We received an ESA Section 7 Biological Opinion from NMFS on February 10, 2017 for the Project’s effects on the threatened California Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon ESU, the threatened California Central Valley steelhead DPS, and the North American green sturgeon Southern DPS. The Opinion concluded that the Project is not likely to jeopardize continued existence, and is not likely to destroy or adversely modify the designated critical habitats of these species. NMFS included an incidental take statement with measures to avoid, minimize, and monitor incidental take of listed species during project implementation.
We also received an ESA Section 7 Biological Opinion from USFWS on February 22, 2017 for the Project’s effects on the threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle and California red-legged frog. The Opinion concluded that the Project may affect, and is likely to benefit the beetle, although temporary adverse effects likely will occur during restoration activities. The Project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the California red-legged frog. The Project is not within designated or proposed critical habitat for either of these species. The USFWS provided conservation measures to be implemented during project implementation to avoid and minimize effects to the elderberry beetle and its habitat.