{"text_format":"1","workbook":"xlsx","n_sheets":5,"sheets":["Instructions",">6,000' elev","<6,000' elev","Breeding Habitat >6,000","Breeding Habitat <6,000"],"not_rendered":{"charts":0,"images":1,"macros":1,"external_links":0,"defined_names":18,"comments":2,"pivot_tables":0},"unopened":[],"bounds":{"document_bytes":16777216,"sheet_cells":100000,"rows_first":2000,"rows_last":500,"rows_between":2000,"halvings":0,"cell_chars":16384,"cell_head_chars":4096},"cells_cut":0,"cells_raw":0,"read":"whole","date_system":"1900"}

{"sheet":"Instructions","index":0,"n_rows":37,"n_cols":2,"rows_kept":37,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[[3,1,3,10],[17,1,17,10],[19,1,19,10],[20,1,20,10],[15,1,15,10],[18,1,18,10],[16,1,16,10],[5,1,5,9],[9,1,9,9],[11,1,11,10],[13,1,13,10],[7,1,7,10],[27,1,27,10],[28,1,28,10],[26,1,26,10],[25,1,25,10],[36,1,36,9],[33,1,33,9],[35,1,35,10],[30,1,30,10]]}
[null,"Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG) - Southwestern Willow Flycatcher"]
[]
[null,"INSTRUCTIONS"]
[null,"General Information: Southwestern willow flycatchers (SWFL) are neotropical migrants found nesting in dense mosaics of riparian vegetation (usually where surface water is present or soil is saturated).  Nests are usually found in dense stands of medium-sized trees or shrubs such as willow or tamarisk, often with an overstory of cottonwood.  "]
[]
[null,"WHEG Use: The primary purpose of this WHEG is to determine baseline acres of suitable nesting habitat for SWFL under landowner control, as specified in Biological Opinion #02E0000-2012-F-0013.  This WHEG may also be used for planning/ranking SWFL habitat restoration and management projects."]
[]
[null,"WHEG Use: This evaluation should only be used in known flycatcher habitat and areas considered to be potential flycatcher habitat (refer to the map in FOTG, Section II, T&E). \n● Consider and evaluate the habitat needs of other wildlife species that use similar riparian habitat before implementing actions or conservation practices (i.e. multiple species' WHEG may need to be completed)."]
[]
[null,"WHEG Selection:  Use <6,000' WHEG in areas occuring below 6,000 feet in elevation. Use >6,000' WHEG in areas occuring above 6,000 feet in elevation.  Elevational information can be found on topography maps (elevational GIS layers are provided in NRCS's geodata). "]
[]
[null,"Assessment Area: Clearly delineate the exact assessment area, on a map with the area overlaid on aerial imagery. The size or extent of the assessment area is not pre-defined; the evaluator will need to determine this based on their professional judgement and need for the evaluation. This rational should be documented on the WHEG.\nFurther Defined: The assessment area is a discrete patch of like vegetation and hydrology.  Plant species and composition, age, and height should be similar in an assessment area.  Ground water levels, surface water levels, and flooding timing, duration, and intensity should be similar in an assessment area.\n     ●  Evaluate only the cooperating party's land unless otherwise directed.  But do consider the landscape context; of what exists on lands adjacent to the area of concern (use the notes section).\n"]
[]
[null,"Action Evaluated: Briefly describe the actions being evaluated in the \"after score\", if applicable.  Generally, these include the conservation practices that will be applied to raise the baseline conditions."]
[]
[null,"Elements: Conservation planners should consult a wildlife biologist as needed."]
[null,"The identified elements are as follows:"]
[null,"1. Habitat Configuration "]
[null,"2. Habitat Structure"]
[null,"3. Woody Habitat Composition"]
[null,"4. water Depletions"]
[null,"5. General Hydrology"]
[null,"6. Flood Frequency"]
[null,"7. Site Disturbance"]
[]
[null,"Form Instructions: The yellow boxes indicate areas to enter data. The results will auto-populate.\n"]
[null,"     ● Use professional judgement, and refer to a wildlife biologist as needed."]
[null,"Bench = Benchmark/Baseline (current) condition. Answer the questions for current conditions by entering the corresponding \"Value\" into the \"Bench\" column. Interpolate scores between categories as needed."]
[null,"After = Reasonable expectation of the post-implementation of conservation practices at maturity. Answer the question for expected conditions by entering the corresponding \"Value\" into the \"After\" column. Interpolate scores between categories as needed. \n"]
[]
[null,"Due to the wide variety of habitat used by the species across its range, the evaluator will need to interpret the questions to their situation."]
[]
[null,"References:"]
[null,"DOI, 2012. Final Recovery Plan Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus). Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Team Technical Subgroup, Region 2 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. "]
[]
[null,"DOI, 2015. The USFWS's Biological Opinion for the effects of Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) implementation on the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and 84 other federally listed and "]
[null,"candidate species in the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Washington, DC. Signed 02/13/2015."]

{"sheet":">6,000' elev","index":1,"n_rows":229,"n_cols":20,"rows_kept":229,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[[6,3,6,12],[6,14,6,15],[7,3,7,8],[7,11,7,12],[7,14,7,15],[8,3,8,12],[8,14,8,15],[20,2,20,12],[20,14,25,14],[20,15,25,15],[21,2,21,12],[22,2,22,12],[23,2,23,12],[24,2,24,12],[25,2,25,12],[10,14,10,15],[11,1,11,15],[12,1,12,15],[15,1,15,15],[18,13,19,13],[18,14,19,14],[18,15,19,15],[19,1,19,12],[34,2,34,12],[35,2,35,12],[37,6,37,12],[39,13,40,13],[39,14,40,14],[28,13,29,13],[28,14,29,14],[28,15,29,15],[29,1,29,12],[30,2,30,12],[30,14,35,14],[30,15,35,15],[31,2,31,12],[32,2,32,12],[33,2,33,12],[51,15,52,15],[52,1,52,12],[53,2,53,12],[53,14,57,14],[53,15,57,15],[54,2,54,12],[55,2,55,12],[39,15,40,15],[40,1,40,12],[41,2,41,12],[41,14,45,14],[41,15,45,15],[42,2,42,12],[43,2,43,12],[44,2,44,12],[45,2,45,12],[56,2,56,12],[57,2,57,12],[58,5,58,12],[59,5,59,12],[61,13,62,13],[61,14,62,14],[47,1,47,12],[51,13,52,13],[51,14,52,14],[69,7,69,12],[71,6,71,12],[73,13,74,13],[73,14,74,14],[73,15,74,15],[74,1,74,12],[61,15,62,15],[62,1,62,12],[63,2,63,12],[63,14,67,14],[63,15,67,15],[64,2,64,12],[65,2,65,12],[66,2,66,12],[67,2,67,12],[116,20,116,21],[121,1,123,15],[133,1,133,15],[136,1,136,15],[88,2,88,12],[89,2,89,12],[91,7,91,12],[93,5,93,12],[97,1,97,15],[99,1,99,15],[85,14,89,14],[85,15,89,15],[86,2,86,12],[87,2,87,12],[148,1,148,15],[48,5,48,12],[137,1,137,15],[139,6,139,7],[139,13,139,15],[141,1,141,15],[145,10,145,11],[146,1,146,8],[146,10,146,11],[106,2,106,14],[116,7,116,8],[81,6,81,12],[83,13,84,13],[83,14,84,14],[83,15,84,15],[84,1,84,12],[85,2,85,12],[75,2,75,12],[75,14,79,14],[75,15,79,15],[76,2,76,12],[77,2,77,12],[78,2,78,12],[79,2,79,12]]}
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Regionally developed",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Mar 2015"]
[]
[null,"Client:",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Date:"]
[null,"Location:",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"County:",null,null,"Site ID:"]
[null,"Planners:"]
[]
[null,"Assessment Area: (brief description of the area evaluated)",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Acres:"]
[]
[null,"REQUIREMENT: Delineate the assessment area on a map overlaid on aerial imagery. Print & Attach."]
[]
[null,"Action Evaluated: (brief description of the actions being evaluated, \"after score\", if applicable)"]
[]
[]
[null,"WHEG Elements"]
[null,"1) ","Habitat Configuration",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Score for the participant's land only. 1]A \"patch\" is dense (hard to walk through) willows that are a min. of 10 ft. wide, averaging >0.25 acres in size."]
[null,"a)","AA is part of a multiple patch1] complex totaling over 10 acres in the aggregate. No more than 25 ft  between patches1].",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","AA is part of a multiple patch1] complex totaling 4.5 to 10 acres in the aggregate. No more than 25 feet between patches1]. ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.8-0.9"]
[null,"c)","Single or multiple patches1] totaling 2.5 to 4.5 acres total in size.  No more than 50 feet between patches1].",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0.7]
[null,"d)","Single or multiple patches1] totaling 0.25 to 2.5 acres in size.  No more than 50 feet between the patches1].",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"e)","Single, narrow strip of riparian or collection of any small riparian areas that extends from or connect to a patch1].",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"f)","Single, narrow strip of  riparian or collection of any small riparian areas that does not extend from, or connect to, a patch1].",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O21=\"\",\"\",O21)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P21=\"\",\"\",P21)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O27=\"\",\"\",IF(O27>=0,IF(O27<0.5,B18&\": \"&C19,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q27=\"\",\"\",IF(P27=\"\",\" \",IF(P27>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P27=\"\",\"\",IF(P27=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O27=\"\",\"\",IF(P27<O27,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[]
[null,"2) ","Habitat Structure",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Estimate growing season height of canopy, density of understory, and recruitment in the assessment area."]
[null,"a)","Mature riparian dominated with canopy heights ranging from 10-23 ft. tall with mostly a single veg. layer (no distinct overstory or under-story).  Typically, dense branch/twig structure in the lower 6.5 feet, with high live foliage density from the ground to the canopy. Very hard to walk through.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Mature multi-storied riparian with canopy heights ranging from 7 to 23 ft tall, with mosaics of densely vegetated understories of shorter willows > 15 feet tall.  These areas are hard to walk through.  ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.8-0.9"]
[null,"c)","Young stands of regenerating riparian with similar heights of vegetation approximately 6-15 ft. in height.   Moderately hard to walk through.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.6-0.7"]
[null,"d)","Tree overstory is > 50% dead or decadant trees, with new tree regeneration within nesting patch. Somewhat difficult to walk through.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.51]"]
[null,"e)","Open canopy gallery with \"park-like\" conditions.  No regeneration, but site is capable of achieving a multi-storied canopy, described above in a or b,  through mgmt. and/or plantings.  Very easy to walk through.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"f)","Little to no riparian vegetation flycatchers use for nesting, or site potential is for herbaceous only.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Are multiple woody canopy layers present: YES           NO",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O31=\"\",\"\",O31)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P31=\"\",\"\",P31)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O37=\"\",\"\",IF(O37>=0,IF(O37<0.5,B18&\": \"&C29,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q37=\"\",\"\",IF(P37=\"\",\" \",IF(P37>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P37=\"\",\"\",IF(P37=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O37=\"\",\"\",IF(P37<O37,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[null,"Describe recruitment:"]
[]
[null,"3) ","Woody Habitat Composition",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Assess aerial canopy cover within the assessment area with ocular estimates and aerial photos."]
[null,"a)","Woody riparian vegetation dominated by willow and no exotic vegetation. ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Woody riparian vegetation dominated by > 75%  willow with a smaller component of non-native vegetation (most likely Russian olive).",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.7-0.9"]
[null,"c)","Woody riparian vegetation dominated > 50% willow with a smaller component of  non-native species (most likely Russian olive). ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"d)","Woody riparian vegetation composed of > 50% non-native (most likely Russian olive).  ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"e)","Little to no woody riparian vegetation flycatchers use for nesting (herbaceous vegetation, little to no vegetation, developed areas, or open water).",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Dominant woody veg (top 3):",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O42=\"\",\"\",O42)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P42=\"\",\"\",P42)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O47=\"\",\"\",IF(O47>=0,IF(O47<0.5,B18&\": \"&C40,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q47=\"\",\"\",IF(P47=\"\",\" \",IF(P47>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P47=\"\",\"\",IF(P47=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O47=\"\",\"\",IF(P47<O47,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[]
[null,"Other Woody Plants:"]
[null,"Average canopy cover: 0-10%",null,null,null,null,null,"10-25%",null,"25-50%",null,"   50-75%",null,"   75-100%"]
[]
[null,"4) ","Water Depletions",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Determine the hydrology of the river system from onsite observations and upstream information."]
[null,"a)","No river diversion or groundwater pumping. ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Limited river diversion or groundwater pumping that does not reduce the water available for riparian or lake bottom habitat regeneration, growth, maintenance, distribution, or abundance.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.7-0.9"]
[null,"c)","River diversion or groundwater pumping that reduces the water available for riparian or lake bottom habitat regeneration, growth, maintenance, distribution, or abundance.  Minimum suitable habitat is maintained in most years.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"d)","River diversion or groundwater pumping that reduces the water available for riparian habitat regeneration, growth, maintenance, distribution, or abundance.  Minimum suitable habitat is only available in wettest years.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"e)","River diversion or groundwater pumping to the extent that water is not available for riparian habitat regeneration, growth, maintenance, distribution, abundance.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Onsite depletions:",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O54=\"\",\"\",O54)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P54=\"\",\"\",P54)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O59=\"\",\"\",IF(O59>=0,IF(O59<0.5,B18&\": \"&C52,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q59=\"\",\"\",IF(P59=\"\",\" \",IF(P59>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P59=\"\",\"\",IF(P59=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[null,"Upstream depletions:"]
[]
[null,"5) ","General Hydrology (especially during May 15th - Aug 1st)",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Determine the hydrology from observations within the assessment area."]
[null,"a)","Perennial surface flow with elevated groundwater within or adjacent to the AA.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Intermittent streams that provide surface water during the breeding season.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.7-0.9"]
[null,"c)","Mostly perennial surface flow, with some intermittent sections or short durations of intermittent flow and elevated groundwater maintains moist soils.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"d)","Intermittent or perennial surface flows during the breeding season with elevated groundwater. ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"e)","No surface flow or rare occurrence of surface flow; breeding season in most years without moist soils and elevated groundwater.  ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Supplemental hydrology: side channels",null,null,null,null,null,null,"  springs",null,"urban runoff ",null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O64=\"\",\"\",O64)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P64=\"\",\"\",P64)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O69=\"\",\"\",IF(O69>=0,IF(O69<0.5,B18&\": \"&C62,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q69=\"\",\"\",IF(P69=\"\",\" \",IF(P69>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P69=\"\",\"\",IF(P69=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[null,"ag runoff",null,null,"irrigation  "]
[null,"Beaver Activity:  chewed wood",null,null,null,null,null,"dam","      wood lodge",null,null,"bank burrow"]
[null,"observed beaver       other:"]
[]
[null,"6) ","Flood Frequency",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Average flood frequency in the assessment area as determined by field indicators."]
[null,"a)","Regular flooding every 1.5 - 2 years.  Floodplain wetlands (oxbows, backwater wetlands) are still hydrologically connected to the river.  High flows in the river channel result in surface water saturation of these floodplain features.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Overbank flooding occurs every 3 - 4 years.  Channel is slightly incised.  Floodplain wetlands (oxbows, backwater wetlands) are still hydrologically connected to the river.  High flows in the river channel result in surface water saturation of these floodplain features.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.7-0.9"]
[null,"c)","Flooding every 5 - 6 years.  Most floodplain wetlands are wetted when river levels rise.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"d)","Flooding every 7 - 10 years.  Only the deepest floodplain wetlands are wetted when river levels rise.  Some runoff water available to help establish woody vegetation.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"e)","No flooding. The channel is deeply incised or confined by structures such as levees. Floodplain wetlands are no longer hydrologically connected to the river. Runoff cannot provide enough water to establish dense woody vegetation.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Evidence:  debris on plants",null,null,null,null,null,"recent watercourses/ponded water",null,null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O76=\"\",\"\",O76)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P76=\"\",\"\",P76)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O81=\"\",\"\",IF(O81>=0,IF(O81<0.5,B18&\": \"&C74,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q81=\"\",\"\",IF(P81=\"\",\" \",IF(P81>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P81=\"\",\"\",IF(P81=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O81=\"\",\"\",IF(P81<O81,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[null,"currently flooded        other:"]
[]
[null,"7) ","Site Disturbance",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Evidence of livestock and human caused disturbance within the AA."]
[null,"a)","No human or livestock disturbance occurs in the assessment area.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Minimal disturbance.  Access is limited to the non-breeding/brood rearing season.  Land management, such as livestock grazing and fire wood harvest are conducted so that the timing and intensity avoids or minimizes disturbance.  No vehicular recreational activities within or adjacent to assessment area.  All disturbance activities occurs outside the breeding season.  All grazing will be consistent with NRCS grazing plans specific to SWFL management.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.7-0.9"]
[null,"c)","SWFL habitat is maintained but with noticeable, short term impacts to habitat quality from land management such as livestock grazing, and fire wood harvest, and other land management.  No vehicular recreational activities within or adjacent to patch.  Grazing will follow NRCS approved grazing plan specific to SWFL management.  Grazing plan may include the growing season 1 out of 3 years.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"d)","SWFL habitat is present but long term impacts to habitat quality are apparent.  Land management decisions are applied without regard for the SWFL nesting season.  Livestock grazing is conducted without an NRCS plan.  No vehicular recreational activities within or adjacent to assessment area.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"e)","Low quality SWFL habitat due to human activities and land management. Physical and auditory disturbances during the nesting season are common. Vehicular recreational activities within or adjacent to the assessment area.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Livestock:  cow pies",null,null,null,"    hoof prints",null,null,"       grazing on plants",null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O86=\"\",\"\",O86)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P86=\"\",\"\",P86)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O91=\"\",\"\",IF(O91>=0,IF(O91<0.5,B18&\": \"&C84,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q91=\"\",\"\",IF(P91=\"\",\" \",IF(P91>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P91=\"\",\"\",IF(P91=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O91=\"\",\"\",IF(P91<O91,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[null,"cows observed       other (describe):"]
[null,"Human: vehicle tracks ",null,null,null,null,"garbage",null,"people observed    ",null,null,"   fire rings "]
[null,"other (describe):"]
[]
[]
[null,"WHEG Notes:"]
[]
[]
[null,"Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG) SW Willow Flycatcher\nsites below 6,000 feet in elevation\n"]
[]
[null,"OVERVIEW:",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Bench","After",null,null,{"$f":"COUNTIF(S18:S91,\"1\")","v":0},{"$f":"COUNTIF(T18:T91,\"1\")","v":0}]
[null,"For Baseline Habitat Acres: Lowest Score (Elements 1-3)",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O27=\"\",\"\",MIN(O27,O37,O47))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P27=\"\",\"\",MIN(P27,P37,P47))","v":""}]
[null,"For Baseline Habitat Acres: Combined Score (Elements 1-7)",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O27=\"\",\"\",SUM(O91,O81,O69,O59,O47,O37,O27))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P27=\"\",\"\",SUM(P91,P81,P69,P59,P47,P37,P27))","v":""}]
[null,"Final Score, Average of Elements 1-7 (note: if Zero on Elements 1, 2 or 3 = 0)",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O27=0,0,IF(O37=0,0,IF(O47=0,0, IF(ISERROR(AVERAGE(O91,O81,O69,O59,O47,O37,O27)),\"\",AVERAGE(O91,O81,O69,O59,O47,O37,O27)))))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P27=0,0,IF(P37=0,0,IF(P47=0,0, IF(ISERROR(AVERAGE(P91,P81,P69,P59,P47,P37,P27)),\"\",AVERAGE(P91,P81,P69,P59,P47,P37,P27)))))","v":""}]
[]
[null,null,{"$f":"IF(T102>0,\"Explain in the notes section why there are negative impacts expected.\",\"\")","v":""}]
[]
[null,"RESULTS"]
[]
[null,"Benchmark/Baseline Condition: ",null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O105=\"\",\"\",IF(O105>=0.5,\" Planning Criteria (PC) is Met\",\" Planning Criteria (PC) is not Met\"))","v":""}]
[null,"Final Score \"Bench\" ≥0.5 meets Planning Criteria, if no \"significant\" Habitat Limiting Factors are identified."]
[]
[null,"Condition  After  the  Action(s):  ",null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(P105=\"\",\"\",IF(P105>=0.5,\" Planning Criteria (PC) is Met\",\" Planning Criteria (PC) is not Met\"))","v":""}]
[null,"Overall HSI \"After\" ≥0.5 meets Planning Criteria, if no \"significant\" Habitat Limiting Factors are identified."]
[]
[null,"Overall Improvement Score: ",null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(ISERROR(P105-O105),\"\",P105-O105)","v":""}]
[null,"Final Score \"After\" score minus Final Score \"Bench\" score."]
[]
[]
[null,"Habitat Limiting Factors:"]
[null,"Habitat limiting factors are briefly defined as being the physical, biological, and ecological conditions that limit the ability of the area to sustain species populations; as indicated by a WHEG question scoring low (<0.5). \nAn \"X\" indicates the limiting factor will be adequately addressed by the planned actions (or after condition)."]
[]
[]
[]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$105,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$105<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$105)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$125:C125))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$105, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$105),1,COUNTIF($D$125:D125, $Q$19:$Q$105)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$105,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$105<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$105)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$125:C126))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$105, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$105),1,COUNTIF($D$125:D126, $Q$19:$Q$105)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$105,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$105<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$105)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$125:C127))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$105, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$105),1,COUNTIF($D$125:D127, $Q$19:$Q$105)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$105,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$105<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$105)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$125:C128))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$105, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$105),1,COUNTIF($D$125:D128, $Q$19:$Q$105)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$105,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$105<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$105)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$125:C129))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$105, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$105),1,COUNTIF($D$125:D129, $Q$19:$Q$105)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$105,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$105<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$105)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$125:C130))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$105, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$105),1,COUNTIF($D$125:D130, $Q$19:$Q$105)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$105,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$105<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$105)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$125:C131))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$105, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$105),1,COUNTIF($D$125:D131, $Q$19:$Q$105)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[]
[null,"Reminder: The conservation plan should remove or reduce Habitat Limiting Factors in their order of significance. This is requried when planning CPS 644/645. The Suitability Index scores can help determine the significance (i.e. 0.0 to 0.25 scores indicate a significant limitation). If a low score cannot be addressed, explain in the Notes."]
[null,"1] Habitat Limiting Factor =  a Suitability Index (SI) with a score <0.5."]
[]
[null,"Recommendation of Baseline Suitable SWFL Nesting Habitat"]
[null,"Provided below is the recommendation for the return of assessment area to baseline conditions (as provided in the Biological Opinion (DOI, 2015). Send WHEG and map and pictures of the assessment area to the NRCS State Biologist or designee for signature confirmation."]
[]
[null," Baseline Habitat Value = ",null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O27=\"\",\"\",IF(O27=0,\"Zero (0)\",IF(O37=0,\"Zero (0)\",IF(O47=0,\"Zero (0)\",IF(O104<2,\"Zero (0)\",O11&\" acres\")))))","v":""},null,"for Assessment Area (site ID):",null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O8=\"\",\"\",O8)","v":""}]
[]
[null,"The Baseline habitat value for the assessment area = zero (0) if any of Bench scores for elements 1, 2 or 3 = 0, OR if the Combined Score of BENCH elements 1-7 < 2.0.  If the zero value is not achieved and the Combined Score of Bench is ≥ 2.0, then the baseline value is the number of acres of the assessed area."]
[]
[null,"Confirmation of Baseline Conditions"]
[]
[]
[null,"NRCS State Biologist or designee",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Date"]
[]
[null,"Note: Baseline habitat will only be determined for the SWFL; baseline for all other listed species must be established on a case by case basis as determined necessary by the NRCS State Biologist."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Counties"]
[null,"Adams"]
[null,"Alamosa"]
[null,"Arapahoe"]
[null,"Archuleta"]
[null,"Baca"]
[null,"Bent"]
[null,"Boulder"]
[null,"Broomfield"]
[null,"Chaffee"]
[null,"Cheyenne"]
[null,"Clear Creek"]
[null,"Conejos"]
[null,"Costilla"]
[null,"Crowley"]
[null,"Custer"]
[null,"Delta"]
[null,"Denver"]
[null,"Dolores"]
[null,"Douglas"]
[null,"Eagle"]
[null,"El Paso"]
[null,"Elbert"]
[null,"Fremont"]
[null,"Garfield"]
[null,"Gilpin"]
[null,"Grand"]
[null,"Gunnison"]
[null,"Hinsdale"]
[null,"Huerfano"]
[null,"Jackson"]
[null,"Jefferson"]
[null,"Kiowa"]
[null,"Kit Carson"]
[null,"La Plata"]
[null,"Lake"]
[null,"Larimer"]
[null,"Las Animas"]
[null,"Lincoln"]
[null,"Logan"]
[null,"Mesa"]
[null,"Mineral"]
[null,"Moffat"]
[null,"Montezuma"]
[null,"Montrose"]
[null,"Morgan"]
[null,"Otero"]
[null,"Ouray"]
[null,"Park"]
[null,"Phillips"]
[null,"Pitkin"]
[null,"Prowers"]
[null,"Pueblo"]
[null,"Rio Blanco"]
[null,"Rio Grande"]
[null,"Routt"]
[null,"Saguache"]
[null,"San Juan"]
[null,"San Miguel"]
[null,"Sedgwick"]
[null,"Summit"]
[null,"Teller"]
[null,"Washington"]
[null,"Weld"]
[null,"Yuma"]

{"sheet":"<6,000' elev","index":2,"n_rows":230,"n_cols":20,"rows_kept":230,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[[117,20,117,21],[122,1,124,15],[100,1,100,15],[107,2,107,14],[117,7,117,8],[134,1,134,15],[6,3,6,12],[7,11,7,12],[8,3,8,12],[6,14,6,15],[7,14,7,15],[8,14,8,15],[7,3,7,8],[20,14,25,14],[20,15,25,15],[20,2,20,12],[25,2,25,12],[21,2,21,12],[22,2,22,12],[23,2,23,12],[11,1,11,15],[10,14,10,15],[15,1,15,15],[12,1,12,15],[18,13,19,13],[18,14,19,14],[40,13,41,13],[40,14,41,14],[40,15,41,15],[30,2,30,12],[30,14,36,14],[30,15,36,15],[31,2,31,12],[32,2,32,12],[33,2,33,12],[36,2,36,12],[38,6,38,12],[41,1,41,12],[18,15,19,15],[19,1,19,12],[24,2,24,12],[34,2,34,12],[35,2,35,12],[29,1,29,12],[28,13,29,13],[28,14,29,14],[28,15,29,15],[70,7,70,12],[72,6,72,12],[48,1,48,12],[53,1,53,12],[42,15,46,15],[43,2,43,12],[44,2,44,12],[45,2,45,12],[46,2,46,12],[52,13,53,13],[52,14,53,14],[52,15,53,15],[42,2,42,12],[42,14,46,14],[57,2,57,12],[54,14,58,14],[54,15,58,15],[54,2,54,12],[55,2,55,12],[56,2,56,12],[58,2,58,12],[64,15,68,15],[65,2,65,12],[66,2,66,12],[67,2,67,12],[68,2,68,12],[64,2,64,12],[64,14,68,14],[59,5,59,12],[60,5,60,12],[63,1,63,12],[62,13,63,13],[62,14,63,14],[62,15,63,15],[149,1,149,15],[138,1,138,15],[147,10,147,11],[147,1,147,8],[140,6,140,7],[142,1,142,15],[140,13,140,15],[86,15,90,15],[87,2,87,12],[88,2,88,12],[89,2,89,12],[90,2,90,12],[86,2,86,12],[86,14,90,14],[92,7,92,12],[94,5,94,12],[98,1,98,15],[146,10,146,11],[75,1,75,12],[137,1,137,15],[82,6,82,12],[85,1,85,12],[84,13,85,13],[74,13,75,13],[74,14,75,14],[74,15,75,15],[84,14,85,14],[84,15,85,15],[76,15,80,15],[77,2,77,12],[78,2,78,12],[79,2,79,12],[80,2,80,12],[76,2,76,12],[76,14,80,14]]}
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Regionally developed",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Mar 2015"]
[]
[null,"Client:",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Date:"]
[null,"Location:",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"County:",null,null,"Site ID:"]
[null,"Planners:"]
[]
[null,"Assessment Area: (brief description of the area evaluated)",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Acres:"]
[]
[null,"REQUIREMENT: Delineate the assessment area on a map overlaid on aerial imagery. Print & Attach."]
[]
[null,"Action Evaluated: (brief description of the actions being evaluated, \"after score\", if applicable)"]
[]
[]
[null,"WHEG Elements"]
[null,"1) ","Habitat Configuration",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Score for the participant's land only."]
[null,"a)","≥2 large patches consisting of dense (difficult to walk through) woody riparian.  Patches are mostly > 33 feet wide and > 20 acres in size.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","≥2 large patches consisting of dense (difficult to walk through) woody riparian.  Patches are mostly > 33 feet wide and are > 10 acres but < 20 acres in size. ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.8-0.9"]
[null,"c)","A multiple patch complex with one large patch consisting of dense (difficult to walk through) woody riparian.  Large patch is mostly > 33 feet wide and least 10 acres in size. Additional patches are > 2.5 acres but < 10 acres.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0.7]
[null,"d)","Multiple patches consisting of dense (difficult to walk through) woody riparian.  Patches are at least 33 feet wide and > 2.5 acres and < 4.5 acres in size.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"e)","A single patch of dense woody riparian at least 33 feet wide and > 2.5 acres, but < 4.5 acres in size, or is < 2.5 acres but is connected to other patches.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"f)","A single, narrow strip of woody riparian vegetation that does not extend from or connect to a larger patch and AVERAGE WIDTH is less than 33 feet wide and is < 2.5 acres and is not connected to another patch.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O21=\"\",\"\",O21)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P21=\"\",\"\",P21)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O27=\"\",\"\",IF(O27>=0,IF(O27<0.5,B18&\": \"&C19,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q27=\"\",\"\",IF(P27=\"\",\" \",IF(P27>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P27=\"\",\"\",IF(P27=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O27=\"\",\"\",IF(P27<O27,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[]
[null,"2) ","Habitat Structure",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Estimate growing season height of canopy, density of understory, and recruitment in the assessment area."]
[null,"a)","Mature multi-storied riparian vegetation with canopy heights ranging from approximately 35 to 65 feet tall, with mosaics of densely vegetated understories of shorter trees (>15 feet tall and difficult to walk through).  ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Young stands of regenerating  riparian vegetation with similar heights of vegetation approx. 15 feet in height (that are difficult to walk through).",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.7-0.9"]
[null,"c)","Mature woody riparian vegetation with canopies > 15 feet with multiple canopy gaps containing younger trees < 15 feet in height.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"d)","Young stands of regenerating veg. w/ varying heights, most < 15 ft",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.3-0.4"]
[null,"e)","Canopy height for entire patch is < 15 ft in height, consisting of mature, somewhat interconnected trees and with little to no regeneration.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0.2]
[null,"f)","Canopy of large trees > 35 feet with little understory or regeneration.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0.1]
[null,"g)","No connected trees.  Little to no regeneration.  Trees are not capable of reaching above 15 feet in height.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Are multiple woody canopy layers present: YES           NO",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O31=\"\",\"\",O31)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P31=\"\",\"\",P31)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O38=\"\",\"\",IF(O38>=0,IF(O38<0.5,B18&\": \"&C29,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q38=\"\",\"\",IF(P38=\"\",\" \",IF(P38>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P38=\"\",\"\",IF(P38=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O38=\"\",\"\",IF(P38<O38,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[null,"Describe woody recruitment:"]
[]
[null,"3) ","Woody Habitat Composition",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Assess aerial canopy cover within the assessment area with ocular estimates and aerial photos.  Assess arundo as woody."]
[null,"a)","Woody riparian vegetation composed of native species (such as willow and cottonwood) and no exotic vegetation (ie tamarisk, Russian olive).",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Woody riparian vegetation dominated by > 75% native vegetation (such as willow and cottonwood) with a smaller component of exotic vegetation (most likely tamarisk, and possibly Russian olive).",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.7-0.9"]
[null,"c)","Woody riparian vegetation dominated > 50% native vegetation (such as willow and cottonwood) with a smaller component of exotic woody species (most likely tamarisk, Russian olive, and < 20% arundo).",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"d)","Woody riparian vegetation composed of > 50% exotic vegetation (mostly likely tamarisk, possibly Russian olive, and < 50% arundo).  ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"e)","Little to no woody riparian vegetation flycatchers use for nesting, or site potential is for herbaceous only.  Abundant cattails, sedges & rushes, grasses, and/or arundo do not comprise flycatcher habitat.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Dominant woody veg (top 3):",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O43=\"\",\"\",O43)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P43=\"\",\"\",P43)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O48=\"\",\"\",IF(O48>=0,IF(O48<0.5,B18&\": \"&C41,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q48=\"\",\"\",IF(P48=\"\",\" \",IF(P48>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P48=\"\",\"\",IF(P48=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O48=\"\",\"\",IF(P48<O48,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[]
[null,"Average canopy cover: 0-10%",null,null,null,null,null,"10-25%",null,"25-50%",null,"   50-75%",null,"   75-100%"]
[null,"Arundo: 0%",null,null,"1-5%",null,"5-20% ",null,"20-50%",null,"50%+"]
[]
[null,"4) ","Water Depletions",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Determine the hydrology of the river system from onsite observations and upstream information."]
[null,"a)","No river diversion or groundwater pumping. ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Limited river diversion or groundwater pumping that does not reduce the water available for riparian or lake bottom habitat regeneration, growth, maintenance, distribution, or abundance.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.7-0.9"]
[null,"c)","River diversion or groundwater pumping that reduces the water available for riparian or lake bottom habitat regeneration, growth, maintenance, distribution, or abundance.  Minimum suitable habitat is maintained in most years.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"d)","River diversion or groundwater pumping that reduces the water available for riparian habitat regeneration, growth, maintenance, distribution, or abundance.  Minimum suitable habitat is only available in wettest years.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"e)","River diversion or groundwater pumping to the extent that water is not available for riparian habitat regeneration, growth, maintenance, distribution, or abundance.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Onsite depletions:",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O55=\"\",\"\",O55)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P55=\"\",\"\",P55)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O60=\"\",\"\",IF(O60>=0,IF(O60<0.5,B18&\": \"&C53,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q60=\"\",\"\",IF(P60=\"\",\" \",IF(P60>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P60=\"\",\"\",IF(P60=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[null,"Upstream depletions:"]
[]
[null,"5) ","General Hydrology (especially during May 15th - Aug 1st)",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Determine the hydrology from observations within the assessment area."]
[null,"a)","Perennial surface flow with elevated groundwater within or adjacent to assessment area. ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Intermittent streams that provide surface water during breeding season.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.7-0.9"]
[null,"c)","Mostly perennial surface flow, with some intermittent sections or short durations of intermittent flow and elevated groundwater maintains moist soils.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"d)","Intermittent or perennial surface flows during the breeding season with elevated groundwater. ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"e)","No surface flow or rare occurrence of surface flow; breeding season in most years without moist soils and elevated groundwater.  ",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Supplemental hydrology: side channels",null,null,null,null,null,null,"  springs",null,"urban runoff ",null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O65=\"\",\"\",O65)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P65=\"\",\"\",P65)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O70=\"\",\"\",IF(O70>=0,IF(O70<0.5,B18&\": \"&C63,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q70=\"\",\"\",IF(P70=\"\",\" \",IF(P70>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P70=\"\",\"\",IF(P70=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[null,"ag runoff",null,null,"irrigation  "]
[null,"Beaver Activity:  chewed wood",null,null,null,null,null,"dam","      wood lodge",null,null,"bank burrow"]
[null,"observed beaver       other:"]
[]
[null,"6) ","Flood Frequency",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Average flood frequency in the assessment area as determined by field indicators."]
[null,"a)","Regular flooding every 1.5 - 2 years.  Floodplain wetlands (oxbows, backwater wetlands) are still hydrologically connected to the river.  High flows in the river channel result in surface water saturation of these floodplain features.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Overbank flooding occurs every 3 - 4 years.  Channel is slightly incised.  Floodplain wetlands (oxbows, backwater wetlands) are still hydrologically connected to the river.  High flows in the river channel result in surface water saturation of these floodplain features.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.7-0.9"]
[null,"c)","Flooding every 5 - 6 years.  Most floodplain wetlands are wetted when river levels rise.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"d)","Flooding every 7 - 10 years.  Only the deepest floodplain wetlands are wetted when river levels rise.  Some runoff water available to help establish woody vegetation.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"e)","No flooding. The channel is deeply incised or confined by structures such as levees. Floodplain wetlands are no longer hydrologically connected to the river. Runoff cannot provide enough water to establish dense woody vegetation.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Evidence:  debris on plants      ",null,null,null,null,null," recent watercourses/ponded water",null,null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O77=\"\",\"\",O77)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P77=\"\",\"\",P77)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O82=\"\",\"\",IF(O82>=0,IF(O82<0.5,B18&\": \"&C75,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q82=\"\",\"\",IF(P82=\"\",\" \",IF(P82>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P82=\"\",\"\",IF(P82=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O82=\"\",\"\",IF(P82<O82,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[null,"currently flooded        other:"]
[]
[null,"7) ","Site Disturbance",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Value","Bench","After"]
[null,"Evidence of livestock and human caused disturbance within the assessment area."]
[null,"a)","No human or livestock disturbance occurs in the assessment area.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,1]
[null,"b)","Minimal disturbance.  Access is limited to the non-breeding/brood rearing season.  Land management, such as livestock grazing and fire wood harvest are conducted so that the timing and intensity avoids or minimizes disturbance.  No vehicular recreational activities within or adjacent to assessment area.  All disturbance activities occurs outside the breeding season.  All grazing will be consistent with NRCS grazing plans specific to SWFL management.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.7-0.9"]
[null,"c)","SWFL habitat is maintained but with noticeable, short term impacts to habitat quality from land management such as livestock grazing, and fire wood harvest, and other land management.  No vehicular recreational activities within or adjacent to patch.  Grazing will follow NRCS approved grazing plan specific to SWFL management.  Grazing plan may include the growing season 1 out of 3 years.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.5-0.61]"]
[null,"d)","SWFL habitat is present but long term impacts to habitat quality are apparent.  Land management decisions are applied without regard for the SWFL nesting season.  Livestock grazing is conducted without an NRCS plan.  No vehicular recreational activities within or adjacent to assessment area.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"0.1-0.4"]
[null,"e)","Low quality SWFL habitat due to human activities and land management. Physical and auditory disturbances during the nesting season are common. Vehicular recreational activities within or adjacent to the assessment area.",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,0]
[null,"Livestock:  cow pies",null,null,null,"    hoof prints",null,null,"       grazing on plants",null,null,null,null,"Score:",{"$f":"IF(O87=\"\",\"\",O87)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P87=\"\",\"\",P87)","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O92=\"\",\"\",IF(O92>=0,IF(O92<0.5,B18&\": \"&C85,\"\"),\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(Q92=\"\",\"\",IF(P92=\"\",\" \",IF(P92>=0.5,\"X\",\" \")))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P92=\"\",\"\",IF(P92=0,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(O92=\"\",\"\",IF(P92<O92,\"1\",\"\"))","v":""}]
[null,"cows observed        other (describe):"]
[null,"Human: vehicle tracks ",null,null,null,null,"garbage",null,"people observed    ",null,null,"   fire rings "]
[null,"other (describe):"]
[]
[]
[null,"WHEG Notes:"]
[]
[]
[null,"Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG) SW Willow Flycatcher\nsites below 6,000 feet in elevation\n"]
[]
[null,"OVERVIEW:",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Bench","After",null,null,{"$f":"COUNTIF(S18:S92,\"1\")","v":0},{"$f":"COUNTIF(T18:T92,\"1\")","v":0}]
[null,"For Baseline Habitat Acres: Lowest Score (Elements 1-3)",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O27=\"\",\"\",MIN(O27,O38,O48))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P27=\"\",\"\",MIN(P27,P38,P48))","v":""}]
[null,"For Baseline Habitat Acres: Combined Score (Elements 1-7)",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O27=\"\",\"\",SUM(O92,O82,O70,O60,O48,O38,O27))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P27=\"\",\"\",SUM(P92,P82,P70,P60,P48,P38,P27))","v":""}]
[null,"Final Score, Average of Elements 1-7 (note: if Zero on Elements 1, 2 or 3 = 0)",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O27=0,0,IF(O38=0,0,IF(O48=0,0, IF(ISERROR(AVERAGE(O92,O82,O70,O60,O48,O38,O27)),\"\",AVERAGE(O92,O82,O70,O60,O48,O38,O27)))))","v":""},{"$f":"IF(P27=0,0,IF(P38=0,0,IF(P48=0,0, IF(ISERROR(AVERAGE(P92,P82,P70,P60,P48,P38,P27)),\"\",AVERAGE(P92,P82,P70,P60,P48,P38,P27)))))","v":""}]
[]
[null,null,{"$f":"IF(T103>0,\"Explain in the notes section why there are negative impacts expected.\",\"\")","v":""}]
[]
[null,"RESULTS"]
[]
[null,"  Benchmark/Baseline Condition: ",null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O106=\"\",\"\",IF(O106>=0.5,\" Planning Criteria (PC) is Met\",\" Planning Criteria (PC) is not Met\"))","v":""}]
[null,"   Final Score \"Bench\" of ≥0.5 meets Planning Criteria, if no \"significant\" Habitat Limiting Factors are identified."]
[]
[null,"  Condition  After  the  Action(s):  ",null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(P106=\"\",\"\",IF(P106>=0.5,\" Planning Criteria (PC) is Met\",\" Planning Criteria (PC) is not Met\"))","v":""}]
[null,"   Overall HSI \"After\" of ≥0.5 meets Planning Criteria, if no \"significant\" Habitat Limiting Factors are identified."]
[]
[null,"  Overall Improvement Score: ",null,null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(ISERROR(P106-O106),\"\",P106-O106)","v":""}]
[null,"   Final Score \"After\" score minus Final Score \"Bench\" score."]
[]
[]
[null,"Habitat Limiting Factors:"]
[null,"Habitat limiting factors are briefly defined as being the physical, biological, and ecological conditions that limit the ability of the area to sustain species populations; as indicated by a WHEG question scoring low (<0.5). \nAn \"X\" indicates the limiting factor will be adequately addressed by the planned actions (or after condition)."]
[]
[]
[]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$106,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$106<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$106)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$126:C126))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$106, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$106),1,COUNTIF($D$126:D126, $Q$19:$Q$106)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$106,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$106<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$106)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$126:C127))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$106, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$106),1,COUNTIF($D$126:D127, $Q$19:$Q$106)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$106,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$106<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$106)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$126:C128))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$106, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$106),1,COUNTIF($D$126:D128, $Q$19:$Q$106)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$106,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$106<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$106)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$126:C129))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$106, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$106),1,COUNTIF($D$126:D129, $Q$19:$Q$106)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$106,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$106<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$106)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$126:C130))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$106, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$106),1,COUNTIF($D$126:D130, $Q$19:$Q$106)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$106,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$106<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$106)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$126:C131))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$106, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$106),1,COUNTIF($D$126:D131, $Q$19:$Q$106)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[null,null,{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($R$19:$R$106,SMALL(IF($R$19:$R$106<>\"\",ROW($R$19:$R$106)-ROW(R$19)+1),ROWS($C$126:C132))),\"\")","v":""},{"$f":"IFERROR(INDEX($Q$19:$Q$106, MATCH(0,IF(ISBLANK($Q$19:$Q$106),1,COUNTIF($D$126:D132, $Q$19:$Q$106)), 0)),\"\")","v":""}]
[]
[null,"Reminder: The conservation plan should remove or reduce Habitat Limiting Factors in their order of significance. This is requried when planning CPS 644/645. The Suitability Index scores can help determine the significance (i.e. 0.0 to 0.25 scores indicate a significant limitation). If a low score cannot be addressed, explain in the Notes."]
[null,"1] Habitat Limiting Factor =  a Suitability Index (SI) with a score <0.5."]
[]
[null,"Recommendation of Baseline Suitable SWFL Nesting Habitat"]
[null,"Provided below is the recommendation for the return of assessment area to baseline conditions (as provided in the Biological Opinion (DOI, 2015). Send WHEG and map and pictures of the assessment area to the NRCS State Biologist or designee for signature confirmation."]
[]
[null," Baseline Habitat Value = ",null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O27=\"\",\"\",IF(O27=0,\"Zero (0)\",IF(O38=0,\"Zero (0)\",IF(O48=0,\"Zero (0)\",IF(O105<2,\"Zero (0)\",O11&\" acres\")))))","v":""},null,"for Assessment Area (site ID):",null,null,null,null,{"$f":"IF(O8=\"\",\"\",O8)","v":""}]
[]
[null,"The Baseline habitat value for the assessment area = zero (0) if any of Bench scores for elements 1, 2 or 3 = 0, OR if the Combined Score of BENCH elements 1-7 < 2.0.  If the zero value is not achieved and the Combined Score of Bench is ≥ 2.0, then the baseline value is the number of acres of the assessed area."]
[]
[null,"Confirmation of Baseline Conditions"]
[]
[]
[null,"NRCS State Biologist or designee",null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,"Date"]
[]
[null,"Note: Baseline habitat will only be determined for the SWFL; baseline for all other listed species must be established on a case by case basis as determined necessary by the NRCS State Biologist."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Counties"]
[null,"Adams"]
[null,"Alamosa"]
[null,"Arapahoe"]
[null,"Archuleta"]
[null,"Baca"]
[null,"Bent"]
[null,"Boulder"]
[null,"Broomfield"]
[null,"Chaffee"]
[null,"Cheyenne"]
[null,"Clear Creek"]
[null,"Conejos"]
[null,"Costilla"]
[null,"Crowley"]
[null,"Custer"]
[null,"Delta"]
[null,"Denver"]
[null,"Dolores"]
[null,"Douglas"]
[null,"Eagle"]
[null,"El Paso"]
[null,"Elbert"]
[null,"Fremont"]
[null,"Garfield"]
[null,"Gilpin"]
[null,"Grand"]
[null,"Gunnison"]
[null,"Hinsdale"]
[null,"Huerfano"]
[null,"Jackson"]
[null,"Jefferson"]
[null,"Kiowa"]
[null,"Kit Carson"]
[null,"La Plata"]
[null,"Lake"]
[null,"Larimer"]
[null,"Las Animas"]
[null,"Lincoln"]
[null,"Logan"]
[null,"Mesa"]
[null,"Mineral"]
[null,"Moffat"]
[null,"Montezuma"]
[null,"Montrose"]
[null,"Morgan"]
[null,"Otero"]
[null,"Ouray"]
[null,"Park"]
[null,"Phillips"]
[null,"Pitkin"]
[null,"Prowers"]
[null,"Pueblo"]
[null,"Rio Blanco"]
[null,"Rio Grande"]
[null,"Routt"]
[null,"Saguache"]
[null,"San Juan"]
[null,"San Miguel"]
[null,"Sedgwick"]
[null,"Summit"]
[null,"Teller"]
[null,"Washington"]
[null,"Weld"]
[null,"Yuma"]

{"sheet":"Breeding Habitat >6,000","index":3,"n_rows":289,"n_cols":2,"rows_kept":289,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[[0,1,0,10],[1,1,8,10],[10,1,11,10],[13,1,17,10],[19,1,21,10],[222,1,225,10],[175,1,180,10],[23,1,35,10],[37,1,41,10],[42,1,49,10],[50,1,55,10],[128,1,142,10],[105,1,106,10],[169,1,173,10],[279,1,281,10],[288,1,289,10],[251,1,254,10],[257,1,260,10],[262,1,270,10],[272,1,276,10],[227,1,234,10],[236,1,237,10],[239,1,242,10],[245,1,247,10],[207,1,214,10],[216,1,218,9],[220,1,220,5],[182,1,188,10],[190,1,194,10],[196,1,196,7],[198,1,204,10],[57,1,64,10],[66,1,69,10],[71,1,76,10],[78,1,83,10],[85,1,94,10],[96,1,103,10],[146,1,154,10],[156,1,160,10],[162,1,165,10],[167,1,167,4],[111,1,113,10],[115,1,127,10]]}
[null,"Introduction to Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Breeding Habitat >6,000'"]
[null,"Flycatchers have not been detected yet in large numbers at high elevation, but have been detected primarily in the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado along the headwaters of the Rio Grande and Conejos rivers, and the White Mountains of east-central Arizona along the headwaters of the Little Colorado River and San Francisco rivers.  Russian olive has occurred within flycatcher nesting habitat at some higher elevation sites in New Mexico. Surveys have been generally limited at these high elevation areas compared to lower elevation areas throughout their breeding range.  Tree and shrub vegetation at the highest elevations are often associated with sedges, rushes, nettles, and other herbaceous wetland plants near mountain meadows, which can include beaver dams and pooled water. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"The most common plant species flycatchers have been found nesting in are: Geyers willow (Salix geyerana), coyote willow (Salix exigua), yewleaf willow (Salix taxifolia), and Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia)."]
[]
[]
[null,"**Patches are relatively discreet areas of riparian habitat that are comprised of thickets of trees and shrubs that can be configured in size and density with appropriate age and configuration of plants species that flycatchers will use for nest placement and foraging.   Those of appropriate configuration usually consist of dense vegetation in the patch interior, or an aggregate of dense patches interspersed with openings. In most cases the dense vegetation occurs within the first 10 to 13 feet above ground.   "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Habitat Summary to Assist in the Development of Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guidelines (WHEGs) for NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife Initiative for Sites Greater than 6000 feet in elevation"]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"The flycatcher currently breeds in areas from near sea level to about 8,500 feet (Durst et al. 2008, p. 14) in vegetation alongside rivers, streams, or other wetlands (riparian habitat).  It establishes nesting territories, builds nests, and forages where mosaics of relatively dense and expansive growths of trees and shrubs are established, near or adjacent to surface water or underlain by saturated soil (Sogge et al. 2010, p. 4).  Habitat characteristics such as dominant plant species, size and shape of habitat patch, tree canopy structure, vegetation height, and vegetation density vary widely among breeding sites.  Nests are typically placed in trees where the plant growth is most dense, where trees and shrubs have vegetation near ground level, and where there is a dense canopy.  Some of the more common tree and shrub species currently known to comprise nesting habitat include Goodings willow (Salix gooddingii), coyote willow (Salix exigua), Geyers willow (Salix geyerana), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), red willow (Salix laevigata), yewleaf willow (Salix taxifolia), boxelder (Acer negundo), tamarisk (also known as saltcedar, Tamarix ramosissima), and Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia) (Service 2002, p. D–2).  While there are exceptions, generally flycatchers are not found nesting in areas without willows, tamarisk, or both."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"While habitat characteristics vary across the subspecies range, there are some common general features.  Breeding sites typically consist of dense vegetation in the patch interior or an aggregate of dense patches interspersed with openings.  In most cases, this dense vegetation occurs within the first 10-13 feet above the ground.  These dense patches are often interspersed with small openings, open water or marsh, or shorter/sparser vegetation, creating a mosaic that is not uniformly dense. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers are believed to exist and interact as groups of metapopulations (Service 2002, p. 72).  A metapopulation is a group of geographically separate flycatcher breeding populations connected to each other by immigration and emigration (Service 2002, p. 72).  Flycatcher populations are most stable where many connected sites or large populations exist (Service 2002, p. 72).  Metapopulation persistence or stability is more likely to improve by adding more breeding sites than with the addition of territories to existing sites (Service 2002, p. 72).  This strategy distributes birds across a greater geographical range, minimizes risk of simultaneous catastrophic population loss, and avoids genetic isolation (Service 2002, p. 72)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers have higher site fidelity (to a local area) than nest fidelity (to a specific nest location) and can move among sites within stream drainages and between drainages (Kenwood and Paxton 2001, pp. 29–31). Within-drainage movements are more common than between-drainage movements (Kenwood and Paxton 2001, p. 18).  Juvenile flycatchers were the group of flycatchers that moved (dispersed) the farthest to new and distant breeding sites from the area where they hatched (Paxton et al. 2007a, p. 74).  "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"The difference in flycatcher dispersal distance among different study areas and regions reflects the varying spatial arrange­ment of breeding habitat, illustrating how disper­sal tendencies are influenced by the geographic distribution of habitat at the stream segment, drainage, and landscape scales (Paxton et al. 2007a, p. 75).  While USGS’ study focused its effort in central Arizona at two of the largest breeding sites, it also included multiple auxiliary sites (up to 275 mi away), along with other researchers and surveyors across the flycatcher’s range paying attention to whether flycatchers were banded or not.  As a result, the broad scope of the study of flycatcher movement extends broadly beyond a localized, regional area, where habitat configuration dominates the results.   "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Banded flycatchers from season-to-season (and sometimes within season) were recorded 150 feet to 275 mi from their previous seasons nesting or natal area to try and nest.  Some long-distance season-to-season movement records captured flycatchers moving from the Basin and Mohave Recovery Unit to the Lower Colorado Recovery Unit and from the Lower Colorado Recovery Unit to the Gila Recovery Unit. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"The USGS assimilated all of the flycatcher movement information and concluded that rapid colonization and increased metapopulation stability could be accomplished by establishing breeding sites within 18 to 25 mi of each other (Paxton et al. 2007a, p. 4).  Flycatchers at breeding sites configured in this way would be able to regularly disperse to new breeding sites or move between known breeding sites within the same year or from year-to-year.  This proximity of sites would increase the connectivity and stability of the metapopulation and smaller, more distant breeding sites."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"In order to delist this flycatcher subspecies (to remove it from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants), the Recovery Plan recommends that a minimum of 1,950 territories are geographically distributed among all Recovery and Management Units, and that twice the amount of habitat is provided to maintain these territories over time.  Second, these habitats must be protected from threats to assure maintenance of these populations and habitat for the foreseeable future through development and implementation of conservation management agreements (Service 2002, pp. 79–80).  Third, all of these delisting criteria must be accomplished and their effectiveness demonstrated for a period of 5 years (Service 2002, pp. 79–80). "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Twice the amount of suitable habitat is needed to support the numerical territory goals, because the long-term persistence of flycatcher populations cannot be assured by protecting only those habitats in which flycatchers currently breed (Service 2002, p. 80).  It is important to recognize that most flycatcher breeding habitats are susceptible to future changes in site hydrology (natural or human-related), human impacts such as development or fire, and natural catastrophic events such as flood or drought (Service 2002, p. 80). Furthermore, as the vegetation at sites matures, it can lose the structural characteristics that make it suitable for breeding flycatchers (Service 2002, p. 80). These and other factors can destroy or degrade breeding sites, such that one cannot expect any given breeding site to remain suitable in perpetuity (Service 2002, p. 80). Thus, it is necessary to have additional suitable habitat available to which flycatchers, displaced by such habitat loss or change, can readily move (Service 2002, p. 80)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Because the flycatcher nests across portions of six states ranging from sea level to about 8,500 feet in elevation, there is some distinction between plants and structure occurring at high elevation compared to those habitats at low and mid-elevation sites.  The following represent excerpts from those categories described in the flycatcher habitat appendix included in the Recovery Plan and separated by elevation where possible.  Pictures and aerial views of flycatcher breeding sites can be viewed in USGS Natural History and Survey Protocol and the habitat appendix found in the Recovery Plan and at the end of this document (See links below).  Citations included in this document can be examined in the literature cited for the August 2011, revised flycatcher critical habitat proposal at:"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/SpeciesDocs/SWWF/pCH2011/2011_WIFL_pCH_Lit_Cited_7-14-2011.pdf"]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"2)      Water flow"]
[]
[null,"The hydrologic regime (stream flow pattern) and supply of (and interaction between) surface and subsurface water is a driving factor in the long-term maintenance, growth, recycling, and regeneration of flycatcher habitat (Service 2002, p. 16).  "]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"In these geographic settings, the stream-flow patterns (frequency, magnitude, duration, and timing) will provide the necessary stream-channel conditions (wide configuration, high sediment deposition, periodic inundation, recharged aquifers, lateral channel movement, and elevated groundwater tables throughout the floodplain) that result in the development of flycatcher habitat (Poff et al. 1997, pp. 770–772; Service 2002, p. 16).  Allowing the river to flow over the width of the floodplain, when overbank flooding occurs, is integral to allow deposition of fine moist soils, water, nutrients, and seeds that provide the essential material for plant germination and growth.  An abundance and distribution of fine sediments extending farther laterally across the floodplain and deeper underneath the surface retains much more subsurface water, which in turn supplies water for the development of the vegetation that provides flycatcher habitat and micro-habitat conditions (Service 2002, p. 16).  The interconnected interaction between groundwater and surface water contributes to the quality of riparian vegetation community (structure and plant species) and will influence the germination, density, vigor, composition, and the ability of vegetation to regenerate and maintain itself (Arizona Department of Water Resources 1994, pp. 31–32)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Throughout the flycatcher’s range, streams have many different flow patterns as a result of various dams (and their different operating rules) and diversions.  Projects funded by this initiative that occur along unregulated perennial streams are most likely to have existing flycatcher habitat and/or will likely be the areas where habitat will be most responsive to improvements in land/water management stressors.  Some unregulated streams, like the San Pedro River in southern Arizona or the Big Sandy River in western Arizona, have intermittent portions, but can also retain high groundwater elevation and expansive riparian forests.  Regulated streams (Verde and Gila rivers in central Arizona) where the storage capacity of impoundments is limited compared to the overall amount of water moving downstream typically allows for greater frequency and magnitude and better timing of water releases that closely resemble the natural hydrologic regime.  As a result, the less those four factors of stream movement identified above are altered, the more likely the opportunity native riparian forests can flourish in a condition that flycatchers can use for nesting.  Streams that are the most regulated, like the lower Colorado River below Glen Canyon and Hoover Dams are the most difficult areas for land management actions to cause any measurable positive benefit to riparian habitat because of the overwhelming degree water regulation degrades and influences habitat quality. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"3)       Fine Sediments"]
[]
[null,"The abundance and distribution of fine sediment deposited on floodplains is critical for the development, abundance, distribution, maintenance, and germination of the plants that grow into flycatcher habitat (Service 2002, p. 16).  Fine sediments provide seed beds to facilitate the growth of riparian vegetation for flycatcher habitat.  In almost all cases, moist or saturated soil is present at or near breeding sites during wet and non-drought years (Service 2002, p. 11).  The saturated soil and adjacent surface water may be present early in the breeding season, but only damp soil is present by late June or early July (Service 2002, p. D-3).  Microclimate features (temperature and humidity) facilitated by moist or saturated soil, are believed to play an important role where flycatchers are detected and nest, their breeding success, and availability and abundance of insect food resources (Service 2002, pp. 18, D-12).  "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"In contrast, high gradient/high energy streams, such as those typically found in upper/mid elevations from approximately 4,500 to 6,000 feet, more commonly have narrower floodplains consisting of more porous rocks, boulders, and cobble.  Smaller sections of these streams may have areas that can develop dense vegetation, but typically these high energy streams do not possess the sediments or floodplain width needed to develop flycatcher habitat."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"The geographic scope identified by our mapping exercise for this initiative, targets appropriate sections of stream with the anticipated necessary sediment composition.  And similar to stream flow, those portions of streams that are not regulated and impede the movement of sediments, are likely the places where project success is more likely to occur. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"4)         Elevated groundwater"]
[]
[null,"Subsurface hydrologic conditions may in some places (particularly at the more arid locations of the Southwest) be equally important to surface water conditions in determining riparian vegetation patterns (Lichivar and Wakely 2004, p. 92).  Where groundwater levels are elevated, riparian forest plants can directly access those waters. Elevated groundwater helps create moist soil conditions believed to be important for nesting conditions and insect prey populations (Service 2002, pp. 11, 18)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Depth to groundwater plays an important part in the distribution of riparian vegetation (Arizona Department of Water Resources 1994, p. 31) and consequently, flycatcher habitat.  The greater the depth to groundwater below the land surface, the less abundant the riparian vegetation (Arizona Department of Water Resources 1994, p. 31).  Localized, perched aquifers (a saturated area that sits above the main water table) can and do support some riparian habitat, but these systems are not extensive (Arizona Department of Water Resources 1994, p. 31)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Existing data indicate that the ideal groundwater is approximately 3 to 5 feet below the surface for the persistence of typical low-to mid-elevation cottonwood and willows, depending on the species and soil conditions at the site.  At this elevation, native riparian plants were able to grow successfully with non-native saltcedar plants.  The processes required for cottonwood and willow growth and survival suffered from water stress when groundwater declined below a threshold of 8 feet.  Thus, the importance of maintaining relatively shallow groundwater conditions for establishment and maintenance of willow-dominated habitats cannot be over-emphasized."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Once established, long-term survival of these plants requires that the groundwater table not exceed a maximum threshold.  Therefore, while a mature tree can persist at groundwater elevation 8 feet below the surface, the elevation needed for germination and growth of seedlings is much closer to the surface.  The greater the distance groundwater is from the surface, the less likely water elevations can raise to the surface following flood flows and persist long enough for seeds to germinate and young trees to persist."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"5)         Plant species flycatchers have been detected placing nests within: "]
[]
[null,"The plant species flycatchers place their nests vary throughout the bird’s breeding range.  The broad elevation used by the bird across the broad geographic area of six states is the primary influence on the diversity of plants used.  While nests can be placed as low as a few feet above the ground to over 50 feet above the ground, the structure of the vegetation appears to be a primary common denominator.  These riparian plants are heavily vegetated with vertical branches capable of supporting nests.  Up through the year 2000, the most often recorded plant species to hold a nesting attempt was tamarisk (768) and willow species (562).  The next most recorded plant species were boxelder and coast live oak"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"High elevations >6000 feet:"]
[null,"Flycatchers have not been detected yet in large numbers at high elevation, but occur primarily in the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado along the headwaters of the Rio Grande and Conejos rivers, and the White Mountains of east-central Arizona along the headwaters of the Little Colorado River and San Francisco rivers.  Russian olive has dominated at some higher elevation sites in New Mexico. Surveys have been generally limited at these high elevation areas compared to lower elevation areas throughout their breeding range.  Tree and shrub vegetation at the highest elevations are often associated with sedges, rushes, nettles, and other herbaceous wetland plants near mountain meadows, which can include beaver dams and pooled water. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"The most common plant species flycatchers have been found nesting in are: Geyers willow (Salix geyerana), coyote willow (Salix exigua), yewleaf willow (Salix taxifolia), and Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia).\n\n"]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"6)     Canopy Height of  Breeding Sites: "]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers nest in thickets of trees and shrubs ranging in height from 6 to 98 ft (Service 2002, p. D-3).  This represents the range used, but not the frequency.  Flycatchers rarely nest in collection of trees with a canopy taller than about 65 feet outside of the Cliff/Gila Valley in western New Mexico (boxelders), which occurs at about 4,800 feet in elevation.  "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers will use multi-storied habitat in which to nest, and in these situations low- to mid-elevation sites they will commonly place nests in a shorter understory of coyote willow, tamarisk, or young Gooddings willow, while larger cottonwoods and willows provide an overstory.  Flycatchers typically use riparian trees for nest placement that can be considered in mid-seral stage.  Plants can grow into suitability for nesting as fast as 3-4 years in optimum conditions, but can grow out of suitability as plants get older.  As shrubs grow into trees, the density of the vegetation and structure of the plant becomes less suitable for nest placement.  Some plant species can change their suitability for nesting more rapidly than others.  For example, coyote willow and tamarisk are similar in that they both stay in a shrubby form longer than Gooddings willow. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"However, multi-storied layered habitats are not solely used at low-to mid-elevations for nesting, flycatchers can take advantage of single species even-aged patches of willow or tamarisk.  "]
[]
[]
[null,"At higher elevations, willows tend to grow slower and therefore reaching nesting suitability more slowly due to the shortened growing season.  In contrast though, these higher elevation willow species do not grow out of suitability as quickly and are less prone to effects from flooding due to their placement near the headwaters of streams.  These breeding sites are typically dominated by a single species of willow. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"High elevation habitats >6000 feet:"]
[null,"Average canopy height at high elevation is 10-23 feet.  Unlike lower elevations, with the exception of some spots in New Mexico where Russian olive occurs, patches are comprised completely of native plants and often dominated by a single species of willow. "]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"7)       Canopy Density of Breeding Sites:"]
[null,"High elevation habitats >6000 feet:"]
[null,"There is little information about canopy density for high elevation flycatcher breeding sites.  The gross structure of habitat patches was described as a single vegetative layer with no distinct overstory or understory.  There is usually very dense branch and twig structure in the lower 6.5 feet, with high live foliage density from the ground to the canopy.  \n\n"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"8)       Patch Size at Breeding Sites:"]
[null,"Patches, or collections of trees used by breeding flycatchers, vary in size and shape.  They may be relatively dense, linear, contiguous stands or irregularly-shaped mosaics of dense vegetation with open areas.  The smallest patch used by a flycatcher for nesting recorded was 0.25 acres along the Rio Grande and they have been as large as 175 acres on the Gila River. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers are not typically found in narrow confined floodplains that limit the extent of riparian vegetation. As a result, they are not expected to be found nesting where a single strip of vegetation less than about 33 feet wide.  Although, vegetation in this narrow fashion could be used if it extended from a broader patch of vegetation.  Flycatcher territories typically occur or are expected to occur in habitat along the broad floodplains associated with larger streams such as the Rio Grande, Gila, San Pedro, San Juan, Virgin, Santa Margarita, and Colorado Rivers.  The width of these floodplains of these streams can extend in some areas for a quarter to half mile wide.  Within the conservation space of lakes, these broad, manipulated, and somewhat created environments can be even a broader area of vegetation that what could occur alongside a normal river channel.   "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers often cluster their territories into a small portion of a breeding site, and fairly large portions of the overall vegetation may be used by flycatchers irregularly or not at all. Habitat modeling has found that breeding site occupancy is influenced by vegetation characteristics of adjacent riparian habitat.  Therefore, surrounding abundance of vegetation can be an important component of a breeding site, and may play a role site selection, fidelity, reproductive success, predation, etc. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"High elevation habitats >6000 feet:"]
[null,"Specific patch sizes are not described in the Recovery Plan for high elevation sites, but it does describe that along the Little Colorado River near Greer, AZ, that the 34 acre site is a mosaic of patches, where the willow matrix is a combination of clumps and thin strips 10-16 feet wide.  "]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Habitat Photos from USGS WIFL web site.  "]
[null,"http://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov/cprs/research/projects/swwf/wiflhab.asp"]
[]
[null,"Also, see pictures of habitat at "]
[null,"1. http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/tm2a10/pdf/tm2a10.pdf  - USGS Natural History Summary"]
[null,"2. http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/SpeciesDocs/SWWF/Final%20Recovery%20Plan/Recovery%20Plan%20Appendices/D_HabitatFigures.pdf  Flycatcher Recovery Plan habitat figures. "]

{"sheet":"Breeding Habitat <6,000","index":4,"n_rows":326,"n_cols":2,"rows_kept":326,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[[71,1,76,10],[1,1,1,9],[2,1,4,10],[20,1,22,10],[24,1,36,10],[38,1,42,10],[43,1,50,10],[51,1,56,10],[58,1,65,10],[66,1,69,10],[150,1,164,10],[78,1,81,10],[83,1,92,10],[94,1,101,10],[103,1,104,10],[106,1,106,10],[108,1,111,10],[113,1,117,10],[119,1,123,10],[125,1,130,10],[134,1,136,10],[138,1,149,10],[228,1,228,10],[166,1,166,3],[168,1,176,10],[178,1,182,10],[184,1,187,10],[189,1,189,4],[191,1,195,10],[197,1,202,10],[204,1,210,10],[212,1,216,10],[218,1,218,9],[220,1,226,10],[271,1,271,5],[272,1,274,10],[276,1,279,10],[281,1,282,10],[230,1,232,9],[234,1,241,10],[243,1,245,10],[247,1,247,5],[249,1,252,10],[254,1,261,10],[325,1,326,10],[0,1,0,10],[6,1,13,10],[15,1,18,10],[312,1,316,10],[318,1,320,10],[321,1,321,5],[322,1,322,7],[284,1,284,5],[286,1,288,10],[290,1,290,4],[291,1,294,10],[296,1,303,10],[305,1,309,10],[263,1,264,10],[266,1,269,10]]}
[null,"Introduction to Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Breeding Habitat <6,000'"]
[null,"Flycatchers are most commonly found placing their nests in the following plant species:"]
[null,"Gooding's willow (Salix gooddingii), coyote willow (Salix exigua), pacific willow (Salix lasiandra), red willow (Salix laevigata), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), boxelder (Acer negundo), tamarisk (also known as saltcedar, Tamarix ramosissima), and oak (Quercus agrifolia, Quercus chrysolepis)."]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Other species used in descending order, but less commonly at lower elevations are: buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), alder (Alnus rhombifolia, Alnus oblongifolia, Alnus tenuifolia), velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), blackberry (Rubus ursinus), seep willow/mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia, Baccharis glutinosa), rose (Rosa californica, Rosa arizonica, Rosa multiflora), sycamore (Platinus wrightii), false indigo (Amorpha californica), Pacific poison ivy (Toxicodendron diversilobum), grape (Vitus arizonica), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), and walnut (Juglans hindsii)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Note some of these region-specific plants. Boxelder has exclusively been detected being used by nesting flycatchers in central-western New Mexico along the Gila River in the Cliff/Gila Valley. Oak has only been detected being used by nesting flycatchers along the upper San Luis Rey in southern California."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Habitat Summary to Assist in the Development of Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guidelines (WHEGs) for NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife Initiative for Habitats < 6000 Feet in Elevation"]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"The flycatcher currently breeds in areas from near sea level to about 8,500 feet (Durst et al. 2008, p. 14) in vegetation alongside rivers, streams, or other wetlands (riparian habitat).  It establishes nesting territories, builds nests, and forages where mosaics of relatively dense and expansive growths of trees and shrubs are established, near or adjacent to surface water or underlain by saturated soil (Sogge et al. 2010, p. 4).  Habitat characteristics such as dominant plant species, size and shape of habitat patch, tree canopy structure, vegetation height, and vegetation density vary widely among breeding sites.  Nests are typically placed in trees where the plant growth is most dense, where trees and shrubs have vegetation near ground level, and where there is a dense canopy.  Some of the more common tree and shrub species currently known to comprise nesting habitat include Goodings willow (Salix gooddingii), coyote willow (Salix exigua), Geyers willow (Salix geyerana), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), red willow (Salix laevigata), yewleaf willow (Salix taxifolia), boxelder (Acer negundo), tamarisk (also known as saltcedar, Tamarix ramosissima), and Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia) (Service 2002, p. D–2).  While there are exceptions, generally flycatchers are not found nesting in areas without willows, tamarisk, or both."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"While habitat characteristics vary across the subspecies range, there are some common general features.  Breeding sites typically consist of dense vegetation in the patch interior or an aggregate of dense patches interspersed with openings.  In most cases, this dense vegetation occurs within the first 10-13 feet above the ground.  These dense patches are often interspersed with small openings, open water or marsh, or shorter/sparser vegetation, creating a mosaic that is not uniformly dense. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers are believed to exist and interact as groups of metapopulations (Service 2002, p. 72).  A metapopulation is a group of geographically separate flycatcher breeding populations connected to each other by immigration and emigration (Service 2002, p. 72).  Flycatcher populations are most stable where many connected sites or large populations exist (Service 2002, p. 72).  Metapopulation persistence or stability is more likely to improve by adding more breeding sites than with the addition of territories to existing sites (Service 2002, p. 72).  This strategy distributes birds across a greater geographical range, minimizes risk of simultaneous catastrophic population loss, and avoids genetic isolation (Service 2002, p. 72)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers have higher site fidelity (to a local area) than nest fidelity (to a specific nest location) and can move among sites within stream drainages and between drainages (Kenwood and Paxton 2001, pp. 29–31). Within-drainage movements are more common than between-drainage movements (Kenwood and Paxton 2001, p. 18).  Juvenile flycatchers were the group of flycatchers that moved (dispersed) the farthest to new and distant breeding sites from the area where they hatched (Paxton et al. 2007a, p. 74).  "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"The difference in flycatcher dispersal distance among different study areas and regions reflects the varying spatial arrange­ment of breeding habitat, illustrating how disper­sal tendencies are influenced by the geographic distribution of habitat at the stream segment, drainage, and landscape scales (Paxton et al. 2007a, p. 75).  While USGS’ study focused its effort in central Arizona at two of the largest breeding sites, it also included multiple auxiliary sites (up to 275 mi away), along with other researchers and surveyors across the flycatcher’s range paying attention to whether flycatchers were banded or not.  As a result, the broad scope of the study of flycatcher movement extends broadly beyond a localized, regional area, where habitat configuration dominates the results.   "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Banded flycatchers from season-to-season (and sometimes within season) were recorded 150 feet to 275 mi from their previous seasons nesting or natal area to try and nest.  Some long-distance season-to-season movement records captured flycatchers moving from the Basin and Mohave Recovery Unit to the Lower Colorado Recovery Unit and from the Lower Colorado Recovery Unit to the Gila Recovery Unit. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"The USGS assimilated all of the flycatcher movement information and concluded that rapid colonization and increased metapopulation stability could be accomplished by establishing breeding sites within 18 to 25 mi of each other (Paxton et al. 2007a, p. 4).  Flycatchers at breeding sites configured in this way would be able to regularly disperse to new breeding sites or move between known breeding sites within the same year or from year-to-year.  This proximity of sites would increase the connectivity and stability of the metapopulation and smaller, more distant breeding sites."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"When streams reach the lowlands, their gradients typically flatten and surrounding terrain opens into broader floodplains (Service 2002, p. 32).  Less typical, and occurring at the headwaters of streams, flat gradient high elevation streams between about 6000 and 8500 feet support flycatcher habitat in south-central Colorado, central-eastern Arizona, and small portions of New Mexico.  "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Twice the amount of suitable habitat is needed to support the numerical territory goals, because the long-term persistence of flycatcher populations cannot be assured by protecting only those habitats in which flycatchers currently breed (Service 2002, p. 80).  It is important to recognize that most flycatcher breeding habitats are susceptible to future changes in site hydrology (natural or human-related), human impacts such as development or fire, and natural catastrophic events such as flood or drought (Service 2002, p. 80). Furthermore, as the vegetation at sites matures, it can lose the structural characteristics that make it suitable for breeding flycatchers (Service 2002, p. 80). These and other factors can destroy or degrade breeding sites, such that one cannot expect any given breeding site to remain suitable in perpetuity (Service 2002, p. 80). Thus, it is necessary to have additional suitable habitat available to which flycatchers, displaced by such habitat loss or change, can readily move (Service 2002, p. 80)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Because the flycatcher nests across portions of six states ranging from sea level to about 8,500 feet in elevation, there is some distinction between plants and structure occurring at high elevation compared to those habitats at low and mid-elevation sites.  The following represent excerpts from those categories described in the flycatcher habitat appendix included in the Recovery Plan and separated by elevation where possible.  Pictures and aerial views of flycatcher breeding sites can be viewed in USGS Natural History and Survey Protocol and the habitat appendix found in the Recovery Plan and at the end of this document (See links below).  Citations included in this document can be examined in the literature cited for the August 2011, revised flycatcher critical habitat proposal at:"]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/SpeciesDocs/SWWF/pCH2011/2011_WIFL_pCH_Lit_Cited_7-14-2011.pdf"]
[]
[]
[null,"1)   Flat gradient and broad floodplains with perennial or intermittent streams with moist soils"]
[]
[null,"When streams reach the lowlands, their gradients typically flatten and surrounding terrain opens into broader floodplains (Service 2002, p. 32).  Less typical, and occurring at the headwaters of streams, flat gradient high elevation streams between about 6000 and 8500 feet support flycatcher habitat in south-central Colorado, central-eastern Arizona, and small portions of New Mexico.  "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"The geographic areas with these particular features are largely met through the mapping exercise for this initiative that included areas of high recovery value from the Recovery Plan and the current critical habitat proposal.  These mapped areas include stream segments that occur in each Management Unit throughout the range of the flycatcher and as a whole, represent enough area believed to be able to reach the reclassification goals described in the Plan."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"There are however, due to our limitations in mapping, areas within these segments that do not have the appropriate setting to establish flycatcher nesting habitat.  This would be true, even if all known stressors were (or have been) removed.  At a minimum, these would include locations within narrow canyons, higher gradient portions of streams, areas where herbaceous wetland riparian vegetation dominates, or areas with geologic conditions or soils that do not support elevated groundwater accessible to riparian trees.  "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Additionally, there are likely areas where the scope of the conservation measures that can be implemented through this initiative are unable to influence the quality of habitat due to broader landscape level alterations.  For example, the river flow along the lower Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam to Mexico, while present with perennial flow, is regulated to the extent that only the most extreme land and water management actions could improve the quality and suitability of flycatcher nesting habitat due to the inter-related impacts from the lack of overbank flooding, high soil salinity, and large depth to groundwater. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"2)      Water Flow"]
[]
[null,"The hydrologic regime (stream flow pattern) and supply of (and interaction between) surface and subsurface water is a driving factor in the long-term maintenance, growth, recycling, and regeneration of flycatcher habitat (Service 2002, p. 16).  "]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"In these geographic settings, the stream-flow patterns (frequency, magnitude, duration, and timing) will provide the necessary stream-channel conditions (wide configuration, high sediment deposition, periodic inundation, recharged aquifers, lateral channel movement, and elevated groundwater tables throughout the floodplain) that result in the development of flycatcher habitat (Poff et al. 1997, pp. 770–772; Service 2002, p. 16).  Allowing the river to flow over the width of the floodplain, when overbank flooding occurs, is integral to allow deposition of fine moist soils, water, nutrients, and seeds that provide the essential material for plant germination and growth.  An abundance and distribution of fine sediments extending farther laterally across the floodplain and deeper underneath the surface retains much more subsurface water, which in turn supplies water for the development of the vegetation that provides flycatcher habitat and micro-habitat conditions (Service 2002, p. 16).  The interconnected interaction between groundwater and surface water contributes to the quality of riparian vegetation community (structure and plant species) and will influence the germination, density, vigor, composition, and the ability of vegetation to regenerate and maintain itself (Arizona Department of Water Resources 1994, pp. 31–32)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Throughout the flycatcher’s range, streams have many different flow patterns as a result of various dams (and their different operating rules) and diversions.  Projects funded by this initiative that occur along unregulated perennial streams are most likely to have existing flycatcher habitat and/or will likely be the areas where habitat will be most responsive to improvements in land/water management stressors.  Some unregulated streams, like the San Pedro River in southern Arizona or the Big Sandy River in western Arizona, have intermittent portions, but can also retain high groundwater elevation and expansive riparian forests.  Regulated streams (Verde and Gila rivers in central Arizona) where the storage capacity of impoundments is limited compared to the overall amount of water moving downstream typically allows for greater frequency and magnitude and better timing of water releases that closely resemble the natural hydrologic regime.  As a result, the less those four factors of stream movement identified above are altered, the more likely the opportunity native riparian forests can flourish in a condition that flycatchers can use for nesting.  Streams that are the most regulated, like the lower Colorado River below Glen Canyon and Hoover Dams are the most difficult areas for land management actions to cause any measurable positive benefit to riparian habitat because of the overwhelming degree water regulation degrades and influences habitat quality. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"3)       Fine Sediments"]
[]
[null,"The abundance and distribution of fine sediment deposited on floodplains is critical for the development, abundance, distribution, maintenance, and germination of the plants that grow into flycatcher habitat (Service 2002, p. 16).  Fine sediments provide seed beds to facilitate the growth of riparian vegetation for flycatcher habitat.  In almost all cases, moist or saturated soil is present at or near breeding sites during wet and non-drought years (Service 2002, p. 11).  The saturated soil and adjacent surface water may be present early in the breeding season, but only damp soil is present by late June or early July (Service 2002, p. D-3).  Microclimate features (temperature and humidity) facilitated by moist or saturated soil, are believed to play an important role where flycatchers are detected and nest, their breeding success, and availability and abundance of insect food resources (Service 2002, pp. 18, D-12).  "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"In contrast, high gradient/high energy streams, such as those typically found in upper/mid elevations from approximately 4,500 to 6,000 feet, more commonly have narrower floodplains consisting of more porous rocks, boulders, and cobble.  Smaller sections of these streams may have areas that can develop dense vegetation, but typically these high energy streams do not possess the sediments or floodplain width needed to develop flycatcher habitat."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"The geographic scope identified by our mapping exercise for this initiative, targets appropriate sections of stream with the anticipated necessary sediment composition.  And similar to stream flow, those portions of streams that are not regulated and impede the movement of sediments, are likely the places where project success is more likely to occur. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"4)         Elevated Groundwater"]
[]
[null,"Subsurface hydrologic conditions may in some places (particularly at the more arid locations of the Southwest) be equally important to surface water conditions in determining riparian vegetation patterns (Lichivar and Wakely 2004, p. 92).  Where groundwater levels are elevated, riparian forest plants can directly access those waters. Elevated groundwater helps create moist soil conditions believed to be important for nesting conditions and insect prey populations (Service 2002, pp. 11, 18)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Depth to groundwater plays an important part in the distribution of riparian vegetation (Arizona Department of Water Resources 1994, p. 31) and consequently, flycatcher habitat.  The greater the depth to groundwater below the land surface, the less abundant the riparian vegetation (Arizona Department of Water Resources 1994, p. 31).  Localized, perched aquifers (a saturated area that sits above the main water table) can and do support some riparian habitat, but these systems are not extensive (Arizona Department of Water Resources 1994, p. 31)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Existing data indicate that the ideal groundwater is approximately 3 to 5 feet below the surface for the persistence of typical low-to mid-elevation cottonwood and willows, depending on the species and soil conditions at the site.  At this elevation, native riparian plants were able to grow successfully with non-native saltcedar plants.  The processes required for cottonwood and willow growth and survival suffered from water stress when groundwater declined below a threshold of 8 feet.  Thus, the importance of maintaining relatively shallow groundwater conditions for establishment and maintenance of willow-dominated habitats cannot be over-emphasized."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Once established, long-term survival of these plants requires that the groundwater table not exceed a maximum threshold.  Therefore, while a mature tree can persist at groundwater elevation 8 feet below the surface, the elevation needed for germination and growth of seedlings is much closer to the surface.  The greater the distance groundwater is from the surface, the less likely water elevations can raise to the surface following flood flows and persist long enough for seeds to germinate and young trees to persist."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"5)         Plant species flycatchers have been detected placing nests "]
[]
[null,"The plant species flycatchers place their nests vary throughout the bird’s breeding range.  The broad elevation used by the bird across the broad geographic area of six states is the primary influence on the diversity of plants used.  While nests can be placed as low as a few feet above the ground to over 50 feet above the ground, the structure of the vegetation appears to be a primary common denominator.  These riparian plants are heavily vegetated with vertical branches capable of supporting nests.  Up through the year 2000, the most often recorded plant species to hold a nesting attempt was tamarisk (768) and willow species (562).  The next most recorded plant species were boxelder and coast live oak."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Low to mid elevations <6000 feet (see tab on WHEG for elevation >6000 feet):"]
[null,"Flycatchers are most commonly found placing their nests in the following plant species:"]
[null,"Goodings willow (Salix gooddingii), coyote willow (Salix exigua), pacific willow (Salix lasiandra), red willow (Salix laevigata), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), boxelder (Acer negundo), tamarisk (also known as saltcedar, Tamarix ramosissima), and oak (Quercus agrifolia, Quercus chrysolepis)."]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Other species used in descending order, but less commonly at lower elevations are: buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), alder (Alnus rhombifolia, Alnus oblongifolia, Alnus tenuifolia), velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), blackberry (Rubus ursinus), seep willow (Baccharis salicifolia, Baccharis glutinosa),  rose (Rosa californica, Rosa arizonica, Rosa multiflora), sycamore (Platinus wrightii), false indigo (Amorpha californica), Pacific poison ivy (Toxicodendron diversilobum), grape (Vitus arizonica), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), and walnut (Juglans hindsii)."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Note some of these region-specific plants. Boxelder has exclusively been detected being used by nesting flycatchers in central-western New Mexico along the Gila River in the Cliff/Gila Valley. Oak has only been detected being used by nesting flycatchers along the upper San Luis Rey in southern California."]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"6)     Canopy Height of Breeding Sites"]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers nest in thickets of trees and shrubs ranging in height from 6 to 98 ft (Service 2002, p. D-3).  This represents the range used, but not the frequency.  Flycatchers rarely nest in collection of trees with a canopy taller than about 65 feet outside of the Cliff/Gila Valley in western New Mexico (boxelders), which occurs at about 4,800 feet in elevation.  "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers will use multi-storied habitat in which to nest, and in these situations low- to mid-elevation sites they will commonly place nests in a shorter understory of coyote willow, tamarisk, or young Gooddings willow, while larger cottonwoods and willows provide an overstory.  Flycatchers typically use riparian trees for nest placement that can be considered in mid-seral stage.  Plants can grow into suitability for nesting as fast as 3-4 years in optimum conditions, but can grow out of suitability as plants get older.  As shrubs grow into trees, the density of the vegetation and structure of the plant becomes less suitable for nest placement.  Some plant species can change their suitability for nesting more rapidly than others.  For example, coyote willow and tamarisk are similar in that they both stay in a shrubby form longer than Gooddings willow. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"However, multi-storied layered habitats are not solely used at low-to mid-elevations for nesting, flycatchers can take advantage of single species even-aged patches of willow or tamarisk.  "]
[]
[]
[null,"At higher elevations, willows tend to grow slower and therefore reaching nesting suitability more slowly due to the shortened growing season.  In contrast though, these higher elevation willow species do not grow out of suitability as quickly and are less prone to effects from flooding due to their placement near the headwaters of streams.  These breeding sites are typically dominated by a single species of willow. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"a) Low and mid-elevation habitats <6000 feet:"]
[null,"In areas of primarily multi-storied vegetation, like the Kern River, CA, and the San Pedro River, AZ, canopy heights of breeding sites are 26-39 feet and 49-65 feet, respectively. Along the Virgin River, UT, native trees form a canopy 33-40 feet tall, with shorter tamarisk and willows in the understory."]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Breeding sites dominated by tamarisk, may still have some periodic cottonwood or willow in the overstory and can vary in size and stature. For example, at Roosevelt Lake, AZ, a few large cottonwoods (26-40 feet tall) occur, but the overall vegetation is mostly tamarisk.    More mature stands of tamarisk, with a canopy height of 26-40 feet, can hold breeding territories."]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"At their youngest, broad expanses of single species of willows and/or tamarisk can comprise nesting habitat where the canopy is at least 15 feet tall."]
[]
[]
[null,"7)       Canopy Density of Breeding Sites"]
[null,"a) Low and mid-elevation habitats <6000 feet:"]
[null,"At nest sites, whether it is primarily native vegetation, mixed native-exotic sites, or primarily exotic vegetation, canopy density has been recorded as 74% along the Kern River, CA, generally 75-100% on the lower Colorado River, 89-93% in Arizona, and 84% on the Gila River, NM."]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"8)       Patch Size at Breeding Sites"]
[null,"Patches, or collections of trees used by breeding flycatchers, vary in size and shape.  They may be relatively dense, linear, contiguous stands or irregularly-shaped mosaics of dense vegetation with open areas.  The smallest patch used by a flycatcher for nesting recorded was 0.25 acres along the Rio Grande and they have been as large as 175 acres on the Gila River. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers are not typically found in narrow confined floodplains that limit the extent of riparian vegetation. As a result, they are not expected to be found nesting where a single strip of vegetation less than about 33 feet wide.  Although, vegetation in this narrow fashion could be used if it extended from a broader patch of vegetation.  Flycatcher territories typically occur or are expected to occur in habitat along the broad floodplains associated with larger streams such as the Rio Grande, Gila, San Pedro, San Juan, Virgin, Santa Margarita, and Colorado Rivers.  The width of these floodplains of these streams can extend in some areas for a quarter to half mile wide.  Within the conservation space of lakes, these broad, manipulated, and somewhat created environments can be even a broader area of vegetation that what could occur alongside a normal river channel.   "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Flycatchers often cluster their territories into a small portion of a breeding site, and fairly large portions of the overall vegetation may be used by flycatchers irregularly or not at all. Habitat modeling has found that breeding site occupancy is influenced by vegetation characteristics of adjacent riparian habitat.  Therefore, surrounding abundance of vegetation can be an important component of a breeding site, and may play a role site selection, fidelity, reproductive success, predation, etc. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null," a)      Low and mid-elevation habitats <6000 feet:"]
[null,"The mean reported size of flycatcher breeding patches was 21 acres; however the majority of sites were on the smaller end, with a median patch size of 4.4 acres. The mean patch size of breeding sites supporting 10 or more territories was 62 acres.  Aggregations of occupied patches within an overall area supporting flycatcher territories may create a riparian mosaic as large as 494 acres, such as what has been recorded on the Kern River, CA, or Roosevelt Lake, AZ. "]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[null,"Based upon the number of territories reported per patch, it required on an average of 2.7 acres of dense riparian habitat for each territory in a patch.  However, because breeding patches include areas that are not actively defended as territories, this does not equate to an average territory size. "]
[]
[]
[null,"Habitat Photos from USGS WIFL web site.  "]
[null,"http://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov/cprs/research/projects/swwf/wiflhab.asp"]
[null,"See pictures of habitat at:"]
[null,"1. http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/tm2a10/pdf/tm2a10.pdf  - USGS Natural History Summary"]
[null,"2. http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Documents/SpeciesDocs/SWWF/Final%20Recovery%20Plan/Recovery%20Plan%20Appendices/D_HabitatFigures.pdf  Flycatcher Recovery Plan habitat figures. "]