Ecological baseline study of the Yakima Firing Center proposed land acquisition: A Preliminary Report

Technical Report · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5358307· OSTI ID:5358307

Rogers, L E; Beedlow, P A; Eberhardt, L E; Dauble, D D; Fitzner, R E

A baseline census was conducted from October 1987 to Janurary 1988 on the property identified for possible expansion of the Yakima Firing Center. These studies provide general descriptions of the major plant communities presentand animal inhabitants during the late fall and winter study period. A vegetation map derived from a combination of onsite surveillance and remotely sensed imagery is also provided as part of this report. Through January 1988, 13 wildlife species of special interest to state and federal agencies, in addition to ducks and geese, were observed on the proposed expansion area. Then raptorial bird species were observed in the area, including bald eagles, golden eagles, and prairie falcons. Upland game bird species, such as sage grouse, California quail, chuckars, and gray (Hungarian) partridge were present. Loggerhead shrikes, a species of special interest, were also observed on the site. Estimates of waterfowl abundance are included for the Priest Rapids Pool of the Columbia River, which includes the proposed river crossing sites. The number of waterfowl on the proposed crossing areas were comparatively low during the winter of 1986 to 1987 and high in 1987 to 1988. Bald eagles ad common loons were observed on the crossing areas. Six small mammal species were captured during this study period;one, the sagebrush vole, is a species of special interest. Two large animal species, mule deer and elk, were noted on the site. Beaver were the only furbearig animals noted to date. Rainbow trout were the only fish species collected within the proposed northern expansion area. The distribution of fall chinook salmon spawning areas was documented within the proposed river crossing areas. 3 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 5358307
• Report Number(s): PNL-6485; ON: DE88007153
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIRDS
ENDANGERED SPECIES
EXPANSION
FEDERAL REGION X
FISHES
FOWL
LAND RESOURCES
LAND USE
MILITARY FACILITIES
NORTH AMERICA
PLANTS
SURVEYS
USA
VERTEBRATES
WASHINGTON
WILD ANIMALS