Biological assessment of the effects of petroleum production at maximum efficient rate, Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 1 (Elk Hills), Kern County, California, on the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, Vulpes macrotis mutica
Between 1980 and 1986 DOE sponsored field studies to gather sufficient information to determine the status of the species on Naval Petroleum Reserve-1 and to evaluate the possible effects of MER. Transect surveys were conducted in 1979 and 1984 to document the distribution and relative density of fox dens. Radiotelemetry studies were initiated to provide information on reproductive success, den use patterns, responses to petroleum field activities, food habits, movement patterns and home ranges, and sources and rates of mortality. Techniques for conducting preconstruction surveys to minimize possible negative effects of MER activities on foxes plus a habitat restoration program were developed and implemented. DOE determined during this biological assessment that the construction projects and operational activities necessary to achieve and sustain MER may have adversely affected the San Joaquin kit fox and its habitat. However, the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of MER will not jeopardize the continued existence of the species because: (1) results of the extensive field studies did not provide evidence that MER effected negative changes in relative abundance, reproductive success, and dispersal of the species; (2) a successful policy of conducting preconstruction surveys to protect kit fox, their dens, and portions of their habitat was initiated; (3) the Secretary of the Interior did not designate critical habitat; (4) a habitat restoration plan was developed and implemented; (5) a monitoring program was implemented to periodically assess the status of kit fox; (6) a coyote control program was established with FWS to reduce predation on fox; and (7) administrative policies to reduce vehicle speeds, contain oil spills, restrict off-road vehicle (ORV) travel, and to prohibit hunting, trapping, livestock grazing, and agricultural activities, were maintained to protect kit fox.
- Research Organization:
- EG and G Energy Measurements, Inc., Goleta, CA (USA). Santa Barbara Operations
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC08-83NV10282
- OSTI ID:
- 5667689
- Report Number(s):
- EGG-10282-2107; ON: DE86012783
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Distribution and status of the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, Vulpes macrotis mutica, on Fort Hunter Liggett and Camp Roberts, California
Dispersal of San Joaquin kit foxes, Vulpes macrotis mutica, on Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 1, Kern County, California
Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
FOXES
HABITAT
NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVE
ENVIRONMENT
PETROLEUM
PRODUCTION
TOXICITY
CALIFORNIA
ENDANGERED SPECIES
ANIMALS
ENERGY SOURCES
FEDERAL REGION IX
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MAMMALS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESERVES
RESOURCES
USA
VERTEBRATES
020900* - Petroleum- Environmental Aspects
560305 - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Vertebrates- (-1987)
510500 - Environment
Terrestrial- Site Resource & Use Studies- (-1989)