Project Name: Cheyenne Canyon Tussock Moth Control...
Transcript of Project Name: Cheyenne Canyon Tussock Moth Control...
Biological Evaluation – Cheyenne Mountain Tussock Moth Control Biological Evaluation pg. 1
BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT FOR WILDLIFE & FISHERIES
PIKES PEAK RANGER DISTRICT – PIKE NATIONAL FOREST
May 16, 2016
Project Name: Cheyenne Canyon Tussock Moth Control Project
Purpose and Need: The purpose of this project is to minimize the spread and intensity of the Douglas-fir
Tussock Moth outbreak in the Colorado Springs area. The project is needed to complement state and
local agency and landowner efforts to control the moth. The greater Colorado Springs area is mosaic of
private, city, state, and federal lands. The juxtaposition of different landownership, as well as divergent
management objectives among local, state, and federal agencies, requires a high level of collaboration and
communication to control the current outbreak. The Tussock Moth causes defoliation and kills Douglas-
fir and other coniferous trees. These trees are a valued component of the scenic backdrop for the
communities, enhance recreation values, and provide watershed protection and wildlife habitat.
On National Forest lands, the Tussock Moth outbreak is immediately adjacent to private, municipal, and
state lands; lies within the Wildland Urban Interface; and is occurring within a heavily-used recreation
area. There are concerns that the outbreak may continue to spread on National Forest lands and onto
adjacent private, city, and state lands. The project is intended to minimize additional Douglas-fir
mortality on the Pike National Forest adjacent to current infestations.
The Tussock Moth is a native defoliator with well documented outbreaks occurring in Colorado since at
least the 1930’s. These outbreaks typically last for two to four years. On the Pike National Forest, the
1993 to 1996 outbreak resulted in 30 to 40 percent Douglas-fir mortality, affecting 18,000 acres. Other
outbreaks have been smaller and more isolated. The current outbreak was first noticed in 2014 on
Cheyenne Mountain State Park and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station land.
The current Cheyenne Canyon Tussock Moth infestation covers approximately 1,000 acres across private,
city, state, and federal land ownership. In the Cheyenne Canyon area, there are approximately 50 acres of
infestation on National Forest lands. There are mixed stands of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and white fir
adjacent to existing infestations that could potentially be affected by spread of the Tussock Moth. Within
the project area there are old growth Douglas-fir and Douglas-fir plantations that are now 80 to 110 years
old. Treatments within the project area would maintain desired forest structure by protecting high-value
trees, including old growth and large diameter Douglas-fir adjacent to current infestations, and
complement moth control actions on nearby lands under state, local and private ownership.
Proposed Action: The Pike & San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron & Comanche National
Grasslands propose to implement control measures to minimize the spread and intensity of the Douglas-
fir Tussock Moth outbreak on National Forest System Lands within the Wildland Urban Interface near
Colorado Springs.
The Project Area encompasses 408 acres near Cheyenne Canyon in El Paso County, Colorado. The
affected areas are in portions of T14S, R67W, Sections 28, 29, 32, and 33; and T15S, R67W, Sections 4,
5, 9, and 10. The attached map shows the current outbreak and the areas on National Forest System Land
that are proposed for treatment.
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In separate actions, treatments are scheduled to occur on private, city, and state lands adjacent to the
National Forest. Those treatments are separate from this proposal and are not part of the Forest Service
proposed action.
Control of the moth would be accomplished using Foray 48B Biological Insecticide. The insecticide
would be applied from the air by helicopter. A single treatment would occur during the period when
treatment would be most effective, which is most likely to happen during the month of June 2016. No
application would occur in areas where surface water is present, including ponds, lakes, and wetlands and
perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams. A 100 foot no spray buffer on either side of all perennial
and ephemeral streams will be applied. Best management practices and all EPA label directions will be
strictly followed.
The treatment area would be closed to the public during the period of aerial application.
Habitat Description: The proposed project area is within the ecotone of the Pikes Peak-Rampart
Range and the Northern Arkansas Granitics ecological subsections as defined by McNab, et al. (2007).
The area lies within the Cheyenne Creek and City of Colorado Springs-Fountain Creek sixth level
watersheds.
The project area is in a montane climate zone at elevation between 7,000 and 8,500 feet. All aspects are
present in the vicinity, and slopes may be over 60 percent. Vegetation is described as mixed conifer,
Ponderosa Pine-Douglas-fir, Ponderosa Pine/Gambel Oak, and Ponderosa Pine/grass dominated. There
are plantations of Douglas-fir intermixed with Ponderosa Pine and White Fir.
Extraordinary Circumstances Discussion: There are two threatened species that could inhabit the
area. One terrestrial wildlife species, the Mexican spotted owl and one threatened fish species, the
Greenback cutthroat trout in the nearby watershed. There will be no effect on the fish species, Greenback
cutthroat trout. The project may affect, not likely adversely affect the Mexican spotted owl, but the
species is not known to be present in the area. One treatment polygon in the southwest corner of the
project area contained modeled Mexican spotted owl Habitat. That polygon was removed from the
proposed action. Surveys conducted for the project found poor quality habitat in that polygon.
Threatened Endangered & Sensitive Species: Based on habitat type and records from the Pikes
Peak Ranger District, the project area could provide suitable habitat for the Mexican spotted owl
(threatened species) and is located in the neighboring watershed of the only wild remaining Greenback
cutthroat trout (threatened species) stream fishery.
The fringed myotis, hoary bat, Townsends’ big-eared bat, flammulated owl, peregrine falcon, northern
goshawk, and olive-sided flycatcher are designated as sensitive by the Regional Forester in Region 2 of
the USDA, Forest Service. These species may be dependent on a component of forested ecosystems to
fulfill habitat requirements for foraging, rest, reproduction, and/or protection. For more information, see
Appendix A - Species federally listed, or proposed to be listed, as Threatened or Endangered, and
Regional Forester’s Sensitive species considered for the Cheyenne Mountain Tussock Moth Control
Project.
Map 1. Project Area
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Biological Evaluation – Cheyenne Mountain Tussock Moth Control Biological Evaluation pg. 4
Species Federally Listed as Threatened
GREENBACK CUTTHROAT TROUT
(Oncorhynchus clarki stomias)
Status and Distribution
Approximately 3.4 miles of the upper Bear Creek Watershed, located north of the project area, contains
the extremely important population of greenback cutthroat trout as there are only two populations of
greenbacks present in the wild, Bear Creek containing the only remaining greenback stream population
(USFWS 2016, Metcalf et al. 20012, Bestgen et al. 2013). North Cheyenne Creek contains greenbacks
also, but have been determined to be more similar to the Colorado River basin than to greenback
populations in the Arkansas or South Platte rivers (Metcalf 2007). This location is also outside of the
project area. More information can be found in the Bear Creek Watershed Restoration Biological
Assessment/Biological Evaluation of Fisheries and Wildlife Resources (Quesada, Bohon 2015).
Map 2. Protected greenback populations and stream reached areas relative to the project area.
Presently, eight populations on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests are protected under the ESA and
have been managed to contribute to recovery and delisting goals and objectives. The U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service and the Greenback Recovery Team are in the process of examining the current
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classification, threats, and risks to greenback cutthroat trout populations in order to determine the need for
a change to the listing status of this species in Colorado (USDI FWS 2012, USDI FWS 2014). Pending a
new status determination, all populations on the Pike & San Isabel National Forests will continue to be
federally listed and managed as threatened species. This species is also managed as an aquatic
Management Indicator Species (MIS) on the PSICC.
Direct and Indirect Effects
Btk is not toxic to fish (Durkin 2004). At high concentrations, Btk may decrease available oxygen
affecting some aquatic invertebrates (Durkin 2004). Application of Btk may cause some aquatic
invertebrates to drift from the application site where concentrations are high (Kreutzweiser, et al., 1994).
Studies have shown 4 to 30 percent mortality in some groups of stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies, but
copepods, glass shrimp and some other caddisflies are tolerant (Durkin 2004).
The proposed tussock moth control management actions will not occur over any open water within the
project area for both private and public lands. In addition, a 100 foot no spray buffer will be applied on
either side of all streams on the National Forest. Aquatic insect populations will not be reduced and food
availability for trout will remain approximately the same within the streams. Spraying will avoid all the
protected streams, the entire Bear Creek watershed, and occur downstream of the greenback population in
North Cheyenne Creek.
Terrestrial invertebrates (including lepidopterans) comprise some of the greenback diet (Durkin 2004,
USFWS 2016). By avoidance of these areas, insect densities should remain approximately the same
along the protected streams before and after treatment.
Cumulative Effects
Tussock Moth management on private lands within North and South Cheyenne Canyon will be similar to
the USFS management and avoid live streams by buffering perennial and ephemeral streams (50 foot and
25 foot buffer) and greenback cutthroat populations. If live trees along the streams of Bear Creek, North
Cheyenne and South Cheyenne Creeks are defoliated and eventually die, stream conditions will likely
change in temperature, amount of sediment and large wood material.
Determination of Effects
The Cheyenne Canyon Tussock Moth Control Project will have no effect on the greenback cutthroat trout.
MEXICAN SPOTTED OWL (Strix occidentalis lucida)
Status and Distribution
The Mexican spotted owl (MSO or spotted owl) is one of three subspecies of spotted owl that includes the
California and northern spotted owl subspecies (USDI FWS 2012). The Mexican spotted owl occurs in
areas that correspond with isolated mountain ranges and canyon systems over a broad geographic area
that includes Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and the western portions of Texas south into several
States of Mexico (USDI FWS 2012).
Mexican spotted owls nest, roost, forage, and disperse in a diverse array of biotic communities. Spotted
owl can be found in heavily forested areas as well as in rocky canyons with sparse or no forest cover
(USDI FWS 2012). In both forest and canyon environments, spotted owls tend to select roosting and
nesting sites that provide thermal protection. In the case of forested sites, large trees, dense canopy cover,
and first or second order tributaries all act to create a cooler microclimate during warm ambient
temperatures of the breeding season (USDI FWS 2012).
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Mexican spotted owls consume a variety of prey throughout their range. Spotted owls commonly eat
small- and medium-sized rodents such as woodrats, mice, and voles, but they also consume bats, birds,
reptiles, and arthropods (USDI FWS 2012). Spotted owls utilize a wider variety of cover types for
foraging than for roosting or nesting, including: managed and unmanaged forests, piñon-juniper
woodlands, mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine forests, on cliff faces and terraces between cliffs, and along
riparian zones (multiple sources in USDI FWS 2012).
Habitat Assessment
About 8.6 million acres of critical habitat (i.e., habitat that is essential for the conservation of this species)
is designated for the Mexican spotted owl on Federal lands in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.
The northwest and southeast portions of the Pikes Peak Ranger District occur within two critical habitat
units that encompass about 54,365 acres of the district. The critical habitat designation includes areas
within these mapped units that are protected or restricted habitat as defined in the original Recovery Plan
(USDI FWS 1995). The proposed project area is located approximately two miles north of these critical
habitat units (MSO Protected Activity Centers [PAC]).
Within the project area, forested stands with the vegetative type and structural features that may support
this species encompass about 96 acres of the project area (USDA FS 2014). According to the MSO
Model for the Pike/San Isabel National Forest (USDA FS 2014), the project area contains 68.4 acres of
stands suitable as foraging habitat for the spotted owl and are considered forested recovery habitat (i.e.,
replacement nest/roost habitat). The project area also contains 24.7 acres of rocky canyon habitat on
National Forest System Lands.
Map 3: Mexican Spotted Owl Habitat Types Modeled within the Project Area on National Forest Service
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Survey Results & Field Reconnaissance
Several Mexican spotted owl surveys were conducted at 16 sites across the Pikes Peak Ranger District
during the early 1990’s. As a result of these early survey efforts, two Protected Activity Centers (i.e.,
known or historical nest and/or roost sites) were established at Rock Creek and Little Fountain Creek,
located about 2 miles south of the project area. The Forest Service conducted four MSO surveys each in
South Cheyenne Creek in 1990 and in North Cheyenne in 1992 and had negative results. The species has
not been documented in the project area.
Further analysis of the modeled MSO habitat in the field occurred on April 20, 2016 by Stephanie
Shively, Ed Biery and Steve Olson from the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron and
Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC). Reclassification of the modeled habitat was conducted during
field reconnaissance. The 3.24 acres of nest/roosting habitat located on National Forest is showing
tussock moth infestation and is of poor quality for nesting MSO (Photo 1). This area, the southwest
treatment polygon, was removed from the proposed action.
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Photo 1 - Nest/Roost Habitat Modeled on National Forest Lands along Gold Camp Road
In addition, several of the polygons identified as MSO forested nest/roost habitat were actually poor
quality sites of Douglas-fir plantations approximately 100 years in age. It is difficult to pull some of these
characteristics out of a habitat model covering an entire forest. An example of one site is shown in Photo
2. The trees are evening spaced in rows, all the same species and less than 15 inches in diameter. These
units are neighboring treatment units on National Forest. In general, the mixed conifer forest on the
National Forest within the project area was of poor quality for Mexican spotted owls due to a lack of the
following: dense forest canopy, large diameter trees, rocky canyons and riparian zones.
Biological Evaluation – Cheyenne Mountain Tussock Moth Control Biological Evaluation pg. 9
Photo 2 – Example of the Douglas-fir stands planted in the early 1900's.
All photos were shared with the USFWS Biologist, Leslie Ellwood, who agreed that the nesting/roosting
habitat modeled for MSO would not need further survey work and is not likely to contain nesting birds
(USFWS April 28, 2016).
Direct and Indirect Effects
The proposed tussock moth control management actions will avoid all the MSO Protected Activity
Centers at Rock Creek and Little Fountain Creek, located approximately two miles of the project. If an
active MSO nest is present in the project area, disturbance from helicopters flying during implementation
could cause adult birds to flush from the nest during fledgling periods, but research has shown they will
not, or are less likely, to flush during incubation and nestling periods (Delany et al. 1999). The helicopter
activities during one day in June are not likely to affect nesting success or nest abandonment. Mexican
spotted owl seem to be more tolerant of human activities than other raptor species (Delany et al. 1999).
No direct mortality or nest failure is likely to be caused by the project. No direct mortality is likely from
the spray itself (Durkin 2004).
Field Reconnaissance of the project area determined the MSO habitat on Forest Service Lands provides
conditions for foraging. The Mexican spotted owl diet relies mainly on small mammals such as woodrats,
mice, and voles. There is no plausible basis for concern regarding adverse effects in birds, plants, soil
microorganisms or invertebrates other than insects after exposure to B.t.k. (Durkin 2004). Small mammal
availability for the MSO is not likely to be reduced by the treatment/spraying for tussock moth. During
Biological Evaluation – Cheyenne Mountain Tussock Moth Control Biological Evaluation pg. 10
implementation, some prey species might be displaced, but likely to return shortly after to their home
ranges, nests, etc. The nocturnal habits of the foraging owl are suspected to remain the same after the
project is completed during daylight hours. Foraging habitat within the mixed conifer forest will remain
the same with the treatment for tussock moth. Without the treatment, prey habitat conditions are likely to
be altered and potentially reduce the quality of foraging habitat for the Mexican spotted owl as fir tree
mortality increases.
Cumulative Effects
The treatment area on National Forest System Lands contains relatively poor Mexican spotted owl habitat
relative to lands along the North and South Cheyenne Canyon bottoms, privately owned by Colorado
Springs, CO and others. These areas contain higher quality habitat due to the presence of rocky-canyons,
riparian corridors and dense canopy cover in mixed-conifer forest (MSO nesting/roosting). Most of these
sites show heavy tussock moth infestation and are likely to be experiencing tree mortality in the near
future, altering the suitability of MSO habitat (Photo 3).
Photo 3 - Colorado Springs Lands along North Cheyenne Canyon
It is possible an active nest could be present within these private lands which could be disturbed during
the application and spraying with a helicopter. There is a risk a nest could be abandoned during the
implementation of the project, resulting in a loss of reproduction, but research of military helicopter
flights and noise on MSO has shown it does not occur with a single, short duration flight (Delaney et al.
1999) and the birds return to the nest within 10-15 minutes after the disturbance. This research was
specific to site conditions and types of helicopter used, so is possible different results could occur within
the Cheyenne Canyon project area. The process of feeding young on the nest could also be impacted by
the helicopter flights if within close proximity of the nest. The closer the proximity to the nest, the greater
likelihood of flushing the birds (USFWS 2006, Delany et al. 1999).
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Cheyenne Canyon is located in the foothills of Colorado Springs and contains several miles of roads and
trails popular with the public. Noise disturbance associated with these human activities is present,
particularly during spring, summer and fall. Military operations (Air force academy and Fort Carson
Army Base) and a local Colorado Springs airport are present nearby. Some wildlife species may have
habituated to these types of human activities.
As the progression of the tussock moth continues, habitat for the Mexican spotted owl may decline in the
project area and birds will be displaced to lands outside the Cheyenne Canyon watershed. The proposed
treatment will reduce the risk of further Douglas-fir mortality in the area and will protect what habitat
currently exists.
Determination of Effects
The determination of the effect of the Proposed Action is ‘may affect, not likely to adversely affect’ the
Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida).
Sensitive Species
FRINGED MYOTIS, HOARY BAT, TOWNSEND’S BIG-EARED BAT, AMERICAN PEREGRINE FALCON,
FLAMMULATED OWL, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, AND OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER
The following species have the potential to occur within the project area based on habitat requirements
and known distribution, and have been grouped in order to simplify the analysis and disclosure of effects
for the proposed project. Although the manner in which these species utilize habitats may vary, they are
similarly impacted by forage availability and noise disturbance.
FRINGED MYOTIS (Myotis thysanodes): The status and occurrence of the fringed myotis is not well
known in Colorado, but the species is not particularly abundant. The fringed myotis may inhabit
ponderosa pine woodlands, shrublands, up to 7,500 feet in elevation. Caves, mines and buildings may be
used as both day and night roosts (Armstrong et al. 2011). This species regularly roosts underneath the
bark and inside hollows of large dead standing trees, particularly ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir in
medium stages of decay (Keinath 2004). The fringed myotis has a broad diet of moths, beetles,
caddisflies and other insects (Armstrong et al. 2001).
HOARY BAT (Lasiurus cinereus): The hoary bat is the most widespread bat in North America (Adams
2003). This bat is solitary and roosts primarily in the foliage of mainly ponderosa pine forests in the
mountains of Colorado (Armstrong et al. 2011). The hoary bat forages predominately in open areas,
including riparian forests, and prefers to consume moths (Adams 2003).
TOWNSEND’S BIG-EARED BAT (Plecotus townsendii syn. Corynorhinus townsendii): The Townsend’s
big-eared bat is a cave dwelling bat primarily. It inhabits semi-desert shrublands, pinon juniper
woodlands, and open montane forests (Armstrong et al. 2011). It occasionally will use hollows of old-
growth trees within coniferous and deciduous trees, mines abandoned buildings and crevices on rock
cliffs up to 9,500 feet. Townsend’s are gleaners, picking mainly moths, flies and other insects from leaves
for food.
Direct and Indirect Effects to Bats
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Field studies have shown that mammal species inhabiting a project area during spraying of Foray 48B, the
bacterium Btk, do not demonstrate adverse effects on their populations (Durkin 2004). Most inhalation
studies do not suggest a potential for adverse effects even at Btk concentrations much greater than those
likely to be encountered in the environment. Helicopter spraying will occur during the daylight hours
while bats are typically roosting in more protected sites (mines, caves, beneath the bark of tree, etc.). The
implementation of the project has a low risk of bat mortality.
Bat species present in the project area may have a reduction in available food supply. The active
ingredient of Foray 48B, the bacterium Btk, can cause large declines in populations of many species of
butterfly and moth caterpillars that are active at the time of spraying. Mortality rates are 80 to 94 percent
in susceptible species, but are much lower in tolerant species. This varies by family of butterfly and
moth. Butterflies are more sensitive than many moth families (Durkin 2004). Some studies have
observed recovery in about a year. Other studies have shown that at least two years is required for
Lepidoptera populations to recover. The local abundance of caterpillars was shown to be back to
pretreatment levels in three years in one study, but species diversity was below that of prior to treatment
(Manderino, et al. 2014). Foraging opportunities will be reduced for the three sensitive bat species within
the project area (approximately 411 acres) for 1-3 years.
AMERICAN PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus anatum): The peregrine falcon is a migratory species
which breeds in Colorado. Nest sites typically occur between 4,500 to 10,000 feet in elevation and are
situated 200 feet or higher on ledges or holes on the face of vertical rocky cliffs, walls of canyons and
gorges, or crags (White et al. 2002, Kingery 1998). Ideal nest locations also include undisturbed areas
with a wide view, proximity to water, and plentiful prey, mainly birds (Kingery 1998).
Habitat Assessment
This species has been documented nesting in the Bear Creek watershed since the 1980’s (Quesada and
Bohon 2015). Threats to this species include a decline in habitat quality and human disturbance of nest
sites. A seasonal closure of a rock feature is in place that prohibits human occupation annually from
April 1st through July 15
th for the protection of nesting habitat. Treatment activities associated with the
helicopter routes and landing areas will avoid the active nesting site restricted area (see Map 4) (Estep,
CPW 2016) to reduce the potential of disturbing nesting activities.
Biological Evaluation – Cheyenne Mountain Tussock Moth Control Biological Evaluation pg. 13
Map 4. Restricted Area for Peregrine Falcon Nesting in Bear Creek Watershed
NORTHERN GOSHAWK (Accipiter gentilis): The northern goshawk is considered a forest habitat
generalist, at a large spatial scale, that uses a wide variety of forest types, forest ages, structural
conditions, and successional stages (Reynolds et al. 1992, Kennedy 2003). Northern goshawk forage in
all forest types focusing on small mammals and forest bird species as prey. Nest territories are typically
found in mature forests with large trees, relatively closed canopies (i.e., 60–90%), and open understories.
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FLAMMULATED OWL (Otus flammeolus): In Colorado, the flammulated owl occurs regularly from 6,000
to 10,000 feet in elevation (Kingery 1998). Flammulated owls primarily inhabit open ponderosa pine or
old-growth ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir forests (Reynolds and Linkhart 1992). They are insectivores that
feed mainly on nocturnal arthropods and moths (McCallum 1994, Reynolds and Linkhart 1987). As other
prey become available, this species feeds on caterpillars, grasshoppers, spiders, crickets, and beetles.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi): The olive-sided flycatcher is a migratory bird which
breeds in Colorado and is most commonly found in the higher elevations in the spruce/fir forests. The
species forages along edges of early successional forests, severe burned areas, blowdown, small forest
gaps resulting from tree death in old-growth forests, and openings with snags. This species most
commonly nests in live coniferous trees, typically using short-needled conifers (e.g., Douglas-fir and
spruce) (Kotliar 2007). They prey upon flying insects such as moths, flies, bees, grasshoppers and
dragonflies (Kingery 1998).
Direct and Indirect Effects to Birds
Similar to mammals, Btk has not been shown to cause direct mortality to bird species (Durkin 2004). The
process of spraying with a helicopter during June could cause disturbance while adult birds are on the
nests of these species during incubation, nestling or fledgling periods. Potentially they could abandon
their nest and/or not successfully reproduce if the disturbance is significant. A restricted area has been
created for the Peregrine Falcon active nest site in the Bear Creek Watershed. This will relieve pressure
on this species during critical nesting periods. Nest locations for the remaining bird species are not
known, but assumed present. The proposed action includes only a single treatment for the project area.
The short-term disturbance caused by a helicopter flight covering the project area just above the tree
canopy could flush birds and disrupt feeding of young. Reactions of raptors in general to helicopters are
mixed and may be related to the amount of helicopter hovering time spent above a nest, height above the
nest, or the frequency of aircraft flights within a nest’s vicinity (USFWS 2002). Implementation during a
one-day event will allow for a quick return of adults to their nests. There is a risk a species such as the
northern goshawk could abandon their nest as research has shown they are less tolerant then falcons or
owl species (USFWS 2002). Cheyenne Canyon is a popular recreation site with several miles of trail and
roads, developed sight-seeing facilities tied to the Hellen Hunt Falls and Silver Cascade Falls. Birds
present are likely somewhat habituated with human activities, noise and associated disturbances.
The Flammulated owl and Olive-sided flycatcher diets rely partially on moths which populations will be
reduced with the proposed treatment. Foraging availability will be reduced for potentially several years in
the area causing them to find alternative sites.
As discussed in the hazard identification, there is no plausible basis for concern regarding adverse effects
in birds, plants, soil microorganisms or invertebrates other than insects after exposure to B.t.k. (Durkin
2004).
Cumulative Effects to Birds
Treating the tussock moth infestation within North and Cheyenne Canyon on both public and private
lands could slow the spread, reduce further Douglas-fir and White fir mortality and allow for the current
amount of live trees to remain approximately the same. Neighboring watersheds could be protected. The
Bear Creek Watershed, where the greenback cutthroat trout is present, is experiencing tussock moth
Biological Evaluation – Cheyenne Mountain Tussock Moth Control Biological Evaluation pg. 15
defoliation, but no treatments will be done. Because of this, habitat provided by recently infested mixed
conifer forest will be available to wildlife species in the surrounding area. Bat species, olive-sided
flycatcher, flammulated owl foraging will be available in these areas of non-treatment.
Determination of Effects on Sensitive Species
The Cheyenne Mountain Tussock Moth Control Project may adversely impact individuals, but not likely
to result in a loss of viability on the Planning area, nor cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of species
viability range wide.
Prepared by:
/s/ Stephanie Shively Date: May 10, 2016
Stephanie Shively
Salida Ranger District Wildlife Biologist
Reviewed by:
/s/ Mike Welker Date: May 16, 2016
Mike Welker
PSICC Fish and Wildlife Program Leader
Note: Any questions regarding this Biological Evaluation should be directed to Mike Welker.
LITERATURE CITED/REFERENCES
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Colorado, Boulder, 328 pp.
Altman, B. and R. Sallabanks. 2000. Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), The Birds of North America
Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America Online.
Available:<http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/502doi:10.2173/bna.502>
Andrews, R. and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds. The Denver Museum of Natural History, Denver, CO. 442 pp.
Armstrong, D. M., J. P. Fitzgerald, and C. A. Meaney. 2011. Mammals of Colorado, Second Edition. University
Press of Colorado, Boulder, CO. 704 pp.
Bestgen, K.R., K.B. Rogers, and R. Granger. 2013. Phenotype predicts genotype for lineages of native cutthroat
trout in the Southern Rocky Mountains. Final Report to US Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado Field Office,
Denver Federal Center (MS 65412), Denver, CO. Larval Fish Laboratory Contribution 177.
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Assessment for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre,
and Gunnison National Forests, Delta, Colorado.
Delaney, D.K., T.G. Grubb, P. Beier, L.L. Pater, M.H. Reiser. 1999. Effects of helicopter noise on Mexican spotted
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Durkin, P.R. 2004. Control/eradication agents for the gypsy moth – human health and ecological risk assessment
for Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (B.t.k.) final report. For USDA, Forest Service, Forest Health
Protection. Syracuse Environmental Research Associates, Inc., Fayetteville, New York.
Biological Evaluation – Cheyenne Mountain Tussock Moth Control Biological Evaluation pg. 16
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