-20 expansion area and within the existing B-16 range (Figure 1-6) (NDOW 2018b). The species was also observed within the existing B-16 range during 2007 surveys (NAS Fallon 2008) (Table 1-2). Desert kangaroo rats are expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat Merriam s Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami) (Figure 1-11). Merriam s kangaroo rat is the smallest kangaroo rat species within the study area at g, a total length of mm, and a tail length longer than the body at mm. Merriam s kangaroo rat inhabits arid regions of western and central Page 14

19 Nevada; southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico; and south into Mexico. Habitat requirements of Merriam's kangaroo rats are less strict than most other species of kangaroo rats and occur in sandy soils, clays, gravels, and among rocks. Compared to other kangaroo rats, Merriam s kangaroo rat inhabits harder, stonier soils. Their diet is almost entirely seeds but varies seasonally, with green vegetation eaten during the summer months; insects are also occasionally eaten. The species has been recorded from the existing B-16, B-17, B 19, and DVTA ranges and Horse Creek (NAS Fallon 1997, 2008) (Table 1-2), and is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. Figure (left) Merriam s Kangaroo Rat (Photo: T. McHugh); (right) Ord s Kangaroo Rat (Photo: J. Zipp) Ord s Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys ordii) (Figure 1-11). Ord s kangaroo rat is the most widely distributed kangaroo rat in North America, ranging from southeastern Washington, south through Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico to central Mexico, and east through southern Idaho, Utah, and the eastern portions of the Great Plains, including southern Canada, through eastern Texas. It is a medium-sized kangaroo rat at g, with a total length of mm, and a tail length of mm (Figure 1-11). The species prefers arid climates with sparse vegetation on sandy soils. Their diet is primarily seeds, which are gathered in cheek pouches and carried back to their burrows. They also feed on insects, such as grasshoppers and moths, in the summer. The species has been recorded from NAS Fallon and the existing B-17 and B 19 ranges (NAS Fallon 1997) (Table 1-2), and is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. Pale Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops pallidus) (Figure 1-12). The pale kangaroo mouse is a BLM Sensitive Species, Nevada Protected Mammal (NAC ), Species of Conservation Priority under the Nevada WAP, and ranked by the NNHP as imperiled. The range of the pale kangaroo mouse is restricted to western Nevada with a small area of occurrence in eastern California. It weighs g, with a total length of mm and a tail length of mm. This species is a highly specialized sand-obligate and is typically restricted to fine, loose, sandy soils in valley bottoms dominated by saltbush and greasewood; it may also be found near sagebrush at higher elevations. It is primarily granivorous and the summer diet is supplemented with insects including beetles, centipedes, and moth pupae. There are numerous NNHP occurrence records in the Fallon area and within and in the vicinity of the existing DVTA and proposed expansion area (NNHP 2018b) (Figure 1-6), it has been recorded from the existing B-16 and B-19 ranges (NAS Fallon 1997) (Table 1-2), and is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. Page 15

20 Figure (left) Pale Kangaroo Mouse (Photo: K. Schaefer); (right) Great Basin Pocket Mouse (Photo: M. Chappell) Great Basin Pocket Mouse (Perognathus parvus) (Figure 1-12). As its name implies, the Great Basin pocket mouse is found in the Great Basin, from eastern Washington, Oregon, and California, throughout Nevada, and east through southern Idaho and most of Utah; its range also extends into south-central British Columbia. It is the largest pocket mouse weighing g, with a total length of mm, and a tail length of mm (Figure 1-12). The Great Basin pocket mouse can be found in arid and semiarid sandy areas of open shrub/grassland communities of sagebrush, shadscale, greasewood, and bitterbrush. Its diet consists mostly of seeds of forbs, grasses, and shrubs, supplemented with green vegetation and insects. It has been recorded from the existing B-17 and B-19 ranges and Horse Creek (Table 1-2) (NAS Fallon 1997, 2008), and is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. Little Pocket Mouse (Perognathus longimembris) (Figure 1-13). Found throughout most of Nevada, southern California, western Utah, and northeastern Arizona, the little pocket mouse is the smallest pocket mouse in its range, weighing 6-11 g and having a total length of mm, of which about half is tail. It inhabits open grassland, shrub-steppe, sagebrush in addition to very arid desert areas. It hibernates in winter and is only active between April and November. It forages for seeds, plant material, and small invertebrates which it carries back to its burrow in its cheek pouches. The little pocket mouse has only been recorded from the existing B-17 range during 1997 surveys (Table 1-2) (NAS Fallon 1997), and is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. Figure (left) Little Pocket Mouse; (right) Long-tailed Pocket Mouse (Photos: A. Abela) Long-tailed Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus formosus) (Figure 1-13). The long-tailed pocket mouse is found in dry and rocky areas that contain sagebrush, desert scrub, and desert succulent shrubs with hard groundcover and/or rocky soils. They occur in western and southern Nevada, western Utah, northeastern Arizona, and southeastern California into Baja Mexico. They are a medium-sized pocket mouse with a total length of mm, tail length of mm, and weigh g. Although this species is primarily granivorous, they also eat fruits and arthropods, and feed opportunistically on stems and leaves of green Page 16

21 vegetation. The long-tailed pocket mouse has been recorded from the existing B-17 range and Horse Creek (Table 1-2) (NAS Fallon 1997), and is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. Long-tailed Vole (Microtus longicaudus) (Figure 1-14). Long-tailed voles are found throughout the western U.S. and east to the Great Plains, and western Canada to southeastern Alaska. They occupy a variety of habitats including dry grassy areas, mountain slopes, forests, stream banks, sagebrush grasslands, mountain meadows, and riparian zones. They are small and thick bodied weighing g and measuring mm with a tail length of mm. As with most rodents, long-tailed voles are herbivores and feed on green plants, tree roots and bark, flowers, underground fungi, fruits, and seeds, and occasionally insects. Although this species has not been previously detected within the study area, it is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat (Table 1-2). Figure (left) Long-tailed Vole (Photo: Anonymous); (middle) Montane Vole (Photo: T. McHugh); (right) Sagebrush Vole (Photo: T. McHugh) Montane Vole (Microtus montanus) (Figure 1-14). The montane vole is found throughout the western U.S. from eastern Washington, Oregon, and California; through northern Nevada; Idaho; eastern Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado; and south to northern New Mexico. They inhabit wet meadows; cropland, especially fields and pastures of grass and legumes along fence rows; grassy areas by streams and lakes, especially mesic grasslands. Diet includes grasses and sedges, and leaves, stems, and roots of a wide variety of forbs. Montane voles weigh g, have a total length of mm, and a tail length of mm. Although this species has not been previously detected within the study area, it is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat (Table 1-2). Sagebrush Vole (Lemmiscus curtatus) (Figure 1-14). The sagebrush vole is a Species of Conservation Priority under the Nevada WAP and ranked by the NNHP as vulnerable. The species is found in the western U.S. and Canada, primarily in the Great Basin and Great Plains regions. It occurs in colonies in semiarid habitats on well-drained or rock-covered soils with vegetation usually dominated by sagebrush or rabbitbrush mixed with bunchgrass. Sagebrush voles are active throughout the day, year round. Sagebrush voles are herbivores, and feed upon the flowers and fleshy parts of vegetation, but not the seeds. Although this species has not been previously detected within the study area, it is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat (Table 1-2). Northern Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys leucogaster) (Figure 1-15). The northern grasshopper mouse can be found from southwestern Canada throughout the western U.S. and Great Plains to western Minnesota and Iowa into northwestern Mexico. They prefer shrub steppe, grasslands, shortgrass prairies, sand dunes, and sagebrush desert with sandy soils in which they build their burrows. Grasshopper mice are unique among mice in that the majority of their diet is insects, including grasshoppers, scorpions, beetles, crickets, and moths. They have also been known to eat rodents as well (e.g., Peromyscus, Perognathus, and Microtus), including other grasshopper mice. They weigh g and have a total length Page 17

22 of mm (tail = mm). The species has been recorded in the existing B-17 range (Table 1-2) and is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. Southern Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys torridus) (Figure 1-15). This species is found primarily in the southwestern U.S. including Nevada, California, and Arizona, and into Mexico. Although the range overlaps with the northern grasshopper mice, southern grasshopper mice favor more arid scrub habitats at lower elevations. The diet is similar to that of the northern species. Arizona bark scorpions, which are part of its diet, whose venom causes pain and respiratory failure in humans, seem to have no effect on southern grasshopper mice even while being stung. Recent studies have shown that southern grasshopper mice have a mutation in a protein that prevents signals of pain from reaching the brain. Researchers are looking into how this mutation blocks signals of pain in order to design new types of painkillers. Southern grasshopper mice are smaller than the northern species, weighing g and measuring mm, with a mm tail. Although this species has not been previously detected within the study area, it is expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat (Table 1-2). B Figure (left) Northern Grasshopper Mouse (Photo: T. McHugh); (right) Southern Grasshopper Mouse (Photo: G. Lepp) Western Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) (Figure 1-16). The western harvest mouse is broadly distributed across the western U.S., east thru Illinois, southern Michigan, and southwestern Minnesota. Given its wide range, it is found in a variety of open areas, including grasslands, prairies, meadows, and marshes, and also inhabits more arid areas such as deserts, sand dunes, and shrublands. Harvest mice are small, weighing 8-15 g with a total length of mm, with a mm long tail. The primary diet of the harvest mouse is seeds, but will also feed on the new growth of plants and insects (e.g., grasshoppers, ground beetles, and moths). Western harvest mice have been recorded from the existing DVTA and B-16 range (Table 1-2), and are expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. Figure Western Harvest Mouse (Photo: A. Abela) Page 18

23 Least Chipmunk (Neotamias minimus) (Figure 1-17). Most abundant in coniferous forests and tundra, the least chipmunk is also found in woodlands, meadows, scrublands, and sagebrush desert. It ranges across the western U.S. from the Pacific states east through Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, with an extensive range across northern Canada. As their name implies, least chipmunks are the smallest of all chipmunks. Body length ranges from 185 to 216 mm (tail = mm) and individuals weigh between 32 and 50 g. Least chipmunks have a varied diet including nuts, berries, fruits, grasses, fungi, snails, insects, and occasionally small birds and mammals. With the onset of cold weather, chipmunks retire to their burrows, where they enter torpor and live off stored food until spring. Least chipmunks have been recorded within the proposed DVTA expansion area during recent surveys (Table 1-2), and are expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. Figure (left) Least Chipmunk (Photo: S. Krasemann); (right) White-tailed Antelope Squirrel (Photo: J. Boone) White-tailed Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus) (Figure 1-17). The white-tailed antelope squirrel is the most widespread and the smallest of the four antelope squirrel species in North America. It is found in shrubby desert, chaparral, and grassland habitats of southeastern Oregon/southwestern Idaho, throughout Nevada, southeastern California, most of Utah, western Colorado, and northern Arizona and New Mexico, and extending south into Baja Mexico. White-tailed antelope squirrels will use burrows of other rodents, such as kangaroo rats, for shelter but will also make their own burrows. They range in total length from 188 to 239 mm and in tail length from 42 to 87 mm; weight ranges from 96 to 117 g. They are active year-round and generally during the cooler parts of the day. Diet varies by season: during the spring, greens are the bulk of the diet; in fall, seeds and fruits are the most important food source. Invertebrates, mainly insects, make up the rest of their diet during the year. White-tailed antelope squirrels have been observed within the existing B-16, B-17, and B-19 ranges, DVTA, and NAS Fallon (Table 1-2), and are expected to occur throughout the study area in suitable habitat. 2. METHODS 2.1. FIELD DATA COLLECTION Small mammal trapping transects were set in as many vegetation alliances as possible in order to sample broad geographic range and habitat diversity across the proposed FRTC expansion areas. Transects were stratified by a continuous habitat type (defined as 100% contained within one vegetation alliance) as well as by the proposed expansion areas. After identifying continuous habitat types, transects were set following sunset to ensure minimal nontarget captures (e.g., birds) and recorded by GPS. Traps were checked at the beginning of the next morning s civil twilight. Each transect within one continuous vegetation alliance consisted of a total of 50 traps where two non-folding Sherman traps (one large [3 x 3 x 10 inches {7.6 x 7.6 x 25.4 centimeters}] and one small [2 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches {5.1 x 6.3 x 16.5 centimeters]) were set approximately 33 ft (10 m) apart Page 19

24 along an approximately 787-ft (240-m) long transect. Each trap contained jumbo cotton balls to eliminate temperature-related stress with a cedar plank placed in such a way as to shade the trap in higher temperatures. Each trap was baited with a mixture of rolled oats, mixed grains, and freeze-dried meal worms in order to attract the greatest diversity of taxa. After checking each trap along a transect, traps were removed and set in another location the following evening so no transects were set more than once in a single location. Each captured animal was identified to species and released after recording requisite measurements to identify species that could only be confirmed by morphometrics (e.g. total length, length of tail [or proportion of tail length to body length], hind foot length, ear length). Photographs of each animal were also taken in order to confirm unclear species identifications DATA MANAGEMENT All transect locations and small mammal captures and requisite measurements were recorded by the mobile application ESRI Collector. Following each day s field data collection effort, all data were synced to a secure online GIS database and reviewed for accuracy. All photographs were proofed against the recorded GIS information in order to confirm positive species identifications DATA ANALYSIS Following each field data collection effort, data sheets were entered into the database and reviewed for accuracy. Also, data and information was provided in GIS for mapping purposes. The intent of the surveys is to provide presence information only. Data will not be collected using line distance or other survey methods capable of yielding small mammal population density estimates and other demographics SCIENTIFIC PERMIT In accordance with NDOW requirements, an application for a Scientific Collection/Possession/Education Permit was submitted to NDOW on March 5, The permit was issued on April 9, 2018 and expired December 30, 2018 (Permit #39386). See Appendix A for the permit application and permit. 3. RESULTS 3.1. SURVEY EFFORT Small mammal surveys were conducted on 38 nights in August, September, and October 2018 along 101 transects with a total of 5,050 small mammal traps (i.e., 50 traps/transect) for a total of 5,050 trap nights (Table 3-1). Trap nights are calculated by multiplying the number of traps by the number of nights of trapping (e.g., 100 traps and 3 nights of trapping would equal 300 trap nights). Traps for the current survey effort were only set for 1 night, therefore the total number of trap nights equals the number of traps set. Table Small Mammal Survey Dates and Number of Transects, Traps, and Trap Nights No. Transects (Traps) per Proposed Expansion Area 2018 Survey Dates B-16 B-17 B-20 DVTA Total Trap Nights August 4, 6-13, (250) 9 (450) 5 (250) 19 (950) 38 (1,900) 1,900 September 6-16, (150) 16 (800) 4 (200) 28 (1,400) 51 (2,550) 2,550 October (150) 2 (100) 2 (100) 5 (250) 12 (600) 600 Total 11 (550) 27 (1,350) 11 (550) 52 (2,600) 101 (5,050) 5,050 In general, the number of transects within each proposed FRTC expansion area was roughly proportional to the size and vegetation diversity of each proposed expansion area. The proposed DVTA and B-17 expansion areas are the largest in area and have by far the most diverse assemblage of vegetation alliances, consistent with their large size and topographic complexity (Table 1-1). Proposed expansion Page 20

25 areas B-16 and B-20 are smaller and have less vegetation or topographic diversity, particularly the proposed B-20 expansion area which is dominated by the Microphytic Playa alliance (Figure 3-3) (see below). In addition, access to these two smaller proposed expansion areas was more limited than for B-17 and DVTA. Transects were set within 19 of the 25 mapped vegetation alliances within the proposed FRTC expansion areas (Table 3-2; Figures ). Of the six vegetation alliances where a transect and traps were not set (Table 3-2), five were inaccessible due to logistical constraints. However, these five vegetation alliances only account for 2,700 ac (1,093 ha) of the total 681,000 ac (275,600 ha) that are scoped to be surveyed, or 0.4% of the total area. The sixth vegetation alliance that was not trapped was Microphytic Playa. Although encompassing approximately 136,000 ac (55,037 ha), this alliance is found in the lowestlying areas of the survey areas that are subjected to seasonal inundation by shallow lakes. The lack of outflow from these areas forces the water to evaporate, leaving residues of salts and other minerals that preclude colonization by most plants. It was therefore determined that the potential for small mammals to occur within this alliance was very low and expending more trapping effort in other alliances would provide a better sampling of the small mammal community in the survey areas. Table 3-2. Summary of Number of Transects and Traps Set in Vegetation Alliances within the Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas Vegetation Alliance (Abbreviation)* Transects* (Traps) (per DoN 2018a) B-16 B-17 B-20 DVTA Total Bailey's Greasewood Shrubland (BGS) 4 (200) 6 (300) 1 (50) 8 (400) 19 (950) Black Sagebrush Steppe & Shrubland (BSB) 4 (200) 4 (200) 8 (400) Wyoming Big Sagebrush Dry Steppe & Shrubland (WYBS) 1 (50) 3 (150) 4 (200) Basin Big Sagebrush - Foothill Big Sagebrush Dry Steppe & 8 (400) 1 (50) 7 (350) Shrubland (BB_FB) Big Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub Dry Steppe & Shrubland (BS_Mx) 1 (50) 1 (50) 2 (100) Shadscale Saltbush Scrub (ShSSc) 3 (150) 1 (50) 4 (200) Rubber Rabbitbrush - Sand Buckwheat - Four-part Horsebrush 5 (250) 1 (50) 2 (100) 1 (50) 1 (50) Sparse Scrub (4-PtHSc) Cheatgrass Ruderal Grassland (ChG_R) 1 (50) 1 (50) Nevada Joint-fir Scrub (NJFSc) 1 (50) 1 (50) Yellow Star-thistle-Dyer's Woad-Prickly Russian Thistle Ruderal 1 (50) 1 (50) Annual Forb (PRsTH) Winterfat Steppe & Dwarf Shrubland (WtSDSh) 1 (50) 1 (50) Intermountain Greasewood Wet Shrubland (BGS) 5 (250) 6 (300) 3 (150) 14 (700) Mojave Seablite - Red Swampfire Alkaline Wet Scrub (MSBWSh) 2 (100) 1 (50) 3 (150) Saltgrass Alkaline Wet Meadow (SGAW) 1 (50) 1 (50) Great Basin Singleleaf Pinyon - Utah Juniper/Shrub Woodland 10 (500) 10 (500) (P-JWd) Utah Juniper/Shrub Woodland (UT-J) 1 (50) 5 (250) 6 (300) Mojave-Sonoran Burrobrush - Sweetbush Desert Wash Scrub 9 (450) 5 (250) 4 (200) (BB_Ws) Ruderal Tamarisk Riparian Scrub (TRSc) 1 (50) 1 (50) Arroyo Willow Wet Shrubland (ArWi) 3 (150) 3 (150) Total 11 (550) 27 (1,350) 11 (550) 52 (2,600) 101 (5,050) Vegetation Alliances with No Transects/Traps: Fourwing Saltbush Rubber Rabbitbrush Desert Wash, Microphytic Playa, Western Wildrye Alkaline Wet Meadow, Fremont's Smokebush - Nevada Smokebush Desert Wash Scrub, Great Basin Fremont Cottonwood Riparian Forest, and Western Baltic Rush - Mexico Rush Wet Meadow. Note: *See Figures Page 21

26 Figure 3-1. Small Mammal Transects within the Proposed B-16 Expansion Area Page 22

27 Small Mammal Survey Report Proposed FRTC Expansion Figure 3-2. Small Mammal Transects within the Proposed B-17 and Southern DVTA Expansion Areas Page 23

28 Figure 3-3. Small Mammal Transects within the Proposed B-20 Expansion Area Page 24

29 Small Mammal Survey Report Proposed FRTC Expansion Figure 3-4. Small Mammal Transects within the Proposed Northern DVTA Expansion Area Page 25

30 As nine transects were located within the southeastern portion of the proposed B-17 expansion area where vegetation mapping has not been conducted (Figure 3-2) (Note: vegetation mapping will be completed in the spring of 2019), field biologists utilized a vegetation alliance key that was developed during the initial mapping of vegetation communities in the survey areas (DoN 2018a) to assign a vegetation alliance to each transect. If a particular vegetation alliance was not easily identified in the field during small mammal trapping efforts, photographs were taken of the transect area and a determination was made in the office by ManTech s botanist that led the 2018 vegetation mapping. Although influenced by a number of variables (e.g., time of year, habitat, weather, number of trap nights, etc.) and not directly comparable across studies or study areas, trap success is a useful index for addressing potential future small mammal trapping efforts within the same survey area. Trap success is calculated by dividing the number of captures by the number of trap nights. Trap success across the four proposed expansion areas was similar ( ) in three of the four proposed expansion areas (B-16, B-20, and DVTA), but was significantly lower within the proposed B-17 expansion area (Table 3-3). Table 3-3. Summary of Number of Transects, Traps, Trap Nights, Captures, and Trap Success by Proposed FRTC Expansion Area Proposed Expansion Area No. Transects No. Traps Trap Nights No. Captures Trap Success B B ,350 1, B DVTA 52 2,600 2, Total 101 5,050 5,050 1, Trap success by vegetation alliance varied greatly, from lows of 0.02 and 0.08 within the Saltgrass Alkaline Wet Meadow and Nevada Joint-Fir Scrub alliances, respectively, to a high of 0.56 within the Arroyo Willow Wet Shrubland alliance (Table 3-4). However, both the Saltgrass Alkaline Wet Meadow and Nevada Joint- Fir Scrub alliances were only sampled with one transect each for only one night. Table 3-4. Summary of Number of Transects, Traps, Trap Nights, Captures, and Trap Success by Vegetation Alliance Vegetation Alliance (per DoN 2018a) No. Transects No. Traps Trap Nights No. Captures Trap Success Bailey's Greasewood Shrubland Black Sagebrush Steppe & Shrubland Wyoming Big Sagebrush Dry Steppe & Shrubland Basin Big Sagebrush - Foothill Big Sagebrush Dry Steppe & Shrubland Big Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub Dry Steppe & Shrubland Shadscale Saltbush Scrub Rubber Rabbitbrush - Sand Buckwheat - Four-part Horsebrush Sparse Scrub Cheatgrass Ruderal Grassland Nevada Joint-fir Scrub Yellow Star-thistle-Dyer's Woad-Prickly Russian Thistle Ruderal Annual Forb Winterfat Steppe & Dwarf Shrubland Intermountain Greasewood Wet Shrubland Mojave Seablite - Red Swampfire Alkaline Wet Scrub Saltgrass Alkaline Wet Meadow Page 26

31 Table 3-4. Summary of Number of Transects, Traps, Trap Nights, Captures, and Trap Success by Vegetation Alliance Vegetation Alliance (per DoN 2018a) No. Transects No. Traps Trap Nights No. Captures Trap Success Great Basin Singleleaf Pinyon - Utah Juniper/Shrub Woodland Utah Juniper/Shrub Woodland Mojave-Sonoran Burrobrush - Sweetbush Desert Wash Scrub Ruderal Tamarisk Riparian Scrub Arroyo Willow Wet Shrubland SMALL MAMMAL SPECIES OCCURRENCES A total of 1,118 captures of 18 species were recorded across all proposed expansion areas during the August October trapping efforts, including 3 Species of Conservation Priority under the Nevada WAP (Table 3-5; Figures ). Of these 18 species, 5 are new records for the study area: canyon deermouse, long-tailed vole, piñon deermouse, sagebrush vole, and southern grasshopper mouse. The only species previously recorded in the study area and not captured during the current surveys was the northern grasshopper mouse (Table 1-2). In addition, three species that were considered as potentially occurring within the survey areas were not captured: Merriam s shrew, bushy-tailed woodrat, and montane vole. Table 3-5. Species, Number, and Relative Abundance of Small Mammals Captured within Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas Proposed Expansion Area Common Name B-16 % B-17 % B-20 % DVTA % Total % Canyon Deermouse Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat Desert Kangaroo Rat Desert Woodrat Great Basin Pocket Mouse Least Chipmunk Little Pocket Mouse Long-tailed Pocket Mouse Long-tailed Vole Merriam s Kangaroo Rat North American Deermouse Ord s Kangaroo Rat Pale Kangaroo Mouse Piñon Deermouse Sagebrush Vole Southern Grasshopper Mouse Western Harvest Mouse White-tailed Antelope Squirrel Total Captures ,118 Total Number of Species Note: Species of Conservation Priority under the Nevada WAP (NDOW 2013). Page 27

32 Figure 3-5. Small Mammal Captures within the Proposed B-16 Expansion Area Page 28

33 Small Mammal Survey Report Proposed FRTC Expansion Figure 3-6. Small Mammal Captures within the Proposed B-17 and Southern DVTA Expansion Areas Page 29

34 Figure 3-7. Small Mammal Captures within the Proposed B-20 Expansion Area Page 30

35 Small Mammal Survey Report Proposed FRTC Expansion Figure 3-8. Small Mammal Captures within the Proposed Western Portion of the Northern DVTA Expansion Area Page 31

36 Small Mammal Survey Report Proposed FRTC Expansion Figure 3-9. Small Mammal Captures within the Proposed Eastern Portion of the Northern DVTA Expansion Area Page 32

37 3.2.1 Occurrences within Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas Based on captures within the proposed expansion areas, the proposed DVTA expansion area had the greatest diversity with 17 species, followed by the proposed B-17 expansion area with 14 species (Table 3-5). The most frequently captured species was Merriam s kangaroo rat, accounting for 32% of the total captures, followed by the long-tailed pocket mouse and piñon deermouse, both at approximately 16% of the total captures. Merriam s kangaroo rat was also the most frequently captured species within each proposed expansion area. The species with the fewest captures was the pale kangaroo mouse with one capture in the proposed B-17 expansion area. Seven species were captured across all proposed expansion areas (canyon deermouse, chisel-toothed kangaroo rat, desert kangaroo rat, desert woodrat, long-tailed pocket mouse, Merriam s kangaroo rat, and southern grasshopper mouse) and four species were captured in only the proposed DVTA expansion area: Great Basin pocket mouse, least chipmunk, longtailed vole, and sagebrush vole Occurrences within Vegetation Alliances Based on captures within vegetation alliances, Bailey s Greasewood Shrubland and Intermountain Greasewood Wet Shrubland had the greatest diversity both in terms of number of species recorded (11 species each) and total captures (178 captures [or 16% of total captures] in Intermountain Greasewood, and 169 captures [or 15% of total captures] in Bailey s Greasewood (Table 3-6). The Black Sagebrush Steppe & Shrubland alliance also had 11 species recorded, followed by Wyoming Big Sagebrush Dry Steppe & Shrubland, Basin Big Sagebrush, and Great Basin Singleleaf Pinyon-Utah Juniper/Shrub Woodland with 10 species. The alliances with the fewest captures and species were Saltgrass Alkaline Wet Meadow, Nevada Joint-Fir Scrub, and Winterfat Steppe & Dwarf Shrubland; however, these alliances only had one transect each. In addition to being the most commonly captured species across the proposed FRTC expansion areas, Merriam s kangaroo rat was also the captured within more vegetation alliances than any other species (17 of 19 alliances) (Table 3-6). The only vegetation alliances where Merriam s kangaroo rat was not captured were Saltgrass Alkaline Wet Meadow and Arroyo Willow Wet Shrubland. The chisel-toothed kangaroo rat and long-tailed pocket mouse were captured within 12 of 19 vegetation alliances, followed by the desert woodrat and North American deermouse which were captured in 11 alliances. The pale kangaroo mouse was only captured in the Rubber Rabbitbrush Sand Buckwheat Four-part Horsebrush Sparse Scrub alliance Trap Mortalities Of the total 5,050 traps set, there were five trap mortalities: one North American deermouse, one sagebrush vole, two long-tailed pocket mice, and one Merriam s kangaroo rat. Of these trap mortalities, three (sagebrush vole, one long-tailed pocket mouse, and Merriam s kangaroo rat) were in good enough condition to prepare as museum specimens and will be curated at the Museum of Natural History, University of Nevada, Reno. Page 33

38 Table 3-6. Species and Number of Small Mammal Captures by Vegetation Alliance within the Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas (pg 1/2) Vegetation Alliance No. Species* Subtotal (per DoN 2018a) Transects CD CKR DKR DW GBPM LC LPM LTPM LV Captures Species Bailey's Greasewood Shrubland Black Sagebrush Steppe & Shrubland Wyoming Big Sagebrush Dry Steppe & Shrubland Basin Big Sagebrush - Foothill Big Sagebrush Dry Steppe & Shrubland Big Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub Dry Steppe & Shrubland Shadscale Saltbush Scrub Rubber Rabbitbrush - Sand Buckwheat - Four-part Horsebrush Sparse Scrub Cheatgrass Ruderal Grassland Nevada Joint-fir Scrub Yellow Star-thistle-Dyer's Woad-Prickly Russian Thistle Ruderal Annual Forb Winterfat Steppe & Dwarf Shrubland Intermountain Greasewood Wet Shrubland Mojave Seablite - Red Swampfire Alkaline Wet Scrub Saltgrass Alkaline Wet Meadow Great Basin Singleleaf Pinyon - Utah Juniper/Shrub Woodland Utah Juniper/Shrub Woodland Mojave-Sonoran Burrobrush - Sweetbush Desert Wash Scrub Ruderal Tamarisk Riparian Scrub Arroyo Willow Wet Shrubland Total Notes: *Species abbreviations: CD = canyon deermouse, CKR = chisel-toothed kangaroo rat, DKR = desert kangaroo rat, DW = desert woodrat, GBPM = Great Basin pocket mouse, LC = least chipmunk, LPM = little pocket mouse, LTPM = long-tailed pocket mouse, LV = long-tailed vole. Page 34

39 Table 3-6 (cont.). Species and Number of Small Mammal Captures by Vegetation Alliance within the Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas (pg 2/2) Vegetation Alliance Species* Subtotal Total (per DoN 2018a) MKR NAD OKR PKM PD SV SGM WHM WAS Captures Species Captures Species Bailey's Greasewood Shrubland Black Sagebrush Steppe & Shrubland Wyoming Big Sagebrush Dry Steppe & Shrubland Basin Big Sagebrush - Foothill Big Sagebrush Dry Steppe & Shrubland Big Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub Dry Steppe & Shrubland Shadscale Saltbush Scrub Rubber Rabbitbrush - Sand Buckwheat - Four-part Horsebrush Sparse Scrub Cheatgrass Ruderal Grassland Nevada Joint-fir Scrub Yellow Star-thistle-Dyer's Woad-Prickly Russian Thistle Ruderal Annual Forb Winterfat Steppe & Dwarf Shrubland Intermountain Greasewood Wet Shrubland Mojave Seablite - Red Swampfire Alkaline Wet Scrub Saltgrass Alkaline Wet Meadow Great Basin Singleleaf Pinyon - Utah Juniper/Shrub Woodland Utah Juniper/Shrub Woodland Mojave-Sonoran Burrobrush - Sweetbush Desert Wash Scrub Ruderal Tamarisk Riparian Scrub Arroyo Willow Wet Shrubland Total , Notes: *Species abbreviations: MKR = Merriam s kangaroo rat, NAD = North American deermouse, OKR = Ord s kangaroo rat, PKM = pale kangaroo mouse, PD = piñon deermouse, SV = sagebrush vole, SGM = southern grasshopper mouse, WHM = western harvest mouse, WAS = white-tailed antelope squirrel. Page 35

40 4. DISCUSSION Overall, the trapping surveys within proposed FRTC expansion areas resulted in captures of the small mammal species that would be expected to occur within the survey areas. Based on a review of previous small mammal occurrence data for the study area as well as the potential for species to occur within the survey areas based on species range and habitat requirements, 22 species are expected within the survey areas: 14 species were previously recorded and 8 species have the potential to occur (Table 1-2). Of the 14 species previously recorded within the survey areas (Table 3-5), only the northern grasshopper mouse was not captured during current survey efforts but had been previously recorded from the existing B-17 range during 1997 surveys (NAS Fallon 1997) (Table 1-2). Of the eight species that were initially considered as having the potential to occur but had not yet been recorded within the study area (Table 1-2), five were captured and represent new records for the study area (canyon deermouse, piñon deermouse, long-tailed vole, sagebrush vole, and southern grasshopper mouse) (Table 3-5). The remaining three species were not captured during the current survey efforts Merriam s shrew, bushy-tailed woodrat, and montane vole. Potential reasons for why these four species that would be expected to occur but were not captured include: Northern grasshopper mouse It is unclear why this species was not captured, when it has been previously recorded within the study area and the similar sized southern species was captured. Merriam s shrew Shrews are notoriously difficult to trap in standard Sherman live traps and it is not surprising that the current survey efforts did not result in the capture of shrews. If future surveys wish to target shrew species, then it is recommended that either pitfall traps or Longworth traps be used (Williams and Braun 1983; Jones et al. 1996; Stromgren and Sullivan 2014). However, pitfall traps are much more labor intensive to set up and given the high metabolic nature of shrews, more frequent checking of traps is required (e.g., every 3-4 hours). In addition, recent surveys targeting shrews found that camera traps, particularly those with close-focus capability and baited with live and dried meal worms, were highly effective in detecting shrews with minimal risk to the animals (Cypher et al. 2017). Bushy-tailed woodrat This species would be expected to be relatively common within the study area based on its habitat requirements and known distribution within Nevada. The lack of captures in the current survey efforts may be due to its relatively large size and avoidance of the Sherman traps. In addition, given this species preference for rock areas such as boulder fields, talus slopes, rock outcrops, and at the base of cliffs, the standard straight-line transect method used in the current surveys may not have sufficiently sampled areas that would support bushytailed woodrats. If the occurrence of bushy-tailed woodrats on Navy-managed lands is important in future natural resources studies, it is recommended that future trapping efforts target rocky areas and use a larger trap (e.g., Sherman XLF15 Folding trap; 4 x 4 x 15 inches). Montane vole The preference of montane voles for more mesic habitats, particularly grasslands near streams and lakes, and the lack of such habitat within the survey areas, may have resulted in the lack of captures of this species. In addition, the potential for the capture of montane voles may be increased with additional trapping effort within the Saltgrass Alkaline Wet Meadow and Ruderal Tamarisk Riparian Scrub alliances (only one transect was set in each alliance in the current survey efforts), and the trapping of the following alliances that were not trapped in the current Page 36

41 survey efforts: Western Wildrye Alkaline Wet Meadow, Great Basin Fremont Cottonwood Riparian Forest, and Western Baltic Rush-Mexico Rush Wet Meadow. The relative numbers of each species was also comparable to other small mammal capture data for the study area, with Merriam s kangaroo rat being the most numerous species captured (n = 358 or 32% of captures) and captured across all survey areas. After Merriam s kangaroo rat, the other species most frequently captured during the current survey efforts were long-tailed pocket mouse (n = 186, 17% of captures), piñon mouse (n = 181, 16% of captures), and North American deermouse (n = 152, 14% of captures). Only the North American deermouse was listed in previous surveys as being captured in relatively high numbers (11% of captures: NAS Fallon 2008). The piñon mouse is a new record for the study area even though it represented the third highest number of captures in the current surveys. However, previous small mammal trapping efforts were not as intensive as the current survey efforts both in terms of areas surveyed and total trap nights. The current survey effort is the first relatively comprehensive and intensive small mammal survey effort for the study area. As expected based on previous surveys of small mammals and birds as well as other taxa within the survey areas, due to the diversity of habitats within the proposed DVTA and B-17 expansion areas, they supported the highest diversity of small mammal species (Table 3-5). Page 37

42 5. REFERENCES Animal Diversity Web Mammalia mammals. Accessed November. BLM Updated Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Sensitive Species List for Nevada. Instruction Memorandum No. NV-IM Nevada State Office, Reno, NV. November 22. Cypher, B., E. Tennant, J. Maldonado, L. Saslaw, T. Westall, J. Mohay, E. Kelly, and C. Van Horn Job Conservation of Endangered Buena Vista Lake Shrews (Sorex ornatus relictus) through Investigation of Taxonomic Status, Distribution, and Use of Non-Invasive Survey Methods. Prepared by California State University, Stanislaus, Endangered Species Recovery Program; California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Region 4, Fresno, CA; and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC. June 16. DoN. 2018a. Plant Community Surveys and Mapping Report in Support of the Proposed Fallon Range Training Complex Expansion, Nevada. Prepared for NAVFAC Southwest, San Diego, CA by ManTech SRS Technologies, Inc., Lompoc, CA. April. DoN. 2018b. Wildlife Remote Camera Trapping Survey Report in Support of the Proposed Fallon Range Training Complex Expansion, Nevada. Prepared for Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, CA by ManTech International Corp., Lompoc, CA. June. Hall, E.R Mammals of Nevada. University of Nevada Press, Reno. Jones, C., W.J. McShea, M.J. Conroy, and T.H. Kunz Chapter 8: Capturing Mammals. Pages in D.E. Wilson, F.R. Cole, J.D. Nichols, R. Rudram, and M.S. Foster, eds. Measure and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard Survey Methods for Mammals. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC. Kays, R.W. and D.E. Wilson Mammals of North America. Second Edition. Princeton University Press, NJ. MacMahon, J National Audubon Society Nature Guides: Deserts. Chanticleer Press, New York, NY. Mantooth, S.J. and B.R. Riddle Annotated Checklist of the Recent Mammals of Nevada. Occassional Papers, Museum of Texas Tech University 245: NAS Fallon Ecological Inventory of NAS Fallon and Environs Survey Report. Prepared for Commanding Officer, NAS Fallon, NV. NAS Fallon Ecological Inventory Update, Naval Air Station Fallon, Fallon, Nevada. Prepared for NAVFAC Southwest, San Diego, CA by Tierra Data Inc., Escondido, CA. August. NatureServe NatureServ Explorer: Plants/Animals. Version 7.1 (2 February 2009). Last updated March 2018; accessed November NDOW Nevada Wildlife Action Plan. Reno, NV. NDOW Fallon Range Training Complex EIS Raptor Nests, Sage-Grouse Leks, and Wildlife Occurrences Data. Personal communication via from B. Weller, GIS Specialist/Biologist III, NDOW, Reno, NV to R. Spaulding, Sr. Wildlife Biologist, ManTech International, Solana Beach, CA. July 31. NNHP. 2018a. Exploring Species Information. Accessed November. Page 38

43 NNHP. 2018b. GIS Shape Files Containing the Recorded Endangered, Threatened, Candidate, and At Risk Plant and Animal Elements (Taxa) within the NAS Fallon Modernization Environmental Impact Statement Project. Carson City, NV. April 9. Sowell, J Desert Ecology: An Introduction to Life in the Arid Southwest. University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, UT. Stromgren, E.J. and T.P. Sullivan Influence of pitfall versus Longworth livetraps, bait addition, and drift fences on trap success and mortality of shrews. Acta Theriologica 59: Williams, D.F. and S.E. Braun Comparison of pitfall and conventional traps for sampling small mammal populations. Journal of Wildlife Management 47: Wilson, D.E. and D.M. Reeder, eds Mammal Species of the World. A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. 3rd edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. Available at: Page 39

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45 APPENDIX A: Nevada Department of Wildlife Scientific Collection/Possession/Education Permit Application and Issued Permit Page A-1

46 [This page intentionally left blank.] Page A-2

47 APPLICATION SCIENTIFIC COLLECTION/POSSESSION/EDUCATION PERMIT [Check one]: 1 Year Permit $50.00 (22.85) 2 Year Permit $ (22.92) PROCESSING TIME: All applications will be routed for review and approval, which can take up to 6 weeks, depending on complexity and Division recommendations. Please PRINT all information except for your signature. Incomplete or illegible applications will be returned. SLAP Entity ID (Special Permit and License ID) - New applicants SLAP ID will be assigned when the permit is issued. Federal Tax ID or SSN only required for new applicants. PURPOSE: (check one) Scientific Educational I hereby make application for: New application: Complete the entire applicant information block and all sections. Sign and date the application. Do not send fee until notified of approval. Renewal of last year s PERMITTED projects with changes or new projects: Complete the entire applicant information block and then complete all other sections in the application where changes are being requested. CLEARLY DESCRIBE CHANGES. Sign and date the application. Do not send fee until notified of approval. Renewal of last year s PERMITTED projects without changes: Complete the entire applicant information block. Sign and date the application. Do not send fee until notified of approval. INSTITUTION OR BUSINESS ENTITY INFORMATION- (Institution or business entity the permit is for.) INSTITUTION OR BUSINESS ENTITY NAME: (If same as responsible party indicate SAME) SLAP Entity ID MAILING ADDRESS: FEDERAL TAX ID: CITY: STATE: ZIP: ADDRESS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: TELEPHONE: RESPONSIBLE PARTY Person responsible for permit NAME [LAST] [FIRST] [MIDDLE] SLAP Entity ID MAILING ADDRESS: SSN CITY: STATE: ZIP: ADDRESS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: TELEPHONE: HEIGHT: WEIGHT: HAIR: EYES: GENDER: DRIVER S LICENSE NUMBER STATE: DATE ISSUED: OCCUPATION: EMPLOYER: WORK ADDRESS: STATE OF NEVADA Department of Wildlife SLAP 22.85/.92 Rev. Jan 2017 Page 1 of 3

48 1. In the table below, list the species and number of each that you intend to capture and possess, kill, band and release, etc. by each specific capture situation(c.s.)/method. Do not combine several capture situations with a single number; e.g a, b, c, d. Provide a specific number with each capture situation/method. (See example below in table.) If animals are intended to be euthanized we need a euthanasia protocol and a copy of IACUC review for the project. Capture Situations/Methods: a. Salvage specimens found dead. b. Capture live specimens, transport and maintain alive in captivity. c. Collect/capture specimens and sacrifice on-site. d. Capture, identify, sample, mark, and release at the site where taken. e. Other (specify): Species (common & scientific names) (Example): Pahrump Killifish Empetrichthys latos #/Site/ Year C.S. b c Species (common & scientific names) #/Site/ Year C.S. 2. Give dates and locations of sampling or educational activity. Provide your best estimate of the specific location(s) (body of water, mountain range, stream, drainage, etc.) include county as part of the location whenever possible with the dates of the proposed trapping/collecting/sampling or educational activity. Example: Maggie Creek, Elko Co.; June Aug, 2007; Monitor Range, Nye Co.; Nov Dec, Provide the purpose and justification for this project request. Attach a synopsis of this project, not exceeding 5 pages, of the research or educational project being proposed, including methods of capture and the names of additional collectors/agents. Also, describe your qualifications. 4. Disposition: Name and address of the public, scientific, or educational institution(s) to which all specimens will be transferred. 5. Federal Permits: Attach a copy of your federal permit, issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is valid for Nevada (required for threatened or endangered wildlife and migratory birds unless specifically exempted by the Service). I, the signator, in signing this application, hereby state that I am entitled to this permit under the laws of the State of Nevada and that no false information or false statement has been made by me to obtain this license. Signature of Applicant Date Do not send fee until notified of approval. Submit your completed application to: Nevada Department of Wildlife License Office Scientific Collection FOR DEPARTMENT USE ONLY Date Received: Date Returned for Add l Information: Date Approved: Date Disapproved: STATE OF NEVADA Department of Wildlife SLAP 22.85/.92 Rev. Jan 2017 Page 2 of 3

49 6980 Sierra Center Pkwy, Ste-120 Dept. Representative: Reno, NV REASON FOR DISAPPROVAL STATE OF NEVADA Department of Wildlife SLAP 22.85/.92 Rev. Jan 2017 Page 3 of 3

50 Supporting Information: ManTech Application for NDOW Scientific Collection Permit March In the table below, list the species and number of each that you intend to capture and possess, kill, band and release, etc. by each specific capture situation (CS)/method. Do not combine several capture situations with a single number; e.g a, b, c, d. Provide a specific number with each capture situation/method (see example below in table). If animals are intended to be euthanized we need a euthanasia protocol and a copy of IACUC review for the project. Capture Situations/Methods (CS): a. Salvage specimens found dead. b. Capture live specimens, transport and maintain alive in captivity. c. Collect/capture specimens and sacrifice on-site. d. Capture, identify, sample, mark, and release at the site where taken. e. Other (specify): Capture, identify, and release at the site of capture. Table 1. Wildlife Expected to be Encountered and Captured within the Survey Areas Species (Common & Scientific Names) #/Site/Year CS FISH Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) 10 c, e Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) 5 c, e Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) 5 c, e Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) 5 c, e Tui chub (Siphateles bicolor) 5 c, e Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) 5 c, e AMPHIBIANS American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) 10 c, e Great Basin spadefoot (Spea intermontana) 10 a, e Western toad (Anaxyrus boreas) 10 a, e REPTILES California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) 10 a, e Great Basin gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola) 10 a, e Red racer (Coluber flagellum piceus) 10 a, e Desert striped whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus) 10 a, e Western patch-nosed snake (Salvadora hexalepis) 10 a, e Great Basin rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganos lutosus) 10 a, e Zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides) 20 a, e Great Basin collared lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) 20 a, e Long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) 20 a, e Desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) 20 a, e Great Basin whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris tigris) 20 a, e Nevada side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana nevadensis) 20 a, e Common sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) 20 a, e Yellow-backed spiny lizard (Sceloporus uniformis) 20 a, e Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) 20 a, e SMALL MAMMALS White-tailed antelope ground squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus) 50 a, d Long-tailed pocket mouse (Chaetodipus formosus) 50 a, d Desert kangaroo rat (Dipodomys deserti) 50 a, d Merriam s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami) 50 a, d Great Basin kangaroo rat (Dipodomys microps) 50 a, d Ord s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordi) 50 a, d Panamint kangaroo rat (Dipodomys panamintinus) 50 a, d Sagebrush vole (Lemmiscus curtatus) 50 a, d Dark kangaroo mouse (Microdipodops megacephalus) 50 a, d Page 1 of 5

51 Supporting Information: ManTech Application for NDOW Scientific Collection Permit March 2018 Table 1. Wildlife Expected to be Encountered and Captured within the Survey Areas Species (Common & Scientific Names) #/Site/Year CS Pale kangaroo mouse (Microdipodops pallidus) 50 a, d Longtail vole (Microtus longicaudus) 50 a, d Montane meadow mouse (Microtus montanus) 50 a, d Bushytail woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) 50 a, d Desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida) 50 a, d Northern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys leucogaster) 50 a, d Southern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys torridus) 50 a, d Little pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris) 50 a, d Canyon mouse (Peromyscus crinitus) 50 a, d Great Basin pocket mouse (Perognathus parvus) 50 a, d North American deermouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) 50 a, d Pinyon deermouse (Peromyscus truei) 50 a, d Western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) 50 a, d Merriam shrew (Sorex merriami) 5 a, d Water shrew (Sorex palustris) 5 a, d Great Basin dwarf shrew (Sorex tenellus) 5 a, d Vagrant shrew (Sorex vagrans) 5 a, d 3. Provide the purpose and justification for this project request. Attach a synopsis of this project, not exceeding 5 pages, of the research or educational project being proposed, including methods of capture and the names of additional collectors/agents. Also, describe your qualifications SYNOPSIS OF PROJECT Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon currently manages the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC), which currently encompasses a combination of withdrawn and acquired lands totaling approximately over 223,600 acres (ac) (90,490 hectares [ha]) of military training land located southeast of Fallon, Nevada (Figure 1-1). The FRTC is the U.S. Department of the Navy s (hereinafter referred to as the Navy) premier integrated strike warfare training complex, supporting air units and special operations forces in a variety of mission areas. Since World War II, the Navy has extensively used the ranges and airspace of the FRTC to conduct military air warfare and ground training, including live-fire training activities. However, the current training areas are insufficient for implementation of realistic training scenarios and buffers required for public safety. In order to effectively meet these needs, the Navy proposes to modernize the land and airspace configurations of the FRTC. The Navy is currently proposing to expand the land administered by NAS Fallon by approximately 684,000 ac (276,800 ha). The proposed expansion areas are broken into four discontinuous areas associated with four of the current training ranges (ranges B-16, B-17, B-20, and Dixie Valley Training Area [DVTA]) (Figure 1): The area west of B-16 is referred to herein as the proposed B-16 Expansion Area. The area surrounding B-20 is the proposed B-20 Expansion Area. The area west of B-17 and north of Highway 50 surrounding the DVTA is the proposed DVTA Expansion Area. The area south of B-17 and Highway 50 and east of B-17 is referred to as the proposed B-17 Expansion Area. The Navy has contracted ManTech SRS Technologies, Inc. (MSRS) to perform a variety of ecological surveys to inventory the flora and fauna within the proposed FRTC expansion areas in support of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Page 2 of 5

52 Supporting Information: ManTech Application for NDOW Scientific Collection Permit March 2018 Figure 1. Regional Location of the Proposed FRTC Expansion Areas Page 3 of 5

53 Supporting Information: ManTech Application for NDOW Scientific Collection Permit March SURVEY METHODS The current efforts covered under this permit application include fish, reptile and amphibian, and small mammal surveys. The following provides a summary of the proposed survey methods that would be used. It should be noted that these methods are subject to change based on the field conditions and logistical constraints encountered at the time of the surveys. The purpose of all surveys is to document the presence/absence of species in the study area and not to provide a quantitative estimate of populations, productivity, habitat preference, etc. Surveys will be conducted by experienced MSRS biologists with extensive familiarity with local flora and fauna. Biologists will be proficient in the identification of all amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants potentially present in the survey area. Survey results will be presented in survey reports submitted to the Navy per the terms of the contract and will also support the EIS discussion of the baseline conditions within the project area Fish Inventory and Habitat Assessment A fish inventory and habitat assessment will be conducted in all suitable fish habitat in April/May. Potential suitable fish habitat will be initially identified based on the most current aerial photography and aerial reconnaissance conducted during other on-going MSRS survey efforts in the area. Fish sampling will use a combination of sampling techniques, including electrofishing, minnow-gee trapping, seining, and snorkeling. Minnow trapping and electrofishing will not be used in areas where potential sensitive species occur. Once captured, fish will be identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible, measured (standard length in millimeters), and released at the point of capture. Voucher photographs will be taken for all species captured. If field identification is not possible, a voucher specimen may be collected and transported to the lab/office for later identification. Specimens shall be curated in accordance with any necessary permits. Field-collected information will be recorded on waterproof data sheets for subsequent input into the database. Following each field data collection effort, data sheets shall be entered into the database and reviewed for accuracy. Also, data and information shall be provided to GIS for mapping purposes Reptiles and Amphibians Visual encounter surveys will be adventitious (looking for animals while meandering through appropriate habitat) and directed (targeting habitats and methods that are suitable for certain taxa, for example using dirt rakes to search for fossorial animals, and perennial or ephemeral water sources for amphibians). Area searches will also include looking under cover objects (e.g., woody debris, rocks, man-made items) and through ground litter. In addition, road cruising surveys will be conducted when conditions are favorable for reptiles or amphibians to be active. Dead individuals (roadkill) that are encountered may be salvaged if in good condition, preserved, and curated at the Museum of Natural History, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). If the UNR does not need the specimens, they will be provided to the Herpetology Collection, Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration, University of California, Santa Barbara. At the start and end of each survey, surveyors will record the air temperature, ground temperature at shaded sites, ground temperature at open sites, average and maximum wind speed, cloud cover, and relative humidity. Surveyors will record time spent, distance traveled, and herpetofauna observed within each sampling event. For each species observed, approximate snout vent length (SVL), age, sex, and the ground temperature and dominant habitat at the observation site will be recorded. If the identification of an individual is not possible by simple visual observation, the individual will be captured using standard herpetological techniques (e.g., noose pole, snake hook, tongs, by hand). Identification will be confirmed either by experience or using a dichotomous key. Collected data for captured individuals will include species, SVL, age, sex, and the ground temperature at the observation site. All captured individuals will be photographed and released at the point of capture. Survey routes will be recorded via GPS. Page 4 of 5

54 Supporting Information: ManTech Application for NDOW Scientific Collection Permit March Small Mammals Small mammal trapping transects will be conducted in a minimum of five, and no more than seven, habitat communities. Each transect within a habitat community will consist of 50 traps per line, 2 traps (1 large and 1 small Sherman trap) per set location, separated by 10 m along a 240-m transect or equivalent grid spacing if the targeted habitat does not enable the necessary linear transect distance. Traps will be set prior to sunset and checked immediately the next morning. Each transect will be open, checked, and closed after one night and moved to a different location for the next trap night. The survey effort will occur in late summer/early fall of 2018 and include up to a total of 3,000 trap nights. Captured individuals will be identified to species and released at the point of capture. The requisite measurements will be collected to identify species that can only be identified by morphometrics (e.g., total length, length of tail and hind foot, height of ear, weight). Trap locations will be recorded via GPS SURVEY PERSONNEL Table 2 provides a list of survey personnel, their qualifications, and the team for each survey effort. Table 2. Proposed Survey Personnel and Qualifications Personnel: Highest Degree and Experience Alice Abela: BS, Biology; 15 years planning and leading survey efforts in California, Arizona, and Nevada desert systems; advanced insect, amphibian, reptile, bird, mammal, and plant ID; and handling, collecting, and preparing specimens for vouchers and museum collections. Morgan Ball: BS, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; 25 years planning and leading survey efforts in California, Arizona, and Nevada desert systems. Advanced insect, amphibian, reptile, bird, mammal, and plant ID; and handling, collecting, and preparing specimens for vouchers and museum collections. Sean Carson: BA, Environmental Studies; 8 years of experience surveying general flora and fauna in California. Danny Heilprin: MS, Marine Sciences; 32 years of experience focusing on ecological monitoring, taxonomy, and environmental impact assessments of fish and fisheries in freshwater and marine environments; freshwater experience includes fish, amphibian, and invertebrate surveys in California arid environments. Sangeet Khalsa: AA, Biology; 20 years of experience in identifying the regional flora and herpetofauna of Mojave and Great Basin desert ecosystems. John LaBonte: PhD, Herpetology, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology; 20 years of experience planning and leading survey and collection efforts in California, Arizona and Nevada desert systems; advanced herpetofauna ID skills. Ken Niessen: MS, Botany; over 30 years of experience in identifying the regional flora and fauna of desert ecosystems. Katrina Olthof: BS, Biology; 12 years of experience planning and leading survey efforts in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington desert systems; advanced avian, herpetofauna, and mammal ID skills; and handling, collecting, and preparing specimens for vouchers and museum collections. Eli Rose: MS, Zoology; 20 years of experience in California, Nevada, and Oregon, with advanced avian and wildlife ID; and handling, collecting, and preparing specimens for vouchers and museum collections. *Rick Spaulding: MS, Wildlife and Fisheries Science; 22 years planning and leading survey efforts in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada desert systems; amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal ID; and handling, collecting, and preparing specimens for vouchers and museum collections. *Permit Responsible Party Reptiles & Amphibians Survey Small Mammals Fish Page 5 of 5

55 State of Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) 6980 Sierra Center Pkwy, STE 120 Reno, NV (775) April 9, 2018 MAN TECH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION SPAULDING, RICK, Responsible Party 420 STEVENS AVE STE 300 SOLANA BEACH, CA Greetings: This document represents your newly issued Scientific Collection Permit 1 Year. IT IS THE SLAP HOLDER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO CONSULT CURRENT REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS MAN TECH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 420 STEVENS AVE STE 300 SOLANA BEACH, CA Special License/Permit Details: Client ID: DOB: N/A - Entity License Year: 2018 Class: 2285 License Number: Fee: Date Issued: Description: Valid From: 04/09/2018 Scientific Collection Permit 1 Year 04/09/ :00:00 Issuing Agent: Valid Through: Headquarters 12/30/ :59:59 $ In compliance with the conditions listed below and pursuant to provisions of NRS & , the permittee, each permit year during the designated sampling period, is authorized to: a) Salvage specimens found dead b) Capture live specimens, transport & maintain alive in captivity. c) Collect/capture specimens & sacrifice on-site. d) Capture, identify, sample, mark & release at site taken. e) Capture, identify and release at site take. The following species and numbers per site/per year listed in Attachment I. Authorized Sampling Area: Churchill, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing and Nye counties. This permit does NOT authorize trespass and/or collecting activities on state or federal wildlife refuges or reserves, or other public and private property without the permission from landowner or custodian. Period of Field Collection: April 8 September 30, Destination of Collection: Salvage specimens Museum of Natural History, University of Nevada Reno or the Herpetology Collection Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration, University of California, Santa Barbara. Additional Authorized Collectors: Authorized personnel under the direction of the permittee. Note: Prior to surveys for small mammals in any area of Nevada, permittee must contact the appropriate NDOW field biologist prior to any wildlife capture or survey efforts (See Attachment for NDOW field biologists and area map). Page 1 of 3