Travis AFB Sustainability Study Report Final Background Report | Page 142
California Tiger Salamander Protected Habitat
The California tiger salamander is a
federally and state threatened
species that occurs as both adult
and larval forms on Travis AFB. The
salamander breeds in the vernal
pools and ponds surrounding the
Castle Terrace Housing project area and within a half mile of the Base’s
eastern boundary. California tiger salamanders have been recorded
dispersing up to 1.3 miles from their breeding ponds. To protect the
species, a 1.3‐mile impact buffer is maintained around ponds on the Base to
assess any impact development may have on the salamander. Different types of habitat that support threatened and endangered species
are also located on and near the Base. Critical habitat is currently
designated by the USFWS for the California tiger salamander, Contra Costa
goldfields, vernal pool fairy shrimp, and vernal pool tadpole shrimp. In
addition to the species that are found on‐Base, there are five species that
have critical habitat in the TSS Study Area. These species are the Delta green
ground beetle, conservancy fairy shrimp, delta smelt, Suisun thistle, and soft
bird’s‐beak. These critical habitat designations include wetlands, vernal
pools, and grasslands commonly found at Travis AFB and near the Base
south of the cities of Fairfield and Suisun City, as shown on Figure 5.4‐1.
As compensation for damage to vernal pools, three areas on‐Base were
designated as vernal pool preservation areas. Because the Base contains
numerous natural resources, it must comply with the requirements of the
state and federal Endangered Species Acts and federal Migratory Bird Treaty
Act, which has the potential to impose mission constraints. Protection of
habitat for endangered and threatened species limits available area for
future development and mission expansion.
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp
The vernal pool fairy shrimp is a
federally listed threatened species that
reside in the vernal pools located on
Travis AFB. Along with vernal pools, the
shrimp have also been found in
temporary surface waters and marshes.
The loss of vernal pools is the primary
threat to the species’ survival, which
have been designated as critical habitat by USFWS. 13 acres of vernal pool
fairy shrimp critical habitat are located on the Base.
Existing biological opinions associated with the Base have designated certain
areas on‐Base for the protection of habitat. In order to off‐set the impact of
development on‐Base, the Castle Terrance Housing Open Space / Wetlands
Preserve Area, the former Aero Club Preserve Area, and the South Gate
Construction Gate Area preserve areas have been established to protect the
species living on the Base.
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp
The vernal pool tadpole shrimp is a
federally listed endangered species
that resides in the vernal pools located
on the Base. The species has the same
threats, critical habitat, and
management considerations as the
vernal pool fairy shrimp.
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Compatibility Assessment