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Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan for Issuance of an Endangered Species Act section lO(a)(l)(B)

permit for the incidental take of the golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica·chrysoparia),

Tooth Cave ground beetle (Rhadine persephone), and Bone Cave harvestman (Texella reyesz) during construction

and operation of a mixed use and residential development on portions of

the 333-acre FOUR POINTS PROPERTY, Austin, Texas

THE UNITED STATES. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 10211 North Burnet Road, Suite 200

Austin, Texas 78758

November 13, 1995

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COVER SHEET

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Title for Proposed Action: Issuance of an Endangered Species Act (Act), section lO(a)(l)(B) permit for the incidental take of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia), Tooth,Cave ground beetle (Rhadine persephone), and Bone Cave harvestman (Texella. reyesi) during construction and operation of a mixed use and residential development on portions of the 333-acre Four Points Property, Austin, Texas.

Unit of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ·Proposing the Action: Regional Director, Region 2, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Legal Mandate for Proposed Action: Endangered Species Act of 1973, .as amended, section lO(a)(l)(B), .as implemented by 50 CFR 17.22. ,

Document Author: Ms. Sybil Vosler, Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist, Ecological Services, U.S. Fish ana Wildlife Service, 10211 N, Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas .78758. .

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

II. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

III. DESCRIPTION OF AFFECT.ED ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . 1 A. VEGETATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 B. . WILDLIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 C. LISTED, PROPOSED, AND CANDIDATE SPECIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ D. WETLANDS ... . .............. ,' ...... ; ............... 11

·. E. ADJACENT LAND USES .... . ... . ........ ~ ........ ,· . . . . 11 F . WATER RESOURCES .................... , .... . . ........ 11 G. GEOLOGY AND SOILS ......... . ............. .. ... . ... 12 H. CULTURAL RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 I. AIR AND WATER QUALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.

N. ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION · ...... . .... . .. 12 A. ALTERNATIVE 1 - NO ACTION . . .......... ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 B. ALTERNATIVE 2 - PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE ................. 13 C. ALTERNATIVE 3 - PROJECT DESIGN I .. ' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 D. ALTERNATIVE 4 - ALTERNATE DESIGN II (FOUR POINTS P.U.D.) . . 15

V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ....... -...... · .......... ; . . . 19 A. ALTERNATIVE 1 - NO ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 19 B. ALTERNATIVE 2 - PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

On-site Impacts Analysis ........ . ... . ..... . ............ 19 Vegeta~on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Threatened and Endangered Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · . . . . . 19 Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Geology and Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Land Use ..................... . .............. 22 Air and Water Quality ...... . ... . ............... · .. . 22 Cultural Resources . . . . . . . . . . . ·. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Off-site Impact Analysis ............. . . . ... : ........... 22 Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ·. . . . 22 Wildlife .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ·. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Threatened and Endangered Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23

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Wetlands ................ · ................. ... . 23 Geology and Soils . . . . ·. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ . . . . . 23 Air and Water Quality .......... . ........ . ........ 23 Cultural Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : . . , . . . . . . . . . 23

C. ALTERNATIVE 3 - ALTERNATE PROJECT DESIGN I .. · ..... . .... 23 On-site Impact Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

· Vegetation . . . . . . . . . · . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Threatened and Endangered Species . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 23 Wetlands ....... : ...................... : .. ... . 24 Geology and Soils . . . . . . . . . . · . . ·. ·. . . . . . ·. . . . . . . . . . . 24 Land Use .............. ' ........ . . .- -. .......... 24 Air and Water Quality ... . ,· ....................... . 24 Cultural Resources . . . . · . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ·. . . 24 . '

Off-site Impacts Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ; . .- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · 24 Wildlife .- . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Threatened and Endanger~ Species . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 25 Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ . . . . . . . 25: Geology and Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Land Use .. . ......................... · ........ 25 Air and Water Quality . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Cultural Resources . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

D. ALTERNATIVE 4 - ALTERNATE DESIGN II (FOUR POINTS P.U.D.) .. 25 On-site Impacts Analysis . · . . . . . . . . . . . . · . . · . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Vegetation . . . · . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ·. . ~ . . . . . . . . . . 25· Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Threatened and Endangered Species . . . . . . ·. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Wetlands .......................... . .. · ....... . 26 G~logy and Soils . . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . ·. . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Land Use ............. . ....................... 26 Air and Water Quality ..................... . ....... 26 Cultural Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Off-site impacts Analysis .................... . .... . ..... 27 ·vegetation . . .......................... · ....... 27 · Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Threatened and Endangered Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Wetlands ..... . ....... . ...................... 27 Geology and Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . 27 Land Use ..... . . . .. . ....... . ................. 27 Air and Water Quality ...................... . ..... 27 Cultural Resources ............................ . . 27

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VI. PROPOSED HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

VII. AGENCIES AND INDIVIDUALS CONSULTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

VIII. REFERENCES ·- ....... . ............................ .- ... 31

APPENDIX A. WILDLIFE KNOWN OR CONSIDERED LIKELY TO REGULARLY OCCUR ON OR ADJACENT TO THE FOUR POINTS PROPERTY .... . · .......... . . .... ... . .......... · ..... . · . ... 33

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I. INTRODUCTION

Hillwood Development Company (Applicant) proposes to develop approximately 138 acr~s of · the 333-acre Four Points property located northeast of the intersection of RM 620 and RM 2222 roughly 11 miles northwest of downtown Austin in.Travis County, Texas (Figure 1). Development will consist of a combination of commercial, mixed use, and multi-family residential .

. Upon· review of biological information provided by the Applicant and other souices, the. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the proposed development would likely result in incidental take of the golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia), Tooth Cave ground beetle (Rhadine persephone), and Bone Cave harvestman (Texella reyesl). Thus, the Applicant has submitted the necessary 3-200 form for a permit under section lO(a)(l)(B) of the.Endanger~d Species Act for incidental taking.

This permit is proposed to be for 30 years. This-would allow the Applicant or his successors to take the golden-cheeked warbler, the Tooth Cave ground beetle and the Bone Cave harvestman within the boundaries identified on an is$ued permit over that time period. Subsequent to that time, take within the boundaries of the permit would have to be

· reauthorized. However, the terms and conditions attached as a requirement for that take authorization do not expire and would be covered by the enforcement authority of section ll(b) of the Act.

This document provides the required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation for a Federal action [section lO(a)(l)(B) permit issuance] and the components of a Habitat Conservation Plan as mandated by section lO(a)(l)(B) of the Act and its implementing regulations. '

Il. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION

The purpose of the proposed action is to establish the conditions ·under which the applicant will meet the requir~ments for a permit under the Act. The need for the permit is so that otherwise lawful development may proceed.

ill. DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIR0Nl\1ENT

A. VEGETATION ..

The Four Points property lies on the edge of the Jollyville Plateau. The western and southern edges and southeast portion of the property are relatively flat. A multi-forked drainage present in the central portion of the property drains to the northeast as part of the Bull Creek watershed. Vegetation on the vast majority of the Four Points property consists of relatively dense juniper/oak woodland which is contiguous with one of the largest blocks of unfragmented habitat left in Travis County. On the relatively flat western. and southern edges, the woodland consists primarily of Ashe juniper (Juniperus asheiz) and live oak (Quercus

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(APPROXIMATE SCALE: l" = 19,000')

FIGURE 1. PROJECT LOCATION MAP

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virginiana). Texas oak (Quercus texana), post oak (Quercus stellata), and cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia) trees· are present in low to very low den~ities. Most junipers are 15 to 20 feet tall. The height of µiost oaks and elms ranges from 20 to 35 feet. Canopy closure is generally high in these areas.

Approximately 3 acres in the northwest comer of the property appear to pave beet;1 historicalty cleared of juniper. This area, supports scattered large oak arid elm and small juniper trees. Canopy closure in thi~ area is roughly 30 % • Other cleared areas are present on gentle slopes in the northeast and east portions of the property. These cleared areas resulted from removal of juniper trees and. support primarily open live oak woodland. Understory vegetation within cl~ed areas is generally sparse.

Drainages primarily support a mix of juniper, Tex_as oak, and live oak. Cedar elm is locally common. Other deciduous species observed 'include Texas black walnut (Juglans microca,pa)i sugar 'hackberry (Celtis laevigata), and Texas ash (Fraxirius texensis). Shin oak (Quercus sinuata var. f?re'viloba), post oak, and black cherry (Prun.us sero#na) trees are present in some areas on gentler upper slopes. Stands of very large cedar elm and hackberry trees ( 40 to 60 feet tall) line the lower slopes of the central drainage at the northern edge of the property. Th~ drainage bottom in this area, whjch is imm~iately below the two main forks of the drainage; is relatively broad, open, and grassy. Above this confluence, drainages are generally narrow and support closed canopy woodlands.

Semi-open woodland heavily dominated by Ashe juniper is present in the southeast,portion of . the property. Most juniper trees range between 12 and 18 feet in height. Narrow grassy; clearings and breaks are interspersed within the woodland. Shin oak shrubs and saplings are present in low densities in som~ ·areas.

B. WILDLIFE

Bird surveys specifically-designed to determine the presence of golden-cheeked warblers were conducted off the Four Points property in 1986 and 1995. No specific surveys for any other animals were made on the property, but wildlife is expected to be typical of the area.

Common mammals on. the property are expected to include white-tailed deer, eastern fox squirrel, raccoon, and opossum. .Common permanent resident bird species include tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, Bewick's wren, and northern cardinal. Lists of wildlife species known or expected to regularly occur on the Four Points property are provided as Appendix A to this document.·

C. LISTED, PROPOSED, AND CANDIDATE SPECIES

Nine species that occur in the project area, the golden-cheeked warbler (Dend.roica chrysoparia), black-capped ·vireo (Vireo atricapillus) and seven cave invertebrates, including the Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion (Tartarocreagris texana), Tooth Cave spider (Neoleptoneta

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myopica), Tooth Cave ground beetle (Rhadine persephone), Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle (Texamaurops reddelli), Bee Creek Cave harvestman (Texella reddelli), Bone Cave harvestman (Texella reyesl) and Coffin Cave mold beetle (Batrisodes texanus) are currently

· listed as endangered. Black-capped vireo was listed in September 1987. Golden-cheeked warbler was listed under emergency listing procedures initiated in May 1990 and normal listing procedures on 27 December 1990. ·All seven cave invertebrates were listed in September 1988.

Golden-cheeked Warbler. Espey, Huston & Associates (EH&A) conducted surveys for · golden-cheeked warblers on the Four Points property in 1986 (EH&A 1986). Surveys were conducted b~tween 25 April and 13 May. EH&A estimated that all or portions of 4 i warbler territories were present oil the property. Golden:..cheeked warble.rs were also observed adjacent to the Four Points property to the north and east. Approximately 182 acres of the Four Points property were identified by EH&A as "primary" warbler habitat. Locations of 1986 EH&A golpen-cheek~ warbler observations on the Four Points property are shown in Figu;re 2. ·

Biologists with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) surveyed a portion oJ the Four Points property for golden-cheeked warblers in 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995 as part of conservation recommendation~ in a biological opinion issued by the USFWS in 1990 on improvements to RM 2222. ' The area surveyed was limited to lands south,of Four Points Drive. The number of warbler territories estimated by TxDOT to be· present in this area was 4, 5, 4, and 5, respectively.

SWCA Inc., environmental cons.ultants, conducted an evaluation of habitat suitability for golden-cheeked warblers on the Four Points property on 14 December 1994 and conducted a survey for warblers on the property on 8 days between 20 March and 8 April 1995.

Based on contemporaneous vocalizations and the distribution of observations, SWCA estimated that all or significant portions of 23 golden-cheeked warbler territories were present on the Four Points property in 1995. Small portions of two territories were present at the edges of the property and at least one warbler was detected off the property to the east. An estimated 8 to 9 female warblers were observed on the Four Points property. No warbler fledglings were observed. However, the survey was completed prior to the typical warbler fledging period. Locations of SWCA 1995 golden-cheeked warbler observations on the Four Points property are depictec! in Figure 3.

Based upon the distribution of 1995 bird sightings and vegetation characteristics, an estimated 280 acres of golden:cheeked warbler habitat are present on the Four Ppints property. Approximately 183 of these acres are considered to contain high quality warbler habitat, based on relatively high densities of deciduous trees, primarily Texas oak. Roughly 97 acres are considered to contain lower quality habitat due to generally low densities of deciduous trees.

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Cave ;Invertebrates. A total of 22 potential karst features. were found on the Four Points property during surveys conducted by Mike Warton & Associates (MW A) in December 1994. All 22 features were excavated by 'MVv A to allow biota collections and to determine their significance with respect to habitat for endangered cave invertebrates. Results of this investigation revealed that, of tp.e 22 potential features, six consisted of caves that contain the Tooth Cave ground beetle (Rhailine persephone) and/or the Bone Cave harvestman (Texella reyesi). These caves were named MWA Cave, Eluvial Cave, Jollyville Plateau Cave, · . r Disb.elievers Cave, Japygid Cave, and Puzzle Pits Cave. Two of these caves, MW A and Japygid, may also contain other listed species. Another four caves, Owl Eyes ·cave, . Fem Pit, Twisted Elm Cave, and Contortionist Cave, were considered to contain potential habitat for endangered cave invertebrates, although none was found during biota collections. Remaining features were considered insignificant with respect to endangered cave invertebrates.

Fem Pit, Owl Eyes Cave, and Twisted Elm Cave were visited again by 3J1 SWCA cave biologist on 11 April 1995 for the purpose of making biota collections. The ·Tooth Cave ground beetle and Bone Cave harvestmaJ.?, were collected from Twisted Elm Cave. As with the earlier MW A investigation, no endangered cave invertebrates were found in Owl Eyes Cave or Fern Pit.

The distribution of caves known or considered to have the potential to contain endangered cave invertebrates on the Four Points property is· shown in Figure 4. The distribution of

· ~ndangered species within these caves is summarized in Table 1. The Applicant is completing a list of all species found in the caves.

The Tooth Cave ground beetle and/ or the Bone Cave harvestman have been identified from a total of seven caves on the Four Points property (Figure 4). Specimens have also been · collected from two of these caves that, as of this writing, have been.tentatively identified as Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion and Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle (Table 1).

The Recovery Plan for the Endangered Karst Invertebrates in Travis and Williamson Counties (USFWS 1994a) identifies 7 karst faunal regions. 1 The Tooth Cave ground beetle is known to occur in two karst fauna regions, Jollyville Plateau and Cedar Park. The Four Points property lies within the Jollyville Plateau karst fauna region. According to the recovery plan, this beetle is known to occur in at least 24 caves, eight of which are in the Jollyville Plateau region. Survey and collections on the Four Points property have increased to 14 the number of caves· in the Jollyville Plateau region known to contain this species.

The Bone Cave harvestman is relatively widespread and has been found within six karst fauna regions: Jollyville Plateau, Cedar Park, Central Austin, McNeil/Round Rock,

1Karst fauna regions are delineated based on geologic continuity, hydrology, and the distribution of rare troglobites.

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Table 1. Distribution of endangered cave invertebrates in caves·located on the Four Points property.

Cave

MWA Eluvial Jollyville t Disbelievers . Puzzle Pits Japygid Twisted Plateau Elm

Tooth Cave ground X X X i X X X ~

beetle Rhadine persephone

Bone Cave X X X . X harvestman .. Texella reyesi

. .. ~;

Kretschmarr Cave X ' X mold beetle . Texamaurops reddelli i

(?)

Tooth Cave X ..

pseudoscorpion r -. Tartarocreagris

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texana (?)

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Georgetown, and North Williamson County. According to the recovery plan, this species is known from at least 60 caves, six of which lie within the Jollyville Plateau region. Survey' and collections on Four Points have increased to 10 the number of caves in the Jollyville Plateau region known to contain this species.

According to the recovery plan, the Kretsc~marr Cave mold beetle is known only from four caves, all in the Jollyville Plateau karst fauna region. - If specimens collected on the Four Points property prove ~o be of this species, the number of caves from which this species is known would increase to six.

Other Listed Species. Vegetation on the property differs significantly from that in areas where black-capped vireos occur regularly; therefore, the occurrence of breeding black­capped vireos on the property is .considered highly unlikely. No black-capped vireos were located on the property during bird. surveys conducted in 1986 and 1995.

Barton Springs salamander (Eurycea sosorum) has been proposed for listing as an endangered species.2 The Barton Springs salamander is known only from three springs in a city park in Austin (Chippindale et. al. 1993) approximately 9 .5 miles south-southeast of the property. These springs are fed by flow from the southern Edwards aquifer. Runoff from the Four Points property, which lies north of the Colorado River, does not contribute to recharge of this aquifer (Slade et al. 1985). · ·

Also occurring in the project area are thr~ plants and three animals currently listed as Category 2 species. The three Category 2 plants are bracted twistflower (Streptanthus _bracteatus), canyon mock-orange (Philadelphus emestii), and Texabama croton (Croton alabamensis texensis). No portions of the Four Points property were identified as habitat for either bracted twistflower or canyon mock-orange in a 1989 status report on these two species (McNeal 1989). Texabama croton is currently known to occur in Travis County only in the Post Oak Ridge· area more than 12 miles northwest of the property. All three of these · species are considered unlikely to occur on the Four.Points property.

In 1986, Espey, Huston & Associates conducted a survey for .Heller's marble-seed (Onosmodium hellen), a Category 3C species, on the Four Points property.3 No specific surveys for other plant species are known to have been conducted on the property.

250 CFR Part 17, Vol. 59 No. 33, 17 February 1994, p. 7968-7978.

3 A Category 3C species is a taxon that is more abundant or widespread than was previously believed and/or not subject to any identifiable threats.

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The three animals in Category 2 are Jollyvi~e salamander (Eurycea _sp.), Texas garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis annectens), and loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). The J0llyville salamander occurs in springs and spring-ied creeks in the Bull Creek and Cypress Creek drainages in Travis Cou1'ty. This species is known to occur at and immediately downstream of two springs on the Four Points property.

Texas garter snake is a subspecies of the widely distnbuted eastern garter SIJ.ake. Garter snakes are typically associated with mesic habitats, which have· a very limited distribution on the Four Pomts property. Texas garter snakes were not observed but may occur on the property. However, the property is not expected to support a large population of this species.

Loggerhead shrikes are known to nest in the general project area, but this species typically occurs in open to semi-open habitats. The regular occurrence of loggerhead shrike on the mostly densely wooded Four Points property i's considered unlikely, but the species may be an occasional visitor in winter or during migratiori.

D. WETLANDS

Small wetland areas occur on· the Four Points property within drainages in the vicinity of some springs and seeps (Figure 4). .

E. ADJACENT LAND USES

The Four Points property is located approximately 11 miles northwest of downtown Austin and lies in an area that contains scattered large-scale residential subdivisi~ns, small commercial operations, and campus-type office and light-industrial compiexes.

A 3M research and development laboratory occupyiµg 162.5 acres is present immediately southeast of the property and the River Place residential development lies across RM 2222 to the south. Other partially completed residential developments, Stefoer Ranch and The Parke, lie nearby to the southwest and northwest, respectively. A Schlumberger research and development facility lies nearby to the north. Two 24-hour convenience stores, a barbecue stand, and ;;t dry-cleaners lie immediately west of. the property. Adjacent lands to the north and east of the Four Points property are largely undeveloped.

F. WATERRESOURCES

The Four Points property drains into Bull Creek, which ultimately drains into Lake Austin. A small number of springs are present within drainages on the property. Three of these springs may have perennial flow. No other permanent surface water is present on the Four Points property (Figure 4).

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G. GEOLOGY AND SOILS

Surface ge9logy of the vast majority of the Four Points property consists of the basal unit of the Edwards Limestone Formation. This lower Cretaceous formation consists primarily of limestone and dolomite, the basal unit of which is typically conducive to the formation of karst features. A limited amount of the Walnut Formation may crop out at the lowest elevations of the property. The Walnut Formation consists mainly of limestone, marl, and dolomite. This formation is typically not conducive to the ,formation of karst featur.~s.

A karst features survey was conducted on the Four Points property by Mike Warton & Associates December 5-9, 1994. A total of 22 potential karst features were discovered on the property. These features were excavated in December 1994 and January 1995 to determine their significance with respect to endangered cave invertebrates and aquifer recharge.

Tarrant series soils cover the entire Four Points property (SCS 1974).· These soils are typically shallow, develop under open vegetation, and are underlain by limestone. Limestone outcrops are con:imon in this soil type.

H. CULTURAL RESOURCES

Review of records at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (fARL), Texas Historical Commission, and National Register of Historical Places (NRHP) indicate that no significant cultural resource sites are known to occur on the Four Points property.

Results of cultural resource surveys on adjacent properties indicate that a relatively high density of prehistoric sites are present in the general area. Sites primarily consist of rock shelters, burned rock middens, lithic scatters, and campsites. Recorded sites range in age from ca. 10,000 B.C. to 1,600 A.D.

I. AIR AND WATER QUALITY

Travis County and the Austin metropolitan area contain attainment areas for all air quality . criteria pollutants of the Texas Air Control Bpard and the Environmental Protection Agency. However, degradation of air quality from automobile exhaust is a potential problem in the Austin area and has been a consideration over the past 10 years.

Water quality of the springs on the Four Points property is presumed to be good, although quantitative data. are not available, The property drains into Bull Creek, which in tum drains into Lake Austin.

IV. ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION

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A. ALTERNATIVE 1 - NO ACTION

The no action alternative would involve abandonment of the proposed project. No impacts to endangered species or habitat would occur as a result of this alternative.

B. ALTERNATIVE 2 - PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE

The approximately 333-acre Four Points property is located roughly 11 miles northwest of downtown Austin, Texas (Figure 1). The property is bounded by RM 620 to the west and a set of utility lines to the south. RM 2222 lies just off the property to the southwest. Two paved roads, Four Points Drive a.11d River Place Boulevard, are present on the property. The property lies within a limited purpose annex area of the City of Austin.

The proposed alternative includes a combination of mixed uses and residential construction with attendant widening of Four Points Drive and utilities construction (Figure 5). Development would occur on approximately 138 upland acres of the property. All .utility, water, and wastewater lines would be placed within the existing 16 acres of road rights-of­way. Approximately 179 acres of the property would remain in a natural undisturbed condition.

Commercial development would occur on approximately 113 acres and include 900,000 square-feet of research and development ·space, 730,000 square-feet of office space, 300,000 square-feet of retail space, ·and a 250,000-square-foot hotel. Residential development-would include 600 units of multi-family housing on roughly 25 acres. ·

Measures to avoid, minimize; and mitigate for potential impacts to the federally endangered · golden-cheeked warbler and cave invertebrates and the Catego;y 2 candidate Jollyville

salamander include:

Preservation of High Density Cave Area. Approximately 52 acres located east of the current position of River Place Boulevard would be pr~served .and maintainep in a natural condition. This area contains a total of five caves (Owl Eyes, Japygid, Eluvial, Fempit, M.W.A. and Jollyville) known to be inhabited by Tooth Cave ground beetle (four caves) and/or Bone Cave harvestman (three caves). Two of these caves may also contain ·K:retschmarr Cave mold beetle and one may contain Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion (Table 1). · A majority of the karst preserve area also contains habitat for golden-cheeked warbler.

Protection of this ar~a is also expected to contribute to the maintenance of water quality, and, therefore, the quality of salamander habitat, at resurgence springs down-gradient of the preserve area.

Preservation of Golden-cheeked Warbler Habitat. In addition to the karst preserve, another approximately 127 acres of the property would be set aside and maintained as a golden-cheeked warbler preserve. Except where divided by existing roads, ·this acreage

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would be contained in one block and would be contiguous with the warbler habitat of the karst preserve and approximately 5500 acres of golden-cheeked warbler habitat off-site within the Bull Creek watershed. ·

Avoidance of Direct Impacts to Warblers. Clearing or construction in occupied warbler habitat would not be ini~iated during times of year when birds are present.

Diversion of Surface Water Runoff. Runoff from proposed mul~-family residentiai areas ~d the.hotel would be routed to avoid drainages which contain springs known to.support Joli yville salamanders (Figure 6).

C. ALTERNATIVE 3 - PROJECT DESIGN I

Alternative 3 also includes a combination of mixed use and residential construction with attendapt roads and utilities (Figure 7). Under this alternative, developme~t would occur on approximately '148 upland acres of the property. All utility, water, and wastewater lines would be placed within road rights-of-way. Approximately 169 acres ·of the property would remain in natural undisturbed condition.

Development would occur on approximately' 148 acres and include 925,000 square-feet of research and development space, 685,000 square-feet'of office space, 380,000 square-feet of retail space, a 250,000-square-foot hotel, and 670 units of multi:.family housing.

Measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate for potential impacts to the golden-cheeked warbler, cave invertebrates, and Jollyville saj.amander under this alternative are similar to those, or the prqposed alternative, except that approximately 169 acres, rather than 179, would be maintained as warbler and karst preserves and the configuration of the development

· would intrude further into golden-cheeked warbler habitat.

D. ALTERNATIVE 4 - ALTERNATE DESIGN Il (FOUR POINTS P.U.D.)

This ajternative consists of the planned unit development for the Four Points property as approved· by the City of Austin in 1989 (Figure 8). This plan has zoning and preliminary plan approval for new development on 224 acres, including: 2,100,000 square-feet of research and development space on roughly 112 acres; 842,000 square-feet of office space 9n approximately 40 acres; 296,918 square-feet of retail space on roughly 40 acres; a 250,000-square-foot hotel on approximately 6 acres; and, 670 multi-family dwelling units on roughly 28 acres. This alternative would include construction of a new road, Paladium Way.

Under Alternative 4, roughly 90 acres would remain as natu:r:al undisturbed open space and be managed as a golden-cheeked warbler preserve. As with the other development alternatives, c_learing for construction would not be initiated during times of the year when warblers are present.

15

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V. ENV.m.ONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

A. ALTERNATIVE 1 - NO ACTION

The no action alternative would result in no change in existing conditions on the Four Points property.

This alternative was rejected because a significant amount of money has already been invested in land acquisition and planning efforts for the Four Points property. Abandonment of the proposed project would result in a significant economic loss to the Hillwood Development Company.

B. ALTERN~TIVE 2 - PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE

On-site Impacts Analysis

1. Vegetation - Approximately 138 acres of land are proposed for development under this alternative. Development will oc~ur in areas that currently support woodlands composed primarily of Ashe juniper and various species of evergreen and deciduous oaks .. Such vegetation co)Jlmunities are limited primarily to the Edwards Plateau and while currently common in the Austin reITTon they are corning under severe development pressure. Most of the woodland in the d.eyeloped areas would be cleared a,nd replaced by buildings, imperviou$ surfaces or urban Jandscaping.

2. Wildlife - Displacement of some wildlife species on the Four Points property can be expected as a result of the proposed project and changes in some wildlife populations would likely occur. Undetermined effects associated with the promotion of urban · wildlife species and. human activities a_s$ociated with the development may result in . negative iinpacts to certain· species while others may be unaffected or positively affected by this development.

3. Threatened and Endangered Species - Three listed endangered species are known to occur on the Four Points property: the golden-cheeked warbler; Tooth Cave ground beetle; and, Bone Cave harvestman. Another two_ endangered cave invertebrates, the Tooth Gave pseudoscorpion and Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle, have been ·tentatively identified as occurring on the property. No proposed species occur in the area. One Category 2 species, the Jollyville salamander, is known to occur -on the Four Points property. Two other Category 2 species, Texas garter snake and loggerhead shrike, may occasionally occur on the property in ~mall numbers. Impacts to the garter snake or shrike resulting from the proposed project are expected to be minimal.

Impacts to the Tooth Cave ground beetle and Bone Cave harvestman would be expected as a result of the proposed development. One cave known to be occupied by

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these two species (Puzzle Pits Cave) would be covered over and surface water runoff into a second cave (Twisted Elm) known to contain these species \\'.Ould be altered in quantity and possibly in quality due to construction within its drainage area.

Five caves known to contain the Tooth Cave ground beetle and/or Bone Cave harvestman and possibly the Kretschmarr ~aye mold beetle (Texamaurops reddellz) and/or Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion (Tartarocreagris texana) lie within a 52-acre area located· east of Riverplace Boulevard that would remain undeveloped.and be maintained as a cave invertebrate preserve. Some development would occmr on the west edge of the preserve and there is a possibility of contamination of Owl Eyes Cave and the hydrogeologically connected Japygid Cave from subsurface infiltration since the rock beds tilt to the northeast and the development is up-contour from the floor of the cave. However, the surface run-off from the development would be to the northwest and the possibility of contamination of the cave is slight. (Figure 9)

1

Impacts-to golden-cheeked warbler resulting from the proposed project are expected. Possible impacts include adverse modification of occupied habitat and indirect impacts· · resulting from development. Approximately 138 acres of golden-cheeked warbler 'habitat would be directly modified by the proposed construction and 65 acres would­be negatively affected. Parts of 13 warbler territories on t4e property will be affected by the proposed development.

The potential loss of 13 pairs of warblers represents less than 1 % of the remarnmg population of 4,8~2 to 16,016 pairs estimated by Wahl et al. (1990) and of 13,800 pairs estimated by Keddy-Hector (USFWS 1992).

The project has been designed to minimize impervious cover and route surface water runoff around spring areas known to -support Jollyville salamander. Therefore, impacts to Jollyville salamanders resulting from the proposed development are ~xpected to be minimal.

4. Wetlands - No wetlands are present within areas proposed for development; therefore, none shoulp be impacted by the proposed action.

5. Geology and Soils - Areas proposed for development are underlain by the basal Edwards Limestone Formation. Grading for new construction will include approximately 138 acres, however, no significant geologic alterations are expected.

Surface soil alterations will be m4tlmal and will comply with all City of Austin construction code~ for erosion and sedimentation control during the construction process.

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6. Land Use - The proposed action is comparable and compatible with current land use in the area.

7. Air and Water Quality - Development of the property may contribute to an increase in local traffic noise and exhaust emissions by increasing the number of people operating vehicles in the area, although these increases are expected to be very small. A reduction in the number of trees on the property may slightly reduce local air filtering capabilities. A temporary increase in noise and dust levels is expected during the construction process.

Surface water quality mitigation would be designed under the Bull Creek Amendments to the Lake Austin Water Quality Ordinance and no signific~t impacts to local water quality ate expected to occur as a result of the proposed project. The proposed plan provides for placement of enough water quality ponds to capture and treat all runoff from areas with impervious cover to a higher level than that which is currently required under City of Austin codes for the approved P.U.D. plan. · All runoff from developed portions of the property south of Four Points Drive. and the retail site north of Four Points Drive would drain into water quality ponds prior to entering undeveloped portions of the· property.

Wastewater service for the Four Points property will be provided by the City of Au,stin. -

8. Cultural Resources - According to NRHP and TARL files, no significant archaeological sites are lmown to occur on the Four Points property. No significant impacts to cultural resources are expected to occur as a result of the proposed project design.

Off-site Impact Analysis

1. Vegetation - No off-site impacts to vegetation would be expected as a result of the proposed alternative.

2. Wildlife - Displacement of some wildlife speci.es on the Four Points property could be expected as a result of the proposed project and minor changes in some wildlife populations would likely occur. Undetermined effects associated with the promotion of urban wp.dlife species and human activities associated with the development may result in negative impacts to certain species while others. may be unaffected or positively affected by this development. These off-site impacts to wildlife are expected to be insignificant as a result of this alternative.

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3. Threatened cµid Endangered Species - No off-site impacts to the Tooth Cave ground beetle, Bone Cave harvestman, or their habitat would be expected as a result of the proposed development. Approximat~ly 6 acres of golden-cheeked warbler habitat off­site would be affected adjacent to construction and development on-site.

4. Wetlands - No off-site impacts to wetlands are expected as a result of the proposed alternative.

5. Geology and Soils - No off-site impacts to geology or soils are expected to occur as a result of the proposed project.

6. Land Use - Developm_ent of the Four Points property would ~lightly increase the overall development in the area beyond currently existing developments or planned developments. The proposed action is compatible and comparable to current land use iii the area. ·

7. Air and Water Quality - Negative impacts to lqcal air and water quality off-site could be expected as a result of the development. There would likely be an increase in automobile_ emissions and polluted run-off from roads, impervious surfaces and landscap~ areas. These impacts are expected to be insignificant.

8. Cultural Resources - No off-site impacts to cultural resources are expected to occur.

C. A~TERNATIVE 3 - ALTERNATE PROJECT DESIGN I

On-site Impact Analysis

1. Vegetation - Approximately 148 acres of land are proposed for development under the . this alternative. As with the proposed alternative, development would occur in areas that currently support woodlands composed primarily of Ashe juniper and ·various species of evergreen and deciduous oaks. Most of the woodland in the developed areas would be cleared and replaced by buildings, impervious surfaces or urban landscaping.

. 2. Wildlife - Displacement of some wildlife species on the Four Ppints property can be

expected as a result of the proposed project and minor changes in some wildlife populations would likely occur. Undetermined effects associated with the promotion of urban wildlife species arid human activities associated with the dev~lopment may result in negative impacts to certain species while others may be unaffected or positively affected by this development.

3. Threatened and Endangered Species - Potential impacts on populations of the Texas garter snake, the loggerhead shrike, the cave invertebrates and the Jollyville salamander would be similar to those indicated for Alternative 2.

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Impac~s to golden-cheeked warbler resulting from the proposed project would be expected. Possible impacts include adverse modification of occupied habitat and indirect impacts resulting from development.

. Approximately 148 acres of golden-cheeked warbler habitat will be directly modified by this alternative and 89 acres would be negatively affected. Up to 17 warbler territories on the property would be affected by the proposed development.

The potential loss of 17 pairs of warblers represents less than 1 % of the remaining population of 4,822 to 16,016 pairs estimated by Wahl et al. (1990) and 13,800 pairs estimated by Keddy-Hector (USFWS 1992).

4. Wetlands - No wetlands are present within a,r~s proposed for development; therefore, none woul~ be impacted by this alternative.

5. Geology· and Soils - Areas proposed for developme~t are underlain py the basal Edwards Limestone Formation. Grading for new construction will include approximately 148 acres, however, no significant geologic alterations would be expected.

Surface soil alterations would l?e minimal and would comply with all City of Austin con~truction codes for erosion_· and sedimentation control during the construction process.

6. Land Use - The proposed action is comparable and compatible with current land use in the area. ·

7. Air and Water Quality - The impacts of the development of the property would be the sa~e as c;lescribed for _Alternative 2.

8. Cultural Resources - No significant impacts to cultural resources would be expected to occur as a result of this . alternative.

Off-site Impacts Analysis

1. Vegetation - No off-site impacts to vegetation would be expected as a result of this alternative.

2. Wildlife - Displacement of some wildlife species on the Four Points property could be expected as a result of the proposed project and changes in some wildlife populations would likely occur. Undetermined effects associated with the promotion of urban wildl4"e species and human_ activities associated with the development may result in negative impacts to certain species while others may be unaffected or positively affected by this development. These off-site impacts to wildlife would be expected to be insignificant as a result of this alternative.

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3. Threatened and Endangered Species - No off-site impacts to the Tooth Cave ground beetle, Bone Cave harvestman, or their habitat would be expected as a result of the proposed development. Approximately 6 acres of golden-chee]ced warbler habitat off­site would be affected adjacent to construction and development on-site.

4. Wetlands - No off-site impacts to wetlands would be expected as .a result of this alternative.

5. Geology and Soils - No off-site impacts to geology o{ soils are expected to occur as a result of this alternative.

6. Land Use - Development of the Four Points property would slightly increase the overall development in the area beyond currently existing developments ·or planned developments. This alternative is compatible and comparable to current land use in the area. ·

7. Air and Water Quality - Negative impacts to local air and water quality off-site could be expected as a result of the development. There would likely to be an in~rease in a:utomobile emissions and polluted run-off from roads, impe,rvious surfaces and landscaped areas. These impacts would be expected to be insignificant.

8. Gultural Resources - No off-site impacts to cultural resources would be expected to occur.

D. ALTERNATIVE 4 - ALTERNATE DESIGN II (FOUR POINTS P.U.D.)

On-site Impacts Analysis

1. Vegetation - Approximately 224 acres of land are proposed for development under the this alternative. As with the proposed alternative, development would occur in areas that currently support woodlands composed primarily of Ashe juniper and various species of evergreen and deciduous oaks. Most of the woodland in the developed areas would be cleared and replaced by buildings, impervious surfaces or urban landscaping.

2. Wildlife - Displacement of some wildlife species on the Four Points property could be expected as a result of the proposed project and changes in some wildlife

, populations would likely occur. Undetermined effects associated with the promotion of urban wildlife species and human activities associated with the development may ·result in negative impacts to certain species while others may be unaffected or positively affected by this development. ·

3. Threatened and Endangered Species - Potential impacts on populations of the Texas garter snake and the loggerhead shrike are similar to those indicated for alternative 2.

Impacts to golden-cheeked warbler resulting from the completion of the Four Points P.U.D. (Alternative 4) would be expected. Possible impacts include adverse

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modification of occupied habitat and indirect impacts resulting from development. Approximately 202 acres of golden-cheeked warbler habitat would be directly modified by the proposed construction and 83 acres woul~ be negatively affected. Up to 23 warbler territories on the property would be affected by the proposed development. - ·

The potential loss of 23 pairs of warblers represents less than 1 % of the remaµrlng population of 4,822 to 16,016 pairs estimated by Wahl et al. (1990) and of 13,800 pairs estimated by Keddy-Hector (USFWS 1992).

Under the P.U.D. alternative, all of the caves including those known to contain endangered karst invertebrates would be covered by proposed development. This would result in the destruction of all habitat and likely "take" of the Tooth cave ground beetle (Rhadine persephone), ,the Bone Cave harv~stman (Texella reyesi), the Kretschmarr ·cave mold beetle (Texamaurops reddellz), and the Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion (Tartarocreagris texana).

Except for water quality measures required by the City of Austin, the approved P.U.D. plan does not attempt to minimize potential impac_ts to·Jollyville salamander. Th~refore there would likely to be a \d~crease in water quality in the spring·s and thus a negative impact to the salamander.

4. Wetlands - No wetlands are present within areas proposed for development; therefore, none would be impacted by the proposed action.

5. Geology and Soils - Areas proposed for development are underlain by the basal Edwards Limestone Formation. Grading for new construction would include approximately 228 acres and require the covering of approximately 21 -cave openings·.

· Surface soil alterations would be minimal ?Jld would comply with all City of Austin construction codes for erosion and sedimentation control during the construction process.

_6. Land Use - The proposed action is comparable and compatible with current·Iand use in the area.

7. Air and Water Quality - Development of the property may contribute to an increase in local traffic noise and exhaust emissions by increasing the number of people operating vehicles in the area, although these increases are expected to be small. A reduction in the number of trees on the property may slightly reduce local air filtering .capabilities. A temporary increase in noise and dust levels is expected during the construction process.

Surface water quality mitigation would be designed under the Lake Austin Water Quality Ordinance and not the later City of Austin criteria for increased capture volumes. Therefore, impacts to local water quality would be expected to be greater than those of the proposed Alternative 2. The P.U.D. plan provides for placement of

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enough water quality ponds to capture and treat the first 0.5 inch of runoff from areas with impervious cover. The first flush of runoff from developed p_ortions of the property would drain into water quality ponds prior to entering u.ndeveloped portions of the property .

. 8. Cultural Resources - No significant impacts to cultural resources would be exp~ted to occur as a result of the approved P .U.D. plan.

Off-site Impacts Analysis

1. Vegetation - No off-site impacts to vegetation would be ~xpected as a result of this alternative. ·

2. Wildlife - Displacement of some wildlife species on the Four Points property coµld be expected as a ,result of the proposed project and changes in soine wildlife populations would likely occur. Undetermined effects associated with the promotion of urban wildlife species and human activities associated with the development may result in negative impacts to certain .. species while others may be unaffected or positively affected by this developme~t.

3. Threatened and Endangered Species - No off.:-site impacts to Tooth Cave ground beetle or Bone Cave harvestman; or their habitat are expected as a result of this alternative. Approximately 16 acres of golden-cheeked warbler habitat off-site would be affected adjacent to construction and development on-site. Off-site Jollyville · salamander habitat may be degraded due to the covering .of all local recharge features on the Four Points property.

4. Wetlands - No off-site impacts to wetlands would be expected as a result of the proposed P.U.D. alternative.

5. Geology and Soils - No off-site impacts to geology or soils would be expected to occur as a result of this alternative.

6. ~d Use - Development of the Four Points property would slightly increase the overall development in the area beyond currently existing developments or planned developments. The proposed action is compatible and comparable to current land use in the area.

7. Air and Water Quality - Negative impacts to local air and water quality off-site could be expected as a result of the development. There would likely be an increase in automobile emissions and polluted run-off from roads, impervious surfaces and landscaped areas. These impacts would be expected to be insignificant.

8. Cultural Resources - No off-site impacts to cultural resources would be expected to occur.

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VI. PROPOSED HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN

This section contains the Applicant's specific conservation proposals for the project. Any statements whe~e the Service differs with these proposals will be in italics . . The proposed development plan, Alternative 2, includes construction of 900,000 square-feet of research and development space, 730,000 square-feet of office space, 300,000 square-feet of retail space, a 250,000-square-foot hotel, and 600 units of multi-family housing. Development areas,lie within golden-cheeked warbler habitat and contain two caves known to contain Tooth Cave ground beetle and Bone Cave harvestman. Springs known to contain the Category 2 candidate Joilyville salamander lie nearby. Incidental direct or indirect take of warblers and the cave invertebrates is expected as a result of dir~t and indirect impacts resultant from the proposed project. Therefore, the HCP proposal. includes the following provisions to avoid, minimize, and mitigate for take of these species and impacts to salamanders.

Avoidance of Direct Impacts to Warblers. Clearing or construction in occupied warbler habitat would not be initiated during times of year when birds are not present.

Preservation of High Density Cave 'Area. Approximately 52 acres located east of the current position of River Place Boulevard would b·e permanently preserved and maintained in a natural condition. This area contains a total of five caves (Owl Eyes, Japygid, Eluvial., Fernpit, M.W.A. and Jollyville) known to be inhabited by Tooth Cave ground beetle (four caves) ·and/or Bone Cave harvest!Ilan (three caves). Two of these caves may also contain Krets,chmarr Cave mold beetle artd one may contain Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion. , Preservation of this area is consistent-with the recovery strategy described in the recbvery plan for the listed cave invertebrates (USFWS 1994a). The recovery plan states that each species will be considered for downlisting from endangered to threatened when at least three karst fauna areas in each karst fauna region within a species' range.are protected in perpetuity. 4 Further, the plan states that all localities inhabited by Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion and Kretschma:rr Cave mold beetle should be provided long-term protection.

Protection of this area is also expected to contribute to the maintenance of water quality, and, therefore, the quality of salamander habitat, at resurgence springs down-gradient of the preserve area.

Preservation of Golden-cheeked Warbler Habitat. In addition to the karst preserve, another approximately 135 acres of the property would be permanently set aside and maintained as a golden-cheeked warbler preserve. Except where divided by existing roads, this acreage would be contained in one block and would be contiguous with the karst preserve, which also contains golden-cheeked warbler habitat. ·

4Karst fauna regions are delineated based on geologic continuity, hydrology, and the distribution ofrare troglobites. A karst fauna area is an area that is known to support one or more locations of a listed species and that is separated from other areas by geologic or hydrologic barriers.

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Diversion of Surface Water Runoff. Runoff from proposed multi-fa_mily residential areas and the hotel will be routed to avoid drainages which contain springs known to support Jollyville salamanders.

The following measures are proposed to maintain the quality of habitat within preserve areas set aside for golden-ch~ked warbler and a number of karst inverteb~tes on the Four Points property.

Fencing of Preserve Areas. Access to the Four Poµits property is currently restricted by a sturdy 4-foot high multiple-strand barbed wire fence that is present on the perimeter of the property and on either side of Four Points Drive and River Place Boulevard.· As individual sites develop within the property, temporary f(?ncing will be erected around construction areas. Upon completion of constrqctio.n, permanent "fencing of a type agreed upon by the Applicant and the Service will be placed at the perimeter of the developed area. For example, temporary fencing 'will be placed o~ the margins of the multi-family area during· its construction. After construction is completed, permanent fencing will be erected at the edges of the multi-family site to preclude public access of preserve areas. All fences will be marked with "no trespassing11 signs that identify the fenced areas as wildlife preserves. Signs will be placed at approximately 200-foot intervals. All fences will be maintained in perpetuity.

Fire Ant Control. Fire ant control measures will be implemented within karst preserve areas to minimize the potential for fire ants _to adversely impact .karst ·invertebrates or their food ba:se. Surveys for fire ant mo.unds will be conducted throughout the karst preserve and the adjacent River Place Boulevard right-of-way i~ March, ,;April, May, June, August, and October. Fire ant mounds located during the· surveys will then be treated for eradication througli the use of qoiling water or fire ant baits, such as Logic. i,\.ll baits will be used according to the recommendations of the Service.

Periodic Cedar Control. · After consultation· and agreement between the permittee and the USFWS, removal of Ashe juniper (cedar) trees, for the purpose of promoting the regeneration of hardwood trees, may occur to the extent reasonable and practicable.

. . Pesticide and Herbicide Use. Other than the use of fire ant baits as described above, no pesticides or herbicides will be used within preserve areas. Any pesticides or herbicides used within developed areas will be used according to the EPA guidelines provided for those specific chemicals and included on their resp~tive packaging.

Golden-cheeked Warbler Monitoring Surveys. Surveys for golden-cheeked warbler will be conducted on the Four Points property within areas proposed for development and 500 feet into preserve areas adjacent to the proposed development areas. Presence/~bsence surveys shall be conducted in the first two years following commencement of construction. Following those two surveys, territory mapping surveys will be conducted every third year through project buildout (95 % ) completion). A final territory mapping survey will be · conducted in the third year following project buildout.

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VII. AGENCIES AND INDIVIDUALS CONSULTED

The following agencies, organizations, and individuals were consulted or coordinated with during the process of ad?ressing endangered -·species concerns for the Four Points property:

Espey, Huston & Associates - Austin, Texas

Mike Warton ·& Associates - Cedar Park, Texas

James Reddell

Non.:.4Isect Invertebrate Curator - University of Texas Memorial Museum, Austin, Texas

SWCA, Inc. - Austin, Texas

United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin, Texas

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VUI. REFERENCES

Benson, R.H. 1990. Habitat area requirements of the golden-cheeked warbler on the Edwards Plateau. Unpubl. 1 report to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin.

Biologic~ Advisory Team of the Austin Regional Habitat Conservation Plan. 1990. Comprehensive report of the Biological Advisory Team. .

Chippindal~, P.T., A.H. Price, and D.M. Hillis. 1993. A new species of perennibranchiate salamander (Eurycea; Plethodontid,ae) from Austin, Texas. Herpetologica 49(2)"248-259.

Demon, H., M. Eghoff, and F. Webster, Jr. 1984. Breeding bird survey 144. Juniper-oak ' woods on limestone hills. American Birds 38: 110 .

. McNeal, P. 1989. Status of Streptanthus bracteatus, Philadelphus emestii and Amorpha roemerana in Travis County: a report for the Balcones C_anyonlands Habitat Conservation Plan. Unpubl. report to the Biological Advisory Team.

Mills, G.S., J.B. Dunning, and J.M. B_ates. 1989. Effects of urbanization .on breeding bird community structur~ in southweste~ desert habitats. Condor 91 :416-428.

Pease, C.M. and L.G. Gingerich. 1989 .. The habitat requirements of the black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler populations near Austin, Texas. Report prepared for Austin Regional Habit3:t Conservation Plan, Biologica! Advisory Team, Austin, Texas.

Pulich, W.M. 1976. The golden:cheeked warbler: a bioecological study. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Austin; Texas.

Slade, R.M. , L. Ruiz, and D. Slagle. 1985. Simulation of the flow system of Barton Springs and associated Edwards aquifer in the Austin area, Texas. United States Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 85-4299. Denver, Colorado.

Soil Conservation Service. 1974. Soil Survey of Travis County, Texas. Unite<l States Department of Agriculture. Texas Agriculture Experiment s.tation.

SWCA, Inc. 1991. Revised biological assessment for the Woodland Hills Project, San Antonio, Texas. Unpubl. report prepared for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas.

SWCA, Inc. 1992. 1992 Woodland Hills golden-cheeked warbler .~onitoring study. Unpubl. report to the USFWS, Corpus Christi, Texas.

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United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1981. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants: determination of the black-capped vireo, to be an endangered species. 50 CPR 17. Federal Register 52: 37420-37423.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1990a. Endangered and threatened wildlife and . plants: emergency rule to list the golden-cheeked warbler as end~gered. 50 CPR 17. Federal Register 55: 18844-18845.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1990b. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants: proposed rule tQ list the golden-cheeked warbler as endangered. 50 CFR 17. Federal Register 55: 18846-18849.

' . United States Fish and Wildlife Servic~. 1990c. Endangered and threatened wildlife and

plants: final rule to list the golden-cheeked warbler as endangered. 50 CPR 17. Federal Register 55: 53153-53160.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1991. Black-c~pped vireo (Vireo atricapillus) recovery plan. Austin, Texas.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1992. Golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) recovery plan. Austin, Texas.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994a. Recovery plan for endangered karst invertebrates in Travis and Williamson Counties, Texas. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 154 pp. .

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994b. Final biological opinion on the effects of the issuance of a Section 404 permit on endangered species on the Canyon Creek property. Unpublished report prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Fort Worth, Texas. Project No. 2-15-93-F-075.

Wahl, R., D.D. Diamond, and D. Shaw. 1990. The golden-cheeked warbler: a status review. Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Worth, Texas.

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APPENDIX A. WILDLIFE KNOWN OR CONSIDERED LIKELY TO REGULARLY OCCUR ON OR ADJACENT TO THE FOUR POINTS PROPERTY

The following lists consist of vertebrate species 19lown or considered likely to regularly occur on or adjacent to the Four Points property. Species marked with an asterisk have been observed on or immediately adjacent t~ the pro_perty. The bird list does not include species which may occur as migrants flying over the property. Bird names are in accordance ·with the 1987 A.O.U. checklist and amendments. Lists were compiled using the following sources: Travis Audubon Society-Bird Records Committee. 1989. Checklist and seasonal distribution, birds of the Austin, Texas Region. 7th ed. Tr~vis County Audubon·Society, Austin, Texas; National Geographic Society. 1987. Field guide to the birds of North America. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.; Davis, W.B. ·J960 (rev. i974). The mammals of Texas. Bull. No. 41. Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., Austin, Texas; Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. 1975. A field guide ,to reptiles and ~phibians, eastern and _central North America. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts; Garrett; J.M.-and D.G. Barke_!. 1987. A field guide to reptiles and amphibians of .Texas. Texas Monthly Press, Austin, Texas; Tennant, A. 1985. A field guide to Texas snakes. Lone Star Press, ,Houston, Texas; and Kutac, E.A. and S.C. Caran. 1994. Birds & other wildlife of South Central Texas. University· of Texas Press~ Austin, Texas. -

Birds Turkey vulture· Black vulture*. Mississippi kite Sharp-shinned hawk· Cooper's hawk Red:.shouldered hawk Broad-winged hawk Red-tailed hawk American kestrel Wild turkey• Northern, bobwhite Rock dove White-winged dove Mourning dove· Inca dove Common ground-dove Yellow-billed cuckoo Greater roadrunner Eastern screech-owl· Great homed owl Common nighthawk Chuck-will ' s-widow Whip-poor-will

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Chimney swift Ruby-throated hummingbird Black-chinned hummingbird* Golden-fronted woodpecker Yellow-bellied sapsucker Ladder-backed woodpecker· Northern flicker Olive-sided flycatcher Eastern wood-pewee Acadian flycatcher Willow flycatcher Least flycatcher Eastern phoebe· Ash-throated flycatcher Great crested flycatcher

·western kingbird Eastern kingbird Scissor-tailed flycatcher Purple martin· Tree swallow Northern rough-winged swallow Bank swallow Cliff swallow

Barn swallow Blue jay• Scrub Jay° American crow Common raven Carolina chickadee· Tufted titmouse· Bushtit* Brow_n creeper Canyon Wf'en Carolina wren· Bewick' s wren• House wren Golden-crowned kinglet Ruby-crowned kinglet· Blue-gray gnatcatcher· Eastern ·bluebird Veery Swainson's thrush Hermit thrush• -Wood thrush American robin· Gray catbird Northern mockingbird* Brown thrasher Cedar waxwing· Loggerhead shrike European starling White-eyed vireo: Solitary vireo· Yellow-throated vireo· Warbling vireo Red-eyed vireo Tennessee warbler Orange-crowned warbler· Nashville· warbler· Northern parula •

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Yellow warbler Chestnut-sided warbler Magnolia warbler Yellow-rumped warbler· Black-throated green warbler· Golden-cheeked warbler· Blackburnian warbler Yellow-throated warbler Pine warbler Bay-breasted warbler

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Black-and-white warbler· American redstart Ovenbird Northern waterthrush Louisiana waterthrush Kentucky warbler Mourning warbler Common yellqwthroat Hooded warbler· Wilson's warbler Canada warbler Yellow-breasted chat Summer tanager· Northern cardinal· Rose-breasted grosbeak Blue grosbeak Indigo bunting Painted bunting Dickcissel Rufous-sided towhee Rufous-crowned sparrow Chipping sparrow· Dark-eyed junco· Clay-colored sparrow Field sparrow· Vesper sparrow Lark sparrow Savannah . sparrow Fox sparrow Song ~parrow _ Lincoln's sparrow Whlte-throated sparrow· White-crowned sparrow Harris' sparrow Red-winged blackbird· . Eastern meadowlark Western meadowlark Great-tailed grackle Common grackle· Brown-headed cowbird• Orchard oriole

· Northern oriole House finch· Pine siskin • Lesser goldfinch· American goldfinch· House sparrow·

Common Name

Opossum· Cave myotis , Eastern pipistrel Red bat Hoary bat · Evening bat Brazilian free-tailed bat Raccoon· filngtait Longtail weasel Striped skunk Hognose skunk Coyote Gray fox Bobcat Rock squirrel

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Eastern fox squirret Merriam's pocket mouse · Fulvous harvest mouse Deer mouse White-footed mouse Texas mouse White-ankled mouse House mouse Blacktail jackrabbit* Eastern cottontail White-tailed deer· Armadillo

Mammals

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Scientific Name

DidelphiS virginiana Myotis velifer Pipistrellus subflavus Lasiurus borealis Lasiurus cinereus Nycticeius humeralis Tadarida brasiliensis Procyon lotor Bassariscus astutus Mustela frenata Mephiris . mephitis Conepatus leuconoius Canis latrans Urocyon cinereoargenteus Lynx rufus Spermophilus variegatus Sciurus niger Perognathus merriami Reithrodontomys fu.lvescens Peromyscus maniuculatus Peromyscus leucopus Peromyscus attwateri Peromyscus pectoralis Mus musculus Lepus califomicus Sylvilagus jloridanus Odocoileus virginianus Dasypus novemcinctus

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Common Name

Yellow mud turtle Ornate box turtle Green anole • Texas spiny lizard Six-lined racerunner Texas spotted whiptail Ground skink* Short-lined skink•

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Texas alligator lizard Texas blind snake Diamondback water snake Blotched. water snake Texas brown snake· Texas garter snake Checkered garter snake Ribbon snake Western earth snake Rough earth snake . Eastern ~ognose snake Prairie ringneck snake Eastern yellowbelly racer Central Texas whipsnake

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Rough green snake Texas patchnose snake· Great Plains rat snake Texas rat snake Kingsnake Mille snake Flathead snake· Texas coral snake· Copperhead Western diamondback rattlesnake Jollyville salamander· Western slimy salamander· Cliff chirping frog· Woodhouse's toad Gulf Coast toad Blanchard's cricket frog Gray treefrog. Upland chorus frog Spotted chorus frog Strecker' s chorus frog Southern leopard frog

Reptiles and Amphibians (

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Scientific Name

Kinostemon flavescens Terrapene omata omata Anolis carolinensis Sceloporus olivaceus Cn.emidophorus sexlineatus Cnemidophorus gularis Scintella lateralis Eumeces tetragrammus brevilineatus Gerrhonotus liocephalus Leptotyphlops dulcis Nerodia rhombifer Nerodia erythrogaster transversa Storeria dekayi texana Thamnbphis sirtalis annectens Thamndphis marcianus Thamnophis proximus Virginia valeriae elt;gans Virginia stri_atula Heterodon platirhinos Diadophis pulictatus amyi Coluber constrictor flaviventris Mastj.cophis taeniatus girardi Opheodrys aestivus Salvadora grahamiae lineata Elaphe guttata emoryi Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri -Lampropeltis getula Lampropeltis triangulum Tantillq gracilis Micrufus fulvius tener Agkistrodon contoririx Crotalus atrox Eurycea sp. Plethodon glutinosus albagula Syrrhophus mamockii Bufo woodhousii woodhousii Bufo valliceps Acris crepitans blanchardi Hyla versicolor . Pseudacris triseriata feriarum Pseudacris clarkii Pseudacris streckeri Rana utricularia

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For more information contact: Jana Grote 512-490-0057

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN AVAIL~BLE ON PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT 138 ACRES OF

MIXED USE AND: RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Officials of the U. s .· Fish and Wildlife Service and P-WB 'Joint yenture have completed the a·pplication for a permit under the Endangered Species Act for the construction of 138 acres of mixed use· and residential development on portions of 333 acres in Austin, Travis County, · Texas. An Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan, and a draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that examine the proposal to complete the project is available for review at the Fish and Wildlife Service off ice in Austin. ·

The request includes provisions to mitigate the incidental take of the federally-listed golden-cheeked warbler, Tooth Cave ground beetle and Bone Cave harvestman that inhabit the site. The mitigation includes the preservation of 127 acres of golden-cheeked warbler habitat and 52 acres witp 5 caves containing the Tooth Cave ground beetle and the Bone cave harvestman to be maintainetl for the conservation of· the golden-cheeked warbler and the cave inv~rtebrates within Travis county.

Public comments on the permit application will be received until (30 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION DATE IN FEDERAL REGISTER). The FONSI will not become effective until 30 days after expiration of the comment period on the permit application. Written comments should be sent to (and the Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan and draft FONSI are available for review at):

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78758

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