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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 3
<br />230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Affected Environment
<br /> PAGE 3-47
<br />Within the Project study area, perennial grasslands are less common (5.6 percent; 10,022 acres) and are
<br />dominated by perennial bunchgrasses such as crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), bluebunch
<br />wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), Sandberg bluegrass, Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), needle
<br />and thread grass (Hesperostipa comata), squirreltail (Elymus elymoides), and Thurber’s needlegrass
<br />(Achnatherum thurberianum). Many of the same species found in shrub-steppe habitats utilize perennial
<br />grasslands, including Brewer’s sparrow, vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), lark sparrow
<br />(Chondestes grammacus), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), common nighthawk (Chordeiles
<br />minor), and northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides). Wildlife species commonly found in
<br />grasslands are presented in Table 3.3-1.
<br />Rock/Basalt Cliffs
<br />Rock talus and exposed rock habitats are important nesting and cover habitats for a variety of wildlife
<br />species. Rock/basalt cliffs occur on approximately 39.8 acres (less than 0.1 percent) within the Project
<br />study area. Cliff and talus slope habitats support small amounts of vegetation and provide shade, cover,
<br />nesting, and rearing sites. Cliffs are considered a priority habitat by the WDFW (2008). Many predators,
<br />such as coyotes (Canis latrans) are likely to forage in rock talus habitats due to the occurrence of small
<br />mammals. Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are also likely to use
<br />these habitats. Sagebrush lizard, western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), night snake
<br />(Hypsiglena torquata), gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer), striped whipsnake, and racer (Coluber
<br />constrictor) are all associated with rocky areas (WDFW 2006a; JBLM YTC 2002). Wildlife species
<br />commonly found in basalt cliff habitats are presented in Table 3.3-1.
<br />Riparian and Wetland Communities and Trees
<br />Riparian and wetland communities comprise a small portion of the Project study area (743 acres; 0.4
<br />percent), but these communities are characterized by higher productivity and greater habitat and species
<br />diversity compared to adjacent uplands (Knutson and Naef 1997). Except for trees on irrigated land (e.g.,
<br />planted windbreaks adjacent to orchards) and around residential areas, trees in the Project study area are
<br />limited. There is a single 1.1-acre patch of quaking aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) in the Project study
<br />area along the southern Action Alternatives A-H at Route Segments 1b and 1c. Several non-native trees
<br />are established in isolated patches within the Project study area (24.8 acres). These include Russian olive
<br />(Elaeagnus angustifolia), Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), and white mulberry (Morus alba). Although
<br />introduced to this area, these trees do provide suitable nest sites, food, and cover for a suite of wildlife
<br />species (Grant 1997; Swearingen 2009). Riparian, wetland, and tree habitats are used by a variety of
<br />species including bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), American
<br />kestrel (Falco sparverius), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), and song sparrow (Melospiza melodia).
<br />Wildlife species commonly found in riparian and wetland areas are presented in Table 3.3-1.
<br />The majority of riparian areas within the Project study area are seasonally moist uplands. These drier
<br />riparian areas are typically vegetated with upland shrubs, including sagebrush. A small wetland is present
<br />in the JBLM YTC Cantonment Area (Route Segment NNR-2). The Yakima River (Route Segment NNR-
<br />3), Burbank Creek (Route Segment NNR-3), and Foster Creek (Route Segment NNR-6) support wooded
<br />riparian vegetation, primarily dominated by black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) and willow (Salix
<br />sp.). The largest riparian areas occur along the Columbia River and Lower Crab Creek near the southern
<br />Action Alternatives A-H (Route Segments 3b and 3c); much of the Crab Creek riparian area is bordered
<br />by pastureland and disturbed, often grazed, shrub-steppe habitats. For more information on water
<br />resources and riparian and wetland vegetation, refer to Sections 3.14 Water Resources, 3.2 Vegetation,
<br />and Appendix A - Project Maps.
<br />Existing Infrastructure and Disturbances
<br />Within the Project study area, shrub-steppe habitat has been fragmented by the invasion of non-native
<br />plants, roads, residential development, livestock grazing, agricultural land use, and altered fire-regimes.
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