Biological Resources

Arizona hedgehog cactus surveys conducted in the vicinity of East Plant, along portions of the existing Magma Mine Road, and along the proposed re-alignment of Magma Mine Road.

Surveys were conducted for Morafka's desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai, formerly G. agassizii, Sonoran population) within the Far West property located near Florence Junction, Arizona.

Surveys reported here focus specifically on potential habitat for amphibians: the lentic habitats (ponds and stock tanks) and lotic habitats (ephemeral drainages and creeks) in the Oak Flat/East Plant Area, including portions of Devils Canyon south of U.S. Route 60.

Reptile community surveys at the Far West parcel and along portions of State Route 79 and US 60 located near Florence Junction.

This is a summary of personal observations and impressions of the continued presence or absence of the herpetofauna which have been previously reported at the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch. A total of fifty-two amphibian and reptile species have been reported within the Research Ranch boundaries. The continued existence of several species may be in doubt.

Baseline biological studies in the Resolution Project Area. Surveys reported here focus specifically on aquatic habitats in Mineral Creek, Devils Canyon, and two tributaries to Devils Canyon, Ranch Rio and Hackberry Creeks.

Various baseline biological surveys and studies were conducted in and around where project features will be located. The goal of this report is to present results of surveys in the Study Area for: 1) riparian tree species, 2) pools and runs in the streambed, 3) fish species, 4) amphibian species, and 5) aquatic snake species.

Bird surveys in the Resolution Study Area to establish baseline information about bird species in the area. The goals of this report are to summarize avian surveys and assemble a list of avian species in the Study Area.

Bat surveys were conducted in the project vicinity. The purpose of this project was to compile baseline data on bat species from surveys conducted in 2011 and previous surveys conducted in the vicinity in 1996, 2001, 2002, and 2004.

Raptor survey near Superior, Arizona. The purpose of the survey was to locate raptor nesting territories and to monitor locations of previous raptor sightings to contribute to the baseline of information that will be available to analyze potential impacts of proposed mine features.