Attach_7_-_Environmental_Assessment_March_2017_Draft_2.pdf

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Purpose and Need

2 Alternatives

3 Comparison of Alternatives

4 Affected Environment

5 Environmental Consequences of No Action

6 Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action Alternative

7 Environmental Compliance Actions For Implementation

8 Agency Coordination

9 List of Preparers

10 References

1 PURPOSE AND NEED

This Environmental Assessment (EA) examines potential environmental impacts of constructing visitor use facilities in Black Canyon, Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (PNWR), Lincoln County, NV. Black Canyon is located on the east side of U.S. Route 93, opposite from the PNWR Visitor Center (see map on page 2). In 2012, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) funded a channel restoration project, hydrologically connecting Black Canyon to Upper and Lower Pahranagat Lakes. This restoration effort enhanced ecological communities and migratory bird habitat with the addition of a riparian corridor running past a scenic rock butte. Black Canyon also contains sensitive cultural resources, and the area is an Archaeological District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For the Nuwuvi (Southern Paiutes), Pahranagat and especially Black Canyon signify an area of great cultural and spiritual importance. Black Canyon is a sacred place of creation and reflection and contains many petroglyphs, stone rings, stone artifacts (Spoon et al., 2013). Nuwuvi Working Group members suggested recommendations to FWS for management of Black Canyon that includes limiting foot traffic to a trail around the canyon floor, not allowing access to the top of the butte, and reintroducing native plants and animals (The Mountain Institute, 2015).

In collaboration with Nuwuvi Working Group members and stakeholders, FWS developed the Interpretive and Public Use Site Plan for the Black Canyon Archaeological District (The Mountain Institute, 2015). Increasing numbers of visitors to PNWR and Black Canyon and unrestricted rock climbing can inadvertently damage the abundant cultural and biological resources. If unmitigated, these impacts could increasingly degrade the visitor experience and precious resources for future generations. Implementation of the Interpretive and Public Use Site Plan for Black Canyon Archaeological District would revitalize the connection of the Nuwuvi with their ancestral lands (see Spoon et al., 2012), enhance outdoor recreation opportunities at Black Canyon, educate visitors about cultural and natural resources, and improve conservation of resources and visitor safety, to allow public use of Black Canyon consistent with FWS policies and oversight.

2 ALTERNATIVES

2.1 Proposed No Action Alternative

Under this alternative, no visitor facilities would be developed in Black Canyon. Black Canyon would remain closed to the public, but control of unauthorized visitation would be difficult to enforce and disturbances from trespassers and social trails would remain. The existing clearing near the proposed parking lot area would continue to be bare. No signs would direct visitors to important cultural sites, and PNWR staff would not implement new plantings. PNWR would not coordinate with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) to install turn lanes on U.S.

Route 93. Parking would be limited to a small, disturbed dirt area at the south entrance to Black Canyon. No solitude area for Nuwuvi would be constructed and no gate improvements would be installed. The development or implementation of a management or area maintenance plan would not occur.

2.2 Proposed Action Alternative

Under this alternative (see map on page 4), visitor facilities constructed in Black Canyon would limit visitor traffic and impacts to established trails and a parking area. The project would install amenities that include shaded rest areas and interpretive signs. Turning lanes from U.S.

Route 93, constructed in coordination with NDOT, would improve safety for turning into and out of the trailhead to Black Canyon. Areas impacted by social trails away from the new established trail system would be restored with native plantings. Plantings would cover a small bare dirt road spur currently located at a gate, proposed for removal, near the southwest corner of the butte.

The trail design presented below is based on conceptual drawings from the Interpretive and Public Use Site Plan for the Black Canyon Archaeological District (The Mountain Institute, 2015).

Actual trail configurations may change slightly with the development of final design plans.

Construction of the trail and parking lot visitor facilities at Black Canyon would disturb approximately three acres. The new trail and parking lot would be built within areas that have previously been disturbed by abandoned roads and ditches. Approximately one acre of the construction footprint is disturbed soil, so implementation of this project would create approximately two acres of new disturbance. A one-half acre restoration area would add native plantings, and rest areas around the trail would also include tree plantings to provide shade for visitors. All trail areas would be constructed with stabilized native soil surfaces. The parking area at the trailhead would be constructed out of permeable material, such as gravel, with concrete Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant parking spaces.

Visitor facilities at Black Canyon would include the construction of Architectural Barriers Act-certified visitor facilities in accordance with guidelines posted by the United States Access Board (https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-aba-standards/aba-standards accessed 1/26/2017). These facilities would include:

- Approximately 2 miles of 4-6’ wide, walking trails composed of native surface material with a slope <12% and no more than 30% of trail length exceeding 8.33% slope. Construction and location of trails (listed below) would minimize disturbance to known cultural resource sites.

o Pahranagat Man Trail o Cut-Off Trail o Perimeter Trail o Solitude Spur Trail

- Two 4-6’wide, pedestrian bridges with faux wood rails at stream crossings.

- One 4-6’ wide boardwalk spanning wetland areas may be installed along the Cut-Off

Trail, pending final trail design.

- One permeable parking lot, including an overflow parking area, with < 2% slope that can accommodate RVs, buses, and trailers, and parking slots for 8 vehicles.

- A ⅟10 acre trailhead area that includes an interpretive kiosk feature made from weathered steel, natural stone, and concrete.

- Up to five rest areas with colored concrete and native boulder walls, shade trees, and a steel interpretive panel/mile marker embedded into native stone.

- One rest area (slope < 5% with minimum clear ground space of 3’ by 4’) with a viewing scope (43-51” high eyepiece), colored and native boulder seatwall, cable fence with weathering steel posts, interpretive panel, shade trees, and a native stone wall near Pahranagat Man petroglyphs.

- One Solitude Area that includes shade trees and a native boulder wall at the spiritual blessing site for oxbow restoration.

- Directional mile markers of weathered steel embedded into native stone base spaced every ½ mile.

- One new decorative gate made from gabion columns and weathered fence at the north entrance to the canyon.

- Removal of the existing central gate at the southwest corner of the butte.

https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-aba-standards/aba-standards https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-aba-standards/aba-standards

Construction Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be installed during construction to minimize environmental impacts. BMPs that may be implemented include:

- Timing construction outside of the breeding bird season (April 1 – July 1);

- Diverting water out of Black Canyon to the ditch on the west side of U.S. Route 93 during trail and bridge construction to protect water quality;

- Flagging by a FWS Archaeologist to minimize damage of any known cultural resources located near the construction footprint;

- Establishment of a staging area for construction equipment away from cultural artifacts and water; and

- Use of a water truck to minimize excess airborne dust.

Native planting efforts would restore half of an acre near the Pahranagat Man scope area and additional plantings, if needed, at rest areas would be implemented to deter rock climbing and unwanted damage to cultural resources. Plant species proposed for planting include: catclaw acacia (Acacia gregii), four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Indian tea (Ephedra viridis), wolfberry (Lycium andersonii), cottonwood (Populus fremontii), gooseberry (Ribes cereum), Wood’s rose (Rosa woodsii), willows (Salix spp.), and globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua).

Irrigation may be needed during the first growing season to establish plants. The trail alignment may be altered slightly if destruction of cottonwoods or other desirable plants can be avoided.

The FWS would coordinate with NDOT to install safety improvements to U.S. Route 93. Any road construction activity would be administered by NDOT, thus this EA does not address construction actions associated with road improvements, but does discuss potential environmental consequences of new road features. New safety features would include turning lanes at the intersections from U.S. Route 93 to the PNWR Visitor Center and to the new trailhead parking area at the south entrance to Black Canyon. These roadway improvements would be built to modern standards, capable of supporting RVs, vehicles with trailers, and buses. The turn lanes would be designed for high speed traffic with appropriate lane widths and minimal cut and fill.

With the construction of the Black Canyon Interpretive Trails, PNWR staff would develop a management and maintenance plan that includes monitoring needs, tasks, volunteer coordination, operational policies, standards, and routine and remedial maintenance actions.

3 COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES

Alternative Consequences No Action Proposed Action

Land Use ᴓ +

Socioeconomics - +

Environmental Justice - +

Water Resources - +

Biological Resources - +/-

Air Quality - +

Noise ᴓ -

Cultural Resources - +/-

Community Facilities ᴓ ᴓ

Public Health and Safety - +

Summary Area impacts from trespassing visitors would occur, degrading cultural resources and causing traffic safety hazards. These impacts may increase over time as regional population growth and improving economic conditions in nearby Clark County may spur increased visitation to PNWR.

Without visitor facilities, less vegetation enhancement may result in potential non-native, invasive plant spread and lower quality habitat for wildlife. No enhancement of recreational and educational opportunities on PNWR would occur and Nuwuvi would be restricted from a culturally important heritage site.

Temporary impacts from trail and parking lot construction include noise and soil disturbance but properly installed BMPs will minimize potential environmental impacts. A trail system and parking lot would direct visitor traffic, controlling potential visitor impacts and improving travel safety. The general public and Nuwuvi, would be allowed entrance to Black Canyon.

Recreational and educational opportunities on PNWR would be enhanced. A management plan would detail trail and vegetation maintenance needs to enhance habitat for wildlife and visitor experiences.

(+) signifies a gain or environmental benefit (-) signifies a potential environmental impact (ᴓ) signifies no change due to action or no added environmental benefit

4 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

4.1 Land Use

Current land use within the project area consists primarily of restoring and conserving the area for migratory birds and wildlife. The PNWR has locked access gates and closed Black Canyon to the public, but Black Canyon’s close proximity to U.S. Route 93 makes it difficult to secure from visitation. Unauthorized visitors often enter the canyon to look for petroglyphs depicted on the canyon walls.

4.2 Socioeconomics

PNWR contains 5,382 acres of lakes, streams, wetlands, meadows and desert shrub, offering varied recreational opportunities for hiking, bird and wildlife watching, photography, boating, fishing, hunting, biking, and camping. In 2015, the PNWR Visitor Center opened, providing visitors with refuge information, interpretation of the cultural significance of the area, and opportunities to explore nearby trails. PNWR also offers environmental educational materials and programs for local schools of multiple age groups. Recent data of visitor counts to PNWR show an increasing trend from approximately 18,000 visitors in 2013 to just over 27,000 visitors in 2015 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015). PNWR management anticipates current visitor facilities will accommodate 30,000 to 60,000 visitors per year.

Visitors to PNWR contribute to the local economies of small towns within Pahranagat Valley including Alamo, Ash Springs, Crystal Springs, and Hiko. These towns include a variety of facilities for visitors such as lodging, restaurants, and gas stations. Luxury accommodations in the valley include A Cowboy’s Dream Bed and Breakfast and Windmill Ridge Lodge and Bakery.

Additional recreation opportunities beyond PNWR include Key Pittman Wildlife Management Area, Basin and Range National Monument, Medsger Pass, Desert NWR, Delamar Dry Lake, and Ash Springs. The valley is also a gateway to Area 51 and the Extraterrestrial Highway. In addition to providing services for visitors, the primary industry in the Pahranagat Valley is ranching and agriculture.

Las Vegas is the largest metropolitan area located within 100 miles of PNWR. Over two million people reside in Clark County and many tourists, including international travelers, choose Las Vegas as a vacation destination (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015). Clark County is an important point of origin for tourists visiting PNWR.

4.3 Environmental Justice

Hispanics and Latinos constitute only 3-4% of the population in Alamo but they are the second largest demographic in the state of Nevada and 27% of the population in Clark County (U.S.

Census Bureau, 2011-2015). The incorporation of bilingual educational material and signs on the PNWR is important for serving this demographic group.

Black Canyon is a place of spiritual and cultural importance to the Nuwuvi. As a place of cultural significance the design of the proposed action alternative was created in cooperation with Nuwuvi representatives. Nuwuvi members participated in workshops and provided recommendations, input on design alternatives, and helped select the preferred conceptual plan to ensure that the design provided adequate protection of cultural resources.

4.4 Water Resources

Black Canyon, a relict oxbow of the pluvial White River, once contained Pahranagat Creek before agricultural stream modifications and the construction of Highway 93. To return this lost wetland component, a restoration project conducted by the FWS in 2012 converted an abandoned agricultural field to a meandering stream with three wetland ponds and several hills (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015). Water from Upper Pahranagat Lake, located north of the canyon on the west side of U.S. Route 93, feeds the small stream capable of transporting flows up to 10 cfs. Water flows through the Black Canyon stream into the Headquarter Ponds through a culvert under U.S. Route 93, eventually flowing through WHIN Marsh, Middle Marsh, and downstream to Lower Pahranagat Lake.

High salinity, total dissolved solids, and alkalinity levels occur in the surface water entering the PNWR because of its location at the terminus of the drainage basin. Both wintertime flushing of salts from soils in upstream agricultural fields and high evaporation rates during the summer concentrate salts and dissolved solids in the terminal lakes on PNWR. Water alkalinity also increases as water passes through PNWR with the highest levels occurring at Lower Pahranagat Lake (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015).

4.5 Biological Resources

4.5.1 Flora

Prior to wetland restoration in Black Canyon in 2012, Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) and field bindweed (Convulvulus arvensis) dominated the canyon floor. Revegetation efforts in 2013 and 2014 focused on planting riparian woodland, rose shrubland, alkali meadow, wet meadow, and emergent marsh plant communities. Although Russian knapweed still has high cover in some areas, many native plants are maturing. Current water management techniques (i.e., prolonged flooding) are benefiting Russian knapweed control efforts. No known threatened or endangered plants occur within Black Canyon.

4.5.2 Fauna

Numerous species of wildlife inhabit PNWR including many species of reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, and birds. No species with endangered or threatened designation have been documented in Black Canyon (Nevada Department of Wildlife, 2017; Nevada Natural Heritage Program, 2017).

PNWR falls within the boundaries of the Northeastern Mojave Recovery Unit (NEMRU), designated as essential habitat for the federally threatened desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), (USFWS 2008). Desert tortoises generally inhabit sandy desert washes and flats containing scattered shrubs interspersed with herbaceous plants. They may also occur on rocky terrain.

Very limited areas of desert shrub habitat occur in Black Canyon, and no desert tortoises have been found in the project area. Several other species of reptiles have been observed in the canyon. A chuckwalla, a Nevada Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) species in need of conservation action (Wildlife Action Plan Team, 2013), was documented in the rocky areas of Black Canyon during a refuge-wide baseline inventory in 2010 (SWCA 2011). Additionally, several common reptile species including Mohave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus), common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana), yellow-backed spiny lizard (Sceloporus uniformis), and western whiptail lizard (Aspidoscelis tigris) inhabit the canyon. All of these reptile species are primarily associated with upland or rocky habitat.

Great Plains toads (Anaxyrus cognatus) and northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) occur on PNWR and are Nevada WAP species (Wildlife Action Plan Team, 2013). In 2010, surveyors found Great Plains toads at Upper Lake and Middle Marsh (SWCA 2011). These same surveyors documented northern leopard frogs in springs around Lower Pahranagat Lake and Maynard Lake (SWCA 2011). Although Black Canyon contains potential wetland habitat for amphibians, neither of the species discussed above has been observed in Black Canyon.

No endangered or sensitive fish species inhabit the restored stream channel that runs through Black Canyon. Three species of endemic and endangered desert fish species occur in Pahranagat Valley: Hiko White River springfish (Crenichthys baileyi grandis), White River springfish (Crenichthys baileyi baileyi), and Pahranagat roundtail chub (Gila robusta jordani).

These fish are confined to the northern end of the valley in Pahranagat Creek, and the springfish species only occur in thermal spring outflows. Pahranagat Creek flows through miles of concrete and earthen ditches before it reaches PNWR, providing little habitat for native fishes or a pathway for fish to enter Black Canyon. A refuge population of Pahranagat roundtail chub is being established on the refuge in Cottonwood Spring, but no surface connection exists between Cottonwood Spring and Black Canyon.

No listed mammals occur in Black Canyon, but NDOW delineates Pahranagat Valley as a migration corridor for mule deer, a managed big game species (Nevada Department of Wildlife, 2017). Deer migrating through the Pahranagat Valley, including Black Canyon and other parts of PNWR, summer in Utah and winter in Nevada. Deer migrate through Pahranagat Valley in fall and spring, but the numbers of deer in this part of the state remain low (Nevada Department of Wildlife, 2013).

Several bats known to occur on PNWR and designated as Nevada WAP species include Townsend big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), spotted bat (Euderma maculatum), Allen’s big-eared bat (Idionycteris phyllotis), fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes), and Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis); (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015). Habitats for these bat species include riparian woodlands, streams, and rock crevices, thus these species could occur in Black Canyon. Rock cliffs, crevices, and trees provide important daytime roost sites.

The Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO) has completed a few surveys of Black Canyon since the 2012 stream restoration. GBBO detected some conservation priority and stewardship species for Nevada (Great Basin Bird Observatory, 2010) in Black Canyon, including American avocet, Brewer’s sparrow, Gambel’s quail, gray flycatcher, Lucy’s warbler, olive-sided flycatcher, pinyon jay, white-faced ibis, and Wilson’s phalarope (Table 1). None of these species are listed as Federally Threatened or Endangered. Of these species, American avocet, Brewer’s sparrow, Gambel’s quail, and Lucy’s warbler nest locally (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2011), but, based on nesting habitat requirements and the current successional status of woody trees in Black Canyon, this area does not likely support nesting habitat for these species. Most of the birds found in Black Canyon are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to take (kill) any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a valid permit. Table 1 lists birds recently sighted in Black Canyon.

Table 1. List of bird species observed in 2014 in Black Canyon, including flyover sightings.

*American Avocet Eurasian Collared-Dove *Pinyon Jay NAsh-throated Flycatcher *NGambel's Quail NRed-tailed Hawk

Baird's Sandpiper *Gray Flycatcher NRed-winged Blackbird NBarn Swallow NGreat Blue Heron NSay's Phoebe

Belted Kingfisher NGreater Roadrunner NSong Sparrow NBlack Phoebe Hammond's Flycatcher Spotted Sandpiper NBlack-crowned Night-Heron NHouse Finch NTree Swallow NBlack-throated Sparrow NKilldeer Turkey Vulture NBlue Grosbeak Lark Sparrow NVerdin

*NBrewer's Sparrow Lazuli Bunting NVermilion Flycatcher NBrown-crested Flycatcher NLesser Goldfinch NWestern Kingbird NBrown-headed Cowbird Lincoln's Sparrow Western Tanager NBullock's Oriole *NLucy’s Warbler White-crowned Sparrow NCanada Goose NMallard *White-faced Ibis

Chipping Sparrow NMourning Dove NWhite-tailed Kite

Common Goldeneye NNorthern Mockingbird *Wilson's Phalarope NCommon Raven NNorthern Rough-winged

Swallow Wilson's Warbler

NCommon Yellowthroat *Olive-sided Flycatcher NYellow Warbler

Cooper's Hawk Osprey NYellow-breasted Chat

Dusky Flycatcher Phainopepla NYellow-headed Blackbird

Yellow-rumped Warbler

*Species of Conservation Priority (Great Basin Bird Observatory, 2010) NKnown local breeder in suitable habitat (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2011)

A query of the Nevada Natural Heritage database revealed no records of threatened or endangered bird species in Black Canyon. A query of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) database identified three threatened or endangered bird species within a four-mile radius of the canyon. These species include Ridgway’s rail (Rallus obsoletus – Endangered), western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus – Threatened), and southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus – Endangered). Habitat for Ridgway’s rail (dense marsh vegetation) and the yellow-billed cuckoo (extensive multi-story tree canopy) does not currently exist in Black Canyon. Recent (2014) surveys for southwestern flycatcher detected this species breeding in the willows along the north side of Upper Lake and in younger cottonwood trees on the southwest side of this same lake (McLeod & Pelligrini, 2014). These same surveys did not include Black Canyon, but no flycatchers were detected on the south side of Upper Lake, an area adjacent to Black Canyon. Vegetation in Black Canyon does not currently resemble potential flycatcher habitat, but this could change with time and plant growth.

4.6 Air Quality

The NRCS provides a wind erodibility index (WEI) to quantify soil susceptibility to erosion on a scale from one to eight, with one indicating the highest susceptibility to erosion. The soils in Black Canyon have a WEI of level 2 and 4 (Soil Survey Staff, 2017). The soil map unit with the level 2 WEI occurs in the southeast part of the canyon where the parking lots are proposed.

This area and the access road along the east side of the canyon are currently unvegetated. Bare areas lacking vegetation within the canyon increase dust particles during high wind events and decrease air quality.

4.7 Noise

Black Canyon is located next to U.S. Route 93. Fast-moving vehicles and semi-trucks passing along the highway contribute to noise heard within the canyon.

4.8 Cultural Resources

Black Canyon is a culturally-significant landscape for the Nuwuvi. Many archeological findings have been surveyed within Black Canyon, all of which occur along canyon walls and on the butte bordering the west side of the canyon (The Mountain Institute, 2015). A unique style of petroglyphs (i.e., Pahranagat-style) in the form of rock writings is abundant. The Black Canyon Petroglyphs Site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as an archeological site in 1975, and more recent surveys have resulted in creation of the Black Canyon Archaeological District which encompasses Black Canyon. Because of the cultural and spiritual significance of Black Canyon, the canyon is currently closed for recreation and is protected by three locked gates at the north, central, and south ends of the canyon.

4.9 Community Facilities

The town of Alamo is the closest community to PNWR and is located approximately 3.5 miles to the north (Visitor Services Plan 2015). Alamo has a population of just over 1,000 people according to the 2015 estimate (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015). The town contains basic community facilities including schools, churches, a medical clinic, a volunteer fire department, a Nevada Highway Patrol office, and a sheriff’s department. The nearest hospital is located 55 miles to the northeast in Caliente.

Visitors to PNWR typically stay in the area for a few days and do not likely increase use of community facilities like schools and churches. The maximum number of days visitors can camp at the refuge is 14 days (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015). Refuge visitors may increase the use of medical and hospital facilities in the event of an injury, but they may also choose to travel to Las Vegas, which contains a larger number of medical centers

4.10 Public Health and Safety

The speed limit along U.S. Route 93 running past the entrances to the Visitor Center and Black Canyon is 70 mph. U.S. Route 93 is a popular truck, military vehicle and RV route to Las Vegas, and this highway experiences traffic with large vehicles traveling at high speeds. Visitors turning toward the Visitor Center from U.S. Route 93 must slow down on the highway to make the turn in high speed traffic, which creates a safety hazard and decreases traffic flow.

Currently no parking lot exists at the Black Canyon entrance. Visitors to Black Canyon often stop their vehicles on the highway shoulder or pull onto adjacent two track dirt roads to park and observe petroglyphs. These types of traffic movements create potentially dangerous situations given the high speed limit and limited sight distances at Black Canyon due to a nearby highway curve.

Hunting and swimming are restricted in Black Canyon due to area closure. Swimming is prohibited throughout PNWR, while hunting is allowed only in designated areas on the southern end of PNWR. Posted signs and refuge personnel inform visitors about the rules and regulations.

Because Black Canyon is closed to public use, trash has not been a public health concern.

Occasional litter blows into the canyon from the surrounding roads but is not abundant.

5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF NO ACTION

5.1 Land Use

Land use of Black Canyon would not change. Although the area would remain closed to the public, unauthorized use of the canyon would likely continue.

5.2 Socioeconomics

Trends in visitation and hence, local economy would not change due to the No Action alternative. Existing attractions within PNWR and the surrounding areas would continue to bring tourists and travelers to Alamo and the adjacent communities. PNWR visitation may increase over time due to regional population growth in Clark County.

5.3 Environmental Justice

Black Canyon would remain closed to the public, including Native American Tribes. Nuwuvi members would not be allowed access to cultural resources. Without interpretive kiosks and programs, visitors would not gain awareness of petroglyphs, artifacts, and their cultural significance; visitors would not develop a sense of appreciation and stewardship. Vandalism and damage of cultural resources could occur.

5.4 Water Resources

Although Black Canyon would remain closed to the public, increasing trends in population suggest a potential for increased visitation to PNWR and potential trespass into Black Canyon.

Water quality could degrade over time with improperly disposed trash and lack of trash management. Unregulated parking and foot traffic would maintain or create bare patches of soil that can erode into Black Canyon wetlands during precipitation events, diminishing water quality. Water quantity in Black Canyon would not change, but the amount of water flowing through Black Canyon would remain dependent on local climate conditions, refuge water management, and supply limitations affected by upstream water usage, regional groundwater pumping, and global warming.

5.5 Biological Resources

5.5.1 Plants

If the No Action alternative is selected, no new plantings will be initiated, and the road immediately west of the butte will not be restored and revegetated. Non-native, invasive plant control efforts would continue and, over time, native plant communities would dominate the canyon.

5.5.2 Fauna

With no action, wildlife communities would either remain or change as vegetation within the canyon matures or changes. Unauthorized visitation to the canyon would remain the same and wildlife habitats would not experience increased disturbance from human visitors. Movements of trespassing visitors, however, would not be restricted to trails, and climbing on rocks adjacent to trees could potentially disturb bird nests located in higher tree branches or animals living in rock crevices. Without development of visitor facilities in Black Canyon, trespassing visitors could potentially degrade wildlife habitat with litter or unintentional spread of non-native, invasive species. As a result, a cumulative impact to wildlife would include reduced habitat quality due to potential invasive species infestation and the presence of litter over time.

5.6 Air Quality

If the No Action alternative is selected, bare areas within Black Canyon will continue to contribute to air pollution during strong winds.

5.7 Noise

No changes in noise pollution would occur with the No Action alternative. Over time, if visitation increases as Las Vegas expands and other local attractions become developed, highway noise may increase or occur more frequently. Because Black Canyon would remain closed to the public, potential noise increases would not impact refuge visitation, but excess noise could disrupt local wildlife.

5.8 Cultural Resources

Black Canyon would remain closed to visitors, and the public would not be able to appreciate the cultural and spiritual significance of the area. Over time, unauthorized visitors could degrade cultural resources. Potential trespass access could still occur through a gate near the southwest corner of the butte and along visible social trails that would not be restored with vegetation.

5.9 Community Facilities

The No Action alternative would not create an additional attraction for visitors at PNWR, and community facility use would not increase due to this action. Increased visitation to the Pahranagat Valley would likely occur if current population trends continue, potentially increasing public use of community facilities such as medical, fire, and law enforcement.

5.10 Public Health and Safety

With the No Action alternative, no changes in the traffic pattern would occur and safety hazards would remain. Vehicles may still pull off the highway at elevated speeds and unregulated parking along the shoulder and the dirt road adjacent to Black Canyon could continue to degrade roadside vegetation. Visitors turning into the PNWR Visitor Center would still slow down or pull out on the highway within the main traffic lane in an area with poor distance visibility due to the highway curve. Cumulative impacts over time and with potential increased traffic from the nearby growing population of Las Vegas may include increased road accidents. Larger vehicles such as RVs and buses could not safely park nearby, limiting educational and recreational outreach opportunities.

Because Black Canyon would remain closed to public use, trash would not be a public health concern.

6 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF PROPOSED ACTION ALTERNATIVE

6.1 Land Use

The Migratory Bird Conservation Act which was established in 1929 allowed the U.S. Secretary of Interior to lease or purchase land to provide sanctuary for migratory birds. This Act created the primary mandate of the National Wildlife Refuge System, to provide habitat for migratory birds and wildlife. As clarified within the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997, wildlife-dependent public use activities including wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation are also compatible with the mission of the refuge system (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015). The proposed action would increase visitor use of Black Canyon while restricting use to designated areas, thus limiting vegetative damage and protecting important cultural resources and migratory bird habitat.

6.2 Socioeconomics

The proposed action would create an added visitor attraction to PNWR, which could increase the number of tourists using facilities in Alamo and adjacent towns. The cumulative effect of the previously constructed Visitor Center in PNWR and addition of trails and interpretation of cultural resources in Black Canyon would boost the local economy, which already provides services, lodging, and facilities for travelers and tourists. The proposed project could provide an opportunity to expand public outreach and current educational programs to include cultural stewardship as well as field trips to Black Canyon.

6.3 Environmental Justice

PNWR will continue to collaborate with the Nuwuvi Working Group on design, implementation, and management of the proposed project. The incorporation of educational material and exhibits within the trail system will increase visitor understanding and appreciation for cultural resources. The inclusion of bilingual signs and education material will also help serve the Hispanic/Latino community and help increase the respectful use of the area by all visitors, minimizing vandalism and damage to cultural resources.

6.4 Water Resources

Construction of visitor facilities in Black Canyon could cause erosion and degradation of water quality, but BMPs installed during construction would minimize potential impacts. Diverting water flow through the ditch west of U.S. Route 93 instead of through Black Canyon during construction would minimize direct impacts to water. Loose dirt created with construction disturbance could potentially erode into the stream channel in the event of a storm, however, scant rainfall conditions and timing of construction outside of the wet season would minimize or eliminate this potential impact. BMPs such as placement of straw wattles along streambanks to ensure against dirt migration into the streambed could be installed, if weather conditions make this action necessary.

Once installed, visitor facilities would direct visitor traffic along established trails, minimizing expansion of social trails and bare dirt areas that cause loose dirt, erosion, and potential sources of non-point source pollution to waterways. Water flow would not be affected by the proposed action because bridges along the trails would allow water to flow unimpeded.

Opening Black Canyon to visitors and increased visitation could degrade water quality with litter; however, trash cans at the Visitor Center and trash management would minimize pollution. This action could become more important in the future, if current increasing visitation trends continue. Similar to the No Action alternative, water quantity flowing through Black Canyon would not change due to the Proposed Action.

6.5 Biological Resources

6.5.1 Plants

If the public use plan is implemented, some vegetation would be cleared from the footprint of the trails, interpretive areas, and trailhead. The restoration area near the butte will be revegetated with native plants. Additional planting will occur within the rest, solitude, and Pahranagat Man viewing areas to provide shade. Revegetation and continued non-native, invasive plant control efforts would promote dominance of native plant communities more quickly than the No Action alternative.

6.5.2 Fauna

Construction of visitor facilities in Black Canyon could temporarily disturb wildlife residing in the area. For migratory birds, which are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, impacts and potential incidental take of birds would likely only occur if construction took place during the nesting season (April 1 – July 1) when disturbance could flush birds off nests and increase chances of egg or chick mortality. Riparian habitat similar to that found in Black Canyon exists on other parts of PNWR, and as long as birds are not on nesting territories, they have the option to move to nearby habitats undisturbed by local construction. The addition of native plantings in the restoration area adjacent to the Pahranagat Man scope in Black Canyon would enhance wildlife habitat, and additionally, shade trees added to rest areas along the walking trails would enhance a small amount of woody riparian habitat for birds and bats, which may use trees for roosting, nesting, and cover.

The trails would limit walking disturbance to set paths, minimizing unwanted trampling of plants and unintentional spread of non-native, invasive plants. Because the trail locations would occur mostly along existing disturbed areas, the trail system would not displace a significant amount of potential wildlife habitat. Increased visitation to the area could disturb wildlife, especially during the nesting season, but interpretive signs, programs, and trails could inform visitors about local wildlife and control traffic to minimize nest disturbance. Visitor disturbance to protected species, such as the desert tortoise and southwestern willow flycatcher, could occur if these species move into Black Canyon. Because these species currently do not inhabit Black Canyon, the proposed action has no impacts on these species;

however, the trail management plan for Black Canyon could include protective actions (e.g.

species monitoring and temporary trail closures) in case federally protected species occur in Black Canyon in the future.

6.6 Air Quality

During project implementation, construction activities and equipment could disturb the soil and increase dust particulates. Appropriate BMPs would be applied if necessary, including the use of a water truck or some other watering method to reduce dust hazards. In the long term, the creation of permeable parking lots and stabilized trails would improve air quality.

6.7 Noise

With the Proposed Action alternative, noise within the canyon would temporarily increase during project construction, potentially disturbing local wildlife. Timing construction outside of the breeding bird season, however, should avoid flushing birds off nests and increasing the potential for egg or chick mortality. During construction, noise may impact local wildlife by temporarily increasing wildlife movements away from construction noise and activity.

Increased visitation could minimally increase noise at the trailhead because larger RVs and buses would have access to this area. Over time, increased visitation associated with regional population growth could increase highway noise, which may diminish the quality of visitor experiences in Black Canyon.

6.8 Cultural Resources

The potential effects of this project on the Black Canyon Archeological District have been reviewed to be compliant with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA). Construction of trails and bridges would not occur within the vicinity of surveyed archaeological sites. Many cultural resources have already been discovered in the canyon due to previous disturbance and plowing associated with agricultural practices. Ecological restoration activities in 2012 did not unearth any new artifacts. Should any significant artifacts, as determined by a FWS Archaeologist, be discovered during trail construction proper reporting and investigation would follow in accordance with FWS Policy, NHPA, and consultation with the Nuwuvi Working Group before construction could resume.

Nuwuvi members would be able to interact with the sacred spiritual land of Black Canyon and share their people’s respect for these resources as described in Spoon et al. (2013). Visitors to Black Canyon would be directed along a trail around the canyon floor and would not be allowed access to the butte and associated cultural resources. Measures to limit access to archaeological sites would be installed (e.g., native stone walls). This would encourage viewing of petroglyphs from a safe distance. Interpretive panels and signs would educate the public about the cultural and spiritual significance of the area and regulations enacted to protect cultural resources. Increased visitor use could potentially be beneficial and damaging. On the one hand, cultural education and preservation awareness would be gained, but vandalism could also increase. Refuge managers would carefully plan for protection of cultural resources in Black Canyon.

6.9 Community Facilities

Increased visitation to PNWR because of the added attraction in Black Canyon would not notably extend the number of days visitors stay in the area; therefore, use of schools and churches would not likely increase with the Proposed Action. Larger numbers of visitors to PNWR and cumulative impacts from nearby attractions could increase public use of medical, fire, and law enforcement facilities and services.

6.10 Public Health and Safety

With the proposed action, a parking lot constructed at the entrance to Black Canyon, and turn lanes added to U.S. Route 93 into and out of Black Canyon and the Visitor Center, would direct visitors and traffic to areas of interest. Parking vehicles in a parking lot located off the highway would reduce former road hazards caused by parked vehicles along the highway shoulder.

Pedestrians exiting and returning to their vehicles could walk to a safe parking lot, rather than navigating close to large vehicles passing along the highway at fast speeds. Turning lanes on U.S. Route 93 would create areas for vehicles to safely decelerate out of and accelerate back into traffic. Faster traffic flow could continue along the highway past the turning lanes, and traffic safety would improve. A cumulative effect of the parking lot and turning lanes include reduced road accidents over time, as population growth in and near Las Vegas continues and traffic increases.

If the public is allowed to use Black Canyon under the Proposed Action alternative, litter could become a public safety concern, especially if broken glass becomes common. Trash cans located at the Visitor Center and trash management at the trailhead would minimize pollution from litter. When combined with the increased number of visitors expected with the new Visitor Center and trails, the likelihood of trash becoming more abundant increases. Frequent monitoring by FWS staff and volunteers would be needed to ensure that litter does not become a problem within Black Canyon.

7 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE ACTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection requires a Construction Stormwater Permit for any construction project that will disturb more than one acre, and is intended to prevent uncontrolled stormwater runoff from the construction site from reaching local water bodies.

Contractors applying for this permit need to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan detailing BMP installation.

Any construction activities in Black Canyon must maintain compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act through Section 106 Consultation.

8 AGENCY COORDINATION

The FWS, Nuwuvi Working Group, key stakeholders, and consultants have actively coordinated on the proposed action. Comments provided by the Nuwuvi Working Group, Jeremy Spoon (Portland State University), and Richard Arnold (Pahrump Paiute Tribe) greatly improved this document. FWS coordinated with the Nevada Natural Heritage Program, GBBO, and NDOW through exchanges of information and data on wildlife and plant species occurring in the proposed action area.

9 LIST OF PREPARERS

Rob Vinson – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Susan Mortenson – Otis Bay, Inc.

Jessica Sáenz – Otis Bay, Inc.

Diane Wong-Kone – Otis Bay, Inc.

10 REFERENCES

Great Basin Bird Observatory, 2010. Nevada Comprehensive Bird Conservation Plan Version 1.0.

[Online] Available at: http://www.gbbo.org/bird-conservation-plan [Accessed 18 Jan. 2016].

McLeod, M. A. & Pelligrini, A. P., 2014. Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Surveys, Demography, and Ecology along the Lower Colorado River and Tributaries, Boulder City, NV: Bureau of Reclamation.

Nevada Department of Wildlife, 2013. Hunter Information Sheet Mule Deer Area 24, Units 241, 242, 243, 244, 245. Reno, NV: Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Nevada Department of Wildlife, 2017. Black Canyon Data Request Response. Reno, NV: Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Nevada Natural Heritage Program, 2017. Black Canyon Data Request Response. Carson City, NV:

Nevada Natural Heritage Program.

Soil Survey Staff, 2017. Web Soil Survey. [Online] Available at: https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/ [Accessed 24 January 2017].

Spoon J., 2012. Collaborative research and co-learning: Integrating Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) ecological knowledge and spirituality to revitalize a fragmented land. Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture 6.4: 477-500.

Spoon, J., R. Arnold, and the Nuwuvi Working Groupm, 2013. The Voices of the Rocks Sing Through Us: Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) and Black Canyon, Portland, OR: Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Mountain Institute, 2015. Interpretive and Public Use Site Plan for the Black Canyon Archaeological District, Las Vegas, NV: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015. United States Census Bureau. [Online] Available at: www.census.gov [Accessed 24 01 2017].

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2011. Birds of Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, Las Vegas, NV: Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015. Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan, Portland, OR: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southwest Region (Region 8).

Wildlife Action Plan Team, 2013. Nevada Wildlife Action Plan, Reno, NV: Nevada Department of Wildlife.