t13 - final report: terrestrial mollusk surveys for … report terrestrial mollusk surveys for...

Final Report

Terrestrial Mollusk Surveys for Survey and ManageSpecies in the Baker Lake Project Area

(Baker River Project Relicense Study No T13)

Prepared by:

Lia Kruger and Genevieve MartinHamer Environmental19997 Hwy 9Mount Vernon, WA 98274Phone: (360) 422-6510e-mail: [email protected]

Prepared for:

Baker River Project RelicenseWildlife and Terrestrial Resources Working Group

15 November 2002

Unpublished Work © 2002Puget Sound Energy, Inc.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) originally acquired their license for the Baker River Project

through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on 4 June 1956 as Project

No. 2150; this license expires on 30 April 2006. To aid in the re-licensing process, the

Wildlife and Terrestrial Resources Working Group (WLTRWG) requested a survey for

“survey and manage” terrestrial mollusks adjacent to Baker Lake, which may be affected

by the Baker Lake Reservoir. These surveys were conducted in the fall of 2001 and

spring of 2002 using the Survey Protocol for Terrestrial Mollusk Species found the

Northwest Forest Plan, Version 2.0 (29 Oct 1997). Approximately 270 acres of potential

terrestrial mollusk habitat were within the sampling area delineated around the reservoir.

The first surveys began on 5 October 2001 and ended 16 November 2001. All fall and

spring surveys met the environmental constraints of the survey protocol.

During the 73 survey visits that covered approximately 270 acres, only 2 species of

survey and manage were suspected but not confirmed, Deroceras hesperium (evening

field slug) and Hemphillia glandulosa (warty jumping slug.) to be in the area. The most

common species found during the mollusk surveys were Haplotrema vancouverences,

Ariolimax columbianus,and Vespericola columbianus. H. vancouverences was found at

26 different locations throughout the project area. A. columbianus was found at 13

locations mostly in the southern part of the Baker River Project area and V. columbianus

at 10 locations throughout the perimeter of Baker Lake. Monadenia fidelis was

encountered at 4 locations, 1 east, 1 west, and 3 at the southern part of the lake.

Ancortrema sportella was located at 3 areas at the southern half of the. For the suspected

Terrestrial Mollusk Surveys in the Baker Lake Project Area; Final Report

November 20, 2002 2

survey and manage species encountered, Hemphilla glandulosa (unverified detection)

was identified in one location on the eastern lower portion of the lake and Deroceras

hesperium (unverified detection) was found on the western middle section of the Baker

Lake perimeter.

A variety of mollusk species were present in the Baker Lake survey area; however, only a

very small portion of these species were suspected to be survey and manage species as

defined by the Northwest Forest Plan. The habitat associated with the survey and

manage species in the area is abundant. Thus, we conclude that small-undetected

populations may exist. Why these suspected survey and manage species were scarce was

unknown. The low abundance and limited distribution in our study area could be the

result of species rarity and/or limited dispersal ability. Another possibility is that these

small populations could be isolated.


November 20, 2002 3

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 4

RATIONAL AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY............................................................................................ 5

STUDY AREA .............................................................................................................................................. 6

BACKGROUND........................................................................................................................................... 6

SURVEY AND MANAGE SPECIES LIKELY PRESENT IN THE PROJECT AREA............................................ 7SURVEY AND MANAGE SPECIES WITH LOWER LIKELIHOODS OF PRESENCE......................................... 8QUALIFICATIONS OF KEY PERSONNEL .................................................................................................. 10

METHODS ................................................................................................................................................. 10

DETERMINE THE SAMPLING AREA WITHIN THE PROJECT BOUNDARY ................................................ 10CONDUCTING TERRESTRIAL MOLLUSK SURVEYS................................................................................. 11

Timing of Surveys................................................................................................................................ 11Survey Method .................................................................................................................................... 12Data Recording................................................................................................................................... 13

RESULTS.................................................................................................................................................... 13

SURVEY CONDITIONS AND SPECIES FOUND ........................................................................................... 13ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION............................................................................................................ 14HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 16

DISCUSSION.............................................................................................................................................. 18

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.......................................................................................................................... 20

LITERATURE CITED.............................................................................................................................. 20

APPENDIX 1. ............................................................................................................................................ 35


November 20, 2002 4

INTRODUCTION

The current license for the Baker River Watershed project will expire 30 April 2006. One

task to support the Baker River re-licensing project proposed by the Wildlife and

Terrestrial Resources Working Group (WLTRWG) was to conduct survey and manage

terrestrial mollusk surveys in the project area adjacent to Baker Lake reservoir. All

survey and manage terrestrial mollusks species meet table C-3 interagency standards

guidelines (ROD 1994) and should be protected if found. The protection is outlined in

Strategy 2 (as defined in the standards and guidelines) when these species occur naturally

within the range of the northern spotted owl. Before this effort, surveys for survey and

manage terrestrial mollusks had not been conducted in the Baker Lake watershed. We

lacked information on the species present, their habitat associations, their location

relative to the reservoir, and their abundance.

To answer these questions, this study conducted surveys for survey and manage

terrestrial mollusks as defined by the United States Forest Service (USFS) within 100 feet

of the high water mark of the reservoir to determine the presence or absence of these

species. Terrestrial mollusks that use logs or other accumulated debris as habitat within

this zone may die due to rising spring reservoir levels (Don Gay, personal

communication). The study was necessary to assess any impact on terrestrial mollusks

from management of the reservoir, and to assist the WLTRWG in developing protection,

mitigation, or enhancement measures to reduce these impacts. The objectives were to

determine the presence and distribution of survey and manage mollusk species within 100


November 20, 2002 5

feet of the high water mark of Baker Lake reservoir and, if present, to identify associated

habitat types.

Rational and Significance of the Study

This study was designed to identify mollusk species present in the Baker River project

area. The results should assist the WLTRWG in assessing the impact reservoir

fluctuation may have on terrestrial mollusk species. Information generated from this

study, along with the vegetation cover class and habitat maps from proposed vegetation

studies (T2, T5 and T15), will assist in identifying areas of special concern (due to use by

survey and manage species), and help designate priority habitats within the project

boundaries.

The study should provide valuable information in the preparation of the final license

application and provide baseline species and habitat information necessary for

compliance with the Northwest Forest Plan.

These results constitute baseline information to evaluate project alternatives and/or

develop specific proposals for protection, mitigation, and enhancement of terrestrial

mollusk species populations and their habitats. In addition, this information will facilitate

the design and planning of future studies and inventories for the re-licensing project.


November 20, 2002 6

STUDY AREA

The Baker River watershed is located in a mountainous region on the west slope of the North

Cascades range in Skagit and Whatcom counties of Washington State (Figure 1). The headwaters

of the river lie in the northeastern section of the basin along the slopes of Mt. Challenger and

Whatcom Peak.

The Upper Baker Development completed in 1959 is located on Baker River

approximately 8 miles north of Concrete, Washington. Baker Lake, the reservoir behind

the Upper Baker dam, is approximately 9 miles long (Puget Sound Energy 2000) and is

surrounded by lands managed by the USFS. The study included areas within 100 feet of

the high water mark of the reservoir of Baker Lake. Figure 1 shows the project area for

Baker Lake including lands inside the FERC boundary that was the focus of sampling in

this study.

BACKGROUND

Nine survey and manage terrestrial species could occur in the Baker Lake Project area.

All species were noted when found. The snail Cryptomastix devia (Puget Oregonian)

was the only snail species reported in the Baker Lake project area (Funish et al. 1997).

Megomphix hemphilli (Oregon megomphix), Pristoloma articum crateris (Crater Lake

tightcoil), and Vertigo n.sp (Hoko vertigo) were suspected to be present (BLM 1999) and

the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recommended surveys for these species. .

Survey and manage slug species include Deroceras hesperium (evening field slug),

Hemphillia burringtoni (keeled jumping slug), Hemphillia glandulosa (warty jumping


November 20, 2002 7

slug), Hemphillia malonei (Malone jumping slug), and Hemphillia pantherina (panther

jumping slug). These mollusks were suspected to inhabit the project site. Therefore, the

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommended surveys (Furnish 1997).

Non survey and manage mollusk species found in the project area were documented also.

A list of the survey and manage terrestrial mollusk species and description of their

habitats are shown in Table 1. Detailed habitat descriptions and geographic distributions

for each survey and manage terrestrial mollusk species supposed to be in the project area

and those species which could occur but are not likely to be present are described below.

Survey and Manage Species Likely Present in the Project Area

Cryptomastix devia (Puget Oregonian)

Cryptomastix devia has been found in the western Cascade Range and Puget Trough from

Southern Vancouver Island, B.C. through western Washington to the Oregon side of the

Columbia Gorge. C. Devia live in mature to late successional moist forest and riparian

zones, under logs, among leaf litter and/or talus. They are often found under or near big

leaf maple trees and may be underneath sword fern growing under these trees (BLM

1999).

Deroceras hesperium (evening field slug)

D. hesperium are found in low to mid-elevations between the western Cascade Range and

the Pacific Ocean from northwestern Oregon through western Washington, and on

Vancouver Island, B.C. D. hesperium are associated with litter, debris, rock crevices and

a variety of low vegetation. (BLM 1999).


November 20, 2002 8

Hemphillia burringtoni (keeled jumping slug)

H. burringtoni are found throughout the Olympic Peninsula, WA. Their range extends

across the Puget Trough to the western Cascade Range in Washington and to the Coast

range of northwestern Oregon. This species prefers moist conifer forests and are

associated with conifer logs and/or heavy ground cover of low vegetation, litter, and

debris (BLM 1999).

Hemphillia glandulosa (warty jumping slug)

The range of the H. glandulosa extends from the western Cascade Range to the Pacific

coast from northern Oregon to British Columbia, Canada. They prefer moist coniferous

habitat and are associated with conifer logs and/or heavy ground cover of low vegetation,

litter, and debris (BLM 1999).

Survey and Manage Species with Lower Likelihood of Presence

Megomphix hemphilli (Oregon megomphix)

The range of Oregon megomphix is from the Puget Trough of western Washington

through the Willamette Valley, Cascade Range foothills, and Coast range of Oregon.

They inhabit moist coniferous and hardwood forests. Big leaf maples in the tree canopy

and sword ferns seem to be the characteristic habitat of this species (BLM 1999).


November 20, 2002 9

Pristiloma articum crateris (Crater Lake tightcoil)

This species may be found south of Crater Lake, Klamath County, and Jefferson County

Oregon. It may also live in the Winema, Umpqua, and Willamette National Forests and

portions of BLM districts adjacent to these lands (BLM 1999).

Vertigo n.sp. (Hoko vertigo)

The Hoko vertigo is known only from the Hoko River drainage on the Olympic

Peninsula, Clallam County, Washington. This mollusk is associated with old growth

forests and riparian species. Smooth trunks and lower limbs of deciduous trees and shrubs

are typical habitats (BLM 1999).

Hemphillia malonei (Malone jumping slug)

H. malonei is endemic to the Mount Hood area and the Columbia Gorge in Oregon, and

Washington at elevations below 1,220 m (4,000 ft). The predominant habitat of this

species is mixed hardwood forests near the Columbia River (BLM 1999).

Hemphillia pantherina (panther jumping slug)

A single site near Lewis River in Skamania County, Washington is the only known

population of H. pantherina. However, it is suspected to live throughout the Cascade

Range of western Washington and from the Snoqualmie watershed to the Columbia

Gorge at elevations below 915 m (3,000 ft). The main habitat is deep forest litter near

streams (BLM 1999).


November 20, 2002 10

Qualifications of Key Personnel

Hamer Environmental employed a team of skilled field biologists to conduct the

fieldwork for the project. All field members were certified by the USFS for terrestrial

mollusk surveys and had previous field experience conducting surveys for these species.

In addition, all team members were proficient with aerial photographs, topographic maps,

and global positioning systems (GPS) to locate survey sites in rugged terrain under many

environmental conditions.

METHODS

The research followed two basic steps:

(1) Determine the area to be sampled within the project boundary and;

(2) Sample within 100 feet of the high water mark of the reservoir using the

Survey Protocol for Terrestrial Mollusk Species from the Northwest Forest Plan,

Version 2.0 (29 Oct 1997).

Determine the Sampling Area within the Project Boundary

We obtained maps from R2 Resource Consultants Inc. for the survey and manage

terrestrial mollusk surveys. Joetta Zablotney from R2 Resource Consultants used

existing GIS data layers to produce a topographical map of the Baker Lake Reservoir and

FERC boundary. These maps included the Baker Lake Reservoir and all lands within

100 feet of the high water mark. The maps also displayed roads, trails, boat access

points, recreational sites, and other developed areas. The maps included a delineation



line 100 feet from the high water mark (724-foot elevation) that was divided into 10-acre

sampling areas using GIS. These 10-acre sampling areas surround the reservoir. In

addition, UTM coordinates for the start and end points of each sequentially numbered 10-

acre sample plots were provided to field crews to assist them in locating the sample sites

using hand-held GPS units.

Conducting Terrestrial Mollusk Surveys

The objective of the terrestrial mollusk survey protocol was to establish whether a

specific survey and manage species was present in proposed project areas and to

document known sites discovered during surveys (Furnish et al. 1997). Approximately

270 acres of potential terrestrial mollusk habitat were surveyed within the sampling area

delineated around the reservoir by R2 Resource Consultants. The mollusk surveyors

located the beginning of each 10-acre survey area using hand-held GPS (Garmin e-trex

Summit) units. When biologists reached the sample unit, they surveyed the unit

according to the Survey Protocol for Terrestrial Mollusk Species from the Northwest

Forest Plan. The following description of the survey protocol was taken from Furnish et

al., 1997.

Timing of Surveys

Fall surveys can usually begin in mid-September to early October but yearly variations in

seasonal weather can justify an earlier or later survey season. Fall surveys began 1) after

autumn rains had soaked the ground (i.e., after 3 days of moderate rain); 2) when the

forest floor litter was wet through the soil between trees or; 3) after morning dew or frost



was present when surveying in areas in which autumn rains did not occur before the

ground froze. Surveys could continue into the late fall or early winter until the air

temperature remained below 5°C (40°F) for more than 3 days, the ground remained

frozen, or snow cover prevented a reasonable search. Surveys resumed in the spring after

the snow melted and the ground had thoroughly thawed. Spring surveys could continue

as long as daytime air temperatures remained under 27°C (80°F).

Two visits were required to ensure that a range of environmental conditions was present

during the survey effort. Mollusk species are sensitive to changes in moisture,

temperature, and light; therefore, survey results can vary considerably from visit to visit.

For this study, the first surveys began on 5 October 2001 and ended 16 November 2001.

The second visit began 18 April 2002 and was completed on 30 April 2002

Survey Method

Surveyors meandered throughout each 10-acre sampling unit looking for any suitable

mollusk habitat (see Appendix 1 for habitat requirements) using the guidelines below.

1. Two 20-minute “sample areas” were identified for every 10 acres of suitable habitat

in the survey unit. For units less than 10 acres, at least 2 sample areas were

required.

2. For every 10 acres, opportunistic “point searches” were made of key habitat features

along the survey routes. These short searches were be done by rolling over small

logs, looking under bits of bark, rocks, vegetation and debris, picking through

hardwood litter, and searching the needle and leaf litter at the bases of logs and



shrubs. Surveyors checked representative sample points where snails and slugs

might be expected be found. No single point was searched for more than 5

minutes (for a total of 20 minutes of point searches).

3. “Search areas” (20- minute search) were 5 meters in diameter.

4. A minimum of 1 hour of search time was completed per 10 acres that did not include

hiking, species identification, and flagging time.

5. “Search areas” were flagged only if a survey and manage species was found. A GPS

reading was taken of all search area locations.

6. A GPS reading of an opportunistic “point search” was only taken if a survey and

manage species was found. When a survey and manage species was detected, the

area was flagged.

Data Recording

The data recorded at all survey search areas and at the opportunistic search points where

a survey and manage species was found included air and soil temperature, elevation,

slope, aspect, special habitat features, plant association, overstory species, and understory

species (See Appendix 1 for data forms).

RESULTS

Survey Conditions and Species Found

For the surveys conducted during the fall, air and ground temperatures on each survey

day remained above 40°F thereby meeting the environmental constraints of the protocol

(Figure 6). For surveys conducted in the spring, air and ground temperatures never



exceeded 80°F and were never below 40°F for 3 consecutive days (Figure 7). Surveys at

sampling units 27 and 34 were conducted with air and ground temperatures several

degrees below 40°F. However, sampling never occurred when 3 consecutive days of

lower temperatures existed. Therefore, all spring surveys met the environmental

constraints of the survey protocol.

Of the 9 survey and manage terrestrial mollusk species that could be present in the

sampling area, only 6 species had a high likelihood of presence. These species included

Cryptomastix devia (Puget Oregonian), Deroceras hesperium (evening field slug),

Hemphillia burringtoni (keeled jumping slug), and Hemphillia glandulosa (warty

jumping slug) (Table 1). During the 73 survey visits which covered approximately 270

acres, only two survey and manage species, Deroceras hesperium (evening field slug)

and Hemphillia glandulosa (warty jumping slug) may have been detected. An expert did

not confirm these, so they are only suspected to occur in the project area. All mollusk

species found during the survey period including non survey and manage species are

listed in Table 2.

Abundance and Distribution

The total numbers of live specimens encountered within the survey area for all plots and

visits combined are shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the total number of live

specimens and remnant shells observed within the study area for all plots and visits

combined. . Mollusk remnant shells are the empty shells that do not have a snail inside.

Live specimens are those found alive. The most commonly encountered species was



Haplotrema vancouverences with 60 detections, while the least commonly encountered

species with only one detection each were Ancotrema sportella, Deroceras hesperium

(unverified detection), and Hemphillia glandulosa (unverified detection). D. hesperium

and H. glandulosa (unverified detections) are survey and manage species.

The locations of each transect and sample plot are shown in Figure 4. For spring and fall

survey visits, the distribution and abundance of all mollusk species found throughout the

study area are shown in Figures 8-11. Each graph represents a quarter of the total survey

area and gives species abundance for each sampling unit. The two suspected but

unverified) survey and manage species D. hesperium (evening field slug) and H.

glandulosa (warty jumping slug) were observed in units 12 and 34, respectively. The

units with the highest abundance of specimens were 1, 2, 26, and 31. Sampling sites with

no detections included units 5, 8, 13, 15, 16, and 23.

The most common species found during the mollusk surveys were Haplotrema

vancouverences, Ariolimax columbianus, and Vespericola columbianus. H.

vancouverences was found at 26 different locations throughout the project area. A.

columbianus was detected at 13 locations mostly in the southern part of the Baker River

Project area and V. columbianus at 10 locations throughout the perimeter of Baker Lake.

Monadenia fidelis was encountered at 4 locations, 1 east, 1 west, and 3 at the southern

part of the lake. Ancortrema sportella was located at 3 areas of the southern half of the

lake. For the suspected survey and manage but not verified species encountered,

Hemphillia glandulosa was in one location on the eastern lower portion of the lake and



Deroceras hesperium (unverified detection) was on the western middle section of the

Baker Lake perimeter (Figure 5).

Habitat Associations

All surveys were conducted in suitable habitat for mollusk and slugs. All 74 survey plots

searched during this project were located in typical key habitats such as sword ferns, big

leaf maple litter and debris, as well as shrubs, logs and moist vegetation. Each survey and

manage mollusk species has a distinct habitat association. Key features within these

habitats may offer the ideal location for each particular species. Mollusk species

generally are distributed in moist, undisturbed coniferous forest plant associations while

others use specific habitat components such as rock outcrops, deciduous trees, or logs.

Survey and manage terrestrial mollusks are not riparian obligates; however, riparian

reserves may provide suitable habitat for many species. Some populations may be

strictly confined to the riparian zone in drier landscapes. Suitable habitats for each

survey and manage species including key habitat features are listed in Table 1.

The one specimen of H. glandulosa that may have been detected, but was not confirmed,

was discovered under sword fern in a mixed stand dominated by an overstory of western

red cedar, western hemlock, and big leaf maple. Canopy closure of the overstory was

35%. Sword fern and vine maple dominated the understory. Bryophytes dominated the

ground cover of the plot. The plot had a slope of 15% with a northeast aspect.



The specimen of D. hesperium that may have been detected was found in an open area

devoid of any overstory. Therefore, canopy closure was 0%. Understory did not exist

while grass and soil dominated the ground cover. . The plot had a slope of 5% with a

north aspect.

To assess suitability of all habitats within the Baker Lake project area, we examined

vegetation cover types created for the Vegetation Mapping Project (T2) (Appendix 2).

This mapping project has identified all vegetation cover types around the perimeter of

Baker Lake. Specific polygons denote individual cover types. Each sampling unit created

for the mollusk project contained many of these polygons revealing the diversity of

vegetation per unit.

Suitable habitat for Cryptomastix devia, Megomphix hemphilli, and Vertigo n.sp. are

cover types such as mixed conifer/ deciduous forest that include: upland forests, middle-

late serial stage dominated by trees greater than 9” DBH and contain at least 20%

coniferous trees. Primary habitat for Hemphillia burringtoni, Hemphillia glandulosa,

Hemphillia malonei, Hemphillia pantherina, and Pristiloma articum crateris old-growth

conifer forest, mature conifer forest, and open mature conifer forest. Additional suitable

habitat may be found mid-successional conifer forest, open mid-successional conifer

forest, and pole conifer forest. Old growth conifer forests cover types include upland

forest, old forest serial stage, stand dominated by mature (>39” DBH) trees usually

greater than 250 years old, multistoried stands, abundant snag and coarse woody debris

material, and at least two tree species. Mature conifer forest cover types include upland



forest, late serial stage, forested areas dominated by mature (> 21” DBH) trees, 80 to 250

years old, crown closure usually in excess of 60%, usually two storied to multi-storied

stands, medium to high density of snags and downed material and trees generally greater

than 100’. Open mature conifer forest cover types include upland forest, late serial stage,

forested areas dominated by mature (> 21” DBH) trees from 80 to 250 years old, crown

closure usually less than or equal to 60%, usually two storied stands, medium to high

density of snags and downed material, areas usually at higher elevations and/or with low

productivity. Suitable habitats for Deroceras hesperium are not as specific as for the

other survey and manage terrestrial mollusk species because little is known about this

species. D. hesperium may be found in most forested areas with low shrubs and rocks.

DISCUSSION

The survival of terrestrial mollusk species hinges upon the quality of their habitat.

According to the USFS protocol, both Hemphillia glandulosa and Deroceras hesperium

are vulnerable to heat and desiccation; therefore, they rely on logs and large woody

debris, forest floor litter, and spaces under or between rocks as refugia. These areas

maintain low temperatures and moderate humidity. Management considerations should

focus on maintaining the temperature and moisture of these microsites. Overstory and

understory vegetation need to be retained to shade the ground, and maintain humidity

through evapotranspiration and condensation of fog and dew. Recorded observations

(USFS, 1999) indicate western hemlock/Douglas fir stands should have summer crown

closure from 70-90%. Although we are still learning about the specific needs of mollusks,

it appears that a mix of conifers and hardwoods provides the best habitat. The diversity of



plant species in the area should be optimized to provide a range of hosts for fungi and

other food substrates available throughout the season.

Management should also include maintenance and recruitment of large and small woody

debris and a thick layer of litter and duff on the forest floor. The components that are

mandatory aspects of the mollusks’ biology provide food, shelter from predators, and a

depository for their eggs (USFS, 1999). The logs provide travel corridors an important

consideration because mollusks have limited dispersal abilities and care should be taken

to avoid further isolation of individual populations. Therefore, habitat quality improves in

direct proportion to the amount of large woody debris.

The Northwest Forest Plan is designed to protect a variety of species associated with late

successional and old growth forests, including certain species of mollusks. Within the

survey area is a variety of different habitat types. Each survey and manage species listed

on Table 1 is associated with at least one of these habitat types. As a result, the perimeter

of Baker Lake could be considered good quality habitat although low in abundance for all

the survey and manage terrestrial mollusk species of the area. Surveys found an

abundance of terrestrial mollusk species. Although good habitat existed along the edge

of the reservoir, only a thin area along the edge of the forest was surveyed. However, in

this study, the number of detected survey and manage species was low.

H. vancouverences, A. columbianus, and V. columbianus are very common mollusk

species widely found throughout the survey area. These species will usually be abundant



in all areas. For the survey and manage species, D. hesperium existed at only one

location on the west side of Baker Lake. H. glandulosa was encountered only on the east

side of the lake. We do not know why the quantity of survey and manage species was

small. The small amount and limited distribution in our study area could be due to the

species rarity and/or limited dispersal ability. In addition, these small populations could

be isolated and optimal habitat scarce. Nonetheless, we can assume that a small

population of these two species exists in the study area.

It is likely that a larger number of Survey and Manage species would have been found if

more area had been surveyed above the high water mark of the lake into the adjacent

forested areas. The habitat suitability improves and the amount of suitable habitat

increases further away from the lake and further from the surveyed area. Additional

surveys may be useful to generate more abundance and distribution information along

with the specific habitat associations for these two species.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Numerous people were involved in this project. A special thanks to the great survey crew

(Frank Lapsansky, Natalie Martens, Annie Bourinsky, and Danielle Flath) for completing

the surveys to protocol, and to Joetta Zablotney of R2 Resource Consultants for creating

the maps for this project.

LITERATURE CITED

Bureau of Land Management. 1999. Field Guide to Survey and manage TerrestrialMollusk Species from the Northwest Forest Plan. BLM. Eugene, Oregon.



Furnish. J., Monthy, R., and Applegarth, J. 1997. Survey protocol for terrestrial molluskspecies from the Northwest Forest Plan: Draft Version 2.0 (October 29, 1997). USDAForest Service/USDI Bureau of Land Management, Portland, OR.

Puget Sound Energy. http://www.pse.com/hydro/baker_river.html. April 2001.

Personal Communications

Gay, Don. Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. 2105 Highway 20, Sedro Woolley,WA

Walker and Associates, 12853 Interurban Avenue So, Seattle, WA.



Table 1. Survey and Manage Terrestrial Mollusk species that could occur within theproject area with descriptions of their associated habitats and key habitat features.

SNAILS Suitable Habitat Key Habitat Features Known Occurrence inProject Area

Cryptomastixdevia

Moist conifer forest withhardwood component. Lowelevation through upper westernhemlock zone

Large big leaf maple trees(logs; sword ferns undercanopy); other hardwoodtrees and shrubs

Known to occur invicinity. Surveysrequired

Megomphixhemphilli

Moist conifer or conifer/hardwoodmixed forests. Elevation up to3000 ft

Large big leaf maple trees(leaf litter especially nearlogs or sword ferns)

May occur, but notexpected

Pristilomaarticum crateris

Conifer forests, usually above2000 ft. elevation east of interstateHighway 5

Mosses and othervegetation near wetlands


Vertigo n.sp. Moist forest and riparian habitats,with hardwood trees and shrubs

Deciduous trees/shrubtrunks and limbs, and leaflitter


SLUGS

Derocerashesperium

Forested areas west of the crest ofthe Cascade Range, usually below2000 ft

Variety of low shrubs,litter, debris and rocks

Suspected to occur,surveys required

Hemphilliaburringtoni

Mesic to moist conifer forest Conifer logs and/or heavyground cover of lowvegetation, litter anddebris

Known to occur invicinity, surveysRequired

Hemphilliaglandulosa

Mesic to moist conifer forest Conifer logs and/or heavyground cover of lowvegetation, litter anddebris

Known to occur invicinity, surveysrequired

Hemphilliamalonei

Moist conifer plant associations Bark under hardwood treesor logs


HemphilliaPantherina

Moist conifer plant associations Deep forest floor litternear stream




Table 2. Species encountered during 2 survey visits to the Baker Lake Reservoir in fall2001 and spring 2002.

Scientific (Latin) Name Abbreviated Name Common Name

Ariolimax columbianus ARCO Banana slug

Deroceras hesperium* DEHE Evening field slug

Haplotrema vancouverences HAVA Robust lancetooth

Monadenia fidelis MOFI Pacific sideband

Vespericola columbianus VECO Northwest hesperian

Hemphillia glandulosa* HEGL Warty jumping slug

Ancotrema sportella ANSP Beaded lancetooth

*Survey and manage species, unverified detections



Figure 1. Map of the Baker River Project Area showing the boundary of the vegetationsampling area (Study T-2). Lake Shannon was not included in the terrestrial mollusk survey

study area.



Figure 2. Total of live terrestrial mollusk specimens encountered at all plots during 2survey visits adjacent to the Baker Lake reservoir, fall 2001 and spring 2002.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

HAVA ARCO VECO M OFI ANSP DEHE HEGL CRDE HEBU HEM A HEPA M EHE PRAR PRCO PRDU VESP

Abbreviated Species Name

Tota

l Num

ber o

f Liv

e Sp

ecim

ens

* HEGL, DEHE- Unverified detection



Figure 3. Total of live terrestrial mollusk specimens and remnant shells encountered atall plots during 2 survey visits adjacent to the Baker Lake reservoir fall 2001 and spring2002.

79

41

18

51 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

HAVA ARCO VECO M OFI ANSP DEHE HEGL CRDE HEBU HEM A HEPA M EHE PRAR PRCO PRDU VESP

Abbreviated Species Name

No. L

ive

Spe

cim

ens

and

Shel

ls

* DEHE and HEGL- Unverified detection



Figure 4. Map of Baker Lake reservoir showing the location of sampling units andsurvey plot locations within these units.

(Placeholder sheet for Figure 4)



Figure 5. Map of Baker Lake reservoir showing the locations of mollusk specimensobserved during the surveys.

(Placeholder sheet for Figure 5)



Figure 6. Air and ground temperatures at sample plots during surveys for terrestrialmollusks adjacent to Baker Lake reservoir, fall 2001.

Fall Air and Ground Temperatures

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2 21 2 2 2 25 2 27 2 2 3 31 3 3 3 35 3 37

Sampling Unit Number

Tem

p (F

)

AirGround



Figure 7. Air and ground temperatures at sample plots during surveys for terrestrialmollusks adjacent to Baker Lake reservoir spring 2002.

Spring Air and Ground Temperatures

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37


Tem

p (F

)

AirGround



Figure 8. Species distribution and abundance at Baker Lake. Number of live animalsand remnant shells observed in survey units 1-9. Data includes both fall and springsurvey visits.

Species Distribution and Abundance Units 1-9

0123456789

10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9


No.

of L

ive

Ani

mal

s an

d Sh

ells

HAVA ARCO MOFI VECO ANSP DEHE HEGL





0123456789

10

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18


No.

of L

ive

Ani

mal

s an

d Sh

ells






0123456789

10

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27


No.

of L

ive

Ani

mal

s an

d Sh

ells






0123456789

10

28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37


No.

of L

ive

Ani

mal

s an

d Sh

ells




Appendix 1. Terrestrial mollusk survey form.

REQUIRED AREA DATASTATE________________COUNTY_____________________DATE____________________________

FEDERAL LAND UNIT________________VISIT NO._____SITE

(NAME/NO.)_______________________________

T._____, R._____, S._____, QUARTERS____________ T._____, R._____, S._____, QUARTERS

_________________

SEARCH TIME: FROM ______TO______-- FROM______ TO______TOTAL__________

S & M SPECIES FOUND? YES___ NO___ UNCERTAIN (EXAMPLES COLLECTED)_____.

SURVEYOR NAME:_______________________________ ____________________________________ PRINT SIGNATURE

REQUIRED DISCOVERY SITE DATA (IF S&M SPECIES FOUND)

T.______, R.______, S.______, ______1/4 OF ______1/4 OF ______1/4.

NAME OF SAMPLE

POINT:______________________________________________________________________________

ACCESS DESCRIPTION:________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

_

LAT. & LONG. OR UTM

_________________________________________________________________________________

SPECIES______No. live_____No. shells_____ SPECIES_____No. live_____No. shells_____

SPECIES______No. live_____No. shells_____

OPTIONAL DATA

PLANT ASSOCIATION____________________________________________________________________

OVERSTORY SPECIES AND %:____________________________________________________________

UNDERSTORY SPECIES AND %:___________________________________________________________

GROUND COVER SPECIES AND %:_________________________________________________________

STAND AGE_____ ; SUCCESSION STAGE ____; CANOPY____% ASPECT _______

SPECIAL HABITAT TYPE_____________ MICROSITE FEATURE_______________

ELEVATION________; SLOPE_________%; SLOPE POSITION____________

TEMPERATURE: AIR_______C/F; GROUND_________C/F; WEATHER __________

Comments (and disposition of any samples): _________________________________________________________



Appendix 2. General Cover Type Classification Descriptions from the VegetationMapping Project (T2).

Cover Type Description

Upland Coniferous Forest

Old-Growth Conifer Forest Upland forest, old forest seral stage, standdominated by mature (>39” DBH) treesusually greater than 250 years old, multi-storied stands, abundant snag and coarsewoody debris material, and at least two treespecies.

Mature Conifer Forest Upland forest, late seral stage, forested areasdominated by mature (> 21” DBH) trees, 80to 250 years old, crown closure usually inexcess of 60%, usually two-storied to multi-storied stands. Medium to high density ofsnags and down material. Trees generallygreater than 100’.

Open Mature Conifer Forest Upland forest, late seral stage, forested areasdominated by mature (> 21” DBH) trees, 80to 250 years old, crown closure usually lessthan or equal to 60%, usually two-storiedstands. Medium to high density of snags anddown material. Areas usually at higherelevations and/or with low productivity.

Midsucessional Conifer Forest Upland forest, middle seral stage, forestedareas with > 20 trees/acre and 9”– 20.9”DBH. Canopy closure of greater than 60%.

Open Mid-Successional Conifer Forest Upland Forest, middle seral stage, forestedareas with up to 20 trees/acre and 9”– 20.9”DBH. Canopy closure less than or equal to60%.

Pole Conifer Forest Upland forest, early seral stage, forestedareas dominated by small (4.1”– 8.9” DBH)trees, generally 5 to 20 years old, withcanopy closure greater than 60%.

Open Pole Conifer Forest Upland forest, early seral stage, forestedareas dominated by small (4.1”– 8.9” DBH)



trees, generally 5 to 20 years old, to 30’ tall,with canopy closure between 11 and 60%.Includes pre-commercially thinned stands.

Seedling- Sapling Conifer Forest Upland forest, early seral stage, dominatedby seedlings and saplings of DBH less thanor equal to 4.”

Upland Mixed Forests

Mixed Conifer/ Deciduous Forest Upland forest, middle-late seral stage,dominated by trees > 9” DBH, Containing atleast 20% coniferous trees.

Young Mixed Conifer/ Deciduous Forest Upland forest, early seral stage, dominatedby trees < 9” DBH, containing at least 20%coniferous trees.

Upland Deciduous Forests

Deciduous Forest Upland forest, middle-late seral stage,dominated by trees > 9” DBH, containingless than 20% coniferous trees.

Young Deciduous Forest Upland forest, early seral stage, dominatedby trees < 9” DBH, containing less than20% coniferous trees.

Upland Shrub

Shrub Upland shrub lands, dominated by shrubspecies, with less than 10% tree cover.

Upland Grass/ Forb/ Sparsely Vegetated

Dry Meadow Natural openings within forested areasdominated by nonhydrophytic (non-wetland)grass/forbs, tend to be relatively small insize with gentle topography and do notencompass entire ridgelines or slopes, as dosparsely vegetated grass/forb and shrubareas.

Upland Grass/ Forb Non-forested areas with bare ground lessthan 60%, and with large rock not exceeding25%.



Upland Sparsely Vegetated Grass/ Forb Non-forested areas with bare ground from60 – 90%, but with large rock not exceeding25%.

Wetlands (Shallow Water)

Palustrine Forested Wetland Non-tidal wetland characterized by woodyvegetation that is 6 m (20 ft) or taller(Cowardin et al., 1979).

Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetland Non-tidal wetland characterized by woodyvegetation that is up to 20 ft (6 m) tall. Thisincludes true shrubs, young trees, or treesand shrubs that are small or stunted becauseof environmental conditions (Cowardin etal., 1979).

Palustrine Emergent Wetland Non-tidal wetland characterized by erect,rooted herbaceous hydrophytes, excludingmosses and lichens. Areas that aredominated by pioneer plants which becomeestablished during periods of low water arenot Emergent Wetland and should beclassified as Vegetated Streambeds(Cowardin et al., 1979).

Aquatic Bed Wetlands dominated by plants that growprincipally on or below the surface of thewater for most of the growing season inmost years. The plants are either attached tothe substrate or float freely in the waterabove the bottom or on the surface(Cowardin et al., 1979).

Streambed All wetlands contained within the riverinesystem. The Riverine System includes allwetlands and deepwater habitats containedwithin a channel except for wetlanddominated by trees, shrubs, persistentemergents, emergent mosses or lichens.Vegetated streambeds are exposed longenough to be colonized by herbaceousannuals or seedlings herbaceous perennials.This vegetation, unlike Emergent Wetlands,



is usually killed by rising water levels orsudden flooding (Cowardin et al., 1979).

Lacustrine Habitat Includes all wetlands and deepwater habitatswith all of the following characteristics: 1)situated in a topographic depression or adammed river channel; 2) lacking trees,shrubs, persistent emergents, emergentmosses or lichens with greater than 30%aerial coverage; and 3) total areas exceeds 8hectares (20 acres) (Cowardin et al., 1979).

Deepwater Habitat

Deepwater Habitat The boundary between wetland anddeepwater habitat in the Riverine andLacustrine system lies at a depth of 2 m (6.6ft) below low water (Cowardin et al., 1979).

Rock/ Talus/ Bare Soil/ Unconsolidated Substrates

Unconsolidated Shore Wetland habitats having the followingcharacteristics: 1) unconsolidated substrateswith less than 75% aerial cover of stone,boulders, or bedrock; 2) less than 30% aerialcover of vegetation other than pioneeringplants; and 3) any of the following waterregimes: irregularly exposed, regularlyflooded, irregularly flooded, intermittentlyflooded, saturated, or artificially flooded(Cowardin et al., 1979). Vegetatedunconsolidated nontidal shores are exposedfor sufficient periods to be colonized byherbaceous annuals or seedling herbaceousperennials.

Unconsolidated Bottom All wetland and deepwater habitats with atleast 25% cover of particles smaller thanstones and a vegetative cover less than 30%(Cowardin et al., 1979).

Rock/ Talus Homogeneous areas of rock rubble rangingin average size from 0.5 -6 ft (0.15 – 1.8 m)across, composed of basalt, sedimentary,



and/or andesite; includes riprap slides. Maybe associated with cliffs.

Rock Outcropping Less than 25 ft in height (7.6 m). May beassociated with cliffs.

Cliff Near vertical wall of rock or a rock outcropat least 25 ft (7.6 m) high and occurringbelow 5,000 ft (1,524 m).

Unvegetated Area of bare ground with less than 10%vegetative cover.

Disturbed/ Modified Types

Agriculture/ Pasture

Residential/ Developed

Recreational Area

Project Facilities Dams, switchyards, etc.

Other Disturbed

t13 - final report: terrestrial mollusk surveys for … report terrestrial mollusk surveys for...

Documents