BIOLOGY: AQUATIC BASELINE EXISTING CONDITIONS MEMORANDUM

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alternative solutions that address safety and traffic congestion problems along Highway 62 (the Crater Lake Highway) from Medford to White City, Oregon. The contents of this memorandum are based on a site reconnaissance conducted by Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc. (MB&G) on June 28-29, 2004 and a subsequent updating of detailed field studies conducted during 1998-2000. 2.0 METHODS Documentation of current baseline environmental conditions, including the presence of endangered, threatened, and sensitive species or their habitats, required general literature- based research, personal communication with agency biologists, and a site reconnaissance to confirm the detailed field surveys conducted during 1998-2000. 2.1 General Data Collection and Agency Contacts General data collection and review included analysis of existing reports (MB&G 2000), watershed and riparian assessments (Bear Creek Watershed Council 2001, Wetland Consulting 2002), USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps, aerial photographs, and natural resource publications (Oregon Natural Heritage Program 2001, 2003) to identify potential habitat for threatened or endangered species within the project area. The 2002 list of waterbodies that failed to meet Clean Water Act standards (Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 2003) was reviewed to determine if any of the streams had water- quality problems that might affect the distribution of aquatic species. In addition, MB&G requested information about the presence of federally listed fish species in the project study area from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (USFWS 2004). The presence of species considered endangered, threatened, or sensitive by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) or the Oregon Natural Heritage Program (ONHP) was assessed through a query of the Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center (ORNHIC) database (ONHP 2004). Biology: Aquatic Baseline Existing Conditions Memorandum O:\25695622 Highway 62 EIS\Baseline Reports\Final\Bio-Aquatic\Biology Aquatic_Final.doc Page 2 Data available from published sources was supplemented by personal communications with local biologists and managers at ODFW, ODOT, USFWS, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). 2.2 Site Reconnaissance In 1998, MB&G personnel conducted qualitative and quantitative habitat assessments for federally-listed fish (MB&G 2000). Qualitative assessments were based on the presence of potential spawning sites, condition of riparian vegetation, potential for recruitment of large woody debris, and the presence of barriers to fish passage. Quantitative assessments were based on measurements of stream characteristics including depth, width, flow, substrate, pool size, riffle presence, and percent riparian cover. Prior to preparing this memorandum, MB&G personnel revisited the project study area on 28-29 June 2004 to confirm and update the information gathered during these assessments. MB&G personnel visited all streams within the project study area and made general observations on the condition of streams and riparian areas, apparent water quality, and apparent habitat quality for salmonid fish. 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS 3.1 Threatened or Endangered Fish Species Analysis of existing records and agency databases indicate that the project study area has the potential to support one threatened fish species, coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) of the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coasts Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) (USFWS 1999; an updated request is currently pending). Two species considered sensitive by ODFW are known to occur within the project study area: the fall run of the southern Oregon/northern California Coastal ESU of chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) and the summer run of the Klamath Mountains ESU of steelhead ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) (ONHP 2004). 3.1.1 Coho Salmon Federal status: Threatened State status: Sensitive Critical The project study area contains several fish-bearing streams (for details, see Section 3.2), but none are known to contain coho salmon at this time (Jerry Vogt, pers. comm., biologist, ODFW, July 8, 2004). The absence of coho salmon is largely due to habitat degradation, as most of the streams have only intermittent flow, no mature riparian vegetation, no large woody debris, no spawning gravels, heavy loads of fine sediment Biology: Aquatic Baseline Existing Conditions Memorandum O:\25695622 Highway 62 EIS\Baseline Reports\Final\Bio-Aquatic\Biology Aquatic_Final.doc Page 3 that have created a silty bottom substrate, and high summer water temperatures. Many stream sections flow through concrete-lined channels and tunnels, and barriers to fish passage are numerous. However, coho salmon use nearby Bear Creek, of which one stream in the project study area is a tributary, as spawning and rearing habitat. 3.1.2 Chinook salmon Federal status: Not listed State status: Sensitive Critical Historically, fall-run chinook salmon used streams within the project study area as spawning and rearing habitat. Chinook salmon no longer spawn or rear young within the project study area, as suitable habitat is absent. However, in 2000, ODFW employees documented an adult fall-run chinook salmon in Lone Pine Creek just southeast of the runway at Medford International Airport (Jerry Vogt, pers. comm., biologist, ODFW, July 8, 2004). No recent records of chinook salmon exist for any of the other streams within the project study area. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to assume that chinook salmon may occasionally occupy streams within the project study area. In addition, chinook salmon use nearby Bear Creek as spawning and rearing habitat. 3.1.3 Steelhead Federal status: Not listed State status: Sensitive Vulnerable Summer steelhead use many of the streams that flow through the project study area as spawning and rearing habitat, although it is unlikely that spawning takes place within the project study area due to the degraded nature of the streams. A 1991 fish presence survey revealed steelhead in Lone Pine Creek as far east as Highway 62 (Jerry Vogt, pers. comm., biologist, ODFW, July 8, 2004). Steelhead have also been collected outside of the project study area from Whetstone Creek near the intersection of Swanson and Whetstone Creeks (west of the project study area). Steelhead also use Bear Creek, which lies outside of the Highway 62 corridor, as spawning and rearing habitat. 3.2 Principal Streams The project study area lies within the Bear Creek watershed, a 5 th field watershed draining approximately 396 square miles (Bear Creek Watershed Council 2001). Four principal streams flow through the project study area: Lone Pine Creek, Upton Creek, Swanson Creek, and Whetstone Creek (Figure 1). Lone Pine Creek flows into Bear Creek, a tributary of the Rogue River, and the remaining three creeks flow directly into the Rogue River. A small creek at the northern terminus of the project study area, T A B L E R O C K R D C R A T E R L A K E H W Y 6 2 C O K E R B U T T E R D D E L T A W A T E R S R D E V I L A S R D M E D C O H A U L R D T A B L E R O C K R D W I L S O N R D E G R E G O R Y R D W G R E G O R Y R D C O R E Y R D L A K E O F T H E W O O D S H W Y A N T E L O P E R D . - , 5 " ! 9 9 " ! 6 2 6 1 5 3 2 3 1 3 0 2 9 2 0 1 9 7 8 1 7 1 8 1 3 1 2 3 6 2 5 2 4 R 1 W R 2 W T 3 6 S T 3 7 S B E A R \x4 C R E E K S . \x4 S W A N S O N \x4 C R E E K N . \x4 S W A S O N \x4 C R E E K W H E T S T O N E \x4 C R E E K M e d f o r d U P T O N \x4 C R E E K B I D D L E R D B U L L O C K R D L E A R W A Y P O P L A R D R J A C K \x4 C R E E K L O N E \x4P I N E \x4C R E E K L O N E \x4 P I N E \x4 C R E E K R o a d s H i g h w a y s O t h e r R o a d s S t r e a m s L a r g e M e d i u m S m a l l R u n w a y s S e c t i o n L i n e s P r i n c i p a l S t r e a m s a n d W a t e r s F i g u r e 1 P l o t \x8D a t e : \x8A u g u s t \x80 3 , \x82 0 0 4 ; \x8/ / g i s _ c l i e n t \ 1 2 4 5 _ u r s _ h w y 6 2 \ A r c V i e w \ h w y 6 2 _ r e p o r t _ 0 8 0 4 . a p r C a n a l s / D i t c h e s / C u l v e r t s M e d f o r d , O r e g o n H i g h w a y 6 2 / C r a t e r L a k e H w y C o r r i d o r S o l u t i o n s P r o j e c t S N E W 0 2 5 0 5 0 0 7 5 0 1 0 0 0 M e t e r s 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 F e e t M a p F e a t u r e s Biology: Aquatic Baseline Existing Conditions Memorandum O:\25695622 Highway 62 EIS\Baseline Reports\Final\Bio-Aquatic\Biology Aquatic_Final.doc Page 5 unnamed on most maps, but known locally as Jack Creek, ends in a pond west of Highway 62 on the Ken Denman Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The following sections present more detailed descriptions of the streams within the project study area, their general conditions, and the quality of the habitat they provide. 3.2.1 Lone Pine Creek Lone Pine Creek, the southernmost of the streams within the project study area, flows approximately 2.2 miles from the Roxy Ann Peak foothills (east of the project study area) to its terminus at Bear Creek west of the Medford International Airport. The stream channel is highly confined through much of its lower reaches, and has been extensively modified by commercial and residential development. The natural stream channel has been replaced with concrete lining in several stretches. Riparian setbacks are minimal due to encroachment by private landowners. Water quality in Lone Pine Creek is poor and water temperatures exceed 303(d) criteria during the summer with monthly average maximum water temperatures near the project study area exceeding 74ºF (Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 2003). Flows in Lone Pine Creek are ephemeral and ground-disturbing activities contribute to heavy sediment loads and high turbidity (Bear Creek Watershed Council 2001). Lone Pine Creek supports low-quality riparian and aquatic habitats. The lack of shading riparian vegetation and low flows during summer contribute to water temperatures that approach the upper incipient lethal temperature for adults and juvenile salmonids (McCullough 1999), and likely act as thermal barriers. Because of a lack of riparian vegetation, Lone Pine Creek within the project study area is considered cseverely degraded d in terms of the quality of habitat provided for aquatic and terrestrial animals (Wetland Consulting 2002). The bottom substrate of Lone Pine Creek within the project study area is generally silty with some concrete-lined sections, and no suitable spawning habitat was observed during the June 2004 site reconnaissance. Numerous barriers to fish passage exist, including culverts with water depths less than 1 inch and airport security fencing within the stream channel. Nonetheless, steelhead are known to use Lone Pine Creek within the project study area, and chinook salmon have been recorded just outside of the project study area (Jerry Vogt, pers. comm., biologist, ODFW, July 8, 2004). Lone Pine Creek is channeled beneath the ground at Highway 62, and thus fish passage beyond the highway is almost certainly prevented. No salmonids were observed during the June 28-29, 2004 site reconnaissance. 3.2.2 Upton Creek Upton Creek, also labeled as Upton Slough or Midway Creek on some maps, lies north of Lone Pine Creek and flows northwest for approximately 9.2 miles, terminating at the Rogue River. Upton Creek has been highly modified, and is piped underground across much of the project study area. However, Upton Creek receives abundant surface and sub-surface drainage and plays a major role in stormwater filtration (Bear Creek Watershed Council 2001). Encroachment by private landowners has greatly reduced the Biology: Aquatic Baseline Existing Conditions Memorandum O:\25695622 Highway 62 EIS\Baseline Reports\Final\Bio-Aquatic\Biology Aquatic_Final.doc Page 6 quality and extent of riparian habitat. Water quality has not been sampled by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, but temperatures are believed to exceed 303(d) criteria (Bear Creek Watershed Council 2001). Residential and commercial development, and associated road building, has greatly increased sediment load and turbidity within Upton Creek. Upton Creek is stagnant in many areas, and large algal mats are common. The stream channel is completely rip-rapped west of Highway 62 near the Tower Business Park, and no aboveground water flow was evident during the June 2004 site reconnaissance. Illegally dumped trash was also noted at several points during the June 2004 site reconnaissance. Aquatic habitat with Upton Creek is generally poor. Water temperatures are high, flow is low to stagnant, algal mats are common, turbidity is high, and the bottom substrate is silt and sand, precluding use by spawning salmonids. Shading riparian vegetation is absent along most reaches within the project study area, and no large woody debris was noted within the stream during the June 2004 site reconnaissance. Large trees that might allow for natural recruitment of large woody debris are absent from the portion of Upton Creek within the project study area. Barriers to fish passage are numerous and include shallow flows through culverts at Highway 62 and the rip-rapped channel near the Tower Business Park on the east side of Highway 62. Fish presence surveys have not been conducted in Upton Creek (Jerry Vogt, pers. comm., biologist, ODFW, July 8, 2004), and no salmonids were noted during the June 2004 site reconnaissance. Sunfish ( Lepomis sp.), mosquitofish ( Gambusia affinis ), and larval bullfrogs ( Rana catesbeiana) were observed at several locations. Riparian vegetation around Upton Creek ranges from non-existent (e.g., graded bare soil near the Tower Business Park) east of Highway 62 to dense thickets of Himalayan blackberry ( Rubus discolor ), cattail ( Typha spp.), and scattered Pacific willow ( Salix lasiandra ) and black cottonwood ( Populus trichocarpa ) between Highway 62 and the Medco Haul Road. Because of this variation, the quality of wildlife habitat along Upton Creek ranges from severely degraded to somewhat degraded (Wetland Consulting 2002). Birds such as song sparrow ( Melospiza melodia ) and red-winged blackbird ( Agelaius phoeniceus ) are common in riparian areas, and Upton Creek may be an important travel corridor for mammals, linking habitats on either side of the Medford-White City urban corridor. A coyote ( Canis latrans ) was observed traveling along the Upton Creek riparian area during the June 2004 site reconnaissance. 3.2.3 Swanson Creek North of Upton Creek lies Swanson Creek (which includes an unnamed tributary that crosses Highway 62 approximately 0.5 miles north of Swanson Creek proper), a tributary to Whetstone Creek. Water quality in Swanson Creek has not been systematically surveyed, but is believed to exceed 303(d) criteria for both temperature and sedimentation (Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 2003). The bottom substrate is mostly silt and decaying organic matter; gravel beds or other suitable substrates for salmonid spawning are absent. Turbidity was noticeably high (visibility of < 4 inches) during the June 2004 site visit by MB&G. Biology: Aquatic Baseline Existing Conditions Memorandum O:\25695622 Highway 62 EIS\Baseline Reports\Final\Bio-Aquatic\Biology Aquatic_Final.doc Page 7 In several places, no surface water was observed flowing within the channel during the June 2004 site visit; one section of Swanson Creek north of Justice Road had been dammed to allow ATV traffic across the streambed and into an adjacent vacant lot. Although Swanson Creek is not as heavily channelized as other streams in the project study area, the unnamed tributary to Swanson Creek flows through an artificial channel. Riparian vegetation is largely absent from the portion of Swanson Creek that flows through the project study area, and no large woody debris was observed. In spite of degraded habitat conditions, steelhead have been identified west of the project study area in Swanson Creek as recently as 2000 (Jerry Vogt, pers. comm., biologist, ODFW, July 8, 2004). However, given the low quality of aquatic habitat and the numerous barriers to fish passage, including thermal barriers, velocity barriers, and absolute physical barriers (e.g., ad hoc dams), it is unlikely that salmonids currently use the portions of Swanson Creek within the project study area. Swanson Creek does support warmwater species, including sunfish, larval bullfrogs, and invertebrates such as water boatman (Hemiptera:Corixidae). Riparian conditions are severely to moderately degraded along Swanson Creek within the project study area (Wetland Consulting 2002). Private landowners have encroached into the riparian zone, especially west of Highway 62, where most of the riparian area has been mowed and consists of lawn-like expanses of grass. Small stands of young willow, black cottonwood, and Oregon ash ( Fraxinus latifolia ) occur in a thin strip east of Highway 62; although relatively small in extent, these narrow forested stands represent some of the best remaining riparian habitat in the project study area. Vegetated riparian areas such as those along upper Swanson Creek may be especially important in allowing wildlife to travel safely across the Rogue Valley. 3.2.4 Whetstone Creek Whetstone Creek flows directly into the Rogue River. Water quality has not been measured, but is believed to exceed 303 (d) criteria for temperature and likely exceeds for sedimentation as well. In some reaches, the stream channel has been significantly realigned to accommodate commercial development (e.g., northwest of Lotus Lane and at the intersection of Leigh Way and Highway 62). Water flow is variable and Whetstone Creek is stagnant at some locations. For example, Whetstone Creek ponds up behind a culvert on the west side of Highway 62, creating an area of deep turbid water surrounded by dense stands of reed canarygrass ( Phalaris arundinacea ), purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria ), and cattails ( Tyhpa spp.). The bottom substrate is silty throughout, except for scattered locations with boulder-sized construction debris. Riparian conditions are variable, but generally poor with substantial encroachment by private landowners. As with the other streams within the project study area, aquatic habitat quality in Whetstone Creek and its tributaries is poor. However, Whetstone Creek does support summer-run steelhead, although whether they regularly occur within the project study area is questionable as the ponds at the Ken Denman Wildlife Management Area Biology: Aquatic Baseline Existing Conditions Memorandum O:\25695622 Highway 62 EIS\Baseline Reports\Final\Bio-Aquatic\Biology Aquatic_Final.doc Page 8 (WMA), downstream of the project study area, likely act as barriers. Whetstone Creek provides habitat for warmwater species, and also supports an unusually large number of wetlands that provide habitat for a variety of species (Bear Creek Watershed Council 2001). The wetlands at the Ken Denman WMA, as well as the Whetstone Savannah southwest of the Ken Denman WMA, have been identified by the Audubon Society of Portland as Important Bird Areas (Audubon Society of Portland 2004). Riparian habitats along Whetstone Creek and its tributaries are generally poor within the project study area. Monotypic stands of reed canary grass, poison hemlock ( Conium maculatum ) and blackberry are common. Young willow, Oregon ash, and black cottonwood are also present in some areas. In residential and commercial areas, the riparian area has largely been replaced by rip-rap, construction debris, or non-native landscaping plants. However, the two northern branches of Whetstone Creek connect to the ponds, wetlands, and associated habitats in the Ken Denman WMA and thus may be important wildlife travel corridors connecting this isolated reserve with habitats east of the Medford-White City urban area. 3.2.5 Jack Creek Jack Creek consists of two small, intermittent streams that cross Highway 62 near Leigh Way. On some maps, Jack Creek is considered a northern branch or tributary of Whetstone Creek. The northern branch arises south of White City and flows for approximately 1 mile before ending in a pond on the Ken Denman WMA. The southern branch flows out of the ponds at Hoover Ponds County Park and crosses Highway 62 just north of East Gregory Road. The channel of the southern branch is indistinct in many sections, with the creek appearing more marshy or ponded than riverine. Water quality has not been measured in Jack Creek, but based on the June 2004 site reconnaissance it likely exceeds 303 (d) criteria for temperature and sedimentation. Water flow was low at all locations visited during the June 2004 site reconnaissance, and in many areas Jack Creek was ponded and stagnant. For example, where the southern branch crosses under Highway 62, the culvert has been completely blocked by mud and organic debris, creating a large, shallow pond. In other areas, such as where Jack Creek crosses under Leigh Way, the stream channel is completely overgrown with plants such as reed canary grass, blackberry, and cattail. On both branches, the stream channel has been significantly realigned in places to accommodate commercial development. Aquatic habitat quality in Jack Creek is poor. Large algal mats are common, and water depth is generally less than 6 inches. Turbidity is high. Stormwater is piped directly into Jack Creek from the Dollar Tree parking lot, and oil sheens were obvious at several places during the June 2004 site reconnaissance. Because Jack Creek empties into ponds on the Ken Denman WMA, it does not support anadromous fish. Hoover Ponds County Park is a popular warmwater fishery, and thus parts of Jack Creek may support warmwater species. However, no fish were observed in Jack Creek during the June 2004 site reconnaissance. Biology: Aquatic Baseline Existing Conditions Memorandum O:\25695622 Highway 62 EIS\Baseline Reports\Final\Bio-Aquatic\Biology Aquatic_Final.doc Page 9 Riparian conditions along Jack Creek are generally poor with substantial encroachment by private landowners. Monotypic stands of reed canary grass and blackberry are the most common riparian plant communities. Young willow, Oregon ash, and black cottonwood are also present in some areas. In residential and commercial areas, the riparian area has largely been replaced by rip-rap, construction debris, or pavement. Nonetheless, what remains of the riparian area along Jack Creek may be an important travel corridor for wildlife moving between the Ken Denman WMA and habitats east of the Medford-White City urban area. 4.0 SUMMARY Four principal streams flow through the project study area: Lone Pine Creek, Upton Creek, Swanson Creek, and Whetstone Creek. Jack Creek, a small intermittent stream system, also flows through northern part of the project study area. In general, aquatic and riparian habitats within the project study area have been moderately to severely impacted by residential and commercial development and associated infrastructure such as roads. Coho salmon, a federally threatened species, no longer occur within the project study area, presumably due to the loss of habitat. However, all of the streams within the project study area flow into rivers that still support runs of coho salmon, and thus the downstream effects of any action within the project study area should be considered. Chinook salmon and steelhead, both of which are state-sensitive species, may still occur occasionally in streams within the project study area, although spawning and rearing habitats no longer exist. General aquatic habitat conditions are poor, due primarily to high temperatures, low flow, sedimentation, and a lack of riparian vegetation and associated large woody debris. Channelization, bank armoring, and the piping of streams underground have also diminished the biological integrity of the aquatic ecosystems within the project study area. Native riparian plant communities are largely absent, save for scattered stands of willow, Oregon ash, and black cottonwood. Where human disturbance has eliminated native streamside plants, exotic species such as poison hemlock, Himalayan blackberry, and reed canary grass have formed extensive monocultures. Commercial and residential development has encroached into the riparian area in most places, and some streambanks are still subject to disturbances such as mowing and soil grading. Despite the poor condition of riparian areas within the project study area, some of the creeks likely still provide important travel corridors for wildlife moving across the valley. Whetstone Creek, which flows into the Ken Denman Wildlife Management Area, may be an especially important linkage between the isolated wildlife reserve and habitats east of the Medford-White City urban area. 5.0 REFERENCES Audubon Society of Portland 2004. Oregon 9s Important Bird Areas . URL: http://www.oregoniba.org/sitesalpha.htm . (July 17, 2004). Biology: Aquatic Baseline Existing Conditions Memorandum O:\25695622 Highway 62 EIS\Baseline Reports\Final\Bio-Aquatic\Biology Aquatic_Final.doc Page 10 Bear Creek Watershed Council. 2001. Bear Creek Watershed Assessment : Part II Bear Creek and Tributaries . Rogue Valley Council of Governments, Central Point, OR. 200 pp. Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc. (MB&G). 2000. Technical Report No. 2 for Biological Resources; Highway 62 Corridor Solutions Project. October 18, 2000. McCullough D.A. 1999. A Review and Synthesis of Effects to the Water Temperature Regime on Freshwater Life Stages of Salmonids with Special Reference to Chinook Salmon. USEPA EPA 910-R010 . Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. (ODEQ). 2003. ODEQ 9s 2002 303(d) list of water quality limited waterbodies and Oregon 9s criteria used for listing waterbodies . URL: http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/303dlist/303dpage.htm . (July 14, 2004). Oregon Natural Heritage Program. (ONHP). 2001. Rare, threatened, and endangered plants and animals of Oregon . Oregon Natural Heritage Program, Portland, OR. 94 pp. Oregon Natural Heritage Program. (ONHP). 2003. Oregon Natural Heritage Plan. Department of State Lands, Salem, OR. 167 pp. Oregon Natural Heritage Program (ONHP). 2004. Personal Communication. Letter from C. Alton of ONHP to J. Lloyd of Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc. regarding results of ONHP database search. August 11, 2004. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2004. Personal Communication. Letter from K. McMaster of USFWS to J. Lloyd of Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc. regarding the presence of federally threatened and endangered species. August 27, 2004. United States Geological Survey (USGS). 1983. Topographic Quadrangle Map 1:24000: Eagle Point, Medford East, Medford West, and Sam 9s Valley Quadrangles . Vogt, J. 2004. District Fish Biologist, Rogue District Office, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Phone call with J. Lloyd of Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc. and faxed document on July 8, 2004. Wetland Consulting. 2002. Medford Riparian Inventory and Assessment . Wetland Consulting, Portland, OR. 27 pp.

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