Final Report to the Interagency Special Status / Sensitive Species Program regarding Surveys for four terrestrial mollusk species on the Umatilla National Forest and Vale District BLM lands Assistance agreement L08AC13768, Modification 4 Polygyrella polygyrella (Humped coin) from the Touchet River, Umatilla National Forest, photo by S. Jepsen and T. Burke. Report submitted to Kelli Van Norman, Interagency Special Status / Sensitive Species Program from The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. By Sarina Jepsen (Xerces Society), Tom Burke (Certified Wildlife Biologist) and Sarah Foltz Jordan (Xerces Society). February 28, 2011 1 Table of contents Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3 Survey Protocol……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3 Sites Surveyed and Survey Results……………………………………………………………………………………..…………………..8 Potential Future Survey Work………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..21 Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….21 References Cited……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………21 Appendix I: Table of sites surveyed and species found……………………………………………………………..…………..23
2 Introduction Surveys were conducted by Sarina Jepsen (Xerces Society) and Tom Burke (Certified Wildlife Biologist) in September of 2010 for four species of terrestrial snails. The target species included: Polygyrella polygyrella (Humped coin), Oreohelix strigosa delicata (Blue mountainsnail), Ogaridiscus subrupicola (Southern tightcoil), and Megomphix lutarius (Umatilla megomphix). The primary objective of the study was to determine if any of the four target species occur on U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management land in Oregon or Washington. In addition to addressing the primary objective, surveyors also recorded all other species of mollusks observed at sites visited. A total of approximately 180 field and travel person hours were spent surveying 24 sites in the Umatilla National Forest and Vale District Bureau of Land Management. P. polygyrella was detected at the Touchet River in the Umatilla National Forest. The other three target species were not found during the survey effort. However, while planning for the surveys, Burke and Jepsen discovered that O. subrupicola had been previously collected from both the Umatilla National Forest and the Deschutes National Forest. Four sensitive or strategic species were also encountered during the survey: Radiodiscus abietum (SEN), Cryptomastix populi (OR‐SEN), Helicodiscus salmonaceus (WA‐STR), and Pristiloma idahoense (WA‐STR). Future survey efforts to determine whether the remaining two target species, O. s. delicata and M. lutarius, occur on FS or BLM lands could take place in areas of the North Fork of the John Day River with basalt and open Ponderosa pine stands. Additional surveys after significant fall rains, or in the spring, in the South Fork Walla Walla River Canyon could be conducted for O. s. delicata. Survey Protocol Site Selection Prior to commencing surveys, we reviewed the historical collection localities for each of the four target species. Survey locations were selected in part on proximity of suitable habitat (on BLM or Forest Service land) to historic collection localities (Table 1). Table 1. Historic collection localities for each of the four target species Species State County Megomphix lutaris OR Umatilla WA Walla Walla OR Umatilla OR Umatilla Megomphix lutaris Megomphix lutaris Ogaridiscus subrupicola Location About 5 miles above Weston, a few feet from the dry bed of Pine Creek Reference Baker, H.B. 1932. New land snails from Idaho and eastern Oregon. The Nautilus 45: 82‐87. Frest, T.J. and E.J. Johannes. 1995. Interior Columbia Basin mollusk species of special concern. Final report: Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project, Walla Walla, WA. Contract #43‐0E00‐
Blue Mountains 4‐9112. 274 pp. plus appendices. California Acadamy of Science online Weston database. Accessed July 2009. Baker, H.B. 1932. New land snails
Pine Creek Valley, 5 miles from Idaho and eastern Oregon. The above Weston. Nautilus 45: 82‐87. 3 Species State County Oreohelix strigosa delicata OR Umatilla Oreohelix strigosa delicata OR Umatilla Oreohelix strigosa delicata OR unclear Oreohelix strigosa delicata WA unclear Polygyrella polygyrella WA Asotin Polygyrella polygyrella WA Asotin Polygyrella polygyrella WA Asotin Polygyrella polygyrella WA Walla Walla Location Reference Pilsbry, H.A. 1939. Land Mollusca of Walla Walla River Canyon North America (North of Mexico), above Milton, four miles Academy of Natural Sciences of up the south fork (type Philadelphia, Monograph 3, vol 1(1): l‐
locality) 574. Pilsbry, H.A. 1939. Land Mollusca of Walla Walla River Canyon North America (North of Mexico), above Milton, two to three Academy of Natural Sciences of miles up the south fork Philadelphia, Monograph 3, vol 1(1): l‐
(type locality) 574. Frest, T.J. and E.J. Johannes. 1995. Interior Columbia Basin mollusk species of special concern. Final report: Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project, Blue Mountain range, Walla Walla, WA. Contract #43‐0E00‐
indefinite locality 4‐9112. 274 pp. plus appendices. Frest, T.J. and E.J. Johannes. 1995. Interior Columbia Basin mollusk species of special concern. Final report: Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project, Blue Mountain range, Walla Walla, WA. Contract #43‐0E00‐
indefinite locality 4‐9112. 274 pp. plus appendices. Talus on S. side of Rogersburg Road. Grande Ronde R.‐Snake R.‐
Columbia R.; SW of Deixis collection. 2009. An Rogersburg (town site) unpublished collection of mollusk (Asotin County), at RM 2.1. records maintained by Ed Johannes. Talus on S. side of Rogersburg Road. Grande Ronde R.‐Snake R.‐
Columbia R.; SW of Deixis collection. 2009. An Rogersburg (town site) unpublished collection of mollusk (Asotin County), at RM 2.1. records maintained by Ed Johannes. Talus N. of Heller Bar. Snake R.‐Columbia R.; Talus on W. side of Snake River Road and Snake Deixis collection. 2009. An River at RM 168.3 (Asotin unpublished collection of mollusk County), N. of Heller Bar. records maintained by Ed Johannes. Duncan, N. 2008b. Polygyrella polygyrella. Species Fact Sheet. Interagency Special Status/Sensitive 15 miles east of Walla Species Program. Unpublished Walla document. 4 Species State Polygyrella polygyrella OR Polygyrella polygyrella OR Polygyrella polygyrella WA County Location east of Milton, 2 to 3 miles up the north fork of the Walla Walla River east of Milton, 2 to 3 miles up the north fork of the Walla Walla River Reference The Academy of Natural Sciences Malacology Collection online Umatilla database. Accessed July 2009. The Academy of Natural Sciences Malacology Collection online Umatilla database. Accessed July 2009. Leonard, W. 2009. Personal Tributary of NF Touchet communication with Sarah Foltz. River, FS Rd 64 20.5 mi S of US 12, Umatilla National Richart, C. 2009. Personal Columbia Forest communication with Sarah Foltz We reviewed the habitat characteristics of all historic collections of the four target mollusk species. Some habitat characteristics that emerged as important for the target species included: talus slopes, basalt outcrops or cliffs, lava exposure, riparian areas, and open Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests (for more detail, see Table 2). S. Jepsen then met with Holly Harris (Wildlife Biologist, Umatilla National Forest) and Melissa Yzquierdo (Wildlife Biologist, Vale District BLM) to identify areas on National Forest or BLM land that may have similar habitat characteristics to those described in historic collections. Areas to survey were prioritized based on habitat characteristics similar to those reported in historic collections and proximity to historic collection localities. The following general areas were selected for surveys: South Fork Walla Walla River, Touchet River, Tucannon River, South Fork Umatilla River, Lime Hill and Joseph Canyon. Sites to survey within these general areas were selected based on consultation with H. Harris and M. Yzquierdo and recognition of key habitat characteristics while hiking or driving in the region. Table 2. Habitat requirements of target mollusk species, adapted from Foltz 2009. SPECIES HABITAT REQUIREMENTS
Megomphix lutarius (Umatilla megomphix) The habitat at the type locality was described as steep, almost vertical lava exposure, overgrown with dry moss, ferns and scattered shrubs below a north‐facing slope with Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and only a few feet from the practically dry bed of Pine Creek (Baker 1932). Most snails in this group (Ammonitellinae, Ammonitellidae, or Megomphicidae), although rare and limited in distribution, are closely associated with either relatively intact forest, riparian areas, or both (Frest and Johannes 1995). It is most likely a mesophilic (moderate temperature) species, and the suitability of habitat is thought to be influenced by the persistence of moisture. The better‐known Megomphix hemphilli and Megomphix californicus mostly prefer moist valley, ravine, gorge, or talus sites, such as an area low on a slope and near permanent or persistent water, but not normally subject to regular or catastrophic flooding (Frest and Johannes 1995). 5 SPECIES HABITAT REQUIREMENTS
Ogaridiscus subrupicola (Southern tightcoil) This weakly xerophilic‐mesophilic species occurs among rocks and brush (Frest and Johannes 1995). The Oregon site is a short, rather dry, north‐facing basalt cliff face with shallow talus, situated in open ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forest at an elevation of 609.6 m (2000 ft.). Mollusk associates at this site were such rare taxa as Megomphix lutarius, Pristiloma idahoense, and Polygyrella polygyrella, as well as Radiodiscus abietum, Microphysula ingersolli, and some more widespread forms (Baker 1932). The Idaho site is in the drainage to a tributary to the Coeur d’Alene River, in open ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest (Frest and Johannes 1995). Oreohelix strigosa delicata (Blue mountainsnail) The Oreohelix strigosa species generally occurs in open forested areas and sometimes in riparian areas where it may be found in forest floor litter, under shrubs, or in rock talus (Burke and Leonard 2009, draft). The type locality for the delicata subspecies is in a moderately steep basalt creek canyon with short basalt cliffs and small‐scale talus piles in some areas (Frest and Johannes 1995). The locality is further characterized as a fairly open ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forest, with deciduous understory vegetation and grasses. It is suggested that this is a mesophilic or weakly xerophilic species (Frest and Johannes 1995). Living individuals of this genus are most easily found during or shortly after rains, or in aestivation among talus (Duncan et al. 2003). Refugia sites for aestivation are assumed to be located under more stable rock schist and woody debris (Duncan 2008a). As a general rule, Oreohelix species live near the surface, with a single stone, a bit of bark, or a few leaves for cover. This genus browses plant and rock surfaces for detritus, microscopic fungi, plants and animals, and the snails may be found under the litter where they apparently find food within the duff layer and may occasionally feed on live plant tissues (Duncan 2008a). Polygyrella This species is generally found in moist Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and spruce polygyrella (Picea) forests, often in association with rock outcrops (Frest and Johannes 1995). The (Humped coin) habitat is described as damp forest habitats, in litter and under logs and other woody debris (Burke and Leonard 2009, draft). The substrate can be quite variable, including basalt, schist, and limestone (Frest and Johannes 1995). In general, it is found in partly open forest with a rich understory, including diverse forbs, mosses, and deciduous shrubs. The largest colonies occur in forested taluses. Moist valley, ravine, gorge, or talus sites are preferred, i.e. low on a slope and near permanent or persistent water, but not normally subject to regular or catastrophic flooding. Persistence of moisture increases the suitability of the habitat (Frest and Johannes 1995). The forest cover at the 2006 sites in Montana included western red cedar (Thuja plicata), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), grand fir (Abies grandis), Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), alder (Alnus), black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), and mountain maple (Acer spicatum). Snails at these sites were found in south‐facing lava slide on ferns, and in leaf litter and bryophyte mats (Duncan 2008b). This species is a mesophile, but can tolerate moderately xerophilic conditions in rock taluses. 6 Survey Period The recommended survey period is from April to May, after spring melt‐out, or from September to November, as fall‐winter rains occur, but before first heavy freeze (Frest & Johannes 1995). We chose to survey during the fall time period, and began surveys after a few days of significant rainfall in the region in mid‐September. We made an effort to complete our surveys prior to the onset of hunting season, which began in early October, for our safety. However, some of the sites were drier than expected, so spring‐time surveys, or surveys during a year with earlier rains, may yield more species. Sampling Methodology We used the species specific survey protocol for each of the four target species from the following document: Foltz, S. 2009. Survey protocols for twenty strategic mollusk species from Washington and Oregon. Prepared for the Interagency Special Status / Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP) by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Available by request from ISSSSP or the Xerces Society. Foltz (2009) includes: identification features, distribution, Federal Units where the species is suspected or documented, areas where surveys are recommended, habitat where surveys should take place, commonly associated mollusk species, and general survey methods and instructions for each species. S. Jepsen also consulted the following survey methodology for information on collecting and storing voucher specimens, and followed the protocol described in section II.B.2.b. Survey Methods for Talus, Rock and Cave Habitat: Duncan, N., Burke, T., Dowlan, S., and P. Hohenlohe. 2003. Survey protocol for survey and manage terrestrial mollusk species from the Northwest Forest Plan. Version 3.0 U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon / Washington and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Region 6, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 70 pp. [Available on ISSSSP intranet site]. In summary, our survey methodology was as follows: While driving or hiking in each selected region, we looked for key habitat features utilized by the four target species. When we spotted a key habitat feature, such as a talus slope or a basalt outcrop, we began to survey for mollusks by turning over and examining the undersides of rocks and/or dead wood. We also examined vegetation. Hand rakes were used to move talus and aid in searching. Hand lenses were used to identify specimens in the field. We spent a minimum of 20 minutes at each site, although the total time spent at each site varied based on our findings. If we spent 20‐30 minutes searching for mollusks and failed to find additional species during that time period, we left the site and moved on to another site. A Garmin Rino GPS unit was used to obtain geographic coordinates for each site surveyed. Methodology for collecting voucher specimens When mollusks were observed, shells and live specimens were collected in small vials or recycled yogurt containers and kept in a cooler with ice. In the evening, small snails were placed directly in 70% ethanol, whereas large snails were drowned overnight in water, which caused them to emerge from their shells, 7 then stored in 70% ethanol. Mollusks observed and/or collected during this survey were identified by Tom Burke, regional mollusk expert and coauthor of this report. Sites Surveyed and Survey Results See Appendix I for a summary table of sites surveyed and mollusk species observed and/or collected at each site. Below we report our findings at each site. South Fork Walla Walla River Day 1, Site 1 – SF Walla Walla River, Harris Park Campground, Vale District BLM September 25, 2010. 09:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. T. Burke and S. Jepsen stopped at a steep slope with cobble along the road edge, just past Harris Park Campground and south of the South Fork Walla Walla River. Rocks among vegetation were searched along the slope leading up from road. Vegetation at this site included: blackberry, ferns, grasses, snowberry and rocky mountain maple. Mollusk species collected and/or observed included: Cryptomastix mullani olneyae, Haplotrema vancouverense, Euconulus fulvus, Striatura pugetensis, Limax maximus, Arion silvaticus, Paralaoma servilis, and Punctum randolphi. 8 Day 1, Site 2 – SF Walla Walla River, Trailhead, Vale District BLM September 25, 2010. 10:40 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. S. Jepsen and T. Burke stopped at a small wet area on a gentle slope at the base of a basalt formation. This site is located at the trailhead to the trail that follows the South Fork Walla Walla River. Mollusks observed and/or collected at this site include: Haplotrema vancouverense, Cryptomastix mullani ssp., Microphysula ingersolli, Vallonia cyclophorella, and Arion silvaticus. Day 1, Site 3 – SF Walla Walla River, BLM Vale District September 25, 2010. 12:05 p.m. to 12:25 p.m. T. Burke and S. Jepsen surveyed a seep along the north side of the trail, examining dead branches, vegetation and the undersides of rocks. A juvenile aquatic snail in the family lymnaiidae was observed. 9 Day 1, Site 4 – SF Walla Walla River, BLM Vale District September 25, 2010. 2:00 to 2:35 p.m. S. Jepsen and T. Burke surveyed a talus pile on a south facing slope under cascara trees. Mollusks observed and/or collected include Haplotrema vancouverense and Microphysula ingersolli. Day 1, Site 5 – SF Walla Walla River, BLM Vale District September 25, 2010. 2:40 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. T. Burke and S. Jepsen examined decaying logs under cobble and talus at trail edge. This site is shady and cool with moist soil. Vegetation includes wild ginger, birch, grand fir, cascara, snowberry, blackberry and horsetail. Mollusk species observed and/or collected include Zonitoides arboreas and Limax maximus. 10 Day 1, Sites 6, 7, 8 – SF Walla Walla, Vale District BLM September 25, 2010. 3:20 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. Site 6 (pictured above): S. Jepsen and T. Burke surveyed downed logs, branches and other dead wood in a marsh area between the trail and the SF Walla Walla River. Mollusk species collected and/ or observed include: Cryptomastix mullani ssp., Haplotrema vancouverense, and Limax maximus. Site 7 (not pictured): T. Burke and S. Jepsen surveyed talus along trail edge. Mollusk species collected and/ or observed include: Haplotrema vancouverense, Anguispira kochi, and Deroceras reticulatum. Site 8 (not pictured): S. Jepsen and T. Burke surveyed talus along trail edge. Mollusk species collected and/ or observed at this site include Punctum randolphi and Microphysula ingersolli. Touchet River Day 2, Site 1 – Touchet River, Umatilla National Forest 11 September 26, 2010. 09:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. T. Burke and S. Jepsen stopped at an east facing talus slope on the side of the road that follows the Touchet River; they searched for mollusks among the talus, then walked north into a forested area with evidence of a recent fire. The target species Polygyrella polygyrella was observed in the open forest area (4 shells and 4 live specimens were observed; 4 shells and 2 live specimens were vouchered). In addition, the following mollusks were observed and/or collected: Anguispira kochi, Microphysula ingersolli, Radiodiscus abietum (SEN), Cryptomastix mullani olneyae, and Cryptomastix sp. Day 2, Site 2 – Touchet River, Umatilla National Forest Photo not available. September 26, 2010. 12:25 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. S. Jepsen and T. Burke surveyed the open fir forest area between the road and the Touchet River on the other side of the road from Site 1. They looked for mollusks among leaf litter, rocks and dead wood. Mollusks observed and/or collected at this site include Prophysaon andersoni and Anguispira kochi. Day 2, Site 3 – Touchet River, Umatilla National Forest September 26, 2010. 1:50 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. T. Burke and S. Jepsen stopped at a bunchgrass opening on a ridgetop adjacent to FS Road 6437, and past Bluewood ski area. This site was very dry. Mollusks observed and/or collected at this site include Anguispira kochi and Cryptomastix hendersoni. 12 Tucannon River Day 2, Site 4 – Tucannon River, Umatilla National Forest September 26, 2010. 4:55 p.m. to 5:55 p.m. S. Jepsen and T. Burke looked for mollusks among a talus slope at the road edge. The talus at this site was very dry. They then searched for mollusks in a wet area adjacent to the Tucannon River on the other side of the road. Mollusks observed and/or collected at this site include: Cryptomastix sp., Prophysaon andersoni, Anguispira kochi, Euconulus fulvus fulvus, and Arion rufus. Mill Creek Day 3, Site 1 – Mill Creek, Umatilla National Forest September 27, 2010. 08:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Larry Boe (USFS), T. Burke and S. Jepsen surveyed along Mill Creek, within the protected watershed. Access was via a locked gate at the entrance to the National Forest; permits from the Forest Service were required for entry. Surveyors walked approximately 0.25 miles upstream from the gate and surveyed rock outcrops and vegetation. The area was very moist and the understory was dense. Vegetation included fern, pacific ninebark and snowberry. Mollusks observed 13 and/or collected include: Euconulus fulvus fulvus, Prophysaon andersoni, Haplotrema vancouverense, Arion silvaticus, Limax maximus, and Deroceras reticulatum. Tiger Saddle Road Day 3, Site 2 ‐ Tiger Creek, Umatilla National Forest September 27, 2010. 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. S. Jepsen, T. Burke and L. Boe stopped at a picnic area along Tiger Saddle Road and surveyed the area between Tiger Saddle Road and Tiger Creek, then crossed the creek and surveyed the mossy bank on the other side of the creek. Mollusk species observed and/or collected at this site include: Haplotrema vancouverense, Microphysula ingersolli, Radiodiscus abietum (SEN), Prophysaon andersoni, Arion silvaticus, and Arion intermedius. Day 3, Site 3, Spring on side of Tiger Saddle Road, Umatilla National Forest September 27, 2010. 1:05 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. L. Boe, T. Burke and S. Jepsen searched for mollusks on vegetation and under rocks at a spring and rock outcrop on the side of Tiger Saddle Road. Alder, nettle and thimbleberry were abundant at this site. Mollusk species observed and/or collected at this site 14 include: Vertigo modesta modesta, Vertigo modesta parietalis, Punctum minutissimum, and Limax maximus. Day 3, Site 4 (North Fork Walla Walla River) September 27, 2010. 2:10 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. T. Burke, S. Jepsen and L. Boe drove up Tiger Saddle Road to the North Fork Walla Walla River, which was dry. They looked for mollusks around a small tributary to the North Fork Walla Walla. The site was moist and shady. Mollusk species observed and/or collected at this site include Vertigo modesta modesta, and a hatchling Prophysaon. South Fork Umatilla River Day 4, Site 1, South Fork Umatilla River, Umatilla National Forest September 28, 2010. 10:15 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. S. Jepsen and T. Burke surveyed among vegetated talus at a rock outcrop with a spring running over it on the side of the road, directly across from Forks Campground. A higher diversity of mollusk species was observed at this site relative to all other sites surveyed; species observed and/or collected include: Euconulus fulvus, Vertigo modesta parietalis, Paralaoma servilis, Discus whitneyi, Prophysaon dubium, Ariolimax columbianus, Arion rufus, Limax 15 maximus, Striatura pugetensis, Deroceras reticulatum, Deroceras sp. (juvenile), Haplotrema vancouverense, and Pristiloma idahoense (WA‐STR). Day 4, Site 2, South Fork Umatilla River, Umatilla National Forest September 28, 2010. 12:05 p.m. to 12:25 p.m. T. Burke and S. Jepsen searched a rock outcrop and dry talus slope at the edge of the road along the SF Umatilla River. Cryptomastix mullani olneyae was the only snail observed at this site. Day 4, Site 3, Thomas Creek, Umatilla National Forest September 28, 2010. 12:35 p.m. to 1:25 p.m. S. Jepsen and T. Burke surveyed damp talus and rocks in riparian area along Thomas Creek. The site is located at the bridge over Thomas Creek near the confluence of Thomas Creek and the SF Umatilla River. Mollusk species observed and/or collected at this site include: Striatura pugetensis, Radiodiscus abietum (SEN), and Ariolimax columbianus. 16 Day 4, Site 4, Thomas Creek, Umatilla National Forest September 28, 2010. 1:35 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. T. Burke and S. Jepsen surveyed rocks along Thomas Creek at a dispersed camping area. Mollusk species observed and/or collected at this site include Ariolimax columbianus and Arion subfuscus. Lime Hill Day 5, Site 1, Lime Hill, Vale District BLM September 29, 2010. 10:45 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. S. Jepsen and T. Burke searched under rocks at a rock pile along the trail to Lime Hill, just past Rogersburg, but before the airstrip. Mollusk species observed and/or collected at this site include: Cryptomastix populi (OR‐SEN), Vitrina pelucida, Cochlicopa lubrica, Helicodiscus salmonaceus (WA‐STR), Hawaiia minuscula, and Deroceras reticulatum. 17 Day 5, Site 2, Lime Hill, Vale District BLM September 29, 2010. 1:20 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. T. Burke and S. Jepsen searched talus and basalt cliff area near the Snake River beach (pictured above), then continued surveying a transect up the hill toward the peak of Lime Hill (not pictured). Hundreds of shells of Oreohelix idahoensis baileyi were observed and collected from dirt within the bunchgrass on Lime Hill. Other species of mollusks collected and/or observed at this site include: Vallonia cyclophorella, Cochlicopa lubrica, Vitrina pelucida, Helicodiscus salmonaceus (WA‐STR), Pupila hebes, Cryptomastix populi (OR‐SEN), and Hawaiia minuscula. Joseph Canyon Day 6, Site 1, Joseph Canyon, Vale District BLM September 30, 2010. 1:20 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. S. Jepsen and T. Burke accessed Joseph Canyon from Warm Springs Trail; the trailhead is adjacent Rye Ridge Road (off of Highway 3). They hiked approximately 0.5 miles along the trail, then surveyed talus on a steep northeast facing slope overlooking Joseph Canyon. Mollusk species observed and/or collected at this site include: Cryptomastix magnidentata, Anguispira nimapuna, and Vitrina pelucida. 18 Day 6, Site 2, Joseph Canyon, Vale District BLM September 30, 2010. 2:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. T. Burke and S. Jepsen surveyed a north facing slope among open Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain maple. Pacific ninebark and bunchgrasses were also present in the understory. This site is adjacent to Site 1 described above. Mollusk species observed and/or collected at this site include: Vitrina pelucida, Helicodiscus salmonaceus (WA‐STR), and Cryptomastix magnidentata. 19 Figure 1. Map of sites surveyed relative to historical records.
20 Review of previous collections While working on a terrestrial mollusk field guide in 2010, T. Burke discovered a specimen of Ogaridiscus subrupicola (mis‐labeled as a different species) in the Oregon State Arthropod Collection, Collection # DES 02004. This specimen was collected from the Metolius River in the Deschutes National Forest, just N of Camp Sherman. The UTM coordinates for this specimen are: E607873 N4928177. While planning for these surveys, S. Jepsen contacted Kristy Groves, South Zone Fish Biologist for the North Fork John Day and Heppner Ranger Districts. She shared data from 2004 from a survey of springs in the Umatilla National Forest. The data originally came from Nancy Duncan and the identifications were performed by Dr. Terrence Frest and Dr. Paul Hohenlohe. This data summary contained a record of Pristiloma subrupicola from Midway Spring in the Umatilla National Forest. Pristiloma subrupicola was originally described within the subgenus Ogaridiscus and the genus Pristiloma, but it is now recognized as Ogaridiscus subrupicola (Duncan 2008c). The number associated with the specimen is: UMA 04‐008. The following notes accompanied this record: “Terrestrial snail, scattered occurrence in Umatilla CO. Low spire, 5 whorls, imperforate, very fine radial sculpture, rounded periphery. Typically found in moist meadows and similar habitats near aquatic features.” Potential Future Survey Work We recommend future survey efforts for O. s. delicata in the South Fork Walla Walla River Canyon during the spring, or during the fall in a wetter year. The historic collection localities for O. s. delicata are very close to Forest Service land along the SF Walla Walla River, and it is possible that this species occurs on Forest Service land, but was still aestivating during our surveys. We also recommend surveys in areas of the North Fork of the John Day River with basalt and open Ponderosa pine stands for O. s. delicata or M. lutarius. Acknowledgements Many thanks to Holly Harris (Forest Service) and Melissa Yzquierdo (Bureau of Land Management) for their assistance in selecting sites to survey, site access and maps. We appreciate that Larry Boe (Forest Service) joined us for one day of surveys and provided us with knowledge of the local habitat. Kristy Groves (Forest Service) provided mollusk records from a previous survey effort, including one of the target species. Bill Leonard generously shared photos of the four target mollusk species with S. Jepsen to help with identification. References Cited Academy of Natural Sciences Malacology Collection online database. Accessed July 2009. Baker, H.B. 1932. New land snails from Idaho and eastern Oregon. The Nautilus 45: 82‐87. Burke, T. and W. Leonard. 2009. Land Mollusks of the Pacific Northwest United States. In preparation. California Acadamy of Science online database. Accessed July 2009. 21 Deixis collection. 2009. An unpublished collection of mollusk records maintained by Ed Johannes. Duncan, N., Burke, T., Dowlan, S., and P. Hohenlohe. 2003. Survey protocol for survey and manage terrestrial mollusk species from the Northwest Forest Plan. Version 3.0 U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon / Washington and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Region 6, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 70 pp. [Available on ISSSSP intranet site]. Duncan, N. 2008a. Oreohelix strigosa. Species Fact Sheet. Interagency Special Status/Sensitive Species Program. Unpublished document. Available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/sfpnw/issssp/species‐
index/fauna‐invertebrates.shtml (Last accessed 4 February 2010). Duncan, N. 2008b. Polygyrella polygyrella. Species Fact Sheet. Interagency Special Status/Sensitive Species Program. Unpublished document. Available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/sfpnw/issssp/species‐
index/fauna‐invertebrates.shtml (Last accessed 4 February 2010). Duncan, N. 2008c. Ogaridiscus subrupicola. Species Fact Sheet. Interagency Special Status/Sensitive Species Program. Unpublished document. Available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/sfpnw/issssp/species‐
index/fauna‐invertebrates.shtml (Last accessed 4 February 2010). Foltz, S. 2009. Survey protocols for twenty strategic mollusk species from Washington and Oregon. Prepared for the Interagency Special Status / Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP) by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Available by request from ISSSSP or the Xerces Society. Frest, T.J. and E.J. Johannes. 1995. Interior Columbia Basin mollusk species of special concern. Final report: Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project, Walla Walla, WA. Contract #43‐0E00‐4‐
9112. 274 pp. plus appendices. Leonard, W. 2009. Personal communication with Sarah Foltz. Pilsbry, H.A. 1939. Land Mollusca of North America (North of Mexico), Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Monograph 3, vol 1(1): l‐574. Richart, C. 2009. Personal communication with Sarah Foltz. 22 Appendix I: Table of sites surveyed and species found. Date Day # ‐ Site # Species County State Umatilla OR Umatilla OR SF Walla Walla SF Walla Walla SF Walla Walla Umatilla
OR
Umatilla
OR
Umatilla
OR
SF Walla Walla Umatilla OR SF Walla Walla Umatilla OR SF Walla Walla Umatilla
OR
Touchet River Columbia WA Umatilla National Forest Touchet River Columbia
WA
Umatilla National Forest Touchet River Columbia
WA
Umatilla National Forest Columbia WA Umatilla National Forest Walla Walla WA Umatilla National Forest Site Name Forest or BLM District Cryptomastix mullani olneyae
Haplotrema vancouverense 25‐Sep‐10 1‐1 25‐Sep‐10 1‐2 25‐Sep‐10 1‐3 25‐Sep‐10 1‐4 25‐Sep‐10 1‐5 25‐Sep‐10 1‐6 25‐Sep‐10 1‐7 25‐Sep‐10 1‐8 26‐Sep‐10 2‐1 26‐Sep‐10 2‐2 26‐Sep‐10 2‐3 26‐Sep‐10 2‐4 27‐Sep‐10 3‐1 Euconulus fulvus Striatura pugetensis Limax maximus Arion silvaticus Paralaoma servilis Punctum randolphi Haplotrema vancouverense Cryptomastix mullani sp. Microphysula ingersolli Vallonia cyclophorella Arion silvaticus Lymnaiidae (juv.) Haplotrema vancouverense Microphysula ingersolli Zonitoides arboreas Limax maximus Cryptomastix mullani ssp. Haplotrema vancouverense Limax maximus Haplotrema vancouverense Anguispira kochi Deroceras reticulatum Punctum randolphi Microphysula ingersolli Polygyrella polygyrella Anguispira kochi Microphysula ingersolli Radiodiscus abietum (SEN) Cryptomastix sp. Cryptomastix mullani olneyae
Prophysaon andersoni Anguispira kochi Anguispira kochi Cryptomastix hendersoni Cryptomastix sp. Prophysaon andersoni Anguispira kochi Euconulus fulvus fulvus Arion rufus Euconulus fulvus fulvus Prophysaon andersoni Haplotrema vancouverense Arion silvaticus Limax maximus Deroceras reticulatum SF Walla Walla; Harris County Park SF Walla Walla; Trailhead Tucannon Mill Creek Vale District BLM Vale District BLM Vale District BLM Vale District BLM Vale District BLM Vale District BLM Vale District BLM Vale District BLM 23 Date Day # ‐ Site # 27‐Sep‐10 3‐2 27‐Sep‐10 3‐3 27‐Sep‐10 3‐4 28‐Sep‐10 4‐1 28‐Sep‐10 4‐2 28‐Sep‐10 4‐3 28‐Sep‐10 4‐4 29‐Sep‐10 5‐1 29‐Sep‐10 5‐2 30‐Sep‐10 6‐1 30‐Sep‐10 6‐2 Species Haplotrema vancouverense Microphysula ingersolli Radiodiscus abietum (SEN) Prophysaon andersoni Arion silvaticus Arion intermedius Vertigo modesta modesta Punctum minutissimum Vertigo modesta parietalis Limax maximus Vertigo modesta modesta Prophysaon (hatchling) Pristiloma idahoense (WA‐STR)
Euconulus fulvus Vertigo modesta parietalis Discus whitneyi Prophysaon dubium Ariolimax columbianus Arion rufus Limax maximus Striatura pugetensis Deroceras reticulatum Deroceras sp (juv) Paralaoma servilis Haplotrema vancouverense Cryptomastix mullani olneyae Striatura pugetensis Ariolimax columbianus Radiodiscus abietum (SEN) millipedes Ariolimax columbianus Arion subfuscus Cryptomastix populi (OR‐SEN)
Vitrina pelucida Cochlicopa lubrica Helicodiscus salmonaceus (WA‐STR)
Hawaiia minuscule Deroceras reticulatum Vallonia cyclophorella Cochlicopa lubrica Vitrina pelucida Helicodiscus salmonaceus (WA‐STR)
Pupila hebes Cryptomastix populi (OR‐SEN)
Oreohelix idahoensis baileyi Hawaiia minuscule Millipede Cryptomastix magnidentata Anguispira nimapuna Vitrina pelucida Vitrina pelucida Helicodiscus salmonaceus (WA‐STR)
Cryptomastix magnidentata County
State
Forest or BLM District Umatilla OR Umatilla National Forest Tiger Saddle Road Umatilla OR Umatilla National Forest N Fork Walla Walla Umatilla
OR
Umatilla National Forest Umatilla OR Umatilla National Forest Umatilla OR Umatilla National Forest Thomas Creek 1 Umatilla OR Umatilla National Forest Thomas Creek 2 Umatilla
OR
Umatilla National Forest Asotin WA Asotin WA Joseph Canyon Wallowa OR Joseph Canyon Wallowa OR Site Name Tiger Creek from Tiger Saddle Road South Fork Umatilla River South Fork Umatilla River Lime Hill Lime Hill Vale District BLM Vale District BLM Vale District BLM Vale District BLM 24 ERRATA
report of February 28, 2011
Final Report to the Interagency Special Status/Sensitive Species Program regarding Surveys for
four terrestrial mollusk species on the Umatilla National Forest and Vale District BLM Lands
Assistance Agreement L08AC13768, Modification 4
By Sarina Jepsen (Xerces Society), Tom Burke (Certified Wildlife Biologist) and Sarah Foltz
Jordan (Xerces Society).
__________________________________
Page 15, South Fork Umatilla River, Umatilla National Forest: September 28, 2010….
Following, “species observed and/or collected include:” Delete Discus whitneyi.
Page 23, Appendix I: Table of sites surveyed and species found.
Date 25-Sep-10, Day #1-Site #2, SF Walla Walla Trailhead, Umatilla Co., OR, Vale
District BLM: Correct “Cryptomastix mullani sp.” to read Cryptomastix mullani ssp.
Page 24, Appendix I: Table of sites surveyed and species found.
Date 28-Sep-10, Day #4-Site #1, South Fork Umatilla River, Umatilla County, OR,
Umatilla National Forest: Delete Discus whitneyi from “Species” column. [Discus
whitneyi was not found during these surveys.]