el camino real buckman road segment retracement...

United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Santa Fe National Forest, Region 3

July. 2017

DECISION NOTICE AND FINDING OF

NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

El Camino Real Buckman Road Segment

Retracement Project Española Ranger District Santa Fe National Forest

Santa Fe County,

New Mexico

Cover art courtesy of the Palace of the Governors Photo Archives (NMHM/DCA). Copy of original lithograph titled “Arrival of the caravan at Santa Fe,” ca. 1844. Negative number 045011.

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Table of Content

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Decision ............................................................................................................................................................ 7

Reasons for the Decision ................................................................................................................................. 7

Other Alternatives Considered ....................................................................................................................... 7

Public Involvement .......................................................................................................................................... 8

Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) ....................................................................................................... 8

Findings Related to Other Laws ................................................................................................................... 10

Administrative Review and Objection Rights .................................................................................................. 10

Implementation .............................................................................................................................................. 10

Signature and Date ........................................................................................................................................ 10

Appendix A—Mitigation Measures ............................................................................................................. 11

Appendix B—Project Area Map ................................................................................................................... 15

Appendix C—Selected Alternative Map ....................................................................................................... 16

ElCaminoRealTrailBuckmanRoadSegmentRetracementProjectDecisionNotice/FONSI

4—DN/FONSI

Introduction

The El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail is the historic route originally taken by Don Juan de Oñate in 1598 to reach his first capital destination at Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in what is now the Española valley. The Buckman Road segment of this route remains in federal ownership, close to population centers in Santa Fe, which presents a remarkable opportunity for residents and tourists to experience one of the oldest routes of any National Historic Trail in the country.

Accordingly, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) proposed development of a trail approximately 15 miles long in coordination with Santa Fe County, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the National Park Service (NPS). This trail would be administered as a part of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail. The proposal is authorized under the FHWA’s Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), along with a local match, which will provide the funds for the El Camino Real Buckman Retracement Project.

An environmental assessment (EA) was written to document the effects of the proposal. The analysis documented in the EA was led by FHWA Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFLHD), with the BLM and the USFS as partner agencies. The EA for the El Camino Real Buckman Retracement Project is incorporated by reference to this decision. It was prepared by an Interdisciplinary (ID) team, which included specialists from the agencies and contractors (EA pp. 72-27). The EA discusses the reasons for developing this trail as well as the environmental effects of the proposed action and the no-action alternative.

Given the mutual interests of the federal agencies, the purpose and need for the project is to:

Improve federal lands access by enhancing trail connectivity between land uses in Santa FeCounty and City of Santa Fe and recreational opportunities on BLM and USFS lands.

Enhance the safety of non-motorized users accessing federal lands and other recreationalopportunities in the area.

Develop a trail retracing a portion of the congressionally designated route of El Camino Real deTierra Adentro National Historic Trail along Buckman Road.

In addition to these federal agency purposes for this project, the Santa Fe County Open Space and Trails Program has planned for enhanced connectivity among the region’s wealth of federal lands. One of the goals of the county’s Open Land and Trails Plan is “to preserve historical trails and protect access to existing trails, trailheads and recreation opportunities on federal lands.” Further, Santa Fe County’s Sustainable Growth Management Plan states that an expanded and well-maintained trail network would provide a green alternative to motorized transportation and improve the quality of life in the community and attract tourists who are looking for outdoor recreational opportunities.

Currently, the Caja del Rio Road is a primary access point for federal lands on the Caja del Rio Plateau, west of Santa Fe. The roadway carries approximately 2,000 vehicles per day at 45 miles per hour (mph) (EA p. 4). Although the roadway was substantially reconstructed in 2013—which included the addition of on-road bicycle lanes—there is currently no safe option for pedestrian or equestrian travel through this corridor, which experiences heavy use by trucks hauling refuse to the Buckman Transfer Station and Caja a del Rio Landfill.


5—DN/FONSI

From the Caja del Rio Road, access is provided by County Road 62 (CR 62) and County Road 77 (CR 77—also known as Buckman Road). The portions of CR 62 and CR 77 located within the project area are unpaved, measure between 20 feet and 25 feet wide, have no shoulder, and have a speed limit of 25 mph. Although traffic counts are relatively low (approximately 50 vehicles per day each), these roadways present unique challenges for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians. CR 77 is classified as a major collector rural and is the only access point for the Buckman Direct Diversion Facility, which provides public water supply from the Rio Grande to serve Santa Fe County and City of Santa Fe.

As a result, many of the vehicles using this road are trucks servicing facilities related to the Buckman Direct Diversion. CR 77 is also the only access point to BLM’s Diablo Canyon Trailhead, which is used by over 6,000 hikers and rock climbers annually. Similarly, CR 62 is the primary access point for the Caja del Rio Plateau and BLM and USFS lands there. It leads directly to USFS’s Caja del Rio Headquarters Well Trailhead, which is a popular point of entry for roughly 9,000 hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians annually.

Non-motorized use of both CR 62 and CR 77 to access adjacent federal lands is common; however, the safety and quality of these recreational uses would be vastly improved by the proposed action because it would resolve the conflict between industrial and recreational use of the roadways. A shared-use side-path along Caja del Rio Road would provide a safe transportation alternative and recreation opportunity for pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians, substantially enhancing multimodal access to Caja del Rio.

It is also important to note that while the federal lands and county roads that exist provide an outstanding opportunity for the public to experience this historic route, currently there is no historic trail visibility or interpretation of the trail conveyed to the public. It would only be through the development of the proposed action that these federal lands may provide the National Historic Trail experience that is critical to ensure public interest, awareness, and appreciation that would lead to its long-term preservation.

The project would introduce a dedicated non-motorized corridor for pedestrians, bicycles, and equestrians that would facilitate safe access to federal lands. There are two segments of the project, totaling 14.7 miles of trail. The first segment would be located on City of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County right-of-way (ROW) or easements. It is proposed as a 10-foot-wide, paved shared-use trail that would run parallel to Caja del Rio Road from the existing El Camino Real Park at the Santa Fe River Trail north to County Road (CR) 62. In total, the proposed action would introduce approximately 14.7 miles of trail designed to improve access to federal lands (see EA Table 2 and Figure 2, and Appendix C of this document).

The route can be broken into two segments. Segment 1 (EA pp. 16-17) would be located entirely within City of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County rights of way and easements. The trail would connect the Santa Fe River Trail to CR 62, generally following Caja del Rio Road.


6—DN/FONSI

Improvements in Segment 1 include the following:

Approximately 3.6 miles of 10-foot-wide paved, shared-use trail. Use of an existing system of underpasses beneath NM 599 and frontage roads to separate trail

users from motorists. The double box culvert that runs under Caja del Rio Road at Arroyo de los Frijoles and just

south of the City of Santa Fe’s Municipal Recreation Complex (MRC) would be lengthened approximately 22-feet to carry the shared-use trail over the arroyo (see EA Figure 3). North of the arroyo, a secondary trail would take users through the box culvert to arrive at the MRC. One side of the box culvert would maintain its existing function while the other would be converted for trail use.

Segment 2 would begin at the Caja del Rio Road and CR 62 intersection where the 10-foot wide, paved shared-use trail from Segment 1 would connect with the 4-foot wide, crusher fine surface trail, which would follow CR 62 to the Forest Boundary, where it would continue along national forest land to the Caja del Rio Headquarters Well Trailhead.

From the Caja del Rio Headquarters, a 30-inch natural surface trail would extend north to the BLM Diablo Canyon Trailhead (see EA Figure 2 and Appendix C). Segment 2 traverses City of Santa Fe rights of way or easements, then continues on lands managed by BLM and USFS. This segment includes the following elements.

Approximately 1.7 miles of 4-foot-wide crusher fine-surfaced trail between the Caja del Rio Road and CR 62 intersection and the USFS Caja del Rio Headquarters Well Trailhead.

Approximately 9.5 miles of 30-inch-wide natural-surface trail from just north of the USFS Caja del Rio Headquarters Well Trailhead to the BLM Diablo Canyon Trailhead.

Parking improvements at the BLM Dead Dog Trailhead. The parking area would be gravel without curbs, and accommodate 6 large vehicles (i.e., horse trailers) and 12 passenger vehicles. The existing fence, which is just east of the proposed action, would be relocated further to the east to enclose the proposed parking area. A cattle guard and gate would prevent cattle passage (see Figure 6).

Realignment of fencing to minimize trail crossings across the fence. In these areas, new fence would be constructed.

Construction of five fence crossings at various locations along the trail, including at the three trailheads, to allow passage of trail users but prevent cattle from crossing (see EA Section 3.2, Livestock Grazing).

Trail signage and interpretive signs for the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail.

Incorporation of the Chili Line, an abandoned railroad grade, where possible, as it provides a consistent grade and drainage.

The trail in Segment 2 would not be constructed across arroyos because storm events would likely wash away the trail. However, armored tread would be installed at about 18 drainage crossings to avoid head-cutting and other foreseeable maintenance issues. The typical terrain along Segment 2 is shown in EA Figure 7.


7—DN/FONSI

Decision

Based upon my review of the analysis in the EA, I have decided to implement the proposed action (EA p. 12-17) for the National Forest System lands under my authority. Mitigation measures described in the EA (pages 18-22) are included as part of this decision (Appendix A). All trail maintenance would be performed by Santa Fe County. The selected alterative is scheduled for construction in 2017.

This decision will be reviewed as needed following provisions of Forest Service NEPA Handbook, FSH 1909.15 Section 18.

ReasonsfortheDecision

The selected alternative best meets the project purpose and need (EA pp. 1-2, 4-5). Specifically, the selected alternative provides for access to federal lands following an alignment that both increases safety for non-motorized travelers and comes as close as reasonably feasible to retracing the route followed during the historic migration route, which follows a portion of the congressionally designated El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail. The selected alternative creates a shared-use trail along CR 62 and Caja del Rio Road. This alterative addresses safety concerns associated with pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians accessing federal lands and other nearby recreation facilities via Caja del Rio Road, CR 62, and CR 77. It also provides interpretation so that trail users will become more aware of the historical significance of the area.

OtherAlternativesConsidered

In addition to the selected alternative, I considered a no action alternative. The No Action Alternative provides a baseline from which to compare the effects of the action alternatives. Under the No Action Alternative, no trail would be constructed. Safety concerns would continue to be associated with pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians accessing federal lands and other nearby recreation facilities via Caja del Rio Road, CR 62, and CR 77. No additional visitor services would be implemented, and no interpretive signage would be installed informing visitors of the historical significance of the area.

Aside from the no action alternative, several alignment options were reviewed for Segment 2, but not analyzed in detail (EA Figure 8, pages 23-25). These alignments were considered to explore design aspects of the trail. For example, a route considered following the rim of the Caja del Rio Plateau, which would cross no arroyos, but it would be located away from the historic route, and thus not meet the purpose of the retracement. Other routes closer to the arroyo would result in a high likelihood of being eroded. Another route followed closer to County Road (77), but it would not have met the purpose of creating a retracement experience nor provide a safer route because of proximity to the road.

Under all action alternatives, the Segment 1 alignment would be the same. This portion of the trail alignment is not on National Forest System lands and so not part of this decision.


8—DN/FONSI

Also in all alternatives, additional features, such as parking, signage, and interpretive messaging, would be the same as under the selected alterative.

Segment 1 is not a part of this decision for National Forest lands.

PublicInvolvement

Early on in the development of this proposal, Santa Fe County staff held individual meetings and made phone calls to interested members of the public. During this time, a number of community groups as well as local and state organizations expressed their support for the project. Many of these letters were submitted as part of the Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) application. EA Table 1 (EA page 16) identifies outreach efforts and activities that have occurred to date.

In February 2016, the CFLHD issued a project description in order to inform the public about the effort (EA Appendix B). A public meeting was held Feb. 17, 2016. During this same time, 19 tribal governments were consulted. (EA Appendix A).

In November 2016, the EA was made available for review in compliance with 36 CFR 218. The public review period extended from November 21, 2016 through December 23, 2016. The availability of the EA for review was advertised in the Santa Fe New Mexican and Albuquerque Journal. A hardcopy of the EA was made available at the following locations:

BLM Taos Field Office, 226 Cruz Alta Road, Taos, NM 87571

USFS Española Ranger District Office, 1710 N Riverside Drive, Española, NM 87532

Santa Fe County, 901 West Alameda Street, Suite 20-C, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Santa Fe Public Library, 145 W Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501

New Mexico State Library, 1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87507

Three comment letter were received, which provided additional information to consider before implementation of the project, but they did not express opposition.

FindingofNoSignificantImpact(FONSI)

After considering the context and intensity of the environmental effects described in the EA, I have determined that the selected alternative will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment as defined in the Council on Environmental Quality implementing regulations at 40 CFR 1508.27. Therefore, an environmental impact statement will not be prepared. I base my finding on the following:

Context: The action is a site-specific action that by itself does not have international, national, region wide or statewide importance. Effects are limited to the locale of project area.


9—DN/FONSI

Intensity: The following discussion is organized around the ten significance criteria described in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations at 40 CFR 1508.27.

1. Both beneficial and adverse impacts were considered in the analysis (EA, Section 3, pp. 26-71). Adverse effects have been reduced or eliminated through project design and mitigation measures (EA pp. 23-25). The project is expected to have beneficial effects to public health and safety by improving safety of non-motorized travel.

2. No significant adverse effects on public health and safety were identified. The EA discloses effects are minimal (EA p.63). Separating non-motorized traffic from motorized is beneficial to safety.

3. The project will not adversely affect parks, prime farm lands, wild and scenic rivers, or other resources considered to have unique characteristics. None of these features are found in the project area. (EA p. 26). In addition, mitigation measures incorporated into the decision will assure no adverse effects would occur to floodplains or wetlands (EA pp. 18-19)

4. The effects on the quality of the human environment are not likely to be highly controversial. The environmental analysis has documented the expected environmental effects of the proposed action. These effects have been disclosed in section 3 of the EA. The analysis represents the judgment and expertise of resource management professionals who have applied their knowledge to similar projects and resources in the past. The EA and record demonstrate the team’s consideration of the best available science in analyzing the environmental effects.

5. The effects analysis (EA pp. 26-69) indicates the effects are not uncertain, and do not involve unique or unknown risk. The Forest Service has considerable experience with the types of activities to be implemented. The effects described in the EA are based on the judgment of experienced resource management professionals using the best available information.

6. The decision to construct this trail would not establish any precedent for future actions with significant effects, or represent a decision in principle about a future consideration.

7. The cumulative impacts of the action on soils, vegetation, and terrestrial and aquatic wildlife resources were considered and disclosed in the EA in chapter 3, pp. 68-69. The direct and indirect effects of the proposal are expected to be minor in the short term and beneficial or neutral over the long term. No past or future actions have been identified that will combine with the effects of the proposed action to cause cumulatively significant effects.

8. The action will have no significant adverse effect on districts, sites, highways, structures, or objects listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The action will also not cause loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural, or historical resources (EA pp. 30-33). Mitigation measures included as part of the selected alternative are designed to preclude adverse effects to these resources (EA pp. 18).

9. No formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act was required because there are no known occurrences of listed species (EA p. 41-59, EA Appendix C—Biological Assessment) and there is no critical habitat for listed species in the project area. Mitigation measures are incorporated to minimize impacts to other wildlife, including migratory birds (EA p. 20-21).

10. The selected alternative is in full compliance with all federal, state and local law requirements imposed for environmental protection. Best Management Practices (Mitigation Measures) to protect water quality are included in the selected alternative (EA p. 5, 18-21).

El Camino Real Trail Buckman Road Segment Retracement Project Decision Notice/FONS!

Findings Related to Other Laws

National Forest Management Act: The Santa Fe National Forest Plan was adopted on July 1987 and has been amended several times. The project area is located in Management Area G (EA p. 7). I find that this proposal is in accordance with the Forest Plan, which implements National Forest Management Act.

Endangered Species Act: No formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act was required because there are no known occurrences of listed species (EA, and Wildlife BAE) and there is no critical habitat for listed species in the project area. Management practices have been incorporated into the proposed actions that are sufficient to avoid effects to listed species habitat, if present.

National Historic Preservation Act: A Heritage Resource Investigation was conducted in the proposed treatment area given the project's potential to affect cultural resources. The project complies with the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, with

Executive Order 11593, 36 CFR 800 regulations, the Region 3 Programmatic Agreement and direction in FSM 2360.

Administrative Review and Objection Rights

The El Camino Real Trail Buckman Retracement Project is an activity implementing a land management plan and not authorized under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA) and is subject to the Pre-decisional Administrative Review Process (Objection Process) pursuant to 36 CFR 218, subparts A and B. An objection period lasted from April 11, 2017 until May 28, 2017. No objections were filed during this period.

Implementation

If no objections are filed within the 45-day time period, implementation of the decision may occur on, but not before, the fifth business day following the end of the objection filing period. When objections are filed, implementation may occur on, but not before, the reviewing officer has responded in writing to all pending objections, and until all concerns, and instructions identified by the reviewing officer in the objection response have been addressed.

Signature and Date

DATE I District Ran r Espanola Ranger District Santa Fe National Forest

10-DN/FONSI


11—DN/FONSI Appendices

AppendixA—MitigationMeasures

The following measures are included as part of this decision, where applicable to national forest system lands. These are identical to those listed in Table 3 of the Environmental Assessment, pages 18-22.

Mitigation Measures for the Selected Alternative

Resource Area Mitigation Measures

Livestock Grazing All relocated fence will be constructed to BLM and USFS standards.

All fence crossings will include measures, such as self-closing gates andcombination bike/hiker cattle guards, to minimize livestock leaving adesignated allotment.

Existing leash laws will be maintained.

Cultural Resources FHWA CFLHD, BLM, and USFS will complete Section 106 consultationwith SHPO prior to construction.

Prior to the beginning of construction activities, a surface inspection of thedisturbance area will be completed by a certified a USFS and BLMapproved archeologist to identify the locations of any surface artifacts.

An approved archeological monitor will be on onsite during constructionactivities near petroglyphs, the Chili Line Railroad, and the Dead DogTrailhead.

In the event that construction activities expose buried archaeologicalresources, work will be stopped and the New Mexico Historic PreservationDivision contacted to evaluate the significance of these remains.

Soils/Geology/Minerals A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit will beobtained from New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) prior toconstruction.

Best management practices, including but not limited to minimizing grounddisturbance and placing fiber rolls and inlet protection, will be implementedto minimize erosion during construction.

Permanent water quality control measures, including rip rap and revetmattresses, which is essentially riprap encased in wire mesh, will be usedat select culverts to minimize erosion of the channel.

FHWA CFLHD will adhere to all terms and conditions of the Section 404Nationwide Permit, some of which are specific to erosion control.

FHWA CFLHD will adhere to all terms and conditions of the NMEDSection 401 Water Quality certification.

FHWA CFLHD will provide access to NMED, BLM, and USFS forinspection purposes.

All spills of fuel or other pollutants in excess of five gallons will be reportedto NMED within 24-hours at (505) 827-9329.

Floodplains Coordination with the Santa Fe County Floodplain Administrator will occuras final design progresses to ensure there are no adverse impacts toregulated floodplains.





Wetlands and Waters of the U.S.

A Section 404 Nationwide Permit will be obtained prior to construction.The exact type of permit, be it specific to linear transportation projects orrecreation projects, will be determined in coordination with USACE.

FHWA CFLHD will adhere to all terms and conditions of the NMEDSection 401 Water Quality certification.


All spills of fuel or other pollutants in excess of five gallons shall bereported to NMED within 24-hours at (505) 827-9329.

Machinery servicing and refueling areas will be located away fromstreambeds and washes to reduce the possibility and minimize theimpacts of accidental spills or discharges.

Water Resources An NPDES permit will be obtained from NMED prior to construction.

Best management practices, including but not limited to minimizing grounddisturbance and placing fiber rolls and inlet protection, will be implementedto minimize erosion during construction.

Permanent water quality control measures, including rip rap and revetmattresses, riprap encased in wire mesh, will be used at select culverts tominimize erosion of the channel.

FHWA CFLHD will adhere to all terms and conditions of the Section 404Nationwide, some of which are specific to erosion control.

FHWA CFLHD will adhere to all terms and conditions of the NMEDSection 401 Water Quality certification


All spills of fuel or other pollutants in excess of five gallons will be reportedto NMED within 24-hours at (505) 827-9329.

Machinery servicing and refueling areas will be located away fromstreambeds and washes to reduce the possibility and minimize theimpacts of accidental spills or discharges.

Submit a "Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan" ifrequired at least 2 days before beginning work. If a SPCC plan is notrequired, submit a hazardous spill plan at least 2 days before beginningwork. Describe preventative measures including the location of refuelingand storage facilities and the handling of hazardous material. Describeactions to be taken in case of a spill.

Do not use equipment with leaking fluids. Repair equipment fluid leaksimmediately. Keep absorbent material manufactured for containment andcleanup of hazardous material on the job site.

Notify the contracting officer of hazardous spills.

Vegetation and Weeds The area beyond the construction limits will not be disturbed. Trees,shrubs, or vegetated areas damaged by construction operations will bereplaced as directed.

All temporarily impacted habitats on the project site shall be re-contouredand revegetated or reseeded so that they become available for use. Aseed and plant list will be developed in collaboration with a BLM and





USFS authorized officer. Any seed used will be tested as certified weed-free by a credentialed lab. All plants will be sourced locally and certified as a cultivar that exists within the project area as a native plant.

Permanent and temporary erosion control measures to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after construction in accordance with the contract erosion control plan.

Before grubbing and grading, all erosion controls around the perimeter of the project including filter barriers, diversion, and settling structures will be constructed.

Temporary erosion control measures will be maintained in working condition until the project is complete or the measures are no longer needed.

All vehicles and equipment entering the project area must be clean of

noxious weeds and free from oil leaks and are subject to inspection.

Remove dirt, plant, and foreign material from vehicles and equipment before mobilizing to/from work site; this can be done by hand, if necessary. Prevent introduction of noxious weeds and non-native plant species into the work site. Follow applicable Federal land management agency requirements and state requirements. Maintain cleaning and inspection records.

The Federal Seed Act and Federal Noxious Weed Act in addition to applicable state and local seed and noxious weed laws will be followed.

Wildlife All temporarily impacted habitats on the project site shall be re-contoured and revegetated or reseeded so that they become available for use. A seed and plant list will be developed in collaboration with a BLM and USFS authorized officer. Any seed used will be tested as certified weed-free by a credentialed lab. All plants will be sourced locally and certified as a cultivar that exists within the project area as a native plant.

Construction activities will occur during daylight hours.


Special Status Species and Migratory Birds

The Project Engineer shall immediately report to the appropriate land management agency and FHWA CFLHD Biologist any active nest, den or permanent occupation of wildlife species that are determined by the FHWA/CFLHD Biologist to be adversely affected by construction activities associated, whereupon the land management agency, in coordination with NMDGF and USFWS, as appropriate, will decide appropriate changes needed to reduce or avoid impacts to the occupied habitat and population.

No vegetation clearing should occur during the migratory bird breeding season (March 1–September 15). If vegetation clearing must occur between March 1 and September 15, pre-construction surveys for active migratory bird nests will be conducted by a qualified biologist in all suitable habitat types that will be disturbed. The contractor’s biologist shall contact BLM Taos Field Office and SFNF Espanola Ranger District biologists prior to conducting nesting migratory bird surveys.

If active bird nests are identified within the project limits, construction activities will avoid disturbing any active nest. A qualified biologist will determine the appropriate avoidance strategy, in coordination with the





land management agency, until the nestlings have fledged from the nest and the nest is no longer active.

Between March 1 and August 31, prior to any ground disturbance nearactive and inactive prairie dogs colonies along Caja del Rio Road, aqualified biologist shall conduct a survey to identify if Western burrowingowls are present in any of the colonies. If owls are not observed, all activeburrows should be inspected for indications of use by the presence of owlpellets, droppings, or feathers. The burrowing owl survey must beconducted no more than 30 days prior to the onset of construction. If owlsare present CFLHD will notify the appropriate land management agencyand/or NMDFG to determine the appropriate avoidance strategy.

Between September 1 and February 28, prior to any ground disturbancenear active and inactive prairie dogs colonies along Caja del Rio Road, theProject Engineer will observe the area prior to construction for evidence ofWestern burrowing owls. If owls are present CFLHD will notify theappropriate land management agency and NMDFG to determine theappropriate avoidance strategy.

All temporarily impacted habitats on the project site shall be re-contouredand revegetated or reseeded so that they become available for use. Aseed and plant list will be developed in collaboration with a BLM andUSFS authorized officer. Any seed used will be tested as certified weed-free by a credentialed lab. All plants will be sourced locally and certified asa cultivar that exists within the project area as a native plant.


Recreation During construction, one lane of active traffic will be maintained at alltimes.

During construction informational signs explaining the project will beplaced at the Diablo Canyon Trailhead and the Caja del Rio HeadquartersWell Trailhead.

Noise Construction activities within 500 feet of sensitive noise receptors(trailheads) will be limited to between 30 minutes after sunrise and 30minutes before sunset.

Stationary noise sources will be located as far from sensitive receptors(trailheads) as practicable.

Air Quality A dust abatement plan will be developed.

Visual Resources FHWA CFLHD will continue ongoing coordination during final design withBLM, USFS, NPS, and Santa Fe County to ensure visual standards aremaintained for project elements, such as signage.

ElCaminoRealBuckmanRoadSegmentRetracementProjectDecisionNotice/FONSIDraft


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AppendixB—ProjectAreaMap

ElCaminoRealBuckmanRoadSegmentRetracementProjectDecisionNotice/FONSIDraft


AppendixC—SelectedAlternativeMap

el camino real buckman road segment retracement...

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