Table B-1
Special-Status Species Considered in this Analysis

Species

Status^a

Habitat Type/Occurrence

Determination

USFWS

State

Park

Federally Listed Threatened or Endangered Species

Fish

Delta smelt

Hypomesus transpacificus

FT

This species occurs only in Suisun Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin estuary ("Delta") near San Francisco Bay in California. Though the species does not occur in Yosemite National Park, the park contains the headwaters of tributaries that feed into downstream habitat for the species.

Removed from Further Analysis. This species does not occur within Yosemite National Park. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Sacramento splittail

Pogonichthys macrolepidotus

FT

Habitat for this species includes tidal fresh and brackish waters of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Suisun Bay, tidal marshes in Suisun, Napa, and Petaluma, and the main stem of the Sacramento River. Though the species does not occur in Yosemite National Park, the park contains the headwaters of tributaries that feed into downstream habitat for the species.

Removed from Further Analysis. This species does not occur within Yosemite National Park. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Central Valley steelhead

Oncorhynchus mykiss

FT

This species occurs in the Sacramento-San Joaquin estuary and tributaries. Though the species does not occur in Yosemite National Park, the park contains the headwaters of tributaries that feed into downstream habitat for the species.

Removed from Further Analysis. This species does not occur within Yosemite National Park. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Reptiles and Amphibians

California red-legged frog

Rana aurora draytonii

FT

CSC

Found in quiet pools in permanent streams in mixed conifer zones and foothills. Prefers riparian deciduous habitat. The only recent records for Yosemite come from a lake at 6,000 feet in elevation in the northern portion of the park. Surveys at this location within the last five years have found no red-legged frogs (Knapp 2001).

Removed from Further Analysis. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Birds

Bald eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

FT

CE

Forages over rivers, streams, and lakes. Primarily eats fish, also carrion, waterbirds, and small mammals. Transient through Yosemite Valley and El Portal. No bald eagles are nesting in the park (NPS 1997). The species was proposed for delisting 7/6/99.

Considered Further in this Analysis. This species may be a transient visitor to the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Federal Species of Concern

Invertebrates

Wawona riffle beetle

Atractelmis wawona

FC

This aquatic species has a limited distribution in the North and South Forks of the Merced River. Habitat includes rocks and mossy areas within the river channel.

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the Yosemite Creek drainage.

Yosemite sideband snail

Helminthoglypta allynsmithi

FC

Found in rockslide habitat with shade and moisture. This species is associated with relatively stable rocky areas.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Indian Yosemite snail

Monadenia hillebrandi yosemitensis

FC

Rockslide areas may be necessary for shelter. This species is associated with relatively stable rocky areas.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Sierra pygmy grasshopper

Tetrix sierrana

FC

Pygmy grasshoppers are often found in riparian areas, particularly in the spring and early summer. One record for El Portal (1953; NPS 2001). Only other record is from Madera County. Occurs in upland and riparian habitats.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Bohart’s blue butterfly

Philotiella speciosa bohartorum

FC

The host plant for this species is found in association with serpentine soils. No host plants or serpentine soils are found in the Lower Yosemite Fall Project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Limestone salamander

Hydromantes brunus

FC

CT

Very limited distribution along Merced River and its tributaries between 800 and 2,500 feet in elevation, usually in association with limestone outcrops. This species has limited distribution along the Merced River outside Yosemite National Park.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Mount Lyell salamander

Hydromantes platycephalus

FC

CSC

Occurs in massive rock areas between 4,000 and 11,500 feet in elevation, in rock fissures, seeps, shade, and low-growing plants.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Foothill yellow-legged frog

Rana boylei

FC

CSC

Formerly abundant and found up to 6,000 feet in elevation, this species has virtually disappeared from its range in the Sierra Nevada from unknown causes. Preferred habitat was rocky streams and wet meadows.

Removed from Further Analysis. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Northwestern pond turtle

Clemys marmorata marmorata

FC

CSC

Found in the Sierra Nevada up to 6,000 feet in elevation, this species has decreased in numbers by up to 80%, probably due to habitat fragmentation and non-native predators. Habitat is permanent, slow-moving water in a variety of habitat types.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Southwestern pond turtle

Clemys marmorata pallida

FC

CSC

Found in the Sierra Nevada up to 6,000 feet in elevation, this species has decreased in numbers by up to 80%, probably due to habitat fragmentation and non-native predators. Habitat is permanent, slow-moving water in a variety of habitat types.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Birds

Harlequin duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

FC

CSC

Breeds along large, swift-moving mountain rivers. Was formerly found in every major watershed in the Sierra, but has disappeared. Formerly nested in Yosemite Valley (NPS 1997). A pair of harlequin ducks was observed within the Merced River in 2000. No recent nesting harlequin duck have been documented within Yosemite National Park. Nesting pairs of this species are presumed extirpated from Yosemite National Park.

Considered Further in this Analysis. Refer to Chapter 3 for background data on this species and Chapter 4 for an analysis of local setting or cumulative effects on this species.

Northern goshawk

Accipiter gentilis

FC

CSC

Favors moderately dense coniferous forests broken by meadows and other openings, between 5,000 and 9,000 feet in elevation. Typically nests in mature conifer stands near streams. Habitat destruction in its range has caused declines in population. Records exist for Yosemite Valley, primarily between November and February.

Removed from Further Analysis. This species is considered a transient visitor through the greater project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

California spotted owl

Strix occidentalis occidentalis

FC

CSC

Breeds from oak and ponderosa pine forests upslope to lower-elevation red fir forests up to 7,600 feet, with mixed conifer the optimum type. Presence of black oak in the forest canopy also enhances habitat suitability.

Removed from Further Analysis. The California spotted owl was not found in the local setting and project area for the Lower Yosemite Fall Project during recent surveys (Steger 2000).

Mammals

Spotted bat

Euderma maculatum

FC

CSC

Rare throughout range. Uses crevices in rock faces for roosting and reproduction. Forages in a wide variety of habitats, primarily for moths.

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is found in the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Small-footed myotis bat

Myotis ciliolabrum

FC

Usually found above 6,000 feet and in wooded and brushy habitats near water. Forages among trees and over water. Breeds in colonies in buildings, caves, and mines (NPS 1997).

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is found in the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Long-eared myotis bat

Myotis evotis

FC

Wide range, from coast to high Sierra Nevada, in montane oak woodlands. Roosts primarily in hollow trees, especially large snags or lightning-scarred, live trees. Presence in Lower Yosemite Fall area confirmed in 1993 (Pierson & Rainey 1993).

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is found in the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Fringed myotis bat

Myotis thysanodes

FC

Found to at least 6,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada, in deciduous/mixed conifer forests. Roosts in caves, mines, buildings, and trees, especially large conifer snags. Confirmed in Lower Yosemite Fall area in 1993 (Pierson & Rainey 1993).

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is found in the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Long-legged myotis bat

Myotis volans

FC

Found up to high elevations in the Sierra Nevada, in montane coniferous forest habitats. Forages over water, close to trees and cliffs, and in openings in forests. Roosts primarily in large-diameter snags. Not recorded in recent surveys, though suitable habitat is found in the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is found in the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Yuma myotis bat

Myotis yumanensis

FC

Usually occurs below 8,000 feet in elevation. Forages over open, still, or slow-moving water and above low vegetation in meadows. Roosts in buildings, caves, or crevices. Confirmed in Lower Yosemite Fall area in 1993 and 1995 surveys (Pierson & Rainey 1993, 1995).

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is found in the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Greater western mastiff bat

Eumops perotis californicus

FC

Found in a variety of habitats to over 8,000 feet in elevation. Roosts primarily in crevices in cliff faces, and occasionally trees. Detected most often over meadows and other open areas, but will also feed above forest canopy; sometimes to high altitudes (1,000 feet). A substantial population is found in Yosemite Valley (Pierson & Rainey 1995).

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is found in the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Vegetation

Congdon’s lomatium

Lomatium congdonii

FC

Restricted to serpentine and metamorphic soils in canyon live oak woodlands. No serpentine or metamorphic soils present in the project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

State-Listed Special-Status Species and Species of Special Concern

Birds

Golden eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

CSC

Found in a wide range of elevations in the park. Needs open terrain for hunting. Feeds primarily on small mammals. Nests on cliffs and in large trees in open areas.

Removed from Further Analysis. This species is considered a transient visitor through the greater project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Cooper’s hawk

Accipiter cooperi

CSC

A hawk of wooded areas, found up to 9,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada. Numerous recent records for Yosemite, especially in Yosemite Valley. Habitat destruction in its range has led to population declines. Frequently hunts along wooded edges (NPS 1997).

Removed from Further Analysis. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Sharp-shinned hawk

Accipiter striatus

CSC

Hunts in open coniferous forest and edges of meadows and clearings between 4,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation in the Sierra Nevada. Nests in forests. One old (1930) nesting record for Yosemite Valley (NPS 1997).

Removed from Further Analysis. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Prairie falcon

Falco mexicanus

CSC

Primarily associated with open areas such as grasslands and meadows, where it feeds on small mammals and birds. Nests on cliffs. Numbers have declined in California due to several probable factors, including nest robbing by humans, control of prey species, and pesticides. Many records of this species in alpine areas of Yosemite National Park and occasionally seen in Yosemite Valley.

Removed from Further Analysis. This species is considered a transient visitor through the greater project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Peregrine falcon

Falco peregrinus anatum

FD

CE

Usually nests on high cliffs near water to search for prey. The species was formally delisted 8/25/99.

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Long-eared owl

Asio otus

CSC

Requires riparian or other thickets with small, densely canopied trees for roosting and nesting. Proximity of this habitat to meadow edges for hunting also enhances quality. One nesting record in Yosemite Valley in 1915 (NPS 1997).

Removed from Further Analysis. This species does not nest within the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Great gray owl

Strix nebulosa

CE

The entire California population of this species is restricted to the Yosemite region, where it reaches southernmost extent of its North American range. Breeds in mixed conifer/red fir forests bordering meadows. Winters in mixed conifer down to blue oak woodlands. Research suggests that human disturbance could affect foraging success of this species, which may explain its absence from Yosemite Valley, and raises concern about actions that may increase human disturbance on great gray owl habitat.

Removed from Further Analysis. This species does not nest within the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Willow flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

CE

Breeds in mountain meadows and riparian areas from 2,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation in the Sierra Nevada, with lush growth of shrubby willows. Has disappeared from much of its range, due to habitat destruction and parasitism from brown-headed cowbirds. The project area is devoid of lush riparian habitat necessary to support this species.

Removed from Further Analysis. This species does not nest within the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Yellow warbler

Dendroica petechia

CSC

Prefers riparian woodlands, but also breeds in chaparral, ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer habitats with substantial amounts of brush. In recent decades, numbers of breeding pairs have declined dramatically in many lowland areas of California. A major cause of this decline has apparently been brown-headed cowbird parasitism (NPS 1997).

Removed from Further Analysis. This species does not nest within the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Mammals

Pallid bat

Antrozous pallidus

CSC

Primarily found below 6,000 feet in elevation, in a variety of habitats, especially oak, ponderosa pine, and giant sequoia habitats. Confirmed in Lower Yosemite Fall area (Pierson & Rainey 1995).

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is found in the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Pale big-eared bat

Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens

CSC

Found in all habitats up to alpine zone. Requires caves, mines, or buildings for roosting. Prefers mesic habitats where it gleans from brush or trees along habitat edges. Recorded at Wildcat Creek bridge and Mirror Lake (CDFG 1999).

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is found in the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Townsend’s big-eared bat

Corynorhinus townsendii townsendii

CSC

Found in all habitats up to alpine zone. Requires caves, mines, or buildings for roosting. Prefers mesic habitats where it gleans from brush or trees along habitat edges. Not confirmed in Lower Yosemite Fall area during recent surveys, but suitable habitat is present.

Considered Further in this Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is found in the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Vegetation

Congdon’s lewisia

Lewisia congdonii

R

Grows on moist, exposed, metamorphic rock faces and slopes in chaparral and mixed conifer forest. Metamorphic soils are not present in the Lower Yosemite Fall Project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Park Rare Species

Vegetation

Sugar stick

Allotropa virgata

PR

Confined to black oak and mixed conifer forest areas. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Big-scale balsamroot

Balsamorhiza macrolepis var. macrolepis

PR

Valley and foothill grassland and woodland communities. Often associated with serpentine soils. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Sedge

Carex albonigra

PR

Locally rare alpine species. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Congdon’s sedge

Carex congdonii

PR

Uncommon high-elevation species. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Indian paintbrush

Castilleja foliolosa

PR

Found on dry, open, rocky slopes on the edge of chaparral areas. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Child’s blue-eyed Mary

Collinsia childii

PR

Endemic to central and southern Sierra Nevada, reaching the northern extent of its range in Mariposa County. Occurs on shaded slopes and in open oak and mixed coniferous woodlands. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Collinsia

Collinsia linearis

PR

Restricted to dry, metamorphic rock outcrops along the metamorphic-granitic contact zone. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Stream orchid

Epipactis gigantea

PR

Restricted to moist granitic ledges, and planted in landscaped areas. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Fawn-lily

Erythronium purpurascens

PR

Endemic to the Sierra Nevada, growing along shaded stream and river corridors. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Boreal bedstraw

Galium boreale ssp. septentrionale

PR

Found in wet lower montane meadows. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Pitcher sage

Lepechinia calycina

PR

Found on rocky slopes within chaparral and canyon live oak woodlands. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Sierra laurel

Leucothoe davisiae

PR

Grows in wet areas and bogs in acid soil. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

False pimpernel

Lindernia dubia var. anagallidea

PR

Found in wet meadows. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Congdon’s monkeyflower

Mimulus congdonii

PR

Found in granitic soils in disturbed areas, seeps, runoff areas on slopes. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Palmer’s monkeyflower

Mimulus palmeri

PR

Restricted to damp, shaded slopes under canyon live oaks. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Azure penstemon

Penstemon azureus ssp. angustissimus

PR

Generally found in moist woodlands and open forests. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Phacelia

Phacelia platyloba

PR

Found in gravelly or rocky soils in chaparral and canyon live oak woodland. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Phacelia

Phacelia tanacetifolia

PR

Grows in moist sandy and gravelly open areas. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Wood saxifrage

Saxifraga mertensiana

PR

Endemic to northern and central Sierra Nevada. Grows on mossy rocks and moist cliffs. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. Suitable habitat for this species is absent from the project area. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.

Ladies’ tresses

Spiranthes porrifolia

PR

Found in wet meadows. Not present in project area.

Removed from Further Analysis. There is no expected local setting or cumulative effect on this species from the proposed action and this species is not evaluated further.