Base protects endangered, threatened species

  • Published
  • By Merrie Schilter-Lowe
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The California tiger salamander is less than a foot long and not even two inches high yet it determines when and where construction occurs, what will or won't be removed and even when grass is mowed at Travis Air Force Base, California.

The tiger salamander, one of five threatened and endangered species on base, will travel more than a mile from a breeding pond to make a home in a burrow built by other small animals, such as squirrels and gophers.  This makes most of the base's 6,500 acres salamander territory, said Penn Craig, 60th Civil Engineering Squadron natural and cultural resource manager.

Deanne Weber and Jaymee Marty are contractors with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands. Together the three biologists make up the natural resources management team, ensuring that, to the extent possible, the base complies with all environmental protection policies, regulations and laws while accomplishing its mission. 

"We are required to consult with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife if a proposed project may impact a federal or state listed species," Craig said.

Even projects that have no impact require consultation with USFWS. 

"We accomplish this through a biological assessment," Craig said. 

Marty, who has a doctorate in ecology, and Weber spend most of their time writing and reviewing biological assessments, which include the purpose, description and location of a project; the species and habitats in the work area. A list of protective measures to eliminate or mitigate impact on listed species also is included.

Although Travis is federal property, the Sikes Act of 1960 required the Departments of Defense, Interior and Agriculture to cooperate with state and other federal agencies in the planning, development and management of fish and wildlife resources on all U.S. military properties.

The team, which is part of the 60th CES environmental flight, coordinates with five other regulatory agencies to determine the potential risks to the environment, fish and wildlife, and protected animal and plants species on base. 

The Contra Costa goldfield is a wildflower that typically flourishes from March through June.  The vernal tadpole shrimp is a two-inch long crustacean. Both are considered endangered, meaning they are likely to become extinct.

The California tiger salamander and vernal pool fairy shrimp, a one-inch translucent crustacean akin to lobsters, crab and saltwater shrimp, are listed as threatened species, which means they are likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. The Delta green ground beetle also is listed as threatened but has not been found during previous base surveys, according to Marty. 

The Air Force also protects species that may end up on USFWS lists, such as the burrowing owl.  It, like the salamander, inhabits borrowed burrows on base, Craig said. The owl's population is estimated to be fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs nationwide.
 
Although the 60th CES maintains survey maps marking the location where animal and plant species have been found on base, the natural resources management team must still review new work orders that affect the air, land, or wetlands to determine if a biological assessment should be sent to one of the regulatory agencies.   

"Most companies hire their own wildlife biologist to conduct a survey of the area and oversee the work being done," Weber said.  If they don't, Weber performs the task. She and the other team members also review the contractor's work and educate work crews. 

"We make sure they know what to look for and how to identify a species and understand its habits," said Marty. "We tell them what precautions to take to avoid injuring or killing a protected species."

For example, an open underground pipe could allow a tiger salamander to get trapped inside, she said.
 
Since the tiger salamander migrates mainly at night and in the wet season, the base schedules construction work during the day and in the dry season. However, it is so attuned to weather changes that, even in summer, work activities must be canceled if even a trace of rain falls in a 24-hour period.

Finding a live or dead California tiger salamander at a job site means an immediate work stoppage and consulting with USFWS to come up with a mitigation plan to compensate for the loss, Marty said. 

Cultural resources also must be protected, Craig said. Buildings dating back to World War II must be evaluated for potential listing on the National Register of Historic Places. There are 27 of these buildings on base.  

"If there is any construction done in, under or near these buildings, we'll contact the State Historic Preservation Officer to determine the potential impact on the properties.  We also are required to consult with the SHPO if Native American interests are involved," Craig said. 

Few Native American sites or artifacts have been found on base. However, base leadership is required to consult with the Cortina Band of Wintun Indians and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation on all major projects, Marty added. Both tribes have ties to northern California.