SilverRock Resort Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Fence Installation Project - Biological Monitoring Report (FINAL)
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SilverRock Resort
Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Fence Installation Project
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING REPORT
City of La Quinta
Riverside County
California
Submitted to:
City of La Quinta
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Contact; Gabriel Perez
Planning Manager
(760) 777-7062 - Phone
(760) 777-7011 - Fax
gperez@la-quinta.org
Submitted by:
Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
3120 Chicago Avenue, Suite 110
Riverside, CA 92507
Contact: Michael D. Wilcox
Senior Biologist
(951) 369-8060 x 225 – Direct
(951) 634-9765 – Mobile
michael.wilcox@amec.com
7 June 2017
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SilverRock Resort
Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Fence Installation Project
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1
2.0 PROJECT LOCATION .................................................................................................... 1
3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION & BACKGROUND ................................................................ 4
4.0 METHODS ...................................................................................................................... 4
4.1 Pre-Construction Survey ...................................................................................... 4
4.2 Worker Environmental Awareness Program ......................................................... 5
4.3 Biological Monitoring ............................................................................................ 5
4.4 Activities and Equipment Monitored ..................................................................... 6
5.0 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................... 6
5.1 Weather Conditions ............................................................................................. 6
5.2 Vegetation............................................................................................................ 7
5.3 Environmentally Sensitive Areas .......................................................................... 7
5.4 Peninsular Bighorn Sheep ................................................................................. 11
5.5 Other Special-status Species ............................................................................. 14
5.6 Common Wildlife Observed ............................................................................... 14
6.0 REGULATORY AGENCY CORRESPONDANCE ......................................................... 15
7.0 CONCULSION .............................................................................................................. 16
8.0 LITERATURE CITED AND REFERENCES .................................................................. 17
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Vicinity & Location ...................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2. Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Fence Alignment Detail .................................. 3
Figure 3. Bird Nests Present along the Project Alignment, Staging Areas & Access Roads .... 10
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Biological Monitoring Data ......................................................................................... 5
Table 2. Project Equipment Noise Levels (dBA) ...................................................................... 9
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Species List: Vascular Plants
Appendix 2. Species List: Vertebrate Animals
Appendix 3. Photographic Exhibits
Appendix 4. Field Monitoring Forms
Appendix 5. Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP)
Appendix 6. WEAP Attendance Records
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SilverRock Resort
Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Fence Installation Project
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING REPORT
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure, Americas (Amec Foster Wheeler) conducted
biological monitoring of the SilverRock Resort (Resort) Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Fence Installation Project (Project) located in the city of La Quinta (City), Riverside County,
California (Figure 1). Construction of the proposed fence is intended for the protection of the
federally listed as endangered, state listed as threatened and fully-protected in California,
Peninsular bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelson, Distinct Population Segment 2) by preventing
access to artificial food and water resources at the golf course and from straying into situations
where the sheep might be exposed to lethal urban hazards (USFWS 2017). Biological monitoring
of the Project was recommended by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to ensure that impacts to Peninsular bighorn
sheep were avoided and/or minimized to the greatest extent possible during Project construction
activities. In addition to the measures implemented for the protection of Peninsular bighorn
sheep, Amec Foster Wheeler also provided biological monitoring and implementation of
measures for the protection of nesting bird species for compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act [MBTA] and California Fish and Game Code during all Project-related activities. The following
report details the biological compliance monitoring conducted for the Project by Amec Foster
Wheeler in February and March 2017.
2.0 PROJECT LOCATION
The Project site is located along the southern boundary (along and/or immediately adjacent to
portions of holes 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, 17 and 18) of the existing SilverRock Resort Golf Course in the
city of La Quinta, Riverside County, CA (Township 6 South, Range 7 East, Sections 6, 7, and 8
of the United States Geological Survey [USGS] 7.5’ La Quinta, Calif. Quadrangle) (Figure 1). The
Project’s 1.2-mile alignment traverses the toe of slope of the Santa Rosa Mountains, at the
interface between the undeveloped natural open space (mountains) and the developed/
landscaped areas of the Resort (Figure 2). The northwestern terminus of the alignment begins
at SilverRock’s shared property boundary with the Tradition Golf Club, near the green at hole 4,
while the southeastern terminus is at the existing Coachella Valley Water District’s (CVWD) fence
along the Coachella Canal, near the tee at hole 17.
The Project also occurs along a portion of the northern boundary of the Coachella Valley Multiple
Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains
Conservation Area.
Prepared by: Mindy Beohm, Amec Foster WheelerDate prepared: 4/6/2017SilverRock ResortVicinity & LocationTemporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Fence Project
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SilverRock Resort Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Fence Alignment
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Prepared by: Mindy Beohm, Amec Foster WheelerDate prepared: 4/6/2017SilverRock ResortAlignment DetailTemporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Fence Project
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F I G U R E2Source: World Imagery, CVCC Extended Route, CVCC Ridgeline Alternative B, CVCC Ridgeline Alternative A, RVShare\active projects\Silver Rock PBHS Fence 1755401001
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SilverRock Resort Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Fence Alignment
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3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION & BACKGROUND
The temporary Peninsular bighorn sheep fence is 1.2 miles in length, eight (8) feet above the
surface of the ground in height, colored to match the natural earth tones of the adjacent Santa
Rosa Mountains, and held in place by 12-foot long steel posts countersunk up to approximately
4 feet in depth.
The purpose of the temporary fence is to exclude the federally listed as endangered, state listed
as threatened and fully protected in California, Peninsular bighorn Sheep from the grounds of the
Resort, preventing access to artificial food and water resources and from straying into situations
where the protected animals may be exposed to lethal urban hazards (USFWS 2017).
In addition to the above-referenced potential hazards to Peninsular bighorn sheep currently
present on the grounds of the Resort and the developed urban environment present elsewhere,
the City, along with SilverRock Development Company, LLC, proposes the future development of
a variety of new structures, amenities and restructuring of the existing Resort, which will include
a new luxury hotel, residential dwellings, a conference and shared services facility, a mixed-use
village, resort residential village, renovation of the existing Ahmanson Ranch House, construction
of a new permanent golf clubhouse, restructuring and redevelopment of portions of the existing
golf course and associated road and utility infrastructure. Construction for the above-referenced
project is currently scheduled to begin in 2017. The temporary fence will also help ensure that
Peninsular bighorn sheep are not affected by construction associated with the future development
of the Resort.
4.0 METHODS
4.1 Pre-Construction Survey
Prior to commencement of construction of the fence, Amec Foster Wheeler senior biologists
Nathan T. Moorhatch and Michael D. Wilcox conducted a pre-construction survey of the alignment
on 23 February 2017. The pre-construction survey was conducted on-foot between the hours of
0700 and 1230. Weather conditions (temperature range, wind speeds and cloud cover),
vegetation communities and flora and fauna observed or detected, including special-status
biological resources, were recorded in field notes and appended at the end of this report. Where
special-status biological resources (i.e., active bird nests) were detected along and in the
immediate vicinity of the alignment, the resource and its location were photographed, mapped
using a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS), staked in the field and marked as an
Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). Copies of the map illustrating the locations of the active
bird nests were provided to on-site personnel prior to commencement of Project activities.
Scientific nomenclature for this document follows standard reference sources: For plant
communities, CVMSHCP (CVAG 2008), CDFW (2015a), Holland (1986) and Sawyer et al (2009);
for flora, Jepson eFlora (2015) and the USDA NRCS PLANTS Database (2015); for amphibians,
reptiles, and mammals, CDFW (2016); and for birds, American Ornithologists Union (2016).
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4.2 Worker Environmental Awareness Program
Prior to commencement of Project activities, a Worker Environmental Awareness Program
(WEAP) was administered to all on-site Project personnel by Amec Foster Wheeler senior
biologist Michael D. Wilcox (Appendix 5). Content of the WEAP included, but was not limited to:
the background and purpose of the proposed Project; natural history, ecology, description,
conservation status and photographs of Peninsular bighorn sheep as well as other special-status
biological resources (i.e., sensitive plants, reptiles, birds and mammals) potentially occurring on
the Project site; identification and locations of staked ESAs; impact avoidance and minimization
measures recommended by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW); as well as the potential penalties for unauthorized
impacts to Peninsular bighorn sheep and other special-status biological resources. Color copies
of the WEAP, which included contact information for the biological monitors, Amec Foster
Wheeler project management and associated regulatory agencies were provided to all Project
personnel. Following completion of the WEAP, personnel in attendance were required to sign an
attendance and acknowledgement form and agreement to comply with the Project-specific impact
avoidance and minimization measures (Appendix 6).
4.3 Biological Monitoring
Biological monitoring was conducted daily by Amec Foster Wheeler senior biologists Nathan T.
Moorhatch and/or Michael D. Wilcox during all on-site Project-related activities (Table 1).
Biological monitoring/Project activities commenced on 28 February 2017 and continued daily,
Monday through Friday, until 30 March 2017. Pertinent field data, including, but not limited to:
date; time; weather conditions, descriptions of activities, areas and equipment monitored; special-
status biological resources and common species detected were recorded on field monitoring
forms (Appendix 4) and provided daily to the on-site city construction inspector James Peters.
Scanned copies of the field monitoring forms were also provided electronically to USFWS biologist
Jenness McBride and CDFW biologist Kevin Brennan at the end of each work week.
Prior to commencement of daily fence installation work, the on-site biological monitor conducted
pre-construction clearance sweeps of the work area(s) along the alignment to locate and
determine the current status of any special-status biological resources (i.e., presence of
Peninsular bighorn sheep or other special-status species and/or active bird nests). When special-
status biological resources were detected in the vicinity of the work area(s), the biological monitor
would notify the crew of its presence and advise the crew of any recommended impact
avoidance/minimization measures necessary to avoid or minimize impacts in the ESA.
Table 1. Biological Monitoring Data
Date Biologist Activities Monitored Special-status Biological Resources
Observed/Monitored
2/23/17 Moorhatch
& Wilcox
Pre-construction Survey (prior to
commencement of Project
activities)
PBS; active bird nests (MODO & VERD)
detected & mapped. VEFL & BTGN
observations.
2/28/17 Wilcox Fence Post Staging & Installation None
3/01/17 Wilcox Fence Post Installation None
3/02/17 Wilcox Fence Post Staging & Installation Active bird nest (HOFI)
3/03/17 Moorhatch Fence Post Installation Active bird nest (MODO)
3/06/17 Wilcox Fence Post Installation Active bird nests (MODO)
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3/07/17 Wilcox Fence Post Installation PBS, active bird nests (MODO & VERD)
3/08/17 Moorhatch Fence Post Installation Active bird nests (MODO & VERD)
3/09/17 Wilcox Fence Post Installation Active bird nests (CLSW)
3/10/17 Moorhatch Fence Post Installation Active bird nests (MODO)
3/13/17 Wilcox Fence Post Installation Active bird nest (MODO)
3/14/17 Moorhatch Fence Post Installation, Concrete PBS
3/15/17 Moorhatch Stringing, Concrete Active bird nests (BTGN)
3/16/17 Wilcox Staging, Stringing, Concrete PBS
3/17/17 Wilcox Stringing, Hanging Fabric PBS
3/20/17 Wilcox Staging, Stringing, Concrete PBS
3/21/17 Wilcox Staging, Hanging Fabric PBS, bird nests (VEFL & CANW)
3/22/17 Moorhatch Stringing Active bird nest (MODO)
3/23/17 Wilcox Stringing, Staging, Hanging Fabric PBS
3/24/17 Moorhatch Stringing Active bird nest (MODO)
3/27/17 Wilcox Stringing, Staging, Concrete Active bird nests (MODO, VERD, NOMO)
3/28/17 Moorhatch Hanging Fabric Active bird nest (MODO)
3/29/17 Wilcox Hardware, Site Clean-up Active bird nests (MODO, VERD, NOMO)
3/30/17 Moorhatch Hardware, Closing Panels PBS, active bird nests (MODO)
PBS – Peninsular bighorn sheep, HOFI – House finch, MODO – Mourning dove, VERD – Verdin, CLSW – Cliff swallow,
BTGN – Black-tailed gnatcatcher, VEFL – Vermilion flycatcher, CANW – Canyon wren, NOMO – Northern mockingbird
4.4 Activities and Equipment Monitored
Fence installation activities monitored included: 1) staging of fence materials (i.e., fence posts,
tension wires, rolls of fabric and removable panels); 2) installation of/setting fence posts; 3)
pouring concrete reinforcement of fence posts; 3) stringing tension wires; 4) installation of/hanging
fence fabric (chain link); 4) attaching hardware (brackets, hog rings, various reinforcements); and
5) installation of/hanging removable panels.
Heavy equipment used for fence installation included: 1) work vehicles (i.e., small utility vehicles
[XRT 1550 club car], golf carts, flatbed truck, personnel vehicles); 2) flatbed and utility trailers; 3)
small tractor, 4) Cat 2578 compact (rubber) track loader with various attachments; 5) pneumatic
hammer/fence post driver; 6) portable generator and; 7) various hand tools.
Staging of fence materials was conducted with the use of small utility vehicles, flatbed truck and
on foot. Much of the fence post installation was completed on foot with the use of a pneumatic
hammer/fence post driver, however, fence post installation within the staked Environmentally
Sensitive Areas (ESAs) was completed with a compact (rubber) track loader with a small auger
and drill bit attachment and on foot/by hand. Installation/hanging of the chain link fence fabric
was completed using the compact (rubber) track loader with a Fence Hog/fence installer and by
hand. Installation of the removable panels was completed on foot, by hand. Attachment of the
various small hardware (i.e., brackets, couplings, hog rings, etc.) was completed on foot/by hand.
5.0 RESULTS
5.1 Weather Conditions
Weather conditions present during Project implementation were relatively mild and pleasant.
Temperatures ranged between 50º Fahrenheit (F) and 96ºF. Wind speeds varied from calm (0
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miles per hour [mph]) to gusty (25 mph) and skies ranged from clear (0% cloud cover) to overcast
and cloudy (100% cloud cover).
5.2 Vegetation
The Project alignment occurs along the perimeter of portions of the golf course, at the interface
between the neatly manicured greens, tees and fairways, the beautifully xeriscaped and almost
natural-looking desert plantings and the natural Sonoran creosote bush scrub community present
on the foothills of the adjacent Santa Rosa Mountains. Vegetation present along the alignment
included a relatively sparse mixture of landscaped/planted ornamental and/or possibly remnant
native trees, shrubs, cacti, succulents, annual grasses and forbs. The neatly manicured greens,
fairways and tees of the golf course were also present, immediately adjacent to the alignment in
many areas.
The dominant vegetation community throughout the alignment most closely aligns with Sonoran
creosote bush scrub (CVAG 2009). Sawyer et. al. (2009) refers to this community as “Larrea
tridentata-Ambrosia dumosa shrubland alliance (creosote bush-white burr sage scrub)”.
Representative dominant perennial plant species observed included, but were not limited to:
creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), burrowbush (Ambrosia dumosa), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa),
allscale (Atriplex polycarpa), quailbush (Atriplex lentiformis), sweetbush (Bebbia juncea var.
aspera), desert lavender (Condea emoryi), catclaw acacia (Senegalia greggii), honey mesquite
(Prosopis glandulosa), blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida) and desert willow (Chilopsis linearis).
It should be noted, however, that the alignment occurs along the edge of, at the interface between
the natural Larrea tridentata-Ambrosia dumosa shrubland alliance (creosote bush-white burr sage
scrub) vegetation community present on the undeveloped slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains
and the landscaped and neatly manicured grounds of the SilverRock Resort.
5.3 Environmentally Sensitive Areas
A total of at least ten (10) active bird nests were detected along, and in the immediate vicinity of
the alignment during the pre-construction surveys and during routine monitoring of the Project.
These included: two (2) mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) nests, two (2) verdin (Auriparus
flaviceps) nests, one (1) house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) nest, one (1) northern mockingbird
(Mimus polyglottos) nest, one (1) canyon wren (Catherpes mexicanus) nest, one (1) black-tailed
gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura) nest, (1) vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) nest; and
an unknown number of cliff swallow nests located beneath a golf cart bridge over the Coachella
Canal in the vicinity of the southeastern terminus of the alignment (Figure 3). Several other active
bird nests were also detected, however, were located on the adjacent, steep rocky cliffs high
above the alignment and out of harm’s way. These included: common raven (Corvus corax),
white-throated swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) and red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) nests.
Although the common raven, white-throated swift and red-tailed hawk nests were routinely
monitored from a distance with binoculars, no special attention or impact avoidance or
minimization measures were recommended or implemented for these. Furthermore, additional
bird nests detected in the vicinity of the alignment that were later confirmed to be inactive, were
also mapped and monitored throughout the life of the Project (Figure 3).
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ESAs were established and staked around two (2) of the mourning dove nests and two (2) of the
verdin nests as these nests were located in the immediate vicinity (within 30 feet) of the alignment.
Upon arrival at the site on the first day of Project activities, one (1) of the verdin nests in the
established ESA had been abandoned by the birds between the date of the pre-construction
survey and commencement of Project activities. For this reason, the ESA at this location was
removed and no further actions were recommended or implemented at this location.
ESAs for two of the active (2) mourning dove nests and one (1) active verdin nest were
established and closely monitored on a daily basis. These ESAs were locations where impact
avoidance and minimization measures were implemented on a case-by-case basis.
Fence post installation proceeded along the alignment, generally from the northwest terminus to
the southeast terminus, temporarily skipping the areas within the established ESAs. Installation
of the fence posts in the ESAs were temporarily postponed and completed after installation of the
fence posts throughout the remainder of the alignment, allowing additional time to determine and
implement impact avoidance and minimization measures in those areas.
Increases in noise can disrupt the normal behavior patterns of wildlife, sometimes resulting in
displacement of these animals. Some bird species may abandon nests if nearby noise levels are
excessive. For these reasons, prior to commencement of fence post installation within the
established ESAs, noise meter readings were recorded with a handheld sound level meter at
various distances/intervals away from the equipment proposed for installation (i.e., pneumatic
hammer/fence post driver, portable generator and the compact track sk ip loader). The resulting
noise levels (recorded in decibels [dBA]) for the equipment is provided in Table 2 below.
The data recorded with the sound level meter indicated that the pneumatic hammer/fence post
driver, which also requires the use of a portable generator, was significantly louder than the
compact track skip loader with the drill bit attachment. At 10 feet, noise levels of the pneumatic
hammer/fence post driver were between 108 and 110 dBA, while noise levels of the compact
track skip loader with the drill attachment ranged between 74 and 81 dBA. Use of the pneumatic
hammer/fence post driver also required use of a portable generator. Noise levels of the portable
generator were 75 dBA at 10 feet. Noise levels of the various equipment gradually decrease with
increased distance. For instance, at 50 feet, noise levels of the pneumatic hammer/fence post
driver were between 91 and 93 dBA, while noise levels of the compact track skip loader with the
drill attachment at 50 feet ranged between 55 and 63 dBA. Use of the pneumatic hammer/fence
post driver also required use of a portable generator. Noise levels of the portable generator at 50
feet were 60 dBA.
Although various studies on the effects of noise levels on wildlife have been published, noise-
related effects on wildlife are highly complex and vary from species to species, season to season,
under various environmental factors and according to the type and duration of noise exposure.
In general, for the purposes of temporary loud noises generated by construction activities such
as those associated with this Project, increases in ambient noise levels in excess of approximately
60 dBA were considered to be the threshold for impact minimization implementation.
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Table 2. Project Equipment Noise Levels (dBA)
Equipment 10 ft. 20 ft. 30 ft. 40 ft. 50 ft.
Pneumatic
Hammer/Fence
Post Driver
108-110 dBA 101-104 dBA 96-98 dBA 93-95 dBA 91-93 dBA
Portable
Generator
75 dBA 72 dBA 67 dBA 64 dBA 60 dBA
Compact Track
Skip Loader/Drill
Rig
74-81 dBA 70-72 dBA 61-68 dBA 58-66 dBA 55-63 dBA
Prior to fence post installation within the ESAs established around the active bird nests in close
proximity to the alignment, several impact minimization measures were identified and considered.
These included: 1) fence post installation with hand tools only (no mechanical equipment), 2)
fence post installation with quieter equipment and/or 3) use of a temporary sound wall to be
deployed in between noise generating equipment and the active nests. A temporary sound wall
was constructed and staged at one of the ESAs, ready for deployment. It should be noted that
all of the on-site bird nests were constructed and were currently located on the grounds of, or
immediately adjacent to an active golf course, in areas that are routinely subjected to significant
levels of human activities (i.e., presence of golfers, golf carts as well as daily landscaping activities
such as operation of commercial-grade ride-mowers, gas-powered leaf blowers and edgers, etc.).
After careful consideration and analysis of each species in question, the locations of each nest
relative to the respective areas of existing routine human activities as well as the existing
vegetative and topographic barriers, it was determined that the crew would initially begin
installation of the fence posts using the quietest equipment (the compact track skip loader with
the auger/drill bit attachment) and by hand, while the on-site biologist concurrently monitored the
nest/bird for any signs of distress (i.e., erratic movements, excessive scolding, flushing). During
fence post installation in the ESAs, the biological monitor stood in between the nests and the
equipment at each post location to serve as a visual barrier and focal point for the bird. The idea
behind this methodology was to provide a stationary, non-threatening focal point for the birds
while fence post installation (movements, sounds and activities that might otherwise be
interpreted by the bird as threatening) occurred behind the biologist and out of view of the bird
sitting on the nest. This methodology proved effective as the birds sitting on the nest never
exhibited any visible signs of distress, flushed or abandoned the nest during Project activities.
Continuous daily monitoring of the active nests confirmed that all active nests detected along the
alignment remained active following Project activities in the respective areas.
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Page 11
5.4 Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Peninsular bighorn sheep were detected on eight (8) of the 23 work days (34.7%), not counting
the day of the pre-construction survey (23 February 2017) prior to commencement of Project
activities. While detected on these eight (8) days, the animals were usually off-site and a
significant distance from the alignment and work area, requiring no special attention other than
monitoring. The sheep occurred on the alignment, in the vicinity of the work area on three (3)
occasions: 7, 16 and 21 March 2017. The Peninsular bighorn sheep observations are
summarized separately by date below.
Peninsular bighorn sheep were observed on the golf course and on the adjacent mountain slopes
during the pre-construction survey conducted on 23 February 2017. A herd of 14 sheep were
initially observed on the ridgeline high above the golf course at approximately 1100. This group
descended the rocky slopes over the course of approximately 10 minutes, crossed over the
proposed alignment and entered on to the manicured fairway of hole 16 and proceeded to graze
on the grass. Several presumably young (smaller) animals were observed playfully jumping,
kicking and running about while the larger adult animals walked across the fairway, intermittently
pausing to graze at various locations. Approximately 30 minutes later, a group three additional
animals were again observed on the same ridgeline high above the golf course. These animals
eventually made their way down the slopes and onto the golf course. At the completion of the
survey, a total of 20 animals were counted at various locations of the golf course.
During the course of routine biological monitoring of Project activities, Peninsular bighorn sheep
were observed on 7, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 23 and 30 March 2017. Each of these observations are
summarized separately below.
At 0845 on Tuesday, 7 March 2017, two (2) Peninsular bighorn sheep were observed at the very
top of the ridgeline overlooking the golf course. At 0945, the (presumably) same two (2) sheep
entered the golf course in the vicinity of the ladies’ tee at hole 17 and made their way to the active
work site. One animal appeared to be an adult ewe and the other a juvenile male (but not a lamb).
Both appeared to be healthy; no indication of mucous or discharge around the eyes or nares were
observed. Neither were collared or tagged. Fence post installation was occurring across from
the green at the same hole, approximately 400 feet to the north west of where the sheep entered
the course. Upon observation of the sheep on the golf course, I pointed them out to the crew.
This was our first sighting since the commencement of the Project. The crew voluntarily ceased
working to take cell phone pictures of the distant animals. As we were quietly observing and
taking photographs, the sheep quickly closed the gap between us and directly approached us,
coming within approximately 60 feet. The crew made no sudden movement or loud noises while
the sheep were in close proximity. The sheep entered the work area and forage on the native
vegetation just west of the golf cart path and along the east-facing toe of slope. The crew
continued to quietly observe and take pictures of the sheep for approximately 15 minutes. At no
time did anyone approach the animals. After foraging along the toe of slope for approximately 5
minutes, the sheep proceeded up the steep, east-facing slopes south of the work area,
intermittently pausing to forage. After the sheep had gained approximately 200 feet in elevation
and were approximately 300 feet away from the work area, the crew continued working, installing
Page 12
fence posts with the pneumatic hammer/post driver. The sheep were closely monitored through
binoculars as the fence post installation commenced and were continuously monitored until they
made it out of sight for any sign of distress. At no time did the sheep stop foraging, flinch, raise
their heads or even look toward the noise generated by the work and noise.
At 1430, later the same day (7 March 2017), a sheep was observed on a low ridgeline overlooking
the golf course just south of the tee at hole 16. After approximately 5 minutes, the animal
disappeared out of view. Amec Foster Wheeler was later informed by golf course personnel that
approximately eight (8) sheep were observed on the course in the vicinity of hole 16. The animal
did not appear to be collared or tagged and gender was not determined.
On Tuesday, 14 March 2017, Peninsular bighorn sheep were observed on the top of a ridgeline,
high above the alignment. At no time did the sheep descend the slopes and occur on-site, along
the alignment or on the golf course during the work day.
At 1322 on Thursday, 16 March 2017, a young male Peninsular bighorn sheep was observed in
the vicinity of the green at hole 5 as it came around the corner of the where the rocky ridgeline
meets the golf course from the south. It proceeded to forage along the alignment approximately
400 feet from the work area. The crew were stringing wire at the time and were not generating
any noise or conducting any activities that would potentially disrupt the behavior of the animal.
The crew was alerted of the presence of the animal. Work was temporarily paused while
personnel quietly took photographs with their cell phones and observed the animal. The individual
ascended the rocky slope to a shaded area beneath a steep cliff approximately 100 feet south of
and above the alignment where it laid down and rested for approximately one (1) hour. The sheep
was closely monitored for approximately one hour, until it got up and ascended the steep slopes
to the southeast out of sight. The sheep was a young male and appeared to be healthy; no
discharge was observed around the eyes or nares.
At 1400 on Friday, 17 March 2017, a single sheep was observed at the top of the ridgeline, high
above the alignment in the vicinity of hole 5. The animal was observed for approximately 15
minutes until it disappeared from sight over the ridge to the south. At no time during Project
operations did this animal come onto the golf course or work area. The animal did not appear to
be collared and gender could not be determined.
From 1330 to 1500 on Monday 20 March 2017, a total of six (6) Peninsular bighorn sheep
(including one [1] collared individual and one [1] lamb) were initially observed on a ridgeline high
above the alignment in the vicinity of hole 16.
At 1600 on Monday, 20 March 2017, just as the crew was packing up and preparing to leave the
site for the day, a herd of Peninsular bighorn sheep consisting of seven (7) individuals (including
four [4] adults, two [2] of which were collared, and three [3] lambs) was observed again in the
same general area (slopes above hole 16) but much lower than the observation earlier in the day.
It is assumed that some of these animals were the same individuals observed earlier. The herd
was standing on a ridgeline approximately 200 feet above and south of the alignment. The crew
was alerted to their presence as they continued packing up for the day. Work ceased and the
site was left shortly thereafter. The sheep did not enter into the work area or the alignment while
Page 13
the crew was present. All of the sheep appeared to be healthy and did not exhibit any behaviors
that would indicate they were disturbed by our presence or activities associated with the Project.
At 1258 on Tuesday, 21 March 2017, a small group of sheep consisting of two (2) adult females
and one (1) lamb were observed crossing the golf cart bridge over the Coachella Canal just south
of hole 16, at the southern terminus of the Project alignment. They had been on the east side of
the canal and were returning the west side, where the mountainous habitat is. After crossing the
bridge they proceeded along the golf cart path and alignment then gradually ascended up the
rocky slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains. One of the adult females was radio collared and had
an ear tag (#17) and a lamb. I watched the group for approximately 30 minutes as they ascended
the rocky slopes, pausing intermittently to look over the golf course. At one point, I watch the
lamb attempt to suckle the tagged female. The lamb forcefully rammed/head-butted (for lack of
a better words), the female’s stomach area several times with the top of his head. After a several
strong rammings/head-butts, the mother kicked the lamb with her hind leg and it ceased
attempting to suckle.
A few minutes later, at 1319 on Tuesday 21 March 2017, another herd of at least eleven (11)
sheep were observed descending the next ridgeline to the northwest. This group contained at
least one (1) adult male, one (1) collared/tagged female (#158) with a lamb, as well as number of
other females and lambs (at least 3 other females with lambs). This group foraged along the
rocky valley between ridges, slowly ascending over the period of about 40 minutes (until we left
for the day at about 1600). The first group of three (3) individuals observed earlier was also
observed foraging and ascending the same general area but maintained a considerable distance
from this larger group at all times, separated by at least 200-300 feet. Behaviors observed
included foraging, ascending and descending, jumping from rock to rock and lambs suckling.
At 0757 on Thursday, 23 March 2017, a herd of eight (8) Peninsular bighorn sheep (including
seven [7] adults and one [1] lamb) were observed standing on the highest peak of a ridgeline high
above the alignment in the vicinity of hole #17. The herd remained visible of approximately 1.5
hours until the disappeared from view. At no time did any sheep enter the work are a, the
alignment or golf course while we were present.
At 1030, on Thursday, 30 March 2017, a herd of sixteen (16) sheep (including two [2] collared
adults and five [5] lambs) was observed on a ridgeline high above the alignment. The herd was
closely monitored for the remainder of the day. In the afternoon, the herd came down the slopes
to the vicinity of the alignment but did not approach the fence or pass through any of the openings
(i.e., where the removable panels are located but currently open). The crew and City of La Quinta
staff that were present at the time were alerted to their presence and participated in the visual
monitoring of the animals.
At the very end of the day on Thursday, 30 March 2017 and after receipt of authorizations from
USFWS biologist Chris Gregory and CDFW biologist Kevin Brennan, on-site Amec Foster
Wheeler senior biologist, Nathan Moorhatch, conducted the final clearance sweep of the entire
SilverRock golf course. Following completion of the clearance sweep and confirmation that no
Peninsular bighorn sheep were present anywhere on the golf course, all of the panels along the
entire fence line were closed.
Page 14
5.5 Other Special-status Species
In addition to Peninsular bighorn sheep, three (3) other special-status species were observed on-
site or in the immediate vicinity of the Project alignment. These included: black-tailed gnatcatcher
(Polioptila melanura), vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) and prairie falcon (Falco
mexicanus). These observations are summarized individually below.
Black-tailed gnatcatchers were routinely observed during the course of Project activities and
multiple pairs appear to be resident along the alignment. On 15 March 2017, an active black -
tailed gnatcatcher nest was detected in a blue palo verde located in one of the xeriscaped areas
between holes 5 and 6. The location of the nest was approximately 40 feet north of the alignment
and not in danger of being affected by Project activities. Following the initial nest discovery, the
nest could no longer be located. It is presumed that this nest was either subject to predation and
destroyed in the process or possibly blown down in high winds. Black-tailed gnatcatchers are not
federally or state-listed as threatened or endangered, however, are designated as a “Watch List”
species by the CDFW.
Vermilion flycatchers were also observed on a daily basis throughout the life of the Project and
multiple pairs are believed to be resident on the golf course. On 21 March 2017, an active
vermilion flycatcher nest was discovered in an ornamental Acacia located in the same xeriscaped
area between hole 5 and 6 described above. The location of this nest was approximately 75 feet
north of the alignment and not in danger of being affected by Project activities. The female
vermillion flycatcher was closely monitored as she collected nesting materials (fibers from the
trunks of ornamental acacias and fan palms in the immediate vicinity), delivered and added the
materials to the nest. By 27 March 2017, the vermilion flycatcher nest was gone. It is presumed
that this nest was blown down in the high winds that were present over the weekend as a storm
system moved through the area. Vermilion flycatchers are not federally or state-listed as
threatened or endangered, however, are designated as a “Species of Concern” by the CDFW.
A single prairie falcon was observed flying over and along the steep rocky slopes of the Santa
Rosa Mountains in the vicinity of the Project alignment. Prairie falcons are not federally or state-
listed as threatened or endangered, however, are designated as “Birds of Conservation Concern”
by the USFWS and considered a “Watch List” species by the CDFW.
5.6 Common Wildlife Observed
Common vertebrates observed on-site and/or in the immediate vicinity of the alignment during
the biological monitoring conducted for the Project included a total of seventy-seven (77) species.
Most were identified to species; however, some could only be identified to class as in the case of
rodent burrows. The total vertebrate fauna observed included: two (2) fish, one (1) amphibian,
reptiles (9) reptiles, fifty-nine (59) birds, and six (6) mammals. See Appendix 2 for a complete list
of all wildlife species detected.
The only fish detected were schools of mosquitofish in some of the water hazards on the golf
course and carp beneath the bridge over the Coachella Canal in the vicinity of the southeastern
terminus of the Project alignment.
Page 15
One amphibian, Rocky Mountain toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii woodhousii) was detected on-site.
Rocky Mountain toad, also commonly called Woodhouse’s toad, is an introduced species to the
Coachella Valley. A single individual was found dead on arrival (DOA) in one of the golf cart
paths, presumed run over by one of the early morning grounds keepers, in the vicinity of hole 6.
The nine (9) common reptile species were observed included: western side-blotched lizard (Uta
stansburiana elegans), desert spiny lizard (Sceloporus magister), banded rock lizard
(Petrosaurus mearnsi), western long-tailed brush lizard (Urosaurus graciosus graciosus),
common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater), western whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris), desert banded
gecko (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus), red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) and red
racer (Coluber flagellum piceus). None of these were unexpected and all, with the exception of
the red-eared slider, are native species to the Coachella Valley.
A total of fifty-nine (59) species of birds were observed on-site or in the immediate vicinity.
Representative examples include, but are not limited to: great blue heron (Ardea herodias), red-
tailed hawk, American kestrel (Falco sparverius), mourning dove, greater roadrunner (Geococcyx
californianus), Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna), Say's phoebe (Sayornis saya), common
raven, verdin, rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus), black-tailed gnatcatcher, Abert's towhee (Pipilo
aberti) and white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys).
The six (6) mammal species detected onsite included: Peninsular bighorn sheep, coyote (Canis
latrans), desert woodrat (Neotoma cf. lepida), desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), California
ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) and western pipistrelle (Parastrellus hesperus).
A comprehensive list of vertebrates observed is included in Appendix 2.
6.0 REGULATORY AGENCY CORRESPONDANCE
Prior to commencement of Project activities, CDFW biologist Kevin Brennan was consulted over
the telephone regarding pre-construction survey and biological monitoring methodologies. At the
end of each work week, a weekly biological monitoring report along with scanned copies of the
field monitoring forms were e-mailed Mr. Brennan and USFWS biologist Jenness McBride.
On Thursday, 9 March 2017, Mr. Marcus Nelson, a biologist with The Bighorn Institute visited the
Project site and requested to speak with the on-site biological monitor. Mr. Nelson was advised
of all sheep observations to date.
On Friday, 24 March 2017, USFWS biologist Chris Gregory visited the site and spoke with Amec
Foster Wheeler senior biologist Nathan Moorhatch. Mr. Moorhatch briefed Mr. Gregory of our
sheep observations for the week and during the life of the Project in addition to the active bird
nest monitoring and other special-status species observations.
It is Amec Foster Wheeler’s professional opinion that the actions (watching, photographing and
fence post installation) had no effect on any of the Peninsular bighorn sheep observed during
Project implementation. Neither were collared or tagged.
Page 16
7.0 CONCULSION
Installation of the temporary Peninsular bighorn sheep fence at the SilverRock Resort was
successfully completed within 30 days. There were no incidents, non-compliance issues or
unauthorized impacts to special-status biological resources to report. Measures developed during
project planning, incorporated into project design and implemented on-site during fence
installation resulted in 100% avoidance of impacts to Peninsular bighorn sheep and the actively
nesting bird species present along the Project alignment. Additionally, adaptive measures such
as switching from the significantly loud pneumatic hammer/fence post driver to the much quieter
compact track skip loader/drill rig for installation of the fence posts within in the established ESAs
prevented the need for sound wall deployment and resulted in fence post installation without
impacting the nesting birds nearby.
Although the newly-installed temporary fence is expected to prevent Peninsular bighorn sheep
from accessing the Resort from the slopes of the adjacent Santa Rosa Mountains, there is nothing
preventing the species from accessing the Resort from PGA West to the southeast. To prevent
further access, Amec Foster Wheeler recommends that the City install a similar fence or effective
barrier along the southeastern-most Resort boundaries. Otherwise, Peninsular bighorn sheep
will eventually find their way back to the grounds of the Resort and be in danger of being trapped
on the wrong side of the fence.
Page 17
8.0 LITERATURE CITED AND REFERENCES
American Ornithologists' Union. 2016. Check-list of North American Birds, 7th edition +
supplements. Accessed online at: http://americanornithology.org/content/aou-checklist-
north-and-middle-american-birds-7th-edition-and-supplements
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2015. Fish and Game Code of California.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html
CDFW . 2016. Complete List of Amphibian, Reptile, Bird and Mammal Species in California.
Online at: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=87155&inline=1
CDFW . 2017. Special Animals List, April 2017. Periodic publication. Online at:
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=109406
Coachella Valley Association of Government (CVAG). 2008. Coachella Valley Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan. Accessed online at: cvmshcp.org
Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California.
Prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game.
Jepson Flora Project. 2015. Jepson eFlora. Accessed online at:
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html
Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J.M. Evens. 2009. A manual of California vegetation (2nd ed.).
California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA.
USDA, NRCS. 2015b. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Team. Accessed online at:
plants.usda.gov
USFWS. 2015. Bird Laws and Treaties. Accessed online at:
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/RegulationsandPolicies.html
APPENDIX 1
SPECIES LIST: VASCULAR PLANTS
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APPENDIX 1
SPECIES LIST: VASCULAR PLANTS
This list reports only plants observed on the Project site during the pre-construction surveys and
biological monitoring conducted for the Project. Other species may have been overlooked or
undetectable due to their growing season. Unless noted otherwise, nomenclature and systematics
follows Jepson Flora Project (2014) = non-native species, sp. = identified only to genus, cf=
compares favorably with]. Common names not provided by Jepson Flora Project follows those
provided by USDA, NRCS (2015b). [†= special status species, * = non-native species, sp. =
identified only to genus, cf= compares favorably with]
DICOTYLEDONEAE DICOT FLOWERING PLANTS
Anacardiaceae Sumac Family
*Schinus molle Peruvian pepper tree
Asteraceae Sunflower Family
Ambrosia dumosa white bur-sage
Ambrosia salsola common burrowbrush, cheesebush
Bebbia juncea var. aspera sweetbush
Dicoria canescens desert twinbugs
Encelia farinosa brittlebush
Palafoxia arida desert palafox
Perityle emoryi Emory’s rock daisy
Peucephyllum schottii Schott’s pygmy-cedar
Pluchea sericea arrow-weed
Bignoniaceae Trumpet-Creeper Family
Chilopsis linearis desert willow
Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family
Cryptantha sp. cryptantha sp.
Phacelia sp. phacelia sp.
Brassicaceae Mustard Family
*Sisymbrium cf. altissimum tumble mustard
*Sisymbrium cf. irio London rocket
Cactaceae Cactus Family
Ferocactus cylindraceus California barrel cactus (on adjacent slopes)
Opuntia basilaris beavertail pricklypear (planted)
Opuntia cf. littoralis pricklypear (planted)
Chenopodiaceae Goosefoot Family
Atriplex canescens four-wing saltbush
Page 1-2
Atriplex lentiformis big saltbush
Atriplex polycarpa allscale saltbush
*Salsola tragus Russian thistle, tumbleweed
Curbitacaeae Cucumber Family
Brandegia biglovii desert star-vine
Fabaceae Pea Family
Senegalia greggii catclaw, Devil’s claw
*Acacia sp. Acacia sp.
*Parkinsonia aculeata Mexican palo verde
Parkinsonia florida blue palo verde
Prosopis glandulosa honey mesquite
*cf. Vachellia constricta whitethorn acacia
Fouquieriaceae Ocotillo Family
Fouquieria splendens octolillo (on adjacent slopes)
Geraniaceae Geranium Family
*Erodium cicutarium redstem filaree
Lamiaceae Mint Family
Condea emoryi desert lavendar
Malvaceae Mallow Family
Eremalche rotundifolia desert five spot
*Malva sp. mallow
Sphaeralcea ambigua apricot mallow
Onagraceae Evening Primrose Family
Chylismia claviformis browneyes
Nyctaginiaceae Bougainvillea Family
*Bougainvillea glabra bougainvillea
Mirabilis cf. laevis wishbone bush
Salicaceae Willow Family
Populus fremontii Freemont cottonwood
Solanaceae Nightshade Family
Datura discolor desert thornapple
Lycium sp. nightshade
Nicotiana obtusifolia desert tobacco
Tamaricaceae Tamarisk Family
*Tamarix aphylla athel
Page 1-3
*Tamarix ramosissima salt cedar
Zygophyllaceae Caltrop Family
Larrea tridentata creosote bush
MONOCOTYLEDONEAE MONOCOT FLOWERING PLANTS
Arecaceae Palm Family
Washingtonia filifera California fan palm
*Washingtonia robusta Mexican fan palm
Poaceae Grass Family
*Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass
*Pennisetum setaceum crimson fountain grass
*Schismus cf. arabicus Arabian schismus
*Schismus barbatus common Mediterranean grass
APPENDIX 2
SPECIES LIST: VERTEBRATE ANIMALS
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APPENDIX 2
SPECIES LIST: VERTEBRATE ANIMALS
This list reports only the vertebrate animals observed on the Project site during the pre-
construction surveys and biological monitoring conducted for the Project. Other species may
have been overlooked or undetectable due to their activity patterns or weather conditions. [†=
special status species, * = non-native species, sp. = identified only to genus, cf = compares
favorably with]
VERTEBRATES
ACTINOPTERYGII BONY FISHES
Cyprinidae Carp & Minnows
*Unknown unknown species of carp
Poeciliidae Poeciliid Fish
*Gambusia affinis mosquitofish
ANURA FROGS & TOADS
Bufonidae True Toads
*Anaxyrus woodhousii woodhousii Rocky Mountain toad
REPTILIA REPTILES
Emydidae Box & Basking Turtles
*Trachemys scripta elegans red-eared slider
Eublepharidae Eyelid Geckos
Coleonyx variegatus variegatus desert banded gecko
Iguanidae Iguanid Lizards
Sauromalus ater common chuckwalla
Phrynosomatidae Horned Lizards, Spiny Lizards & Relatives
Petrosaurus mearnsi mearnsi Mearn’s rock lizard
Sceloporus magister desert spiny lizard
Urosaurus graciosus graciosus western long-tailed brush lizard
Uta stansburiana elegans western side-blotched lizard
Teiidae Whiptails & Racerunners
Aspidoscelis tigris tigris Great Basin whiptail
Colubridae Harmless Egg-laying Snakes
Coluber flagellum piceus red racer
Page 2-2
AVES BIRDS
Podicipedidae Grebes
Podilymbus podiceps pied-billed grebe
Podiceps nigricollis eared grebe
Pelecanidae Pelicans
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos American white pelican
Phalacrocoracidae Cormorants
Phalacrocorax auritus double-crested cormorant
Ardeidae Bitterns and Herons
Ardea herodias great blue heron
Ardea alba great egret
Egretta thula snowy egret
Cathartidae American Vultures
Cathartes aura turkey vulture
Anatidae Swans, Geese, and Ducks
Anas americana American wigeon
Anas discors blue-winged teal
Anas platyrhynchos mallard
Anas strepera gadwall
Aythya affinis lesser scaup
Aythya collaris ring-necked duck
Branta canadensis Canada goose
Bucephala albeola bufflehead
Oxyura jamaicensis ruddy duck
Accipitridae Kites, Eagles, Hawks, and Allies
†Accipiter cooperii Cooper’s hawk
Buteo jamaicensis red-tailed hawk (nesting on adjacent cliffs)
Pandion haliaetus osprey
Falconidae Caracaras and Falcons
†Falco mexicanus prairie falcon
Falco sparverius American kestrel
Rallidae Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
Fulica americana American coot
Laridae Skuas, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Hydroprogne caspia Caspian tern
Larus californicus California gull
Page 2-3
Columbidae Pigeons and Doves
Zenaida macroura mourning dove (nesting on-site)
Cuculidae Cuckoos, Roadrunners, and Anis
Geococcyx californianus greater roadrunner
Apodidae Swifts
Aeronautes saxatalis white-throated swift (nesting on adjacent cliffs)
Trochilidae Hummingbirds
Calypte anna Anna's hummingbird
Calypte costae Costa's hummingbird
Alcedinidae Kingfishers
Ceryle alcyon belted kingfisher
Picidae Woodpeckers and Allies
Picoides scalaris ladder-backed woodpecker
Tyrannidae Tyrant Flycatchers
Sayornis nigricans black phoebe
Sayornis saya Say's phoebe
Tyrannus verticalis western kingbird
Corvidae Crows, Ravens & Jays
Corvus corax common raven (nesting on adjacent cliffs)
Hirundinidae Swallows
Tachycineta thalassina violet-green swallow
Stelgidopteryx serripennis northern rough-winged swallow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota cliff swallow (nesting under bridge over
Coachella Canal adjacent to site)
Remizidae Penduline Tits
Auriparus flaviceps verdin (nesting on-site)
Troglodytidae Wrens
Catherpes mexicanus canyon wren (nesting on adjacent cliffs)
Salpinctes obsoletus rock wren
Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's wren
Regulidae Kinglets
Regulus calendula ruby-crowned kinglet
Sylviidae Old World Warblers and Gnatcatchers
Polioptila caerulea blue-gray gnatcatcher
Polioptila melanura black-tailed gnatcatcher (nesting on-site)
Page 2-4
Mimidae Mockingbirds, Thrashers, and Allies
Mimus polyglottos northern mockingbird (nesting on-site)
Sturnidae Starlings and Allies
*Sturnus vulgaris European starling
Ptilogonatidae Silky-flycatchers
Phainopepla nitens phainopepla
Parulidae Wood-Warblers
Dendroica coronate yellow-rumped warbler
Vermivora celata orange-crowned warbler
Emberizidae New World Sparrows
Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln's sparrow
Pipilo aberti Abert's towhee
Zonotrichia leucophrys white-crowned sparrow
Icteridae Blackbirds and Allies
Euphagus cyanocephalus Brewer's blackbird
Icterus cucullatus hooded oriole
Quiscalus mexicanus great-tailed grackle
Fringillidae Cardueline Finches & Allies
Carpodacus mexicanus house finch
Spinus psaltria lesser goldfinch
MAMMALIA MAMMALS
Bovidae Sheep and Relatives
†Ovis canadensis nelson pop. 2 Peninsular bighorn sheep
Canidae Dogs, Foxes, Coyotes and Wolves
Canis latrans coyote
Cricetidae New World Mice & Rats
Neotoma cf. lepida desert woodrat
Leporidae Rabbits and Hares
Sylvilagus audubonii desert cottontail
Squiridae Squirrels and Relatives
Otospermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel
Vespertilionidae Evening Bats
Parastrellus hesperus western pipistrelle
Page 3-1
APPENDIX 3
PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITS
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SilverRock Resort Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Fence Installation Project, La Quinta, Riverside County, California
Photo 1. Staging fence posts along the alignment. View facing southeast from near tee on hole 5 in the vicinity of
northwestern terminus of alignment.
Photo 2. Tractor work at the northwestern terminus of the project, where the fence meets the Tradition boundary wall.
View facing northwest from adjacent to the fairway at hole 4.
SilverRock Resort Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Fence Installation Project, La Quinta, Riverside County, California
Photo 3. Installation of fence posts using pneumatic hammer/fence post driver in the vicinity of the northwestern
terminus of the alignment. View facing west from adjacent to hole 4.
Photo 4. Installed fence post breaks irrigation line along the fairway of hole 5. View facing northwest.
SilverRock Resort Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Fence Installation Project, La Quinta, Riverside County, California
Photo 5. Transporting and staging rolls of fabric along the alignment using the forklift attachment on the Cat. 2578
compact skip loader. View facing southwest.
Photo 6. Hanging fabric using “fence hog” attachment on the Cat. 2578 compact skip loader . View facing south from
vicinity of the tee at hole 5.
SilverRock Resort Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Fence Installation Project, La Quinta, Riverside County, California
Photo 7. Staked boundary of a staked Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) located adjacent to an active bird nest
(brown colored shrub upper right). The other ESA limit visible in background. View facing south from vicinity of hole 17.
Photo 8. One of the active mourning dove nests located in a catclaw acacia along the alignment in the vicinity of the
fairway of hole 17. View facing southwest.
SilverRock Resort Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Fence Installation Project, La Quinta, Riverside County, California
Photo 9. Location of canyon wren nest (small cave) adjacent to alignment in vicinity of the tee at hole 6. View facing
south from alignment.
Photo 10. Active vermilion flycatcher nest in ornamental white-thorn acacia planted within one of the xeriscaped areas
adjacent to the tee at hole 6.
SilverRock Resort Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Fence Installation Project, La Quinta, Riverside County, California
Photo 11. Two adult ewes (one tagged and collared #17) and a lamb ascending slopes adjacent to tee at hole 16. View
facing south from alignment.
Photo 12. A pair of Peninsular bighorn sheep that approached and foraged along the work area in the vicinity of the
fairway of hole 17. View facing south.
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APPENDIX 4
FIELD MONITORING FORMS
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APPENDIX 5
WORKER ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PROGRAM
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Worker Environmental Awareness Program
Peninsular Big Horn Sheep Temporary Fence Installation
Project at the SilverRock Resort
The Temporary Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Fence Installation Project (Project) at the SilverRock Resort is within
the geographic range of, and contains suitable habitat for, a variety of special-status biological resources,
including but not limited to: Peninsular bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, red-diamond rattlesnake, rare plant
species and nesting bird species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and
Game code. SilverRock Resort located in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County California and is located
immediately adjacent to the Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area of the Coachella Valley
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP/NCCP). The
Project is therefore required to comply with the requirements and provisions of the CVMSHCP/NCCP, State and
federal Endangered Species Acts, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of La Quinta
Mitigation Monitoring Program for the SilverRock Resort and the Revised Recommendations for Temporary
Fence Installation for the SilverRock Project (USFWS 2017).
This Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) was developed to summarize the policies and
procedures proposed for the avoidance and/or minimization of potential Project-related impacts to the occurring,
or potentially-occurring special-status biological resources. Attendance of the WEAP and signing the
acknowledgement form stating that you agree to implement and comply with the Project impact avoidance and
minimization measures presented herein, along with all other Project permit conditions and/or Best Management
Practices (BMP’s), is a requirement for Project compliance.
General Environmental Compliance
All Project personnel will comply with the following requirements:
A Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) will be implemented to inform Project personnel of
the potential presence of bighorn sheep along the alignment, on the golf course and/or on the adjacent
hillsides. The WEAP will include photographs, descriptions, conservation status, impact avoidance and
minimization measures as outlined in this letter, and penalties associated with unauthorized impacts to
bighorn sheep. Project personnel will be required to attend the WEAP and sign an acknowledgment of
attendance and agreement to comply with the measures outlined in the WEAP. Personnel will be instructed
to notify the biological monitor immediately of all sheep sightings, and what to do if a sick or moribund
sheep, or a lamb that appears to be abandoned by its mother is observed. In those cases, Project
personnel will NOT approach or touch the animal, and will notify the biological monitor immediately. The
biological monitor will contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) biologist Kevin
Brennan (760) 749-3270 – office, (760) 861-3627 – mobile, kevin.brennan@wildlife.ca.gov
immediately. La Quinta Animal Control Services should NOT be contacted.
Limit all approved Project-associated activities including fence installation, site access, parking and staging
to the Project alignment, designated access routes and staging areas.
Consult the biological monitor to confirm that daily pre-construction clearance surveys have been
conducted prior to entry into any new area of the Project site including the fence alignment, access routes,
staging areas and/or parking areas. Do not proceed with work in any given area unless you have
confirmed that daily pre-construction surveys have been completed.
Observation of a 15-mile per hour (mph) speed limit on all unpaved approved project access routes.
Worker Environmental Awareness Procedure
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Avoidance of smoking, pets or possession of firearms on-site.
Excavations, pits and/or trenches shall NOT be left open overnight.
Cover, contain, and dispose of trash daily. Construction-related debris should be regularly removed from
the site. Do not leave ANY trash, including ALL food scraps and wrappers, on-site. Some birds and
mammals can smell, and are attracted to, food waste products (i.e., uneaten scraps, wrappers, utensils,
etc.). If you bring it in, pack it out and throw it away.
1.Biological Resources
Nesting Birds
The Project site and adjacent areas, or portions thereof, contain potentially suitable habitat for special-
status species such as: burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus),
loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), black-tailed gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura), vermillion
flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus), crissal thrasher (Toxostoma crissale) and Le Conte’s thrasher
(Toxostoma lecontei). Burrowing owl, loggerhead shrike, vermillion flycatcher and Crissal thrasher are
managed as California Species of Special Concern (SSC’s) while the prairie falcon and black-tailed
gnatcatcher are designated as “watch list” species by the CDFW . Le Conte’s thrasher is a covered species
under the CVMSHCP/NCCP. The potential for these species to nest on or in proximity to the alignm ent
ranges from very low to high. Photos of burrowing owl, loggerhead shrike and vermillion flycatcher are
provided below.
While nesting, common native bird species (with few exceptions) are protected by the federal MBTA and
California Fish and Game Code and impacts are not covered under the CVMSHCP. Active verdin
(Auriparus flaviceps) and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) nests were observed along the alignment
during the pre-construction surveys (conducted on 23 February 17) and the potential for new verdin and
mourning dove nests, as well as nests of other common species, along the alignment is high.
A person, association, partnership or corporation which violates the MBTA or its regulations is guilty of a
misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to $500, jail up to six months, or both. Anyone who knowingly
takes a migratory bird and intends to, offers to, or actually sells or barters the bird is guilty of a felony, with
fines up to $2,000, jail up to two years, or both. Permissible fines have increased significantly under the
Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, as amended in 1987.
The on-site biological monitor will conduct daily pre-construction clearance sweeps in, and ahead of,
current work zones including, but not limited to: the alignment, access routes, parking and staging areas
during the nesting season (generally February 1 through August 31) prior to daily commencement of
Project-related activities in any given area.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA’s) will be established around active bird nests along, and
immediately adjacent to, the alignment. Generally, ESA’s for nesting birds are defined by CDFW as 300-
feet for passerines or 500-feet for raptors and/or listed species. In some cases, however, ESA’s can be
reduced for a variety of reasons including: topography, vegetation, species tolerance, presence of natural
or artificial barriers, etc., at the discretion of the biological monitor. ESAs will be clearly marked on the
ground with stakes to alert Project personnel to implement Project-specific impact avoidance and/or
minimization measures to avoid or reduce Project-related impacts to nesting birds, where appropriate.
The biological monitor will routinely monitor on-site or adjacent bird nests to determine if their status (i.e.,
active or inactive). When current Project activities that have the potential to affect nesting birds are located
in proximity to active bird nests, the biological monitor will observe the birds for potential signs of stress
(i.e., excessive scolding, increased activity at the nest site, flushing). If stress behavior is observed,
additional impact avoidance and/or minimization measures including, but not limited to: 1) use of hand tools
or quieter equipment, 2) adjustment of the alignment (if possible), 3) adjustment of the ESA (where
appropriate) and/or 4) installation of temporary sound walls and/or visual barriers.
If a bird nest, or suspected bird nest is observed in the work area, immediately halt work in the immediate
vicinity and consult the biological monitor to assess. Do not approach the nest.
Although surveys for burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) conducted for the Project ended with negative
results, in the event that burrowing owl(s) are observed or detected on or adjacent to the Project site,
ESA’s will be established, staked for avoidance and/or additional measures consistent with those described
above will be implemented.
Reptiles
The Project site provides habitat and is within the geographic range of red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus
ruber), which is designated as a SSC by the CDFW. There is a moderate to high potential for this species,
along with a variety of other common reptile species to occur on-site.
The biological monitor will conduct a pre-construction clearance sweep for red-diamond rattlesnake and
common reptile species prior to daily commencement of Project-related activities in any given area.
Harming, killing, handling or disturbing red-diamond rattlesnake (and other common reptile species) will be
avoided by all Project personnel.
Check beneath, in front of and behind vehicles, equipment, Project materials, rocks and/or vegetation prior
to starting engines, moving or handling to avoid accidental injury (or worse) to yourself and/or the animal.
Visually inspect where you place your hands and plant your feet prior to doing so. Also inspect any and all
holes, rock cracks, crevices, trenches, debris, spoils, etc. prior to placing yourself and/or the animal at risk
of injury.
Immediately notify the biological monitor if you observe a rattlesnake on-site. Most will voluntarily disperse
on their own accord away from people and Project activities. If the animal does not disperse, the biological
monitor will have the experience, authorizations and equipment to safely relocate any and all snakes and
other common reptile species to suitable habitat away from harm and the Project site.
The federally and state-listed as threatened desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is known to occur in the
vicinity and the on-site rocky foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains provide suitable habitat for this species.
The likelihood of desert tortoise occurring along the alignment, however, is extremely low. In addition, it is
legal and common for residents of California to keep lawfully-acquired desert tortoises as pets. Pet
tortoises occasionally escape or are sometimes released. Pet tortoises have the exact same legal status,
are protected, and are essentially treated the same as wild tortoises legally. In the unlikely event that a
desert tortoise is observed on or adjacent to the Project site, IMMEDIATELY halt ALL work in the area and
notify the biological monitor. The biological monitor will notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
CDFW and BLM (where applicable) to determine the best course of action. Often, the best approach is
allow the tortoise to voluntarily vacate the area. If the animal does not vacate the area voluntarily,
however, handling and/or moving the tortoise is NOT AN OPTION without issuance of an incidental take
permit. An incidental “take” permit for desert tortoise has NOT been issued for this Project and therefore
any/all disturbance to desert tortoise MUST BE AVOIDED. Penalties for unpermitted take of desert tortoise
in California include fines of up to $50,000.00, up to one (1) year in jail, or both per incident and per
individual/entity.
Mammals
A variety of mammals, including but not limited to: mice, gophers, bats, rabbits, squirrels, skunks, possums,
raccoons, badgers, coyotes, foxes and bobcats, have the potential of occurring on-site and/or in the
immediate vicinity.
The Project alignment, or portions thereof, contains habitat for and is within the geographic range of a
variety of special-status mammal species including: western (southern) yellow bat (Lasiurus ega),
pocketed free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus), Palm Springs pocket mouse (Perognathus
longimembris bangsi), and Coachella Valley (Palm Springs) round-tailed ground squirrel
(Spermophilus tereticaudus chlorus).
A pre-construction clearance sweep will be conducted daily by the biological monitor prior to
commencement of Project activities. If special-status mammals are detected on-site or in the immediate
Worker Environmental Awareness Procedure
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
vicinity, efforts to avoid or minimize Project-related impacts to those species will be implemented to the
greatest extent feasible. This may require temporarily halting work in a given area to allow the animal to
voluntarily vacate the work area.
Mammals are often found in burrows, dens, under surface objects and within man-made structures such as
drainpipes or culverts but can also be found in the shade beneath vehicles and/or equipment. Check
beneath vehicles, equipment and materials to avoid harming (or worse) mammals prior to starting engines
or moving.
Many mammals are attracted to and will scavenge trash, particularly food-related items, which can be
harmful or even fatal for some species. Immediately contain and dispose of trash at the end of each day.
Contain and dispose of construction debris (i.e., wood, plastic, metal, cement, concrete, etc.) regularly.
The rocky areas such as the cliffs, outcrops, crevices, cracks and cavities, as well as some of the trees
(palm trees with intact aprons in particular) provide day roosting and/or hibernation habitat for a variety of
bat species including the western (southern) yellow bat and pocketed free-tailed bat. For these reasons,
the Project should avoid and/or minimize disturbance to these microhabitats habitats (where possible).
If/when Project-related disturbance to the above-referenced habitats is necessary, immediately notify the
biological monitor to conduct a clearance survey prior to disturbance. If bats are found within an area that
requires disturbance, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), CDFW and/or BLM may
need to be consulted for further direction.
Because the majority of bat species in our area are insectivorous and lights attract insects, night work
should be avoided to prevent accidental or inadvertent harm (or worse) to foraging bat species.
Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Peninsular bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsonii DPS 2) range in color from light brown to grayish or
dark brown and have a white rump and lining on the backs of all four legs. Both sexes have horns, large
and curved on adult males, or rams and shorter and less curved on juveniles and adult females (ewes).
Peninsular bighorn sheep are residents of the steep, rocky terrain within the adjacent Santa Rosa
Mountains and routinely visit the grounds of the golf course at SilverRock Resort, traversing the alignment
in the process, hence the purpose of the exclusion of the bighorn sheep from SilverRock Resort and other
urban areas within the City that pose hazards.
The Peninsular bighorn sheep is federally-listed as endangered, state-listed as threatened and is a fully-
protected species in California. Peninsular bighorn sheep is also a CVMSHCP covered species and the
adjacent rocky hillsides are within a CVMSCHP Conservation Area (Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains)
and portions of the mountains are designated as critical habitat for this species.
Penalties for unpermitted take of Peninsular bighorn sheep include fines exceeding $100,000 and up to
one (1) year in jail, or both per incident and individual/entity.
The Peninsular bighorn sheep population declined from 1,171 to 276 by 1996. By 1998, after their listing,
the population increased to around 950.
The City of La Quinta and contractors will work with the involved wildlife agencies (USFWS, CDFW and
CVAG) to identify fencing locations, identify timing and phasing of installing fence panels, monitor bighorn
sheep during and after the construction. The City will provide adequate biological monitoring staff to
redirect sheep out of the work zone if/when necessary.
Prior to commencement of fence installation, representatives of the involved wildlife agencies will walk and
finalize the fence alignment, which will be staked at that time, to ensure the alignment is fixed in the field.
Gate locations, known sheep access points where fence panels would be installed last, and tie-in
alignments to the Tradition wall at the northern terminus and to the exsisting Coachella Valley Water
District (CVWD) fence at the southern terminus, will also be identified and marked in the field.
The City should be aware that sheep may be able to access the SilverRock property from the north and
south after the temporary fence along the toe-of-slope is built, so additional temporary fencing to exclude
sheep may be necessary.
The final design and alignment selection will identify locations for entry gates that provide access
necessary so that biologists can redirect bighorn sheep away from the golf-course and to the natural, steep
mountainous side of the fence if/when necessary. In addition, as the fencing is installed it may be
necessary to provide openings sufficient to allow the sheep access to escape terrain from the golf course.
Biological monitoring by a qualified biologist knowledgeable in bighorn sheep biology will be conducted for
all construction-related activities that have the potential to affect bighorn sheep. The biological monitor will
be on-site at all times during construction to observe sheep presence in or near the construction area,
document any signs of distrees or illness, and take appropriate action if needed. Pre-construction
clearance sweeps will be conducted prior to commencment of daily Project-related activites and fence
construction will be monitored at all times by the on-site biological monitor.
The biological monitor will have the authority to temporarily halt any and all construction-related activities
that threaten Peninsular bighorn sheep and to contact the involved wildlife agencies (CDFW biologist
Kevin Brennan [760] 749-3270 – office, [760] 861-3627 – mobile; kevin.brennan@wildlife.ca.gov
and/or USFWS biologist Jenness McBride [760] 322-2070 ext. 403; jenness_mcbride@fws.gov) if
sheep are encountered during fence installation.
Impact avoidance and/or minimization measures that may be implemented by the on-site biological monitor
include: daily monitoring of the fence alignment, construction areas, and the SilverRock golf course
adjacent to the alignment. The biological monitor will remain on-site every day during all construction
activities, and provide daily reports to designated wildlife agencies staff.
Physical capture, temporary handling, and immediate relocation of bighorn sheep (if necessary) will be
conducted only by CDFW biologist, Kevin Brennan (760) 749-3270 – office, (760) 861-3627 – mobile.
To protect Peninsular bighorn sheep, the provisions required by the Mountain Toe‐of‐Slope
Buffer/Mitigation Concept Plan for the SiverRock Resort and/or more current overseeing agency (CVAG,
USFWS, CDFW, BLM) requirements (i.e., USFWS Revised Recommendations for Temporary Fence
Installation for SilverRock Project letter dated January 18, 2017).
Development and design (including but not limited to: location, height, spacing width, materials) of the
fence shall be in accordance with the City of La Quinta Mitigation Monitoring Program for the SilverRock
Resort or current overseeing agency (CVAG, USFWS and/or CDFW ) requirements.
Plants
The Project site, or portions thereof, provides potentially suitable habitat for a variety of special-status plant
species including: chaparral sand-verbena (Abronia villosa var. Aurita), Borrego milkvetch (Astragalus
lentiginosus var. borreganus), Coachella Valley milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus var. coachellae),
triple-ribbed milkvetch (Astragalus tricarinatus), white-bracted spineflower (Chorizanthe xanti var.
leucotheca), ribbed cryptantha (Cryptantha costata), winged cryptantha (Cryptantha holoptera),
glandular ditaxis (Ditaxis clariana), California ditaxis (Ditaxis serrata var. califórnica), Deep Canyon
snapdragon (Pseudorontium cyathiferum) and Orocopia sage (Salvia greatae). The potential for these
species to occur along the alignment is considered to be very low to low.
Several of these are CVMSHCP-covered species. These include the federally-listed as endangered
Coachella valley milkvetch federally-listed as endangered triple-ribbed milkvetch and Orocopia sage.
Pre-construction clearance sweeps will be conducted daily by the on-site biological monitor prior to
commencement of Project activities in any given area. If special-status plant species are detected, efforts
to avoid or minimize Project-related impacts to those species will be implemented to the greatest extent
feasible. This may include: 1) adjustment from the proposed alignment to physically avoid the species
and/or transplantation.
Worker Environmental Awareness Procedure
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The biological monitor will establish ESAs for special-status plant species where observed. ESAs will
implemented to avoid and/or minimize disturbance to special-status plant species to the greatest extent
practicable.
Reporting
The biological monitor will record any bighorn sheep encounters that occurred and how they were resolved
on a daily basis. For the first week of construction, the biological monitor will report daily by 6:00 PM to the
CDFW and USFWS by email or telephone, and weekly (each Friday) thereafter.
Points of contact for the Wildlife Agencies are: Jenness McBride, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 760-
322-2070, extension 403; jenness_mcbride@fws.gov; and Kevin Brennan, California Department of
Fish and Wildlife: (760) 749-3270 – office, (760) 861-3627 – mobile; Kevin.Brennan@wildlife.ca.gov
Post-construction monitoring will be conducted at least once daily after the fence is completed for the
presence of bighorn sheep on either side of the fence or anywhere on the SilverRock property, with weekly
reports provided to the wildlife agencies by email or telephone to the points of contact noted above. Post-
construction monitoring should continue for about 2 or 3 months. Based on the monitoring results, the
wildlife agencies in coordination with SilverRock management will evaluate the need for further monitoring.
This post-construction monitoring does not require special qualifications; any employee of SilverRock or
the City of La Quinta, for example golf course maintenance workers, would be able to act as observers
during their normal work hours, with minimal training on what to observe and record. The Wildlife Agencies
would be glad to work with the City of La Quinta and SilverRock to brief personnel on how to observe
sheep without disturbing them and to report on any sheep sightings.
All daily and post-construction reports will be assembled and maintained as a part of the Project record,
and provided to the Wildlife Agencies.
Literature Cited
Colby, J., and R. Botta. 2014. Peninsular bighorn sheep annual report 2014. California Department of Fish and
Wildlife, South Coast Region.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2017. Revised Recommendations for Temporary Fence
Installation for SilverRock Project, City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. Unpublished letter
submitted by the USFWS to La Quinta City Manager, Mr. Frank J. Spevacek on January 18, 2017.
Contacts
Amec Foster Wheeler
Biological Monitors: Michael Wilcox, Office: (951) 369-8060
Mobile: (951) 634-9765
E-mail: michael.wilcox@amecfw.com
Nathan Moorhatch, Office: (951) 369-8060
Mobile: (714) 423-8559
E-mail: nathan.moorhatch@amecfw.com
Biological Resources Manager: Scott Crawford, Office: (951) 369-8060 ext. 223
Mobile: (714) 742-5316
E-mail: scott.crawford@amecfw.com
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Biologist: Kevin Brennan, (760) 749-3270 – office; (760) 861-3627 - Mobile
E-mail: kevin.brennan@wildlife.ca.gov
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Biologist: Jenness McBride, Office: (760) 322-2070 ext. 403
E-mail: jenness.mcbride@fws.gov
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APPENDIX 6
WEAP RECORD OF ATTENDANCE
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